The 1 Position Every MLB Team Must Improve Before 2015 Season
At this point in the MLB offseason, you can start to get a good sense of what each team's roster is going to look like for the upcoming season.
There are still some impact names on the free-agent market, most notably pitchers Max Scherzer and James Shields and outfielders Colby Rasmus and Nori Aoki, but for the most part, the offseason wheeling and dealing has already come and gone.
While some rosters certainly look to be more complete top to bottom than others, all 30 teams have at least one area that looks to be a weakness or at least a mild concern heading into spring training.
For teams with no glaring weakness among their everyday players, starting pitching depth is an area that often tops the list of potential weaknesses.
Having a good starting rotation to open the year is nice, but injuries are an unavoidable part of the game, and the next two or three starters in line generally wind up playing a significant role during the course of a season.
At any rate, what follows is a look at all 30 MLB teams' biggest positional weakness that will need to be improved heading into the 2015 season.
In-house options at the position are highlighted for each team, and given where we are in the offseason, chances are it will be up to one of those guys in most cases to step up and improve the outlook of that position.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Catcher
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Current Candidates
- Tuffy Gosewisch
- Oscar Hernandez
- Peter O'Brien
- Jordan Pacheco
Overview
The Arizona Diamondbacks' decision to trade Miguel Montero this offseason made sense from a financial standpoint, as it will save the team $40 million over the next three years, but it has left them without a proven option behind the plate.
Last year's backup, Tuffy Gosewisch, looks like the front-runner for the job as things stand today, but he hit just .225/.242/.310 over 129 at-bats last year and is better suited remaining a backup.
Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez has yet to play above the Single-A level, slugging prospect Peter O'Brien is likely headed for first base or right field long term and non-roster invitee Jordan Pacheco is not a viable everyday option.
The remaining backstop market is thin, and another trade with the Chicago Cubs for Welington Castillo looks like the team's best option.
Atlanta Braves: Center Field
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Current Candidates
- Zoilo Almonte
- Jose Constanza
- Todd Cunningham
- B.J. Upton
Overview
With $46.35 million left on his contract and no chance of the team unloading him via trade, the Atlanta Braves are going to give B.J. Upton every chance to be the everyday center fielder once again this coming season.
However, after he hit just .208/.287/.333 with 173 strikeouts in 519 at-bats last season, the team needs to have a better backup plan in place than what it currently does.
Zoilo Almonte, Jose Constanza and Todd Cunningham have a combined 370 career at-bats between them, and none of the three are suited to be anything more than a fourth outfielder.
Baltimore Orioles: First Base/Right Field/Designated Hitter
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Current Candidates
- Chris Davis (1B)
- Alex Hassan (OF)
- David Lough (OF)
- Steve Pearce (1B/OF)
- Christian Walker (1B)
- Delmon Young (OF)
Overview
With Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz departing in free agency, the Baltimore Orioles have a hole to fill at either first base, right field or designated hitter, depending on where Steve Pearce and Chris Davis wind up slotted.
One option would be to give top prospect Christian Walker, who hit .288/.357/.489 with 26 home runs and 96 RBI last year between Double-A and Triple-A, a shot at the everyday first base job. That would mean Pearce plays right field and Davis sees the bulk of the DH at-bats.
A more likely solution looks to be signing free agent Colby Rasmus to play right field, as he met with manager Buck Showalter last Saturday, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. He is one of the more intriguing buy-low options on the market this offseason, and could wind up being a terrific bargain.
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Boston Red Sox: No. 1 Starter
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Current Candidates
- Clay Buchholz
- Justin Masterson
- Rick Porcello
- Wade Miley
Overview
The Boston Red Sox gutted their starting rotation at the trade deadline last season, leaving Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly as the only incumbent starters locked into rotation spots heading into the offseason.
Rick Porcello and Wade Miley were both added during trades at the winter meetings, while Justin Masterson was inked to a one-year, $9.5 million deal in hopes he could return to his 2013 form after a rough showing last season.
