What We Learned, Team Grades for All 30 MLB Teams This Spring

With teams getting set to make their final roster decisions and the 2015 MLB season officially beginning on Sunday, it's time to put a bow on this year's spring training.

What follows are grades for all 30 teams based on their spring training performance, which in no way means win-loss record in this situation.

So what constitutes a successful spring? Three key areas:

• Injury-Free: The biggest goal of spring training is to make it through without being hit with any major injuries. How well a team fared in that department will have the biggest impact on their spring grade.

• Resolved Position Battles: Every team has a handful of position battles and roster spots to sort out between the start of camp and Opening Day. Ideally someone steps forward and clearly wins a job, like Mookie Betts did with the center field job in Boston. Other times, teams are forced to pick the lesser of two evils, and that's not ideal.

• Young Player Performance: For veteran players, spring training is a time to shake off the rust, so statistical performance doesn't always mean much. However, for young players, it's a chance to prove they are ready for a significant role at the big league level, so their performance carries a little more weight.

These three areas were taken into consideration when handing out grades. Truth be told, you won't see many low grades, as having a successful spring is much easier than a successful season.

Below each team's grade is five bulleted points for each club, essentially a list of the most notable takeaways and biggest things we've learned over the past month.

Feel free to argue the legitimacy of a grade, as I'm more than open to suggestions for why a team should grade out higher or lower. Just, please, don't reference win-loss record.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Grade: A-

What We Learned

• The Diamondbacks made it through the spring unscathed in the injury department, which really is priority No. 1.

• Third base prospect Jake Lamb showed enough at the plate (1.013 OPS, 9 XBH) for the team to feel comfortable slotting him at the hot corner and sliding Yasmany Tomas to left field. With a plus glove, he could be the long-term answer there.

• The optioning of Matt Reynolds (5.2 IP, 3.18 ERA) was somewhat surprising, but not entirely unexpected as he continues to work his way back after missing all of 2014 recovering from Tommy John surgery. He'll be up at some point in 2015.

• Optioning Reynolds likely opens a spot in the bullpen for Enrique Burgos (10.2 IP, 1.69 ERA, 14 K). The 24-year-old has yet to pitch above High-A, but he can dial it up to triple digits and should be fun to watch. MLB.com's Prospect Watch ranked him as the team's No. 24 prospect.

• Jeremy Hellickson has really struggled, allowing 20 hits and eight earned runs in 12 innings of work this spring. He'll be given every chance to hold on to his spot after the team gave up a pair of solid prospects to acquire him, but there a lot of other starting options waiting in the wings should his struggles carry over.

Atlanta Braves

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Spring Grade: B+

What We Learned

• The Braves were forced to piece together their rotation last spring with the late additions of Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana. This time around they wisely added some cheap depth early on in the form of Wandy Rodriguez and Eric Stults, and now both are set to break camp in the rotation.

• Speaking of Rodriguez, the 36-year-old is not just an emergency fill-in—he's looked fantastic. The lefty has a 3.13 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 23 innings, and he's not all that far removed from being a plus starter for the Pirates.

• One can't help but wonder how the emergence of Jace Peterson, who ran away with the second base job this spring, effects the ETA of top prospect Jose Peraza. If nothing else, he won't need to be rushed now.

• Speaking of prospects, Christian Bethancourt has looked terrific this spring. The big question was whether he'd hit enough to be an everyday guy, and he's batting .306 with six doubles and one home run to this point.

• After a strong spring (.324 BA, 7 SB), it's not inconceivable to think Eric Young Jr. could stick as the everyday center fielder, even after Melvin Upton returns from his foot injury.

Baltimore Orioles

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Spring Grade: C

What We Learned

• The decision not to re-sign Nick Hundley shows the team's confidence in Caleb Joseph behind the plate. The job belongs to Matt Wieters once he returns after suffering a minor setback in his return from Tommy John surgery, but as he enters a contract year, Joseph could take over in 2016.

• They will also be without shortstop J.J. Hardy, who opens the year on the DL with a left shoulder strain. He's one of the most underrated players in the league, and the three-year, $40 million extension he signed in the offseason was an absolute steal.

• Chris Davis has a .734 OPS with three home runs and 12 RBI this spring. He'll sit the first game of the season to finish out his suspension, but he might be the most important player on the roster. He has plenty to prove on his end, too, as he'll be a free agent in 2016. 

