Masahiro Tanaka of the Yankees is one of the many candidates who can walk away with Cy Young hardware in 2014.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - If it's prediction time, it means baseball and opening day are at hand. So let's fire up the crystall ball and start predicting the pitchers who will win Major League Baseball's Cy Young Awards in 2014.

Here's how we see it. Be sure to put your predictions in the comments at the bottom of this post:

Paul Hoynes

American League Cy Young: Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees

National League Cy Young: Jose Fernandez, Marlins

Bud Shaw

American League Cy Young: Chris Sale, White Sox

Apologies, in order, to Yu Darvish of the Rangers and Justin Verlander of the Tigers. If Sale pitched for a better team, no one would be surprised if he wins it. Made a big jump in innings in the past couple years and should be just settling in at age 25.

National League Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Simply the best pitcher in baseball, backed by a zillion-dollar roster and playing in a division that the Dodgers should dominate. As Sports Illustrated points out, Kershaw is one of four pitchers to finish in the top two in Cy Young voting three years in a row. The others: Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson – all won it in the fourth time around.

View full sizeDavid Price of the Rays.AP

 Dennis Manoloff

American League Cy Young: David Price, Rays

Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish, who has filthy stuff and a potent lineup behind him, was a safe bet until neck issues forced a scratch of his Opening Day start. The neck is a legitimate concern. Price begins the season with Tampa Bay, the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2007, and pitches very well. But the Rays struggle and, given their budget and Price's eligibility for free agency after 2015, a trade is made. The Royals have enough prospect pieces to interest Tampa Bay, and they are contending into July and decide to go all-in for a run at the Tigers. Alas, the Royals sputter and miss the playoffs entirely – but through no fault of Price's. Combine the numbers and Price's year is right there with that of 2012, when he won the A.L. Cy Young.

National League Cy Young: Jose Fernandez, Marlins

The easy call is Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw, who won the NL Cy Young in 2011, finished second in 2012 and won again last season. Kershaw pitches superbly in 2014 but is one-upped by Fernandez. The Marlins, though improved, remain bad, which doesn't help Fernandez's candidacy. He overcomes his team by excelling at his craft the vast majority of the time. In his prelude last year, Fernandez went 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA in 28 starts, allowing 111 hits and striking out 187 in 172 2/3 innings.

Zack Meisel

American League Cy Young: James Shields, Royals

The 32-year-old can become a free agent at the end of the season, and he'll have to anchor a Royals staff that rounds out with Jason Vargas, Yordano Ventura, Bruce Chen and Jeremy Guthrie. Shields has tossed more than 200 innings in each of the last seven years. He finished third in AL Cy Young voting in 2011 and 11th last season. He has logged 16 complete games and six shutouts over the last three seasons. The Royals will need him to be at his best all season if they are to keep up with the Tigers in the AL Central race.

National League Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals

Washington boasts one of baseball's best rotations, with Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister all capable of shouldering the load. Strasburg's career numbers represent those of an ace or perennial All-Star. In parts of four big league seasons, he has logged a 1.073 WHIP, 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2.96 ERA. For the righty, it's all about staying healthy and putting together a full season. He's due for that.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Let's just start with this: Todays game vs Wickliffe and Tuesdays game vs @STVMBaseball are postponed. Guess that white stuff on the field wasn't a tarp #BleedBlue

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Let's just start with this:

Todays game vs Wickliffe and Tuesdays game vs @STVMBaseball are postponed. Guess that white stuff on the field wasn't a tarp #BleedBlue

— Gilmour Baseball (@GilmourBaseball) March 31, 2014

That's just one of many tweets sent out today of several Northeast Ohio teams whose opening day was cancelled because of the weekend weather.

We see you, Major League Baseball. While you have the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, we're staring at fields with conditions that could injure local players as soon as the first pitch is thrown.

Area pitchers with their warmed up arms will have a few more days of rest. Mentor coach Len Taylor will have to wait a few more days for win No. 300. 

Mother Nature has disrupted almost every opening pitch. St. Edward got in four innings on Saturday. Harvey and Hawken played a game against each other. So did St. Thomas Aquinas against Field.

Then there's Hudson and Chagrin Falls. The Explorers beat the Tigers, 2-1, scoring runs in the third and fifth.

Here's the kicker, the game was played at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where the high was 66 degrees. 

While those teams enjoyed their first wins of the season, the following teams will have to wait for another day.

Weather permitting, of course.

Welcom to Spring! All Softball and Baseball games schedule for today have been postponed!

— WestlakeDemons (@DemonAthletics) March 31, 2014

Today's baseball games (March 31), both JV & Varsity have been cancelled. No makeup date has been set.

— Brooklyn Hurricanes (@HurricanesBHS) March 31, 2014

Opening Day for Baseball cancelled on Mon. We will make up Tuesday BOTH games vs Benedictine @ Bay @ 4:30pm

— Matt Spellman (@BayAthletics) March 30, 2014

All Games scheduled with Canton South tomorrow have been cancelled.

— Perry Baseball (@PerryBaseball) March 31, 2014

Baseball games vs. Normandy tuesday and Stow wednesday have been cancelled. Normandy rescheduled for 4/12 and Stow 4/14.

— MentorAthletics (@MentorAthletics) March 31, 2014

Today's scrimmage against West Geauga has been cancelled due to field conditions...

— Rebel Baseball (@WSHSBaseball) March 31, 2014

ALL games today against Twinsburg are CANCELLED! All 3 levels will practice from 4-6 on the turf today. Be there by 3:30 to stretch & throw

— Nordonia Baseball (@knight_baseball) March 31, 2014

Todays baseball games against Cuyahoga Heights have been cancelled due to field conditions.

