Power Ranking All 30 MLB Pitching Staffs Entering Spring Training

With Opening Day just under six weeks away, each MLB team is busily preparing for the 2013 season. While some teams have few roster spots available, others are still in the process of tweaking.

Pitching staffs have gone through much transition on several teams as well. The landscape has certainly changed as teams attempt to do what they can to position themselves for a coveted postseason berth.

There will no doubt be changes in store as the season plays itself out and teams frantically search for upgrades before the trade deadline. But for now, they'll all tout their pitching staffs and say how pleased they are with their current roster.

Here is a look at every team's pitching staff and it ranks as spring training enters its second week.

30. Houston Astros

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Bud Norris
2. RHP Lucas Harrell
3. RHP Jordan Lyles
4. RHP Phil Humber
5. LHP Erik Bedard 

Alternates

RHP Jose Cisnero
RHP Paul Clemens
RHP Jarred Cosart 
RHP Brad Peacock
RHP Ross Seaton
RHP Alex White
LHP Dallas Keuchel
LHP Brett Oberholtzer
LHP Rudy Owens

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Jose Veras
Relief: LHP Wesley Wright
Relief: RHP Josh Fields
Relief: RHP Rhiner Cruz
Relief: LHP Xavier Cedeno  
Relief: RHP Sam Demel
Relief: RHP John Ely

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Chia-Jen Lo 
RHP C.J. Fick
RHP Jose Valdez

It's going to be a long season in Houston.

The rotation will certainly be challenged, especially considering that not one pitcher on the roster has ever registered 200 innings. Bedard came close, but that was before the shoulder woes that curtailed his career.

Veras has never been a closer full-time at the major league level. While general manager Jeff Luhnow has assembled a bevy of promising prospects, 2013 will not be the year that they live up to their potential.

29. Miami Marlins

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Ricky Nolasco
2. RHP Henderson Alvarez
3. LHP Wade LeBlanc
4. RHP Nathan Eovaldi
5. RHP Jacob Turner

Alternates

RHP Alex Sanabia
LHP Brad Hand
RHP Jose Fernandez
RHP John Maine
RHP Doug Mathis
RHP Kevin Slowey

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Steve Cishek
Relief: RHP Jon Rauch
Relief: LHP Mike Dunn
Relief: RHP A.J. Ramos
Relief: RHP Evan Reed   
Relief: RHP Chris Hatcher
Relief: LHP Daniel Jennings

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Arquimedes Caminero
RHP Jose Ceda   
RHP Sam Dyson
LHP Braulio Lara
LHP Scott Maine
LHP Edgar Olmos

Another team in complete flux, the Marlins have a staff loaded with potential but little experience. Nolasco literally became the ace by default following the departures of Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle.

Cishek was solid as the closer in the second half last year, and Dunn delivered as well. Overall, this is a staff that will be challenged.

28. Colorado Rockies

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Jorge De La Rosa
2. RHP Jhoulys Chacin
3. RHP Juan Nicasio
4. LHP Drew Pomeranz
5. LHP Jeff Francis

Alternates

RHP Tyler Chatwood 
RHP Joe Gardner
RHP Rob Scahill 
LHP Christian Friedrich

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Rafael Betancourt
Relief: RHP Wilton Lopez
Relief: RHP Matt Belisle
Relief: RHP Adam Ottavino
Relief: LHP Rex Brothers  
Relief: LHP Josh Outman
Relief: RHP Tyler Chatwood

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Edgmer Escalona
RHP Josh Sullivan
RHP Will Harris 
RHP Miguel Batista
RHP Manny Corpas

The rotation's ability to be effective rests largely on the health of Nicasio, De La Rosa and Chacin. The trio combined for 28 starts last season.

Lopez helps strengthen the bullpen, and he'll likely take over as closer after Betancourt's contract expires at the end of the season. While the bullpen is stronger than the rotation, it will be heavily taxed if the starters fail to deliver.

