48.8%

Miguel Cabrera, 3B

Cabrera continued his march up the list of the Majors' all-time greats in 2013, becoming the first right-handed hitter since Rogers Hornsby to win three straight batting titles. He also completed the season as baseball's leader in all three triple-slash stats (AVG/OBP/SLG) and runner-up in homers, RBIs and total bases (353).

Mike Trout, OF

Trout continued his quest to rewrite baseball's record books, becoming just the second man to finish two different seasons with at least a .320 average, 25 homers and 30 stolen bases. He was also just the third player since 1900 to complete a campaign with 30 steals, 190 hits and 100 walks.

Andrew McCutchen, OF

The first Pirates position player to make three straight All-Star teams since Bobby Bonilla began a streak in 1988 and the first with three consecutive 20-homer, 20-steal seasons in nearly as long, McCutchen spent 2013 as a force in all facets of the game.

Matt Carpenter, 2B

Carpenter was the straw that stirred the Cardinals' drink in 2013, as he led the Majors in runs and doubles (55), and tied for the top spot with 199 hits. Defensively, he helped complete more double plays than any other National League second baseman.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP

Kershaw was incredible once again in 2013, becoming the first big leaguer to win back-to-back-to-back ERA titles since Greg Maddux from 1993-95. The southpaw also posted baseball's lowest WHIP and the Senior Circuit's highest strikeout total.

Chris Davis, 1B

Davis crushed many baseballs in 2013, taking two-thirds of the American League's Triple Crown by leading MLB in round-trippers and RBIs. The O's first baseman also became the third player in history to record a 40-double, 50-homer campaign and finished in a second-place tie for runs scored by Junior Circuit batters.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B

Goldschmidt was a deserving first-time All-Star in 2013, topping the National League in slugging percentage (.551), OPS and RBIs, as well as tying for the lead in homers. He also made his round-trippers count, as 22 knotted the score or gave the D-backs a lead.

61.6%

Miguel Cabrera, 3B

Cabrera came close to clinching his second straight American League Triple Crown in 2013, completing the campaign with his third consecutive batting title. Among all big leaguers, he ranked first in average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage and finished second in long balls, RBIs and total bases (353).

Chris Davis, 1B

Davis led the Majors in homers during 2013, setting a new franchise record along the way. He also paced all of baseball in RBIs and ranked among the leaders in slugging percentage (.634, second), runs scored (T-4), as well as doubles (42, T-7).

Mike Trout, OF

Trout was a force in virtually every offensive facet during his sophomore campaign, leading the American League in runs scored and walks. He also ranked among baseball's best in many significant statistical categories and broke Rickey Henderson's Major League mark for most times on base safely during an age-21 season (309).

Matt Carpenter, 2B

Carpenter was a mainstay on the Majors' statistical leaderboard in 2013, pacing the game in runs and doubles (55) and tying for the top spot with 199 hits. He also ranked among the elite in a myriad of other categories ranging from average (ninth) to extra-base hits (73, sixth).

David Ortiz, DH

Ortiz showed no signs of slowing down in 2013, tying Ted Williams' franchise record with his seventh season with at least 30 homers and 100 RBIs. Additionally, Big Papi ranked among baseball's best in several important rate stats -- including an OPS that was the game's fourth-highest mark -- and counting categories.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B

Goldschmidt completed 2013 alone or tied atop the National League leaderboard in two of the three Triple Crown categories -- RBIs and home runs, respectively. He also paced the Senior Circuit with 75 extra-base hits and ranked first among all first basemen with 15 steals.

Robinson Cano, 2B

Cano was incredible in 2013, tying Lou Gehrig's franchise record with at least 40 doubles in seven different seasons. He also posted his third 25-homer, 100-RBI campaign, a threshold reached more times by only two second basemen in history: Jeff Kent and Rogers Hornsby.

Andrew McCutchen, OF

Just one of three Major Leaguers to finish 2013 with at least 20 homers and 25 steals, McCutchen was as responsible as any man for the Pirates' long-awaited return to the postseason. The outfielder excelled across the board with a bat in hand, ranking among the Senior Circuit's best in most major statistical categories.

Michael Cuddyer, OF

Cuddyer had a career year in 2013, winning the National League batting title by 10 points and compiling a 27-game hitting streak. Additionally, the season marked the veteran outfielder's fifth with at least 30 doubles and his third with at least 20 homers and 80 RBIs.

Adrian Beltre, 3B

Beltre had a brilliant 2013 season at the plate, leading the American League with 199 hits and ranking among the Junior Circuit's best in an array of categories -- including average (fourth), total bases (fifth, 321), slugging percentage (eighth, .509) and home runs (T-8).

Edwin Encarnacion, 1B

Encarnacion was excellent during a 2013 season cut short by a wrist injury, becoming the fourth player in team history to tally multiple campaigns with at least 35 home runs and 100 RBIs.

Joey Votto, 1B

The National League's leader in on-base percentage for the fourth straight season, Votto got aboard early and often in 2013 -- a franchise-record 316 times, to be exact. He also scored more than 100 runs for the third time in his career and notched his sixth straight 30-double season for good measure.

Adam Jones, OF

Jones set a career high and ranked sixth in the American League in homers during a 2013 campaign that also saw him finish among the Junior Circuit's best in RBIs (third), runs scored (fourth) and hits (eighth, 186).

30.6%

Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw completed 2013 with baseball's lowest single-season ERA since 2000 and the National League's best mark since 1995. Additionally, the left-hander paced the Senior Circuit in strikeouts and ranked among the leaders in opponents' average (.195) and wins.

Yu Darvish

A claim can be made that Darvish was baseball's most unhittable starter of the 2013 season, as the right-hander led the Majors by a wide margin in strikeouts. He also paced the American League in opponents' average (.194) and broke Nolan Ryan's single-season franchise record with an 11.89 K/9 rate.

Max Scherzer

The American League's All-Star Game starter in 2013, Scherzer finished the season as baseball's wins leader, the second-place finisher in strikeouts and among the best in a handful of other critical categories.

Adam Wainwright

Wainwright led baseball with 241 2/3 innings pitched, finished second in strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.26) and accomplished a great deal as a result. He tied for the National League lead in victories, finished third in the Senior Circuit in K's and completed the campaign with his third career sub-3.00 ERA.

Matt Harvey

Harvey captivated the game during a 2013 season cut short by injury, posting baseball's third-lowest ERA and its second-best WHIP with help from the Majors' hardest average four-seam fastball (95.7 mph, min: 1,100 thrown), slider (89.7, min: 110 thrown) and curveball (83.4, min: 350 thrown).

Madison Bumgarner

Bumgarner was terrific in 2013, posting the National League's fifth-lowest ERA and WHIP and making a big league-best 19 straight starts with three earned runs or fewer allowed from June 8 through season's end.

Jose Fernandez

Rookie or not, Fernandez was one of baseball's best pitchers in 2013, dominating the game to the tune of a big league-low .182 opponents' average and ranking second, fourth and fifth in ERA, WHIP and strikeout rate (9.75 K/9), respectively.

Bartolo Colon

Colon was incredible during the 2013 campaign, posting a career-low ERA that ranked second in the American League. Additionally, the right-hander wrapped up the year as the eighth pitcher since 1900 with at least 18 wins in his age-40 season or older.

Cliff Lee

Lee was largely lights-out once again in 2013, leading all Major League qualifiers with a 6.94 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also finished among baseball's best in innings pitched (222 2/3, fifth), WHIP (sixth) and ERA (10th).

Hisashi Iwakuma

Iwakuma dominated big league batters during his sophomore season, finishing 2013 a hair away from an American League ERA crown and completing the campaign with the lowest single-season WHIP in franchise history.

