Biggest Question Every MLB Team Must Answer as Spring Training Games Begin

MLB spring training is prompting all 30 teams to prepare their rosters for the 2012 regular season.

Each club has questions to address as exhibition games become part of the daily routine.

The 162-game marathon is approaching quickly and the competitive juices are pumping.

Although wins and losses don't matter, individual performances are being closely monitored. Even the most subtle developments have significant consequences.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Are There Any Takers for Joe Saunders?

The Arizona Diamondbacks re-signed free-agent starting pitcher Joe Saunders in January to add depth.

However, his $6 million salary is the highest of any pitcher on the team.

Former Oakland Athletic Trevor Cahill and budding stars Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy are locks for the rotation. Josh Collmenter should get a nod, too, considering his outstanding control, while highly touted prospect Trevor Bauer features an MLB-ready repertoire.

Saunders is both expensive and expendable.

The Diamondbacks should attempt to dump his salary on another team seeking an innings-eater.

The question is whether or not there is any interest in a guy on the wrong side of 30 who has no strikeout ability.

Atlanta Braves: What Will Get Outfielder Jason Heyward Back on Track?

Was general manager Frank Wren on vacation the past five months? It seems like it.

His Atlanta Braves didn't acquire a single notable player this offseason. That's unacceptable in the uber-competitive National League East.

Specifically, this team sorely needed to add a corner outfielder to light a fire under Jason Heyward, who regressed after a terrific rookie campaign.

Heyward's plate appearances were limited by a nagging shoulder. When healthy enough to play, his batting average was down 50 points as he struggled to lift the ball off the ground.

Overall, the 20-year-old who was worth 5.2 Wins Above Replacement in 2010 and valued at 2.0 WAR last year.

Eric Hinske is their best alternative off the bench, but hopefully Heyward proves this spring that he is an elite everyday player.

Baltimore Orioles: Why Should Anybody Take Them Seriously?

It is practically guaranteed that the Baltimore Orioles will finish last in the American League East in 2012.

They are hardly improved from a season ago.

In fact, they might be worse.

Baltimore dealt their only trustworthy starter, Jeremy Guthrie, to the Colorado Rockies.

The front office is naive to think that Wei-Yin Chen and Tsuyoshi Wada—imports from the Far East—can fill the void left by Guthrie's departure. Both are soft-throwers who are better suited for the bullpen.

Adam Jones remains without a contract extension. Wilson Betemit and Nick Johnson were low-risk, low-reward signings. Brian Roberts is taking positive steps back from his concussion, but he may never be completely past the injury.

On top of all that, the team has decided to sew this adorable creature onto their caps.

In what direction is this franchise headed?

Boston Red Sox: Can Dustin Pedroia Be the Next Team Captain?

No team can succeed without leadership.

Whether a "C" is literally stitched onto someone's chest is unimportant, but there need to be individuals who hold themselves to a higher standard.

Jason Varitek, longtime captain of the Boston Red Sox, officially ended his MLB career by retiring earlier this spring.

New management has taken over, and expectations for 2012 are cautiously optimistic. A new field general ought to be appointed, too.

Dustin Pedroia is the leading candidate.

The three-time All-Star has an awesome resume, highlighted by a World Series title (2007) and AL MVP award (2008).

His contract will keep him in Beantown through at least the 2014 season.

Above all else, there isn't a player who doesn't respect his unconditional hustle.

The Red Sox have enough talent to contend. But they need a leader to ensure that last September's collapse doesn't recur.

Chicago Cubs: How Should Alfonso Soriano Be Utilized?

Alfonso Soriano is single-handedly stalling the Chicago Cubs' rebuilding plans.

The $18 million he'll earn this season is approximately one-sixth of the entire team's payroll!

Few Cubs are under contract beyond 2012, but Soriano will earn the same salary in 2013 and 2014—and he's barely performing at the level of a replacement-level player.

Soriano no longer steals bases or maintains a decent batting average.

The question for Theo Epstein's staff is whether to limit his playing time or maximize his exposure in the hopes that he rediscovers his former glory and attracts a trade partner.

Chicago White Sox: What Will Be Chris Sale's Innings Limit?