27. San Diego Padres

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Edinson Volquez
2. LHP Clayton Richard
3. RHP Jason Marquis
4. LHP Eric Stults
5. RHP Freddy Garcia

Alternates

RHP Casey Kelly
RHP Adys Portillo
RHP Tyson Ross
LHP Jose DePaula
RHP Donn Roach
RHP Tim Stauffer

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Huston Street
Relief: RHP Luke Gregerson
Relief: RHP Brad Brach
Relief: RHP Dale Thayer
Relief: LHP Joe Thatcher   
Relief: RHP Brad Boxberger
Relief: RHP Anthony Bass

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Fautino De Los Santos
RHP Miles Mikolas   
LHP Tom Layne

The Padres made virtually no changes to their staff, save for minor league signings and adding aging veterans. In addition, the fences are moving in at Petco Park. That certainly doesn't bode well for a staff that posted a 4.01 ERA last season.

26. Minnesota Twins

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Scott Diamond
2. RHP Vance Worley
3. RHP Kevin Correia
4. RHP Liam Hendriks
5. RHP Rich Harden

Alternates

RHP Cole De Vries
RHP Mike Pelfrey
RHP Kyle Gibson
RHP B.J. Hermsen
RHP Trevor May
LHP Pedro Hernandez

Bullpen

Closer: LHP Glen Perkins
Relief: RHP Jared Burton
Relief: RHP Casey Fien
Relief: RHP Josh Roenicke
Relief: RHP Alex Burnett   
Relief: LHP Tyler Robertson
Relief: LHP Brian Duensing

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Ryan Pressly
RHP Michael Tonkin 
LHP Caleb Thielbar

Twins general manager Terry Ryan brought in Pelfrey, Worley, Correia and Harden to help bolster a rotation that finished dead last in the American League last season. Diamond's status for the beginning of the season is in doubt after a slow recovery from offseason elbow surgery.

Perkins stepped in as the closer for Matt Capps last season, and Burton performed well throughout the year. However, it's a staff that faces challenges. Harden and Pelfrey are coming off major injuries, while Worley is coming off a disappointing sophomore campaign.

25. Cleveland Indians

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Justin Masterson
2. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
3. RHP Brett Myers
4. RHP Zach McAllister
5. RHP Trevor Bauer

Alternates

RHP Carlos Carrasco
RHP Corey Kluber
LHP Scott Kazmir

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Chris Perez
Relief: RHP Vinnie Pestano
Relief: RHP Joe Smith
Relief: RHP Matt Albers
Relief: LHP Nick Hagadone
Relief: LHP David Huff
Relief: RHP Matt Capps

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Cody Allen
RHP Trey Haley
RHP Frank Herrmann 
RHP Bryan Shaw
LHP Scott Barnes
LHP Giovanni Soto

The bullpen is solid, with a dependable back-end trio of Smith, Pestano and Perez. However, the pitching staff is loaded with questions.

Jimenez and Masterson will be expected to bounce back from subpar 2012 seasons. Myers will be expected to easily transition back to the starting rotation, and Bauer is still an unknown at the major league level.

24. Milwaukee Brewers

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Yovani Gallardo
2. RHP Marco Estrada
3. RHP Mike Fiers
4. LHP Chris Narveson
5. RHP Wily Peralta

Alternates

RHP Nick Bucci
RHP Hiram Burgos
RHP Johnny Hellweg
RHP Ariel Peña  
RHP Tyler Thornburg

Bullpen

Closer: RHP John Axford
Relief: LHP Mike Gonzalez
Relief: RHP Jim Henderson
Relief: LHP Tom Gorzelanny
Relief: RHP Burke Badenhop   
Relief: RHP Brandon Kintzler
Relief: RHP Mark Rogers

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Santo Manzanillo
RHP Michael Olmsted
RHP Jesus Sanchez
RHP Josh Stinson
LHP Miguel De Los Santo
RHP Kelvim Escobar

General manager Doug Melvin bolstered his bullpen with the acquisitions of Gonzalez, Gorzelanny and Badenhop. But he left the starting rotation alone, and there are questions concerning its effectiveness.

Narveson is returning from rotator cuff surgery—if he's unable to go, Mark Rogers will be at the ready. Estrada and Fiers showed flashes of consistency last season, and Peralta looked sharp in his brief stay. It's really about a lack of overall experience at this point.

