2012 MLB Free Agency: Predicting All 30 Teams' Opening Day Lineups

As the winter meetings wrap up, and a number of the big-name free agents have found a home, team rosters are beginning to take shape while we push closer and closer to spring training.

There will no doubt be some more surprises before the winter is over, from free agents making an unexpected choice to the inevitable offseason trade no one sees coming.

However, here is my best guess for what the starting lineup of each MLB team will look like when Opening Day rolls around.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Lineup

1. SS Stephen Drew
2. 2B Aaron Hill
3. RF Justin Upton
4. C Miguel Montero
5. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
6. CF Chris Young
7. 3B Ryan Roberts
8. LF Gerardo Parra
9. SP Ian Kennedy

Overview

The Diamondbacks filled their one hole this offseason by bringing back midseason acquisition Aaron Hill on a two-year, $11 million deal as they return the same lineup that they ended last season with, with the addition of injured Stephen Drew back at the top.

With a solid rotation and the same free-swinging, base-stealing young lineup that led them to the postseason last year the Diamondbacks should once again compete for the NL West crown.

Atlanta Braves

Lineup

1. CF Michael Bourn
2. 3B Chipper Jones
3. C Brian McCann
4. LF Carlos Quentin (Trade)
5. 2B Dan Uggla
6. 1B Freddie Freeman
7. RF Jason Heyward
8. SS Yuniesky Betancourt (FA)
9. SP Tim Hudson

Overview

There has been a lot of talk of the Braves dealing Martin Prado and looking for someone with more prototypical corner outfield power, and White Sox slugger Carlos Quentin would certainly fill that mold though. However, I see the Braves holding onto Prado and moving him to a utility role, instead using their wealth of young pitching talent to acquire Quentin. 

The team would then need to decide if working out a long-term deal with Quentin would be in their best interest, or if they will attempt to make a run with him this season and then lose him in free agency at season's end.

Also, with Alex Gonzalez gone, the team will need to decide if prospect Tyler Pastornicky is ready to take over at shortstop. Chances are, they'll sign a veteran for insurance and Betancourt could provide similar production to Gonzalez.

Baltimore Orioles

Lineup

1. 2B Brian Roberts
2. CF Adam Jones
3. SS J.J. Hardy
4. 1B Carlos Pena (FA)
5. RF Nick Markakis
6. DH Mark Reynolds
7. C Matt Wieters
8. 3B Chris Davis
9. LF Nolan Reimold
- SP Jeremy Guthrie

Overview

The Orioles scooped up veterans like crazy last year, and hit on J.J. Hardy while adding some pop in Mark Reynolds. This offseason they will be looking to add a DH and middle-of-the-order presence and with Luke Scott a potential non-tender candidate, the team could move Reynolds to DH by signing Pena.

He will mark a significant upgrade defensively on the infield and provide some much needed power in the middle of the order.

Reimold would the get a chance at everyday at bats for the first time in his career in left field, while Hardy would move from the two spot into a run producing role after launching 30 home runs last season.

Boston Red Sox

Lineup

1, CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia
3. RF Carlos Beltran (FA)
4. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
5. 3B Kevin Youkilis
6. DH David Ortiz
7. LF Carl Crawford
8. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
9. SS Marco Scutaro
-SP Jon Lester 

Overview

The Red Sox offseason will be focused on pitching, as they have to decide what to do with the closer situation and add a starter or two as well. With David Ortiz back in the fold, the offense will once again be among the best in all of baseball.

Signing Beltran also looks to be a very good possibility, and he would move Josh Reddick to a bench that also features slugging catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway. Getting at bats for everyone will be a problem, but a good problem to say the least.

Chicago Cubs

Lineup

1. RF David DeJesus (FA)
2. SS Starlin Castro
3. CF Marlon Byrd
4. 1B Prince Fielder (FA)
5. LF Alfonso Soriano
6. 3B Ian Stewart (Trade)
7. C Geovany Soto
8. 2B Darwin Barney
9. SP Matt Garza

Overview

The 2012 season will be a year of transition for the Cubs, as Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer try to shape the team into a winner with a core for the future. Signing Prince Fielder strays a bit from Epstein's general philosophy but he makes the team watchable for the present and dangerous for the future.

