Significant Questions Each of MLB's Many 2015 Contenders Must Answer
So, who's up for a game of 20 Questions?
Well, there's actually going to be a lot more than that. We're here to talk about questions facing Major League Baseball's prospective contenders. There are a lot of those, and each of them has several important questions that need answering.
But first, understand a couple of things. One is that I had little choice but to hand-pick the 21 contenders we're going to look at, and the other is that we're only going to talk about questions that teams can actually answer.
That's to say we won't be asking "Will Player X produce?" or "Will Player Y stay healthy?" Those matters are in the hands of the baseball gods, not the teams'.
At any rate, we're going to go division by division in ascending order of projected records from Baseball Prospectus starting...now.
AL East: Baltimore Orioles
1 of 21
Projected Record: 78-84
When looking at the Orioles, whether Manny Machado, Matt Wieters and Chris Davis will get back to where they were in 2013 so the losses of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis can be overcome is a good question. But as for the club's more practical questions...
What's with the Corner Outfield Spots?
The Orioles know Adam Jones is a rock in center field, but it's hard to tell what they're going to have in left and right field. Alejandro De Aza and Travis Snider top the depth chart on the Orioles' website, but Steve Pearce and David Lough are options as well. Are the Orioles going to go with two solid starters, or will Buck Showalter be forced to mix and match all season long?
Who's Going to Bat Leadoff?
The Orioles didn't just lose a solid right fielder when Markakis bolted for the Atlanta Braves. They also lost a guy who had a solid .339 OBP as the club's leadoff hitter in 2014, which is to say nothing of his ability to work pitchers. A guy like that isn't easy to replace, and De Aza doesn't look especially up to the task.
What's the Best Role for Ubaldo Jimenez?
The first year of Jimenez's $50 million contract was bad enough to eventually get him demoted from the club's starting rotation. He recently told Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun that he's looking forward to a fresh start, but he still looks like the odd man out in Baltimore's rotation. And because he doesn't profile especially well as a reliever, it's going to be tricky to figure out the right role for him.
AL East: New York Yankees
2 of 21
Projected Record: 80-82
The Yankees might have more performance- and health-related question marks than any other team. But if you want to talk about things they can actually control, that list most begins with...
Is Alex Rodriguez Even Worth the Trouble?
The main A-Rod-related concern would appear to be whether he'll be too big of a distraction following his year-long suspension. But with the Yankees projected to use him at DH in 2015, a bigger question is if he's even playable. If it looks like he's not during spring training, the team will have to seriously consider stashing him on the bench, or maybe even biting the bullet and cutting him loose.
Who's Going to Close?
The Yankees have two legit closer studs in incumbent Dellin Betances and free-agent Andrew Miller, and it should be fun to watch them jockey for position in the club's closer contest. MLB.com's Bryan Hoch says Joe Girardi doesn't want to outline how he'll use them just yet, but it's safe to say their spring performances will influence his plan of action no matter when he decides on it.
Is More Rotation Depth Needed?
It's up to the baseball gods whether Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda can survive the season in good health, but the Yankees can control whether they have the depth to withstand injuries to any or all of them. With only Adam Warren and Ivan Nova, who's recovering from Tommy John surgery, waiting in the wings, it wouldn't be surprising if they eventually get antsy and decide to make a move.
AL East: Toronto Blue Jays
3 of 21
Projected Record: 83-79
The Blue Jays are entering 2015 with substantial buzz after an offseason that saw them add Josh Donaldson, Russell Martin and Michael Saunders. But their questions include...
Who's Playing Center Field?
With Colby Rasmus gone, it looks like the club's center field gig is top prospect Dalton Pompey's to lose. A good spring will more than likely cement him as the starter, but a bad spring could make things complicated. The Jays will have to decide whether Pompey needs more seasoning or if platooning him and Kevin Pillar in center field is a tenable solution.
Who's Going to Close?
The rumor mill had the Blue Jays linked to plenty of different "proven closer" types throughout the winter. But since nothing materialized, it's up to their in-house options to battle for the job. Brett Cecil may be the favorite, but keep an eye on Aaron Sanchez. Though he'll be looking to win a rotation spot this spring, he has closer stuff and showed he can handle a relief role with a 1.09 ERA last year.
