Every MLB Team's Biggest Surprise, Disappointment at Spring's Midway Point

With spring training now in full swing, it's an appropriate time to take a glance around the MLB landscape and check in on each team's most pleasant surprises and biggest disappointments.

Every MLB organization has its own individual storylines. The spring provides fans a first look at those hot topics, and better insight into which players are overperforming or underperforming during camp. Those performances ultimately lead to final roster decisions come Opening Day.

The 2015 spring training is no different, as plenty of guys are using the exhibition period to either help or hinder their cause.

Prospects like Kris Bryant and Joey Gallo are tearing the cover off the ball and applying pressure to their respective teams. On the other hand, veterans like Bartolo Colon and Joe Kelly have done very little to impress their teams in the season's first weeks. 

We will lay out which players are impressing and those who are playing their way out of a roster spot.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Biggest Surprise: Randall Delgado

Randall Delgado came over from Atlanta in the Justin Upton trade, but has yet to fully reach his potential in the desert. The right-hander has posted consecutive seasons with a plus-4.00 ERA, and was relegated to a bullpen role in 2014. 

But Delgado has pitched well for the Snakes so far this spring. In five innings, the 25-year-old has allowed just two hits and zero runs. He's also fanned seven hitters, while walking none. After a rough start to his tenure in Arizona, the Diamondbacks must be pleased to see Delgado enjoying some success so far in camp.

Honorable Mention: A.J. Pollock

Biggest Disappointment: Yasmany Tomas

No player on the Arizona roster has had more at-bats than Cuban import Yasmany Tomas. The 24-year-old is hitting just .226 in those chances, with just one long ball to his resume. He's also struck out six times.

The Diamondbacks inked Tomas to a six-year, $68.5 million contract over the winter, so all eyes have been glued to the Cuban slugger. His bat figures to come around, but he's struggling defensively. It's too early to be overly concerned, but Diamondbacks fans will hope to see improved production at the dish from their high-profile acquisition. 

Honorable Mention: Yoan Lopez 

Atlanta Braves

Biggest Surprise: Jace Peterson

The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of retooling their squad before their anticipated move into SunTrust Park in 2017. Jace Peterson, a player involved in the Justin Upton deal this winter, has taken advantage of the squad's reshuffling with a productive few weeks of camp to position himself in the conversation for a roster spot.

Peterson is 8-for-19 with five runs in his first handful of games. The 24-year-old may not be the long-term solution at second base in the ATL, but he's clearly outplaying his competition and seems poised to spend Opening Day on the big league roster.

Honorable Mention: Wandy Rodriguez

Biggest Disappointment: Jose Peraza

While Peterson has impressed so far in camp, the Braves' top prospect, Jose Peraza, has yet to find his groove. 

The 20-year-old is just 1-for-16 in his at-bats to begin the spring. Peraza stole over 60 bags and hit .339 last season between High-A and Double-A, so his lack of production isn't an indication on the player he is or will become. 

But with a team that lacks many bright spots, Peraza's slow start remains the key disappointment out of Braves camp.

Honorable Mention: Mike Foltynewicz

Baltimore Orioles

Biggest Surprise: Brian Matusz

After two serviceable years of relief work, left-hander Brian Matusz has begun his 2015 campaign with 6.1 solid innings of one-run ball. The 28-year-old has surrendered only five hits, while fanning eight hitters.

While you can never have enough pitching, Randy Buchman of the Baltimore Wire, a FanSided affiliate, has mentioned Matusz as potential trade bait for a pitching-needy squad.

Honorable Mention: Tyler Wilson

Biggest Disappointment: Ubaldo Jimenez

Staying with the pitching theme, Ubaldo Jimenez is on the verge of pitching himself out of the rotation.

His production in spring training was always going to dictate his future with the O's after a 4.81 ERA in 2014, and he's been just as dismal in camp. The right-hander has given up 10 runs in just three games, while walking five opposing hitters. 