• Ubaldo Jimenez starts the season in the bullpen, but he's finished the preseason strong. The right-hander has allowed nine hits and one earned run in 11 innings of work over his last two appearances, so there is some hope that he might actually earn some of his $12.25 million salary.

• There is nothing in his .242/.279/.330 career line to suggest his spring numbers are for real, but Jimmy Paredes (.364 BA, 1.005 OPS, 7 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI) has definitely turned some heads. Might the 26-year-old have turned a corner? We shall see.

Boston Red Sox

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Spring Grade: B+

What We Learned

• The Boston Red Sox center field battle was expected to be one of the better position battles of the spring, but Rusney Castillo's oblique injury and a monster spring from Mookie Betts (.458 BA, 12 XBH) made it an easy choice.

• With Christian Vazquez set to undergo Tommy John surgery, that leaves light-hitting Ryan Hanigan and recent acquisition Sandy Leon as the catching tandem to open the year. Blake Swihart watch will likely begin on Opening Day.

• Speaking of Swihart, the 22-year-old was 10-for-30 with one double, one triple, one home run and eight RBI this spring before being optioned back to the minors. He enters the season as the top catching prospect and No. 17 prospect overall, according to Baseball America.

• A lot has been made of the Red Sox's lack of front-line pitching, but Clay Buchholz (19.0 IP, 2.84 ERA) and Rick Porcello (10.0 IP, 2.70 ERA) have both looked good this spring, and they could wind up being a solid one-two punch.

• It was a down season for Mike Napoli last year, as he had just 17 home runs and 55 RBI, but he's flashed good power this spring with a 1.318 OPS and four home runs.

Chicago Cubs

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A-

What We Learned

• Much has been made of the decision to send Kris Bryant to the minors to begin the season, but the system is to blame, not the Chicago Cubs front office. The team would be crazy not to trade two weeks this season for a full year of his prime.

• Newcomer Jon Lester has dealt with some arm fatigue this spring, but he's been named the starter for the season opener Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. In fact, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago, he could be available to throw 100-plus pitches depending on the stress level of the outing.

• Matt Szczur is somewhat lost in the shuffle of the Cubs' other big-name prospects, but the 25-year-old former two-sport star could play his way into a significant role this season. He's hitting .362 this spring with two doubles, two triples and five home runs and looks like a safe bet to make his first Opening Day roster.

• Phil Coke was not always the most consistent guy during his time in Detroit, but the veteran threw 7.2 scoreless innings over nine appearances this spring. He could wind up being one of the better minor league values of the offseason. 

• How long before the team just bites the bullet and releases Edwin Jackson? He's owed $26 million over the next two seasons but really doesn't have a place on this roster, and he's pitched to a 5.28 ERA in 15.1 innings this spring.

Chicago White Sox

Rich Pilling/Getty Images

Spring Grade: A-

What We Learned

• The second base battle was a good one, as Micah Johnson (.339 BA, 5 XBH, 3 SB) and Carlos Sanchez (.436 BA, 1 SB) both appear to have won roster spots. That said, Johnson deserves the job, as he has game-changing speed and the higher ceiling.

• A healthy Geovany Soto had a solid spring training and earned a spot on the roster as the backup catcher. He could push Tyler Flowers, who had decent power numbers last year but was really streaky at the plate, for playing time.

• Chris Sale made his first start of the spring against Single-A hitters on Wednesday, striking out 13 and throwing 90 pitches. At this point, he's still on track to return either April 11 or 12, according to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.

• Kris Bryant is receiving all the attention among Chicago prospects, but outfielder Courtney Hawkins had a strong spring in his own right. The team's No. 9 prospect (according to MLB.com's Prospect Watch) went 14-for-34 with three doubles, four home runs and 10 RBI.

• Top prospect Carlos Rodon also impressed, posting a 21-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 17.2 innings of work. If John Danks and/or Hector Noesi struggle early, don't be surprised if he gets the call.

Cincinnati Reds

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Spring Grade: B

What We Learned

• Despite a solid spring (12.2 IP, 1.42 ERA, 14 K), Tony Cingrani is ticketed for the bullpen. "We have to find a way to try to get out of the gates strong and at this point in time the feeling was organizationally that Tony is better suited for us at the moment as a relief pitcher," manager Bryan Price said (via Kevin Goheen of Fox Sports Ohio).

• That means the big acquisition in the Mat Latos trade in Anthony DeSclafani and Cuban import Raisel Iglesias will break camp in the rotation. Those two will battle to see who sticks once Homer Bailey returns.