Will Dioner Navarro Stick Around?
Word was Navarro wanted to be traded after the Jays signed Russell Martin, but Jon Morosi of Fox Sports says the Jays aren't actively shopping him. That's probably the best idea, as he could be used at DH if Edwin Encarnacion needs to take over at first base if Justin Smoak busts. But given the demand for hitting these days, maybe the Jays will get an offer too good to pass up.
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AL East: Tampa Bay Rays
4 of 21
Projected Record: 86-76
For the record, this projection for the Rays does seem a bit aggressive knowing that Joe Maddon is gone and Evan Longoria is coming off a down year. The Rays also need to worry about...
How's the Middle of the Infield Going to Look?
For now, the Rays looked poised to roll with Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstop and Nick Franklin and Logan Forsythe splitting time at second base. But Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times writes that the situation could change if Franklin looks capable of playing shortstop every day, and guys like Tim Beckham and Hak-Ju Lee will also get looks. Finding the right mix will be tricky for first-year skipper Kevin Cash.
How's the Outfield Going to Look?
In David DeJesus, Desmond Jennings, Kevin Kiermaier and Steven Souza, the Rays have a solid collection of outfielders. It's anyone's guess how they'll be deployed, however, particularly in right field. It looks like that job could go to Kiermaier or Souza or could perhaps be solved with a platoon. Either way, another tough call for Cash.
Who's Filling in for Matt Moore?
With Matt Moore, the Rays would have had arguably the AL East's best rotation from top to bottom. But with him still recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Rays will need to choose from a list of candidates headed by Alex Colome and Nathan Karns to fill his spot in the rotation. One of them's winning a job...at least until Moore gets back.
AL East: Boston Red Sox
5 of 21
Projected Record: 87-75
On paper, the Red Sox look like a completely reloaded team that should be a force to be reckoned with in the AL East. But first, they must decide...
How Will the Outfield Logjam Be Resolved?
We know Hanley Ramirez is locked into left field and also that Rusney Castillo and Mookie Betts are favored for center and right. But with Shane Victorino, Allen Craig, Daniel Nava and Brock Holt also standing by, the Red Sox have three solid challengers in their outfield battle.
And because the Red Sox won't need six outfielders one way or another, it's likely this situation can only be resolved by a trade. It's a good problem to have, but not easy to figure out.
Who's Batting Leadoff?
The Red Sox struggled to find a replacement for Jacoby Ellsbury atop their lineup in 2014, and they still don't have a solid answer now. Betts looks like the favorite for the gig, but Tim Britton of The Providence Journal lists Victorino and Holt as two alternatives. In the end, whichever of them wins the right field battle could also win the leadoff spot.
Is the Rotation Good Enough?
The Red Sox appear to have more than enough rotation depth, but it's often been remarked that they lack a true ace. Everyone on the Red Sox is acting like they don't mind, but you wonder if they'll have second thoughts and decide to make a move. Or, in other words: Will they cave and finally trade for Cole Hamels at some point?
AL Central: Kansas City Royals
6 of 21
Projected Record: 72-90
The reigning American League champion Royals didn't have the best offseason, and they may have more regression candidates than most. On top of that, they need to worry about...
What's the Best Role for Brandon Finnegan?
Finnegan was one of Kansas City's more notable bright spots last October, as he emerged as a solid option out of the bullpen despite being only a few months removed from the draft. But now the Royals need to decide whether to put him back in the bullpen or to develop him as a starter.
General manager Dayton Moore told Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star that they plan on the latter, but the lack of a solid lefty in their pen could force their hand.
Will They Move Forward with an Eight-Man Bullpen?
Speaking of Kansas City's bullpen, Ned Yost told McCullough that it could have eight guys in it at the start of the season. That's one more than the usual amount and would restrict Kansas City's bench to a three-man unit. Because Yost tends to lean on his bench more than the typical American League manager, it'll be interesting to see how much longer he continues to toy with the idea of an eight-man pen.
How Will Salvador Perez Be Managed?
The Associated Press summed it up well:
"Salvador Perez set major league records last year, catching 158 games and 1,389 2/3 innings, including 15 games and 141 innings in the playoffs.
