MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand, Mid-Spring Training Edition
We are now just a week from the start of the 2014 MLB regular season, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks kick off the year in Australia on March 22 and 23. The rest of the league gets underway the following week, with Opening Night/Day scheduled for March 30-31.
Close as we are to the start of the season, there is still a lot to be decided from a roster standpoint for all 30 MLB clubs. Whether it is filling out the back of the bench or the bullpen, or making a significant decision in a major position battle, every team has something that has yet to be determined.
With that in mind, things could certainly change between now and Opening Day, but here is a look at where all 30 MLB teams rank as things stand today.
30. Houston Astros
1 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster (new additions in bold)
| CF Dexter Fowler | SP Scott Feldman |
| 2B Jose Altuve | SP Jarred Cosart |
| C Jason Castro | SP Brett Oberholtzer |
| 1B Chris Carter | SP Jerome Williams |
| DH Marc Krauss | SP Dallas Keuchel |
| LF Robbie Grossman | SU Matt Albers |
| 3B Matt Dominguez | SU Josh Fields |
| RF L.J. Hoes | CL Chad Qualls |
| SS Jonathan Villar | ย |
Spring Training Notes
The Houston Astros are likely still at least a couple years from legitimate contention, but they have added enough pieces this offseason that avoiding a fourth straight season with 100-plus losses seems realistic.
The team's projected starters have pitched well so far this spring, outside of Brett Oberholtzer, and an improved rotation would certainly be a boost. Top prospects George Springer and Jonathan Singleton have struggled this spring, and it may be longer than anticipated before they arrive in Houston, but there's no reason to rush them at this point.
29. Chicago Cubs
2 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| SS Starlin Castro | SP Jeff Samardzija |
| 3B Luis Valbuena | SP Travis Wood |
| 1B Anthony Rizzo | SP Edwin Jackson |
| RF Nate Schierholtz | SP Jason Hammel |
| LF Junior Lake | SP James McDonald |
| CF Justin Ruggiano | SU James Russell |
| C Welington Castillo | SU Pedro Strop |
| 2B Darwin Barney | CL Jose Veras |
Spring Training Notes
It was another quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs, and it looks like they could have some trouble scoring runs this year. Getting Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo back on track will be key, and another step forward by catcher Welington Castillo could make him a key piece of the corps as well.
The team still needs to figure out its No. 5 starter spot, as both James McDonald and Chris Rusin have struggled and Jake Arrieta has dealt with shoulder issues. A potential trade of Nate Schierholtz and figuring out who starts at third base between Luis Valbuena and Mike Olt are also on the offseason to-do list.
28. Minnesota Twins
3 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| CF Alex Presley | SP Ricky Nolasco |
| 2B Brian Dozier | SP Kevin Correia |
| 1B Joe Mauer | SP Phil Hughes |
| LF Josh Willingham | SP Mike Pelfrey |
| RF Oswaldo Arcia | SP Vance Worley |
| 3B Trevor Plouffe | SU Brian Duensing |
| DH Jason Kubel | SU Jared Burton |
| C Kurt Suzuki | CL Glen Perkins |
| SS Pedro Florimon | ย |
Spring Training Notes
The focus of the Minnesota Twins' offseason was improving their starting rotation, as they signed Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes to the two largest free-agent deals in team history and rightfully so after an MLB-worst 5.26 ERA from their rotation last year.
Despite those additions, there are still some questions to be answered surrounding the rotation, namely the fact that Vance Worley and Scott Diamond are both out of options. The team will also need to decide if non-roster invitee Jason Kubel is the best option at DH, as he has struggled at the plate this spring.
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27. Philadelphia Phillies
4 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| CF Ben Revere | SP Cliff Lee |
| SS Jimmy Rollins | SP A.J. Burnett |
| 2B Chase Utley | SP Kyle Kendrick |
| 1B Ryan Howard | SP Roberto Hernandez |
| RF Marlon Byrd | SP Jeff Manship |
| LF Domonic Brown | SU Brad Lincoln |
| 3B Cody Asche | SU Antonio Bastardo |
| C Carlos Ruiz | CL Jonathan Papelbon |
Spring Training Notes
It's been a rough spring for the Philadelphia Phillies already, as left-hander Cole Hamels is likely to start the season on the disabled list, and veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins has found himself in manager Ryne Sandberg's doghouse.