Honorable Mention: Matt Wieters

Boston Red Sox

Biggest Surprise: Clay Buchholz

One of the biggest question marks regarding the 2015 Boston Red Sox has been the uncertainty of their rotation. Without Jon Lester, could a band of makeshift hurlers keep a vaunted lineup in a majority of the games throughout the season?

A big factor in the rotation's success has fallen on Clay Buchholz's shoulders, and the right-hander has looked ready for the extra responsibility this spring. In six innings, Buchholz has yet to allow an earned run, and opponents are hitting just .211 against him.  

Honorable Mention: Justin Masterson

Biggest Disappointment: Joe Kelly

The Red Sox had Joe Kelly penciled in at the back end of their rotation, but the club may need to rethink that logic after Kelly's lackluster start in camp.

The 26-year-old has been shelled in his two spring outings, giving up 10 hits and six earned runs. With opposing batters hitting over .400 against Kelly, Boston may turn to top pitching prospect Henry Owens to replace him in the rotation.

Honorable Mention: Pablo Sandoval 

Chicago Cubs

Biggest Surprise: Kris Bryant

Sure, the Chicago Cubs have to be thrilled to see Kris Bryant mashing to begin the season, but the Cubbies wouldn't mind if the their top prospect slowed down just a tad. After all, Bryant is making the club's decision to keep him in the minors to start the season a mighty tough one. 

After leading the minors in homers last season, the 23-year-old has gone deep six times in 20 at-bats. He's driven in nine runs, and has walked three times to offset his five K's. 

Nobody will blame the Cubs for sending Bryant back to Triple-A in order to gain that extra year of control, but he's been better than advertised in the preseason's first few weeks. 

Honorable Mention: Kyle Hendricks

Biggest Disappointment: Jason Hammel

After pitching well for the Cubs last season, Jason Hammel was shipped to the Oakland A's in a package with Jeff Samardzija at last season's trade deadline. The right-hander finished 2014 with a 3.47 ERA and over eight strikeouts per nine innings.

The Cubs re-signed Hammel to a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason, but he's looked poor in his first few outings. The 32-year-old has given up nine hits and six runs in his two outings, while walking as many hitters as he's fanned. 

Honorable Mention: Javier Baez

Chicago White Sox

Biggest Surprise: Micah Johnson

The Chicago White Sox entered the 2015 season with a hole to address at second base. The competition figured to be centered around two youngsters, Micah Johnson and Carlos Sanchez, both of which have played well so far this spring.

But it's been Johnson who has separated himself as the clear-cut favorite to win the job. The 24-year-old leads the White Sox in hits and average in 22 at-bats, while flashing some pop with three extra-base hits. 

Honorable Mention: Hector Noesi

Biggest Disappointment: Tyler Flowers

Tyler Flowers hit 15 home runs in his first full season as the White Sox catcher last season, but he still fanned over 36 percent of the time and posted a wRC+ under 100. 

The start of camp has been a case study on Flowers' flaws, as the 29-year-old is 2-for-14 in a handful of at-bats. Flowers has also struck out in six of those at-bats, potentially opening the door for new acquisition Geovany Soto to steal his job. 

Honorable Mention: Daniel Webb 

Cincinnati Reds

Biggest Surprise: Brennan Boesch

Brennan Boesch has been an offensive force for the Cincinnati Reds this spring, and may be playing his way on to the Opening Day roster. 

The non-roster invitee is hitting nearly .500 in his first 23 at-bats, while homering twice and driving in five runs. John Fay of the The Cincinnati Inquirer has reported that manager Bryan Price has indicated that Boesch has cemented a roster spot with his good work. 

Honorable Mention: Anthony DeSclafani

Biggest Disappointment: Felix Perez

The Reds were likely to add an outfielder to their Opening Day roster from their group of non-roster invitees, but the favorite would have been career minor leaguer Felix Perez.

The 30-year-old has produced at the Triple-A level since 2011, but he's failed to prove he's deserving of a roster spot so far this spring. Perez has begun his season 2-for-14, opening the door for Boesch to pass him in the race for that coveted roster spot. 

