Opinion

The Texas Rangers could have chosen to wave a white flag when they found out Yu Darvish had been lost for the 2015 season due to Tommy John surgery, but they're not.

Instead, they may have it in mind to acquire a suitable replacement: Cole Hamels.

A new contract for Adam Eaton and a much-anticipated bullpen session by Chris Sale added up to a spring day that should leave Chicago White Sox fans smiling.

First, let's talk Eaton, who inked a five-year extension, per MLB.com's Scott Merkin:

Bob Nightengale of USA Today provides details on the option years:

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez has shown glimpses of stellar play at times with his bat over the last two seasons as one of the Pirates' backups.  

At other times, he has looked completely lost.  

Such is not the case this spring, as Sanchez has been undoubtedly the Pirates' best player in camp, and if he makes the Opening Day roster, it would be perhaps the most soothing story for Pirates fans.

Over the past several years, Major League Baseball has seen a youth movement in the sport as teams put more emphasis on young prospects. 

When Troy Tulowitzki is on the field, he is the best at what he does.

If he were on it more often, he would arguably be the game’s brightest superstar. On that, there should be no debate.

The few position battles that were happening within the Reds spring training camp are just about over. When last we visited this topic, the only true battles happening were for the back of the rotation and the bullpen, with a potential for a shortstop scrap. Some players have been removed from the mix, while others have come out of nowhere to win the nod. 

As the San Francisco Giants prepare for their regular-season opener, there are still a few roster questions that must be answered. Fortunately, the starting eight position players appear set, even with the injury to Hunter Pence.

Prior to the start of spring training, I wrote a piece covering everything you need to know about the Cleveland Indians, including the following: prospects to watch, breakout candidates, the projected lineup, bullpen/rotation and position battles.

Nobody needs to be told that guys like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw and Andrew McCutchen are facing high expectations heading into 2015. For players like them, high expectations come with the territory.

What's more interesting are the players who are facing expectations that are growing higher by the day. Quite a few of those pop up every year during spring training, and lo and behold, this spring is proving to be no different.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — It is early morning in the desert, and there is every reason to be half-asleep right now. Gray skies. Chilly rain. Dog days of spring training.