— Titans Athletics (@AthleticsBMHS) March 31, 2014

Game is cancelled. Practice today at 5 in gym. May go outside as well.

— Trojans Baseball (@2014THSBaseball) March 31, 2014

Varsity and JV Baseball vs. Fairview tomorrow (3/31) has been cancelled...make up date TBD.

— Ranger Athletics (@nrhssports) March 30, 2014

Tuesday's games with @GilmourBaseball have been postponed. We are still waiting to hear from Massillon about the freshman game.

— STVM Irish Baseball (@STVMBaseball) March 31, 2014

Today's baseball games vs. Nordonia and softball games vs. Brunswick have been postponed due to unplayable field conditions.

— Twinsburg Athletics (@TwinsburgTigers) March 31, 2014

Softball and baseball scheduled for today (3/31) have all been cancelled due to field conditions.

— Kristin Hughes (@CHHSathletics) March 31, 2014

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Can the Indians catch the Tigers? Will this be Justin Masterson's last season with the Tribe? Cleveland.com's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his podcast.

Can the Indians catch the Tigers? Will this be Justin Masterson's last season with the Tribe?

cleveland.com's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will the Indians be able to match their offensive firepower from last season?

• Can Carlos Santana hold down third base?

• How important it was to lock up Yan Gomes.

• Will Corey Kluber have a breakout season?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers sit at the top of Glenn Moore's MLB Power Rankings. The Indians start the season at No. 12.

Cleveland.com's Glenn Moore reveals his Major League Baseball power rankings every Monday. Each preview capsule is courtesy of the Associated Press. Last year's record is in parentheses.

Former Tribe closer Chris Perez with his new team. (AP)

Can Derek Jeter lead the Yankees on one last run? (AP)

Which Ubaldo Jimenez will show up in Baltimore? (AP)

Chris Sale is the only thing going for the White Sox. (AP)

Get scoring updates and analysis from the Tribe's season opener against the Oakland A's and chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes in the comments section.

Oakland, California -- Get scoring updates and analysis from the Tribe's season opener against the Oakland A's and chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, Zack Meisel, Paul Hoynes and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff in the comments section.

Justin Masterson starts for the Tribe as Oakland will send out Sonny Gray. The game starts at 10:05 p.m.

FREQEUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest scoring updates. If you're viewing this on your mobile device, click here to get updates and comment.

Is the American League race Mike Trout vs. Miguel Cabrera? And why does Paul Hoynes think St. Louis' Trevor Rosenthal can be the first closer in 22 years to win an MVP honor?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - If it's opening day, it must be prediction time. So let's fire up the crystal ball and start predicting - this time for which players will be named the Most Valuable Players in the American League and National League for 2014.

Here's how we see it:

Paul Hoynes

American League MVP: Mike Trout, Angels

No matter how talented you are, in baseball you have to wait your turn. Trout finished second to Miguel Cabrera for the last two seasons. Now it's his turn. There has never an AL player to win three straight MVPs. Cabrera certainly has the talent to do it, but I think his body will get in the way.

The only player to win more than two consecutive MVP is Barry Bonds, who won four straight for the Giants.

National League MVP: Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals

Where the Cardinals get these guys, I don't know. But they keep finding them, drafting them, developing them and getting them to the big leagues. Rosenthal saved only three games last year as Eddie Mujica closed for much of the year, but he'll move into job full-time this year after striking out 108 batters in 75 1/3 innings. Rosenthal throws 100 mph, and for a team as good as the Cardinals he's a perfect fit.

The last closer to win an AL MVP was Dennis Eckersley in 1992. 

View full sizeBryce Harper of the Nationals is a strong MVP candidate if he can stay healthy.AP

Bud Shaw

American League MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

I'll pick him every year until he doesn't win it.

Cabrera and Mike Trout of the Angels will once again hold a MVP duel, but Cabrera plays for the better team. With so little to choose between the two, that will be enough to sway the vote.

National League MVP: Bryce Harper, Nationals

A dangerous pick for a few reasons.

First, Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates is still in the league the last time I looked. So is Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.

And there's always the possibility that Harper won't stay healthy the way he plays (think a more reckless Grady Sizemore).

But if he does, he'll hold the trophy.

Dennis Manoloff

American League MVP: Mike Trout, Angels

New schoolers rejoice as Trout bags his first MVP in his third full season.

Trout, 22, was MVP-worthy in his first two seasons, but he watched as Detroit's Miguel Cabrera won both times. Cabrera is recognized as the best hitter in the majors, and he has the old-school numbers to justify it. But his lack of defense and limited impact on the bases mean he is not necessarily the best player.

Still, the only way Trout wrestles the MVP away is for Cabrera to (relatively) struggle. It happens because Miggy deals with nagging injuries in the second half.

National League MVP: Bryce Harper, Nationals

Last year, injuries limited Harper to 118 games, thereby preventing him from sufficiently building off his strong, 139-game rookie year of 2012. Even with the injuries, Harper batted .274 with 20 homers and had a .368 on-base percentage and .486 slugging percentage.

This season, the 21-year-old Harper stays healthy enough to play 150-plus games and deliver an all-around performance along the lines of a poor man's Trout. Reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen of Pittsburgh has another superb season, as does Paul Goldschmidt of Arizona, but their cases are hurt by their respective clubs not qualifying for the postseason.

Zack Meisel

American League MVP: Mike Trout, Angels

This is a no-brainer, really. The Angels gave the 22-year-old a six-year, $144 million extension. Now he'll reward their commitment with another hardware-worthy effort. 

