A strong sense of familiarity still surrounds the Braves as they enter 2014. They are anxiously looking forward to building on the success of a new era that was celebrated in September, when the club captured the National League East title. Most of the same players who played a key role in winning the division title will be back to defend it.

Beat reporter Anthony DiComo looks at New York’s 10 biggest questions entering 2014, including whether the Mets’ young arms and big-ticket signings will propel them into contention in the NL East.

Though the A’s enjoyed yet another successful year, bringing home their second straight division crown, they’re more than ready to flip the calendar to 2014. There are plenty questions to be asked of this team entering the new year.

Beat reporter Anthony DiComo looks at New York’s 10 biggest questions entering 2014, including whether the Mets’ young arms and big-ticket signings will propel them into contention in the NL East.

Mike Hegan, who played 12 years for the Brewers, Yankees, Seattle Pilots and A’s, and was part of Cleveland Indians broadcasts for 23 years, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 71, the Indians said on Wednesday.

Masahiro Tanaka reportedly will be posted with the bidding beginning on Thursday. The Yankees are expected to be front and center, and they seemingly must land the Japanese star — no matter the luxury-tax implications — to contend in 2014.

“The 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers” turned out to be one heck of a flick, replete with a huge budget, an engaging cast of characters, a plot line nobody could predict, and a pulsating soundtrack of stadium cheers.

The North American supply of pitching has just been enriched by the Rakuten Golden Eagles. This could mean a happier New Year than expected for the Major League club who wins the services of Japanese ace Masahiro Tanaka.

Major League general managers got perhaps their biggest Christmas present a little early, when Nippon Professional Baseball’s Rakuten Golden Eagles reportedly announced late Tuesday night that they will post star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.

The paperwork hasn’t been submitted, but it looks like Masahiro Tanaka is going to be posted by the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Nice. Very nice. For baseball fans in North America, the reports are a fine holiday present.

Masahiro Tanaka finally appears to be on his way to the Major Leagues. The Japanese right-hander’s Nippon Professional Baseball club, the Rakuten Golden Eagles, reportedly revealed late Tuesday night that it will make him available to MLB teams through the posting system.

With the doors on Candlestick Park coming to a close, Terence Moore takes a stroll down memory lane as he bids farewell to a stadium that hosted some of the chilliest baseball games ever.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said he’s “pretty much done” with roster moves after finalizing the contracts of free agents Juan Uribe, Chris Perez, J.P. Howell and Jamey Wright on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays gave their fanbase an early holiday present on Tuesday morning with the announcement that infielder Munenori Kawasaki has re-signed with the club on a Minor League contract.

There are many reasons that baseball has entered a golden age. More than ever, baseball — that is, its players and owners and executives — understand they have a responsibility beyond the numbers and the wins and losses.

One year after turning in one of the most impressive rookie seasons of all-time, all Mike Trout did in his 2013 sophomore season was cement his place as the best all-around player in the game.

Quietly and with financial restraint, in their fashion, the Cardinals have made two moves that will have significant impact in the heart of their defense. The imports should improve a pitching staff that figures to be even more dominant with the maturation of the sport’s purest collection of young arms.