Jordan Zimmermann

Zimmermann finished 2013 as the second straight Nationals pitcher to pace the National League in wins, tying for the top spot on the Senior Circuit leaderboard. He also sat near the top in complete games (four, second), innings pitched (213 1/3, sixth) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.03, seventh).

Anibal Sanchez

Sanchez completed his first full season with Detroit in successful fashion, establishing a career best in wins and WHIP. He also matched a personal best in strikeouts and led all American League hurlers in ERA.

Jose Fernandez, SP

Fernandez's 2013 stats were sensational to say the least, as the hard-throwing phenom finished his initial big league campaign with the fifth-lowest ERA by any rookie since 1915 and the lowest WHIP by any first-year hurler since 1967.

Yasiel Puig, OF

Puig took the sport by storm in June, winning National League Player of the Month honors right out of the gate. He completed his inaugural campaign among the Senior Circuit's leaders in many significant stats from the time of his arrival through the season's end.

Shelby Miller, SP

Miller had a magnificent season in 2013, finishing 10th in the National League in ERA while ranking first and third among Major League rookies in wins and strikeouts, respectively.

Wil Myers, OF

Myers mashed after being called up from the Minors in June, becoming the first player to lead American League rookies in RBIs in fewer than 90 games since Detroit's Hoot Evers did so in 1946. He also paced the Junior Circuit's first-year players in doubles (23), extra-base hits (36) and OPS (min: 300 at-bats).

Evan Gattis, C/OF

A versatile defender who primarily played behind the plate and in the outfield, Gattis completed 2013 as the Majors' rookie leader in RBIs and game-winning RBIs (11), while also ranking second in home runs -- despite making just 91 starts during the season.

Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP

Ryu succeeded during his first season in the big leagues, leading all rookies with 192 frames thrown and ranking second in ERA, tied for second in wins and fourth in strikeouts.

Jose Iglesias, SS

Iglesias helped the Red Sox and Tigers reach the playoffs with his dazzling defense and work with the bat. He finished the season second among American League rookies with 106 base knocks and sixth in runs scored (39), while pacing the entire Junior Circuit with 35 infield hits.

Gerrit Cole, SP

Called up in June, Cole opened his career with a franchise-record 10 straight starts of at least five innings and no more than three earned runs allowed. He finished 2013 sixth among National League rookies (min: 100 innings) in ERA and wins, and seventh in frames thrown (117 1/3) and strikeouts.

Julio Teheran, SP

Teheran was terrific for the Braves in 2013, posting the fourth-lowest ERA among all rookie hurlers and ranking as one of baseball's best with a 3.78 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Chris Archer, SP

Archer excelled after being promoted in June, leading American League first-year players (min: 100 innings) in ERA -- including a 0.73 mark in July, the lowest ever by a rookie during that month -- opponents' average (.226), shutouts (two) and WHIP.

31.2%

Craig Kimbrel

Kimbrel was universally regarded as an elite ninth-inning man entering 2013 and did nothing to damage that reputation, tying for the big league lead in saves, pacing the National League in ERA and finishing among baseball's reliever leaders in a number of other categories.

Koji Uehara

Uehara was virtually unhittable during a year that saw him assume the closer's role in late June, recording the lowest single-season WHIP in history among hurlers with at least 50 frames thrown. Additionally, the right-hander became the first pitcher ever to fan at least 100 batters with fewer than 10 walks allowed.

Greg Holland

Holland had a remarkable run in 2013, tying for the Majors' second-lowest ERA among hurlers with at least 60 innings pitched and recording the highest strikeout total for any American League reliever since 2006.

Mariano Rivera

The greatest closer of all time retired from the game on top, tallying more than 40 saves during his age-43 season and wrapping up an illustrious career with the lowest lifetime ERA among hurlers with at least 1,000 innings pitched since 1920 (2.209).

Aroldis Chapman

Chapman was electrifying again in 2013, completing his second straight All-Star season with the game's top strikeout rate among hurlers with at least 10 innings pitched (15.83 K/9). The Cuban left-hander collected a solid saves total along the way, including a perfect 20-for-20 with a miniscule 0.66 ERA in his hitter-friendly home park.

Joe Nathan

Nathan posted another stellar season in 2013 -- arguably one of his best ever -- becoming just the 13th pitcher in history with more than 40 saves and a sub-1.50 ERA in the same year.

Kenley Jansen

Jansen completed 2013 with a career-high saves total and ranked among the National League relief leaders in WHIP (second), strikeouts (second), ERA (sixth) and opponents' average (.177, seventh). The flamethrower was especially lights-out in the second half, retiring 27 straight batters across one span during the summer.

Glen Perkins

Perkins was a solid closer for the Twins in 2013, recording more saves than any Twins stopper since 2009. He also ranked among the American League's top left-handed relievers in WHIP, ERA and opponents' average (.196).

29.9%

Mark Melancon

Melancon was a stellar setup man for much of 2013, completing the campaign with the lowest ERA in team history among hurlers with at least 50 innings pitched exclusively in relief. The righty also stepped up when called upon to close after regular ninth-inning man Jason Grilli was injured.

Trevor Rosenthal

Rosenthal spent most of 2013 as a lights-out setup man, fanning more batters than any big league reliever outside of closers Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen. He effectively assumed St. Louis' ninth-inning responsibilities toward the end of the season, as well, closing for the club during late September and throughout October.

Tyler Clippard

Clippard completed the 2013 campaign as the National League reliever leader in holds and opponents' average (.152) while picking up six wins and finishing a fifth straight season with more strikeouts than innings pitched.

David Robertson

Robertson continued to act as a strong setup man behind Mariano Rivera, becoming the first pitcher in history to record a strikeout rate greater than 10.0/9 in each of his first six big league seasons and ranking 10th among American League relievers in ERA.

Luis Avilan

Avilan completed the 2013 campaign with stellar rate stats that were buttressed by a streak of 35 straight appearances without an earned run allowed, the second-longest stretch of its kind across a single season in history.

Drew Smyly

Smyly was strong during his first full season in the big league bullpen, ranking high on the reliever leaderboard in strikeouts and innings pitched. The lefty was especially hard to hit in tough spots, allowing an anemic .136 average with runners in scoring position.

Craig Breslow

Breslow was brilliant in 2013, posting a personal-best ERA that ranked among the lowest by big league relievers. The southpaw was especially stellar down the stretch, going 2-0 with a 0.35 ERA from July 22 through season's end.

Rex Brothers

Brothers was brilliant out of the Rockies' bullpen in 2013. The left-hander acted as a shutdown setup man for much of the campaign and filled in as a strong stopper during stretches when Rafael Betancourt was sidelined by injury.

Paco Rodriguez

Rodriguez paced the Majors with 69 inherited runners and allowed only 14 to score (20.3 percent). Additionally, the southpaw completed 2013 among the top National League relievers in opponents' average (.164, third), WHIP (sixth) and appearances (76, third), while holding left-handed batters to a .131 clip.

Tanner Scheppers

Scheppers was a shutdown setup man for the Rangers during the 2013 campaign, finishing seventh among American League relievers in ERA and setting a single-season franchise record with 76 appearances by a right-hander.

Darren O'Day

O'Day was outstanding for the O's in 2013, winning five games and ranking as one of the top American League relievers in ERA, WHIP and strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.93).

25.9%

Yadier Molina, C

Molina excelled from behind the plate in 2013, leading all catchers with at least 110 starts in caught-stealing percentage while limiting his own errors (four) and passed balls (three).

Andrelton Simmons, SS

Simmons' season was filled with highlight-reel plays, as the slick-fielding shortstop led his position (min: 130 games started) with a 4.74 Range Factor and in assists.

Manny Machado, 3B

Machado marveled with stellar range and a strong arm during his first full season in the Majors, leading American League third basemen in assists and with a 3.02 Range Factor.