23. Chicago Cubs

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Matt Garza
2. RHP Jeff Samardzija
3. RHP Edwin Jackson
4. RHP Scott Feldman
5. RHP Carlos Villanueva

Alternates

RHP Scott Baker
RHP Alberto Cabrera
RHP Arodys Vizcaino
RHP Robert Whitenack
LHP Brooks Raley
LHP Chris Rusin
RHP Casey Coleman
RHP Barret Loux

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Carlos Marmol
Relief: RHP Kyuji Fujikawa
Relief: RHP Shawn Camp
Relief: LHP James Russell
Relief: RHP Michael Bowden
Relief: LHP Travis Wood
Relief: RHP Hector Rondon

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Rafael Dolis
RHP Trey McNutt 
RHP Drew Carpenter
RHP Jaye Chapman
RHP Dayan Diaz
LHP Hisanori Takahashi

The Cubs have already taken a hit with the news that Garza will be shut down for a week with a lat strain.

How's that for a fresh start on a new season?

Jackson, Feldman and Villanueva should give stability to the rotation. Not spectacular talent, but a group that should out-perform last year's staff.

22. Seattle Mariners

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Felix Hernandez
2. LHP Joe Saunders
3. RHP Hisashi Iwakuma
4. RHP Blake Beavan
5. RHP Erasmo Ramirez

Alternates

RHP Jon Garland
RHP Hector Noesi
LHP Anthony Fernandez
LHP Danny Hultzen
RHP Jeremy Bonderman

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Tom Wilhelmsen
Relief: LHP Charlie Furbush
Relief: LHP Oliver Perez
Relief: LHP Lucas Luetge
Relief: RHP Stephen Pryor   
Relief: RHP Josh Kinney
Relief: RHP Carter Capps

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Yoervis Medina
RHP Chance Ruffin
LHP Bobby LaFromboise
RHP Kameron Loe

The Mariners added Saunders to replace Jason Vargas, and Iwakuma showed promise in his first season on American soil. Beavan and Ramirez are the definite wild cards in the rotation.

Wilhelmsen shined following the departure of Brandon League, and Furbush seems to have found his niche as a setup man. The rest of the bullpen isn't quite as solid but offers potential.

21. New York Mets

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Johan Santana
2. RHP Shaun Marcum
3. RHP Jonathon Niese
4. RHP Matt Harvey
5. RHP Dillon Gee

Alternates

RHP Gonzalez Germen
RHP Jeremy Hefner
RHP Collin McHugh
RHP Jenrry Mejia
RHP Hansel Robles
RHP Zack Wheeler

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Bobby Parnell
Relief: RHP Brandon Lyon
Relief: RHP Scott Atchison
Relief: RHP LaTroy Hawkins
Relief: LHP Josh Edgin   
Relief: LHP Pedro Feliciano
Relief: RHP Jeremy Hefner

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Jeurys Familia
RHP Elvin Ramirez
LHP Robert Carson
LHP Darin Gorski
RHP Carlos Torres
LHP Aaron Laffey

With the possibility that Frank Francisco could start the season on the disabled list, the Mets bullpen is already in trouble. Parnell moves into the closer's role for now, with major league retreads Atchison, Hawkins and Feliciano being expected to fulfill significant roles.

The loss of R.A. Dickey considerably weakens the rotation. Gee is coming back from a clot in his throwing shoulder that shortened his 2012 season, and with Santana, there is always going to be uncertainty concerning his shoulder.

20. Boston Red Sox

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Jon Lester
2. RHP Clay Buchholz
3. RHP Ryan Dempster
4. LHP Felix Doubront
5. RHP John Lackey

Alternates

RHP Rubby De La Rosa
RHP Allen Webster
RHP Steven Wright
LHP Drake Britton
LHP Franklin Morales

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Joel Hanrahan
Relief: RHP Andrew Bailey
Relief: RHP Koji Uehara
Relief: LHP Andrew Miller
Relief: LHP Craig Breslow
Relief: RHP Junichi Tazawa
Relief: RHP Alfredo Aceves

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Daniel Bard
RHP Clay Mortensen
RHP Alex Wilson
RHP Pedro Beato

Hanrahan, Bailey and Uehara give the Red Sox a strong late-inning trio, while Bard could be a key component if he can bounce back from a forgetful 2012 campaign.