The world didn't come to an end when Mark Buehrle bolted to the Miami Marlins as a free agent in December.

The Chicago White Sox felt confident letting him walk, knowing that Chris Sale was ready to replace the veteran in the rotation.

Sale obviously has less experience but enough velocity to get away with some mistakes (although he didn't make many to begin with in 2011).

Sale relieved only 71.0 innings in his first full MLB season, so it's certain that he won't make a year's worth of starts in 2012.

However, the White Sox could be in the playoff hunt if Adam Dunn, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios all rebound from dreadful campaigns.

The difference between, say, 140 and 160 innings for Sale could make all the difference in the final standings.

Cincinnati Reds: Is a Demotion to Triple-A Best for Aroldis Chapman?

Aroldis Chapman has set MLB records in consecutive seasons with fastballs that were clocked upwards of 105 miles per hour.

But the publicity alone is not enough to validate the $30.5 million that the Cincinnati Reds have invested in him.

The franchise needs to convert him into a starting pitcher. That has always been their vision for the "Cuban Missile."

The obstacle, of course, is that Chapman isn't throwing strikes.

He will either attempt to work through his mechanical flaws in the big leagues or be optioned to the seclusion of Triple-A Louisville for private instruction.

Cleveland Indians: Will 'Fausto Carmona' Pitch in 2012?

The Cleveland Indians showed remarkable foresight in trading for Derek Lowe on October 31.

He fills the vacancy left by Fausto Carmona...or should I say, Roberto Heredia.

The former AL Cy Young candidate was caught using a false identity in the Dominican Republic.

The 31-year-old has used a 1983 birthdate throughout his MLB career. He was actually born in 1980.

Cleveland picked up his $7 million option for 2012 before this controversy but placed him on the restricted list on January 26.

First, Heredia must cooperate with the judicial process. Then, the franchise could either condone his mistake or release him from his contract.

Colorado Rockies: How Many Starters Will Make the 25-Man Roster?

Despite bringing eight-year veteran Jeremy Guthrie into the fold, the Colorado Rockies will have the least experienced starting rotation in the big leagues.

Jhoulys Chacin—with just 53 MLB starts—will be "coaching" Tyler Chatwood (25 starts), Josh Outman (also 25), Guillermo Moscoso (21), Juan Nicasio (13), Alex White (10) and Drew Pomeranz (4) through their rookie and sophomore seasons.

Manager Chad Tracy is planning to squeeze as many of these guys as possible onto the active roster.

He must have inexplicable confidence in young guns—that, or he doesn't want to hurt anybody's feelings with a demotion to the minors now that they've tasted "The Show."

The Rockies bullpen could use any available arms after losing closer Huston Street.

Detroit Tigers: Should Justin Verlander Be Protected During the Regular Season?

Justin Verlander was untouchable in 2011. His opponents knew it, and the Detroit Tigers exploited it.

He won the AL "pitching triple crown" by leading the league in wins (24), ERA (2.40) and strikeouts (250). It was domination worthy of both the Cy Young and MVP awards.

But including the postseason, Verlander tossed more than 270 innings!

With the addition of Prince Fielder, emergence of Doug Fister and retention of Jose Valverde, the Tigers will be expected to run away with the AL Central again.

Saving some of Verlander's arm for October should be considered once that prophecy begins to actualize.

The Tigers will need him at full strength throughout the fall to satisfy their championship aspirations.

Houston Astros: Would Brett Myers Be More Valuable as a Starter or Closer?

Brett Myers is selflessly moving to the bullpen in 2012 because no other Houston Astro has closing experience.

The reassignment, though, leaves the team with a thin starting rotation that is incompetent beyond Bud Norris and Wandy Rodriguez.

Baseball-reference.com provides us with a fascinating stat about Myers' value in either role.

According to the site, he was worth an identical 0.8 WAR in 2007 and 2008. He spent the former as a closer and the latter in the middle of the rotation (both with the Philadelphia Phillies).

This question cannot be neglected. Houston will covet every victory in a season where they are overmatched at most positions.

Kansas City Royals: Does Catcher Salvador Perez Need a Mentor?

