Scott Kazmir's comeback took him all the way to the Sugar Land Skeeters, but now that he's back, he might be better than ever. ...more

Before the season, CBSSports.com said the Tigers and Nationals would meet in the World Series. Now 3 to Watch tells you they meet this week. ...more

Justin Verlander is as talented as any pitcher in the game. He's also as driven as any pitcher in the game. As one of his ex-teammates said when Verlander's contract negotiations were just getting going, "He wants a statue [at Comerica Park]." On Friday, Verlander signed a huge contract that will keep him with the Tigers at least through 2019. Someday, he'll get his statue. ...more

The top of the lineup looks great, and so does the top of the rotation. But the back of the bullpen could be a problem. ...more

Hanley Ramirez's thumb injury could have happened just as easily in a spring training game, but you can bet some will blame it on the World Baseball Classic. For all the talk about star players shunning the WBC, the bigger problem the tournament faces is that many major-league teams quietly encourage players not to participate. ...more

The Reds faced a difficult decision with Aroldis Chapman, but returning him to the bullpen was always going to be the safe way to go. And now it appears the Reds will indeed begin 2013 with Chapman as their closer. ...more

Team USA was able to assemble an All-Star lineup. But all the top American-born starting pitchers turned down the chance to pitch in the World Baseball Classic. Not surprisingly, it was a bad outing by a starter (R.A. Dickey giving up four runs) that cost the Americans in their opening 5-2 loss to Mexico. ...more

Jered Weaver was fine with pitching against Team Italy in an exhibition game Wednesday, and he looked good and felt great. So why couldn't he have faced Italy Saturday night for Team USA? Weaver was one of many big-name starters to turn down the tournament, and he had his reasons. ...more

R.A. Dickey will be the starting pitcher Friday night, when Team USA opens the World Baseball Classic with a game against Mexico. Team USA manager Joe Torre has yet to announce the rest of his pitching plans, but suggested that Derek Holland will start Sunday against Canada. ...more

Two more players dropped out of the World Baseball Classic on Monday, but Adam Jones said he's committed to the tournament. ...more