The Latest Breaking News from Astros

Normally, opening day in Major League Baseball serves as the pinnacle for optimism, even if such positivity is unwarranted. But when your team just snapped a 21-year playoff drought and compounded that euphoria with a historic comeback playoff victory, the buzz begins much sooner.

We asked three of our writers which deal they thought was the best of this winter’s free agency.

Some scattered thoughts on the Red Sox as the truck pulls into JetBlue Park in Fort Myers…

Teoscar Hernandez said that as the playoff pairings were being determined down the stretch of the MLB season last year, he heard talk among his team — the Blue Jays at the time — that they preferred to face the Mariners.

For outsiders like us – yes, even those who cover the sport – it can be difficult to correctly discern the talent and impact of a certain member of a front office. Tons of factors, and many that we don’t see, go into those jobs.

The reigning champions announced a replacement after parting ways with former GM James Click.

Who could join him in Cooperstown next year?

New inductee Scott Rolen is one of four players who received Verducci’s vote.

Last month in San Diego, the Contemporary Era committee of the Baseball Hall of Fame met to consider candidates overlooked by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.