If you aren't a Kansas City Royals fan, then you probably aren't familiar with Salvador Perez.

This unknown 21-year-old with merely 50 days of MLB service time impressed his penny-pinching organization enough to work out a contract extension through the end of the decade.

There's no doubt that Perez will serve as the Royals' primary catcher from the get-go.

But wouldn't having a legendary backstop in his ear be beneficial?

Fortunately, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is still unsigned and seeking employment. He would make more of an impression on Perez than current second-stringer Brayan Pena.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Why Not Trade Bobby Abreu?

Opening Day is a few weeks away, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim haven't addressed their congestion at several positions.

Only a handful of players—like Howard Kendrick and Albert Pujols—are guaranteed a full season of plate appearances.

Bobby Abreu is the ultimate odd man out.

He is blocked in left and right field and at designated hitter now that oft-injured Kendrys Morales is testing his ankle.

After demanding a trade to a team in need, management reassured Abreu that he would get ample playing time in L.A.

Manager Mike Scioscia may go against all logic and start Abreu over his younger, more powerful teammates. Otherwise, a deal would be best for both parties.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Is Tim Federowicz Ready to Start?

It is presumed that A.J. Ellis and Matt Treanor will begin the season as Los Angeles Dodger catchers.

Meanwhile, prospect Tim Federowicz is doing everything possible to move up his projected call-up date.

He raked his way to the big leagues last September with an OPS of 1.058 in 25 games at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Why general manager Ned Colletti was compelled to sign the stopgap Treanor this winter is still perplexing. In comparison, Federowicz is cheaper and less of an offensive albatross.

But rushing him up prematurely wouldn't solve much in the long run.

Miami Marlins: Have Clubhouse Cancers Hanley Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano Matured?

South Florida is preparing to support its Miami Marlins like never before. That's what happens when a new logo and stadium are unveiled, and the team's payroll suddenly doubles.

On talent alone, the Marlins stand a decent chance at clinching their first playoff berth since 2003.

However, clubhouse cancers Hanley Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano are joining forces for the first time.

Despite their All-Star contributions on the diamond, their apathy and anger, respectively, have made them undesirable in the past.

Moving to third base—albeit reluctantly—was a surprising and encouraging choice by Ramirez to accommodate shortstop Jose Reyes.

The Marlins have their fingers crossed that 2012 will run its course without Hanley or Big Z stirring the pot. 

Milwaukee Brewers: Can Mat Gamel Be a Respectable First Baseman?

First baseman Prince Fielder is the only significant departure from last year's Milwaukee Brewers who finished comfortably atop the NL Central.

It is unrealistic to even imagine Mat Gamel mirroring his predecessor's production. Gamel has totaled six MLB hits since the start of 2010.

He thrived in the minor leagues, though, and amassed 28 home runs on the farm in 2011.

Gamel is tentatively being slotted behind Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez in the batting order.

The pressure will be unavoidable from the onset of the regular season, especially with the news that Corey Hart will be sidelined after arthroscopic knee surgery.

Minnesota Twins: How Many Games Should Joe Mauer Play at First Base?

Joe Mauer's eight-year, $184 million contract extension took effect in 2011. He responded with the weakest performance of his career.

Still, he can be valuable again.

You can't be as confident in first baseman Justin Morneau, whose career is in jeopardy because of concussion-like symptoms.

Morneau was helpless against left-handed pitching in an abbreviated season.

Moreover, the Twins picked up Ryan Doumit this winter, easily the most competent backup Mauer has ever been paired with.

To prevent Mauer from breaking down, manager Ron Gardenhire will give him reps at first base when the club faces southpaws, and play Doumit behind the plate. Morneau could rest up on the bench until an opposing right-hander relieves the starter.

The unknown is exactly how often Gardenhire will use this configuration.

New York Mets: What Is There to Gain by Rushing Johan Santana's Rehab?

New York Mets ace Johan Santana has been recovering from shoulder issues for the past 18 months.

To anybody whose allegiance has never strayed, I urge you to stick with him for a few final weeks. His return to the mound is now inevitable.

The Mets are optimistic that Santana can represent them on Opening Day. But why should they accelerate his preseason?