They are an aging team that likely would have been best served blowing things up and starting to rebuild this offseason, but instead they re-signed veterans Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz and brought in two more veterans in Marlon Byrd and Roberto Hernandez as they look to make one last run at contention.
Non-roster invitee Jeff Manship has been the surprise of the spring so far, as he looks like the front-runner to replace Hamels in the early going.
26. Chicago White Sox
5 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| CF Adam Eaton | SP Chris Sale |
| LF Alejandro De Aza | SP Jose Quintana |
| 1B Jose Abreu (R) | SP John Danks |
| DH Adam Dunn | SP Erik Johnson (R) |
| RF Avisail Garcia | SP Andre Rienzo |
| SS Alexei Ramirez | SU Scott Downs |
| 3B Conor Gillaspie | SU Matt Lindstrom |
| 2B Gordon Beckham | CL Nathan Jones |
| C Tyler Flowers | ย |
Spring Training Notes
After dealing Jake Peavy and Alex Rios in August, the Chicago White Sox continued the rebuilding process this offseason with the additions of Jose Abreu, Adam Eaton and Matt Davidson. The offense is starting to form with some promising young pieces, but the pitching staff is still a big question mark behind ace Chris Sale.
The White Sox traded closer Addison Reed to acquire Davidson, leaving Nathan Jones to step into the ninth-inning role. Roles will need to be established in the bullpen with Scott Downs, Ronald Belisario and Mitchell Boggs all new to the team. They will also need to decide if Felipe Paulino is worth giving a rotation spot over young right-hander Andre Rienzo and others.
25. Miami Marlins
6 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| 2B Rafael Furcal | SP Jose Fernandez |
| LF Christian Yelich | SP Jacob Turner |
| RF Giancarlo Stanton | SP Henderson Alvarez |
| 1B Garrett Jones | SP Nathan Eovaldi |
| C Jarrod Saltalamacchia | SP Tom Koehler |
| CF Marcell Ozuna | SU A.J. Ramos |
| 3B Casey McGehee | SU Mike Dunn |
| SS Adeiny Hechavarria | CL Steve Cishek |
Spring Training Notes
A year after dealing a number of veterans and trimming the payroll down to nothing, the Miami Marlins assumed the role of buyer once again this offseason, adding veterans Rafael Furcal, Garrett Jones, Casey McGehee, Jeff Baker and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in an effort to boost what was the league's lowest-scoring offense.
The outfield needs to be sorted out this spring, as both Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich have struggled and non-roster invitee Reed Johnson may be playing his way into a roster spot. A healthy season from Giancarlo Stanton would trump any offensive addition they've made, but the young pitching staff should be even better with another year of experience under their belts.
24. Colorado Rockies
7 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| CF Corey Dickerson | SP Jorge De La Rosa |
| RF Michael Cuddyer | SP Tyler Chatwood |
| LF Carlos Gonzalez | SP Brett Anderson |
| SS Troy Tulowitzki | SP Jordan Lyles |
| 1B Justin Morneau | SP Juan Nicasio |
| C Wilin Rosario | SU Matt Belisle |
| 3B Nolan Arenado | SU Rex Brothers |
| 2B DJ LeMahieu | CL LaTroy Hawkins |
Spring Training Notes
Pitching is always the question mark in Colorado, and the team looked to improve its staff this offseason with the additions of Brett Anderson, Jordan Lyles, Franklin Morales, Boone Logan and LaTroy Hawkins. They also signed veteran first baseman Justin Morneau to replace the retired Todd Helton.
Ace Jhoulys Chacin has dealt with shoulder problems this spring and looks to be ticketed for the disabled list to start the season. A healthy Anderson could be a huge addition though, as he's pitched well this spring, and the injury to Chacin will open things up for right-hander Juan Nicasio, who is out of options.
23. New York Mets
8 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| LF Eric Young Jr. | SP Jon Niese |
| 2B Daniel Murphy | SP Bartolo Colon |
| 3B David Wright | SP Zack Wheeler |
| RF Curtis Granderson | SP Dillon Gee |
| 1B Ike Davis | SP John Lannan |
| CF Chris Young | SU Scott Rice |
| C Travis d'Arnaud (R) | SU Kyle Farnsworth |
| SS Ruben Tejada | CL Bobby Parnell |
Spring Training Notes
Many expected the Mets to be among the busier teams this offseason with a good deal of money to spend, and they did in fact make a pair of significant signings in Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon. Still, with Matt Harvey sidelined and question marks at shortstop, first base and at the back of the rotation, they look to be on the outside looking in for an NL playoff spot.