The rotation could become a strength, but only if manager John Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves can fix Lester and Buchholz.

19. Pittsburgh Pirates

Starting Rotation

1. RHP A.J. Burnett
2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez
3. RHP James McDonald
4. RHP Jeff Karstens
5. RHP Kyle McPherson

Alternates

RHP Jeanmar Gomez
RHP Phil Irwin
RHP Stolmy Pimentel
LHP Jeff Locke
LHP Andrew Oliver
LHP Francisco Liriano

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Jason Grilli
Relief: RHP Mark Melancon
Relief: LHP Tony Watson
Relief: RHP Jared Hughes
Relief: LHP Justin Wilson   
Relief: RHP Chris Leroux
Relief: LHP Jeff Locke

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Victor Black
RHP Hunter Strickland
RHP Duke Welker
RHP Vin Mazzaro
LHP Mike Zagurski

Grilli takes over as closer following the departure of Joel Hanrahan, while Melancon will look to bounce back from a forgettable season with the Boston Red Sox. For now, Locke could serve in long relief and as rotation depth. 

Liriano could be starting the season on the disabled list while he recovers from a fractured right arm. If McDonald can put together two strong halves, the front of the rotation could become a strength.

18. Baltimore Orioles

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jason Hammel
2. LHP Wei-Yin Chen
3. RHP Chris Tillman
4. RHP Miguel Gonzalez
5. RHP Jair Jurrjens

Alternates

RHP Jake Arrieta 
RHP Dylan Bundy 
RHP Zach Clark
RHP Steve Johnson
RHP Todd Redmond
LHP Zach Britton

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Jim Johnson
Relief: RHP Pedro Strop
Relief: RHP Darren O'Day
Relief: LHP Troy Patton
Relief: RHP Luis Ayala
Relief: RHP Brian Matusz
Relief: RHP Tommy Hunter

Bullpen Alternates

LHP Mike Belfiore
LHP T.J. McFarland 
RHP Daniel McCutchen
LHP Daniel Schlereth

The strength of the staff is without question the bullpen. Johnson, Strop, O'Day, Patton and Ayala were terrific last year for the Orioles and should once again provide plenty of support.

Hammel hopes to pitch pain free after undergoing surgery last year to remove loose cartilage from his right knee. Meanwhile, Jurrjens will attempt to show that he can actually pitch in the majors and isn't washed up at the age of 27.

17. Los Angeles Angels

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Jered Weaver
2. LHP C.J. Wilson
3. RHP Tommy Hanson
4. LHP Jason Vargas
5. RHP Joe Blanton

Alternates

LHP Brad Mills
RHP Barry Enright
RHP Garrett Richards

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Ernesto Frieri
Relief: LHP Sean Burnett
Relief: RHP Kevin Jepsen
Relief: LHP Scott Downs
Relief: RHP Jerome Williams   
Relief: LHP Nick Maronde
Relief: RHP Bobby Cassevah

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Ryan Brasier 
RHP Steven Geltz
RHP Michael Kohn
LHP Brandon Sisk
LHP Andrew Taylor
LHP Nick Maronde

It's a definite possibility that Ryan Madson will start the season on the disabled list, moving Frieri back to the closer's role that he fulfilled nicely in 2012. Burnett adds another solid arm to a bullpen that was shaky at times last year.

Blanton, Hanson and Vargas will be out to show that the Angels rotation wasn't weakened by the departures of Zack Greinke, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana.