Dustin Pedroia, 2B

Pedroia played near-pristine defense in 2013, making just five fielding errors on the year. Additionally, he displayed the great range and footwork necessary to finish the campaign as just one of three second basemen with more than 100 double plays turned.

Jose Iglesias, SS

Iglesias broke onto the scene this season with some brilliant glove work for a pair of postseason teams, displaying exceptional range -- especially in the hole -- and a strong throwing arm.

Nolan Arenado, 3B

Arenado amazed many with his defense during his rookie 2013 campaign, leading baseball's third basemen with a 3.08 Range Factor and making many Must C plays along the way.

Carlos Gomez, OF

Gomez displayed a great glove in center field all season, pacing big league outfielders (min: 110 games started) with a 2.78 Range Factor while ranking among the leaders in assists.

Juan Lagares, OF

Lagares dazzled on defense during his rookie season, finishing second among National League outfielders with a 2.55 Range Factor and completing the campaign third in the game in outfield assists in just 97 starts.

Brandon Phillips, 2B

One of the Majors' most talented middle infielders, Phillips led National League second basemen (min: 130 starts in 2013) with a 4.68 Range Factor and made dazzling defensive plays on a regular basis.

Darwin Barney, 2B

No second baseman in 2013 posted a better fielding percentage than Barney, who continued to stake his claim as one of the game's most sure-handed infielders by making just four errors all season.

Gerardo Parra, OF

Parra patrolled Arizona's outfield in impressive fashion during 2013, leading right fielders in assists and displaying enough range to make 29 starts in center.

Troy Tulowitzki, SS

Tulowitzki was arguably as fantastic in the field as he was at the plate in 2013, finishing the year second among qualifying shortstops in fielding percentage and third with a 4.64 Range Factor.

Evan Longoria, 3B

The talented-hitting Longoria impressed with his glove in 2013, as well, finishing the season among the third-base leaders in many defensive statistical categories.

Shane Victorino, OF

Victorino made a successful transition from center field to right, leading his position with a 2.48 Range Factor and tallying a double-digit assists total along the way (nine in RF, one in CF).

42.1%

Chris Davis, 1B

A Breakout Hitter of the Year nominee after a solid 2012, Davis returns to the list following a 2013 campaign that saw him join Albert Belle and Babe Ruth as the only hitters in history with a 40-double, 50-homer season.

Matt Carpenter, 2B

After winning the Cardinals' second-base job in Spring Training, Carpenter made the most of his opportunity. During the regular season, he earned his first All-Star nod, broke Stan Musial's single-year franchise record for doubles by a left-handed batter (55) and finished at or near the top of baseball in a multitude of major statistical categories.

Josh Donaldson, 3B

Donaldson provided a glimpse of his talent toward the end of 2012 before watching it burst out during the 2013 campaign, which he completed among baseball's offensive leaders in many categories and with across-the-board career highs.

Chris Johnson, 3B

Acquired by Atlanta in the offseason as a small piece in the package that netted the Braves outfielder Justin Upton, Johnson opened 2013 as part of a third-base platoon. By the time the season ended, however, he had posted the National League's second-best batting average and a career-high .358 on-base percentage.

Daniel Nava, OF

In his first full big league campaign, Nava ended up eighth in the American League in average -- including a .322 clip vs. right-handers. He was also first in on-base percentage (.385), second in OPS, tied for fifth in runs scored and tied for ninth in RBIs among Major League switch-hitters.

Jason Kipnis, 2B

Kipnis rose in standing during a 2013 season that saw his batting average jump nearly 30 points from 2012, earning his first All-Star nod and becoming the first Indians second baseman since Joe Gordon in 1948 to lead the team outright in RBIs.

Domonic Brown, OF

A prototypical post-hype prospect, Brown broke out during an amazing May that saw him hit .303 with 12 homers, 25 RBIs and a .688 slugging percentage. He completed the 2013 campaign as the Phillies' leader and among the National League's best in long balls and runs batted in.

Jason Castro, C

An All-Star during a 2013 campaign that saw him play more than 100 big league games for the first time, Castro belted 35 doubles to set a franchise mark for catchers. He also ranked among baseball's best backstops in extra-base hits (54, T-3), runs scored (T-4) and home runs (T-7).

35.3%

Matt Harvey, SP

Harvey had long been known as one of baseball's best pitching prospects, but not even the most prescient prognosticator could have predicted that he would finish 2013 with the Majors' stingiest homer rate (0.35 HR/9), second-lowest WHIP and third-best ERA and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.16).

Koji Uehara, RP

Uehara opened 2013 as one of baseball's stronger setup men and completed the campaign as an elite closer, leading all relievers in ERA, WHIP and strikeout-to-walk ratio (11.22) and, at one point late in the summer, retiring a club-record 37 straight batters.

Hisashi Iwakuma, SP

Iwakuma saw his innings rise by almost 100 from his rookie campaign to his sophomore 2013 season, which he completed with a five-win boost, a near-AL-best ERA and a club-record WHIP.

Patrick Corbin, SP

Corbin broke out in a big way after earning a rotation spot in Spring Training, making his first All-Star team and ranking among the National League leaders with 23 quality starts, including 20 in which he allowed two or fewer earned runs.

Mike Minor, SP

Minor carried over his success from the second half of 2012, completing 2013 with an ERA nearly one run lower than his mark from the previous campaign and ranking among the National League leaders in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.93, eighth).

Chris Tillman, SP

Tillman completed his conversion from a potentially failed prospect to an American League All-Star, earning the first Midsummer Classic nod of his career during a 2013 campaign that saw him win as many games as he had during his first four years combined.

Andrew Cashner, SP

Cashner completed his first full season in the big league rotation as San Diego's leader and among the National League's best in many major statistical categories. The achievement was made possible by the right-hander's impressive post-All-Star break performance (2.14 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, .194 opponents' average).

Travis Wood, SP

Wood saw his stats improve across the board from 2012, making the National League All-Star team for the first time and ranking among baseball's best left-handed starters in opponents' average (.222, third), ERA (sixth) and WHIP (seventh).

51.1%

Francisco Liriano, SP

Following two straight seasons with an ERA north of 5.00, Liriano entered 2013 amid low expectations and with a fractured non-pitching arm. The southpaw defied all of his doubters, however, completing the campaign with a career high in wins and his lowest ERA since his rookie year in 2006.

Mariano Rivera, RP

Not only did Rivera dominate during the final year of his career, he did so with a reconstructed right knee that caused him to miss most of 2012. The 43-year-old closer was incredible throughout 2013, recording stellar rate stats and tying a Major League mark with his ninth season of at least 40 saves.

29.5%

John Farrell

In his debut season as Red Sox skipper, Farrell became just the second manager in franchise history to lead the club to at least a share of baseball's best record during his first year at the helm.

Clint Hurdle

Hurdle guided the Pirates to the playoffs for the first time since 1992, reaching baseball's October dance with 94 regular-season wins. In doing so, he increased his three-year victory total to 245, the most by a Pittsburgh manager through his first three full seasons since Chuck Tanner tallied 282 triumphs from 1977-79.

Terry Francona

Francona returned to the managerial ranks in 2013 and guided the Indians to the American League's fourth-best record and the Junior Circuit's top Wild Card seed. The Indians' 92 regular-season wins under Francona were 24 more than they had recorded in 2012, matching the largest victory improvement in franchise history.

Mike Matheny

Matheny completed 2013 with a share of baseball's best record and as the first Cardinals manager -- and eighth in Major League history -- to pilot his club to the postseason in each of his first two years at the helm.

Bob Melvin

Melvin, who has guided the A's to a share of baseball's best record across the past two campaigns (190-134), completed 2013 as the first Oakland skipper since Tony La Russa to clinch back-to-back American League West crowns.