• Brennan Boesch wound up being one of the better non-roster performers of the spring, hitting .382 with three doubles, four home runs and 14 RBI to position himself for a bench spot.

• All signs point to Brandon Phillips hitting in the No. 3 spot based on how the lineup has stacked up in the preseason. Given his .212 average this spring, struggles last season and complete indifference to the idea of getting on base, he's probably better suited hitting sixth or seventh.

• An 8-for-40 spring with 14 strikeouts is not the best start to a potential comeback season for Jay Bruce, though he does have three home runs.

Cleveland Indians

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Spring Grade: B+

What We Learned

• Brandon Moss saw his production completely sapped by torn cartilage in his hip last season, undergoing surgery almost right after the 2014 campaign. His power has returned this spring, and he may very well wind up being one of the better pickups of the offseason.

• With Gavin Floyd re-injuring his elbow and Danny Salazar optioned to the minors, the Indians are fairly thin on starting pitching. If Zach McAllister or T.J. House struggles, they could turn to someone like Shaun Marcum.

• Top prospect Francisco Lindor is expected to take over as the starting shortstop at some point this season, and his bat looked good this spring prior to being optioned. The 21-year-old went 11-for-37 with three doubles, one triple and two home runs.

• After posting a minus-1.0 WAR last season, Nick Swisher is off to a bad start again. He'll open the year on the disabled list as he continues to recover from knee surgery. He's still owed $30 million over the next two years.

• Power prospect Jesus Aguilar looks to have a good shot at breaking camp with a bench spot, at least until Swisher returns. The 24-year-old had 31 doubles, 19 home runs and a .905 OPS in Triple-A last season.

Colorado Rockies

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Spring Grade: C-

What We Learned

• So far so good with the health of Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, as they both managed to make it through an entire month of spring training without hurting themselves. We'll see how long they can keep it up once the regular season kicks off.

• Jordan Lyles showed some flashes last season and has been dominant this spring, allowing just eight hits and two earned runs in 21 innings. He's not taking the ball on Opening Day, but he may be the team's best starter.

• Speaking of the Opening Day starter, is there a worse one in recent memory than Kyle Kendrick? No disrespect to a guy who was a solid back-end starter during his time in Philly, but he has no business anywhere near an Opening Day start.

• For a team thin on pitching, opening the season with Jorge De La Rosa, Eddie Butler, David Hale and Tyler Chatwood all on the disabled list is less than ideal.

• Optioning Brandon Barnes to the minors was a surprising move after he performed well in limited action last season. With Drew Stubbs already serving as the fourth outfielder, it does give the team a chance for more roster versatility.

Detroit Tigers

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A-

What We Learned

• They are still not a lock for Opening Day, but a spring without any setbacks for Miguel Cabrera or Victor Martinez as they recover from their respective offseason surgeries is a huge win for the Detroit Tigers.

• Manager Brad Ausmus on the two sluggers: "I'd say, as of right now, I'm optimistic that we can have them both ready for Opening Day, but I'm probably more optimistic that at this point that Miggy will be ready to play," via James Schmehl of MLive.com.

• New center fielder Anthony Gose cooled a bit after a red-hot start, but is still hitting .302 with seven extra-base hits and six steals this spring. It looks like he'll get a real shot at being the team's leadoff hitter, and he has the speed to make an impact if he can hit enough.

• Many were critical of the team's decision to trade for regression candidate Alfredo Simon. The "Big Pasta" has done little to silence the doubters this spring, allowing 24 hits and 14 earned runs in 22.2 innings.

• Joakim Soria allowed just two hits in eight scoreless innings this spring, while Joe Nathan has pitched to a 4.76 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Soria has to be the closer, right?

Houston Astros

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

• The surprise pitching prospect of the spring award goes to Asher Wojciechowski, who earned himself a roster spot with a 1.29 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 21 innings. The right-hander ranked as the No. 28 prospect in the organization, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook.

• Considering Chad Qualls threw six scoreless innings this spring, it was somewhat surprising to see Luke Gregerson named closer. At any rate, the bullpen figures to be vastly improved after posting a league-worst 4.80 ERA last year.

• The decision to option Jon Singleton and waive Alex Presley brought some clarity to a complicated roster situation. It will be Chris Carter at first base, Evan Gattis at DH, Colby Rasmus in left field and Jake Marisnick in center field, with Robbie Grossman earning a bench spot.

