MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand as Spring Training Kicks Off

Spring training is finally here, or almost here anyway, as pitchers and catchers are set to report later this week.

Opening Day is still a month-and-a-half away, but just seeing guys playing catch and running around in sunny Arizona or Florida is enough to stir up some excitement in even the most casual of baseball fans, if for no other reason than it's a sure sign spring is right around the corner.

Now, there is still a lot left to be decided between now and the start of the season, with position battles to take place and 25-man rosters to be finalized, but we have a pretty good idea what all 30 teams are going to look like at this point.

So with an eye specifically on how clubs are built to perform in 2015, what follows is a look at where all 30 MLB teams rank at the start of spring training.

30. Colorado Rockies

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What to Watch for This Spring

• The health of Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez remains a major question mark for the Rockies, as the two guys played just 161 games combined last season. Both are expected to be healthy entering camp, but how long will that last?

• Adding Kyle Kendrick and David Hale to the mix gives the team more pitching depth, but the continued progression of top prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler will determine the future of the staff.

• The team has outfield depth, with Brandon Barnes and Drew Stubbs in the mix along with the projected starters. With that in mind, there's a chance someone like Charlie Blackmon could still be moved for pitching.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Charlie Blackmon
RF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Justin Morneau
3B Nolan Arenado
LF Corey Dickerson
C Wilin Rosario
2B DJ LeMahieu
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Tyler Matzek
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SU Rex Brothers
SU Adam Ottavino
CL LaTroy Hawkins

29. Philadelphia Phillies

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What to Watch for This Spring

• The talk all offseason surrounded Cole Hamels as a potential trade chip, and there is still a chance he's moved, but Cliff Lee could be the name to watch this spring. According to a tweet from Jayson Stark of ESPN, if Lee proves healthy, he could be moved before the start of the season.

• Cody Asche is slated to open the year at third base, but it's only a matter of time before top prospect Maikel Franco steps into an everyday role. After struggling at the start of last season, the 22-year-old hit .309/.326/.551 after the break and earned a late-season call-up.

• Rule 5 selection Odubel Herrera will be one to watch in the running for a bench job. The same goes for Cuban defector Miguel Gonzalez, who signed a three-year, $12 million deal in August 2013 and could be in the mix for a bullpen spot.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Ben Revere
C Carlos Ruiz
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Domonic Brown
RF Grady Sizemore
3B Cody Asche
SS Freddy Galvis
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Cole Hamels
SP Cliff Lee
SP Aaron Harang
SP Jerome Williams
SP David Buchanan
SU Jake Diekman
SU Ken Giles
CL Jonathan Papelbon

28. Minnesota Twins

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What to Watch for This Spring

• The Minnesota Twins will be trying to turn things around after finishing with the worst starters' ERA in the league the past two seasons. Ervin Santana is the big offseason addition, but keep an eye on top prospect Alex Meyer, as he has a real shot of breaking camp with the No. 5 starter job.

• With Danny Santana moving back to shortstop, the center field job is up for grabs while the team continues to wait on Byron Buxton's arrival. Former top prospect Aaron Hicks will likely get the first crack, but Jordan Schafer showed enough down the stretch to at least be in the running.

• Speaking of Buxton, he'll be in major league camp along with fellow top prospect Miguel Sano. Both highly regarded players are coming off of what were essentially lost seasons due to injury, so seeing them back at 100 percent would be nice.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

SS Danny Santana
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
DH Kennys Vargas
RF Torii Hunter
3B Trevor Plouffe
LF Oswaldo Arcia
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Aaron Hicks

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Phil Hughes
SP Ervin Santana
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Kyle Gibson
SP Tommy Milone
SU Tim Stauffer
SU Casey Fien
CL Glen Perkins

27. Atlanta Braves

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What to Watch for This Spring

• With the late offseason trade that sent David Hale to the Colorado Rockies, the Atlanta Braves' No. 5 starter job is now wide open. Non-roster invitees Eric Stults and Wandy Rodriguez are low-cost veteran options, but flame-throwing prospect Mike Foltynewicz would be a far more exciting choice.

• It will be interesting to see which Mike Minor shows up in 2015, the one who went 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA in 2013 or the one who was 6-12 with a 4.77 ERA last season. He's still only 27 years old, but this could be a make-or-break season of sorts for the left-hander.