16. Kansas City Royals

Starting Rotation

1. RHP James Shields
2. RHP Jeremy Guthrie
3. RHP Ervin Santana
4. RHP Wade Davis
5. LHP Bruce Chen

Alternates

RHP Nathan Adcock
RHP Guillermo Moscoso
LHP Noel Arguelles
LHP Chris Dwyer
LHP Will Smith

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Greg Holland
Relief: RHP Aaron Crow
Relief: RHP Kelvin Herrera
Relief: LHP Tim Collins
Relief: RHP Luis Mendoza  
Relief: RHP Luke Hochevar
Relief: LHP Francisley Bueno

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Louis Coleman
RHP Brian Sanches
RHP Dan Wheeler
LHP Francisley Bueno
LHP Donnie Joseph
LHP Everett Teaford

The Royals certainly strengthened their rotation with the additions of Shields, Davis and Santana. Guthrie found his comfort zone in Kansas City last year as well.

Holland stepped up in a big way as the closer last year, and Crow seems settled in as the setup man. Mendoza and Hochevar could provide spot starts if necessary.

The performance of the new rotation could go a long way in determining the Royals' fate in 2013.

15. Arizona Diamondbacks

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Ian Kennedy
2. RHP Trevor Cahill
3. RHP Brandon McCarthy
4. LHP Wade Miley
5. RHP Patrick Corbin

Alternates

RHP Chase Anderson
RHP Charles Brewer 
RHP Randall Delgado
RHP Zeke Spruill
LHP Tyler Skaggs
LHP David Holmberg

Bullpen

Closer: RHP J.J. Putz
Relief: RHP Heath Bell
Relief: RHP David Hernandez
Relief: LHP Tony Sipp
Relief: RHP Brad Ziegler
Relief: LHP Matt Reynolds
Relief: RHP Randall Delgado

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Starling Peralta 
RHP Eric Smith
LHP Eury De La Rosa
LHP Joe Paterson

The competition for the No. 5 starter will come down to Corbin, Skaggs and Delgado, and it's entirely possible all three could have impact this season.

Bell joins Hernandez in a setup role for Putz. However, whether or not Bell can be effective after a roller-coaster season in Miami remains to be seen. Sipp joins Reynolds to give manager Kirk Gibson two solid lefty veterans in the bullpen.

14. Texas Rangers

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Yu Darvish
2. LHP Matt Harrison
3. LHP Derek Holland
4. RHP Alexi Ogando
5. LHP Martin Perez

Alternates

RHP Justin Grimm
RHP Roman Mendez
RHP Neil Ramirez

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Joe Nathan
Relief: RHP Jason Frasor
Relief: LHP Robbie Ross
Relief: RHP Josh Lindblom
Relief: RHP Tanner Scheppers
Relief: LHP Michael Kirkman
Relief: RHP Wilmer Font

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Cory Burns
RHP Wilmer Font  
LHP Jeffrey Beliveau
LHP Joe Ortiz
RHP Collin Balester
RHP Evan Meek
RHP Yoshinori Tateyama

The Rangers rotation could get a boost around midseason with the return of Colby Lewis and Neftali Feliz. Lewis could be back in June while Feliz is more likely to return after the All-Star break.

The bullpen will be bolstered later in the season when Joakim Soria returns from Tommy John surgery as well.

The staff doesn't have a true ace, however. Harrison stepped up in a big way last season with his 18-win effort.

13. Oakland Athletics

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Brett Anderson
2. RHP Jarrod Parker
3. LHP Tommy Milone
4. RHP A.J. Griffin
5. RHP Bartolo Colon

Alternates

LHP Travis Blackley
LHP Andrew Werner
RHP Dan Straily

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Ryan Cook
Relief: LHP Sean Doolittle
Relief: LHP Jerry Blevins
Relief: RHP Pat Neshek
Relief: LHP Jordan Norberto   
Relief: RHP Fernando Rodriguez
Relief: RHP Dan Straily

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Jesse Chavez
RHP Arnold Leon
RHP Evan Scribner
LHP Pedro Figueroa
LHP Hideki Okajima
LHP Garrett Olson

Closer Grant Balfour will likely start the season on the disabled list, moving Cook to the closer's role for now. A solid bullpen nonetheless.

Straily provides an extra arm for a rotation that surprised just about everyone last year.