• Marisnick has always been known more for his glove than his bat, but he hit .325 this spring with six extra-base hits. It will be interesting to see if he continues to hit enough to warrant everyday at-bats.

• It was great to see top prospect Carlos Correa back healthy this spring, and he made his presence felt, going 14-for-41 with one double and two home runs. He still needs some seasoning, but Jed Lowrie probably shouldn't get too comfortable at shortstop.

Kansas City Royals

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

• Offseason additions Kendrys Morales (.841 OPS, 5 2B, 3 HR) and Alex Rios (.934 OPS, 3 2B, 3 HR) have both put up good numbers this spring. Those two could be the key to adding some punch to a lineup that ranked last in home runs a year ago.

• He didn't win a roster spot, but how about the numbers put up by outfield prospect Brett Eibner (.536 BA, 4 2B, 5 HR, 9 RBI)? The 26-year-old former second-round pick could yet carve out a big league role.

• Flipping reliever Aaron Crow for pitching prospect Brian Flynn already looked like a win for the Royals, but looks even better following the news that Crow will likely be lost for the season to Tommy John surgery.

• It was a relatively quiet spring for Mike Moustakas after the former top prospect put up huge numbers in March the past two years. Maybe that's a good thing, considering what his big springs have led to in the past.

• Terrance Gore, who made an impact as a pinch runner last October, was optioned to High-A this spring. Kind of crazy how far the rest of his game is behind his base-stealing ability.

Los Angeles Angels

Morry Gash/Associated Press

Spring Grade: C+

What We Learned

• Pitching prospects and offseason acquisitions Andrew Heaney and Nick Tropeano will both begin the year in the minors, as the team opens with a four-man rotation, but both figure to be called up at some point during the upcoming season. It's that kind of depth the Angels sorely lacked a year ago.

• Johnny Giavotella winning the second base job was a big surprise, but there was a time not all that long ago that some viewed him as the long-term answer at second for the Kansas City Royals.

• Spring numbers are often deceiving, but is Mike Trout dialed in or what? The reigning AL MVP has hit .451 with three doubles, two triples, four home runs and an 8-8 BB/K ratio.

• Speaking of dialed in, projected DH C.J. Cron looks like a potential breakout candidate this season in what will be his first taste of regular at-bats. He's hit .415 with 10 doubles and three home runs this spring and could be the key to the offense this year.

• Surprise performance of the spring goes to right-hander Drew Rucinski, who went undrafted out of college and was pitching in the independent league when the Angels signed him in 2013. He was 10-6 with a 3.15 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 148.2 innings in Double-A last year, and he looks to have snagged a long-relief role with a 2.60 ERA in 17.1 innings this spring.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Spring Grade: B+

What We Learned

• All of the hype surrounding Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant could not have come at a better time for Joc Pederson. He's plenty hyped in his own right and has had a huge spring (1.154 OPS, 6 HR), but Bryant helped deflect some of the attention from him.

• Corey Seager also impressed in limited action before being sent to minor league camp, going 6-for-18 with three doubles. There's a reason Baseball America ranked him as the No. 5 prospect in the league.

• The Dodgers will likely open the season with a six-man bench, which includes a trio of outfielders in Andre Ethier, Chris Heisey and Scott Van Slyke. The team would probably be better off with Darwin Barney filling the final bench spot over one of those guys, and at some point L.A. has to find a way to unload Ethier.

• The new double-play combination of Howie Kendrick (.383 BA, 1.006 OPS) and Jimmy Rollins (.333 BA, .912 OPS) has looked great offensively and defensively this spring.

• The team threw a ton of non-roster relievers at the wall this spring to see who might stick, and it looks like Sergio Santos will be the one that breaks camp with the team. David Aardsma, Mike Adams, Chad Gaudin, Erik Bedard, David Huff and Dustin McGowan, who has since been released, were also in camp.

Miami Marlins

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Spring Grade: B+

What We Learned

• The Miami Marlins had virtually no bench depth last season, but this spring they were able to choose between a number of deserving candidates to round out the roster. Veteran Reed Johnson wound up released, and Miami optioned Jordany Valdespin (.378 BA, 1.034 OPS) despite his stats.

• The gambling allegations surrounding Jarred Cosart could wind up being a distraction for this team, not to mention the fact that they can't afford to lose the young right-hander if he winds up disciplined. Hopefully the situation is quickly resolved.