While that group certainly has some depth, and the potential to be very good if Buchholz and Masterson bounce back, it is still lacking a bona fide ace to lead the rotation.
James Shields looked like the potential answer after the team missed out on Jon Lester, but that no longer looks like an option.
"The Red Sox, projected to be an early favorite for (James) Shields, are maintaining contact with his camp but are 'highly unlikely' to sign him," wrote Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Unless they make a move to trade for someone like Cole Hamels or Jordan Zimmermann, it appears the Red Sox will be banking on one of their current starters to lead the way.
Chicago Cubs: Left-Handed Relief
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Current Candidates
- Felix Doubront
- Mike Kickham
- Joseph Ortiz
- Zac Rosscup
- Tsuyoshi Wada
Overview
The Chicago Cubs had a pair of solid left-handed relievers last season in James Russell and Wesley Wright, but both pitchers are gone after Russell was traded last July and Wright was a surprise non-tender earlier this offseason.
That leaves the team without a proven lefty option in the bullpen as things currently stand, though there are no shortage of in-house options to try out.
Tsuyoshi Wada was a pleasant surprise as a starter last year, but he's likely been bumped from the rotation following the additions of Jon Lester and Jason Hammel.
Another former starter, Felix Doubront, is out of options, so the team will give him every chance to be part of the Opening Day roster as well.
Zac Rosscup has put up dominant numbers in Triple-A the past two seasons, while Joseph Ortiz and Mike Kickham are also on the 40-man rosters and will get a look this spring.
Chicago White Sox: No. 5 Starter
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Current Candidates
- Erik Johnson
- Hector Noesi
- Brad Penny
- Carlos Rodon
Overview
The addition of Jeff Samardzija to the mix gives the Chicago White Sox a trio atop their rotation that stacks up to any in the American League, as he is joined by Chris Sale and Jose Quintana.
John Danks will fill the No. 4 starter spot, and while he's not the pitcher he was pre-injury, he did eat up 193.2 innings last season and has $31.5 million left on his contract so he's locked into a job.
The front-runner for the No. 5 starter heading into camp is Hector Noesi, who went 8-11 with a 4.39 ERA (4.85 FIP) in 27 starts with the team last year after being claimed off waivers, but he's far from a reliable option.
Prospect Erik Johnson and veteran comeback candidate Brad Penny will also be in the mix this spring, but the guy to watch will be left-hander Carlos Rodon, who was taken with the No. 3 pick last June and reached Triple-A in his pro debut.
Cincinnati Reds: Setup Relief
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Current Candidates
- Carlos Contreras
- Jumbo Diaz
- J.J. Hoover
- Raisel Iglesias
- Sam LeCure
- Manny Parra
Overview
The Cincinnati Reds had one of the better bullpens in the league in 2013, ranking seventh in the league with a 3.29 ERA. That number climbed to 4.11 this past season, though, as they ranked just 26th in the majors.
Flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman remains one of the best in the business, but with Jonathan Broxton traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and Sean Marshall dealing with injuries, their setup situation is a question mark.
Sam LeCure has been a consistent option, with a 3.35 ERA in 216 appearances over the past four years, while J.J. Hoover has lights-out stuff but has struggled with his command.
Cuban defector Raisel Iglesias signed a seven-year, $27 million contract last June, and while the 25-year-old has the power arm to make an impact, he could need more seasoning in the minors before he's ready to contribute.
Cleveland Indians: No. 2 Starter
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Current Candidates
- Carlos Carrasco
- Gavin Floyd
- Danny Salazar
Overview
Backed by a vastly improved starting rotation, the Cleveland Indians made a legitimate push in the AL Central during the second half last season.
However, beyond reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, there are legitimate questions as to just how good their starting pitching will be in 2015.
Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar both have the potential to be plus arms, and they showed that down the stretch last year. They have been inconsistent throughout their careers, though, and counting on either of them to be the No. 2 guy heading into the season is a risky proposition.
Gavin Floyd was signed to a one-year, $4 million deal, and he at least gives the staff a veteran presence. He's made just 14 total starts over the past two years, however, and will be coming back from a second elbow surgery this season.