David DeJesus is the closest thing the team has had to a lead-off hitter since Juan Pierre departed, and should make the whole lineup better. Whether Castro hits second or third will be one of new manager Dale Sveum's biggest decisions this spring.

The Cubs already made a significant move, trading Tyler Colvin and D.J. LeMahieu to the Rockies for Stewart, and they will hope he bounces back from a terrible 2011 and helps fill the void left by Aramis Ramirez's departure.

Chicago White Sox

Lineup

1. LF Alejandro De Aza
2. SS Alexi Ramirez
3. 1B Paul Konerko
4. DH Adam Dunn
5. RF Dayan Viciedo
6. C A.J. Pierzynski
7. 3B Brent Morel
8. CF Alex Rios
9. 2B Gordon Beckham
-SP John Danks 

Overview

The White Sox are nearing a tear-down and rebuild stage, as they looked ready to contend for the division last year but fell flat, and now are buried under a number of bad contracts. Look for a number of players to be moved this season and more and more youngsters to get at bats as the season progresses.

I see Quentin being traded to the Braves for someone from the group of Arodys Vizcaino, Randall Delgado or Mike Minor along with a lower-level guy. That would give the White Sox a good young arm to perhaps take Mark Buehrle's spot in the rotation.

Cincinnati Reds

Lineup

1. CF Drew Stubbs
2. SS Zack Cozart
3. 2B Brandon Phillips
4. 1B Joey Votto
5. RF Jay Bruce
6. 3B Scott Rolen
7. LF Yonder Alonso
8. C Devin Mesoraco
9. SP Johnny Cueto 

Overview

The Reds lineup is more or less set for this coming year, with decisions about who will hit lead-off and how high in the lineup to bat Zack Cozart. All in all though the lineup is what it is, unless the team decides to go after a free agent to play left field such as Josh Willingham or Jason Kubel.

The post Ramon Hernandez era will be an interesting one to watch, as the Reds have two of the best catching prospects in the game in Mesoraco and Yasmani Grandal, and whoever assumes the starting job for the long-term, the other will provide a solid trade chip.

Cleveland Indians

Lineup

1. CF Michael Brantley
2. 2B Jason Kipnis
3. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
4. 1B Carlos Santana
5. DH Travis Hafner
6. RF Shin-Soo Choo
7. LF Josh Willingham (FA)
8. 3B Casey Blake (FA)
9. C Lou Marson
-SP Ubaldo Jimenez

Overview

The Indians offense was terrible last season, particularly in left field and at third base and they could address that issue with what should be two reasonably priced options in the free agent market. Willingham would give them another run producing bat, while Blake would provide insurance at the corners and a solid bat off the bench. 

With the addition of those two bats, and a healthy Choo, the Indians should be in a better position to back their young starting pitchers with some offense.

Colorado Rockies

Lineup

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. LF Seth Smith
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. 3B Ian Stewart
7. C Ramon Hernandez (FA)
8. 2B Jonathan Herrera
9. SP Jhoulys Chacin

Overview

The Rockies have a few question marks in their lineup, with none bigger than third base where they are counting on Ian Stewart figuring out how to hit big league pitching again. If David Wright is made available midseason expect the Rockies to go after him hard. Adding him to the duo of Gonzalez and Tulowitzki would make for a potent lineup.

Second base is a hole as well, where Herrera represents the best internal option and there is not much to work with on the trade market. With Mark Ellis departed in free agency, the team could also give Brad Emaus a look.

Detroit Tigers

Lineup

1. CF Austin Jackson
2. SS Jhonny Peralta
3. LF Delmon Young
4. 1B Miguel Cabrera
5. 3B Aramis Ramirez (FA)
6. DH Victor Martinez
7. RF Brennan Boesch
8. C Alex Avila
9. 2B Ramon Santiago
-SP Justin Verlander 

Overview

The Tigers made a nice postseason run last season thanks in large part to their impressive pitching staff, but their offense was more than effective enough to be an asset as well.

I expect the team to more or less stand pat with the same lineup. They need to upgrade at third base and would be best served with someone other than Austin Jackson leading off, but in the end I think it will be more of the same.