After the World Series, Perez joined a major league all-star team in November touring Japan, adding to his record number of knee bends.
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In response, the Royals have outlined a plan for Perez to take it easy this spring. But the real question is if they're going to hammer out a plan to limit his workload during the season, and Yost says they're not there yet: "It is hard to take him out. It's hard to do. We've got to find ways and I don't know how we're going to do it yet."
AL Central: Chicago White Sox
7 of 21
Projected Record: 78-84
An active offseason has the White Sox looking revitalized heading into spring training, but underneath all their newly acquired star power are some matters that require some attention.
What's on Second?
Second base is the lone position where the White Sox don't have a solid starter, but they certainly have plenty of candidates. Micah Johnson, Carlos Sanchez, Emilio Bonifacio and Gordon Beckham may stand a roughly equal chance of landing the job, but their array of talents is diverse enough for Robin Ventura to conceive a way to use all of them. Here's hoping his drawing board has lots of room on it.
How Might Carlos Rodon Fit In?
Because he was just drafted with the No. 3 pick last June, it's a safe bet that Rodon will begin 2015 in the minors. But with only John Danks and Hector Noesi holding down the back end of Chicago's rotation, Rodon might be able to make a bid for a rotation spot. It also sounds like he could land in the bullpen, which could be tempting knowing the White Sox could use some depth below David Robertson and Zach Duke.
Who's on First?
After the White Sox signed LaRoche, they decided he would mainly serve as a DH while Abreu mainly played first base. What they need to figure out is if they're going to have a set routine or if they're going to play it by ear. But also, don't be shocked if Chicago reverses course and makes LaRoche its primary first baseman at some point, as he's arguably the better defender.
AL Central: Cleveland Indians
8 of 21
Projected Record: 81-81
Coming off a solid 85-win season, the Indians have eyes on the AL Central title in 2015. But before they determine that, they must first decide...
Who's the Fifth Starter?
Indians GM Chris Antonetti confirmed in December that Cy Young winner Corey Kluber (duh), Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Gavin Floyd are locked into rotation spots. That leaves the fifth spot open for Danny Salazar, T.J. House and others to fight over. The hard-throwing Salazar is easily the most intriguing option, but things could get interesting if he loses his stuff and command all over again.
Can the Defense Be Fixed?
This might sound like a performance-related no-go question, but an exception is warranted. Cleveland's defense was easily its biggest Achilles' heel last year, and MLB.com's Jordan Bastian says the club has a plan in place to try and fix that:
"Some planned changes: Cleveland will run full-speed drills to completion to introduce more unpredictability and will have infielders practice ground balls in shift situations...
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That's not a bad way to be proactive, but we'll see how well it works.
Will Michael Bourn Stick at Leadoff?
With Bourn's skills crumbling, he may not be able to even so much as repeat the .314 OBP he gave the Indians out of the leadoff spot in 2014. If so, Terry Francona will have to consider other options. One worth talking about is Michael Brantley. He's the kind of tough out who's perfect for the top of the order, and the addition of Brandon Moss creates less of a need for him in the middle.
AL Central: Detroit Tigers
9 of 21
Projected Record: 82-80
The Tigers are about to embark on a hunt for their fifth straight AL Central title. But with this year's roster looking more volatile than usual, a few things they need to figure out are...
Is More Bullpen Depth Needed?
With a 4.29 ERA, Detroit's bullpen was one of the worst in baseball in 2014. The Tigers' hopes of fixing that rest on Joe Nathan turning things around, Joakim Soria staying healthy and Bruce Rondon making a full and swift recovery from Tommy John surgery. But since this is at best an iffy plan, the Tigers should remain open to making a deal or two to strengthen their bullpen at some point.
Is More Rotation Depth Needed?
It's not just Detroit's bullpen that looks vulnerable. The Tigers don't have much, if anything, beyond Shane Greene and Alfredo Simon on their rotation depth chart. With Justin Verlander coming off a brutal year and Anibal Sanchez perennially injury-prone, that's a scary look. If the Tigers are going to make it five straight division titles, Dave Dombrowski may have to make a move sooner rather than later.
