MLB Power Rankings: Where Your Team Stands as Spring Training Play Begins

Spring training is in full swing, and teams have begun their Cactus and Grapefruit League schedules as fans get their first look at their favorite teams for the upcoming season.

Success in the spring is by no means a good gauge of how a team will perform in the season ahead, but it is a time to see how individual players look on new teams, in new roles or returning from injury. 

So, with March fast approaching, here is a look at where all 30 teams stand as spring training play begins and we move ever closer to Opening Day.

30. Houston Astros

Key Newcomers

LF Chris Carter

Acquired from the A's in the Jed Lowrie trade, Carter hit 16 home runs in 218 at-bats last season during his first extended look in the majors.

With the short porch in left field and a full season of at-bats, he could make some serious noise in Houston.

RP Josh Fields

The first pick in the Rule 5 draft, Fields posted a 2.01 ERA and 12.0 K/9 in 42 appearances in the Red Sox minor league system last year.

He'll open the season in a middle relief role, but he could quickly emerge as a key late-inning arm for the Astros.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Tyler Greene
2B Jose Altuve
DH Carlos Pena
LF Chris Carter
1B Brett Wallace
CF Justin Maxwell
C Jason Castro
RF Fernando Martinez
3B Matt Dominguez

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Bud Norris
SP Lucas Harrell
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Phil Humber
SP Erik Bedard
CP Jose Veras

29. Miami Marlins

Key Newcomers

SP Henderson Alvarez

As a 22-year-old last season, Alvarez was one of the few Blue Jays starters who managed to stay healthy, making 31 starts and going 9-14 with a 4.85 ERA.

He was acquired in the same trade that landed Adeiny Hechavarria, and he'll open the season as the team's No. 2 starter.

SS Adeiny Hechavarria

The Marlins' offseason was spent turning key veteran pieces into prospects, and the big league roster took a hit as a result. Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco were signed to fill out the roster, but they don't bring about much excitement.

One player with a solid future who will contribute immediately is Hechavarria at shortstop. He hit .312/.363/.424 with 63 RBI in Triple-A last season and will be 23 to open the season.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Juan Pierre
3B Placido Polanco
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Logan Morrison
CF Justin Ruggiano
C Rob Brantly
2B Donovan Solano
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Wade LeBlanc
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Jacob Turner
CP Steve Cishek

28. Colorado Rockies

Key Newcomers

RP Wilton Lopez

Pitching was clearly the Rockies' biggest issue last season. While they did little to address their starting rotation, they added a solid bullpen arm in Lopez for young right-hander Alex White.

Lopez, 29, has posted a 2.64 ERA over 205 appearances the last three seasons, and if the team decides to trade Rafael Betancourt, he's likely next in line to close. 

SP Daniel Rosenbaum

A 22nd-round pick in 2009, Rosenbaum went 8-10 with a 3.94 ERA in Double-A for the Nationals last season, and he was selected in the Rule 5 draft.

He's slated to fill a bullpen spot, but with a questionable starting staff in place, he could wind up filling a bigger role than expected.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Josh Rutledge
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
C Wilin Rosario
3B Chris Nelson
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Juan Nicasio
SP Jeff Francis
CP Rafael Betancourt

27. San Diego Padres

Key Newcomers

SP Freddy Garcia

Garcia enjoyed a career renaissance in 2011, going 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA for the Yankees. However, he fell off last season, going 7-6 with a 5.20 ERA and splitting the season between the rotation and bullpen.

He's nothing but rotational filler at this point in his career. But if he can eat up some innings and post an ERA around 4.00, he'll be a good addition.

SP Tyson Ross

Ross is on the outside looking in for a rotation spot this season after being acquired from the A's. But at 25 years old, he has some upside.

He went 6-2 with a 2.99 ERA in Triple-A last season, but was just 2-11 with a 6.50 ERA in Oakland. So he has some kinks to work out if he is going to contribute in San Diego.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Everth Cabrera
2B Logan Forsythe
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
RF Will Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
C Nick Hundley
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Jason Marquis
SP Eric Stults
SP Freddy Garcia
CP Huston Street

26. Minnesota Twins

Key Newcomers

SP Vance Worley

The Twins shipped Ben Revere to the Phillies for pitching prospect Trevor May and the 25-year-old Worley.

After going 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA as a rookie in 2011, he was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA last season. Not spectacular numbers by any means, but he'll front the staff and will be a welcome addition to the rotation.