• Catcher Christian Bethancourt and second baseman Jose Peraza represent the next wave of position player talent in Atlanta. All signs point to Bethancourt being the everyday backstop to begin the season, while the speedy Peraza could supplant veteran Alberto Callaspo at second by the All-Star break.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

RF Nick Markakis
2B Alberto Callaspo
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
LF Jonny Gomes
SS Andrelton Simmons
CF B.J. Upton
C Christian Bethancourt
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Julio Teheran
SP Alex Wood
SP Shelby Miller
SP Mike Minor
SP Eric Stults
SU James Russell
SU Jason Grilli
CL Craig Kimbrel

26. Arizona Diamondbacks

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Big offseason addition Yasmany Tomas will be one of the more scrutinized players around the league this spring—and as much for his defensive prowess as his high-ceiling bat. Most viewed the 24-year-old as a corner outfielder, but the Diamondbacks will give him every chance to stick at third base.

• The decision to trade Miguel Montero has left the team with Tuffy Gosewisch (.553 OPS, 129 AB) as its primary catcher heading into camp. The Chicago Cubs will likely still move Welington Castillo at some point, and it's hard to imagine the Diamondbacks not being interested.

• Josh Collmenter and Jeremy Hellickson appear to be locked into rotation spots, but there are a plethora of guys looking to round out the rotation behind them. Vidal Nuno, Chase Anderson, Randall Delgado, Trevor Cahill, Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa and prospects Archie Bradley and Robbie Ray all figure to get a look.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF A.J. Pollock
LF David Peralta
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Mark Trumbo
3B Yasmany Tomas
2B Aaron Hill
SS Chris Owings
C Tuffy Gosewisch
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Josh Collmenter
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Vidal Nuno
SP Chase Anderson
SP Allen Webster
SU Oliver Perez
SU Brad Ziegler
CL Addison Reed

25. Tampa Bay Rays

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What to Watch for This Spring

• The Tampa Bay Rays have a crowded corner outfield situation to sort out, with newcomer Steven Souza likely to start in left field and some combination of Kevin Kiermaier, Mikie Mahtook, Brandon Guyer and David DeJesus manning right field.

• Alex Colome will be given every chance to win the No. 5 starter job, and he has the stuff to do it, but if he struggles, the team could be scraping to round out the staff. Fellow prospects Nate Karns, Burch Smith and Enny Romero would likely be next in line.

• Two key pieces of the pitching staff will likely begin the season on the disabled list, as Matt Moore continues to recover from Tommy John surgery last April and closer Jake McGee is on the mend from December elbow surgery. McGee was originally expected to miss the first month, but he's ahead of schedule and could now miss only a week or so, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Desmond Jennings
DH John Jaso
3B Evan Longoria
1B James Loney
LF Steven Souza
RF Kevin Kiermaier
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
C Rene Rivera
2B Nick Franklin

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Alex Cobb
SP Drew Smyly
SP Chris Archer
SP Jake Odorizzi
SP Alex Colome
SU Brad Boxberger
SU Kevin Jepsen
CL Grant Balfour

24. Houston Astros

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What to Watch for This Spring

• After hitting just .168/.285/.335 in 310 at-bats a a rookie, Jon Singleton is by no means guaranteed to start the season at the major league level. He did have 13 doubles and 13 home runs, and the team gave him a five-year, $10 million extension shortly after his call-up, but more seasoning could do him good.

• If Singleton is shipped to Triple-A to open the year, that would likely mean Evan Gattis or Chris Carter taking over at first base, which would open up the left field job for Jake Marisnick. The 23-year-old was one of the key pieces of the Jarred Cosart deal last July.

• Chad Qualls, Josh Fields and Tony Sipp are all that remain from what was the worst bullpen in baseball last year (4.80 ERA). Newcomers Luke Gregerson, Pat Neshek and Joe Thatcher were all teammates with Qualls back in San Diego, while Roberto Hernandez and Will Harris were also added this winter. 

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

2B Jose Altuve
3B Luis Valbuena
RF George Springer
DH Chris Carter
CF Colby Rasmus
LF Evan Gattis
C Jason Castro
SS Jed Lowrie
1B Jon Singleton

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Collin McHugh
SP Scott Feldman
SP Brett Oberholtzer
SP Dan Straily
SU Pat Neshek
SU Luke Gregerson
CL Chad Qualls

23. Cincinnati Reds

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What to Watch for This Spring

• With Mat Latos gone, the No. 2 starter job will fall to Homer Bailey, and it's time he lives up to the $105 million extension he received last offseason. His 2014 season ended Sept. 4 with elbow surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon, but he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

• The No. 5 starter job is up for grabs, with the big haul of the Latos trade, Anthony DeSclafani, looking like the front-runner. Jason Marquis, Keyvius Sampson, David Holmberg, Matt Magill and Cuban defector Raisel Iglesias will also get a look.