Sorting out first base looks like the biggest decision this spring, as Ike Davis and Lucas Duda have both struggled. The No. 5 starter spot is up for grabs too, with veterans John Lannan and Daisuke Matsuzaka looking like the front-runners at this point.
22. San Diego Padres
9 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| SS Everth Cabrera | SP Andrew Cashner |
| CF Will Venable | SP Ian Kennedy |
| 3B Chase Headley | SP Josh Johnson |
| LF Carlos Quentin | SP Tyson Ross |
| 1B Yonder Alonso | SP Eric Stults |
| 2B Jedd Gyorko | SU Alex Torres |
| RF Seth Smith | SU Joaquin Benoit |
| C Nick Hundley | CL Huston Street |
Spring Training Notes
The Padres may lack a true superstar talent, but they have quietly assembled a solid roster top-to-bottom, and they could surprise some teams in 2014. Their rotation already looked to be in better shape thanks to the emergence of Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross in the second half last year, and if Ian Kennedy and Josh Johnson can get back on track, it could be a legitimate strength.
The bullpen will be strong once again with the additions of Alex Torres and Joaquin Benoit offsetting the loss of Luke Gregerson, who the Padres traded to Oakland. Healthy seasons from Carlos Quentin and Yonder Alonso, a bounce back from Chase Headley and another step forward by Jedd Gyorko could make the offense a plus as well. There is a lot of potential here but also a lot of ifs.
21. Seattle Mariners
10 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| LF Dustin Ackley | SP Felix Hernandez |
| 3B Kyle Seager | SP Scott Baker |
| 2B Robinson Cano | SP Erasmo Ramirez |
| RF Corey Hart | SP James Paxton (R) |
| 1B Justin Smoak | SP Blake Beavan |
| DH Logan Morrison | SU Tom Wilhelmsen |
| CF Michael Saunders | SU Danny Farquhar |
| C Mike Zunino | CL Fernando Rodney |
| SS Brad Miller | ย |
Spring Training Notes
Looking to take the big step from rebuilding to contending, the Seattle Mariners opened up their payroll this offseason and made the biggest splash of the winter, signing Robinson Cano to a massive 10-year, $240 million deal.
However, the key will be how the rest of the lineup around Cano performs, as newcomers Corey Hart and Logan Morrison will be counted on to be run producers and incumbents Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak and Michael Saunders could be in make-or-break seasons. Injuries to Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker this spring leave their rotation in flux and bump them down the rankings.
20. Toronto Blue Jays
11 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| SS Jose Reyes | SP R.A. Dickey |
| RF Jose Bautista | SP Mark Buehrle |
| 1B Edwin Encarnacion | SP Brandon Morrow |
| DH Adam Lind | SP J.A. Happ |
| CF Colby Rasmus | SP Drew Hutchison |
| 3B Brett Lawrie | SU Steve Delabar |
| LF Melky Cabrera | SU Sergio Santos |
| C Dioner Navarro | CL Casey Janssen |
| 2B Ryan Goins (R) | ย |
Spring Training Notes
After adding what seemed like an entirely new roster last offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays were as quiet as anyone this winter, with the addition of catcher Dioner Navarro to replace J.P. Arencibia the only transaction of note.
The team opted against adding a starter behind R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle, as it will instead bank on three guys from a handful of incumbent options to step forward. Candidates J.A. Happ, Brandon Morrow, Todd Redmond and Kyle Drabek have all been hit hard in the early going this spring, while Drew Hutchison looks to have an early bead on a rotation job.
19. Milwaukee Brewers
12 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| SS Jean Segura | SP Yovani Gallardo |
| CF Carlos Gomez | SP Matt Garza |
| RF Ryan Braun | SP Kyle Lohse |
| 3B Aramis Ramirez | SP Marco Estrada |
| C Jonathan Lucroy | SP Wily Peralta |
| LF Khris Davis | SU Brandon Kintzler |
| 1B Juan Francisco | SU Francisco Rodriguez |
| 2B Scooter Gennett | CL Jim Henderson |
Spring Training Notes
Similar to the Kyle Lohse signing last offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers waited until late in the offseason to sign right-hander Matt Garza at a lower price than most expected him to command. His addition gives the team a solid-looking rotation top-to-bottom that could be a legitimate strength.