Honorable Mention: Todd Frazier 

Cleveland Indians

Biggest Surprise: T.J. House

For the Cleveland Indians to take the next step, they will need their rotation outside of American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to improve in 2015. 

One of those hurlers, T.J. House, has looked ready to do just that in his first spring action. The left-hander has allowed three earned runs in over nine innings of work, but he's also struck out 10 batters and walked none. Opposing hitters have managed only a .143 average against the 25-year-old southpaw.

Honorable Mention: Jose Ramirez

Biggest Disappointment: Erik Gonzalez 

While the Indians are expecting top shortstop prospect Francisco Lindor to arrive in the major leagues in the very near future, the Tribe are fortunate to have an additional shortstop prospect in Erik Gonzalez. 

But the beginning of 2015 has not been kind to Gonzalez, as he's just 2-for-19 so far in camp. The 23-year-old also leads Cleveland with two errors. 

Honorable Mention: Trevor Bauer

Colorado Rockies

Biggest Surprise: Jon Gray

Jon Gray is the top prospect in the Colorado Rockies' organization, and he's pitching his way into the starting rotation with an impressive showing this spring. 

The right-hander has allowed just four hits in his six innings of action, while denying any opposing player from crossing the plate. Gray has also fanned five en route to holding his opponents to a .182 average. 

For a team that's known for its poor pitching, Colorado's investment in Gray has the makings of a successful one if he can continue his good work into the meaningful contests. 

Honorable Mention: Jordan Lyles

Biggest Disappointment: Corey Dickerson

Corey Dickerson burst on to the scene to mash 24 bombs and hit over .300 for the Rockies last season, but he's yet to regain that form in spring training.

The outfielder is 4-for-17 and has yet to homer in his first few weeks of play. It's a small sample size, but Dickerson's going to have to prove his 2014 season was no fluke. 

Honorable Mention: Nick Hundley

Detroit Tigers

Biggest Surprise: Anthony Gose

The Detroit Tigers acquired Antony Gose this offseason, and so far the speedy outfielder has looked quite comfortable in his new home.

Gose is hitting .520 in his first 26 at-bats, which includes six extra-base hits. The 24-year-old has also swiped four bags and walked four times, showing he's well aware of what his strengths are. 

Honorable Mention: Jordan Lennerton

Biggest Disappointment: Steven Moya

The powerful Steven Moya is one of Detroit's top young talents, but he's been fooled by big league pitching thus far in camp. 

The 23-year-old is 4-for-25 with eight strikeouts in the preseason's first few weeks, indicating that the slugger might need another year of seasoning in the minor leagues. 

Honorable Mention: Anibal Sanchez

Houston Astros

Biggest Surprise: Luis Valbuena 

With Kris Bryant skyrocketing up the developmental ranks, the Chicago Cubs had little need for Luis Valbuena. But the 29-year-old's skill set was attractive to the Houston Astros, and Valbuena has shown what he's capable of so far in camp.

He's hitting .526 in his first 20 at-bats with five RBI. Four of Valbuena's 10 preseason hits have gone for extra bases, which bodes well for his production in 2015 with his new team. 

Honorable Mention: Roberto Hernandez

Biggest Disappointment: Collin McHugh

The Astros are a team hoping to compete as soon as 2015, but the club will need strong performances from their collection of young hurlers to do so. 

Collin McHugh posted a 2.73 ERA in 2014 for Houston, so he's a natural candidate to take another step in the upcoming season. But so far, McHugh has been roughed up in seven innings of work. The nine strikeouts are nice, but the right-hander isn't missing any bats, as opposing batters are hitting .314 against his offerings. 

Honorable Mention: Scott Feldman

Kansas City Royals

Biggest Surprise: Ryan Jackson

The Kansas City Royals needed to add another infielder to their roster, which has given a couple of non-roster invitees the opportunity to make the team out of camp.