Who's Playing Center Field?
The Tigers made a trade for Anthony Gose early in the offseason, and it looks like the plan is to platoon him with Rajai Davis in center field. But knowing that Dombrowski told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press that Gose "has a chance to be our everyday centerfielder," the Tigers may yet decide to move forward with him as the full-time starter instead.
AL West: Oakland A's
10 of 21
Projected Record: 83-79
The A's spent their offseason simultaneously breaking it down and building it back up. And though they acquired quite a few solid parts in the process, putting them all together won't be easy.
Who Comes After Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir?
We know Gray and Kazmir are going to be the first two men up in Oakland's rotation, but after them it's a total toss-up. The A's have three spots to fill and a list of candidates that includes Jesse Chavez, Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Hahn and even old friend Barry Zito. Sorting it all out won't be one of Bob Melvin's easier jobs this spring.
Who Fills in for Sean Doolittle?
With Doolittle set to be sidelined with a rotator cuff issue at the start of 2015, the A's are going to need a capable fill-in at closer. Tyler Clippard, who saved 32 games for the Washington Nationals backs in 2012, is an obvious candidate for the role. But don't overlook Ryan Cook, who was one of Oakland's best relievers in 2012 and 2013 before a down year in 2014.
Is Marcus Semien Really the Answer at Shortstop?
The A's are set to move forward with Semien as their shortstop, but you wonder if they'll have second thoughts. He hasn't played much shortstop in the majors, and the word on him while he was playing shortstop in the minors was that he was a better fit at second or third. If he struggles to make an impression at short, the A's might call on Ben Zobrist to play short and stash Semien at second.
AL West: Seattle Mariners
11 of 21
Projected Record: 87-75
The Mariners barely missed the postseason in 2014, and now they look poised to take the next step after an offseason highlighted by the signing of Nelson Cruz. But their list of questions begins with...
Who's Playing Short?
Brad Miller didn't exactly build on a torrid spring last year, and by the end of the year, Chris Taylor was challenging him for playing time. The battle will carry over to spring training, and it's hard to tell who has the inside track at the job. Will the Mariners go with Miller or Taylor? Or, will they determine that they would make a pretty good platoon and go with both?
Is Austin Jackson Right for Leadoff?
The .287 OBP the Mariners got out of the leadoff spot in 2014 was the lowest in baseball. And after posting a mere .308 OBP in 2014, Jackson may not be the solution for that problem. Will the Mariners give him a long leash, or will they give him a short one and keep a guy like Dustin Ackley at the ready to take over?
Can They Make an Outfielder Out of Rickie Weeks?
Because the Mariners have a pretty good second baseman in Robinson Cano, their signing of Rickie Weeks came as a surprise. That they expect him to play some outfield is an even bigger surprise, as that's an idea Weeks was notoriously opposed to when he was in Milwaukee. Can the Mariners make good on his change of heart, or will the experiment prove to be a failure?
AL West: Los Angeles Angels
12 of 21
Projected Record: 90-72
The Angels won more games than anyone else in 2014, but had a quiet offseason. They now head into spring training with a few questions that need answering, such as...
What's on Second?
The Angels had one of the steadiest second basemen in the business when they had Howie Kendrick, but they don't have him anymore. Instead, they have a collection of second base candidates that includes Josh Rutledge, Grant Green and Taylor Featherston. Those aren't names that get the blood racing, so the Angels are pretty much forced to hope for a pleasant surprise this spring.
Who's the Fifth Starter?
With Garrett Richards' recovery from knee surgery going well, the Angels should only need to worry about filling their fifth starter spot before Opening Day. The most intriguing candidate is top prospect Andrew Heaney, who was acquired in a trade for Kendrick. But Hector Santiago and Nick Tropeano will compete with him, and either of them could grab the job and force Heaney down to the minors.
How Much Do the Angels Want to Count on Josh Hamilton?
After a lost 2014 season and a recent shoulder surgery, Hamilton looks like a total wild card for 2015. And at some point, you wonder if the Angels will start treating him like one. Rather than being content to pencil him into left field and the middle of their lineup, they have the option of platooning Matt Joyce and Collin Cowgill in left field and having Hamilton share time with C.J. Cron at DH. Given the state of Hamilton's career these days, that might be the Angels' best route.