• Giving the Opening Day start to Henderson Alvarez is a nice tip of the cap to what he did last season stepping into the ace role, but Mat Latos profiles better in that role, and the team needs him to emerge as "the guy" until Jose Fernandez returns.

• Speaking of Fernandez, he's had no setbacks this spring and still looks to be on track for a return sometime between mid-June and the All-Star break.

• Locking up Christian Yelich with a seven-year, $49.5 million extension may very well be the best move this franchise made in what was a busy offseason.

Milwaukee Brewers

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Spring Grade: B

What We Learned

• A healthy Ryan Braun could be a real difference-maker for the Milwaukee Brewers after he battled a nagging thumb injury and had the worst numbers of his career last year. A .333 average and 1.056 OPS this spring is a nice start.

• The player to watch for the Brewers this spring was right-hander Jimmy Nelson as he gets set to step into the rotation spot vacated by Yovani Gallardo. A 6.23 ERA and .304 opponent average were less-than-convincing results.

• Right-hander Tyler Thornburg missed 100 games last season with elbow inflammation, but he's proved healthy this spring and could be a key arm out of the bullpen.

• Shipping infielder Luis Sardinas, who Milwaukee acquired in the Gallardo deal, to the minors gives him a chance to see everyday at-bats. The 21-year-old figures to be valuable insurance should should Jean Segura struggle again.

• So who else is excited for the Kyle Lohse vs. Kyle Kendrick pitching matchup on Opening Day?

Minnesota Twins

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A-

What We Learned

• With the somewhat surprising decision to option Aaron Hicks, it will be Jordan Schafer who opens the season as the Minnesota Twins center fielder. He stole 30 bases last season while seeing just 210 at-bats, and he could wreak serious havoc out of the No. 9 spot if he winds up getting 400-plus plate appearances.

• Minnesota sent them both to minor league camp relatively quickly, but it's great to see Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano back healthy after what were essentially lost seasons a year ago. Those two should be really fun to watch a couple of years from now.

• Tough break for Mike Pelfrey not winning a rotation spot after posting a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings this spring. After some initial frustration, he seems open to the idea of pitching out of the bullpen. Don't be surprised if he still winds up being a trade chip before the spring is over, though.

• Yes, it's just spring training, but the Twins have to be happy with their 3.90 team ERA, good for ninth in the league. Pitching will ultimately determine whether this team can compete in 2015.

• Completely biased here, but it's great to see "Sugar Shane" Robinson win a big league job this spring. Most of you know I'm a Cubs fan, but he was one of the few Cardinals I consistently rooted for during his time in St. Louis.

New York Mets

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Grade: B

What We Learned

• It's still wise to be cautiously optimistic about his performance this season, but Matt Harvey has flashed the same power stuff this spring that made him so dominant pre-Tommy John surgery. He has a 1.45 ERA and 17-1 K/BB ratio in 18.2 innings of work.

• There was probably no team better positioned to lose one of its starters for the year than the Mets, but the season-ending injury to Zack Wheeler is still a big blow. He was just coming into his own last season and looked capable of taking the next step this year.

• With Daniel Murphy expected to begin the year on the disabled list, the Mets appear to prefer heading north with Danny Muno over fellow prospect Matt Reynolds as their second baseman, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

• Losing Josh Edgin for the season raised some serious questions about the team's crop of left-handed relievers, but the Mets answered them in resounding fashion when they traded for Alex Torres and Jerry Blevins in separate deals earlier this week.

• On defensive prowess alone, Juan Lagares was well worth the four-year, $23 million extension the team gave him Wednesday. According to Rubin, the deal also includes a $9.5 million option that would buy out his first year of free agency.

New York Yankees

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

• The fact that the New York Yankees made it through spring training with only Chris Capuano, Brendan Ryan and Jose Pirela suffering injuries is a great way to start the season.

• It's easy to hate him, but Alex Rodriguez has said and done all the right things this spring. He's quietly gone about his business, praised his teammates and put up solid numbers in the process (.308 BA, .990 OPS, 3 HR).

• Nathan Eovaldi may well be the X-factor to the Yankees' season, as he's capable of giving the team another front-line arm if he pitches up to his potential. The hard-throwing righty has a 0.66 ERA and 14-0 K/BB ratio in 13.2 innings.

• The idea that Stephen Drew will start the season as the team's second baseman over Pirela and Rob Refsnyder is a bummer, but don't expect that to be the case for the entire season.