• The old offensive core of Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce appears to have given way to Devin Mesoraco, Todd Frazier and Billy Hamilton, but those three high-priced veterans will still need to bounce back if the Reds are going to have any shot at contending.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Billy Hamilton
3B Todd Frazier
1B Joey Votto
C Devin Mesoraco
RF Jay Bruce
2B Brandon Phillips
LF Marlon Byrd
SS Zack Cozart
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
SP Tony Cingrani
SP Anthony DeSclafani
SU Manny Parra
SU Sam LeCure
CL Aroldis Chapman

22. Texas Rangers

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What to Watch for This Spring

• The Texas Rangers did a nice job retooling the starting rotation this spring, but they opted against signing a left fielder after declining their option on Alex Rios. They have plenty of intriguing in-house options, though, with Ryan Rua leading a group that also includes Jake Smolinski, Michael Choice and Rule 5 pick Delino DeShields.

• Also worth keeping an eye on for the left field job and backup outfield spots is a handful of non-roster invitees with a real shot at cracking the Opening Day roster. Kyle Blanks, Nate Schierholtz, Ryan Ludwick and Carlos Peguero are all in camp on minor league deals.

• Injuries were obviously the big issue for the Rangers last season, so there will be plenty of guys to keep an eye on from a health standpoint. However, there are none bigger than Prince Fielder, who missed the final 120 games of the year last season after undergoing fusion surgery on his neck.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

RF Shin-Soo Choo
SS Elvis Andrus
1B Prince Fielder
3B Adrian Beltre
CF Leonys Martin
DH Mitch Moreland
LF Ryan Rua
C Robinson Chirinos
2B Rougned Odor

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Yu Darvish
SP Derek Holland
SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Colby Lewis
SP Ross Detwiler
SU Kyuji Fujikawa
SU Shawn Tolleson
CL Neftali Feliz

21. New York Yankees

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Regardless of whether they want him there, Alex Rodriguez will be back in the mix for the New York Yankees this season, and he'll likely bring a media circus with him. Blocking that out and focusing on the season to come will be the first of many battles the Yankees must win this season.

• The decision to sign Stephen Drew took some of the excitement out of what was expected to be a battle between prospects Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder for the second base job. That being said, one of those guys could certainly still win the gig, with Drew sliding to a utility role and Brendan Ryan released.

• Tanaka managed to avoid Tommy John surgery on his partially torn UCL last season, even returning to make a pair of starts in September, but that doesn't mean he's out of the woods yet. Early reports have been good, according to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), but that partial tear could turn into a bigger issue at any time and the Yankees can't afford to lose their ace.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

LF Brett Gardner
3B Chase Headley
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
1B Mark Teixeira
C Brian McCann
RF Carlos Beltran
DH Garrett Jones
2B Stephen Drew
SS Didi Gregorius

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Masahiro Tanaka
SP Michael Pineda
SP CC Sabathia
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Chris Capuano
SU Adam Warren
SU Andrew Miller
CL Dellin Betances

20. New York Mets

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Matt Harvey's return has Mets fans eyeing the postseason this year, and while he'll likely have some rust to shake off before he returns to his 2013 form, it's hard not to like the deep pitching staff. 

• Speaking of that depth, the Mets have so many starting options that someone from the veteran trio of Jon Niese, Bartolo Colon and Dillon Gee will likely be moved before the start of the season. Gee has looked like the preferred option all winter, but nothing has been resolved to this point.

• The only thing rivaling the return of Harvey as far as offseason headlines are concerned is the Mets shortstop—or lack there of. Wilmer Flores will get every chance to prove he can be the guy up the middle this season, and he has the bat to make an impact. It's just a question of whether he has the glove.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Juan Lagares
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Lucas Duda
RF Michael Cuddyer
LF Curtis Granderson
C Travis d'Arnaud
SS Wilmer Flores
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Matt Harvey
SP Jacob deGrom
SP Zack Wheeler
SP Jon Niese
SP Bartolo Colon
SU Josh Edgin
SU Jeurys Familia
CL Jenrry Mejia

19. Milwaukee Brewers

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Trading Yovani Gallardo and opening up a rotation spot for Jimmy Nelson is the big story on the pitching side of things, but the bullpen is a far more pressing issue. With Francisco Rodriguez, Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny all gone and only Neal Cotts added this offseason, the health of Jim Henderson and Tyler Thornburg will be key.

• The utility infield spot could be a surprisingly compelling battle to watch. Luis Sardinas was the big return in the Gallardo deal, but the 21-year-old will need to hold off Elian Herrera, Pete Orr, Hector Gomez and Yadiel Rivera if he wants to break camp with the team.

