MLB

There are no perfect offseasons, though Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington came pretty close last offseason.

The Tampa Bay Rays' starting rotation has enough talent to take the team to the postseason again in 2014. That is, if you consider credentials including a Cy Young winner, Gold Glove winner, Rookie of the Year and two All-Stars to be postseason-caliber talent.

Not to mention, the combined success of the organization to make the postseason in four of the last six seasons.

What makes a Hall of Famer?

The New York Mets currently have a number of their top prospects on the verge of making the major leagues. Whether they make the team’s Opening Day roster or are called up later in the season is another question.

Months after a season-ending press conference turned awkward for the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Don Mattingly received what he wanted all along: a contract extension.

It's a matter of when—not if—former MLB ace Greg Maddux will get inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The retired starting pitcher is eligible for the first time in 2014 and is almost universally viewed as worthy of being enshrined in Cooperstown as a first-ballot choice.   

From nearly fired to possibly on his way to being the Dodgers' longest-tenured manager since Tommy Lasorda, Don Mattingly's time on the bench in Los Angeles sure has had its fair share of peaks and valleys.

As tweeted by ESPN's Sportscenter, Mattingly and the Dodgers agreed to an extension on Tuesday, Jan. 7, completing at-times contentious negotiations that should nonetheless keep him in L.A. going forward. 

As was first reported this morning by Al Yellon of Bleed Cubbie Blue, former Cub Greg Maddux will not be voted into the Hall of Fame unanimously because of his omission on at least one ballot. However, the writer's explanation for why he left Maddux off the ballot is ridiculous. 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a sensitive and controversial topic, regardless of which player, era or concept is up for discussion. As the baseball community reacts to the 2014 induction list, one thing is certain: At some point, a designated hitter will be inducted into Cooperstown.

When that day arrives, former Seattle Mariners great Edgar Martinez should be the man to carry the torch into baseball's hallowed hallways. 

The goal of every Major League Baseball team is to draft and develop All-Stars. These players are the very best talents and will be the faces of the sport for a long time to come. 

Despite having All-Star goals for every prospect drafted or, in the case of international players, signed, it's not as simple as saying that a player who has All-Star potential will reach that ceiling.