Opening Day is a time of hope and optimism around Major League Baseball.
In an era of parity, it’s not hard to envision at least 20 cities believing a postseason trip is within reason.
Last year, despite being projected to be the worst teams in their respective divisions, Baltimore and Oakland rose up to make the postseason.
They even took New York and Detroit, respectively, the distance in the American League Division Series.
With the addition of a second wild card team in each league, more teams can see the postseason light at the end of a rebuilding tunnel.
For years, rebuilding in baseball was a long, arduous task. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore.
Yet, despite parity, increased chances to make the postseason and revenue streams that allow small and mid-market teams the opportunity to re-sign their own homegrown stars, there will be bottom-feeders in 2013.
Due to a combination of front office mistakes, prospects who failed to reach their potential, ownership shortsightedness and bad luck, not everyone can take advantage of the opportunity to compete.
Here’s a snapshot of the worst team in each division heading into the season.