National League MVP: Allen Craig, Cardinals

For me (and consider that I typically try to think outside the box), this came down to Craig and Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who batted .345 with 20 home runs in 86 games last year. Craig posted the league's best average with runners in scoring position last season, which is why he tallied 97 RBIs in 134 games, despite only 13 home runs. The power stroke is there -- he belted 22 round-trippers in 119 games in 2012. He is a .306 hitter in parts of four seasons and should again thrive with Matt Carpenter, Matt Adams, Yadier Molina and Matt Holiday batting around him. Craig has the ability to hit .330 and could drive in as many as 125 runs.

Veteran point guard Jarrett Jack has taken over leadership of the Cavaliers since Kyrie Irving went out with a strained left biceps eight games ago.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavaliers coach Mike Brown kept trying out different titles for point guard Jarrett Jack.

"Floor general?'' Brown said after Jack helped direct the Cavs 90-76 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon. "Floor commander? Floor chieftain?

"A lot of different things you could call him. Floor lieutenant? That's too low, right?''

Indeed, that rank would not seem to be high enough for the sort of leadership Jack has been providing in the eight games since Kyrie Irving went out of the lineup with a strained left biceps. The Cavs are 4-4 over that stretch, as Jack is averaging 15.0 points on 49 percent shooting, with 3.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 36.9 minutes -- all considerably above his season averages of 9.4 points on 41.3 percent shooting, with 2.8 rebounds and 41. assists in 28.2 minutes. Though he's been averaging 1.7 turnovers a game, he had none in 35:30 on Sunday as the Cavs kept their faint playoff hopes alive.

His contributions have taken different forms -- from the season-high 31 points he scored in a 106-100 victory at New York on March 23, to the steadying influence he brought to the huddle during Sunday's big victory. When the coaches and players were discussing how to defend a baseline out-of-bounds play by the Pacers with just a few seconds left on the shot clock, Jack took control of the huddle.

"Jack said, 'Let's just do what we do,''' Brown recalled and then added the rest of Jack's suggestion. "'We know how to play the game. It doesn't matter what they run. We have rules. We have responsibilities. We know what we're supposed to do when you're defending a baseline out of bounds. Let's go do what we do.'

"He's been giving us a lot of what I just told you in the huddle. That leadership on the floor and off the floor has been terrific, especially down the stretch in tight ball games. He’s kept us composed offensively. In the past, if we were down, we rushed ourselves or we were going too fast for the situation. … No matter what the time and score is, Jack has done a terrific job of understanding and feeling the game in helping his teammates out.''

According to the veteran point guard, about two weeks ago he changed his focus.

"I can't exactly pinpoint the day or the game or whatever,'' Jack said after Sunday's game. "I was like, 'Man, just try to clear out the outside variables as much as possible and focus on the things we can control. It's just us. We can't control how good whomever is going to play or how bad they're going to play either.' I thought once we did a good job of just focusing on us … it translated in our play.

"We're still coming out with that never-say-die mentality and attitude and, like I said, we're just fighting. As long as there's season left, we're going to keep clawing at it. I think what was best for us, I know me personally, I stopped looking at the standings and just started focusing on what was in this locker room. Once we did that, it seemed like the brand of basketball we were playing became more consistent and we have ourselves an opportunity to be in the situation we're in now."

Why Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky or Wisconsin will and won't win the NCAA tournament title.

Who's going to win the NCAA men's basketball national championship?

If you ask the oddsmakers in Las Vegas, Florida is the runaway favorite. The fans will likely tell you Kentucky. The dreamers will say Cinderella squad Connecticut. The basketball purist might say steady Wisconsin.

Regardless, we'll know for sure a week from today. Until then, here's a look at what each team has to do to win it all in Texas:

CONNECTICUT

ODDS OF WINNING (from Sportsbook.com): 8-to-1

Connecticut's Shabazz Napier shoots a free throw against Iowa State Friday, March 28, 2014 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

KEY PLAYER: Shabazz Napier
The do-everything senior point guard is averaging 23.3 points, 6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2 steals per game while shooting 45.2 percent from 3-point range and 92.6 percent from the free-throw line in his four NCAA tournament games. He will have a prime matchup against Florida's Scottie Wilbekin, the SEC Player of the Year.

WHY THEY WILL WIN IT ALL: Because the last team to beat Florida, winners of 30 straight, was ... Connecticut. Napier scored 26 points and hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range in the 65-64 win in Connecticut on Dec. 2. The Huskies beat the Gators thanks to an 11-3 advantage in 3-pointers made and despite a 34-26 disadvantage on the boards. If 6-foot-9 DeAndre Daniels and second-leading scorer Ryan Boatright can continue to give UConn 14-18 points per game, Napier will do his thing and that could be enough.

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT: The home court advantage the Huskies enjoyed at Madison Square Garden is gone. With the least depth of talent among the Final Four teams, the Huskies can't match up with Florida or Kentucky on the boards. The Florida team they beat in December did not have Kasey Hill (who has an NCAA tournament-high of 10 assists in a game) or Chris Walker (who brings the Gators even more size off the bench). If Napier fails to get his 20 points and get the rest of the team involved, the Huskies have little chance.

FLORIDA

ODDS OF WINNING (from Sportsbook.com): 1-to-1

KEY PLAYER: Michael Frazier II
The Gators have size, speed, defense and the outside shooting of Frazier. While Scottie Wilbekin can also score from the perimeter, Frazier hit nearly twice as many 3-pointers this season. After hitting only 3 of 13 3-pointers in the first two tournament games, Frazier went 7-for-13 in the South Regional semifinal and final. When he's hot, the Gators are unstoppable.