The real story will be the offense though, as it went from the highest-scoring team in the NL in 2012 to struggling to score runs last year. The return of Ryan Braun will be a big factor, and he is off to a hot start this spring. A healthy season from Aramis Ramirez and the potential emergence of Khris Davis and Scooter Gennett could also give them a big boost.
18. Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| RF Kole Calhoun | SP Jered Weaver |
| CF Mike Trout | SP C.J. Wilson |
| 1B Albert Pujols | SPย Garrett Richards |
| LF Josh Hamilton | SP Hector Santiago |
| 3B David Freese | SP Tyler Skaggs |
| DH Raul Ibanez | SU Sean Burnett |
| 2B Howie Kendrick | SU Joe Smith |
| SS Erick Aybar | CL Ernesto Frieri |
| C Chris Iannetta | ย |
Spring Training Notes
After watching the back end of their rotation struggle last year, the Los Angeles Angels pulled the trigger on a big deal this offseason, shipping slugger Mark Trumbo to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team trade for left-handers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.
Who fills out the bench this spring will be interesting to watch, as the team brought in veterans Carlos Pena, Brennan Boesch and Chad Tracy among others to contend for a spot. The health of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton remains a major question mark, as those two will need to live up to their big salaries if the team hopes to contend in the AL West.
17. Baltimore Orioles
14 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| RF Nick Markakis | SP Chris Tillman |
| 3B Ryan Flaherty | SP Ubaldo Jimenez |
| 1B Chris Davis | SP Wei-Yin Chen |
| CF Adam Jones | SP Bud Norris |
| DH Nelson Cruz | SP Miguel Gonzalez |
| C Matt Wieters | SU Ryan Webb |
| SS J.J. Hardy | SU Darren O'Day |
| LF David Lough | CL Tommy Hunter |
| 2B Jemile Weeks | ย |
Spring Training Notes
After failing to make a splash addition for most of the offseason, the Baltimore Orioles struck late with the signings of Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez. Cruz will bring some much-needed pop to a DH spot that saw little production last year, while Jimenez gives the team a potential staff ace in a collection of No. 3 starter types.
The health of Manny Machado is still up in the air, as he has yet to make his spring debut while recovering from knee surgery. Prospect Jonathan Schoop is also making a strong case to be the Opening Day second baseman, while presumed starter Jemile Weeks has struggled at the plate.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks
15 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Gerardo Parra | SP Randall Delgado |
| 2B Aaron Hill | SP Trevor Cahill |
| 1B Paul Goldschmidt | SPย Wade Miley |
| C Miguel Montero | SP Brandon McCarthy |
| LF Mark Trumbo | SP Archie Bradley (R) |
| 3B Martin Prado | SU David Hernandez |
| RF Cody Ross | SU J.J. Putz |
| SS Didi Gregorius | CL Addison Reed |
Spring Training Notes
The Arizona Diamondbacks pulled the trigger on some big trades this offseason, acquiring a much-needed second power bat to complement Paul Goldschmidt in Mark Trumbo and shoring up the bullpen with a good, young closer in Addison Reed.
The starting rotation remained a question mark even after the team signed Bronson Arroyo near the end of the offseason, as the staff lacked a true ace. With Arroyo battling a bulging disc in his back, and now ace Patrick Corbinย potentially headed for Tommy John surgery (as reported by Nick Piecoro of azcentral), the staff is far from locked in.
Right-hander Randall Delgado is out of options, but he will be the replacement for Corbin to open the year. Top prospect Archie Bradley has pitched well this spring and could play his way onto the roster if he keeps it up as well, especially with Arroyo's status unclear.
15. Cleveland Indians
16 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| CF Michael Bourn | SP Justin Masterson |
| 1B Nick Swisher | SP Corey Kluber |
| 2B Jason Kipnis | SP Zach McAllister |
| DH Carlos Santana | SP Danny Salazar |
| LF Michael Brantley | SP Carlos Carrasco |
| SS Asdrubal Cabrera | SU Vinnie Pestano |
| RF David Murphy | SU Cody Allen |
| C Yan Gomes | CL John Axford |
| 3B Lonnie Chisenhall | ย |
Spring Training Notes
The surprise postseason team of 2013, the Cleveland Indians lost a pair of key arms in free agency this offseason in Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir. That said, another step forward from the very underrated Corey Kluber and a breakout campaign from Danny Salazar could go a long way in making up for those departures.