• Remember Andrew Bailey, the player the Boston Red Sox traded Josh Reddick and a pair of prospects to acquire once upon a time? After missing all of last season rehabbing his shoulder, he's thrown five solid innings this spring. The Yankees won't rush him back, but he could make what already figures to be a great bullpen even better.

Oakland Athletics

Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Grade: B-

What We Learned

• The battle for the No. 5 starter job was wide open for the Oakland Athletics this spring, and Kendall Graveman left little doubt he deserved the spot. One of the key pieces of the Josh Donaldson trade, the right-hander has posted a 0.42 ERA and 0.66 WHIP in 21.1 innings.

• Already a roster full of new faces, the A's will be without Josh Reddick, Coco Crisp and Sean Doolittle to begin the season. The way things are currently shaping up, 13 of the 25 players on the Opening Day roster will be newcomers or rookies.

• With longtime setup man Ryan Cook struggling and optioned to the minors, look for rookie right-hander R.J. Alvarez to make an impact. Picked up in the Derek Norris trade, Alvarez had a 1.25 ERA, 0.969 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 43.1 innings in the minors last season.

• All due respect to the other three players acquired in the trade, including the aforementioned Graveman, but it's Brett Lawrie who will inevitably determine the value of the Josh Donaldson deal. An .893 OPS with three doubles and four home runs this spring is a nice start.

• They may not crack the Opening Day roster, but it's not out of the question to think we could see both Barry Zito and Pat Venditte in Oakland at some point in 2015.

Philadelphia Phillies

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Spring Grade: C+

What We Learned

• With the team starved for young talent, the Philadelphia Phillies may have found a good one in Rule 5 selection Odubel Herrera. The 23-year-old hit .315/.383/.388 with 21 stolen bases in the minors last year, and he is batting .328 with six steals this spring, winning the Opening Day center field job in the process.

• Anything the team gets from Cliff Lee this season will be a bonus at this point, as there's a good chance he's thrown his last pitch in a Phillies uniform. That's unfortunate considering his $25 million salary and the fact that he would have been a valuable trade chip if healthy.

• Chad Billingsley signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Phillies as one of the more intriguing reclamation projects on the market, and he's on track to join the rotation by the end of April, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

• Chase Utley started the season on fire last year before cooling considerably in the second half, but he enters the season with plenty of momentum once again, hitting .448 with two doubles and four home runs this spring.

• The Domonic Brown saga continues. He's been a top prospect, a flop, a 27-homer breakout star, a flop again and is now set to start the season on the disabled list with an Achilles injury.

Pittsburgh Pirates

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Spring Grade: B

What We Learned

• Aside from the one-two punch of Francisco Liriano and Gerrit Cole, the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting pitchers have not thrown the ball well this spring. Somewhat surprisingly, Jeff Locke (13.2 IP, 6.59 ERA) beat out Vance Worley (20.0 IP, 4.59 ERA) for the No. 5 starter job.

• The team picked up flame-throwing reliever Arquimedes Caminero from the Miami Marlins for cash, and he pitched his way onto the roster with a 2.92 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 12.1 innings. With Jared Hughes getting beat up this spring, Caminero could emerge as a key right-hander in the late innings.

• After hitting an opposite field home run in his first at-bat of the spring, Jung-ho Kang has not done much else. The Korean import is hitting .190 with 16 strikeouts in 42 at-bats, and he won't be challenging for the starting shortstop job just yet.

• Pittsburgh signed Corey Hart to a no-risk one-year, $2.5 million deal in hopes he could platoon with Pedro Alvarez at first base. The early returns have been promising, as the former star is hitting .333 with a home run and three RBI in 27 at-bats.

• The team is again working toward an extension with outfielder Gregory Polanco, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The 23-year-old hit just .235/.307/.343 in 277 at-bats as a rookie last year but is capable of much more based on his track record.

San Diego Padres

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A-

What We Learned

• The San Diego Padres bench remains one of the more intriguing situations left to sort out this spring. It's currently down to Yangervis Solarte, Clint Barmes, Will Venable, Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin for four spots alongside the backup catcher.

• The team will also need to decide between Brandon Morrow (17.0 IP, 4.76 ERA) and Odrisamer Despaigne (17.0 IP, 2.12 ERA) as the No. 5 starter.

• It appears it will be Wil Myers hitting leadoff and Yonder Alonso batting second to begin the season, at least against right-handed pitching. That's not exactly a conventional one-two punch at the top of the lineup, but this whole offense thing is still a work in progress for the Padres.

