Those who were part of the ’83 Sox team will never forget it, even after the franchise finally broke its World Series title drought in 2005.

With the Blue Jays having made great improvements to their roster during the offseason, and the young Rays and O’s already formidable foes in the AL East, the Yankees are no sure bet to make the postseason in 2013.

Earl Williams, the 1971 National League Rookie of the Year who played for the Braves, Orioles, Expos and Athletics, died Wednesday at his home in Somerset, N.J. The Newark Star-Ledger reported his death, noting that Williams had been diagnosed with acute leukemia last summer.

The Indians have spent this winter figuratively loading up their dugout with two-time World Series-winning manager Terry Francona and veteran outfielder Nick Swisher, among others. And on Thursday morning, it was time to literally load up the equipment for the annual rite of passage that is Truck Day.

Proving Yogi Berra’s old adage that “it ain’t over ’til it’s over,” right-hander Alfredo Figaro has signed a Minor League deal with the Brewers. Again.

Logan Forsythe, who played second, third and shortstop for the Padres last season, will be asked to add left field to his repertoire.

The Reds and outfielder Chris Heisey avoided arbitration on Thursday, when he was signed to a one-year, $1.325 million contract. Another arbitration-eligible player, reliever Alfredo Simon, also agreed to terms on a one-year contract, with terms undisclosed.

Major League Baseball on Thursday revealed the top 52 fans vying to be Cave Dwellers in the 2013 MLB Fan Cave, and you can view all 52 video submissions and vote for your favorite candidate on MLBFanCave.com.

The Mets added another veteran reliever to their growing stable Thursday, inking LaTroy Hawkins to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The right-hander confirmed the deal on his Twitter account.

The Cardinals enter 2013 touting depth, which is a testament to the focus the organization has put on developing elite talent through its Minor League system. And in no area is that depth more obvious than on the starting pitching front, where the Cardinals have a core of veterans, along with an ascending bunch of dynamic right-handed arms, ready to take the reins.

In 2012, David Price joined a group eight Cy Young Award winners who led the league in wins and ERA but not in strikeouts since 1967.

Mike Trout, who returned to his hometown of Millville, N.J., to spend the offseason with his family, has residents there abuzz about their native son, the AL Rookie of the Year and 21-year-old sensation.

While the Phillies have ground to make up, a return to health on offense and the club’s strong rotation could put Philly back into the mix for the NL East title.

The Nationals and Braves were two of the top teams in all of baseball in 2012. And after a busy offseason for both, they’ll be the class of the NL East again this season.

The San Diego Padres avoided arbitration with third baseman Chase Headley on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, $8.575 million deal with the 2012 Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner.

Lou Piniella, who managed the Mariners from 1993-2002, returned to Seattle to serve at the keynote speaker at Wednesday’s luncheon for the 48th Hutch Award, which was presented to Giants pitcher Barry Zito in recognition of his community service.

Shaun Marcum understands what awaits him in Flushing. After R.A. Dickey departed, Marcum came aboard, so he is the man who will need to replace Dickey. “I’m not going to be able to do it myself,” Marcum said Wednesday, after the Mets officially announced his one-year deal worth a reported $4 million base.