• Last year's breakout star, Jonathan Lucroy, was diagnosed with a strained right hamstring on Feb. 11, the same injury that nagged him down the stretch last season. He's expected to miss four to six weeks, which could put his Opening Day in question, but more importantly, this can't be an issue all season.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Carlos Gomez
2B Scooter Gennett
C Jonathan Lucroy
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Adam Lind
RF Ryan Braun
LF Khris Davis
SS Jean Segura
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Matt Garza
SP Kyle Lohse
SP Wily Peralta
SP Mike Fiers
SP Jimmy Nelson
SU Will Smith
SU Jim Henderson
CL Jonathan Broxton

18. Oakland Athletics

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Rule 5 selection Mark Canha has a chance to make a real impact in Oakland this season if he can win a spot on the roster. The 26-year-old hit .303/.384/.505 with 28 doubles and 20 home runs last season, and at the very least, he could play his way into a platoon with Ike Davis at first base.

• There were plenty of position player additions this offseason, but left field was not addressed. At this point, it appears some combination of Sam Fuld and Craig Gentry will man the spot, but don't be surprised if the team scoops someone up who is released this spring.

• Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir are a solid one-two punch, while Jesse Hahn and Drew Pomeranz both showed enough in 2014 to more or less be locks for the rotation as well, but the No. 5 starter spot is open. Jesse Chavez split last season starting and relieving, and he'll look to hold off newcomers Chris Bassitt, Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Coco Crisp
2B Ben Zobrist
RF Josh Reddick
DH Billy Butler
1B Ike Davis
3B Brett Lawrie
C Stephen Vogt
SS Marcus Semien
LF Sam Fuld

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Sonny Gray
SP Scott Kazmir
SP Jesse Hahn
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Jesse Chavez
SU Fernando Abad
SU Ryan Cook
CL Tyler Clippard

17. Cleveland Indians

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

What to Watch for This Spring

• The Cleveland Indians' two big offseason additions, Brandon Moss and Gavin Floyd, both have injury questions heading into camp. Moss had offseason hip surgery back in October, while Floyd saw his 2014 season ended with a fractured right elbow.

• If Floyd is not ready to go for Opening Day, which is a real possibility considering he's coming off of a second major arm injury in as many years, the No. 5 starter job will be up for grabs. T.J. House pitched well enough down the stretch to be the front-runner, but Zach McAllister is out of options, so he could be the preferred choice.

• He won't break camp with the team, but top prospect Francisco Lindor is expected to unseat shortstop Jose Ramirez at some point in 2015. The 21-year-old is an elite defender, and his offensive game has come along nicely since he was selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2011 draft.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Michael Bourn
2B Jason Kipnis
LF Michael Brantley
1B Carlos Santana
RF Brandon Moss
C Yan Gomes
DH Nick Swisher
SS Jose Ramirez
3B Lonnie Chisenhall

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Corey Kluber
SP Carlos Carrasco
SP Danny Salazar
SP Trevor Bauer
SP Gavin Floyd
SU Scott Atchison
SU Bryan Shaw
CL Cody Allen

16. San Francisco Giants

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Questions abound in the San Francisco Giants rotation behind ace Madison Bumgarner, and chief among them is Matt Cain's health. The right-hander underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow Aug. 12, then to remove a bone spur from his ankle Sept. 27, and he'll need to come back strong.

• The No. 5 starter battle is an interesting one, with veterans Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong looking to hold off swingman Yusmeiro Petit. The team would no doubt prefer Lincecum to win the job given his $18 million salary, but he's been anything but consistent the past few seasons.

• Top prospect Kyle Crick will be in big league camp, and while he's not going to make the roster, he should be fun to watch. The 22-year-old has electric stuff (11.1 K/9), but he still has a lot of work to do on his command, evidenced by a 6.1 BB/9 rate last season in Double-A.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Angel Pagan
LF Nori Aoki
C Buster Posey
1B Brandon Belt
RF Hunter Pence
2B Joe Panik
3B Casey McGehee
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Tim Hudson
SP Jake Peavy
SP Tim Lincecum
SU Sergio Romo
SU Jeremy Affeldt
CL Santiago Casilla

15. Kansas City Royals

Associated Press

What to Watch for This Spring

• The return of Luke Hochevar could potentially make a dominant Kansas City Royals bullpen even better in 2015. The former No. 1 overall pick missed all of last season with Tommy John surgery, but he had a 1.92 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 58 appearances in 2013, earning him a two-year, $10 million extension this offseason.