Perhaps the biggest story of spring has been Carlos Santana and his attempted move to third base. Chances are he'll still spend the bulk of his time at DH and first base, but if he can provide the Indians with an occasional start at the hot corner, it makes them that much more versatile. It will be an uphill battle, but this team still has enough talent to return to the postseason.
14. San Francisco Giants
17 of 30
Projected Opening Day Roster
| CF Angel Pagan | SP Madison Bumgarner |
| 2B Marco Scutaro | SP Matt Cain |
| 1B Brandon Belt | SPย Tim Lincecum |
| C Buster Posey | SP Tim Hudson |
| RF Hunter Pence | SP Ryan Vogelsong |
| 3B Pablo Sandoval | SU Jeremy Affeldt |
| LF Michael Morse | SU Santiago Casilla |
| SS Brandon Crawford | CL Sergio Romo |
Spring Training Notes
With essentially the same team that won it all in 2012 back last year, the San Francisco Giants entered the season with lofty expectations, but a drop-off by the starting rotation left them battling to avoid a last-place finish in the NL West.
The focus this offseason was re-signing their own free agents, but they did add veteran Tim Hudson to replace Barry Zito in the rotation and bounce-back candidate Michael Morse to provide some pop in left field. Their top four starters have thrown the ball well this spring, but Ryan Vogelsong has struggled, and the team has very little in the way of rotational depth if he's not able to hold down that job.ย
13. Kansas City Royals
18 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Norichika Aoki | SP James Shields |
| 2B Omar Infante | SP Jason Vargas |
| 1B Eric Hosmer | SP Bruce Chen |
| DH Billy Butler | SP Jeremy Guthrie |
| LF Alex Gordon | SP Yordano Ventura (R) |
| C Salvador Perez | SU Aaron Crow |
| 3B Mike Moustakas | SU Kelvin Herrera |
| CF Lorenzo Cain | CL Greg Holland |
| SS Alcides Escobar | ย |
Spring Training Notes
The Kansas City Royals filled the three clear needs on their roster when they signed free agents Jason Vargas and Omar Infante and dealt for Norichika Aoki in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. They took a step forward last year with their first winning season since 2003, and now they're looking to make their first trip to the playoffs since 1985.
The back of the rotation is the only major question to be sorted out this spring, as Danny Duffy and Wade Davis are looking to beat out hard-throwing prospect Yordano Ventura for the No. 5 spot.
Adding Aoki and Infante to the top of the lineup gives the offense a completely different look, as Alex Gordon can slide down into a run-production slot. If the Royals can avoid another slow start at the plate, they should be able to hang around all season.
12. Atlanta Braves
19 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Jason Heyward | SP Julio Teheran |
| LF Justin Upton | SP Ervin Santana |
| 1B Freddie Freeman | SP Freddy Garcia |
| C Evan Gattis | SP Alex Wood |
| 3B Chris Johnson | SP David Hale |
| SS Andrelton Simmons | SU Luis Avilan |
| 2B Dan Uggla | SU David Carpenter |
| CF B.J. Upton | CL Craig Kimbrel |
Spring Training Notes
The No. 6 team last time these rankings were put together, the Atlanta Braves slide down significantly due to bevy of issues with their starting rotation. Projected Opening Day starter Kris Medlen may be headed for a second Tommy John surgery, while Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy are also dealing with arm issues and could open the season on the DL as well.
Atlanta signed Ervin Santana to help the situation, but the team will still likely be relying on non-roster veteran Freddy Garcia and a pair of young arms in Alex Wood and David Hale to start the year. The Braves are still legitimate contenders in the NL East looking at the 2014 season as a whole, but as far as where things stand right now, they are not a top-10 team.