• Trading Alex Torres to the New York Mets leaves Frank Garces as the only left-hander projected to make the bullpen. The 25-year-old had a 2.00 ERA in 15 appearances with the big league club last season, and has a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 inning this spring.

• Another big spring for Tommy Medica didn't result in a roster spot this time around. The first baseman/outfielder hit .421 with two doubles, four home runs and 12 RBI before being optioned to the minors earlier this week.

San Francisco Giants

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Spring Grade: B-

What We Learned

• A lot has been made of the San Francisco Giants rotation behind Madison Bumgarner being a potential weakness this season, and the spring results have done little to quell those concerns. Tim Lincecum (6.27 ERA), Matt Cain (8.22 ERA) and Jake Peavy (8.22 ERA) have all been hit hard, but again, this is only spring training.

• Despite Andrew Susac's upside, the Giants made the right decision going with Hector Sanchez as their second catcher. At some point the team figures to move Buster Posey out from behind the plate, and Susac still profiles as the catcher of the future, so regular playing time will be important for him.

• Brandon Belt again looks like he could make an impact in the middle of the lineup, hitting .361 with a 1.072 OPS this spring. It will come down to whether he can stay healthy, but for now he figures to be penciled in as the No. 3 hitter.

• With Hunter Pence sidelined with a fractured forearm, non-roster invitee Justin Maxwell (.354 BA, .924 OPS, 14 RBI) played his way onto the roster over Juan Perez as the fourth outfielder.

• Adding Maxwell to the 40-man roster led to the Giants designating Gary Brown. A former first-round pick, he ranked as the team's top prospect and the No. 38 prospect in the league prior to the 2012 season, according to Baseball America.
  

Seattle Mariners

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Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

• Already identified by many as a breakout candidate before the preseason even began, Taijuan Walker has been flat-out dominant this spring. The 22-year-old has allowed just nine hits and one earned run in 25 innings, walking four and striking out 24.

• Lesser-known pitching prospect Tyler Olson also made his presence felt this spring, earning a bullpen job by striking out 15 and walking none in 12.2 scoreless innings. The 25-year-old went 12-8 with a 3.46 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 148.1 innings between High-A and Double-A last year.

• A fractured wrist by Chris Taylor effectively put an end to what was shaping up as a good position battle with Brad Miller for the shortstop job. Taylor was hitting .421 with four extra-base hits in 19 at-bats at the time of the injury.

• Nelson Cruz was obviously the big addition of the offseason, and he's already flashed the power that made him the team's top target with a .942 OPS, four home runs and 10 RBI this spring.

• One scoreless inning might not mean much on paper, but getting Danny Hultzen back healthy could be huge. Keep in mind he was once listed right alongside Walker and ahead of James Paxton in the conversation of the team's top pitching prospects.

St. Louis Cardinals

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

• He won't win the No. 5 starter job, but Marco Gonzales has at least eased some concerns about the team's starting pitching depth with his big spring. The left-hander has a 1.04 ERA in 17.1 innings, and he'll be the first guy called on if a starter goes down.

• It looked for a little bit there like we might have a Jaime Garcia sighting in the Cardinals rotation, but he's again shelved with a sore shoulder. This a guy who's gone 42-26 with a 3.50 ERA in 106 career appearances (97 starts); if only he could find a way to stay healthy.

• The Garcia injury opened up a roster spot for swingman Carlos Villanueva. While Villanueva is capable of making a spot start, he's definitely best served as a reliever. The 31-year-old had a 10.53 ERA in five starts last season, compared to a 2.64 ERA over 37 relief appearances.

• With Daniel Descalso gone in free agency, the utility infield job was up for grabs. Pete Kozma, the starting shortstop in 2013, seized the opportunity to get back to the big leagues by hitting .426 this spring.

• A Jason Heyward extension likely won't be ironed out before the start of the season, but unlike a number of other upcoming free agents, he has not set a cutoff date for negotiations, so something could still get done during the season.

Tampa Bay Rays

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Spring Grade: C

What We Learned

• The Tampa Bay Rays rotation was expected to be one of the best in the AL this year, and it still could be, but for the time being it will be a patchwork group. With Alex Cobb, Drew Smyly and Alex Colome beginning the season on the DL, it will be Nate Karns, Matt Andriese and newly acquired Erasmo Ramirez rounding out the staff.