Colorado Rockies: No. 5 Starter
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Current Candidates
- Tyler Anderson
- Christian Bergman
- Eddie Butler
- Yohan Flande
- Jon Gray
- Chris Rusin
Overview
For as bad as the Colorado Rockies starting rotation has been since, well, since the Rockies became a franchise in 1993, their staff actually looks to have some upside heading into the 2015 season.
Jorge De La Rosa was re-signed to a two-year deal to front the staff, and a healthy Jhoulys Chacin could be a dark, dark-horse contender for NL Comeback Player of the Year.
Behind them, Tyler Matzek (6-11, 4.05 ERA) and Jordan Lyles (7-4, 4.33 ERA) both showed flashes of being solid middle-of-the-rotation arms last year and could be ready to take a nice step forward.
The No. 5 spot is the question mark, and top prospects Eddie Butler and Jon Gray will certainly be in the running for the job this spring. If one or both of them can step forward and start delivering on their potential in 2015, this Rockies team might just surprise some people.
Detroit Tigers: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Buck Farmer
- Kyle Lobstein
- Kyle Ryan
- Drew VerHagen
Overview
The Detroit Tigers starting rotation has undoubtedly taken a step back this offseason, with the team replacing Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello with Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene.
Equally concerning is their lack of depth, especially considering the huge step backward Simon took in the second half last season, as it would not be at all surprising to see him wind up in the bullpen.
Kyle Lobstein held his own in seven appearances (six starts) last season, posting a 4.35 ERA (3.82 FIP) and 1.246 WHIP, and he would likely be the next man up if the team needed another starter.
Beyond him, prospects Buck Farmer and Drew VerHagen both have some upside as potential middle-of-the-rotation starters down the line, but they are lacking in experience at this point. Adding a low-cost veteran to the mix would probably be wise.
Houston Astros: Third Base
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Current Candidates
- Matt Dominguez
- Colin Moran
- Gregorio Petit
Overview
Once a top prospect in the Miami Marlins organization, Matt Dominguez now looks like the weak link in the Houston Astros lineup after a horrible 2014 season.
The 25-year-old batted just .215/.256/.330 on the year, as his .586 OPS was the second-lowest mark among all qualified players. His defense was not a strength either, as he had a minus-11.9 UZR/150 and minus-four defensive runs saved, according to FanGraphs.
Prospect Colin Moran is the team's long-term answer at the hot corner, but he is probably still a year away, with just 28 games above the High-A level under his belt, so for better or worse, it looks like Dominguez will have the job once again in 2015.
It's worth noting that he did post a .690 OPS with 25 doubles and 21 home runs in 2013, so if he can at least get back to that level of production, he'll be a viable stopgap option for the upcoming season.
Kansas City Royals: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Aaron Brooks
- Brandon Finnegan
- Brian Flynn
- John Lamb
Overview
The Kansas City Royals plugged the spot in their rotation that was vacated by James Shields with the free-agent signing of Edinson Volquez to a two-year, $20 million deal.
With another step forward from Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy, the rotation has the potential to be a strength once again even without Shields, but the Royals could be in serious trouble if injury strikes.
Brandon Finnegan made the jump from June draft pick to impact bullpen arm in the postseason last year, but his future is as a starter, and it may be in the team's best interest to stretch him out as a starter in the minors.
The team also acquired a solid young starter option in Brian Flynn from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Aaron Crow, and he could be next up should someone go down with an injury during spring training.
Keep an eye on John Lamb, once ranked as the No. 18 prospect in the league by Baseball America heading into the 2011 season. Injuries took him off the top prospect map, but the 24-year-old was finally healthy last year, and he went 8-10 with a 3.97 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 138.1 innings in Triple-A.
Los Angeles Angels: Left-Handed Relief
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Current Candidates
- Jose Alvarez
- Edgar Ibarra
- Cesar Ramos
- Atahualpa Severino
- Scott Snodgress
Overview
The Los Angeles Angels have been searching for a reliable left-handed reliever since Scott Downs left town, and it is still on their offseason wish list with a little over a month to go until the start of spring training.
