[troutman]

Countdown to Opening Day: 5 days, 2 hours

14 things to watch for in 2014, a season of change for baseball

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb...lig/?eref=sihp

1. What team has the best chance to win 100 games?
The Los Angeles Dodgers. Let's remember how difficult it is to win 100 games these days. The Dodgers haven't done it in 40 years. Only three teams have done it in the past eight years. And if nobody gets there this year, it will be the first time in the 53-year history of the 162-game schedule that we see three consecutive full seasons without a 100-win team. (You can thank Bud.)

Los Angeles, a team that ripped off a 42-8 streak last summer, has the best shot at 100 because of a deep bullpen and, when the Dodgers are at full health, the most top-tier talent.

8. Who are the 2013 Pirates of 2014?
It's happened every season but one in the wild card era (1995-2013): at least one team makes the playoffs the year after a losing record. Actually, in just the past two years seven teams have done it, including three -- the Pirates, Red Sox and Indians -- last year. In order, here are the losing teams from last year that have the best chance to be playing in October this year: 1. Giants. 2. Angels. 3. Padres. 4. Mariners. 5. Brewers.