Adding Ramirez to the lineup marks a significant upgrade offensively over Brandon Inge, who hit just .197 last season over 269 at bats before the team acquired Wilson Betemit.

Houston Astros

Lineup

1. CF Jordan Schafer
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. LF J.D. Martinez
4. 1B Carlos Lee
5. RF Brian Bogusevic
6. 3B Jimmy Paredes
7. C Jason Castro
8. SS Angel Sanchez
9. SP Wandy Rodriguez

Overview

The Astros are now in a full-on rebuild, and they could look to move the last holdover in their lineup Carlos Lee if Brett Wallace proves ready to assume first base duties. He is in the final year of his contract and should be an attractive bat at the deadline if the Astros eat most of his contract.

The 2012 season is going to be a long one for the Astros and their fans, and they will likely run out different lineups all season long as they try to figure out who they can build around moving forward.

Kansas City Royals

Lineup

1. LF Alex Gordon
2. CF Lorenzo Cain
3. DH Billy Butler
4. 1B Eric Hosmer
5. RF Jeff Francoeur
6. 3B Mike Moustakas
7. C Salvador Perez
8. 2B Johnny Giavotella
9. SS Alcides Escobar
-SP Luke Hochevar

Overview

The Royals have very quickly become one of the most exciting teams in all of baseball to watch, as they have turned the team over to a bevy of talented, homegrown players. Their projected lineup here has an average age of 24 and no one older than 27.

There will be some bumps along the way, but the team is heading in the right direction and they have laid the groundwork to be a contender within a couple seasons. They still need some rotation help, and they lack a true staff ace, but they should have no problem topping the 71 wins they posted last season.

Los Angeles Angels

Lineup

1. SS Erick Aybar
2. 3B Alberto Callaspo
3. 1B Albert Pujols (FA)
4. RF Torii Hunter
5. DH Mark Trumbo
6. 2B Howie Kendrick
7. LF Vernon Wells
8. C Chris Iannetta (Trade)
9. CF Peter Bourjos
-SP Jered Weaver

Overview

The Angels pulled off a shocker when they stole Pujols from the Cardinals with a 10-year, $250 million contract and along with the addition of C.J. Wilson they should be able to give the Rangers a run for their money in the AL West.

There is now and abundance of first baseman on the roster, and I expect the team to trade or release Bobby Abreu to open up at bats for last year's rookie slugger Trumbo at DH. Dealing for Iannetta shores up what was a disaster at the catcher's position, and as a whole the team should be much improved in 2012.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Lineup

1. SS Dee Gordon
2. 2B Mark Ellis (FA)
3. CF Matt Kemp
4. RF Andre Ethier
5. 1B James Loney
6. 3B Juan Uribe
7. LF Jerry Sands
8. C A.J. Ellis
9. SP Clayton Kershaw 

Overview

The Dodgers big move of the offseason was locking up superstar Matt Kemp with an eight-year, $160 million contract, and they will now need to decide whether to extend fellow outfielder Andre Ethier or part ways with him before he hits free agency next winter.

Aside from that, it will be interesting to see what speedster Dee Gordon can do in his first full season in the majors after swiping 24 bases in just 56 games last season.

The only major addition to the lineup is Ellis, who comes over after spending the second half of last season with the Rockies. He could be pushed for playing time by fellow veteran signings Jerry Hairston Jr. and Adam Kennedy as there is certainly depth at second base if nothing else.

Miami Marlins

Lineup

1. SS Jose Reyes (FA)
2. CF Yoennis Cespedes (FA)
3. 3B Hanley Ramirez
4. RF Mike Stanton
5. 1B Gaby Sanchez
6. LF Logan Morrison
7. C John Buck
8. 2B Omar Infante
9. SP Josh Johnson

Overview

With Albert Pujols no longer an option, the Marlins will turn their attention to bolstering their starting rotation and they now become the front runners to add Cuban five-tool stud Yoennis Cespedes.

Health will be the biggest thing for the Marlins, as they have a strong roster on paper but very little depth at most positions. Guys like Reyes and Johnson who have a history of landing on the disabled list will need to avoid being shelved if the 2012 Marlins want to be serious contenders.