The team made a move in November to acquire Cesar Ramos from Tampa Bay, with whom he posted a 3.66 ERA over 167 appearances the past four seasons, but he has been used more as a multiple-inning guy and swingman than a true late-inning reliever.
Jose Alvarez is the only other lefty reliever on the 40-man roster, while Edgar Ibarra, Atahualpa Severino and Scott Snodgress will all get a look in camp as non-roster invitees.
Starters C.J. Wilson and Hector Santiago both have experience pitching in relief, and once Garrett Richards returns from injury to take a spot in the rotation, they could be options to help out in the pen.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Mike Bolsinger
- Zach Lee
- Juan Nicasio
- Joe Wieland
Overview
Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu give the Los Angeles Dodgers an enviable trio atop their rotation, but the back end of their staff could be an issue if injuries rear their ugly head once again.
Brandon McCarthy was signed to a four-year, $48 million deal after a strong showing down the stretch with the New York Yankees, but he averaged just 22 starts per year from 2011-13 and has a lengthy injury history.
The No. 5 job is expected to go to Brett Anderson, who got a one-year, $10 million deal despite making just eight starts last year and 32 total over the past four years. He has front-line stuff when healthy and is still just 26 years old, but expecting 30 starts out of him is unrealistic.
In other words, starting pitching depth may very well become something that is tested for the Dodgers this season, and at this point they don't have much.
Prospects Zach Lee and Joe Wieland have yet to prove anything at the big league level, Juan Nicasio has a 5.03 career ERA and Mike Bolsinger was never viewed as anything more than organizational depth during his time in Arizona.
Miami Marlins: No. 5 Starter
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Current Candidates
- Brad Hand
- Dan Haren
- Chris Narveson
- David Phelps
- Andre Rienzo
Overview
The Miami Marlins will have a formidable rotation once Jose Fernandez returns from Tommy John surgery, with Henderson Alvarez, Jarred Cosart, Mat Latos and Tom Koehler making up the rotation behind him, but the No. 5 starter job will be up for grabs until he returns.
It does not appear that Dan Haren, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, has any intentions of pitching in Miami, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
With Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney and Brian Flynn traded this offseason, starting pitching depth is no longer a strength for the Marlins, though newcomers Andre Rienzo and David Phelps could be options to be the No. 5 guy.
At this point, it might be Brad Hand, who went 3-8 with a 4.33 ERA in 16 starts with the team last year and also made 16 relief appearances, who's the front-runner to open the season in the final rotation spot.
Milwaukee Brewers: Utility Infielder
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Current Candidates
- Hector Gomez
- Elian Herrera
- Pete Orr
Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers bench was one of the least productive groups in the National League last year, and while a full season of Gerardo Parra and the acquisition of Luis Jimenez should help, the utility infield spot still looks to be thin.
Elian Herrera is the lone holdover from a trio of guys in that role last year, as Jeff Bianchi and Irving Falu are no longer with the team.
Veteran Pete Orr is back after spending all of last year in Triple-A, but the guy to watch might be Hector Gomez. The 26-year-old was acquired in a trade with the Colorado Rockies last season, and he hit .282/.325/.483 with 25 doubles and 15 home runs playing mostly shortstop in Triple-A.
Minnesota Twins: Outfield Depth
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Current Candidates
- Eric Farris
- Chris Herrmann
- Wilkin Ramirez
- Shane Robinson
- Jordan Schafer
Overview
The Minnesota Twins starting outfield for the 2015 season appears to be set, with Oswaldo Arcia in left field, Aaron Hicks in center field and free-agent signing Torii Hunter in right field.
That has the potential to be a solid group, but there are also question marks surrounding all three guys.
Arcia missed time last year with back problems, and he's been sidelined again in the Venezuelan Winter League. Hicks still has upside, but he has hit just .201/.293/.313 in 467 career at-bats. Hunter looks like the safest bet of the group, but he's entering his age-39 season and isn't going to produce forever.