Remember that the lefty was on the brink of coming back last summer before suffering from last-minute setbacks.

To ensure that Santana is 100-percent mended, New York ought to air on the side of caution.

The depressing truth is that every game does not matter for the Mets in 2012 as they are long shots to contend, even with the Cy Young Santana of several years ago.

New York Yankees: Who Follows CC Sabathia in the Rotation?

Realize that the New York Yankees' 2012 starting rotation is stronger than any assembled in the Bronx in recent memory.

There is no dramatic drop-off from CC Sabathia to the rest of the staff.

The challenge at hand is aligning the non-Sabathias from No. 2 through No. 6 in the rotation.

It is easiest to begin at the back end where Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes are battling for the No. 5 spot. The competition is essentially rigged so that Hughes will prevail if he goes through the motions without imploding.

Spring training exhibition games will dictate how manager Joe Girardi orders Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda.

Oakland Athletics: Is Yoenis Cespedes Ready for the Majors?

Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes has let the ink dry on his first MLB contract with the Oakland Athletics.

Unlike most highly touted international signings, he isn't a teenager. Rather, Cespedes is of the age where typical players are entering their primes.

Evaluators will note that his swings this spring are his first as a professional in the States.

Cespedes shouldn't have to rely on such excuses, though.

Oakland won't start him in the big leagues unless the rust sheds off completely. Isn't that sufficient motivation?

Philadelphia Phillies: Is Vance Worley Actually the Pitcher We Saw in 2011?

It seems unfair, but the Philadelphia Phillies are better off now sans Roy Oswalt than they were 12 months ago.

Even with Cole Hamels eager to explore free agency, Philly has a new homegrown starter to fawn over.

Vance Worley was under the radar throughout his three seasons as a prospect. He surprised the masses by placing third in 2011 NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Worley is sharpening his off-speed pitches and contemplating alternative strategies to attacking hitters.

Soon we'll see if his adjustments pay dividends.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Will A.J. Burnett Make the Eye Patch Popular?

In a story too funny to be false, Pittsburgh Pirate A.J. Burnett fouled a ball off his right eye in a February practice.

The unsuccessful bunt attempt required orbital surgery that potentially puts Burnett out of action through Memorial Day.

In the meantime, why doesn't he cover his unusable iris with black cloth and generate a few laughs?

The comical injury serves as a much-needed distraction for Pirates fans. This will probably be the year that their insufferable streak of losing seasons reaches 20.

San Diego Padres: Who Besides Cameron Maybin Should Be Locked Up Long-Term?

The San Diego Padres uncharacteristically extended outfielder Cameron Maybin with a contract that covers his first year of free agency and at least five seasons overall.

It is a wise financial practice—agreeing to terms with a player before his breakout campaign—and San Diego should take similar action with other up-and-comers.

Are Yonder Alonso and Cory Luebke under consideration?

Trading Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds this winter added to the Padres' abundance of pre-arbitration-eligible talent.

If the best ones of the group can be kept together for a few seasons, then this franchise will have a winning team to flaunt.

San Francisco Giants: What Will It Take to Extend Matt Cain?

The San Francisco Giants differ from the San Diego Padres in that they are negotiating in nine figures, not eight.

That's the case for Matt Cain, who is poised to receive tremendous offers next winter if these conversations don't accomplish anything.

He has reiterated that he will not settle for a hometown discount or a short deal totaling less than $100 million. Also, Cain would prefer to have an ultimatum from the Giants before the end of spring training.

Obviously, persuading Cain to sign an extension is currently the front office's No. 1 priority.

Seattle Mariners: Is Ichiro Suzuki Best Suited for the No. 3 Spot in the Lineup?

The Seattle Mariners are building an embarrassing tradition of stagnant lineups.

Since 2008, they have annually ranked in the bottom five in runs scored, including dead last in 2010 and 2011.

Having Dustin Ackley and Jesus Montero on the roster for the entire 2012 season gives Seattle legitimate odds of bucking that trend. And if Franklin Gutierrez and Justin Smoak are healthy, then this club could be in the middle of the pack.

In addition, manager Eric Wedge has ordered Ichiro Suzuki to move from his accustomed leadoff spot to third in the batting order.

