MLB

The heavy lifting of the MLB offseason is done with spring training less than a month away. By mid-February, pitchers and catchers around the league will be in Arizona and Florida, respectively, getting tuned up with position players not far behind.

The Philadelphia Phillies' offseason is mercifully coming to a close. After a winter that saw a few too many bad contracts signed, fans would like to see what this supposedly-revamped team is capable of doing.

Allow me to tell you about one thing I'm not sure of and two things I am sure of.

The thing I'm not sure of: whether Bryce Harper will be my pick for the 2014 National League MVP. It's still early for such things.

As for the two things I am sure of:

Spring training is right around the corner! The Arizona Diamondbacks will be the first MLB team to hold a full-squad spring training workout on February 12, while the remaining teams will be in action no later than February 23, when the Colorado Rockies will have their entire team together.

In the meantime, teams continue to monitor the free-agent and trade markets, as well as the waiver wire, as they contemplate any last-minute wheeling and dealing.

Recently, the New York Mets' 2014 hitting predictions were done, and now, it's time for the starting pitchers predictions. The Mets' present and future success will arguably be built around the rotation.

The starting pitchers will hope to do well on the mound, but other factors such as run support and the bullpen could always play a role in how many wins and losses the starters might end up having.

The arrival of generational stars Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Manny Machado in the major leagues during the 2012 season set a new standard for all future rookie classes.

Yet, in spite of the lofty expectations, the overall influx of young talent in the major leagues last season as a whole was more impressive than the now legendary 2012 class.

Pretty much any story about the Los Angeles Dodgers these days is obligated to at least mention the club's never-ending financial funding and bottomless bank account. All that money has helped the Dodgers acquire the talent to put them in position as favorites in the National League West.

One thing all that money can't buy, though? A 10th starting position on the diamond—preferably in the outfield.

It has been a long winter so far for Cubs fans in the Windy City. Two polar vortices and a failed attempt to land prized Japanese hurler Masahiro Tanaka have kept Cubs fans spirits in the proverbial icebox. There is hope, though, on the horizon, as pitchers and catchers officially report to Mesa in less than a month.

Let’s take a look at the pitchers and catchers that project to play key roles for the Cubs in 2014.

With the calendar turning over to February and the start of spring training fast approaching, there are still a number of moves to be made between now and Opening Day.

The free-agent market is still flush with impact starting pitching, as Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jimenez, A.J. Burnett and Bronson Arroyo are all still available. A trio of position players who received qualifying offers are also still looking for new homes in Nelson Cruz, Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales.

Opening Day is just two months away, and the Texas Rangers are just a few players short of filling their roster.

The club is still searching for a pitcher to fill the final rotation spot. The Rangers need a couple more position players and two relievers. And with 54 players going to Surprise, Ariz. for spring training, Texas is sure to find the right guys.