SP Kevin Correia

Joining Worley in the Twins' new-look staff is former Pirates right-hander Correia, who has won double-digit games each of the past four seasons and went 12-11 with a 4.21 ERA last year.

He signed a two-year, $10 million deal and should be a solid innings eater if nothing else. Joining those two in the rotation will also be Mike Pelfrey, who could also emerge as a key arm.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Darin Mastroianni
2B Jamey Carroll
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
DH Ryan Doumit
RF Chris Parmelee
3B Trevor Plouffe
SS Pedro Florimon, Jr.

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Vance Worley
SP Kevin Correia
SP Mike Pelfrey
SP Liam Hendriks
SP Brian Duensing
CP Glen Perkins

25. Chicago Cubs

Key Newcomers

SP Edwin Jackson

Though he is not a staff ace, Jackson has been a solid, durable starter for years now. And after going 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA last year in Washington, he signed a four-year, $52 million deal to join the Cubs.

If he can approach the 200-inning mark again this year and register double-digit wins, Chicago's staff will be much better off having him in 2013 and for the next four years.

OF Scott Hairston

A platoon player for most of his career, Hairston enjoyed a breakout season with the Mets last year, hitting 20 home runs in 377 at-bats.

He'll again be in a platoon role, sharing right field duties with Nate Schierholtz. But if he can put up numbers similar to what he did last year, he could wind up being a steal on the two-year, $5 million deal the Cubs signed him to.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF David DeJesus
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
RF Nate Schierholtz
3B Ian Stewart
C Welington Castillo
2B Darwin Barney
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Scott Feldman 
SP Travis Wood
CP Carlos Marmol

24. New York Mets

Key Newcomers

SP Shaun Marcum

Though injuries limited him to just 21 starts last season, Marcum was solid in his two years in Milwaukee, going 20-11 with a 3.60 ERA.

The injury concerns led him to settle for a one-year, $4 million deal with the Mets, and he'll open the season as the No. 2 starter behind Johan Santana. 

C Travis d'Arnaud

d'Arnaud was well on his way to the Blue Jays' starting catching job last year, hitting .333/.380/.595 with 16 home runs and 52 RBI in 67 games at Triple-A.

However, a torn PCL ended his season in June, and he was traded to the Mets for reigning Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey. John Buck will likely open the season as the starter, with d'Arnaud starting off in the minors, but d'Arnaud should take over by midseason.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
LF Lucas Duda
RF Mike Baxter
C John Buck
CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Pitcher 

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Johan Santana
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Jon Niese
SP Matt Harvey
SP Dillon Gee
CP Bobby Parnell

23. Chicago White Sox

Key Newcomers

3B Jeff Keppinger

Third base was a black hole production-wise for the White Sox last season until they acquired Kevin Youkilis from the Red Sox. But after he departed in free agency, the team was in the same position.

The White Sox signed Keppinger to a three-year, $12 million deal to fill the void. While that may be a bit much for a career utility man, he did turn in a terrific season last year when he hit .325/.367/.439 with nine home runs and 40 RBI for the Rays.

RP Matt Lindstrom

The 33-year-old Lindstrom has a live arm, and he'll replace Brett Myers in the back end of the White Sox bullpen.

He has closer experience after saving 23 games for the Astros in 2010, and he posted a career-best 2.68 ERA in 46 games last season, so he was a solid signing on a one-year, $2.8 million deal.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Alejandro De Aza
3B Jeff Keppinger
RF Alex Rios
1B Paul Konerko
DH Adam Dunn
LF Dayan Viciedo
SS Alexei Ramirez
C Tyler Flowers
2B Gordon Beckham

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Chris Sale
SP Jake Peavy
SP John Danks
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Jose Quintana
CP Addison Reed

22. Pittsburgh Pirates

Key Newcomers

C Russell Martin

Signed away from the Yankees on a two-year, $17 million deal, Martin should be a significant offensive upgrade over Rod Barajas at catcher.

Though he hit just .211 last season, he he did have 21 home runs and 53 RBI. Aside from his pop offensively, he also does a nice job handling the staff and should be an asset behind the plate.

SP Francisco Liriano

Liriano has been as frustrating as any pitcher in baseball since first breaking into the league, and the 2012 season was no exception. He finished the season 6-12 with a 5.34 ERA, and after lengthy negotiations, he finally signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Pirates.