WHY THEY WILL WIN IT ALL: The Gators are the best all-around and most consistent team in the country. Florida plays solid defense, works well in a half-court offense and has loads of experience on the court and on the bench. Senior Wilbekin has shown the leadership skills and all-around game (13.4 points, 3.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals) to give Florida the guard play needed to win these games.

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT: This Final Four in Texas is a return to the site of their greatest disappointment last season. The Gators hit just 20 percent of their 3-point attempts at Cowboys Stadium (now AT&T Stadium) in the 2013 regional final loss to Michigan. Also, the only two Florida losses this season are to fellow Final Four teams Wisconsin (59-53 in Nov.) and UConn (65-64 in Dec.). Finally, if the Gators meet Kentucky in the title game, can they beat the Wildcats for the fourth time since Feb. 15?

KENTUCKY

ODDS OF WINNING (from Sportsbook.com): 5-to-2

Kentucky's Andrew Harrison puts up a shot against Louisville's Mangok Mathiang during an NCAA Midwest Regional semifinal game Friday, March 28, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

KEY PLAYER: Andrew Harrison
The point guard has shown an ability to get to the basket at will since the win over Wichita State. He also has been the key component of the Wildcats' half-court success offensively. Against Wisconsin, he'll also need to key the perimeter defense.

WHY THEY WILL WIN IT ALL: The most physically talented team in the tournament is playing its best basketball of the season. The Wildcats' ability to get second-chance points and not surrender any to their opponents is better than any team remaining. Kentucky averages 41.3 rebounds per game, fifth in the nation. They are the only team to play in an NFL dome in the NCAA tournament already, and the two teams that did that last year played in the title game.

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT: When they have been doubted, the Wildcats have responded positively. But now Kentucky is the two-point favorite against Wisconsin. How will the freshmen respond to a week of "you guys are so great" talk? It was easier last week with in-state rival Louisville next to play.

WISCONSIN

ODDS OF WINNING (from Sportsbook.com): 7-to-2

KEY PLAYER: Frank Kaminsky
The only player on the Wisconsin roster who can cause a matchup problem, Kaminsky is the rare big man who can score just as effectively from the post or 3-point line.

WHY THEY WILL WIN IT ALL: They know who they are and play to their strengths. Wisconsin is one of the few teams to roll out the same starting lineup all season. Kaminsky (14.1 ppg), Ben Brust (12.8 ppg), Sam Dekker (12.4 ppg), Traevon Jackson (10.7 ppg) and Josh Gasser (8.9 ppg) will spend at least 30 minutes on the floor if they avoid foul trouble.

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT: They are not deep, generally going with seven players. The Badgers also struggle rebounding, ranking 261st in the country with 33.2 rebounds per game. Against the likes of Kentucky and Florida, the Badgers will be giving up height at four of five positions.

Expect the Rays' Joe Maddon to be in the running for AL Manager of the Year again. In the National League, former Indians third baseman Matt Williams is a new manager to watch.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's opening day, and that means it's time for Major League Baseball predictions for the 2014 season. So without further adieu, let's fire up the crystal ball and make our picks for Manager of the Year in the American League and National League.

Here's how we see it. And be sure to add your picks in the comments below:

Paul Hoynes

American League: John Farrell, Red Sox

Last year, Farrell lost out on this award to Indians manager Terry Francona, his good friend, even though Farrell's Red Sox won the World Series.

I think the Red Sox repeat as AL East champions this year in spite of the wild spending by the Yankees during the offseason. That will be enough to make Farrell AL manager of the year.

National League: Mike Matheny, Cardinals

It helps to be a manager when you have an embarrassment of talent to manage. Welcome to Mike Matheny's world.

Still, having the best talent and the best farm system in the big leagues does not automatically put a manager on Easy Street. Matheny came into the job with no previous managerial experience. One more thing, he was following Hall of Famer Tony La Russa.

So far, he's done more than OK and that will continue this year.

Bud Shaw

American League: Joe Maddon, Rays

He could win it every year. But in a season when his team will win the division over Boston and New York, this is a slam dunk.

National League: Matt Williams, Nationals

The former Indians third baseman inherits a roster full of talent in a division the Nationals should have in hand by late summer.

Sometimes this award goes to teams that surprise. The Nationals are a favorite. But Williams will impress enough in his first year on the job and get points for leading the Nationals to a division title.

View full sizeJoe Girardi always has a roster with a large payroll, but managing the Yankees isn't always easy.AP

Dennis Manoloff

American League: Joe Girardi, Yankees

In one sense, managing the Yankees is enviable because the franchise will spend until mistakes are fixed. But it can't be easy to manage that club because of the pressure cooker that exists daily in the Bronx.

The Yankees reloaded after missing the playoffs in 2013, and the payoff is a division crown. No question Girardi had tools with which to work, but he gets credit for the turnaround and for being a calming influence during the circus of Derek Jeter's farewell tour. Girardi's candidacy is made possible because he didn't have to deal with the distraction of Alex Rodriguez.

National League: Matt Williams, Nationals

Score one for the 1997 Indians third baseman. The hard-nosed, no-nonsense Williams proves to be exactly what the Nationals needed after the grandfatherly Davey Johnson.

Williams, as does Girardi, guides his team to a division title the year after it missed the playoffs. Williams earns bonus points because he helps make it happen in his first year as manager.

Jose Abreu of the White Sox and Billy Hamilton of the Reds are two players who can put up impressive numbers in their rookie campaigns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's opening day, so that means it's time for last-minute predictions before the 2014 season gets too far along. Here is the last in our series of predictions, for Rookie of the Year in the American League and National League.