• Nick Franklin, who is expected to pick up some of the production lost in the Ben Zobrist trade, is also shelved with a strained oblique. That means Logan Forsythe gets regular at-bats to begin the year.

• Production has not matched potential to this point with Desmond Jennings, but entering his age-28 season he's looking to turn a corner. This spring has been a nice start, as he's hitting .463 with three doubles and a home run.

• With lefty Jake McGee sidelined while he continues to recover from elbow surgery, it will be Brad Boxberger who fills in as closer to begin the year. The 26-year-old was brilliant last season, posting a 2.37 ERA and 14.5 K/9 in 64.2 innings.

• Injured starter Matt Moore, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, resumed his throwing program a week ago after a scheduled two-week break. He's still on track to return sometime before the All-Star break.

Texas Rangers

Sarah Glenn/Getty Images

Spring Grade: F

What We Learned

• One of the deeper position battles this spring was left field for the Texas Rangers, as non-roster invitees Nate Schierholtz, Ryan Ludwick and Kyle Blanks challenged incumbents Ryan Rua, Jake Smolinski and Michael Choice. It was eventually Rua who won the job, and he has legitimate offensive upside.

• The Rangers rotation had the potential to be one of the best in the league with the trio of Yu Darvish, Yovani Gallardo and Derek Holland at the top, but losing Darvish for the year to Tommy John surgery has it again looking like a weakness.

• It will be interesting to see how the team uses speedster Delino DeShields Jr., who won a job after being taken in the Rule 5 draft. The 22-year-old has stolen 206 bases over the past three years in the minors, including 101 in 2012.

• Prince Fielder has had a productive spring, hitting .333 with a home run and seven RBI. However, he somehow has only one walk and two strikeout in 43 plate appearances. Odd.

• Keep an eye on right-hander Keone Kela if he wins the final spot in the bullpen. The 21-year-old has not pitched above Double-A, but he can touch 100 with his fastball and pitched to a 2.02 ERA and 12.5 K/9 in 44 minor league appearances last season.

Toronto Blue Jays

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Spring Grade: D-

What We Learned

• Breaking camp with six rookies on the roster is ambitious if nothing else. Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris will back the rotation, Devon Travis will be the starting second baseman, Dalton Pompey the starting center fielder and Roberto Osuna and Miguel Castro key arms in a retooled bullpen.

• Losing Marcus Stroman for the year is obviously a huge blow and the reason they grade out so low here. After Stroman's terrific rookie season, many projection systems had him poised to take a huge step forward. That being said, the rotation still has a chance to be solid if Sanchez and Norris are up to the task.

• The eight-man bullpen is a smart way to open the season, and it will push everyone to perform because chances are a pitcher will head to the minors once Maicer Izturis returns from a groin strain.

• The team gave up a decent arm in J.A. Happ to acquire Michael Saunders this offseason, but his knee injury has opened the door for Kevin Pillar in left field. The 26-year-old Pillar posted an .868 OPS with 39 doubles and 10 home runs in Triple-A last season, and it's not out of the question to think he could lock down the everyday job with a hot start.

• The Blue Jays received the No. 2 spot in our ranking of each team's lineup, but there's not a better 1-5 in the league than Jose Reyes, Russell Martin, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson. That's provided they can all stay healthy.

Washington Nationals

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Spring Grade: D+

What We Learned

• The Washington Nationals definitely did not escape the spring injury-free, as they will be without Anthony Rendon, Denard Span and Jayson Werth to begin the season. However, as long as the sprained MCL of Rendon does not turn into something more serious, all three figure to be back shortly after the season starts.

• So is it fair to assume we're just going to keep saying this is the year Bryce Harper breaks out until we're finally right? He's hit some absolute bombs this spring, and if he can stay healthy this could be the year (see what I did there?).

• The shoulder issues of Casey Janssen might be more troubling than any of the other injuries. With Drew Storen moving into the closer's role and Rafael Soriano gone, the Nats are counting on Janssen to be the right-handed setup man.

• It looks like there's a good chance Dan Uggla is going to make this team, although he's apparently "not interested in being a bench player," according to CBS Sports. That has to be a joke, right? Uggla can't honestly believe he deserves to start.

• Even if it's only for a couple of weeks, it will be fun to see how Michael Taylor handles everyday at-bats in center field. All signs point to Taylor replacing Span when he hits free agency next offseason, and he's put up some gaudy numbers in the minors.

All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference unless otherwise noted.