A broken right forearm could keep him sidelined to open the season, but he's a solid addition on an incentive-laden deal.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Starling Marte
2B Neil Walker
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Garrett Jones
3B Pedro Alvarez
C Russell Martin
RF Travis Snider
SS Clint Barmes
Pitcher 

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP A.J. Burnett
SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP James McDonald
SP Jeff Karstens
SP Kyle McPherson
CP Jason Grilli

21. Seattle Mariners

Key Newcomers

DH Kendrys Morales

Morales was a budding star when he hit .306 with 34 home runs and 108 RBI during his first full season in 2009. However, injuries sidelined him much of 2010 and all of 2011, and he entered last season looking to get his career back on course.

The numbers weren't quite as good last year, as he had 22 home runs and 73 RBI. But that was still enough for him to hold some trade value, and the Angels shipped him to Seattle for left-hander Jason Vargas.

LF Michael Morse

Originally acquired by the Mariners back in the 2004 trade that sent Freddy Garcia to the White Sox, Morse spent four forgettable seasons in Seattle before his career took off with the Nationals.

With the acquisition of Denard Span and the re-signing of Adam LaRoche, Morse was the odd man out in Washington and was sent to Seattle in a three-team trade for catcher John Jaso.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Dustin Ackley
CF Franklin Gutierrez
3B Kyle Seager
LF Michael Morse
DH Kendrys Morales
C Jesus Montero
1B Justin Smoak
RF Michael Saunders
SS Brendan Ryan

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Joe Saunders
SP Hisashi Iwakuma 
SP Erasmo Ramirez
SP Blake Beavan
CP Tom Wilhelmsen

20. Cleveland Indians

Key Newcomers

1B Nick Swisher

Though he is not an elite slugger, Swisher has been a consistent producer throughout his career. He averaged a line of .268 BA, 26 HR, 87 RBI in his four seasons with the Yankees.

Swisher agreed to terms on a four-year, $56 million deal with Cleveland, where, aside from serving as the cleanup hitter, he'll be a terrific leader in a young clubhouse.

CF Michael Bourn

It took him a while to find a home this offseason, but Bourn eventually agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal to join the Indians.

One of the game's premier speed threats and a fantastic defensive center fielder, Bourn will add another dynamic to what should be a solid Indians lineup this coming season.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
2B Jason Kipnis
1B Nick Swisher
C Carlos Santana
DH Mark Reynolds
LF Michael Brantley
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
RF Drew Stubbs

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Brett Myers
SP Zach McAllister
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
CP Chris Perez

19. Milwaukee Brewers

Key Newcomers

RP Mike Gonzalez

The Brewers' biggest weakness last season was their bullpen, so they understandably made that the focus of their offseason.

Gonzalez has been a solid left-hander relievers for years, and he posted a 3.03 ERA in 47 appearances with the Nationals last season. He agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million deal. 

RP Tom Gorzelanny

Joining Gonzalez in the Brewers bullpen is fellow southpaw Gorzelanny, who signed a two-year, $5.7 million deal.

The 30-year-old also spent last year with the Nationals, going 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 72 innings of work out of the 'pen. He is capable of starting as well if the team runs into rotation problems.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

RF Norichika Aoki
2B Rickie Weeks
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
1B Hunter Morris
SS Jean Segura
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Marco Estrada
SP Michael Fiers
SP Chris Narveson
SP Wily Peralta
CP John Axford

18. Kansas City Royals

Key Newcomers

SP James Shields

The Royals took a big chance in dealing top prospect Wil Myers, but they got one of the game's better veteran arms in Shields.

Under team control through 2014, Shields went a combined 31-22 with a 3.15 ERA the past two seasons. And he's eclipsed the 200-inning mark each of the past six seasons as one of the most durable arms in the league.

SP Ervin Santana

After winning 28 games combined in 2010 and 2011 and posting an ERA under 4.00 each season, Santana went 9-13 with a 5.16 ERA last season.

Facing a $13 million option for 2013, the Angels opted to deal him, and the Royals took a chance on him returning to form and took on the bulk of his contract. 

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Alex Gordon
SS Alcides Escobar
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Billy Butler
C Salvador Perez
3B Mike Moustakas
RF Jeff Francoeur
CF Lorenzo Cain
2B Chris Getz

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP James Shields
SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Ervin Santana 
SP Wade Davis
SP Bruce Chen
CP Greg Holland

17. Boston Red Sox

Key Newcomers

1B/C Mike Napoli

Picking just two guys wasn't easy after the Red Sox's busy offseason.