• Speaking of the bullpen, the Royals have to decide what to do with Brandon Finnegan. The 2014 first-round pick made an impact as a reliever last October, but his future is still as a starter, and given the team's lack of starter depth, he may be next in line if someone gets hurt. That's probably reason enough to stretch him out in Triple-A.

• Second baseman Omar Infante was being shopped back in December, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, and injuries this spring could reopen potential trade talks. The team has a former top-five pick in Christian Colon capable of stepping into a larger role if he is moved.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

SS Alcides Escobar
LF Alex Gordon
CF Lorenzo Cain
1B Eric Hosmer
C Salvador Perez
DH Kendrys Morales
RF Alex Rios
3B Mike Moustakas
2B Omar Infante

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Yordano Ventura
SP Jason Vargas
SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Edinson Volquez
SP Danny Duffy
SU Kelvin Herrera
SU Wade Davis
CL Greg Holland

14. Boston Red Sox

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

What to Watch for This Spring

• Something has to give in the Boston Red Sox outfield, with Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Allen Craig and Daniel Nava vying for three roster spots. Nava is out of options, so he'll either make the team or be playing elsewhere, and trading Craig or Victorino is probably the preferred solution.

• Free-agent signing Hanley Ramirez will have a new experience playing in the outfield, as he's only ever played shortstop, third base and second base as a pro, so his defense will be under a microscope this spring. All the fungos in the world won't prepare him for left field in Fenway Park, either.

• The Red Sox starting rotation and its perceived lack of an ace has been one of the biggest talking points of the offseason. More interesting will be who is next in if someone gets hurt or Justin Masterson struggles, as we could then see someone like top prospect Henry Owens get an extended look.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

RF Mookie Betts
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
LF Hanley Ramirez
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Mike Napoli
SS Xander Bogaerts
CF Rusney Castillo
C Christian Vazquez

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Rick Porcello
SP Wade Miley
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Justin Masterson
SP Joe Kelly
SU Edward Mujica
SU Junichi Tazawa
CL Koji Uehara

13. Chicago Cubs

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

What to Watch for This Spring

• No one will get more attention this spring than Cubs uber-prospect Kris Bryant, and understandably so after he launched 43 home runs and posted a 1.098 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He'll start the season in the minors to buy the Cubs another year of team control, but he won't be there for long.

• The addition of Tommy La Stella gives the team someone to push Javier Baez at second base. The 22-year-old Baez has done a nice job adjusting throughout his career, but he has a lot of work to do after posting a whopping 41.5 percent strikeout rate (via FanGraphs) in 229 plate appearances as a rookie last season.

• One way or another, Edwin Jackson probably won't be on the roster when Opening Day rolls around after going 6-15 with a 6.33 ERA last season. He's still owed $26 million over the next two years, but if the Cubs eat the bulk of that, they might be able to find a taker.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Dexter Fowler
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
RF Jorge Soler
C Miguel Montero
LF Chris Coghlan
2B Javier Baez
3B Tommy La Stella
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Jon Lester
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Jason Hammel
SP Travis Wood
SP Kyle Hendricks
SU Neil Ramirez
SU Pedro Strop
CL Hector Rondon

12. Chicago White Sox

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Despite the return of Gordon Beckham, the Chicago White Sox are still expected to give prospects Carlos Sanchez and Micah Johnson every opportunity to win the vacant second base job. That would allow the team to use Beckham in a super-utility role, and along with Emilio Bonifacio, it would have some useful versatility off the bench.

• Tyler Flowers cooled considerably after a hot start last season, finishing the year with a .693 OPS and 15 home runs, which, coupled with his plus defense, was good for a 2.3 WAR. That's decent production, but don't be surprised if non-roster invitee Geovany Soto not only makes the team, but pushes Flowers for playing time.

• The back of the White Sox rotation is being pointed to as an area of concern, but top prospect Carlos Rodon figures to help in that area sooner rather than later. The No. 3 pick in last year's draft climbed three levels to Triple-A after signing, posting a combined 2.96 ERA and 14.1 K/9 in 24.1 innings, and a rotation spot out of camp is not out of the question.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Adam Eaton
LF Melky Cabrera
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam LaRoche
RF Avisail Garcia
3B Conor Gillaspie
SS Alexei Ramirez
C Tyler Flowers
2B Carlos Sanchez

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Chris Sale
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Jose Quintana
SP John Danks
SP Hector Noesi
SU Zach Duke
SU Zach Putnam
CL David Robertson

11. San Diego Padres

Ralph Freso/Getty Images

What to Watch for This Spring

• The third base position battle between Yangervis Solarte and Will Middlebrooks will be an interesting one to watch. The team would no doubt love a bounce-back season from Middlebrooks, but who hits leadoff if it's not Solarte?