So let's gaze into the crystal ball and start predicting. Here's how we see it. Make your picks in the comments at the bottom of this post:

Paul Hoynes

American League: Yordano Ventura, Royals

Right-hander Yordano Ventura and his 100 mph fastball will fit in nicely with the Royals' veteran rotation. He'll pitch in the No. 3 spot behind James Shields and Jason Vargas, and in front of Jeremy Guthrie and Bruce Chen. They can show him the ropes, while Ventura, 22, can just concentrate on letting his fastball rip.  

National League: Billy Hamilton, Reds

If center fielder Billy Hamilton can get on base consistently, there's going to be no stopping him. He stole 104 bases in 2012 at Class A Bakersfield and Class AA Pensacola. Last year, he stole 75 in 123 games at Class AAA Louisville before stealing 13 in 14 chances for the Reds at the end of last year.

Bud Shaw

American League: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox

The pride of Aruba.

The shortstop was impressive in the Red Sox' stretch run a year ago. His talent, the fact he plays a premier position, does so in a big media market and will be swinging the bat in Fenway Park makes him the front runner.

National League: Oscar Taveras, Cardinals

The center fielder had fewer than 200 plate appearances last year due to an ankle injury. But one of the great young prospects in baseball.

And you bet on him in part because the Cardinals' organization, top to bottom, is never a bad bet.

Jose Abreu wants to put some pop back into the White Sox batting order.AP

Dennis Manoloff

American League: Jose Abreu, White Sox

The Cuban defector Abreu, who signed a $68 million contract, does not disappoint in his first season in the states. His power lives up to the hype and he provides a consistent run producer for a lineup that desperately needs it. The first baseman helps the White Sox improve upon a 99-loss season in 2013. Teammates are impressed by, among other things, his work ethic and willingness to study hitting. Abreu and teammate Avisail Garcia become South Side Miggys.

National League: Billy Hamilton, Reds

Hamilton takes the position (center field) and lineup spot (leadoff) vacated by Shin-Soo Choo, who signed with Texas. Hamilton does not have Choo's overall offensive credentials, but he does have an endless supply of speed. The man who stole 155 bases in the minors in 2012 wows Reds fans in his first full season in the majors. (Last season, as predominantly a pinch-runner, Hamilton had 13 steals in 13 games for the Reds.) Hamilton piles up infield hits and influences how pitchers work to a hitter while he is on base. He becomes must-see TV at the plate and in the field.

Zack Meisel

American League: Jose Abreu, White Sox

Consider Abreu's numbers his final four seasons in Cuba (average/on-base percentage/home runs): .388/.542/30, .448/.592/37, .394/.543/37, .344/.479/19. Now consider he played an average of 86.5 games per season. Granted, he'll face a steep learning curve in his first major league season. But the White Sox will stick him in the middle of their lineup and at the least, he'll be able to pummel a few fastballs to the outfield seats.

National League: Billy Hamilton, Reds

Hamilton provided the Reds a late-season jolt when he swiped 13 bags in 13 games and wreaked havoc on the basepaths. He might not get on-base at an efficient clip, but when he does, he's sure to make his way to second (and third) at every chance possible.

Everything you need to get ready for Monday night's first pitch.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The opener is almost here. The Cleveland Indians begin their 2014 season tonight in Oakland, the first of a three-game series. After that, they will return to Cleveland for Friday's home opener against the Minnesota Twins.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have everything you need to get ready for the first pitch tonight at 10:05, and the entire Indians 2014 season:

The basics

• The roster
• The schedule
• Tribe player moves back to 2013
• Who went on the DL, when
• A look at 2013's individual stats
• And the 2013 situational stats
• Paul Hoynes' opening day podcast
• Preview roundtable with Hoynsie, Dennis Manoloff, Zack Meisel (video)
• Tribe's motto this season: Unfinished business
• Progressive Field will be ready for Friday's home opener

The Face of the Franchise

In four short years, Jason Kipnis made the transition from the outfield in the minors to All-Star second baseman and face of the franchise. His career track -- quick success and continued improvement -- should ease the Indians' concern as they explore signing him to a long-term contract. Read Bud Shaw's feature on the player who many see as the face of the Indians going forward.

Northeast Ohio Media Group Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes has been covering the team since 1983. See which five players he thinks have been the Face of the Indians during those years.

Derek Jeter, who has been a face of Major League Baseball almost his entire career, is retiring after the 2013 season. Northeast Ohio Media Group Indians reporter Zack Meisel has a list of 10 players who could take over that role after Jeter hangs up his cleats.

Players in the spotlight

• Mike Aviles on his versatility and the "Goon Squad" (video)
• Vinnie Pestano left tough 2013 behind and is ready for a big year
• Reliever Frank Herrmann making strides after Tommy John surgery
• Austin Adams' rifle arm wowed the Indians before they sent him down
• Terry Francona says he has the back of inconsistent pitcher Trevor Bauer
• Quirky things you may not know about Indians players

Paul Hoynes' position scouting reports, down to the minors

• First base
• Second base
• Shortstop
• Third base
• Left field
• Center field
• Right field
• Catcher
• Designated hitter
• The rotation
• The bullpen

Previewing MLB 2014

• Zack Meisel has thoughts; on how each team will perform; so he wrote haikus.
• Storylines to watch in MLB this season
• Spring-training story lines from across MLB
• Staff predictions for managers of the year
• Staff predictions for AL and NL MVP
• Staff predictions for Cy Young winners
• Staff predictions for AL and NL playoff teams, World Series
• Staff predictions on the Indians' record
• Glenn Moore's first power rankings of 2014