NL East: Miami Marlins
13 of 21
Projected Record: 81-81
Coming off a respectable 2014 season, the Marlins chose to go for it this winter by locking up Giancarlo Stanton and bringing in quality players like Mat Latos, Dee Gordon and Martin Prado. But now...
What's the Story with Dan Haren?
The Marlins got Haren as a throw-in in the deal for Gordon, but it remains unclear what they're going to do with him. He's in camp with them, but there's been talk of him either retiring or possibly being traded back to the West Coast. So one way or another, the Marlins need to determine if he'll actually be pitching for them this summer. Because, on a related note...
What of the Rotation?
If the Marlins hold on to Haren, they'll only need to worry about filling one rotation spot as they await Jose Fernandez's return from Tommy John surgery. But if Haren retires or is traded, they'll have to fill two spots from a list of candidates that includes Tom Koehler, Brad Hand and David Phelps. That would obviously be much trickier.
Will Giancarlo Stanton Need Help?
All signs point toward Stanton making a strong recovery from a terrifying beanball to the face from Milwaukee Brewers hurler Mike Fiers last September. But at the same time, these concerns voiced by SI.com's Cliff Corcoran aren't without merit:
"...even Stanton won't really know how that pitch from Fiers rewired his brain until another pitch comes up and in at game speed, and despite assurances from his doctors, he can't be sure that his eyesight was completely unaffected until he tests his reactions and hand-eye coordination against major league pitching.
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This is a conversation nobody wants to have, but it's one the Marlins need to be ready for. If Stanton doesn't look right, they'll need to be ready with potential solutions.
NL East: New York Mets
14 of 21
Projected Record: 82-80
After making a run at .500 last season, the Mets are bringing Michael Cuddyer and a healthy Matt Harvey into 2015. They have October in their sights but first must determine...
Who's the Fifth Starter?
Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler and Bartolo Colon will occupy the first four slots in the Mets rotation, and Jon Niese is expected to occupy the fifth spot. But after Niese experienced shoulder problems last spring before embarking on a good-not-great season, don't count out Dillon Gee just yet. And because he doesn't want to be a reliever, he should be extra motivated to crack the rotation.
Who's Batting Leadoff?
After ranking in the bottom five of the league in leadoff OBP in 2014, the Mets need to see some improvement at the top of the order in 2015. Terry Collins sees Juan Lagares as the solution, but that might be putting too much faith in his 2014 breakout. So keep an eye on Daniel Murphy, whose ability to make contact and hit line drives could be just what the Mets' leadoff spot needs.
Is Wilmer Flores Really the Answer at Shortstop?
The Mets seem confident in Flores' ability to handle everyday shortstop, but they may be the only ones who are. And rightfully so, as he owns a .631 OPS in 105 major league games and hasn't blown away the defensive metrics (see FanGraphs). You therefore wonder if the Mets might finally give in and make a deal for something a little more solid at shortstop.
NL East: Washington Nationals
15 of 21
Projected Record: 92-70
After lapping the field in the NL East race in 2014, the Nationals look poised to do it again after adding Max Scherzer to their considerable collection of star power. But first...
Where Does Tanner Roark Fit?
As soon as Scherzer signed, it was immediately assumed Roark would be bumped from Washington's rotation. But since that would mean bumping a guy who had a 2.85 ERA in 198.2 innings last year, it's no wonder the Nationals are planning on using Roark as a starter this spring. Either that will prepare him for a role in the rotation, or it will prepare him for a long relief role out of Washington's pen.
What's on Second?
Washington's search for a solid second baseman this winter eventually turned up Yunel Escobar, but don't count on him starting at second just yet. He doesn't have much experience at second base in the majors, and Danny Espinosa does. And though he's largely been written off, he could force his way into the picture if ditching switch-hitting works for him like it did for Shane Victorino.
Is More Bullpen Depth Needed?
The Nationals roster doesn't offer much to be worried about, but their bullpen is at least worthy of some skepticism. It was shallow even before they traded Tyler Clippard, and Casey Janssen is less than a solid replacement for him. Be it in spring training or sometime during the summer, it's a good bet that the Nationals will feel the need for additional bullpen depth and go find some.