While Shane Victorino signed the bigger contract (three years, $39 million), Napoli may well have the bigger offensive impact.

After failing his physical, Napoli had to settle for a one-year, $5 million deal. But if he can come even close to his 2011 form, he'll be the steal of the offseason even with the incentives attached to the deal.

SP Ryan Dempster

Pitching remains the Red Sox's biggest concern after a rocky performance top to bottom last season, and the team hopes the veteran Dempster can help shore things up.

The 35-year-old was terrific with the Cubs during the first half of the season, but he struggled to a 5.09 ERA in 12 starts with the Rangers after being traded. The Red Sox are banking on him pitching like he did in Chicago after giving him a two-year, $26.5 million deal.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
1B Mike Napoli
RF Shane Victorino
3B Will Middlebrooks
SS Stephen Drew
LF Jonny Gomes
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

2013 Projected Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Ryan Dempster
SP Felix Doubront
SP John Lackey
CP Joel Hanrahan

16. Philadelphia Phillies

Key Newcomers

3B Michael Young

A staple in the Rangers lineup for the past 13 seasons, Young was traded to the Phillies along with $10 million towards the $16 million he'll make this coming season.

The 36-year-old had the worst season of his career last year, hitting .277 with eight home runs and 67 RBI. But he will be motivated to prove he still has something left after Texas essentially moved him for nothing.

CF Ben Revere

In need of a long-term answer in center field, the Phillies shipped right-handers Vance Worley and Trevor May to the Twins for the 24-year-old Revere.

He is essentially Juan Pierre-lite, as he bring terrific speed and a solid average, but absolutely nothing in the power department. Revere is a much better defender than Pierre ever was, though, and he should be a solid addition to an aging Phillies roster.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
3B Michael Young
1B Ryan Howard
LF Darin Ruf
RF Domonic Brown
CF Ben Revere
C Erik Kratz
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP John Lannan
CP Jonathan Papelbon

15. New York Yankees

Key Newcomers

3B Kevin Youkilis

With Alex Rodriguez lost until at least midseason after undergoing hip surgery, the Yankees needed a stop-gap option at third base, and they found one in former rival Youkilis.

The 33-year-old struggled before being traded from Boston to the White Sox last season, but he turned things around with a .771 OPS with 15 home runs in 80 games in Chicago. It'll be odd, to say the least, seeing him in pinstripes.

DH Travis Hafner

Once among the most feared sluggers in all of baseball, Hafner has averaged just 86 games over the past five seasons and only once played in more than 100.

The power is still there, as he hit 12 home runs in 219 at-bats last season—it's just a matter of him staying on the field. On a one-year, $2 million contract, he was a great low-risk, high-reward signing.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

RF Ichiro Suzuki
SS Derek Jeter
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH Travis Hafner
LF Juan Rivera
CF Brett Gardner
C Chris Stewart

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda 
SP Andy Pettitte
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
CP Mariano Rivera

14. Texas Rangers

Key Newcomers

C A.J. Pierzynski

The 36-year-old Pierzynski enjoyed a career year for the White Sox last season, hitting .278 with 27 home runs and 77 RBI to take home Silver Slugger honors.

After spending the last eight seasons with the White Sox, he signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Rangers, where he'll be asked to help ease the loss of Josh Hamilton, among others.

DH Lance Berkman

The NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2011, Berkman struggled to stay on the field last year and ended up playing in just 32 games altogether.

Short on offensive options after missing out on their top targets, the Rangers signed the 37-year-old to a one-year, $10 million deal. He will be counted on to be a key run producer hitting out of the No. 3 hole in the lineup.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
DH Lance Berkman
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
LF David Murphy
C A.J. Pierzynski
1B Mitch Moreland
CF Leonys Martin

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Yu Darvish
SP Derek Holland
SP Matt Harrison
SP Alexi Ogando
SP Martin Perez
CP Joe Nathan

13. Arizona Diamondbacks

Key Newcomers

3B Martin Prado

The key veteran acquisition in the Justin Upton trade, Prado ranks as one of the most underrated players in all of baseball over the past few seasons.