Other interesting stuff

• Opening day means the end of winter, writes Bill Livingston
• Warm up with a spring training photo essay from PD photographer Chuck Crow
• Why Jason Giambi has a golden thong at the ready
• Grady Sizemore will be starting in center for the Red Sox
• Why the Thundercats matter
• Danny Salazar will start the home opener
• Carrasco, Atchison and Blake Wood made the roster - at least to start the season
• Ex-Tribe skipper Eric Wedge joins ESPN's Baseball Tonight
• The Indians are seeking fan photos for a mural
• Tom Hamilton and his son, Nick, have a special spring-training moment
• Ever wonder what Nick Swisher would be like as a roommate?
• Corey Kluber got off to a fast start in our Celebrity Bracket Contest
• Indians are down in the count to Justin Masterson, Bud Shaw writes
• And why a World Series might be the only way Masterson stays in Cleveland
• CEO Paul Dolan expects Tribe to contend again, writes Terry Pluto
• Some Indians have been to Japan, and back
• How to build a great list for your fantasy draft

Will the 2014 Indians win 90 games? More? Less? Our writers make their best guess.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - If it's prediction time, it means baseball and opening day are at hand. So let's fire up the crystall ball and start predicting.

Here's how we see it. And if you'd like to make your own prediction, do it here or in the comments below:

Paul Hoynes: 90-72

I like this team. I like Nick Swisher and The Thundercats. They have versatility on the field and good mojo in the clubhouse.

Bud Shaw: 88-74

The Indians needed a historic run to the finish line to win 92 games and make the postseason a year ago.

Loses in the rotation (Ubaldo Jimenez, Scott Kazmir) and bullpen (Joe Smith) make a repeat of that even less likely, if that's possible.

This is a good team with a great manager and terrific chemistry. Good enough to be on that wild-card bubble again but not win the division.

The Indians vaulted from 66 victories in 2012 to 92 last season. They were a feel-good story in their first year under manager Terry Francona and rallied to join the postseason party.

However, the Tribe failed to do nearly enough this offseason to build on the momentum of the wild-card entry. As a result, they don't catch the Tigers and do allow the Royals to sneak past them.

The lineup, though lacking in star power and prone to inconsistency, should be solid again. The defense and bullpen are serviceable. But the rotation is a major concern and prevents the Indians from running with the division's and league's elite. After staff No. 1 Justin Masterson, there is too much uncertainty.

Zack Meisel: 88-74

The "They didn't replace Ubaldo Jimenez or Scott Kazmir" bit is overplayed. Kazmir made 29 starts and won 10 games. He can and will be replaced, no doubt. Jimenez posted the best second-half of any American League starter, but anyone with a crystal ball that can precisely project what he will produce in 2014 and beyond deserves to replace Miss Cleo. If the Indians crumble this season, it won't be because Jimenez is in Baltimore and Kazmir is in Oakland.

By the same token, the "Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and Asdrubal Cabrera are due for bounce-back seasons" bit is also overplayed. Cabrera, who knows free agency and a potential payday is mere months away, is certainly primed for a rebound. Swisher's 2013 numbers actually didn't stray too far from his career norms. Bourn's campaign is off to a less-than-auspicious start, as his hamstring continues to nag. 

The Indians could be better in 2014 and their record might not reflect it. They won't go 17-2 against the White Sox again, but they also won't repeat their 4-15 mark against the Tigers. 

The AL Central race will be a three-headed monster, with the Tigers, Indians and Royals finishing within a few games of each other. The Indians are banking on progression from their young core and stability in their rotation. They might get that, but not to the extent in which they need.

Tiger Woods said on his website that he had surgery Monday in Utah for a pinched nerve that had been hurting him for several months. He withdrew during the final round of the Honda Classic and skipped his title defense at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Olmsted Falls senior Adam Asadorian had no idea what he had done when his coach, Chris DeLisio, told him he had broken the state record for 3-point field goal percentage for a season. "I was definitely shocked," Asadorian said. "When my coach told me, he told me to think about all of the guys in Ohio...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Olmsted Falls senior Adam Asadorian had no idea what he had done when his coach, Chris DeLisio, told him he had broken the state record for 3-point field goal percentage for a season.

"I was definitely shocked," Asadorian said. "When my coach told me, he told me to think about all of the guys in Ohio over the years."

By making 65 of 120 shots from beyond the perimeter, Asadorian finished the regular season shooting 54.2 percent from 3-point range. That broke a 26-year-old record held by Tipp City Bethel's Jeff Miller, who shot 53.8 percent from the field in 1987-88.

Asadorian will be giving up his basketball playing days to attend Ohio State in the fall, but he hopes his record stands for a long time.

"That’s what I hope for -- unless it's someone from Olmsted Falls," Asadorian said.

St. Edward sets state title celebration

While St. Edward won its boys basketball state title over a week ago, the Eagles have yet to officially celebrate with the school because St. Edward was on spring break last week. Now that the students are back, the celebration is set for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Auxiliary Gymnasium.

Berea-Midpark's Alex Brown narrows his choices

One of the top unsigned seniors out there is Berea-Midpark point guard Alex Brown. The senior, though, is close to making a decision, as he has narrowed his choices to Ashland University or Tiffin University. He hopes to make the final decision soon.

Interest increases for Esa Ahmad and Kipper Nichols

Two of the most sought after juniors in Northeast Ohio are Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad and St. Edward's Kipper Nichols. Both players have seen their stock rise in the last year due to their strong play.

On Monday, Ahmad received an offer from the University of Cincinnati. Meanwhile, since winning a state title, Nichols has received interest from Ohio State, Cincinnati and Northwestern.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

"They're going to turn protection to him, they're going to chip him, so he'll see a different game than he saw last year, because they know who he is," defensive line coach Larry Johnson said. "So he's got to get prepared for that, and right now, he's done a good job."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer isn't afraid to build Joey Bosa up. New defensive line coach Larry Johnson said he'll make sure to keep his star defensive end back on earth. But it's hard to imagine Bosa, a Florida kid through and through who proved to be a beast on the field as freshman but comes across like a guy relaxing on the beach, getting too full of himself.