Ryan Jackson has taken full advantage of his chances, hitting .500 in 16 spring at-bats. The 26-year-old has driven in three runs and has shown quality plate discipline with a team-leading five walks.

Honorable Mention: Alex Rios

Biggest Disappointment: Yordano Ventura 

Spring results always need to be taken with a grain of salt, but Yordano Ventura's inflated ERA thus far could be cause for concern leading into the season.

Ventura has surrendered a whopping 15 hits in just seven innings of work. Fifteen hits. He's also walked four hitters en route to eight earned runs in those outings. 

Honorable Mention: Jason Vargas

Los Angeles Angels

Biggest Surprise: C.J. Cron

With Josh Hamilton's fate yet to be decided, C.J. Cron's offensive explosion this spring has become a significant development for the Los Angeles Angels. 

The 25-year-old flashed signs of staying power in 2014 with 11 home runs in 79 games, and has provided the Angels with that same production in the spring's first few weeks. Cron has 10 hits, two of which have left the yard. He's also second on the team in RBI. 

Honorable Mention: Johnny Giavotella

Biggest Disappointment: Josh Rutledge

The Angels are giving Josh Rutledge every opportunity to win the club's vacant second base job, but the 25-year-old has yet to prove he's worthy of an everyday spot in the L.A. lineup. 

In his team-leading 31 at-bats, Rutledge is hitting just .226 with only two RBI. Even more worrying are his strikeout numbers, as Rutledge has been fanned eight times in those plate appearances. 

Honorable Mention: Matt Shoemaker

Los Angeles Dodgers

Biggest Surprise: Joc Pederson

When the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to part ways with longtime run producer Matt Kemp this offseason, all signs led to the club being ready to promote prospect Joc Pederson to the big leagues. The 22-year-old did hit .303 with 33 homers at Triple-A in 2014, after all.

But the Kemp trade has only magnified the scrutiny Pederson has faced this spring, and he's dealt with those expectations with elite production. The lefty leads the Dodgers in hits and runs this spring. 

Honorable Mention: Brett Anderson

Biggest Disappointment: Chris Heisey

With the abundance of outfielders at the Dodgers' disposal, Chris Heisey's sluggish start may knock him down the pecking order by the start of the season.

Heisey is just 1-for-17 with five strikeouts on the spring. 

Honorable Mention: Enrique Hernandez

Miami Marlins

Biggest Surprise: David Phelps

Since coming over from the New York Yankees this winter, David Phelps has pitched his way into contention for a rotation spot with an impressive spring.

Phelps has logged eight innings for the Fish thus far, holding opposing hitters to just four hits in that stretch of work. The 28-year-old has also yielded just a .154 average to those opponents. 

Honorable Mention: Christian Yelich

Biggest Disappointment: Jarrod Saltalamacchia

The Marlins don't have many glaring disappointments to choose from, but Jarrod Saltalamacchia is only 3-for-14 to open camp.

The Miami catcher has also struck out a team-high eight times, which is alarming considering Saltalamacchia whiffed over 32 percent of the time last season. 

Honorable Mention: Adeiny Hechavarria

Milwaukee Brewers

Biggest Surprise: Matt Clark

With the way Matt Clark is swinging the bat for the Milwaukee Brewers this spring, don't be surprised to see the 28-year-old begin the 2015 campaign with the Brew Crew. 

Clark leads the Brewers in hits with nine, while also homering two times in his first 24 at-bats. Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel believes that Clark's solid showing at camp may boost him to the forefront of Milwaukee's bench competition. 

Honorable Mention: Will Smith

Biggest Disappointment: Jimmy Nelson

The Brewers dealt Yovani Gallardo this winter due to the fact that the club's top pitching prospect seemed poised to take over his spot on the staff.

But Jimmy Nelson's spring has been a nightmare in the early going. The 25-year-old has tossed only 4.1 innings, but he's given up five earned runs over two appearances. Opposing hitters are also hitting .300 against the right-hander. 

