Handicapping the Diamondbacks' Hotly Contested Spring Training Position Battles

The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a disappointing 2014 season, finishing with the worst record in the MLB at 64-98. 

With new management, the D-Backs have higher hopes for this season. New general manager Dave Stewart and Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa have vocalized their expectations for a winning season in 2015.

In fact, La Russa says he will be "absolutely brokenhearted" if Arizona does not finish the season above .500.

Several offseason acquisitions give D-Backs fans reasons to believe a turnaround is in the midst—namely Yasmany Tomas and Jeremy Hellickson. However, there are still several positions that are up in the air entering spring training. 

Here are three key position battles and who will likely win the job in 2015. 

Catcher

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Tuffy Gosewisch: 80 percent 

It was widely believed that GM Dave Stewart would add or trade for a catcher after the D-Backs traded Miguel Montero to the Chicago Cubs. But according to Nick Piecoro of AZCentral Sports, Stewart says the team will not be adding a catcher from the outside. 

Right now, Gosewisch sits atop the D-Backs depth chart as the starting catcher. Gosewisch hit .225 with one home run in 41 games last season. Despite his poor offensive statistics, he is the most experienced catcher in house right now. That makes the job Gosewisch's to lose. 

Oscar Hernandez: 15 percent

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft, Hernandez spent last season in Low-A. He hit .249 with nine home runs in 94 games. 

It is unlikely Hernandez would wrestle the job away from Gosewisch considering he has not played in a big league game. Yet his defense leaves a lot to be excited about for the future. In five minor league seasons, he has thrown out 41 percent of base stealers while recording a .982 fielding percentage.

Peter O'Brien: 5 percent

O'Brien will likely not open the season as the D-Backs catcher. As of now, he is not even included on the 40-man roster.

But O'Brien could be the answer at some point during the 2015 season because of his offense. Last season, he played in High-A and Double-A, where he combined to hit .271 with 34 home runs.

That type of offense should not be ignored if Gosewisch or Hernandez cannot produce at the plate.

Left Field

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David Peralta: 70 percent

Peralta was a pleasant surprise for the D-Backs last season. After being called up from Double-A, all he did was tie a franchise record for multi-hit games in his first 15 contests.

He also set a team record with 60 hits in his first 50 games. He finished his first campaign with Arizona hitting .286 with eight home runs and nine triples in 88 games. 

His glove was also outstanding last season, as he covered a lot of ground with his underrated speed. He should win the job as long as he doesn't disappoint in spring training.

Ender Inciarte: 25 percent

Inciarte is yet another rookie who was a bright spot in the desert last season. He hit .278 and stole 19 bases in 118 games. At one point in the season, he sported an 18-game hitting streak—the longest for a rookie in team history.

His arm, which he refers to as "El Canon," would fit in well in left field if he were to outplay Peralta in spring training. 

Yasmany Tomas: 5 percent

In the off chance that Arizona does not feel comfortable with Tomas' defense at third base, Tomas will likely win the job in left field because of his offensive power and his large contract. However, all signs point to Tomas impressing the D-Backs at third base thus far. 

No. 1 Starter

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Josh Collmenter: 65 percent

Collmenter is the only returning member of the 2014 team who is a lock to make the starting rotation. After leading the team in wins (11) and ERA (3.46) last season, he is scheduled to open the season as the No. 1 starter.

Collmenter's tomahawk throwing motion has been effective in keeping major league hitters off balance while primarily utilizing only a fastball and changeup. Expect him to be on the mound Opening Day barring an injury or disappointing spring training.

Jeremy Hellickson: 35 percent

Hellickson was acquired from the Rays this offseason in exchange for young prospects. The former American League Rookie of the Year in 2011 will look to re-establish himself as one of the better young pitchers in the game.

Perhaps a move to the desert will help Hellickson return to form. However, he is currently listed as the No. 3 starter on Stewart's depth chart.

For that reason, Hellickson will likely end up as the No. 2 or No. 3 starter unless Collmenter suffers an injury or Hellickson is absolutely dominant in spring training.