Jordan Schafer hit .285/.345/.362 in 130 at-bats with the Twins last season after being acquired from the Atlanta Braves, and he looks like the front-runner for the fourth outfield job.
Other options include Shane Robinson, who was signed to a minor league deal after being released by the St. Louis Cardinals, and catcher-turned-outfielder Chris Herrmann.
New York Mets: Shortstop
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Current Candidates
- Wilmer Flores
- Dilson Herrera
- Ruben Tejada
Overview
The New York Mets have made it abundantly clear that Wilmer Flores will be their starting shortstop on Opening Day, and that's perfectly fine, as the 23-year-old has earned a chance to show what he can do on an everyday basis.
What if Flores flops, though, and the team is forced to turn to someone else on a regular basis?
Ruben Tejada has proved more than once that he's not capable of being anything more than a utility infielder, and 20-year-old prospect Dilson Herrera has spent the bulk of his pro career playing second base in the minors.
Signing someone like Stephen Drew, who recently inked a one-year, $5 million deal with the New York Yankees, to be a utility guy and insurance option for Flores would have been smart. Instead, the Mets have gone all-in on an unproven 23-year-old with defensive question marks.
Not a good philosophy for a team that figures to be banking on its pitching to carry it if it's going to contend.
New York Yankees: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Jose De Paula
- Bryan Mitchell
- Luis Severino
- Chase Whitley
Overview
The New York Yankees rotation appears to be set after the team re-signed veteran Chris Capuano and acquired right-hander Nathan Eovaldi in a trade with the Miami Marlins. They will join incumbents Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda, three pitchers with the potential to be really good, but also significant injury question marks entering the season.
With that in mind, the Yankees rotational depth could be tested early and often, and at this point, they don't appear to have a whole lot in that department.
Chase Whitley went 3-3 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.483 WHIP in 12 starts last season before being moved to the bullpen, while Bryan Mitchell and Jose De Paula are also 40-man roster options.
Keep an eye on top prospect Luis Severino, who rose as quickly as any pitching prospect in the game last year, climbing three levels to close out the year as a 20-year-old in Double-A. He needs more seasoning, but if he keeps dominating in the high minors, he could debut at some point in 2015.
Oakland Athletics: Second Base
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Current Candidates
- Andy Parrino
- Eric Sogard
- Joe Wendle
Overview
The Oakland Athletics finally appear to have a player with some upside at one middle infield spot, following the acquisition of shortstop Marcus Semien from the Chicago White Sox in the Jeff Samardzija trade, but the same can't be said for second base.
The position has been a black hole offensively the past several seasons, and it will again be light-hitting fan favorite Eric Sogard who opens the season as the primary option.
Andy Parrino is out of options and will back up both spots to open the year, and after hitting .274/.352/.394 in Triple-A last year, it wouldn't be out of the question to think he could push Sogard for playing time.
The one to watch will be prospect Joe Wendle, who was acquired from the Cleveland Indians in the Brandon Moss trade. The 24-year-old has hit .292/.357/.471 with 68 doubles and 28 home runs in three minor league seasons.
Philadelphia Phillies: Right Field
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Current Candidates
- Brian Bogusevic
- Kelly Dugan
- Jeff Francoeur
- Darin Mastroianni
- Xavier Paul
- Darin Ruf
- Grady Sizemore
Overview
For a Philadelphia Phillies team that has finally started to take some steps toward rebuilding the roster, trading Marlon Byrd to the Cincinnati Reds made a lot of sense, but it has left the Phillies with a glaring hole in right field.
Grady Sizemore earned himself a one-year, $2 million extension with the Phillies after hitting .253/.313/.389 in 162 at-bats with the team last year. As things currently stand, he looks like the favorite to be the starter in right, at least against right-handed pitching.
Beyond Sizemore, a handful of non-roster invitees, headlined by Jeff Francoeur and Brian Bogusevic, will be competing for a roster spot and perhaps a significant role this spring.
