Best player: Many top players have defected to the United States, leaving the cupboard fairly bare. Third baseman Yulieski Gourriel, 30, has been one of the greats in Cuba for years.

Unusual feature: Some players are allowed to sign for teams in Japan and elsewhere, but the government takes some of the money from their contracts and they must return for the Cuban season.

National Baseball League (Britain)

Opening day: April 12

Reigning champion: Essex Arrows

Oddest nickname: London Mets

Best player: Edwin Alcantara, who moved this season to the Herts Falcons, has been on the championship winner for four straight years. He won the triple crown in 2011, hitting .482 with six homers and 33 runs batted in.

Unusual feature: The regular season is only 24 games.