With Spring Training camps opening in two weeks, teams will start to get a first-hand look at the potential answers to the questions they have dealt with in the offseason. Every team has questions to answer, some more serious than others. Let’s go around the diamond and look at each position’s biggest question.
Around the Horn: A’s looking for depth behind Gray
The A’s starting staff includes one of baseball’s best arms in Sonny Gray, a true ace expected to carry the club on Opening Day and beyond. Who, exactly, follows him in line, though, remains uncertain.
Susac leads crowded backup catcher’s field in SF
On paper, a scramble for the Giants’ backup catcher’s job appears imminent. In reality, Andrew Susac should reclaim the role with minimal fuss.
Home wins key to 2016 success, Weiss says
Rockies manager Walt Weiss is hoping his club returns to its former dominance at Coors Field. Weiss, appearing on MLB Network’s “High Heat” with Chris Russo, was asked about the team’s road performance. But Weiss pointed out that the problem last season, when the Rockies finished last in the National League West, was its 36-45 home mark.
Kimbrel has a slight edge on Chapman
This offseason, after the Red Sox obtained Craig Kimbrel, the Yankees answered by adding Aroldis Chapman. And now, arguably, baseball’s two top closers are in the American League East.
If White Sox need OF, why not chase Puig?
When post-SoxFest rumors began of White Sox interest in outfielder Andre Ethier, one question came to mind: If Ethier, why not Yasiel Puig?
Bird updates status from hospital bed
Greg Bird’s year ended before it even had a chance to begin, but the Yankees first baseman’s social media game seems to be in midseason form. Bird posted a photo to Instagram and Twitter from his bed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York on Wednesday, smiling and offering a thumbs-up shortly after having a season-ending procedure to repair his right labrum.
July 1 return date set for Wheeler
With Matt Harvey’s successful return from Tommy John surgery as their blueprint, the Mets are now eyeing July 1 as a return date for Zack Wheeler.
Rogers Centre to have dirt infield in 2016
The Rogers Centre will have a different look this season, as the Blue Jays announced on Wednesday afternoon that they are installing a dirt infield for the 2016 campaign.
The Mariners just signed Shin-Soo Choo’s Korean elementary school teammate
Move over, Bryce Harper and Joey Gallo.
Marlins contingent in Japan on ‘goodwill’ visit
A contingent of Marlins executives has traveled to Japan this week on what the club has termed a “goodwill” visit. The trip is expected to conclude later this week.
Marlins sign veteran Kelly to Minors deal
Don Kelly is getting a second chance with the Marlins. The veteran utility player, who played in just two games for Miami last year, has signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Alderson: Payroll restrictions no longer issue
For years, Mets fans have largely taken a “We’ll believe it when we see it” approach to the team raising payroll, while general manager Sandy Alderson has at times been combative regarding the budget. But no longer. With the Mets’ recent signing of Yoenis Cespedes pushing their 2016 payroll up over $140 million, the GM was insistent Wednesday that financial bounds will no longer hinder him.
Around the Horn: Trout, Calhoun anchor outfield
The Angels received above-average production at only one of the nine positions last year, and still they weren’t mathematically eliminated until the final day of the regular season. It just goes to show how many deficiencies Mike Trout makes up for.
Baker’s journey to be chronicled in Network doc
Dusty Baker managed some good teams over the years, but he calls the 2016 Nationals the most talented team he’s had. It helps that the team has outfielder Bryce Harper and right-hander Max Scherzer on the roster.
Phils trade Biddle to Bucs for righty Medina
If Jesse Biddle achieves his big league dreams, it won’t be with his hometown team. The Phillies on Wednesday traded Biddle to the Pirates for right-hander Yoervis Medina.
Cespedes eager to help Mets finish job in ’16
In the week-plus since the Mets agreed to terms with Yoenis Cespedes on a relatively unusual three-year contract, the baseball world has chewed on it and chewed on it, rationalizing the deal a dozen times over. Ask Cespedes, however, and it’s all really quite simple.