Honorable Mention: Elian Herrera 

Minnesota Twins

Biggest Surprise: Kyle Gibson

Twins general manager Terry Ryan believes that Kyle Gibson can take his game to the next level this season, and so far the right-hander is making Ryan look like a prophet. 

In nine innings this spring, Gibson has held opposing hitters to a .226 average. The 27-year-old did post a 4.47 ERA in 2014, but his 3.80 FIP suggests Gibson could be poised for a breakout year with the Twins. 

Honorable Mention: Jose Berrios

Biggest Disappointment: Trevor Plouffe

Trevor Plouffe bounced back from a rough 2013 season to hit 14 homers and drive in 80 runs for Minnesota last season.

But the third baseman has been horrible this spring, going just 2-for-18 in his first taste of live action. He's also fanned six times in those chances, while also misplaying a ball at the hot corner. 

Honorable Mention: Tim Stauffer

New York Mets

Biggest Surprise: Wilmer Flores

It's no secret that the New York Mets have gotten little to no production from the shortstop position over the last few seasons. 

But Wilmer Flores is hoping his hot start in camp is a sign of things to come. After posting a wRC+ under 100 last season, the 23-year-old has 12 hits in his first 26 at-bats. Five of those knocks have gone for extra bases, and he's whiffed just once. 

Honorable Mention: Kirk Nieuwenhuis

Biggest Disappointment: Bartolo Colon

Despite losing Zack Wheeler to a season-ending injury earlier this week (sigh), the Mets remain loaded with young pitching talent.

But that youthful rotation needs a veteran presence to hold it together, and Bartolo Colon hasn't looked up to the task this spring. The right-hander has given up 12 hits and eight runs in his seven innings of work, while opposing hitters are mashing to the tune of a .400 average. 

Honorable Mention: Travis d'Arnaud

New York Yankees

Biggest Surprise: Nathan Eovaldi

I wrote back in January that Nathan Eovaldi had sleeper status heading into this season, and so far the hard-throwing right-hander looks like a steal for the New York Yankees.  

The 25-year-old ranked fourth in fastball velocity last season, and that nasty repertoire has resulted in a team-high nine strikeouts in his nine innings of work. Eovaldi has given up only one run in those outings.

Honorable Mention: Rob Refsnyder

Biggest Disappointment: Didi Gregorius

Replacing Derek Jeter was never going to be easy, but Didi Gregorius hasn't endeared himself to the New York faithful so far this spring. 

Gregorius has only three hits in his first 17 at-bats, with four K's to add to his resume. The 25-year-old is known for his nifty glove work, but he'll need to figure it out at the dish to stick in the Bronx. 

Honorable Mention: Stephen Drew 

Oakland Athletics

Biggest Surprise: Marcus Semien

Yes, the A's infamously dealt Addison Russell to the Chicago Cubs for Jeff Samardzija last season, but Billy Beane was able to flip "Shark" for another shortstop prospect who's raised some eyebrows over the first few weeks of camp.

Marcus Semien is 9-for-27 with four walks to begin the spring. The 24-year-old has also flashed some pop, going deep twice and leading the team with seven RBI. 

Honorable Mention: Drew Pomeranz

Biggest Disappointment: Brett Lawrie

Dealing a fan favorite like Josh Donaldson was never going to be a popular move, but when you compound that with the struggles of his replacement, it makes matters even worse for the A's.

Brett Lawrie has yet to do much of anything with his new squad. The former Toronto third baseman is just 2-for-20 with five K's to begin his tenure in his new home. 

Honorable Mention: Mark Canha

Philadelphia Phillies

Biggest Surprise: Andy Oliver

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Andy Oliver in December's Rule 5 draft from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he's doing everything in his power to prove to his new club that he's worthy of a spot on the pitching staff.

Oliver has thrown only five innings, but he's yet to give up a run in any of his three outings. Even more impressive are his nine K's en route to holding opponents to a .118 average. 