Joe Maddon

Maddon continued his magic with the Rays, guiding the club to the postseason for the fourth time in six seasons -- out of the competitive American League East, no less -- and its fourth consecutive campaign with at least 90 wins.

Jim Leyland

The owner of 1,769 regular-season victories -- the 15th-most all time -- Leyland finished 2013 as just the third skipper in Tigers history to win at least 700 games with the club, joining Hall of Famers Sparky Anderson and Hughie Jennings.

Don Mattingly

Mattingly made his postseason debut as a skipper during a 2013 campaign that saw the Dodgers win the National League West by 11 games, the largest margin of victory among baseball's six division champions.

Fredi Gonzalez

Gonzalez continued to thrive from the managerial seat in 2013, earning his first division title. The skipper has won his fair share of games since joining the Braves prior to the 2011 campaign, piloting his club to the National League's best regular-season record (279-207, .574 winning percentage) during the past three years.

Dusty Baker

One of only three managers to lead the Reds to baseball's October dance multiple times, Baker guided his Cincinnati club to its second straight 90-win campaign in 2013. Baker's bunch reached the postseason out of arguably the game's toughest division, a National League Central that also saw two other teams make the playoffs.

36.3%

Ben Cherington

Cherington helped orchestrate one of the biggest turnarounds in recent Major League memory. He managed to shed a remarkable $264.7 million in salary commitments in a single swoop in 2012, before completing a slew of shrewd offseason moves for the likes of Stephen Drew, Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino and Koji Uehara.

Billy Beane

Beane assembled another successful squad, with a roster constructed largely by shrewd trades and strategic signings. The A's won a second straight American League West title in 2013, despite having one of baseball's lower payrolls.

John Mozeliak

The Cardinals have become the industry standard for drafting and developing big league contributors under Mozeliak. The 2013 club clinched the National League's best regular-season record with a roster comprised primarily of homegrown talent.

Neal Huntington

Huntington helped the Pirates break a 20-year postseason drought, overseeing the drafting and development of an impressive core. He supplemented that group with savvy free-agent signings of players such as starter Francisco Liriano and midseason moves for hitters like Justin Morneau and Marlon Byrd.

Dave Dombrowski

One of the most respected general managers in the game, Dombrowski constructed a 2013 club that became the first Tigers team to reach the postseason in three straight years since 1907-09.

Ned Colletti

Colletti converted his club from a non-contender into one of the National League's top teams, acquiring Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Hanley Ramirez in mega-deals last summer. He continued the overhaul in 2013, signing Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu in the offseason and acquiring Ricky Nolasco before the Trade Deadline.

Chris Antonetti

In 2013, the Indians reached the postseason for the first time in six years. Antonetti assembled a successful team through key trades and the offseason signings of marquee names (Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn) and under-the-radar players (Scott Kazmir and Ryan Raburn).

Andrew Friedman

The Rays have been perennial postseason contenders under Friedman. The executive's 2013 club was comprised primarily of homegrown talent and supplemented by the offseason signing of first baseman James Loney and winter trades for top prospect Wil Myers and solid shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Frank Wren

Wren went into last winter with the tough task of replacing franchise icon Chipper Jones. He managed to do so in impressive fashion through a trade that netted Atlanta slugging outfielder Justin Upton and the runner-up for the National League's batting title, third baseman Chris Johnson.

Walt Jocketty

Jocketty's Reds reached the postseason for the third time in four years in 2013, securing one of the National League Wild Card spots on the strength of a roster assembled around the team's own draftees and augmented by the offseason trade for on-base machine Shin-Soo Choo.

62.7%

David Ortiz

Ortiz recorded an October for the ages, leading all postseason performers in homers and ranking second in RBIs and batting average (min: 35 plate appearances). He shined the brightest while on the biggest stage, reaching base more times than not -- and often with authority -- en route to winning World Series MVP honors.

Jon Lester

Lester was lights-out during the 2013 postseason, ascending up the list of the Red Sox's all-time October mound greats with each stellar start. The left-hander's six career playoff victories are tied for the most in franchise history, while his 2.11 ERA and 1.04 WHIP rank among the organization's best.

Carlos Beltran

Beltran polished his reputation as one of the premier postseason performers of all time, leading all players in RBIs behind a triple-slash line of .750/.800/1.083 with runners in scoring position.

Koji Uehara

Uehara carried his 2013 dominance into October, during which he excelled under baseball's brightest lights and against its best competition. The Red Sox closer completed the postseason with almost twice as many saves as any other stopper and with a new title: American League Championship Series MVP.

John Lackey

By winning the World Series clincher, Lackey became the first hurler in history to start and prevail in Fall Classic finales for two different franchises, doing so for the 2002 Angels, as well. Overall, the right-hander impressed during three of his four postseason starts and tossed a clutch inning of relief in a must-win World Series Game 4.

Justin Verlander

Verlander overpowered hitters during all of his postseason starts in 2013, allowing no more than one run and striking out at least 10 men each time out. In doing so, he became just the second hurler in history to meet both of the aforementioned criteria in three straight playoff games.

Michael Wacha

Wacha impressed during most of the postseason despite his paucity of experience on baseball's biggest stage. The 22-year-old took home National League Championship Series MVP honors and completed October with stellar overall stats.

Matt Holliday

Holliday had a solid October showing, finishing the postseason as just one of two players with double-digit runs and RBI totals.

Jacoby Ellsbury

Ellsbury was an effective catalyst throughout October for the World Series-winning Red Sox, reaching base over 40 percent of the time and leading all postseason performers in runs scored and stolen bases.

Trevor Rosenthal

Rosenthal was practically perfect in October, saving four games and tossing scoreless ball throughout. In doing so, he became just the second hurler in the 2000s to complete a postseason with at least 11 innings pitched and no runs allowed.

Shane Victorino

Victorino was at his best during two of Boston's biggest postseason spots, belting go-ahead extra-base hits in the team's League Championship Series and Fall Classic clinchers. Overall, the outfielder recorded more RBIs than all but two playoff performers.

Max Scherzer

Scherzer was so unhittable in October, he finished the month as baseball's co-leader in strikeouts. The right-hander accomplished this, of course, without pitching in either the World Series or Wild Card round. To put this in perspective, Scherzer's 13.70 K/9 rate was the highest by any hurler in playoff history (min: 13 IP in a single year).

Carl Crawford

Crawford had an incredible postseason, hitting over .300 and belting more long balls than anyone but David Ortiz and Matt Holliday. The leadoff man was especially powerful in the Dodgers' Division Series clincher, belting two long balls in the 4-3 victory.

Tommy Lasorda

One of the best managers and ambassadors in baseball history, Lasorda won two World Series titles and four pennants during his Hall of Fame career. The legendary skipper -- who has remained in the game since retiring from the big league field of play -- also guided the United States Olympic team to its only Gold Medal in 2000.

Jim Leyland

With 1,769 wins, three pennants and a World Series title on his illustrious resume, Leyland retired following the 2013 season. In doing so, the accomplished skipper stepped away from a sport he knew so well, walking away with a mountain of memories and a plethora of plaudits from many of the players he guided across his 22-year career.

Jack Morris

Morris will be remembered for composing one of MLB history's most iconic classics -- a 10-inning, 1-0 triumph in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. His career, however, was far from a one-hit wonder. Morris retired with 254 regular-season wins, a trio of Fall Classic Game 1 starts -- for three different teams -- and a permanent place in the hearts of many.

Mariano Rivera

An indomitable closer for most of his career, Rivera retired with a record 652 regular-season saves and the best regular-season ERA among men with at least 1,000 innings since 1920 (2.209). Equally excellent off the field, the five-time World Series champion played his last year amid a hail of praise from those who feared and revered him.

