More Features

Stark: In Percival, the Rays have a closer and an inspirational figure
Here's the totally true tale of Troy Eugene Percival, the new closer, clubhouse emperor and professor of positive thinking for the increasingly intriguing Tampa Bay Rays.

Nelson: Down-to-earth Hafner eyeing big turnaround
Armed with quick wit and great determination, Travis Hafner is eyeing a big season a year after enduring a most unproductive campaign with the Indians.

Crasnick: Williams, Guillen continue spirited approach
Are Kenny Williams and Ozzie Guillen the feisty and combative saviors of baseball on Chicago's South Side, or Village Idiots A and B? How the '08 season plays out will determine that.

Crasnick: The Rockies' Latin American triple threat
Colorado's mound revival is largely a Latin thing. Ubaldo Jimenez, Franklin Morales and Manny Corpas have the type of stuff to make scouts gush and hitters quake.

Stark: From Redbirds to Blue Jays
Under different circumstances, Scott Rolen and David Eckstein have brought their dirtbag approaches from St. Louis to Toronto.

Big Unit survives first outing since back surgery
Randy Johnson survived his first outing since last June, but the test will be how his surgically repaired back responds.

Crasnick: Cactus League phenoms
Felix Pie and Carlos Gonzalez are only two among a group of young Cactus League players who could emerge in 2008.

Nelson: Liriano taking slow road back to recovery
The loneliness and isolation of rehabbing from arm surgery has dissipated for the Twins' Francisco Liriano. Now, the pressure of replacing Johan Santana is upon him.

Stark: Hampton finally finds himself back on the hill
After sitting on the sidelines for 2½ years thanks to injuries, Mike Hampton is back in spring training with a baseball in his hands. And he's loving every minute of it.

Wojciechowski: Padres offer Prior renewed hope
After six mostly disappointing and injury-filled years with the Cubs, Mark Prior is starting over with the Padres. And he's just trying to blend in with his new team.

Keri: Q&A with the Angels' Howie Kendrick
Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick talks about his aggressive nature, the organization's approach and his veteran teammates.

Law: Top 10 breakout candidates in '08
From Adam Wainwright to Rickie Weeks to Edwin Encarnacion, Keith Law names 10 players as potential breakout candidates in 2008.

Crasnick: Gordon eyes fresh start in second season
Alex Gordon's rookie year last season was one to file away and forget. He plans on making his second year one to remember.

Wojciechowski: For Fielder, someone must pay
Too fat. Too much like his old man. There always is something driving Prince Fielder to prove himself. And right now, it's his contract.

Klapisch: Yankees accept new way under new Joe
The Yankees are buying what new manager Joe Girardi has been selling, which is an emphasis on fundamentals and increased face time with the players.

Crasnick: Six Cactus League position battles
Running down the top six position battles among teams in the Cactus League.

Six Grapefruit League position battles
The rundown of six position battles taking place in the Grapefruit League.

Kurkjian: Dodgers' rotation a potential strength
With the addition of Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, the Dodgers don't appear as if they'll have too many kinks in their rotation this season.

Stark: Stunning comeback gives Phils new mind-set
The Phillies pulled off a stunning comeback to win the NL East last season, and the mind-set of the entire team this year has changed because of it.

Kurkjian: Mets put historic collapse behind them
Despite suffering one of the worst collapses in baseball history last September, the Mets say they're ready to redeem themselves in 2008.

Crasnick: Six players who hope to deep-six '07
These six Cactus League players failed to perform to their personal standards last season. Will 2008 be a more rewarding experience?

Stark: Invited to Spring Training All-Stars
From Brian Anderson to Kent Mercker to Edgardo Alfonzo, many players who haven't set foot on a major league roster in a while have been "invited" to spring training.

Gammons: Hunter worth Angels' investment
The Angels know what they have in Torii Hunter, a man who is filled with energy and preaches hope and potential.

Crasnick: Will reward outweigh risk?
The Rangers are taking a chance on new outfielders Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley, who bring exceptional tools and personal baggage.

Stark: The deal that shook Detroit
Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis have yet to play a game for the Tigers, but the blockbuster trade already has Detroit fans abuzz with hope for 2008.

Crasnick: Five key questions facing Brewers
Will the young Brewers be serious contenders or fall into the "not quite" category again in 2008? Players such as Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks will play a big role in determining that.

Bryant: This spring, Red Sox filled with confidence
Boston's title in October, the second in four years, has produced a vindication for the Red Sox organization and has cemented a certain type of mood, a champion's mood.

Stark: Howard hits the jackpot
Ryan Howard's record arbitration victory greatly enhanced the future earning power for other young players and, most of all, Ryan Howard.

Crasnick: Tough to top new D-backs duo
New addition Dan Haren has little in common with D-backs ace Brandon Webb except for one key area: getting hitters out.

Crasnick: Giants coming together in post-Bonds era
As the post-Barry Bonds era begins, Aaron Rowand and the Giants are concentrating on coming together as a team.

Kurkjian: Gonzalez given Juan more shot
Juan Gonzalez is 38 and hasn't played a major league game in two years, but he's taking a swing at an opportunity with the Cardinals.

Stark: Tejada avoids 'roids talk at Astros camp
Miguel Tejada spent Tuesday, his first day in an Astros uniform, deflecting questions about steroids, while Houston's general manager defended his acquisition of the slugger.

McAdam: Despite big losses, Twins have high hopes
The Twins are determined -- and a bit defiant -- to be competitive in '08 despite losing both Torii Hunter and Johan Santana.

Stark: Pettitte saga doesn't end here
Andy Pettitte probably felt relieved after answering an hour's worth of questions Monday, but the sad truth is that this is not how the story ends.

Crasnick: Fukudome's game not lost in translation
The Cubs are still learning how to relate to Kosuke Fukudome, but early indications are that their new teammate's a perfect fit for their primary needs.

Stark: Phillies-Mets rivalry already in full bloom
There's nothing like spring training for some sun, some baseball and some trash talking to infuse a blooming Phillies-Mets rivalry.

Klapisch: With Santana, the Mets are feeling invincible
Last year it was the Phils' Jimmy Rollins. This year it's Carlos Beltran. The acquisition of ace Johan Santana has Beltran boldly ordaining the Mets as "the team to beat."

Stark: Reds, Baker believe they're a perfect match
Cincinnati is a long way from his home in Northern California. But after spending a season away from the dugout, Dusty Baker is back where he's "supposed to be."

Crasnick: Mariners' staff gets a shake-up
With the addition of Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva along with veteran pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, the Mariners have a vastly different look from a season ago.

Stark: Glavine back where he belongs ... with Braves
Tom Glavine is a man who looks like a Brave, feels like a Brave, even sounds like a Brave. Always has. Always will.

Stark: Invisible man Pettitte now focus of attention
From Capitol Hill to Tampa, the single most pivotal baseball figure this week is Andy Pettitte. So how can Yankee teammates not wonder whether he can leave the distractions behind and just pitch?

Stark: A wild, wacky offseason comes to a close
One of the strangest baseball offseasons of modern times is history now. And spring training is here. Finally.

Kurkjian: New chapter, old questions for Torre
Joe Torre is ready to manage the Dodgers, but he couldn't escape questions about the Yankees during his first day at Dodgertown.