Last season, he played all four infield spots and left field while hitting .301 with 10 home runs, 70 RBI and 17 steals—good for a 5.4 WAR. He does a little bit of everything and should be a terrific addition to the Diamondbacks lineup.

SP Brandon McCarthy

McCarthy has pitched like a front-line starter when healthy the past two seasons, going 17-15 with a 3.29 ERA. However, injuries limited him to just 43 starts, and a scary head injury last year left his future in question.

He'll open the season as the No. 4 starter, but could quickly emerge as the staff ace if he can avoid injury. He looked solid in his spring debut, striking out four over two innings of work.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Adam Eaton
2B Aaron Hill
C Miguel Montero
LF Jason Kubel
3B Martin Prado
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Cody Ross
SS Cliff Pennington
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Tyler Skaggs
CP J.J. Putz

12. Baltimore Orioles

Key Newcomers

SP Jair Jurrjens

Entering last season, Jurrjens was one of the top young arms in the game, coming off of a 13-6 season in which he posted a 2.96 ERA and made his first All-Star appearance.

Fast forward one year and he's fighting to make the Orioles roster on a minor league deal. After posting a 6.89 ERA in 11 appearances with the Braves last season, he was non-tendered. Now, he'll look to turn things around and win the No. 5 spot in the Baltimore rotation this spring.

IF Alexi Casilla

Claimed off waivers from the Twins, Casilla has consistently provided good defense at either middle infield spot and good speed the bases, though he has hit just .250/.305/.334 for his career.

Second baseman Brian Roberts' health is always a question, so adding a proven veteran as an insurance option was a solid move for the Orioles.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Nate McLouth
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
1B Chris Davis
DH Wilson Betemit
3B Manny Machado
2B Brian Roberts

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Jason Hammel
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Chris Tillman
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Jair Jurrjens
CP Jim Johnson

11. Oakland Athletics

Key Newcomers

3B Jed Lowrie

Though Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson stepped up big last season, the A's entered the offseason without a sure thing at any of the four infield positions.

Lowrie was acquired from the Astros for a package built around slugger Chris Carter, and he'll play all over the infield, with a bulk of his time coming at third base. The 28-year-old had 16 home runs in 340 at-bats for Houston last season.

SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

After failing to sign with the Yankees last offseason after they won negotiating rights with a $2 million bid, Nakajima was a free agent this offseason and he agreed to a two-year, $6.5 million deal with the A's.

A .302 career hitter in Japan, he hit .311 with 13 home runs and 74 RBI last season. Even if he is slow to adjust to the MLB game, he should still be an upgrade offensively over Cliff Pennington and others who manned the position last year.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Coco Crisp
3B Jed Lowrie
LF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Brandon Moss
RF Josh Reddick
DH Seth Smith
C John Jaso
2B Scott Sizemore
SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

Projected Opening Day Rotation 

SP Brett Anderson
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Tom Milone
SP A.J. Griffin
SP Daniel Straily
CP Ryan Cook

10. St. Louis Cardinals

Key Newcomers

RP Randy Choate

The Cardinals' only clear need entering the offseason was a second left-handed arm alongside Marc Rzepczynski in the bullpen. 

They got their guy in the 37-year-old Choate, signing him to a three-year, $7.5 million deal. He appeared in an NL-high 80 games and posted a 3.03 ERA last season while playing for the Marlins and Dodgers.

IF Ty Wigginton

With Allen Craig moving into an everyday role last season, the Cardinals lacked a bat off the bench capable of providing some pop.

Wigginton should be able to provide that after hitting 11 home runs in 315 at-bats last season for the Phillies. He also gives the team an insurance policy at third base should the injury-prone David Freese be forced to spend time on the DL.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
1B Allen Craig
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
CF John Jay
2B Daniel Descalso
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Adam Wainwright
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Lance Lynn
SP Joe Kelly
CP Jason Motte

9. Tampa Bay Rays

Key Newcomers

RF Wil Myers

He may open the year in the minors, but by midseason, Myers could be a key run producer in the middle of the Rays lineup.

The Minor League Player of the Year last season after he hit .314/.387/.600 with 37 home runs and 109 RBI, Myers doesn't need much more minor league seasoning. After giving up James Shields to acquire him, the Rays will want to see him in action once he's deemed ready.

SS Yunel Escobar

Myers was the marquee addition, but the team also added some solid filler pieces in Escobar, first baseman James Loney and second baseman Kelly Johnson.