11.1%

Machado's throw from afar

Manny Machado made a sensational play after initially bobbling the ball, recovering deep in foul ground and firing an off-balance throw to retire the batter-runner across the diamond.

Gomez's game-ending homer robbery

Carlos Gomez's game-saving, night-ending grab of a ball over the wall was so unbelievable, the play's victim -- Reds first baseman Joey Votto -- pressed for proof as the Brewers rushed the field in celebratory fashion.

Clutch catch preserves no-hitter

A sinking line drive to right field appeared ticketed to end Tim Lincecum's bid at a no-hitter with just four outs to go, but a shoestring catch by Hunter Pence kept the gem intact and became a sensational subplot for one of the best starts of the 2013 season.

Simmons' dazzling double play

Andrelton Simmons had started toward third base in anticipation of a Craig Stammen bunt. But when the pitcher pulled back and peppered the ball up the middle, the shortstop glided to the grounder, tagged second and made an off-balance throw to first to turn two in the 14th frame.

Knee-jerk gem

Brandon Phillips helped the Reds hold on to a one-run lead when he barehanded a ground ball up the middle with his right hand, tagged second base with his left knee and threw to first for an incredible inning-ending double play.

A catch to revere

In defiance of the laws of gravity, Ben Revere flew through the air to make one of the most remarkable catches of the season before firing to first base for the improbable double play.

No way, Jose

Jose Iglesias turned a near-guaranteed infield single into one of the most sensational outs of the season, charging a grounder, scooping the baseball with his bare hand and firing to first in one motion.

Puig's powerful throw

In an outfield assist seen 'round the baseball world, Dodgers phenom Yasiel Puig threw out Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons on a first-to-third baserunning attempt gone awry.

Donaldson's dazzling dive

Josh Donaldson impressed the O.co Coliseum crowd with a dazzling dive, disappearing between the crevice created by the tarp and wall before popping up and displaying the ball.

Behind the back for two

In a circus-like act that defied all baseball fundamentals, shortstop Yunel Escobar fielded a grounder with his outreached glove and whipped the ball behind his back and directly into the bare hand of second baseman Ben Zobrist, who completed a dazzling double play.

Terrific triple play

After the Orioles brought the potential tying run to the plate in the eighth inning, the Yankees escaped trouble by turning the Majors' only triple play of the 2013 season.

Gregorius' awesome outfield grab

In a game the D-backs ultimately won in extra innings, Didi Gregorius dazzled those in attendance by sprinting into center field with his back to home plate before going into a feet-first slide to complete a stellar catch.

Over the wall

J.B. Shuck marveled many when he robbed Jose Bautista of a would-be long ball, perfectly timing his jump for an incredible catch that ended with the outfielder falling into the first row of seats.

Kipnis' incredible move

The Indians topped the Tigers with some ninth-inning flair, as second baseman Jason Kipnis completed a behind-the-back, game-saving flip for a fancy fielder's choice.

Smart play saves no-no

Homer Bailey's no-hitter was nearly thwarted when the hurler was late covering first base on a soft seventh-inning grounder, but a heady play by Joey Votto -- who snapped the ball across the diamond to retire the lead runner -- kept the historic performance intact.

Gentry's grab saves day

Closer Joe Nathan may have technically tallied the save, but most of the credit after the contest was given to Craig Gentry, whose game-ending dive prevented the Rangers from relinquishing a four-run lead.

Carpenter's incredible stop

Matt Carpenter, who entered 2013 amid uncertainty about his ability to handle second base on a regular basis, finished the season with arguably the Cardinals' most dazzling defensive stop. On the play, he intercepted a ball ticketed for the outfield before mustering a throw without the benefit of body momentum.

Venable's game-saving dive

Will Venable's diving catch -- with his back to the infield, no less -- prevented a Giants walk-off win in the 12th inning and set up San Diego to pull out the victory in the following frame.

Arenado's amazing play

Nolan Arenado made an awesome play on a sharply hit ball that had already screamed past him, leaping to grab the pearly white before falling to the ground and throwing to first from the seat of his pants.

Fantastic final out

A double to left field appeared ticketed to tie the Royals-Tigers contest with two outs in the ninth, but a pair of perfect throws and one terrific tag turned a would-be 1-all score into a successful game-ending play at the plate for a Kansas City club still in postseason contention.

Sanchez's somersault snag

Tony Sanchez took a head-over-cleats tumble into the visiting dugout to turn a popup in foul ground into one of the season's most incredible grabs by a catcher.

Lagares' great save

Juan Lagares made many tough plays look routine in 2013, but the center fielder's superlative grab of the season was secured after a stellar second effort on a sinking line drive that initially popped out of his glove and into the air.

Rizzo beats roll for great grab

In a display of athleticism and focus, Anthony Rizzo dove over a tarp to snare a popup, holding on to the ball despite falling between the brick wall and the roll.

Walking back the walk-off homer

Robbie Grossman made a leaping catch at the wall in the 10th inning to rob Oakland's Chris Young of a walk-off homer, setting up the Astros to win the game in the following frame.

Lawrie's long jump-throw

Brett Lawrie ranged far to his right to stop a would-be extra-base hit, taking several big steps into foul ground before making a sensational jump-throw across the diamond for the out.

Span's game-ending gem

With Washington holding the slimmest of margins and trying to quell a Giants ninth-inning-rally attempt, Denard Span made a great game-ending grab after sprinting into the left-center-field gap and sprawling out to prevent San Francisco from tying the score or taking the lead.

Hicks selfish with homers

Aaron Hicks belted two long balls against the White Sox and took one away, as well, leaping at the wall to deny Adam Dunn of what appeared to be a game-tying homer in the sixth inning.

Beckham beats wind for great grab

The wind was no match for Gordon Beckham, who backpedaled into the shallow outfield before falling to the ground, his body upside down but the baseball firmly secured.

Ackley's awesome catch

Recently shifted to center field from second base, Dustin Ackley helped secure the first big league win for touted pitching prospect Taijuan Walker with a long sprint and sliding catch near the outfield wall in Houston.

Middlebrooks' sliding snag

Will Middlebrooks sprinted toward the third-base seats to make a sliding catch on a foul popup, securing the ball while colliding with catcher David Ross.

Hech of a play

During the sixth inning of an eventual Marlins win, Adeiny Hechavarria jumped into the air to snare a line drive during a tie game, falling to the ground before receiving a congratulatory applause from the opposing fans at Citizens Bank Park.

32.3%

Emotional day at Fenway

Five days after the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon, the Red Sox held a touching pregame ceremony in which first responders, victims and others were honored. The game was won in the eighth inning, when outfielder Daniel Nava hit a go-ahead home run that acted as a respite for a city that had just begun to heal.

An All-Star evening

As the last days of an illustrious career dwindled to the final few, Mariano Rivera added another accolade to all the others when he was named Most Valuable Player of the 2013 All-Star Game. The closer extraordinaire was given the honor after pitching a flawless eighth inning in the American League's 3-0 win over the National League at Citi Field.

Helton's home finale

A pillar in the Rockies family for the entirety of his 17-year big league career, Todd Helton retired from baseball following the 2013 campaign. The five-time All-Star's final home game was particularly memorable, as the slugger belted a long ball that sent the hometown faithful into a frenzy.

Major Puig debut

Yasiel Puig seized the baseball world's attention during his big league debut in June, employing his powerful throwing arm to convert an incredible game-ending double play from right field after tallying two hits as Los Angeles' leadoff hitter.

Ichiro 4,000

Ichiro Suzuki joined a select group of professional batsmen after connecting for his 4,000th hit between Japan's top professional league and the Majors. The total includes 1,278 base knocks collected in Nippon Professional Baseball from 1992-2000, as well as 2,722 in the Majors with the Mariners and Yankees, starting in 2001.

