If you are chasing upside in the fifth-starter battle between NYY's Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt, there may be a clear way to go. Also: Hall's upside stands out in BAL rotation competition; Casas' golden opportunity in BOS; Fairbanks' save ceiling in TAM; and a Belt tightens things for TOR's catchers.
An unexpected regular third baseman could emerge in ARI. Plus, players entering 2023 with something to prove in LA, COL, and SD. Finally, a look at the situation behind the plate in SF.
Mike Zunino looks like the primary backstop in Cleveland heading into spring, but top prospect Bo Naylor should take on a significant role at some point.
Precocious rookie Logan O'Hoppe is LAA's catcher of the near future, but whether or not that means Opening Day remains a 50-50 proposition for several reasons. The ever-fluid HOU CF spot, OAK's 1B crowd, and other AL West notes.
Aaron Ashby will have to perform to stick in the MIL rotation. Plus, young pitchers hoping to emerge in PIT, and young middle infielders looking to establish their roles in STL, CHC, and CIN.
Aaron Hicks has gotten a public vote of confidence as his team's starting LF. But how far will that get him? Also: Stowers' challengers in BAL, Barnes gets the boot in BOS, Siri's understudies in TAM and a motley crew behind Kikuchi in TOR.
Adalberto Mondesi helps fill a hole in Boston, but may not be ready for Opening Day. Plus playing-time-centric analysis in Kansas City, Baltimore and Oakland.
If you are chasing upside in the fifth-starter battle between NYY's Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt, there may be a clear way to go. Also: Hall's upside stands out in BAL rotation competition; Casas' golden opportunity in BOS; Fairbanks' save ceiling in TAM; and a Belt tightens things for TOR's catchers.
An unexpected regular third baseman could emerge in ARI. Plus, players entering 2023 with something to prove in LA, COL, and SD. Finally, a look at the situation behind the plate in SF.
Mike Zunino looks like the primary backstop in Cleveland heading into spring, but top prospect Bo Naylor should take on a significant role at some point.
Precocious rookie Logan O'Hoppe is LAA's catcher of the near future, but whether or not that means Opening Day remains a 50-50 proposition for several reasons. The ever-fluid HOU CF spot, OAK's 1B crowd, and other AL West notes.
Aaron Ashby will have to perform to stick in the MIL rotation. Plus, young pitchers hoping to emerge in PIT, and young middle infielders looking to establish their roles in STL, CHC, and CIN.
Aaron Hicks has gotten a public vote of confidence as his team's starting LF. But how far will that get him? Also: Stowers' challengers in BAL, Barnes gets the boot in BOS, Siri's understudies in TAM and a motley crew behind Kikuchi in TOR.
Adalberto Mondesi helps fill a hole in Boston, but may not be ready for Opening Day. Plus playing-time-centric analysis in Kansas City, Baltimore and Oakland.