They once comprised the left side of the Florida Marlins infield. Now Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez are both coming under the hot spotlight of the hot corner.

The key figures on the bases and in the heart of the defense on the Rangers are Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler. There isn't a more productive tandem in the game, with the gloves or in jump-starting an offense surpassed in runs scored last season by only the Red Sox and Yankees.

A federal judge ruled Monday that Mets owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz must go to trial on March 19 with up to $303 million at stake, according to multiple reports.

Former Major League first baseman and Southern League president Don Mincher died Sunday following a long illness, BallparkDigest.com reported. He was 73.

The Pirates' agreement on a six-year, $51.5 million deal for outfielder Andrew McCutchen on Monday is an indication that the reconstruction of the franchise is beginning another phase.

With Spring Training under way and the preseason prognostications about to come out in full force, it's helpful to remember that sometimes the “best” team loses. Here, then, is a reminder of some of the best teams in the modern era that didn't go the distance.

Spring Training is about adjustments. New players arrive on the scene and play so well that they force themselves into lineups, and teams have to figure out whom these up-and-comers will replace.

The Spring Training season gets under way in earnest on Monday as all 30 MLB teams return to the diamond. Catch a glimpse of new faces in new places, All-Stars seeing the field for the first time and more.

Soft-spoken Brewers prospect Wily Peralta is letting his statistics speak for him, and although the righty appears headed back to Triple-A to start the 2012 campaign, he remains on the big league club's radar this spring.

Andrew McCutchen's deal is not yet official. The Pirates outfielder first must undergo the obligatory physical, and other details have to be worked out. But there is agreement on a six-year, $51.5 million contract for the young National League All-Star.

Players and coaches aren't the only ones who have reported to Spring Training. Bees and raccoons have joined in on the preseason action.

Arkansas beat Texas, 7-3, on Sunday to begin the final day of the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Later in the day, Texas Tech pounded Houston, 10-4.

For Paul Goldschmidt, the veteran leadership in the D-backs clubhouse has been priceless.

The last thing Josh Tomlin wants to do right now is become too comfortable with his new-found job security. Even though the Indians' starter knows there is a spot awaiting him in the rotation, he is not treating this spring in that manner.

Make no mistake, Albert Pujols works really hard at his craft. But then again, a lot of players do, too. So, what is it that makes Pujols so much better than everybody else? First off, of course, is his incredible talent. Then, there's the way he prepares.

Pablo Sandoval's resurgence with the Giants has been attributed largely to his well-documented weight reduction, but his focus has been just as integral a factor, if not more so.

With Spring Training beginning in earnest, MLB.com columnist Peter Gammons provides nine thoughts about the Blue Jays, Rays, Pirates and other members of the Grapefruit League.