Honorable Mention: Freddy Galvis

Biggest Disappointment: Maikel Franco

Maikel Franco is a prospect with a bright future, but he still had an outside chance to beat out Cody Asche for the third base job with an impressive spring.

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, his .231 average in his first 26 at-bats won't be enough to convince the Phillies to expedite his timeline. Franco is wasting a golden opportunity, as Asche has managed just a .250 average. 

Honorable Mention: Miguel Gonzalez

Pittsburgh Pirates

Biggest Surprise: Arquimedes Caminero

Not only has Arquimedes Caminero provided us with one of the cooler names in recent memory, the right-hander has also maneuvered his way into an Opening Day roster conversation with the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Caminero has allowed no runs in his six innings of spring work. As he competes for a bullpen spot, Caminero's nine K's to one walk proves he might be a useful late-inning addition to the Buccos' pen. Travis Sawchik of TribLive.com believes that Caminero could be added to the Opening Day roster because he has no options left. 

Honorable Mention: Tony Sanchez

Biggest Disappointment: Jung Ho Kang

After homering in his first game on American soil, Jung Ho Kang seemed destined to unseat Jordy Mercer as the starting shortstop in Pittsburgh for the 2015 season. 

But Kang has scuffled the rest of the spring, tallying only three hits in his first 16 at-bats. Mercer hasn't fared much better, but he's a proven commodity at the big league level who Kang will need to clearly beat out in order to take over at short. 

Honorable Mention: Gregory Polanco

San Diego Padres

Biggest Surprise: Will Middlebrooks

Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers, James Shields. The Padres were busy this offseason adding talented players to the mix in order to contend in 2015.

But it's Will Middlebrooks who has made the biggest impact this spring. The 26-year-old has eight hits, four of which have gone for extra bases. 

Honorable Mention: Odrisamer Despaigne

Biggest Disappointment: Jedd Gyorko

A big knock on the revamped San Diego lineup is its tendency to strike out. With so many swing-and-miss candidates in the middle of the order, the Padres will need their secondary players to put the ball in play.

One of those role players figures to be Jedd Gyorko, who's yet to cure his strikeout woes this spring. With a career strikeout rate of 23 percent, Gyorko's team-leading nine K's should concern San Diego.

Honorable Mention: Derek Norris

San Francisco Giants

Biggest Surprise: Casey McGehee

If his spring stats are any indication, Casey McGehee should be more than a suitable replacement for the departed Pablo Sandoval in San Francisco. 

The 32-year-old enjoyed a career resurgence in 2014 with the Marlins, and he's continued his good form into 2015. McGehee is hitting .500 with four doubles in his first 22 at-bats. 

Honorable Mention: Matt Duffy

Biggest Disappointment: Joe Panik

Joe Panik made quite the impression during the 2014 postseason, but he's yet to show that timely hitting this spring that made him a household name.

Panik is 3-for-26 in his first action of the new year. While his position is likely safe, Matt Duffy's .375 average might be warming Panik's seat ever so slightly. 

Honorable Mention: Nori Aoki

Seattle Mariners

Biggest Surprise: Chris Taylor and Brad Miller

The Seattle Mariners needed to name a starting shortstop this spring, but both candidates are currently making that choice extremely difficult with fantastic production. 

Chris Taylor is hitting .421 with four extra-base hits, while Brad Miller has posted a .412 average and launched two homers. 

Honorable Mention: Taijuan Walker

Biggest Disappointment: D.J. Peterson

D.J. Peterson is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Mariners' organization, and figures to be a key cog in the Seattle machine for many years to come. 

Seattle has given Peterson more at-bats than any other hitter this spring, but the 23-year-old is hitting just .185 in those chances. 

Honorable Mention: Shawn O'Malley 

St. Louis Cardinals

Biggest Surprise: Randal Grichuk

Randall Grichuk climbed his way through the developmental ranks with impressive power numbers, and that's exactly what he's shown so far this spring. 

Grichuk leads the Red Birds in homers and RBI in his 22 preseason at-bats. He's been known to whiff throughout his career, but his four walks have offset his five K's.