Escobar has not always been the best locker room guy, but there is no denying his offensive skills. And after suffering through the likes of Reid Brignac, Sean Rodriguez and Elliot Johnson at the position last season, he'll be a welcome addition. 

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Desmond Jennings
SS Yunel Escobar
RF Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
LF Matt Joyce
DH Luke Scott
2B Kelly Johnson 
1B James Loney 
C Jose Molina

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP David Price
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore
SP Alex Cobb
SP Jeff Niemann
CP Fernando Rodney

8. Los Angeles Angels

Key Newcomers

RF Josh Hamilton

A year after paying big to sign Albert Pujols, the Angels again made a splash and signed the market's top bat when they gave Hamilton a five-year, $125 million deal.

Hamilton has battled injuries off and on, but there is no denying his power. And he launched a career-best 43 home runs with 128 RBI last season. With Hamilton and Pujols alongside Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles' offense should put up huge numbers.

SP Jason Vargas

The Angels rotation features three new starters this season behind Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson, with Vargas joining Tommy Hunter and Joe Blanton in Los Angeles.

Vargas is the best of the three newcomers in my opinion, as the left-hander went 14-11 with a 3.85 ERA for the Mariners last season and surpassed the 200-inning mark for the second straight season.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Mike Trout
SS Erick Aybar
1B Albert Pujols
RF Josh Hamilton
DH Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Alberto Callaspo
C Chris Iannetta
CF Peter Bourjos 

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Joe Blanton
SP Jason Vargas
SP Tommy Hanson 
CP Ernesto Frieri

7. Atlanta Braves

Key Newcomers

LF Justin Upton

Long-rumored to be on the move, the Diamondbacks finally pulled the trigger and shipped Upton to the Braves for a package of players built around Martin Prado and Randall Delgado.

It's hard to believe he's still only 25. Despite taking a step back last season, he still has all the tools to be a superstar. A .300 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI season is well within reach, and a change of scenery may be exactly what he needed to take that next step.

CF B.J. Upton

Speaking of needing a change of scenery, it was clear that the older Upton brother was best suited moving on from his time in Tampa.

He hit just .246 with a terrible .298 on-base percentage last season, but he did launch a career-high 28 home runs and steal 31 bases while playing solid defense. We'll see if the five-year, $75.25 million deal the Braves gave him was a mistake, but he seems to be in a good position for a big season.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Andrelton Simmons
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
CF B.J. Upton
2B Dan Uggla
3B Juan Francisco
C Gerald Laird 
Pitcher 

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Kris Medlen
SP Mike Minor
SP Paul Maholm
SP Julio Teheran
CP Craig Kimbrel

6. Los Angeles Dodgers

Key Newcomers

SP Zack Greinke

Looking for a frontline starter to slot behind Clayton Kershaw in their rotation, the Dodgers shelled out a six-year, $147 million deal to sign the market's top arm in Greinke.

Last season, he went 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 212.1 innings. While he may fall just short of the game's elite arms, he'll be a major weapon in the Dodgers' rotation nonetheless.

SP Hyun-Jin Ryu

Though he is by no means Yu Darvish, Ryu was the top international arm on the market and a proven winner in Korea.

The 25-year-old went 98-52 with a 2.80 ERA and 8.8 K/9 in seven seasons for the Hanwha Eagles. The Dodgers signed him to a six-year, $36 million deal after winning negotiating rights with a $25.7 million posting fee.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Mark Ellis
LF Carl Crawford
CF Matt Kemp
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Hanley Ramirez
RF Andre Ethier
3B Luis Cruz
C A.J. Ellis 
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Zack Greinke
SP Josh Beckett
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP Chad Billingsley
CP Brandon League

5. Cincinnati Reds

Key Newcomers

CF Shin-Soo Choo

In need of a center fielder capable of getting on base and serving as a table-setter atop the lineup, the Reds acquired Choo in a three-team trade with the Indians and Diamondbacks.

The 30-year-old has a career .381 on-base percentage and should approach a 20/20 season. He doesn't have much experience playing center field, but if he struggles, the team can always swap him with Jay Bruce.

IF Jack Hannahan

With the departures of Scott Rolen and Miguel Cairo, the Reds needed a backup corner infielder. They signed Hannahan to a two-year, $4 million deal to fill the role.