12. Chicago White Sox

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Chris Sale
2. RHP Jake Peavy
3. LHP John Danks
4. RHP Gavin Floyd
5. LHP Jose Quintana

Alternates

RHP Simon Castro
RHP Nestor Molina  
RHP Andre Rienzo
RHP Zach Stewart
LHP Charles Leesman
LHP Hector Santiago

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Addison Reed
Relief: LHP Matt Thornton
Relief: RHP Jesse Crain
Relief: RHP Nate Jones
Relief: RHP Matt Lindstrom
Relief: LHP Donnie Veal
Relief: RHP Dylan Axelrod

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Deunte Heath
RHP Jhan Marinez  
RHP Brian Omogrosso
LHP Santos Rodriguez 
LHP Leyson Septimo
RHP Jeff Gray

Sale and Peavy are rock solid at the top of the rotation. Danks is returning from labrum surgery—never a sure thing with pitchers.

Reed saved 29 games last season, but inconsistency was a part of his game as well. A 4.75 ERA from a closer does not qualify as automatic. Reed has a solid supporting cast in Thornton, Crain, Jones and Lindstrom.

11. New York Yankees

Starting Rotation

1. LHP CC Sabathia
2. RHP Hiroki Kuroda
3. LHP Andy Pettitte
4. RHP Phil Hughes
5. RHP Ivan Nova

Alternates

RHP Dellin Betances
RHP Brett Marshall
RHP David Phelps
RHP Adam Warren

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Mariano Rivera
Relief: RHP David Robertson
Relief: LHP Boone Logan
Relief: RHP Joba Chamberlain
Relief: LHP Clay Rapada   
Relief: RHP David Aardsma
Relief: RHP David Phelps

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Cody Eppley
RHP Shawn Kelley
LHP Cesar Cabral  
LHP Francisco Rondon
RHP Jim Miller

Rivera will attempt to recapture the magic at the age of 43 and returning from a torn ACL. For any other pitcher, that would be a major concern. But this is Mo we're talking about.

The rotation is solid, but it could be downright nasty if Hughes can repeat his success from last season and if Nova can bounce back from an inconsistent sophomore campaign.

10. Toronto Blue Jays

Starting Rotation

1. RHP R.A. Dickey
2. RHP Brandon Morrow
3. LHP Mark Buehrle
4. RHP Josh Johnson
5. LHP Ricky Romero

Alternates

RHP Chad Jenkins
RHP Brad Lincoln
LHP J.A. Happ
RHP Dave Bush
RHP Justin Germano

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Casey Janssen
Relief: RHP Steve Delabar
Relief: RHP Sergio Santos
Relief: LHP Darren Oliver
Relief: RHP Esmil Rogers   
Relief: RHP Jeremy Jeffress
Relief: LHP J.A. Happ

Bullpen Alternates

LHP Evan Crawford
LHP Aaron Loup
RHP Chad Beck
RHP Tyson Brummett
LHP Tommy Hottovy

A vastly improved rotation will be a key to the Blue Jays' success in 2012. They'll look to avoid devastating injuries as well after Kyle Drabek, Drew Hutchison and Morrow missed significant time last year.

Janssen is the closer for now, but he could see competition from a healthy Santos.

9. Philadelphia Phillies

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Roy Halladay
2. LHP Cliff Lee
3. LHP Cole Hamels
4. RHP Kyle Kendrick
5. LHP John Lannan

Alternates

RHP Tyler Cloyd
RHP Ethan Martin
RHP Jonathan Pettibone
RHP Aaron Cook
RHP Rodrigo Lopez

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Jonathan Papelbon
Relief: RHP Mike Adams
Relief: LHP Antonio Bastardo
Relief: RHP Mike Stutes
Relief: RHP Chad Durbin   
Relief: LHP Jeremy Horst
Relief: LHP Raul Valdes

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Phillippe Aumont
RHP Justin De Fratus
RHP B.J. Rosenberg
RHP Michael Schwimer

The rotation is set, with Lannan replacing Vance Worley. Meanwhile, Halladay will look to bounce back from one of the worst seasons of his career.

Adams greatly aids the bullpen in building a better bridge between the rotation and closer Papelbon.

