MLB Spring Training 2015: Schedules and Top Prospects to Watch This March
This might be a surprise for everyone currently covered in snow, but baseball is on its way back with the start of spring training.
The veterans we all know and love will return to Arizona and Florida to get back into shape before the start of the 2015 season. Although fans hope to see some improvements from each player, there won't likely be too many surprises in March.
On the other hand, the prospects are the ones who will truly get a chance to shine in spring training, especially the ones who have not yet made the major leagues but will use this opportunity to show they belong.
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Here is a breakdown of how to view every schedule for spring training, along with a look at the top prospects to watch who will likely make an impact this season.
Full daily schedule is also available at MLB.com.
Top Prospects
Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs
There are usually question marks surrounding prospects. However, the biggest question concerning Kris Bryant is: Why he is still in the minors?
The power-hitting third baseman was named baseball's No. 1 prospect with great praise by ESPN's Keith Law:
"Everyone is aware of Bryant by now, after his pro baseball-leading 43 home runs and a .325/.438/.661 line across two levels in his first full year in the minors. Bryant is the best prospect in baseball for 2015, a true middle-of-the-order bat who should be in the Cubs' Opening Day lineup for the next six-plus seasons.
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Bruce Levine of 670 The Score recently broke down the issue:
What we do know is that Bryant will be with the Cubs during spring training, and will have a chance to show off his incredible power. If he can play to his ability, it will be difficult to imagine him not getting a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Even after some poor results in recent years, Chicago has the talent to contend for a playoff spot this season. The squad would be crazy to keep a player of this ability in the minors for any longer.
Francisco Lindor, SS, Minnesota Twins
Although Francisco Lindor may never put up Bryant-like numbers, he does a lot of things that will help whichever team he plays for this season.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, who listed the player as the No. 4 prospect in baseball, had great things to say about the 21-year-old shortstop:
"Lindor is an elite defensive shortstop, considered by many scouts to be the best defender in the Minor Leagues. He makes difficult plays seem routine thanks to his strong arm, impressive range and flashy glove work. At the plate, Lindor consistently squares balls up and hits line drives to all fields. Power isn't a big part of his game, but he has the feel for hitting and the stength to drive balls out when given the opportunity.
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The Twins might want to keep Lindor in Triple-A a little longer to allow him to improve his hitting. He has a good approach at the plate, but he still needs to find more consistency.
Still, he is a good bet to flash some leather this spring and impress everyone with his defensive ability.
Noah Syndergaard, RHP, New York Mets
Although he is one of the top pitching prospects in the minors, Noah Syndergaard is unlikely to make his major league debut right away. The New York Mets already have six established starters, and it will be difficult for the 22-year-old pitcher to crack the rotation.
However, Syndergaard still has tons of talent that is ready to be displayed. His Triple-A manager Wally Backman had great things to say about him, per WFAN 660:
The pitcher didn't have great numbers last season with a 4.60 ERA, but it's difficult for anyone to do well in the hitter's paradise that is Las Vegas. He has also learned plenty from experience, via Kevin Kernan of the New York Post:
"I grew up quite a bit during the season. I feel like I made a pretty big transition to become a better pitcher instead of a thrower. I’ve worked hard all offseason, I got my body in top shape and I am going out to spring training to compete for a job.
I’m going to take the things I learned last year and bring them into this year and become a well-rounded pitcher.
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Even if he has to stay in the minors for a few months, Syndergaard will be in New York and ready to make an impact before too long.
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