• Sticking with the third base and leadoff situations, keep an eye on prospect Cory Spangenberg this spring, as he could push his way onto the roster. The 23-year-old has the on-base skills and speed to be a table-setter, and he's capable of playing second or third.

• Brandon Morrow is one of the more intriguing reclamation projects on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, and he'll get the first crack at the No. 5 starter job. However, he could also wind up pitching in relief, which would open things up for Robbie Erlin or Odrisamer Despaigne to round out the staff.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

3B Yangervis Solarte
CF Wil Myers
RF Matt Kemp
LF Justin Upton
1B Yonder Alonso
2B Jedd Gyorko
C Derek Norris
SS Alexi Amarista
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP James Shields
SP Tyson Ross
SP Andrew Cashner
SP Ian Kennedy
SP Brandon Morrow
SU Dale Thayer
SU Kevin Quackenbush
CL Joaquin Benoit

10. Baltimore Orioles

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What to Watch for This Spring

• It's fair to assume Chris Davis is never going to match his 53-homer, 138-RBI performance from 2013, but a bounce-back season of some sort seems like a reasonable expectation. He had an .827 OPS with 33 home runs back in 2012, and if he can return to that level of production, it would help ease some big offseason losses.

• It may have been a quiet offseason for the Baltimore Orioles, but they will be adding a pair of All-Stars back to the lineup in Manny Machado and Matt Wieters. Both players are expected to be ready for Opening Day, according to Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun, after an offseason of rehab.

• After reaching the majors as a 19-year-old back in 2012, Dylan Bundy was sidetracked by Tommy John surgery and subsequent recovery the past two seasons. He returned to make nine minor league starts down the stretch last season, and if his stuff is back to 100 percent this spring, he could wind up playing a key role in Baltimore.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

LF Alejandro De Aza
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
DH Steve Pearce
C Matt Wieters
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Travis Snider
2B Jonathan Schoop

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Chris Tillman
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Bud Norris
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Kevin Gausman
SU Brian Matusz
SU Darren O'Day
CL Zach Britton

9. Detroit Tigers

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What to Watch for This Spring

• With the Opening Day statuses of both Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera in question heading into camp, the Detroit Tigers slide down a few spots in these rankings for now. Their recovery will be the biggest story for the Tigers this spring.

• I haven't been shy about criticizing the Tigers' acquisition of Alfredo Simon this offseason. He's 33 years old, and he was 3-7 with a 4.52 ERA in the second half last year, and a 4.33 FIP means we can probably expect more of that moving forward. That being said, the team appears to be counting on him to hold down a rotation spot, so he'll be one to keep an eye on this spring.

• Despite not making a major addition to the bullpen this offseason, the Tigers could get a significant boost from Joel Hanrahan and Bruce Rondon, provided both guys are healthy. They added secondary pieces in Tom Gorzelanny and Alex Wilson and will have a full season of Joakim Soria, so this could wind up being a vastly improved relief corps.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

2B Ian Kinsler
CF Anthony Gose
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Victor Martinez
RF J.D. Martinez
LF Yoenis Cespedes
3B Nick Castellanos
C Alex Avila
SS Jose Iglesias

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP David Price
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Justin Verlander
SP Alfredo Simon
SP Shane Greene
SU Al Alburquerque
SU Joakim Soria
CL Joe Nathan

8. Miami Marlins

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Jose Fernandez's recovery will be well-documented this spring, but he's not expected back until June, leaving the No. 5 starter job up for grabs to open the season. Provided Dan Haren sticks to his retirement plans, left-hander Brad Hand could be the fifth guy, as he's also out of options.

• Keep an eye on catching prospect J.T. Realmuto this spring. The 23-year-old hit .299/.369/.461 with 39 extra-base hits and 18 steals in Double-A last season, and with Jarrod Saltalamacchia coming off of a less-than-stellar season, he could unseat the incumbent before 2015 is over.

• After signing slugger Giancarlo Stanton to a record $325 million extension, the Marlins turned their attention to other pieces of their core. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the team also made extension offers to Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, Adeiny Hechavarria and Jose Fernandez this winter, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Miami knock out at least one more in-house deal before the season starts.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

2B Dee Gordon
LF Christian Yelich
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Michael Morse
CF Marcell Ozuna
3B Martin Prado
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Mat Latos
SP Jarred Cosart
SP Tom Koehler
SP Brad Hand
SU Mike Dunn
SU A.J. Ramos
CL Steve Cishek

7. Toronto Blue Jays

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What to Watch for This Spring

• With closer Casey Janssen gone in free agency and no significant addition made to replace him, it appears the ninth-inning job in Toronto will go to either lefty Brett Cecil (66 G, 2.70 ERA, 12.8 K/9 5-of-7 SV) or top prospect Aaron Sanchez (24 G, 1.09 ERA, 7.4 K/9, 3-of-3 SV) this coming season.