8. St. Louis Cardinals

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Adam Wainwright
2. LHP Jaime Garcia
3. RHP Lance Lynn
4. RHP Jake Westbrook
5. RHP Shelby Miller

Alternates

RHP Joe Kelly
RHP Trevor Rosenthal

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Jason Motte
Relief: RHP Mitchell Boggs
Relief: LHP Marc Rzepczynski
Relief: LHP Randy Choate
Relief: RHP Edward Mujica   
Relief: RHP Fernando Salas
Relief: RHP Trevor Rosenthal

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Maikel Cleto
RHP Victor Marte 
RHP Jorge Rondon
RHP Eduardo Sanchez
LHP Barret Browning

The loss of Chris Carpenter certainly hurts, but the St. Louis Cardinals have more than enough depth with Miller, Kelly and Rosenthal fighting it out for the No. 5 role.

General manager John Mozeliak added Choate to the mix to complement lefty Rzepczynski, giving manager Mike Matheny more balance and depth for his bullpen.

7. Tampa Bay Rays

Starting Rotation

1. LHP David Price
2. RHP Jeremy Hellickson
3. LHP Matt Moore
4. RHP Jeff Niemann
5. RHP Alex Cobb

Alternates

RHP Chris Archer 
RHP Alexander Colome 
RHP Jake Odorizzi
LHP Mike Montgomery

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Fernando Rodney
Relief: RHP Joel Peralta
Relief: LHP Jake McGee
Relief: LHP Cesar Ramos
Relief: RHP Roberto Hernandez   
Relief: RHP Kyle Farnsworth
Relief: RHP Brandon Gomes

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Josh Lueke
LHP Frank De Los Santos
RHP Dane De La Rosa

The loss of James Shields and Wade Davis certainly stings, but once again, the depth of the Rays' farm system comes in handy. Cobb, Archer and Odorizzi could all have impact for the Rays in 2013.

Rodney will hope to replicate an incredible 2012 season, and Peralta, McGee and Farnsworth will help to provide solid veteran support. Hernandez could be well served in a bullpen role.

6. Cincinnati Reds

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Johnny Cueto
2. RHP Mat Latos
3. RHP Bronson Arroyo
4. RHP Homer Bailey
5. LHP Aroldis Chapman

Alternates

RHP Daniel Corcino
RHP Mike Leake 
RHP Kyle Lotzkar
RHP Pedro Villarreal
LHP Tony Cingrani

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Jonathan Broxton
Relief: LHP Sean Marshall
Relief: RHP Jose Arredondo
Relief: RHP Logan Ondrusek
Relief: RHP Alfredo Simon
Relief: RHP Sam LeCure
Relief: RHP Mike Leake

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Carlos Contreras
RHP J.J. Hoover
RHP Curtis Partch 
RHP Josh Ravin
RHP Clay Hensley

Chapman's transition to the starting rotation is quite obviously the biggest storyline for the Reds. If successful, this is a rotation that could easily be top-three in the majors.

Broxton takes over for Chapman as closer. While he's nowhere near the strikeout artist he was for the Dodgers, he was nonetheless effective last year for the Kansas City Royals and Reds.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers

Starting Rotation

1. LHP Clayton Kershaw
2. RHP Zack Greinke
3. RHP Josh Beckett
4. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
5. RHP Aaron Harang

Alternates

RHP Chad Billingsley
RHP Stephen Fife  
RHP Matt Magill
LHP Ted Lilly
LHP Chris Capuano

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Brandon League
Relief: RHP Kenley Jansen
Relief: LHP J.P. Howell
Relief: RHP Javy Guerra
Relief: RHP Ronald Belisario   
Relief: RHP Matt Guerrier
Relief: LHP Chris Capuano

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Steve Ames
RHP Shawn Tolleson
RHP Josh Wall
RHP Chris Withrow
RHP Mark Lowe
RHP Peter Moylan

This is a staff absolutely loaded with talent. Health concerns for Billingsley (elbow) and Lilly (shoulder surgery) will be a major storyline this spring as the battle for the No. 5 starter role plays itself out.

League has a terrific supporting cast in the bullpen. Jansen looks to return from heart issues and is nasty when 100 percent healthy.

