The Lansing Lugnuts have made a significant impact on Major League Baseball (MLB) since aligning with the Oakland Athletics in 2021, sending 16 players to the majors within a short span. Notably, Lawrence Butler stands out as the most successful Lugnuts alum, having achieved impressive stats including 22 home runs and 67 RBIs last season. The partnership has blossomed with players like Mason Miller, an American League All-Star, establishing himself as a reliable bullpen option with 28 saves last season. Tyler Soderstrom has also made his mark, showcasing his power early in the current season. Meanwhile, utility player Max Schuemann has proven to be versatile, contributing both offensively and defensively. Jacob Wilson, the 6th overall pick in the MLB draft, is already making an impact as the A’s starting shortstop.

The journey of women in sports broadcasting has seen significant milestones, with Alanna Rizzo, Jenny Cavnar, and Taylor McGregor leading the charge in Colorado. Rizzo, the first to cover the Rockies, transitioned from local reporting to national prominence with MLB Network, becoming a member of the first all-women broadcast team in 2021. Cavnar followed in her footsteps, now making history as the first female play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics.

As they reflect on their careers, they emphasize the hard work and dedication required in a field that remains challenging for women. Their stories highlight the importance of mentorship and support within a competitive environment, showcasing the impact they have on future generations of female broadcasters.

Clay Holmes is set to make an unexpected start for the New York Mets on Opening Day, a remarkable transition from his previous role as a closer for the Yankees. His impressive spring training performance, highlighted by a 0.93 ERA over five Grapefruit League starts, has made him the focal point of the Mets' rotation plans. Holmes effectively utilized a revamped pitch mix, reintroducing the changeup and adding a cutter to his arsenal, enhancing his ability to get through the batting lineup multiple times.

The Mets are also facing crucial roster decisions as spring training concludes, particularly regarding their bullpen. Max Kranick and Dedniel Nuñez are competing for the final spot, with Kranick, experiencing a breakout spring, favored due to his health status and pitch readiness. Meanwhile, Brett Baty solidified his case for a roster spot with strong offensive and defensive performances, although the team is cautious about rushing him into the lineup with Jeff McNeil's lingering injury.

Yahoo drafts are heating up as fantasy baseball enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season. Understanding Average Draft Position (ADP) is crucial to maximize value during drafts, especially on Yahoo, which has distinct ADP trends compared to platforms like NFBC and Fantrax. Notable draft targets include Will Smith and Shea Langeliers at catcher, with Smith being a steady option for home runs and RBIs, while Langeliers shows breakout potential despite a low batting average.

At first base, Michael Toglia stands out after hitting 25 homers last season and providing unexpected speed. For second base, Luis Garcia Jr. is a rising star with a strong average and power, while Andres Gimenez offers solid defense and speed. Third base options include Luis Rengifo, known for his versatility and stolen bases, and Maikel Garcia, who is also a strong late-round pick. Shortstop target Oneil Cruz possesses the potential to produce big numbers if he can reduce his strikeouts. In the outfield, Lawrence Butler and Taylor Ward present appealing options with multi-category upside.

Pitching targets feature Garrett Crochet, who has excelled in strikeout rates, and Bailey Ober, who provides elite control. Hunter Greene could be a value pick with his potential upside, while Ryan Pepiot is ideal for late-round rotation depth. This season's draft strategies emphasize awareness of platform-specific ADP variations, with Yahoo drafters needing to be cautious of overpaying for popular players.

The Tampa Bay Rays have abandoned their plans to construct a new ballpark, with the decision stemming from the impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics secured a long-term deal with right fielder Lawrence Butler, extending his contract for seven years at $65.5 million. All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. revealed during an interview that he requested an extension worth less than $600 million from the Toronto Blue Jays. Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies is open to returning to the outfield if the team brings in another slugger for first base. Los Angeles Dodgers' Roki Sasaki impressed with his 99-mph fastballs during spring training, leaving Cincinnati Reds batters struggling. The New York Mets made a strategic trade with the Chicago Cubs, acquiring outfielder Alexander Canario to bolster their injury-ridden roster. Additionally, New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea is facing an oblique strain, likely sidelining him at the start of the season. Houston Astros' Jose Altuve is also transitioning to the outfield, showcasing his leadership. In an interesting policy shift, the New York Yankees have lifted their ban on well-groomed beards, breaking away from a long-cherished tradition.