11. Pittsburgh Pirates
20 of 30
Projected Roster
| LF Starling Marte | SP Francisco Liriano |
| SS Jordy Mercer | SP Gerrit Cole |
| CF Andrew McCutchen | SP Wandy Rodriguez |
| 3B Pedro Alvarez | SP Charlie Morton |
| 2B Neil Walker | SP Edinson Volquez |
| C Russell Martin | SU Tony Watson |
| 1B Gaby Sanchez | SU Mark Melancon |
| RF Jose Tabata | CL Jason Grilli |
Spring Training Notes
Losing veteran starter A.J. Burnett in free agency is a serious blow for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While full seasons from Gerrit Cole, Wandy Rodriguez and Charlie Morton should help offset his departure, the No. 5 starter spot could be a major hole given the early struggles of newcomer Edinson Volquez this spring.
Top prospect Jameson Taillon could help plug that hole in the rotation once he arrives, and fellow prospect Gregory Polanco could unseat Jose Tabata in right field by midseason. The Pirates will have to battle to make it back to the postseason, but this is a team with a wealth of young talent, and they should be right in the thick of things in the NL for the foreseeable future.
10. Texas Rangers
21 of 30
Projected Roster
| LF Shin-Soo Choo | SP Yu Darvish |
| SS Elvis Andrus | SP Alexi Ogando |
| 1B Prince Fielder | SP Martin Perez |
| 3B Adrian Beltre | SP Tommy Hanson |
| RF Alex Rios | SP Joe Saunders |
| DH Mitch Moreland | SU Tanner Scheppers |
| C Geovany Soto | SU Neftali Feliz |
| 2B Jurickson Profar | CL Joakim Soria |
| CF Leonys Martin | ย |
Spring Training Notes
Adding Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder this offseason immediately gives the Texas Rangers one of the most dangerous lineups in all of baseball, especially if Jurickson Profar can turn in a breakout season with a position to call his own in 2014.
That said, the starting rotation is a major issue once again behind a bona fide staff ace in Yu Darvish and left-hander Martin Perez. Expected No. 2 starter Derek Holland is out until midseason following a freak knee injury, and Matt Harrison looks like he will start the year on the DL as well.
That leaves oft-injured Alexi Ogando to battle it out with veterans Tommy Hanson, Joe Saunders and Colby Lewis to fill out the staff. It certainly does not look like a staff capable of contending for an AL pennant, at least here in the early going.
9. Tampa Bay Rays
22 of 30
Projected Roster
| LF David DeJesus | SP David Price |
| 2B Ben Zobrist | SP Alex Cobb |
| 3B Evan Longoria | SP Matt Moore |
| RF Wil Myers | SP Chris Archer |
| 1B James Loney | SP Jake Odorizzi (R) |
| DH Matt Joyce | SU Jake McGee |
| CF Desmond Jennings | SU Joel Peralta |
| SS Yunel Escobar | CL Grant Balfour |
| C Ryan Hanigan | ย |
Spring Training Notes
The offseason came and went, and ace David Price is still wearing a Tampa Bay Rays jersey, despite the fact that many viewed him as a sure thing to be moved this winter. With him fronting a terrific rotation, the Rays look like serious contenders in the AL East.
The Rays will once again have a retooled bullpen, as Jamey Wright and Fernando Rodney will be replaced by Heath Bell and Grant Balfour, but they have proven time and again that they know how to make it work in the late innings. A full season of Wil Myers in the middle of the lineup should help boost the offense, and this team has a real shot at making its fifth postseason appearance in the past seven years.
8. Cincinnati Reds
23 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Billy Hamilton (R) | SP Johnny Cueto |
| 2B Brandon Phillips | SP Mat Latos |
| 1B Joey Votto | SPย Homer Bailey |
| RF Jay Bruce | SP Mike Leake |
| LF Ryan Ludwick | SP Tony Cingrani |
| 3B Todd Frazier | SU J.J. Hoover |
| C Devin Mesoraco | SU Sean Marshall |
| SS Zack Cozart | CL Aroldis Chapman |
Spring Training Notes
The Cincinnati Reds lost a pair of key pieces in Shin-Soo Choo and Bronson Arroyo to free agency this offseason, and they both will be replaced with in-house guys in Billy Hamilton and Tony Cingrani. Whether or not the speedy Hamilton is capable of replacing on-base machine Choo atop the lineup may be their biggest question mark, but his wheels are a serious weapon if he can get on enough.