4. Detroit Tigers

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Justin Verlander
2. RHP Max Scherzer
3. RHP Anibal Sanchez
4. RHP Doug Fister
5. RHP Rick Porcello

Alternates

LHP Casey Crosby
LHP Drew Smyly

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Bruce Rondon
Relief: RHP Al Alburquerque
Relief: RHP Joaquin Benoit
Relief: RHP Octavio Dotel
Relief: LHP Phil Coke
Relief: RHP Brayan Villarreal
Relief: LHP Duane Below

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Luis Marte
RHP Jose Ortega
RHP Luke Putkonen 
LHP Darin Downs
LHP Kyle Lobstein

Without question one of the best starting quartets in baseball with Verlander, Scherzer, Sanchez and Fister. Porcello will lock down the No. 5 slot if he isn't dealt by the beginning of the season.

The big question is at closer. Bruce Rondon is being given the opportunity, but at this point, there's certainly no guarantee he'll be successful with no major league experience whatsoever.

3. Atlanta Braves

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Tim Hudson
2. LHP Paul Maholm
3. RHP Kris Medlen
4. LHP Mike Minor
5. RHP Julio Teheran

Alternates

RHP J.R. Graham
LHP Yohan Flande
LHP Sean Gilmartin

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Craig Kimbrel
Relief: LHP Jonny Venters
Relief: LHP Eric O'Flaherty
Relief: RHP Jordan Walden
Relief: LHP Luis Avilan
Relief: RHP Cory Gearrin
Relief: RHP Cristhian Martinez

Bullpen Alternates

RHP David Carpenter
RHP Cory Rasmus 
RHP Anthony Varvaro

The bullpen is as good as it gets, with the lethal combination of Kimbrel and Venters at the back end.

The rotation will get a nice upgrade when Brandon Beachy returns midseason after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Medlen will look to replicate his second-half success last year.

2. San Francisco Giants

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Matt Cain
2. LHP Madison Bumgarner
3. RHP Ryan Vogelsong
4. RHP Tim Lincecum
5. LHP Barry Zito

Alternates

RHP Yusmeiro Petit
LHP Edwin Escobar
RHP Boof Bonser

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Sergio Romo
Relief: LHP Jeremy Affeldt
Relief: RHP Santiago Casilla
Relief: LHP Javier Lopez
Relief: LHP Jose Mijares   
Relief: RHP George Kontos
Relief: RHP Ramon Ramirez

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Shane Loux
RHP Brett Bochy
RHP Jean Machi  
RHP Dan Otero
RHP Sandy Rosario
LHP Dan Runzler

The Giants return a staff nearly intact from last year's World Series-winning team. The biggest question is whether or not Lincecum can recapture the magic that led to back-to-back Cy Young awards. His postseason performance was a key to the Giants' success, but can he find that mojo in a starting role?

1. Washington Nationals

Starting Rotation

1. RHP Stephen Strasburg
2. LHP Gio Gonzalez
3. RHP Jordan Zimmermann
4. RHP Dan Haren
5. LHP Ross Detwiler

Alternates

RHP Christian Garcia
RHP Yunesky Maya
RHP Ryan Perry 
RHP Ross Ohlendorf

Bullpen

Closer: RHP Rafael Soriano
Relief: RHP Drew Storen
Relief: RHP Tyler Clippard
Relief: RHP Ryan Mattheus
Relief: RHP Henry Rodriguez   
Relief: LHP Zach Duke
Relief: RHP Craig Stammen

Bullpen Alternates

RHP Erik Davis
RHP Jeremy Accardo
LHP Fernando Abad
LHP Bill Bray

The kid gloves come off for Strasburg this year after his innings-imposed limit shut him down in early September last season. Power pitching describes this staff, with Strasburg, Gonzalez and Zimmermann at the top.

If Haren is fully healthy, he represents an upgrade over the departed Edwin Jackson.

The addition of Soriano to the bullpen means that the Nationals will have a trio of pitchers in Soriano, Storen and Clippard that gives them a huge edge over any team beyond the seventh inning.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

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