It will be interesting to see if the team still plans on moving Logan Morrison, and also if they will shop third base prospect Matt Dominguez or even Hanley Ramirez now that Reyes has been signed.

Milwaukee Brewers

Lineup

1. CF Norichika Aoki (FA-Japan)
2. RF Corey Hart
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. 2B Rickie Weeks
5. 3B Casey McGehee
6. 1B Mat Gamel
7. C Jonathan Lucroy
8. SS Alex Gonzalez (FA)
9. SP Zack Greinke

Overview

Coming off of a NL Central title, the Brewers will now have to deal with life after Prince Fielder, and while Mat Gamel should step in an produce right away at first base he will never put up the numbers Fielder did.

I expect the team to go after Japanese center fielder Aoki, who has won three batting titles in five seasons in the Japan Central League, and he would give the team the prototypical lead-off hitter they are lacking.

One other spot to watch is third base, where if McGehee struggles through an extended slump again like he did last year he could be pushed by prospect Taylor Green who hit .336 BA, 22 HR, 91 RBI last season at Triple-A.

Minnesota Twins

Lineup

1. CF Denard Span
2. SS Jamey Carroll (FA)
3. C Joe Mauer
4. 1B Justin Morneau
5. RF Jason Kubel (FA)
6. DH Ryan Doumit (FA)
7. 3B Danny Valencia
8. 2B Alexi Casilla
9. LF Ben Revere
-SP Scott Baker

Overview

The Twins are in danger of losing both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel in free agency this winter, and while I think Cuddyer will prove too expensive to bring back I do see them coming to terms with Kubel. That will mean top prospects Revere and Joe Benson will likely compete for the open outfield spot.

The team could also DH Kubel, move Doumit to a super utility role, and start both youngsters as they are both 24 and big league ready.

All in all, the 2012 Twins are much more versatile and ready should injury strike to shuffle their lineup around and still remain competitive, and obvious area that needed to be addressed after last season.

New York Mets

Lineup

1. CF Andres Torres (Trade)
2. 2B Daniel Murphy
3. 3B David Wright
4. 1B Ike Davis
5. RF Lucas Duda
6. LF Jason Bay
7. C Josh Thole
8. SS Ruben Tejada
9. SP Johan Santana

Overview

The Mets were dealt a blow when they were unable to re-sign Jose Reyes, but they have a good foundation to begin rebuilding around. Davis and Duda look to be the future run producers of the team, and trading for Torres was a nice under the radar move.

With David Wright set to hit free agency next winter, the team could be entertaining trade offers for him by midseason and moving him would only add to an already rich farm system.

The duo of Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey will anchor the rotation for years once they reach the majors, so for now the Mets will rely on an uninspired starting rotation and a young lineup to get them through the 2012 season.

New York Yankees

Lineup

1. SS Derek Jeter
2. CF Curtis Granderson
3. 2B Robinson Cano
4. 1B Mark Teixeira
5. 3B Alex Rodriguez
6. RF Nick Swisher
7. DH Jesus Montero
8. C Russell Martin
9. LF Brett Gardner
-SP C.C. Sabathia

Overview

The Yankees focus this offseason will be on pitching, as they look to build some stability behind Sabathia in the rotation.

With Jorge Posada departed, top prospect Montero will step into an everyday role and Yankees fans will finally get to see what he is capable of.

There have been talks of dealing Nick Swisher and making a run at Yoennis Cespedes, but in the end I think they will open the 2012 season with the same lineup they ended 2011 with.

Oakland Athletics

Lineup

1. 2B Jemile Weeks
2. SS Cliff Pennington
3. C Kurt Suzuki
4. DH Brandon Allen
5. LF Chris Carter
6. RF Michael Taylor
7. 3B Scott Sizemore
8. 1B Daric Barton
9. CF Collin Cowgill (Trade)
-SP Trevor Cahill

Overview

The Athletics are undergoing a good deal of turnover in 2012, as they could lose their entire starting out field and designated hitter from last season.

That will mean a number of advanced prospects such as Allen, Carter and Taylor will be counted on to provide an offensive spark for a team that was abysmal at the plate last season.

