MLB Spring Training 2012: Position Battles to Watch Closely

While most players will be on solid footing when spring training begins, there are a few position battles will keep the month of March interesting as we wait for the Major League Baseball season to begin. 

These can range from two free agents that have been signed to fight for the fifth starting spot in a rotation to a top prospect who is going to force a veteran out—either to the bench or just released. 

No matter what the battles are, it is going to be an interesting spring for these players fighting to keep their starting jobs. 

Boston Red Sox SS: Mike Aviles vs. Jose Iglesias

The Red Sox traded Jed Lowrie and Marco Scutaro this offseason, leaving an open competition for the shortstop gig between journeyman Mike Aviles and prospect/defensive wizard Jose Iglesias. 

Aviles has a huge advantage with the bat. He has hit over .300 twice in his career, though he did drop down to .255/.289/.409 last season. His defense doesn't come close to Iglesias', who has one of the best gloves in the minors. 

Iglesias has never been able to carry himself with the bat. His best season in the minors was in 2010 when he hit .285/.315/.357. One thing that works in his favor is the fact that the Red Sox have one of the most potent lineups, so they don't need him to hit. 

As long as Iglesias doesn't humiliate himself with a bat, he should get the job because his glove will play right now. If he plays enough, he could win a Gold Glove this year. 

Advantage: Jose Iglesias

New York Yankees No. 5 Starter: Phil Hughes vs. Freddy Garcia

Honestly, I don't see this as much of a battle so long as Hughes is healthy and his velocity is good in spring training. He is younger, has more upside and will be a part of the Yankees' future. 

Garcia pitched better than expected for the Yankees last year, with a 3.62 ERA in 146.2 innings. He will be best-served as a long-reliever and spot starter for this team. His stuff doesn't play well in Yankee stadium—his ground-ball percentage last year was just 36.4. 

Hughes has had mixed results throughout his career, but when he was healthy in 2010, he showed what he can do. All signs point to him having a nice bounce-back season.

The Yankees are going to give Hughes every opportunity to win the starting job, and he will fit right in behind CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova. 

Advantage: Phil Hughes

Washington Nationals CF: Bryce Harper vs. Roger Bernadina vs. Rick Ankiel

While the Nationals will insist that they haven't made up their minds about what to do with Harper before the spring training games begin, the more information that comes, it out makes it sound like the team really wants him in the big leagues right away. 

Harper played primarily right field in the minors last season, but he has enough speed and athleticism to handle himself in center. In fact, he would have more value as an up-the-middle player than "just" a corner outfielder. 

When you look at the other options the Nationals have, it is easy to understand why they would want Harper to make the team. He is just 19 years old and does struggle to hit left-handed pitching, which are two big reasons to send him back to the minors. 

All things being equal, would you rather start Harper or one of the other two options in center? This team wants to win now, and he would be more valuable to them than Bernadina or Ankiel. 

Advantage: Bryce Harper

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