NL Central: Pittsburgh Pirates
16 of 21
Projected Record: 80-82
Coming off an 88-win season and a second straight trip to the postseason, the Pirates have the pieces to make it three straight Octobers in 2015. But before they worry about that, they must wonder...
Can Pedro Alvarez Play First Base?
After he quite literally threw away his job at third base, the Pirates are giving Alvarez a chance to play first base. To this end, it's not a good look that he skipped a voluntary minicamp that could have helped him get up to speed. And if he struggles to get up to speed in spring training, you wonder if the Pirates will stick with the experiment. Corey Hart can play first if need be, and there's always the trade market.
What's the Best Role for Jung-Ho Kang?
It's not every spring you see a guy fresh off a 40-homer season competing for a job, but that's the position Kang is in. Fortunately for him, word from Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is that the Pirates are going to see what he can do at shortstop before trying him out at other positions. If he plays well there, perhaps Jordy Mercer should start looking over his shoulder.
Who's the Fifth Starter?
Also from Biertempfel's report comes an update on the fifth starter spot. It'll be a battle between Vance Worley and Jeff Locke, with the former currently holding the upper hand. It could be a good battle, though, as Locke showed at times last season that he still has the talent that made him an All-Star back in 2013.
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
17 of 21
Projected Record: 82-80
The Cubs quietly had a respectable second half in 2014 and chose to build on it by being aggressive in the offseason. Joe Maddon is aboard to run things, and his new toys included Jon Lester, Jason Hammel, Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler. But the Cubs still have questions, starting with the big one...
What to Do with Kris Bryant?
Bryant is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, if not the best prospect in baseball. And since he has nothing left to prove in the minors and a job practically begging to be taken at third base, everyone wants him to break camp with the Cubs. However, they have resisted handing the job to Bryant on a silver platter. If he wants it, he'll have to give them no choice.
Who's the Fifth Starter?
In Lester, Hammel and Jake Arrieta, the top three spots in Chicago's rotation are solid. But after them, there could be a five-way battle between Travis Wood, Kyle Hendricks, Edwin Jackson, Tsuyoshi Wada and Jacob Turner for the final two spots. Because there aren't any obvious bullpen candidates in that lot, you wonder if the Cubs could eventually dangle some of their depth on the trade block.
Who's the Best Man for Second Base?
With Fowler set to man center field, Arismendy Alcantara's best hope at a starting spot in 2015 lies in wrestling second base away from Javier Baez. But because the two of them displayed huge swing-and-miss problems in the majors last year, don't count out Tommy La Stella. He's a good contact hitter, and that may become more and more appealing to the Cubs if Baez and Alcantara continue to rack up whiffs.
NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals
18 of 21
Projected Record: 88-74
Coming off a 90-win season, their second straight NL Central title and their fourth straight trip as far as the National League Championship Series, it looks on paper like 2015 will be business as usual for the Cardinals. Assuming they have answers for the following questions, anyway.
What's the Best Role for Carlos Martinez?
The Cardinals have Adam Wainwright, John Lackey, Lance Lynn and Michael Wacha locked into the top four spots in their rotation, and they're hoping Martinez can earn the fifth spot. Whether that's the right idea is debatable, however. He was inconsistent as a starter in 2014 but has been dominant at times as a reliever. Don't be surprised if that's what he ends up doing again in the long run.
Is the Rotation Sturdy Enough?
It sure looks like it from looking at what's on paper, but the cracks are there. The Cardinals don't have an obvious No. 5 candidate, Lackey is old and Wainwright and Wacha both come with health question marks. The Cardinals could thus find themselves exploring the trade market at some point, and Jim Duquette of MLB.com isn't wrong to think they could focus on Cole Hamels' end of it.
What's This Team's Best Lineup?
For now, it looks like it starts with Matt Carpenter up top and then Jason Heyward before getting to the big boppers. But don't be surprised if Mike Matheny becomes keen on mixing and matching. Batting Heyward or Kolten Wong at leadoff would mean an increase at speed, while Carpenter's contact ability works well for a classic No. 2 hitter. Also, there's the question of whether Matt Adams needs to be platooned with Mark Reynolds at first base.