The 32-year-old hit .247/.323/.366 with 12 home runs and 69 RBI in 607 at-bats over the past two seasons in Cleveland. If nothing else, he is a solid defender capable of hitting a home run here and there.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Shin-Soo Choo
2B Brandon Phillips
1B Joey Votto
LF Ryan Ludwick
RF Jay Bruce
3B Todd Frazier
SS Zack Cozart
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Aroldis Chapman
CP Jonathan Broxton

4. Toronto Blue Jays

Key Newcomers

SP R.A. Dickey

It's not everyday that the reigning Cy Young winner is made available via trade in the offseason, and the Blue Jays jumped at the chance to acquire Dickey from the Mets when they started to shop him.

Due $5 million this season, the 39-year-old signed a two-year, $25 million extension after arriving in Toronto. He'll front a new-look staff that also added Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle in a separate trade.

SS Jose Reyes

One of the top free agents on the market last offseason, Reyes signed a six-year, $106 million deal with the Marlins after winning the NL batting title with the Mets in 2011.

Now a year later, he'll be suiting up for the Blue Jays following an offseason blockbuster that also landed Toronto the aforementioned Johnson and Buehrle. He'll be counted on as a table-setter ahead of sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
LF Melky Cabrera
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
CF Colby Rasmus
3B Brett Lawrie
DH Adam Lind
C J.P. Arencibia
2B Emilio Bonifacio 

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey 
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Josh Johnson 
SP Ricky Romero
CP Casey Janssen

3. Washington Nationals

Key Newcomers

CF Denard Span

Long in need of a true center fielder and leadoff hitter, the Nationals shipped pitching prospect Alex Meyer to the Twins for Span.

A .284 career hitter with 20-steal potential and Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field, Span is signed for a reasonable $11.25 million over the next two seasons, with a $9 million option for 2015. His addition filled the Nationals' only real offensive hole and made the Michael Morse trade possible.

SP Dan Haren

With Edwin Jackson gone in free agency, the Nationals signed Haren to a one-year, $13 million deal in hopes that he'll return to his once-dominant form.

The 32-year-old won 16 games with a 3.17 ERA in 2011, but went just 12-13 with a 4.33 ERA last season as he battled injury and a dip in velocity. For a Nationals team that won't need him to be anything more than a No. 4 starter, a one-year deal was definitely a risk worth taking.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Denard Span
LF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Dan Haren
SP Ross Detwiler
CP Rafael Soriano

2. Detroit Tigers

Key Newcomers

RF Torii Hunter

One of the first big-name free agents to find a new home this offseason, Hunter signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Tigers on November 16.

The 37-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, as he hit a career-high .313 with 16 home runs and 92 RBI for the Angels. He fills a major offensive hole for the Tigers and should see plenty of pitches to hit batting in front of Miguel Cabrera.

C Brayan Pena

Last season, backup catcher Gerald Laird was a key contributor in Detroit with a .282 average over 174 at-bats, but he left for Atlanta in free agency.

To replace him, the team signed Pena to a one-year deal after he was waived by the Royals in November. A solid defender, Pena hit .251/.291/.355 with 12 home runs and 86 RBI in 757 at-bats during his time in Kansas City.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
RF Torii Hunter
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Victor Martinez
LF Andy Dirks
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Alex Avila
2B Omar Infante

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Doug Fister
SP Max Scherzer
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Rick Porcello
CP Bruce Rondon

1. San Francisco Giants

Key Newcomers

OF Andres Torres

In a swap of underperforming outfielders last offseason, the Giants shipped Torres to the Mets for Angel Pagan in what turned out to be a fantastic move for San Francisco.

Torres came out of nowhere to post a 6.9 WAR for the Giants as a 32-year-old in 2010, but had hit just .226 with a combined 3.9 WAR the past two seasons. He was brought back on a one-year, $2 million deal, and he'll platoon with Gregor Blanco in left field.

RP Ramon Ramirez

Because Pagan was viewed as the better player in the above mentioned swap, the Giants also threw in Ramirez to complete the deal. But wouldn't you know it, he's back in San Francisco as well.

After posting a 2.62 ERA in 66 appearances with the Giants in 2011, Ramirez had a 4.24 ERA in 58 games with the Mets last season. He signed a minor league deal, but should have a good chance of earning a bullpen spot this spring.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Angel Pagan
2B Marco Scutaro
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
LF Gregor Blanco
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Matt Cain
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Tim Lincecum
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CP Sergio Romo