Signing Nori Aoki remains an option, and he could be an easy piece to flip at the trade deadline if the team can get him on a one-year deal, but there will likely be more attractive suitors for his services.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Jeremy Bleich
- Brandon Cumpton
- Nick Kingham
- Brad Lincoln
- Clayton Richard
- Adrian Sampson
Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates moved quickly to re-sign Francisco Liriano this offseason and also brought back veteran A.J. Burnett on a one-year deal after he spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies. Those two will join Gerrit Cole, Vance Worley and Jeff Locke to open the year, with Charlie Morton expected to be recovered from offseason hip surgery at some point shortly after the start of the season.
That has the potential to be a solid group, but with Burnett coming off of a rough year in Philly and both Worley and Locke candidates to regress after surprising performances last year, adding another proven arm to the mix certainly wouldn't hurt.
As it stands, prospects Nick Kingham and Adrian Sampson may be next in line for a rotation spot, while Clayton Richard is one to keep an eye on, as he could be the latest Pittsburgh reclamation project now that he's healthy.
San Diego Padres: Shortstop
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Current Candidates
- Alexi Amarista
- Clint Barmes
Overview
The San Diego Padres' decision to non-tender Everth Cabrera was not a huge shock, given the fact that he was projected to make $2.9 million in arbitration and had lost his job to Alexi Amarista in the second half last year.
Amarista started every game at shortstop for the Padres from Aug. 14 on last year, and he hit a solid .260/.311/.340 over that 43-game span to close out the season.
However, the 25-year-old is a career .234/.279/.336 hitter over 1,118 at-bats, and asking him to be anything more than a utility player is a recipe for disaster.
Veteran Clint Barmes was signed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal to provide some insurance, but he too is probably best suited as a bench player at this point in his career. For a Padres team that has vastly improved offensively, the shortstop position could be a real weak spot.
San Francisco Giants: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Ty Blach
- Austin Fleet
- Chris Heston
- Yusmeiro Petit
- Jack Snodgrass
Overview
On the surface, it's hard to call starting pitching depth a weakness for the San Francisco Giants, as they have arguably the best swingman in the league in Yusmeiro Petit ready to step into a rotation spot as needed.
However, considering how many question marks there are behind ace Madison Bumgarner, there's a good chance things extend beyond Petit as far as the team's depth goes.
Tim Hudson and Jake Peavy are both on the wrong sides of their prime, with Hudson falling way off after an All-Star first half and Peavy headed for some unavoidable regression after pitching over his head down the stretch last year.
Matt Cain is coming back from elbow surgery and could take some time to regain his pre-injury form, while Tim Lincecum has been anything but reliable on his way to a 4.76 ERA over the past three seasons.
Petit is a terrific option to fill one rotation spot if needed, but beyond that, the team has next to nothing in the way of viable depth, and that could become a real issue.
Seattle Mariners: Left-Handed Relief
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Current Candidates
- Roenis Elias
- Charlie Furbush
- Lucas Luetge
- Edgar Olmos
- David Rollins
Overview
After filling their need for a right-handed power bat and plugging the hole in right field with a platoon of Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano, the Seattle Mariners roster looks rock solid heading into the 2015 season.
The one area the Mariners will need to sort out is deciding on who will be the second left-hander in their bullpen, whether it is by re-signing veteran Joe Beimel or choosing from a handful of in-house options.
Charlie Furbush is locked into one spot, as he has emerged as one of the better lefty setup men in the game over the past three seasons, but the other spot is up for grabs.
Rule 5 pick David Rollins will get a long look, Lucas Luetge pitched to a 3.98 ERA over 63 appearances as a rookie back in 2012 and Roenis Elias could be a bullpen option after the team acquired J.A. Happ to fill the No. 5 starter spot.
St. Louis Cardinals: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Tim Cooney
- Marco Gonzales
- Tyler Lyons
Overview
It was originally reported that the St. Louis Cardinals would add a low-cost veteran arm as insurance for Carlos Martinez and depth at some point before the offseason was over, but it now appears they could have their sights on a significantly bigger fish.
"The team is exploring trades for left-handers Cole Hamels and David Price and the possibility of signing free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer, according to major-league sources," wrote Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.