If the team winds up dealing Gio Gonzalez, they could net at least one piece to upgrade their lineup this season, but for now they will be relying on a lot of unproven commodities.

Philadelphia Phillies

Lineup

1. SS Jimmy Rollins (FA)
2. CF Shane Victorino
3. 2B Chase Utley
4. 1B Jim Thome (FA)
5. RF Hunter Pence
6. LF Michael Cuddyer (FA)
7. 3B Placido Polanco
8. C Carlos Ruiz
9. SP Roy Halladay

Overview

The Phillies will have to open the season without slugger Ryan Howard after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in the playoffs, but they signed Thome and he should help fill the void temporarily. 

With Raul Ibanez gone, the team could turn left field over John Mayberry Jr. or Domonic Brown, but they have been linked to Michael Cuddyer and I think they will sign him for his versatility above all else.

Jonathan Papelbon has been signed to shore up the bullpen, and now the team will concentrate on bringing back Rollins who is seeking a five-year deal.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Lineup

1. RF Jose Tabata
2. LF Alex Presley
3. CF Andrew McCutchen
4. 2B Neil Walker
5. 1B Derrek Lee (FA)
6. 3B Pedro Alvarez
7. SS Clint Barmes (FA)
8. C Rod Barajas (FA)
9. SP Charlie Morton

Overview

The Pirates are coming off of a surprise season, and they have used free agency to shore up their catcher position and shortstop with low-cost signings. I think they will also bring back Derrek Lee who performed well in 28 games in Pittsburgh with a .337 BA, 7 HR, 18 RBI line.

Starting pitching is still the biggest question mark on the team, and while they added Erik Bedard there is still work to be done in the rotation.

A bounce-back season from Alvarez at third base would give the team much more lineup flexibility, as he looked to be the cleanup hitter of the future after a .256 BA, 16 HR, 64 RBI rookie season in 2010.

San Diego Padres

Lineup

1. CF Cameron Maybin
2. SS Jason Bartlett
3. RF Cody Ross (FA)
4. 1B Jesus Guzman
5. LF Kyle Blanks
6. 3B Blake DeWitt  (Trade)
7. C Nick Hundley
8. 2B Orlando Hudson
9. SP Mat Latos

Overview

Since dealing Adrian Gonzalez, the Padres offense has been poor at best, and when they traded Ryan Ludwick last season they lacked a true run producer.

The Cubs have shown interest in third baseman Chase Headley, and they could replace him at third base with Blake DeWitt and earn a solid prospect as well if they pull the trigger on that deal.

Expect Anthony Rizzo to begin the season in Triple-A, but he will be anchoring the offense before too long and that could mean dealing Jesus Guzman at some point.

San Francisco Giants

Lineup

1. CF Melky Cabrera (Trade)
2. 2B Freddy Sanchez
3. 3B Pablo Sandoval
4. C Buster Posey
5. LF Ryan Ludwick (FA)
6. 1B Aubrey Huff
7. RF Nate Schierholtz
8. SS Brandon Crawford
9. SP Tim Lincecum

Overview

The Giants were held back last season by their offense, and while the addition of Posey back to the lineup will help, the team still has a number of holes in their lineup.

They will no doubt try hard to bring Carlos Beltran back this winter, but in the end I see him landing in Boston, so they will settle for Ludwick to help add some pop to their lineup.

The biggest remaining question would be at shortstop, where the job will likely fall to Brandon Crawford who hit .204 BA, 3 HR, 21 RBI in 66 games last season. The team made a push for Clint Barmes, but now that he has signed they will likely just stay in house.

Seattle Mariners

Lineup

1. RF Ichiro Suzuki
2. CF Franklin Gutierrez
3. 2B Dustin Ackley
4. 1B Justin Smoak
5. DH Mike Carp
6. LF Trayvon Robinson
7. C Miguel Olivo
8. 3B Kyle Seager
9. SS Brendan Ryan
-SP Felix Hernandez

Overview

The Mariners are beginning to tap into a talented minor league system and there will likely be a number of talented young players getting at bats this season.

With impressive starting pitching, the young talent will need to advance quickly to give the Mariners a chance at contention soon.