Ibanez ties Ted Williams

Raul Ibanez put a cap on a strong 2013 season with Seattle when he tied Ted Williams' record for the most home runs by a player age 40 or older. The veteran did so with his 29th long ball of the year -- and the 300th of his career.

Harper's Opening Day heroics

Bryce Harper did not take long to justify his Rookie of the Year Award from 2012, tallying two homers during his first two trips to the plate in 2013. In doing so, the 20-year-old became the youngest player in history to belt two long balls during an Opening Day game.

Designated hit king

David Ortiz is best known as one of a generation's supreme sluggers, but the veteran has long been capable of collecting base knocks of all varieties. With a double against the Mariners in July, Big Papi passed Harold Baines for the most career hits as a designated hitter: 1,689.

37.8%

Pirates return to postseason

The Pirates were baseball's premier Cinderella story in 2013, breaking an ignominious skid of 20 losing seasons to win 94 regular-season games and coming one contest away from reaching the National League Championship Series.

Exit Sandman

After saving a big league-record 652 games and winning five World Series titles, Mariano Rivera opted to retire from a sport that had feared and revered him for 19 magical years. The 2013 campaign was one elongated goodbye to the Yankees' indomitable closer, the last man to play with the No. 42 -- retired league-wide for Jackie Robinson -- embroidered on his back.

Boston Strong

With ballparks around baseball playing the song "Sweet Caroline" on loudspeakers between innings, a unique tribute to Boston and its people went viral one day after two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three and injured more than 170 spectators and participants in the annual race.

Red Sox rebound

Coming off a last-place finish from the previous year, the Red Sox entered 2013 amid a great deal of uncertainty. The club completed the campaign by answering almost every question in successful fashion, however, tying for the big league's best regular-season record before winning the eighth World Series title in franchise history.

Rookies burst onto scene

Hailing from countries around the globe, a multitude of impressive rookies burst on to the big league season during 2013, positively affecting pennant races, statistical leaderboards and highlight reels along the way.

How the NL West was won

Despite entering the year with lofty expectations, the Dodgers struggled a great deal out of the 2013 gate. Los Angeles' National League club ascended in amazing fashion during the season's second half, however, becoming just the fourth team in history to finish in first after sitting in the cellar on July 1 or later (credit: Elias Sports Bureau).

Wild race to October

The American League Wild Card race went down to the wire and then some in 2013. The Rays beat the Rangers in a 163rd play-in game to cap a dramatic September that also saw the Indians, Royals, Orioles and Yankees vie feverishly for an invitation to baseball's postseason dance. After topping Texas, Tampa Bay triumphed over Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.

Troutstanding

The 21-year-old Mike Trout added another line to his impressive list of achievements, becoming the youngest American Leaguer to hit for the cycle. The Millville Meteor also managed to record five RBIs for good measure, a feat never accomplished by the previous five Angels to collect cycles in franchise history.

Slugging silver lining

The Tigers won their fair share of games in 2013, but one of those triumphs did not come on May 19 in Texas. The defeat had a silver lining, however, as Miguel Cabrera became the first big leaguer in history to go 4-for-4 with three homers, five RBIs and four runs in a loss.

Victorino's seventh wonder

Shane Victorino was flyin' in a win over Baltimore, setting a single-game high with seven RBIs and matching personal bests with a pair of long balls and three extra-base hits. The first of the two homers was especially special, as it marked the 100th round-tripper of the outfielder's career.

Segura's six-pack of hits

Jean Segura went 5-for-5 in regulation against the Twins -- including a tying RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning -- before tacking on another base knock in the 14th to match a franchise mark that had not been touched in 20 years.

Soriano slugs supreme

Alfonso Soriano homered twice for the second straight game, driving in a career-high seven runs. In doing so, he posted a two-day tally of 13 RBIs, the second-highest consecutive contests total in team history. The only Bomber to do better was Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri, who in 1936 knocked in 15 during a pair of performances.

Barnestorming

Brandon Barnes had a night to remember, becoming the first big leaguer to collect a cycle with at least five hits since the Rays' B.J. Upton back in 2009. Additionally, the outfielder became the first right-handed-hitting Astro to cycle since Craig Biggio did so in 2002.

CarGo clubs three homers

Carlos Gonzalez belted three long balls -- including one that traveled an estimated 476 feet -- in an offensive clinic that also saw shortstop Troy Tulowitzki tally five hits and two homers of his own. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, never before had both feats been accomplished in the same game by the same team.

Relentless Rios

Alex Rios was a beast with the bat and on the bases, tying an American League mark with six hits and stealing two bags for good measure. Additionally, four of his knocks came off Justin Verlander, an AL Cy Young Award and AL MVP Award winner who had never before yielded as many hits to a single batter in the same game.

Man of Steal

In addition to his three-hit performance, Jacoby Ellsbury became the first Major Leaguer to steal at least five bases in one contest since Carl Crawford did so for the Rays on May 3, 2009. With the effort, Ellsbury broke the previous team record, which he had shared with Jerry Remy.

Making a mark

Mark Trumbo took his game to a whole new level, becoming the first Angel ever to record five hits and five runs in one contest. The slugger did more than slap the ball around the field, as four of his knocks were of the extra-base variety.

Zimmerman's Mid-Atlantic mash-fest

Zimmerman had a career day at Camden Yards, going deep in each of his first three at-bats. The powerful performance marked the third baseman's first career three-homer game and the third such feat in the franchise's Washington-based history.

Two homers in same frame

Edwin Encarnacion belted his way into the Blue Jays record books, becoming the first in franchise history to record five RBIs in one frame after posting Toronto's first two-homer inning since Joe Carter did so in 1993.

Middlebrooks mashes three homers

Will Middlebrooks homered three times in a 4-for-5 day to become the 26th player in Red Sox history -- and the first since Dustin Pedroia in 2010 -- to belt a trio of long balls in one game. Just 24 years old at the time, Middlebrooks became the youngest Boston batter to homer thrice on one date since Jim Rice did so in 1977.

Oh my, Omar

Omar Infante had a great game against the Royals, setting career highs with six RBIs and five hits. The performance marked the first time a second baseman was perfect at the plate with as many base knocks and runs driven in since Charlie Gehringer accomplished the feat in 1937, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

19.0%

Freak Show

Tim Lincecum, whose stuff might not be as overwhelming as it once was, harkened back to his ace days in his final start of the season's first half, no-hitting the Padres in a 13-strikeout masterpiece. The right-hander coaxed 29 swings-and-misses in the gem, a personal high that matched Randy Johnson's total for the most in a no-hitter since 2000.

Oh no Yu didn't

Yu Darvish dazzled during his season debut, retiring the first 26 Astros to become just the 11th pitcher to fall one out of perfection. A single up the middle stopped the right-hander's bid at the record books, but the memorable night nonetheless went right for the hurler, who fanned 14 before exiting.

Back-to-back Homer

Homer Bailey joined a short list of Reds hurlers with multiple no-hitters, stifling San Francisco's bats at Great American Ball Park. The owner of the final no-hitter of 2012 and the leadoff one of '13, Bailey became the first man since Nolan Ryan in 1974-75 to toss the Majors' two most-recent complete games sans a base knock surrendered.

Alvarez tames Tigers

Henderson Alvarez took charge of the Tigers by completing the Marlins' fifth no-hitter in the team's season finale. He watched his gem end from the on-deck circle in the bottom of the ninth inning, when he became the first pitcher to toss a no-hitter in a walk-off victory since 1997.

Game of inches

Michael Wacha was incredible during his final start of the 2013 regular season, coming within one out of a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals. The 22-year-old's bid at history fell just a few inches short, thwarted by a mere infield single.

