As we approach Opening Day, fans in every big league city are dreaming of a World Series title. And after seeing the Kansas City Royals make a dramatic run to their first postseason (and Fall Classic) appearance since 1985, every fan base has reason for hope. Here is a trio of clubs that I think can be “this year’s Royals.”

All in all, the New York Mets have had a Spring Training that has generated all kinds of optimism about the next six months. Almost everything has clicked nicely, and what’s that they say about the journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step? Besides, a good spring beats the alternative by miles.

The A’s may be without outfielder Coco Crisp to start the season, as he will need surgery to remove a bone spur and chips in his right elbow, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report.

The top prospects responsible for MLB.com ranking the Cubs’ farm system No. 1 have almost universally played as advertised, while a lot of other players have raised their games to try to capture a roster spot.

Madison Bumgarner had an easy final Spring Training tuneup Wednesday at Scottsdale Stadium in the Giants’ 5-2 victory over the Indians.

Troy Tulowitzki hit two home runs to carry the Rockies to a 10-4 victory over the Rangers on Wednesday. Minor League outfielder Nomar Mazara hit his first spring home run for the Rangers.

Johnny Cueto was pleased with how he felt after his last “I felt really well. I felt really loose. I feel ready.”

Indians right-hander Corey Kluber took the 5-2 loss against the Giants on Wednesday despite facing the minimum through the first three innings. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner allowed three runs on five hits and struck out five in 4 2/3 innings in his final spring tuneup before Opening Day.

Clayton Kershaw has an idea what his final Cactus League numbers were, but once again, he’s not going to invest too much into them. On Wednesday, Kershaw gave up one hit and one unearned run in three innings against the Royals in his final tuneup.

Rockies right-hander John Axford’s heart was a little lighter because his son slept through the night Tuesday, for the first time since suffering two rattlesnake bites on his right foot last Wednesday. Now Axford has a plan that could have him ready when the regular season starts Monday at Milwaukee.

It was not exactly a comfortable afternoon for the Reds’ Class A Minor Leaguers, who had to face Chris Sale and his full arsenal of pitching weapons Wednesday on a back field at Camelback Ranch. And that lack of comfort is a good sign for the left-handed ace and everyone throughout the White Sox organization.

Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon received a third opinion on his left knee Tuesday in Vail, Colo., and Dr. Steven Singleton had the same opinion as the previous two doctors: Rendon has a sprained MCL in his left knee.

The Astros set their 25-man roster on Wednesday morning, informing several players they had made the club while putting three pitchers on the 15-day DL — Josh Fields, Brett Oberholtzer and Brad Peacock.

Phillippe Aumont entered Spring Training out of options, which meant if he did not make the Opening Day roster, he needed to clear waivers to remain with the Phillies. As no team claimed Aumont, the Phillies announced Wednesday he had been outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Phillies reliever Ken Giles said Wednesday morning that a doctor examined his back and told him the tightness he experienced there Tuesday is not serious.

After Erasmo Ramirez was traded to the Rays on Tuesday night, the pieces were in place for Llyod McClendon’s 25-man roster: Taijuan Walker in the Mariners’ starting rotation and Tyler Olson as the last name in the bullpen.

Turning the page is not a problem for Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. After a disappointing 2014, the 29-year-old is ready for a fresh start. The new beginning comes Monday on Opening Day. Miami, a team on the rise, is hopeful Saltalamacchia plays a pivotal role in what becomes a playoff season.