"It's great to get all this attention and everything," Bosa said during spring practice of the freshman All-American honors he earned last year. "But it never really affected me. I'm still a freshman and they still pick on me. I'm still just a new kid pretty much. I don't have a big head. I just keep doing what I'm doing."

Meyer has made it clear, repeatedly, what he thinks Bosa could wind up doing. In a receent CBSSports.com interview, Meyer repeated what he's been saying since Bosa grabbed a starting job early last season and recorded 44 tackles (10th on the team), 13.5 tackles for loss (third) and 7.5 sacks (second).

He thinks Bosa could be an all-timer, one of the best he has ever coached.

Johnson said he's OK with the boss speaking so highly of Bosa, "as long as Bosa can handle it."

"I'm the guy to calm the storm in the meeting room," Johnson said with a smile. "But he's a great young man."

Things have changed for Bosa. A fan of former coach Mike Vrabel, he's adjusting to Johnson's style, which has less of an NFL feel.

“Coach J is super positive. He’s really never tearing anyone down,” Bosa said. “The coaches have been much more positive in trying to coach and make us better. It’s been very positive.”

Johnson also plans to rotate the linemen more, which should mean Bosa losing some snaps to backups like Steve Miller and Tyquan Lewis.

But the biggest change will come because of what he did last year. Bosa played like a guy who was ready, not a teenager. In snagging his starting role, he never seemed like the new kid. As a sophomore, there will be no more surprises.

“I think the key is that he doesn’t stay the same,” Johnson said. “He’s got to move forward. Every time you step on the field, you’ve got to be a better player, because he’s going to be a marked guy. They’re going to turn protection to him, they’re going to chip him, so he’ll see a different game than he saw last year, because they know who he is. So he’s got to get prepared for that, and right now, he’s done a good job.”

"Coach Hinton told me straight up that they invited me there for a reason and they wouldn't have invited me if I wasn't a someone who could earn an offer in the future," Conrad said. "So I am going to hit some of the camps and try and earn an offer, but that's OK. That's fine."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – C.J. Conrad walked out of Ohio Stadium after participating in Ohio State's Friday Night Lights camp last July glowing about the opportunity to work out in one of college football's most iconic venues.

Conrad was a rising tight end prospect of LaGrange (Ohio) Keystone who simply hoped he made a play or two, anything for the Ohio State coaches to notice who he was.

"It is great that a lot has changed since then," Conrad told Cleveland.com in a recent phone interview. "But this summer is going to be big for me."

Ohio State's coaching staff definitely knows who Conrad is, and the 2015 prospect was personally invited to watch spring practice on Saturday. During his visit, he spent quality alone time with Buckeyes tight ends coach Tim Hinton.

A four-star prospect whom Rivals.com rates the No. 6 tight end in the class, Conrad commands that type of attention now that he has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Duke, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and others.

But Conrad still doesn't have an offer from Ohio State. Or Michigan. Or Michigan State. Or Penn State. You know, the Big Ten programs he said have really caught his attention. The Buckeyes, though, have told Conrad to be patient.

"Coach Hinton told me straight up that they invited me there for a reason and they wouldn't have invited me if I wasn't a someone who could earn an offer in the future," Conrad said. "So I am going to hit some of the camps and try and earn an offer, but that's OK. That's fine.

"I'm excited about that, really. It is competition and I love it, that's what sports is all about. I am going to be competing for an offer from The Ohio State University, and not a lot of people can say that. I am going to embrace it, have a good time and show them what I got."

Ohio State's top tight end target in the class was Avon (Conn.) Old Farms product Chris Clark, but he recently committed to North Carolina. Clark, however, still plans to visit Ohio State the weekend of April 18. Another tight end with an Ohio State offer who is expected to visit is Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias prospect Hale Hentges.

But Conrad plans to stay patient.

"I'm willing to wait and I am one of the top four tight ends they're targeting," Conrad said. "I have said since day one that I want to be at a school that fits me best, and I know that every school has something different about them. I am not just trying to get Ohio State, then once I get it, then commit.

"I have other schools I'm very interested in as well, like Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Kentucky. All those five, including Ohio State, it is going to be tough for me to pick which one.”

A 6-foot-4, 218-pound prospect, Conrad said he's a tight end that can block, but he is best utilized in the passing game. Conrad witnessed how the Buckeyes used their tight ends during spring practice, and he said his skillset would be a perfect fit on Ohio State's roster.

Because he's an in-state prospect, Conrad doesn't shy away from saying there's something special about Ohio State. But what was most important to Conrad was the conversation he had with Hinton.

"Coach Hinton is was honest with me and I appreciated that. I know where I stand," Conrad said. "I am willing to show that I am good enough to play at Ohio State, and having the opportunity to prove that this summer is exciting." 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are no ties in baseball. It says so in the rules. Yet every spring, Jerry Snodgrass, the Ohio High School Athletic Association assistant commissioner and the head of rules and regulations for baseball, sees a couple records with a win column, a loss column and a tie column. The head of rules and regulations for...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are no ties in baseball.

It says so in the rules. Yet every spring, Jerry Snodgrass, the Ohio High School Athletic Association assistant commissioner and the head of rules and regulations for baseball, sees a couple records with a win column, a loss column and a tie column. The head of rules and regulations for softball for the OHSAA is Roxanna Price, but the rules determining ties and the end of game procedures are the same for both sports.