It's a questionable decision because Suzuki will be counted on as a run-producer even though he doesn't fit the prototype. He has never tallied more than 50 extra-base hits in a year.

St. Louis Cardinals: Without Albert Pujols, Who Is Their New Franchise Player?

Albert Pujols had a fantastic tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals, clinching two World Series titles and countless individual honors.

So now what?

The Redbirds are solid at many positions entering 2012 but lack the presence of an MLB immortal.

Whose face should be posted above the "reigning champs" caption to get fans fired up?

This question may have been answered on February 29 when St. Louis announced a five-year extension for catcher Yadier Molina.

Molina is a noncontroversial leader who excels in all facets of the game.

Adam Wainwright might be the most talented player on the Cardinals.

However, selling him to the public would be awkward at this time because he missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He needs to re-establish himself as an ace.

Tampa Bay Rays: Can They Win with so Many Strikeout-Prone Hitters in the Lineup?

At first glance, these Tampa Bay Rays look superior to the 2011 edition that needed every plate appearance just to sneak into the playoffs.

Their pitching will be dominant, while scoring runs won't be such a chore with the return of Carlos Pena and maturation of Desmond Jennings.

This club could win the American League East.

But upon closer examination, the Rays may be plagued by offensive inconsistency this season due to a surplus of strikeout-prone batters.

Jennings, Pena, Matt Joyce, Evan Longoria, Reid Brignac, Sean Rodriguez, B.J. Upton, Ben Zobrist—all of them are helpless against hard-throwers with elite breaking balls.

As an impending free agent, Upton would be the easiest to unload.

Tampa Bay could promote speedster Sam Fuld into a starting job or seek a veteran left fielder in return if such a scenario were to arise.

Texas Rangers: What Adjustments Does Yu Darvish Need to Make in MLB?

Yu Darvish surely won't pitch to a .731 winning percentage and 1.72 ERA in the major leagues like he did playing professionally in Japan.

His stats were distorted by facing smaller batters who did not have the strength or quick wrists to turn mistakes into round-trippers.

Sizing up his competition, Darvish attacked the strike zone with no fear of contact. This confidence is rare in Major League Baseball. Only those with pinpoint location (e.g. Roy Halladay, Mariano Rivera) can stick with that mentality and not get into trouble in the U.S.

He will also have to adjust to working on four days rest instead of six. It won't be realistic for him to average eight innings per start like he used to.

It is up to Darvish and the Rangers coaching staff to identify skills and habits that don't translate from one end of the world to the other.

Toronto Blue Jays: Is Brett Lawrie Already a Middle-of-the-Order Hitter?

After 43 games at the highest level, Brett Lawrie has everybody convinced that he is an All-Star-caliber MLB player.

There is, however, a huge difference between an ordinary starting third baseman and a superstar.

Lawrie's 2011 sample was more akin to the latter. Most of his third base counterparts lack his power-speed combination.

But before making Lawrie a staple in the heart of the order, the Toronto Blue Jays must assess his ability through every gauge possible.

Ultimately, allowing Lawrie to rise to prominence from a role with modest expectations is wiser than overwhelming him.

Washington Nationals: Which Left-Handed Bat Should Make the Club?

There is space for one more left-handed outfielder on the Washington Nationals 2012 roster.

Who will get the nod: Rick Ankiel, Mark Teahen or Bryce Harper?

It's essentially a two-man race at this point between Ankiel and Harper, each at very dissimilar junctures in their MLB careers.

Ankiel was the Nats center fielder for the bulk of last season. His cannon arm makes him an extraordinary defensive player, but he was not too impressive at the plate.

He is a non-roster invitee at camp.

Harper, on the other hand, tore through Single-A Hagerstown as an 18-year-old in 2011. He then had a forgettable 37-game experience at Double-A Harrisburg to conclude his first summer in professional baseball.

He is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the sport, but his lack of experience cannot be ignored. Also keep in mind that his presence on the Nationals would likely force Jayson Werth to center field.

Spring training is full of difficult choices. The coming weeks promise to be entertaining as we watch the 30 MLB teams proceed with those that are in their best interest.