Seems like only yesterday that Ryan Howard was the prospect in waiting, while Jim Thome played his final Phillies days out. Howard helped guide the team to a World Championship in 2008, and since then, it's been a downward spiral; though they did make it back to the Fall Classic in 2009, losing the CS to the Yankees, that era was over pretty quickly. If you needed firm confirmation that the team was looking to move forward, GM Ruben Amaro Jr.'s comments (quoted in the FG story) should've done it. Howard's best days might be behind him, but another team is still going to value his ability and experience. Most favorable situation? DH. And the suggestions here, particularly the Rays, are interesting.

SB Nation, Pinstripe Alley writer Jason Cohen reviews winter league results now that it's concluded. Of note: Pirela's run at it again, and the importance of the coming season. In 169 at-bats, he put up solid numbers in walks (26) and RBI (22), finishing .296/.394/.515. That was a follow-up to his 2014 season in which he played seven games with the Yankees, getting 8 hits in 24 at-bats. He played in 130 games with Triple-A Scranton, getting 163 hits, with 60 RBI and 10 HR's. At 25, he's in a prime position to show what he's able to do on a regular basis in the majors. As Cohen mentions, a strong Spring Training is a good start.

Great work by James Wagner who re-visits the controversy, and tries to uncover the truth about Alvarez's bonus. But one of the things that really stands out, particularly when considering how much players like him are trying to have a better way of life in the U.S., is when he talks about not knowing how else to get ahead. While fans can be less than sympathetic to players that make those statements, it's hard not to feel for Alvarez's situation, and players in similar circumstances. There's no pretending that what he did affected many, and destroyed his own promising career. But Wagner sheds light on what Alvarez experienced and what he's doing to continue to play baseball professionally.

Not long after the announcement came that former New York Governor Mario Cuomo had died at the age of 82, tweets began to pop up about his days playing minor league baseball. He played 81 games for the Brunswick Pirates when he was just 20 years old. In 254 at-bats he got 62 hits, 10 of them doubles and hit a home run. While so many were mourning the passing of a giant in politics, it was nice to read something unexpected and fun in the midst of all the tributes.

There's never a shortage of the science of Trevor Bauer's pitching approach. And while much has been made about that approach, this piece offers more insight into his process. Interesting as always. And fascinating the lengths he goes to in order to achieve excellence, particularly his use of video analysis.

A good write-up on Astros catching prospects, including Tyler Heineman. Heineman was impressive in his first season of pro ball, consistently contributing to the Tri-City Valley Cats club in 2012 that made it to the New York Penn League Championship series. None of the guys mentioned rank high in the system, other than Stassi who's had injury issues. All have their strengths, in a strong system led by top shortstop Carlos Correa and pitcher Mark Appel.

Are you salivating for summer and baseball? Here's a nice tease. The photo was shared by Red Sox minor leaguer Michael McCarthy, who's following his 2014 season in Double-A with a stint in the Australian Baseball League. He made 12 starts and finished with a 4.82 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, striking out 71, in 97 innings pitched for the Portland Sea Dogs.

Dave Coggin provides an excellent opportunity for scouts (and desperate prospect writers, ahem) to see top pitching talent that'll be on the board for the 2015 June MLB Draft. Showcases like this are always exciting and interesting. They allow players to be spotlighted in a unique environment, and help teams in their decision making as June nears. And we get to rubberneck the reports, if they're out there. As mentioned in the article, Jacob Nix was the big draw. There's always surprises in the draft, as last year proved again, but most baseball insiders are predicting a high slot for him.

Dylan Bundy's been a big topic of prospect conversation for a few years now, and he clearly understands the importance of his 2015 season. Bundy's professional debut came in in 2012, when he level jumped three times, including a three-game stint in Double-A. After losing 2013 to ligament constructive surgery, he returned in 2014, pitching in Short-Season A-Ball, a level he skipped his debut season. In three starts, he posted 0.60 ERA, making easy work of New York Penn League hitters in 15 innings, striking out 22. He finished 2014 with a 3.27 ERA, with 37 strikeouts, while allowing 16 walks through 9 starts. Bundy is just 22, so this setback came early enough not to slow his progress too much. But the 2011 1st round pick is correct that this season is important. His progress matters tremendously to the Orioles. If his 2014 results are any indication, he's on track. That first season

With the MiLB lawsuit at the forefront of Minor League player relations with MLB, this seems timely to share. Makes the idea that MiLBers shouldn't receive a pay increase even more difficult to comprehend.