NL West: San Francisco Giants
19 of 21
Projected Record: 84-78
The defending World Series champion Giants didn't have the best offseason. They lost Pablo Sandoval and Mike Morse to free agency and, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, whiffed on signing James Shields. And now they have to worry about...
How Will Tim Hudson's Slow Recovery Be Handled?
As reported by Chris Haft of MLB.com, Hudson is recovering slowly from right ankle surgery. In the short term, that creates an opportunity for Ryan Vogelsong or Yusmeiro Petit to start. But the Giants should be at least a little worried about the long term. If Hudson never fully recovers, their rotation could be sorely lacking in stability after Madison Bumgarner. That could require a move.
Who's Backing Up Buster Posey?
Consider this a good problem to have, as Hector Sanchez and Andrew Susac are both among the more solid backup catchers in baseball. Haft reports Sanchez is intent on winning his job back from Susac, however, with a sidenote being that failing to do so could put Sanchez on the trade block. But if Sanchez wins the job, maybe Susac would be made available.
Who's the Best Fit at Leadoff?
Assuming Angel Pagan is healthy following season-ending back surgery, he'll presumably slide right into his customary leadoff role. But he's not the only option the Giants have anymore, as Nori Aoki's contact and bat control skills fit the leadoff position well. Even if Pagan is healthy, it wouldn't be a surprise if Aoki forces his way to the top of the lineup at some point.
NL West: San Diego Padres
20 of 21
Projected Record: 84-78
Meet the new Padres, who are definitely not the same as the old Padres. New general manager A.J. Preller went wild over the offseason, trading for Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers and signing James Shields. That's a lot of star power, but issues remain.
Is This New Outfield Actually Going to Work?
From an offensive perspective, the trio of Upton, Kemp and Myers should be outstanding. But since none of them is a true center fielder, how it's going to work on defense is a good question. At best, it's likely the Padres will have to devise a plan for late-inning replacements. At worst, they may have to break the trio up via the trade market. Though, in fairness, that could indeed lead to something quite good.
Who's Going to Bat Leadoff?
No National League team got a lower OBP out of its leadoff hitters in 2014, and it so happens this is the one problem Preller didn't fix in remaking his offense this winter. The best candidate for the job is probably Alexi Amarista, whose career OBP is .279. That's not a good look and another problem that may need to be solved by going out of house.
Who's the Fifth Starter?
With Shields, Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy lined up, the top of San Diego's rotation is fine. Now all the Padres have to do is figure out the back end, where Brandon Morrow and Odrisamer Despaigne are the front-runners. If either of them can make good on his upside, you'll want to keep an eye on this Padres rotation. It could be really good.
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers
21 of 21
Projected Record: 97-65
Despite winning 94 games and a second straight NL West title in 2014, the Dodgers decided to retool this winter. But it was worth it, as their new Andrew Friedman-led front office completely revamped the team's up-the-middle defense, rotation and bullpen. However...
Who's Playing Center Field?
When the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp, it was immediately apparent they did so in part so they could clear the way for top prospect Joc Pederson. But the job hasn't been handed to him just yet, as he'll have to outplay Andre Ethier this spring to earn it. If neither looks up to the task, don't rule out Yasiel Puig moving back to center and the Dodgers going with a platoon in right field.
Is More Rotation Depth Needed?
If Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson can stay healthy, the Dodgers rotation has a chance to be one of baseball's best in 2015. But since McCarthy and Anderson aren't known for staying healthy, the Dodgers need to be mindful of potentially adding some depth. All they have outside their top five are Carlos Frias, Mike Bolsinger and Joe Wieland, three names that don't inspire much confidence.
Is More Bullpen Depth Needed?
While we're on the topic of depth, the Dodgers bullpen may need some too. Their depth will be tested early as they await Kenley Jansen's return from foot surgery and could continue to be a problem if Joel Peralta and Chris Hatcher fail to be the upgrades the Dodgers need them to be. And lest they feel like chasing bullpen depth isn't worth it, Friedman and co. must remember the lessons of last October.
Note: Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted/linked.
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