• Making matters a bit more complicated is the fact that Sanchez is also expected to be in the running for the No. 5 starter spot, which opened after the J.A. Happ trade. His biggest competition appears to be fellow prospect Daniel Norris, who went 12-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 124.1 minor league innings last season.

• The second base position has been a mess since Aaron Hill was traded, and it figures to be more of the same to open the season, with Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis and Steve Tolleson fighting for the job. The hope is that prospect Devon Travis can be the long-term answer in the near future, and he'll be in big league camp after spending 2014 in Double-A.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

SS Jose Reyes
RF Jose Bautista
3B Josh Donaldson
1B Edwin Encarnacion
C Russell Martin
DH Dioner Navarro
LF Michael Saunders
2B Ryan Goins
CF Dalton Pompey

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Mark Buehrle
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Marcus Stroman
SP Drew Hutchison
SP Daniel Norris
SU Steve Delabar
SU Brett Cecil
CL Aaron Sanchez

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

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What to Watch for This Spring

• There might not be a more unknown commodity in the league heading into spring training than Korean infielder Jung-ho Kang. The 27-year-old posted a 1.198 OPS with 36 doubles and 40 home runs in the hitter-friendly KBO last season, but no position player has ever made that jump before. He signed a four-year, $11 million deal and will be given every chance to make an impact.

• After employing a platoon of Gaby Sanchez and Ike Davis at first base last season, the Pirates have a decidedly more intriguing duo manning the spot this season in Pedro Alvarez and Corey Hart. Both guys are looking to bounce back from disappointing 2014 seasons, and if they can stay healthy, this could be a huge upgrade for the offense.

• Charlie Morton has quietly posted a 3.52 ERA and 1.277 WHIP in 46 starts over the past two seasons for the Pirates. He underwent hip surgery to repair a torn labrum back in September, with an expected recovery time of six to eight months, so his status for Opening Day will be determined this spring.
  

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

3B Josh Harrison
RF Gregory Polanco
CF Andrew McCutchen
2B Neil Walker
LF Starling Marte
1B Pedro Alvarez
SS Jordy Mercer
C Francisco Cervelli
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Francisco Liriano
SP Gerrit Cole
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Jeff Locke
SP Vance Worley
SU Jared Hughes
SU Tony Watson
CL Mark Melancon

5. Seattle Mariners

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What to Watch for This Spring

• After a brilliant 2013 saw him finish third in AL Cy Young voting, Hisashi Iwakuma was in the midst of another strong performance this past season before absolutely collapsing down the stretch. The 33-year-old had a 7.88 ERA in his last seven starts, so a sharp spring performance could certainly help ease some concerns.

• Most of the key pieces from the best bullpen in baseball last year are back, with the exception of veteran Joe Beimel. That leaves the team in search of a second left-handed reliever, with Rule 5 selection David Rollins, Lucas Luetge, Mike Kickham and ousted starter Roenis Elias looking like the top candidates.

• A disappointing season from Brad Miller (.221 BA, .653 OPS, 1.6 WAR) has left the shortstop position as something of a question mark in Seattle. Prospect Chris Taylor hit .328/.397/.497 with 34 extra-base hits in 75 games in Triple-A last season and 21-year-old Ketel Marte was also added to the 40-man roster, so the team has options.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Austin Jackson
RF Seth Smith
2B Robinson Cano
DH Nelson Cruz
3B Kyle Seager
1B Logan Morrison
C Mike Zunino
LF Dustin Ackley
SS Brad Miller

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP James Paxton
SP Taijuan Walker
SP J.A. Happ
SU Danny Farquhar
SU Yoervis Medina
CL Fernando Rodney

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

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What to Watch for This Spring

• There are no more excuses of an outfield logjam for Joc Pederson, as the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Matt Kemp this offseason and opened up an everyday job for the top prospect. The 22-year-old hit .303/.435/.582 with 33 home runs, 30 steals and 100 walks in Triple-A last season. He may not hit for a high average as a rookie, but he has the plate discipline and power/speed mix to make a serious impact.