New manager Bryan Price takes over a talented team that has struggled to get out of the first round of the playoffs, and with their window to contend slowly closing, the Reds will need to put it all together this season in a tough NL Central.
Catcher Devin Mesoraco is a serious breakout candidate, as the everyday catcher job is finally his with Ryan Hanigan dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays.
7. Oakland Athletics
24 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Coco Crisp | SP Jarrod Parker |
| 3B Josh Donaldson | SP Scott Kazmir |
| SS Jed Lowrie | SP Sonny Gray |
| LF Yoenis Cespedes | SP Tommy Milone |
| 1B Brandon Moss | SP Dan Straily |
| RF Josh Reddick | SU Luke Gregerson |
| DH John Jaso | SU Ryan Cook |
| 2B Alberto Callaspo | CL Jim Johnson |
| C Derek Norris | ย |
Spring Training Notes
As usual, the Oakland Athletics didn't make any splashy moves this offseason, with the biggest addition being the signing of Scott Kazmir to replace the departed Bartolo Colon in the rotation. They did add a handful of complementary pieces though, and manager Bob Melvin does as a good a job as anyone in getting the most out of all 25 guys.
They may suddenly need to make some big decisions at the front and back of their rotation this spring, however. Jarrod Parker is injured, though thankfully the A's believe it isn't structuralย at this time, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish. Kazmir and Sonny Gray look to be locked into spots, but the other two are up for grabs. Dan Straily, Tommy Milone, Drew Pomeranz and possibly Jesse Chavez are all in the running to crack the rotation.
A.J. Griffin was once believed to be a contender as well, but he will be shut downย (according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle) and will start the season on the DL.
6. New York Yankees
25 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Jacoby Ellsbury | SP CC Sabathia |
| SS Derek Jeter | SP Hiroki Kuroda |
| RF Carlos Beltran | SP Masahiro Tanaka (R) |
| 1B Mark Teixeira | SP Ivan Nova |
| C Brian McCann | SP David Phelps |
| DH Alfonso Soriano | SU Matt Thornton |
| 3B Kelly Johnson | SU Dellin Betances |
| 2B Brian Roberts | CL David Robertson |
| LF Brett Gardner | ย |
Spring Training Notes
No one spent more or added more talent this offseason than the New York Yankees, as they missed the playoffs for just the second time since 1994 and were in desperate need of some impact additions. They won 85 games with an injury-riddled team last year, so it's hard to not envision them making a run at the AL East title in 2014.
The starting rotation is still a question, as CC Sabathia is not the force he once was, Hiroki Kuroda showed signs of age down the stretch and Masahiro Tanaka is still an unknown commodity. Infield depth could also be an issue, with the team relying on Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson to hold down everyday jobs. Still, there is plenty of reason for optimism in the Bronx right now.
5. Washington Nationals
26 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Denard Span | SP Stephen Strasburg |
| RF Jayson Werth | SP Gio Gonzalez |
| LF Bryce Harper | SP Jordan Zimmermann |
| 3B Ryan Zimmerman | SP Doug Fister |
| 1B Adam LaRoche | SP Ross Detwiler |
| SS Ian Desmond | SU Drew Storen |
| C Wilson Ramos | SU Tyler Clippard |
| 2B Anthony Rendon | CL Rafael Soriano |
Spring Training Statsย
After posting the best record in the NL in 2012, the Washington Nationals looked like serious contenders for the NL pennant last year, but they stumbled out of the gates and were just one game over .500 heading into the All-Star break.
The talent is still there, and they are arguably a better team after adding a terrific No. 4 starter in Doug Fister, as well as Jerry Blevins, Mike Gonzalez and Nate McLouth. The No. 5 starter job is still up for grabs between Ross Detwiler, Tanner Roark and Taylor Jordan, whileย Fister has also dealt with elbow issues this spring. However, this looks like a team that could make a run at the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals in the National League.
4. Boston Red Sox
27 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Shane Victorino | SP Jon Lester |
| LF Daniel Nava | SP John Lackey |
| 2B Dustin Pedroia | SP Clay Buchholz |
| DH David Ortiz | SP Jake Peavy |
| 1B Mike Napoli | SP Felix Doubront |
| C A.J. Pierzynski | SU Junichi Tazawa |
| SS Xander Bogaerts (R) | SU Edward Mujica |
| CF Grady Sizemore | CL Koji Uehara |
| 3B Will Middlebrooks | ย |
Spring Training Notesย
The reigning champs lost some key pieces this offseason in Jacoby Ellsbury, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Stephen Drew, but they still look like the team to beat in a talented AL East. Boston signed A.J. Pierzynski to replace Salty, and top prospect Xander Bogaerts is set to take over at shortstop, but center field is still up in the air.