The rule for a tie falls under the End of Game (Suspended/Complete Game) Procedures on page 17 of the 2014 OHSAA Baseball Coaches Guide and page 25 of the 2014 Softball Manual for Coaches & Officials.

So do the rules for a suspended game, complete game and a no contest. They're rules that will likely be used a lot this spring due to the weather. Like all other sports, the rules followed by baseball and softball are the ones set forth by the National Federation of High Schools.

Consequences for not following the rules range from a fine to a suspension from the OHSAA Tournament. 

With the possibility of every spring season being full of rain, the following procedures laid out by the NFHS and OHSAA should help cut down on some of the confusion that often exists.

To start off let's just keep it simple:

• Most games end at in the seventh inning with one team leading another. Example: State title game last year: Archbishop Moeller beats St. Ignatius, 7-1.
• The game can also be won in extra innings. Example: In the Div. III state semifinal game last year, Wheelersburg eat Youngstown Ursuline 2-0 in eight innings.
• A game cannot be forfeited unless it has been started. If not, it's considered a "no contest."

So far, so simple. Now here comes the confusion:

• A game is  complete without the full seven innings if a team has a 10-run lead and the team that is behind has completed its at bats in the fifth inning or if the home team takes that 10-run lead in the fifth inning. Example: In last year's state quarterfinals, the game between St. Ignatius and Toledo St. Francis ended after five innings because Ignatius led 14-0.
• Both coaches and the  plate umpire (three people) can mutually agree to end a game early IF a team has a tremendous lead after 2 or 3 innings, or if both coaches just agree to end the game. Example: St. Ignatius defeated Gahanna Lincoln on Saturday, 8-1, through just 3 2/3 inning of work when both coaches and the umpire mutually agreed to first delay and then end the game after players slipped because of field conditions.
• • Another Example: Licking Heights defeated Harvest Prep last year 65-0 after just three innings. All three sides mutually agreed to end the game before the five innings.

So what happens if bad weather comes and a regular season game has been started, can you start it over?

No. According to the rules, if a game is interrupted or suspended and it cannot be resumed that day, the game is suspended IF the team behind in the score hasn't completed its at bats in the fifth inning.

Does this really happen?

"Yes," Snodgrass said. "All the time. The problem comes then that it has to be scheduled to be completed for another date. And that's hard for schools with their budgets to do.

"We don't allow doubleheaders during the weeks because we don't want kids out late, but say a school is playing a league game. We will allow them to finish a couple innings of one game before the start of another game against the same opponent without counting it as a double header, just to try and help out."

What other kind of wacky way have teams tried to bend the rules because of the weather?

Snodgrass said a couple of years ago a league made their own rule that all league games would be played to completion even if a game were suspended due to the weather.

"The national rules on this don't allow that," Snodgrass said." There are some unusual things here, but a game, if it's going five innings and the visiting team has scored runs to take the lead and the home team didn't retake the lead in the bottom of the inning, the game is over, if rain caused it to end."

Meaning that just because the weather was the reason a team wasn't allowed to play the one or two final innings to tie or take the lead, that doesn't mean the game can continued to be played at a later date if all three sides agree to suspend the game due to weather. It would be considered a complete game.

"Well, they violated National playing rules," Snodgrass said. "I didn't know this so I had to threaten them with what happens when we don't follow NFHS playing rules, we lose our seat at the table and we're not willing to do that."

That seat at the table Snodgrass is talking about is the one that allows the OHSAA to bring new rules and revisions to the table.

"It caused a little bit of an issue because that particular league or conference," Snodgrass said. 

He told them they'd either have to change or the OHSAA would have to turn themselves in and voluntarily remove themselves from NFHS voting table, which would cause backlash across all sports.

"They changed and adopted it," Snodgrass said. "Sometimes people don't like it but that's just the way it is."

Are there that many fines?

"Not that often really," Snodgrass said.

That's because it doesn't happen as much as some people might think.

"When it gets unusual is when a game goes down as being suspended," Snodgrass said. "Let's say after four innings or five or six and it's tied, the difficulty becomes finishing that game, because now all of a sudden, somebody has to make another trip to finish the game. In some cases, especially if it's a league game, you have to make another trip for what, one or two innings.

"We say that a suspended game that is not finished does not go down as a win or a loss or a tie, it goes down as no game. So then you get into what you do with statistics. I don't think you count them."

Again, this is where that possibility of that "not-a-doubleheader-but-a-couple-innings-before-the next-game-against-the-same-opponent" plays out.

Here are all of the rules for the End of Game Procedures, including examples for a complete or suspended game for baseball:

And softball:

So if you take nothing else away from all of this, what's the most important part of these procedures according to Snodgrass ?

"That we don't permit ties," he said.

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below. 

Will Justin Masterson and the Indians discuss his contract during the season? Will the Browns draft two quarterbacks in upcoming draft? Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Will Justin Masterson and the Indians discuss his contract during the season? Will the Browns draft two quarterbacks in upcoming draft?

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com’s Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Dion Waiters and his progress this season.

• Who will win the most games in the starting rotation?

• Imagining a Heat-Cavs playoff series.

• What will the Browns do at No. 4?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

On Cavs Insider, cleveland.com's Chris Fedor is joined by The Plain Dealer's Jodie Valade to talk about Kyrie Irving returning from injury and what the Cavs have to do to make the playoffs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Are the Cavs better without Kyrie Irving? How many games do the Cavs have to win to get into the playoffs? Who goes to the bench when Irving returns?

We want to know your favorite moments. Is it a certain game? Was it being able to share a game with a friend or family member?

The 2014 season will mark 20 years of baseball at Progressive Field (was always known as Jacobs Field).