With ace Adam Wainwright undergoing elbow surgery this offseason and Michael Wacha struggling to stay healthy last year, the team's interest in adding another front-line starter to the mix certainly makes sense as it eyes another NL Central title.
If the Cardinals don't make a play to acquire a front-line arm, Marco Gonzales and oft-injured Jaime Garcia do provide some in-house depth for Martinez in the No. 5 starter spot. Still, adding another proven arm of some sort could again give them enviable depth on the pitching side.
Tampa Bay Rays: Designated Hitter
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Current Candidates
- Corey Brown
- David DeJesus
- Allan Dykstra
- Brandon Guyer
Overview
Assuming the Tampa Bay Rays don't trade Ben Zobrist, which is still a very real possibility, he will likely open the season as the team's everyday left fielder.
That leaves Steven Souza, Kevin Kiermaier and David DeJesus to battle it out for the right field job, with Desmond Jennings again penciled in as the everyday center fielder.
Whoever loses out on the right field spot could see time at designated hitter, but for a team that is sorely lacking in power outside of Evan Longoria, the team will likely explore any and all options that could help give them some punch offensively.
With that in mind, non-roster invitee Allan Dykstra will be one to watch this spring, as the former first-round pick hit .280/.426/.504 with 23 doubles and 16 home runs in Triple-A last year and has a .406 career on-base percentage.
Texas Rangers: Starting Pitching Depth
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Current Candidates
- Lisalverto Bonilla
- Jerad Eickhoff
- Luke Jackson
- David Martinez
- Nick Martinez
Overview
The Texas Rangers were all too acquainted with the idea of starting pitching depth being tested last season, as a total of 15 different pitchers started a game, and only Colby Lewis threw more than 150 innings on the year.
With that still fresh in their minds, you would think the Rangers would be better positioned on that front heading into the 2015 season, but instead, it looks like they could be faced with a similar issue if injuries strike again.
The starting rotation to open 2015 will likely be Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Lewis, Ross Detwiler and Nick Tepesch, but beyond those five guys, there is not much in the way of proven arms.
Nick Martinez would likely be next in line, as he went 5-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 29 games (24 starts) last season, but the other four starters listed above have a grand total of 39 major league innings combined to their credit.
Toronto Blue Jays: Closer
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Current Candidates
- Brett Cecil
- Aaron Sanchez
Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen ranked 22nd in the majors last season with a 4.00 ERA, and the closer's spot is now up for grabs, with Casey Janssen departing in free agency.
As it stands right now, the ninth-inning role would likely be a spring battle between veteran Brett Cecil and prospect Aaron Sanchez, with Aaron Loup and Steve Delabar slated for setup roles.
Cecil has completely reinvented himself as a reliever the past two seasons, posting a 2.76 ERA, 1.228 WHIP and 11.5 K/9 after going 28-26 with a 4.79 ERA in four years as a starter.
Sanchez, arguably the team's top prospect, pitched to a 1.09 ERA with three saves in 24 appearances out of the bullpen last year. His future is in the rotation, but with Daniel Norris also in the mix for the No. 5 starter job, he could spend another year in the bullpen.
Both guys are solid options, albeit unproved ones, and one way or another, they will likely anchor the pen of a Blue Jays team with legitimate title aspirations heading into 2015.
Washington Nationals: Second Base
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Current Candidates
- Danny Espinosa
- Dan Uggla
Overview
Can you imagine how many times a platoon of Danny Espinosa and Dan Uggla could strike out over a combined 600 at-bats?
The last time both players saw a full slate of at-bats was 2012, when Espinosa led the National League with 189 strikeouts and Uggla was not far behind in fourth with 168 punchouts.
Taking a flier on Uggla with a minor league deal and spring training invite is a solid low-risk move for the Washington Nationals, but relying on one of these guys to be the primary second baseman is a terrible idea.
Signing Rickie Weeks is still an option in free agency, while Ben Zobrist is certainly an attractive trade target if and when the Tampa Bay Rays make him available. One way or another, something will have to be done to address the position before spring training kicks off.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
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