One-hit wunderkind

In just his eighth career start, Shelby Miller became the third rookie to allow just one hit and strike out 13 or more in a complete-game victory. The right-hander was masterful in the near-historic gem, sitting down 27 Rockies in succession after surrendering a single to start the game.

Harvey's near no-no

Yielding just one infield single in the seventh, Matt Harvey retired 27 of 28 batters faced in a sensational showing. The Mets did not score in regulation, however, causing the right-hander to become the first hurler since 1997 to tally a no-decision after tossing nine scoreless innings with one or no hits allowed and double-digit strikeouts.

Fernandez throws flames

Just after his 21st birthday, Jose Fernandez established a franchise rookie mark with 14 strikeouts in eight scoreless innings of three-hit ball. Coupled with his 13 strikeouts from his previous outing, Fernandez became the first pitcher with at least 13 K's in successive games since Randy Johnson in 2004.

No Petit effort

Yusmeiro Petit barely missed baseball immortality, but he gained legitimacy after falling just one strike short of the second perfect game in San Francisco Giants history and settling for a one-hit shutout against Arizona.

Anibal's kingdom

Anibal Sanchez shut down the Braves for eight shutout frames while striking out 17 to set a new Tigers franchise mark. In doing so, he became the first big leaguer to fan as many in a game since Brandon Morrow in 2010, and the first to do so in eight innings or fewer since fellow Venezuelan Johan Santana in 2007.

Kershaw socks Rox

One of Clayton Kershaw's best starts of 2013 came at the hitter haven that is Coors Field, where the hurler brought a career 5.68 ERA entering this early-July day. What ensued can only be described as an absolute gem, as the Dodgers' ace allowed just one Rockies hitter to reach second base in a four-hit shutout.

Great Sale

Chris Sale retired the first 19 batters before surrendering a single to Mike Trout with one out in the seventh frame. The 6-foot-6 southpaw did not allow another baserunner all evening, ending his shutout outing with just the one hit allowed.

Cashing in

Andrew Cashner's penultimate outing of 2013 was nearly perfect, with just one seventh-inning single getting in the way of the right-hander's bid for baseball immortality. That lone hit was erased on a double play, meaning Cashner completed his gem after facing the minimum 27 batters.

35.2%

Hidden-ball trick reappears

Baseball had not seen a successful hidden-ball trick in years prior to 2013, which witnessed two players fall prey to the deceptive move: Evan Longoria nabbed Juan Uribe on the play in August before Todd Helton caught Matt Carpenter in a similar fashion during September.

Thunder in the Bronx

A Yankees-Red Sox game ended approximately four hours after its scheduled start time -- not unusual for a matchup between the two rivals. But this contest was delayed multiple times and ultimately cut short by thunder and lightning that, at one point, caused players from both dugouts to jump in dramatic fashion.

Segura steals first base

After stealing second base, Jean Segura was picked off on his way to third and, in the ensuing confusion, retreated to first -- 90 feet farther from home plate. The shortstop tried to steal second -- again -- once the dust had settled, but he was unable to do so, thus successfully and unsuccessfully trying to swipe the same bag in a several-pitch span.

Desmond's double play

In a game against the A's, Desmond Jennings recorded the rare 8-unassisted double play, charging hard for a fly ball before jogging to first base to turn two. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Jennings was the first center fielder to accomplish the feat since Andy Van Slyke in 1992.

Taking in a game

Proving they are baseball fans just as much as the next guy, Dustin Pedroia, Jonny Gomes and Jarrod Saltalamacchia spent their off-day watching the Blue Jays take on the A's at Rogers Centre, where the Red Sox would suit up for the start of a three-game set the subsequent night.

If you mist it, fog falls on Wrigley

The clouds appeared to come crashing down on the Cubs and Reds at Wrigley Field, where a thick wall of fog immersed the stadium and made playing tremendously tricky.

A mid-game shave

Fans rarely find out what players do between frames, but Ian Desmond's activities were rather obvious during one Nationals game. After grounding into a double play during his first at-bat against the Phillies, the shortstop shaved his beard and returned for his second turn at the dish in clean fashion.

Out-of-play oddity

In a play more likely to take place on a schoolyard sandlot than at a big league stadium, Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy bashed a ball through a small seam in the right-field wall at Busch Stadium, recording a ground-rule double after the pearly white disappeared from sight.

Bee careful

A swarm of bees caused a delay in an Orioles-Angels game during early May, with a slew of the stingy insects stationing themselves directly behind the plate in Anaheim. As a side note: The Salt Lake Bees are the Angels' Triple-A team, but no Minor Leaguers were involved in this incident.

A.J.'s unlucky breaks

A.J. Burnett burst open two rosin bags in 2013, with both pouches popping into clouds of powdery dust during games against the Cubs. The first instance occurred on Opening Day (which was April Fool's Day), leading some to wonder whether the bag broke as part of a practical joke.

Phanatic panic

After entertaining fans prior to first pitch, the Phillie Phanatic hopped on his ATV and attempted to motor away from the field of play. A mechanical meltdown of some sort prevented this from happening, however, leaving team personnel no choice but to lift and carry away the vehicle.

Who's on third?

In the top of the sixth inning during a Marlins game at Nationals Park, Logan Morrison found himself retreating to third base during a rundown -- just as Donovan Solano rounded second to join him.

17.7%

Wild walk-off seals no-no

Henderson Alvarez celebrated the fifth no-hitter in Marlins franchise history from the on-deck circle in the ninth inning of the season finale, when Giancarlo Stanton scampered home with the game's lone run to beat the Tigers. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, a no-no had not been thrown in any walk-off win since 1997.

Giam-believe it

The oldest man to ever mash a walk-off homer belted arguably the most important blast of the Indians' magical 2013 campaign. The game-ending drive by 42-year-old Jason Giambi walked the Indians back from the brink of a demoralizing defeat and one step closer to a Wild Card berth.

Yasiel of approval

Following a slew of offensive frustrations for the Dodgers, who fanned 20 times in the game, the precocious Yasiel Puig belted a walk-off long ball in the 11th inning for a 1-0 win and his first game-ending hit in the Majors.

Pa-Gone

Angel Pagan pummeled a pitch that stayed in the park, and the end result was almost as exciting as it was rare. The outfielder circled all the bases after belting the ball before sliding headfirst into home for the first walk-off inside-the-park shot by a Giant in 83 years.

Moss' 19th-inning walk-off

In almost merciful fashion, Brandon Moss ended the A's 19-inning affair with a walk-off long ball that left the yard after six hours and 32 minutes of play, the longest game by time in Oakland history.

Nava count them out

The Red Sox recorded one run in the eighth inning before breaking out for six in the ninth to secure their second walk-off win in a row. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Boston became the first team since the start of 2011 to prevail after entering the final frame of regulation in a five-run hole.

The Upton Show

When the Braves acquired B.J. Upton and Justin Upton prior to the 2013 campaign, they knew the stage had been set for the siblings to share some special experiences. Atlanta received a return on its fraternal investment early on, when the brothers belted a pair of ninth-inning solo shots that turned a one-run deficit into a walk-off win.

Loney's pinch of drama

As history will show, the Rays required every one of their 92 regular-season wins -- earned over 163 games -- to make the postseason in 2013. One of those victories came in late September, when James Loney pummeled a pinch-hit homer that gave the Rays a sweep of the O's in walk-off fashion.

In a pinch, Brewers put squeeze on Cubs

In one of the most unique ways to earn a walk-off win, Logan Schafer stepped up to the plate as a pinch-hitter and laid down a game-ending suicide squeeze that sent the Brewers onto the field in celebratory fashion.