Most expected prospect Jackie Bradley to seize the job, but he has struggled this spring, and veteran Grady Sizemore has hit well enough that it may be worth giving him a shot at the job to open the season. If Sizemore can make an unexpected impact and third baseman Will Middlebrooks can return to his 2012 form, Boston's high-powered offense could be as good or perhaps even better than last season.
3. Detroit Tigers
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Projected Roster
| 2B Ian Kinsler | SP Justin Verlander |
| RF Torii Hunter | SP Max Scherzer |
| 1B Miguel Cabrera | SP Anibal Sanchez |
| DH Victor Martinez | SP Rick Porcello |
| CF Austin Jackson | SP Drew Smyly |
| 3B Nick Castellanos (R) | SU Joba Chamberlain |
| C Alex Avila | SU Bruce Rondon |
| LF Don Kelly | CL Joe Nathan |
| SS Jose Iglesias | ย |
Spring Training Notes
Trading Prince Fielder and Doug Fister this offseason certainly changes the look of the Detroit Tigers' roster, but they should be in a good position to capture the AL Central title and make a run at the AL pennant once again.
Drew Smyly is more than capable of stepping into the rotation for Fister, and the addition of Ian Kinsler gives the lineup a completely different look. They are an improved defensive team and have far more speed top to bottom, and that could make them dangerous.
Andy Dirks will be lost for 12 weeks to back surgery, so the Tigers need to figure out left field, and they are counting on Nick Castellanos to make a serious impact at the plate, but top to bottom this is a talented team.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
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Projected Roster
| RF Yasiel Puig | SP Clayton Kershaw |
| LF Carl Crawford | SP Hyun-Jin Ryu |
| SS Hanley Ramirez | SP Zack Greinke |
| 1B Adrian Gonzalez | SP Dan Haren |
| CF Matt Kemp | SP Paul Maholm |
| 3B Juan Uribe | SU Brian Wilson |
| C A.J. Ellis | SU Chris Perez |
| 2B Dee Gordon | CL Kenley Jansen |
Spring Training Notesย
The Los Angeles Dodgers used a phenomenal second-half push to run away with the NL West title last year, and with their new, free-spending ownership and an incredibly talented roster already in place, it looks like they will be in the running for the NL pennant for the foreseeable future.
Second base is the biggest question this spring, as Cuban defector Alex Guerrero was originally expected to man the position but could now open the season in the minors, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
"Although Cubanย Alex Guerreroย was signed to a four-year, $28 million deal with the expectation it would be him (who started at second base), his slow adaptation from a natural shortstop position to second base makes it likely he will open the season in the Minor Leagues.
"
That leaves Dee Gordon as the likely Opening Day second baseman, though he too is a natural shortstop. Aside from second base, the team will need to decide between Paul Maholm and Josh Beckett for the No. 5 starter spot and needs to sort out bullpen roles with Jamey Wright and Chris Perez added to the mix.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
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Projected Roster
| 3B Matt Carpenter | SP Adam Wainwright |
| CF Peter Bourjos | SP Shelby Miller |
| LF Matt Holliday | SP Michael Wacha |
| RF Allen Craig | SP Lance Lynn |
| 1B Matt Adams | SP Joe Kelly |
| C Yadier Molina | SU Kevin Siegrist |
| SS Jhonny Peralta | SU Carlos Martinez (R) |
| 2B Kolten Wong (R) | CL Trevor Rosenthal |
Spring Training Notes
The Cardinals moved quickly this offseason to fill their one glaring hole, signing shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year, $53 million deal back in November. They then added Peter Bourjos in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels, opening up an everyday spot for Kolten Wong in the process.
They have some decisions to make in the bullpen with Edward Mujica and John Axford gone from last year's team, and they also need to decide who fills out the final two rotation spots between Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, Carlos Martinez and currently sidelined Jaime Garcia. Even with those decisions to be made, the Cardinals look like the most complete team in baseball right now and the rightful recipient of the top spot here.
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