One year, 94 wins and a division title later, the D-backs find themselves picked to finish at the top, and a pair of respected national writers have the team making its first World Series appearance since 2001.

The Reds, who did not defend its 2010 National League Central title by finishing third last season with 79 wins, feels it still has enough weapons to contend well against the defending World Series champion Cardinals and the pitching-rich Brewers.

Coming off back-to-back World Series appearances, the Rangers made some changes, most notably to the pitching staff, as they seek another division title. But they'll have to fend off the improved Angels, who added C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols.

Don't try to tell the White Sox that this is a modified-rebuilding, 90-loss team. They have greater belief that this is a group with legitimate playoff aspirations.

You can focus on the negatives. New manager Dale Sveum sees the positives, and on Thursday, the Cubs kick off the season under their new manager eager to prove that hard work, preparation, and good, fundamental baseball can win.

There's plenty of upside on the Royals' roster to counteract the losses of prize players Joakim Soria and Salvador Perez.

It'll still be Spring Training, but there's some added significance to the Angels' three exhibition games against the Dodgers from Monday to Wednesday.

Rockies manager Jim Tracy called Indians pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez's drilling shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the elbow with a pitch on Sunday, then demonstratively welcoming a confrontation, “the most gutless act I've seen in 35 years in the game.”

No groin issues. No ankle pain. No worries about his surgically reattached lat some 21 months after surgery. It's a feeling White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy can't remember having for quite some time.

According to a source, the Indians reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension with Asdrubal Cabrera on Sunday that will pay him $16.5 million over the 2013-14 seasons.

The Giants have completed Cactus League play but there are still decisions to be made before the club kicks off the regular season Friday against the D-backs at Chase Field.

Here's a hint Tim Lincecum's next start in Arizona will mean a lot more than the last one: He is probably going to throw a slider.

Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki emerged with no structural damage to his left elbow Sunday after being hit by a pitch by former teammate Ubaldo Jimenez in an incident that emptied the Rockies' and Indians' benches.

Corey Hart won't know for sure until Monday, but it's looking very likely that he will be in right field for the Brewers on Opening Day.

Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey will have his injured right thumb examined Monday in Boston, and it's possible he he could end up on the disabled list on Opening Day for a second straight season.

CC Sabathia was feeling a little bit under the weather when he took the long walk to the mound at Marlins Park on Sunday, but he still was able to turn in a tune-up that he believes will prepare him for Opening Day.

Everything seems to be falling into place for Rangers outfielder David Murphy as it appears he can control his own fate as far as playing time.