Beltre late than never

The Rangers mobbed one of their teammates following a game-winning home run for a third consecutive night after Adrian Beltre belted a big fly deep into the left-field seats. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Texas became just the second team in history to sweep a three-game set with a trio of walk-off long balls.

Mayberry's extra effort

More than 200,000 Major League games had been played before someone launched a pair of extra-inning long balls with the second of the two shots coming as a game-winning grand slam. That skid was snapped, however, when John Mayberry Jr. accomplished the feat in front of the Philadelphia faithful.

Worth the wait

After 8 1/2 scoreless frames and a contest that was delayed nearly 19 hours by rain, Jay Bruce's Reds took just nine minutes to wrap up the eighth 1-0 game in Great American Ball Park history.

Nice, Bryce

By tagging a two-out, two-run, game-halting homer, Bryce Harper became the first 20-year-old with a walk-off long ball since the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera turned the trick in 2003.

15.2%

On the Mune-y

A pie to the face, a prepared statement and a declaration of, "I am Japaneeeeeese," were all involved. One would be hard pressed to best Munenori Kawasaki's postgame interview following his walk-off double in a wild Blue Jays win.

NLCS standoff

Who would blink first when the Dodgers and Cardinals reconvened at Busch Stadium for Game 6 of the National League Championship Series? Apparently not Scott Van Slyke or Joe Kelly, who had their teammates giggling and Twitter in a state of LOL after engaging in a bizarre and lighthearted stareoff contest prior to first pitch.

Smackdown at the stadium

At Legends of Wrestling Night at Marlins Park in Miami, retired pro wrestler Bill Goldberg threw out the first pitch before proving that it's easier to take the wrestler out of the ring than the need-to-obliterate-someone-for-the-entertainment-of-a-gathered-crowd out of the wrestler.

1,800-mile first pitch

A young fan named Nick LeGrande threw out the first pitch in Oakland -- all the way from Kansas City. Unable to enter large crowds due to a rare blood disorder, the teen made the first telerobotic first pitch in MLB history -- thanks to the benevolence of A's reliever Ryan Cook and the folks at Google Fiber.

Prince's mid-game snack

A run over to the edge of foul ground brought Prince Fielder face to face with an assortment of tortilla chips and cheese in the hands of an unsuspecting spectator, from whom the first baseman snared a mid-game snack.

Child's play

A fan made a great barehanded grab on a foul ball during a game at AT&T Park, securing the baseball and the plaudits of those around him while holding a baby.

No Mo Zone

Welcome to the "No Mo Zone." The Yankees pulled a good-natured prank on Mariano Rivera, posting a sign and a chalk outline at the spot on the Kauffman Stadium warning track where the stopper sustained a season-ending knee injury in 2012.

Wall ball

The Phillies' Chase Utley hit a ball to the wall at Wrigley Field -- and the wall mysteriously gave back more than it took in, popping out a pair of baseballs from its ivy sea of green.

A young fan's foul

A young A's fan was handed a foul ball hit by the visiting team, but he threw it back toward the field. The boy appeared OK with his decision at first, though his conviction waned after he received an earful from someone who appeared to be his older brother.

Kiss Cam controversy

Many wondered why a fan named James sprinted toward the Dodger Stadium exit when Kiss Cam landed on him and the girl sitting to his side. Did he dislike her? Did he have garlic or nacho-cheese breath? Was nature calling? No, no and no. James had been sitting next to his sister.

Dodgers go Gangnam Style

Imitating the moves made famous by his South Korean countryman Psy, Hyun-Jin Ryu put on a Gangnam Style performance for his Dodgers teammates. The southpaw even pulled Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw from the crowd, employing them as backup dancers during one of the more interesting moments of 2013.

Fowl ball

Leaving his perch in pursuit of a foul ball at PNC Park, the Pirate Parrot tumbled onto the field of play before coming up empty ... something. Still, the Parrot put forth an A-plus effort while managing to make many around him laugh out loud.

'High-five' putout

Little is nondescript about Brandon Phillips who, after a sacrifice bunt, initially opted to walk away from first base in lieu of being retired by Yuniesky Betancourt. But when neither man moved, Phillips turned around and jogged back to Betancourt, slapping his glove hand for a hilarious "high-five" putout.

First-pitch follies

Singer Carly Rae Jepsen tossed a ceremonial pitch at Tropicana Field, and the offering fell way short and outside -- and may have broken some camera equipment sitting up the first-base line. A good-natured Jepsen appeared to laugh after completing the throw, one of the most astray of all time.

Princes in New York

With the Tigers taking on the Mets on the road, Prince Fielder shared Citi Field with his doppelganger nonpareil, a man in the stands who bore an uncanny resemblance to the slugging Detroit first baseman.

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Wild World Series win

On a play that will be discussed for years to come, the Cardinals ended Game 3 of the World Series as rulebook beneficiaries. After recording a pinch-hit double, an injured Allen Craig came home for the walk-off win on the first game-ending obstruction call in Fall Classic history and the first in any game since 2004.

Salt and Papi

The Red Sox completed a surreal comeback in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, becoming the sixth team in postseason history to win after trailing by at least four runs in the eighth inning or later. A David Ortiz grand slam in the eighth tied the score for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who tallied a walk-off single in the ninth.

The pickoff

For the second straight night, the Red Sox-Cardinals World Series ended in unprecedented walk-off fashion. This time, however, the Red Sox prevailed after closer Koji Uehara recorded the first game-ending pickoff in Fall Classic history.

Fenway's first Fall Classic clincher since 1918

Boston has commonly won the World Series in the past decade, doing so thrice in 10 years. The Red Sox's triumph in 2013 was unique, however, as it came courtesy of the club's first Fall Classic-clinching contest at Fenway Park since 1918.

Beltran's brilliant catch

Carlos Beltran waited 16 years for a World Series debut that lasted all of two innings due to a right rib bruise sustained on an outfield grab. The catch was about as highlight-worthy as they come, however, with the veteran jumping over the wall to steal a would-be grand slam from designated hitter David Ortiz.

Vogt of confidence

One of the postseason's most impressive pitching duels ended in walk-off fashion, when a bottom-of-the-ninth base knock off the bat of Stephen Vogt broke a scoreless tie against the Tigers. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the single marked the eighth time in history that a hit ended a playoff game and broke a 0-0 tie at the same time.

Gomes' go-ahead homer

With the Red Sox in a virtual must-win situation, Jonny Gomes swung the World Series momentum back to Boston's side in the blink of an eye. The outfielder -- a late add to the Game 4 starting lineup -- belted a tiebreaking long ball in the sixth inning that evened the Sox-Cardinals Fall Classic at two victories apiece.

To the Victorino goes the spoils

With the Red Sox down by one run late in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, Shane Victorino broke out of a slump in the biggest of ways. The outfielder crushed a seventh-inning pitch over the Green Monster, issuing the knockout punch to the Tigers' season and sending Boston to its third Fall Classic in 10 years.

More Car-Bel: Cards walk off in 13th inning

Carlos Beltran had his fingertips all over the National League Championship Series opener, tying and saving the night with an RBI double and a run-preventing throw, respectively. However, the outfielder's most memorable moment came in the 13th frame, when he ended the third-longest game in NLCS history with a walk-off single.

Juan and done: Uribe powers Dodgers to NLCS

With the Dodgers down by one run in the eighth inning of NLDS Game 4 against Atlanta, Juan Uribe launched a go-ahead homer that helped his club advance to the NLCS. The long ball was especially huge for Los Angeles, which had been on the verge of facing a shutdown closer in Craig Kimbrel and a potential decisive Game 5.

Splash down

Jose Lobaton's homer off Koji Uehara in ALDS Game 3 was not your run-of-the-mill hit to complete a postseason win. The game-winning drive into the Rays Touch Tank earned $10,000 for charity, the Rays' promised donation for any ball hit there.