Honorable Mention: Marco Gonzales

Biggest Disappointment: Carlos Martinez

Carlos Martinez has been tagged as the latest member of the St. Louis rotation, but he hasn't exactly set the MLB on fire in his first action against big league hitters in 2015.

The 23-year-old right-hander has allowed six earned runs in his eight innings of work. With Marco Gonzales yet to allow a single run, Martinez will be looking over his shoulder as the race for that last rotation spot has heated up. 

Honorable Mention: Peter Bourjos

Tampa Bay Rays

Biggest Surprise: Nick Franklin

Nick Franklin was confident entering camp that he would win the Tampa Bay Rays' starting shortstop job, and he's backing up his words with a solid beginning to his 2015 campaign.

The 24-year-old is hitting over .300 in 23 preseason at-bats. 

Honorable Mention: Nate Karns

Biggest Disappointment: Steven Souza Jr.

Steven Souza was the big return in the Wil Myers deal over the winter, after hitting .350 and mashing 18 homers at the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate in 2014.

But the 25-year-old slugger has left the yard only one time en route to a .143 average in his first 21 at-bats. Worsening matters are his seven strikeouts to one walk. 

Honorable Mention: Tim Beckham

Texas Rangers

Biggest Surprise: Joey Gallo

Joey Gallo is MLB.com's sixth-best prospect, and he's making quite the compelling case to start the season in the majors with the Texas Rangers. 

The 21-year-old has flashed the prodigious power that has many scouts so high on his potential, going yard two times and leading the Rangers with six RBI. But the most encouraging development in Gallo's game are his low amount of strikeouts, as the slugger has whiffed at alarmingly high rates in his minor league career. 

Honorable Mention: Alex Claudio

Biggest Disappointment: Colby Lewis

Yu Darvish is done for the season, and Derek Holland's health remains a concern for Texas entering the 2015 campaign. For the Rangers to be successful this season, Colby Lewis must return to his 2010-12 form.

But so far this spring, Lewis has been anything but effective. The big right-hander has given up six earned runs in his four innings of work, and has yet to showcase any type of strikeout stuff. 

Honorable Mention: Ryan Rua 

Toronto Blue Jays

Biggest Surprise: Daniel Norris

With the unfortunate injury to Marcus Stroman, Daniel Norris' ability to get big league hitters out has become a key in the Toronto Blue Jays season. 

So far this spring, the southpaw has lived up to his top-20 prospect ranking. In seven innings of work, Norris has showcased his nasty arsenal of pitches, fanning nine hitters in his three starts. 

Honorable Mention: Dalton Pompey

Biggest Disappointment: Marco Estrada

While Macro Estrada may not have been acquired with the intent of handing him extended starts, Stroman's injury might have opened the door for the former Milwaukee Brewer.

But Estrada has wasted that opportunity with an atrocious spring. The right-hander has given up 12 hits, eight runs and two dingers in his 7.2 innings of work. Opposing hitters are feasting off Estrada's pitches, as evidenced by their .343 average against him. 

Honorable Mention: Ezequiel Carrera 

Washington Nationals

Biggest Surprise: Tyler Moore

For a team with very few weaknesses, Tyler Moore seems poised to give the Washington Nationals the luxury of a dangerous bench presence in 2015. 

Moore is crushing the baseball this spring, smacking seven of his 10 preseason hits for extra bases. The 28-year-old also leads the Nats with seven RBI. 

Honorable Mention: Matt Grace

Biggest Disappointment: Tanner Roark

After a stellar 2014 campaign, Tanner Roark figured to be the odd man out of the Nationals rotation once Washington decided to splurge on free-agent star Max Scherzer. 

If that wasn't the case at the start of camp, it definitely is now. Roark has surrendered 10 hits, nine runs and three bombs to opposing hitters in just 5.2 innings of action. Opponents are also hitting .385 on Roark offerings. 

Honorable Mention: Heath Bell