One problem that will need to be addressed is the status of third baseman Chone Figgins who is coming off of a horrendous season in which he hit .188 over 288 at bats. He is still due $17 million over the next two seasons, but the team may wind up out and out releasing him.

St. Louis Cardinals

Lineup

1. SS Rafael Furcal (FA)
2. CF John Jay
3. 1B Lance Berkman
4. LF Matt Holliday
5. 3B David Freese
6. RF Skip Schumaker
7. C Yadier Molina
8. 2B Daniel Descalso
9. SP Adam Wainwright

Overview

The Cardinals were dealt a huge blow in losing Albert Pujols, but they have in house options capable of stepping in and at least helping replace some of his production. Berkman will move from right field to first base, and once Allen Craig returns from knee surgery he will step into a major run production role.

Aside from that, Descalso looks ready to take on a bigger role, and while his versatility off the bench was valuable he will be an asset as the everyday second baseman as well.

Finally, bringing back Furcal to hit lead-off and shore up the infield defense would be a much better option than counting on Ryan Theriot for much more than at bats off the bench.

Tampa Bay Rays

Lineup

1. LF Desmond Jennings
2. CF B.J. Upton
3. 3B Evan Longoria
4. 2B Ben Zobrist
5. 1B Casey Kotchman (FA)
6. RF Matt Joyce
7. DH Johnny Damon (FA)
8. C Chris Snyder (FA)
9. SS Sean Rodriguez
-SP David Price

Overview

The Rays offense was good enough for them to get by last season, and they should find themselves in a similar position this year as they will be carried by their impressive young pitching staff.

Bringing back Kotchman and Damon would mean returning two of their biggest producers from last season, and taking a chance on Snyder to bounce back to his 15 HR, 60 RBI form would be a better option than Jose Molina who is in position to start.

Texas Rangers

Lineup

1. 2B Ian Kinsler
2. SS Elvis Andrus
3. CF Josh Hamilton
4. DH Michael Young
5. 3B Adrian Beltre
6. RF Nelson Cruz
7. C Mike Napoli
8. 1B Mitch Moreland
9. LF Leonys Martin
-SP Derek Holland

Overview

The Rangers offense has carried them to consecutive AL pennants, and they are returning more or less the same roster, and they should once again rank among the best offenses in all of baseball and be a threat to capture their third straight pennant.

Left field looks to be the only open position, and it should come down to a competition between David Murphy, Julio Borbon, Craig Gentry and Leonys Martin. While Murphy is the safest choice, Martin has the biggest upside of the group and a big spring could land him the job.

It will be interesting to see if the Rangers stick with the same 1-7 this season, or if shuffle around their power hitters or perhaps move Andrus down in the order and Young to second in the lineup.

Toronto Blue Jays

Lineup

1. SS Yunel Escobar
2. CF Colby Rasmus
3. RF Jose Bautista
4. 1B Adam Lind
5. DH Edwin Encarnacion
6. 3B Brett Lawrie
7. 2B Kelly Johnson
8. C J.P. Arencibia
9. LF Eric Thames
-SP Yu Darvish

Overview

The Blue Jays lineup was potent last season, led by Bautista who led the AL in home runs for the second straight season. After trading for Rasmus at the deadline last season the offense should be even better with a full season of his services.

Last season's rookies Lawrie and Arencibia should only get better, and while the Blue Jays are not in a position to make a run at the AL East title they are moving in the right direction.

Washington Nationals

Lineup

1. SS Ian Desmond
2. 2B Danny Espinosa
3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman
4. RF Michael Morse
5. 1B Adam LaRoche
6. LF Jayson Werth
7. C Wilson Ramos
8. CF Roger Bernadina
9. SP Stephen Strasburg

Overview

The Nationals have an up-and-coming team from top to bottom, as Werth and LaRoche are the only two players on the roster over 27, and they should only get better with another season under their belt.

With LaRoche back after appearing in just 43 games, the Nationals will hope he returns to his 2010 form when he hit .261 BA, 25 HR, 100 RBI.

If the roster can stay healthy, they could push for a .500 record with the addition of Strasburg back to the rotation and a full season from Zimmerman.