• As risky as the four-year, $48 million deal the team gave Brandon McCarthy appears to be, the Dodgers' decision to rely on Brett Anderson as the No. 5 starter may be the biggest one they've taken this offseason. The 27-year-old has front-line stuff when healthy, but he's pitched a grand total of 123 innings the past three years, and a one-year, $10 million deal was a serious risk.

• We know Kenley Jansen will be the closer again next season, but the rest of the Dodgers bullpen will likely take shape this spring. Veterans J.P. Howell and Brandon League are back, along with newcomers Joel Peralta and Chris Hatcher. However, don't be surprised if young guys like Pedro Baez and Adam Liberatore wind up playing a significant role.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Carl Crawford
RF Yasiel Puig
1B Adrian Gonzalez
2B Howie Kendrick
C Yasmani Grandal
3B Juan Uribe
CF Joc Pederson
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Zack Greinke
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Brett Anderson
SU Joel Peralta
SU J.P. Howell
CL Kenley Jansen

3. Los Angeles Angels

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Garrett Richards was a legitimate AL Cy Young candidate before suffering a season-ending knee injury last August, going 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA (2.60 FIP) and 1.038 WHIP over 26 starts. He's ahead of schedule in his rehab from surgery on the knee, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, but he is still expected to miss the first four to six weeks of the season.

• The Richards injury opens up the No. 5 starter spot for newly acquired top prospect Andrew Heaney, and the 23-year-old will be looking to prove he was worth the team giving up Howie Kendrick. If it's not Heaney who fills the final spot, Nick Tropeano, Cory Rasmus and Cesar Ramos figure to be next in line.

• Trading Kendrick, who was in the final year of his contract, leaves the team with a hole to fill at second base. Incumbent utility man Grant Green will contend with Rule 5 selection Taylor Featherston, Josh Rutledge and Johnny Giavotella in what looks to be a wide-open competition this spring.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

RF Kole Calhoun
SS Erick Aybar
CF Mike Trout
1B Albert Pujols
LF Matt Joyce
3B David Freese
DH C.J. Cron
2B Josh Rutledge
C Chris Iannetta

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Matt Shoemaker
SP Hector Santiago
SP Andrew Heaney
SU Fernando Salas
SU Joe Smith
CL Huston Street

2. St. Louis Cardinals

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What to Watch for This Spring

• Carlos Martinez was stretched out as a starter last spring, but he wound up losing the No. 5 starter job to Joe Kelly, despite posting a 2.81 ERA in 16 innings of work. This time around, the job is his to lose, with lefties Marco Gonzales and Tyler Lyons and swingman Carlos Villanueva looking like his biggest competition.

• Adding Jordan Walden and Matt Belisle to the bullpen should help the relief corps as a whole, but the left-handed side of things is a question mark. Kevin Siegrist and Randy Choate both struggled last season, while Sam Freeman could be due for some regression (2.61 ERA, 3.79 FIP). With that in mind, don't be surprised if Gonzales winds up in the pen.

• The Cardinals would not have given up a controllable young arm like Shelby Miller if they did not have full intentions of signing Jason Heyward to a long-term deal. Both sides have expressed interest in an extension, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, so a deal could still be completed before Opening Day.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

3B Matt Carpenter
RF Jason Heyward
LF Matt Holliday
1B Matt Adams
C Yadier Molina
SS Jhonny Peralta
CF Jon Jay
2B Kolten Wong
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP John Lackey
SP Michael Wacha
SP Carlos Martinez
SU Matt Belisle
SU Jordan Walden
CL Trevor Rosenthal

1. Washington Nationals

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What to Watch for This Spring

• The addition of Max Scherzer appeared to make Tanner Roark, who won 15 games and posted a 2.85 ERA last season, the odd man out in the Washington Nationals rotation. However, he will still enter spring training as a starter, according to Tom Schad of The Washington Post, so things are not set in stone just yet.

• The upcoming free agency of Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Ian Desmond remains a hot topic for the Nationals. It's not out of the question to think one of those guys could be either extended or traded before the season starts.

• With Jayson Werth questionable to start the season, the team figures to get a long look at top prospect Michael Taylor this spring. Regardless of what role he serves in 2015, Taylor looks like the obvious replacement for Denard Span in center field for 2016 and beyond. The 23-year-old hit .304/.390/.526 with 23 home runs and 37 steals between Double-A and Triple-A last season.

Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Feb. 15)

CF Denard Span
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Jayson Werth
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
2B Yunel Escobar
Pitcher

Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Feb. 15)

SP Max Scherzer
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Doug Fister
SP Gio Gonzalez
SU Matt Thornton
SU Casey Janssen
CL Drew Storen

All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.