AL Projected Rosters
I have AL projected rosters and notes today, with the NL to follow on Tuesday evening.
Baltimore
Lineup
2B Brian Roberts
CF Adam Jones
RF Nick Markakis
3B Miguel Tejada
DH Luke Scott
C Matt Wieters
1B Garrett Atkins
LF Nolan Reimold
SS Cesar Izturis
Bench
OF Felix Pie
INF Ty Wigginton
INF Robert Andino
C Chad Moeller
Rotation
Kevin Millwood
Jeremy Guthrie
Brian Matusz
Brad Bergesen
Chris Tillman
Bullpen
Mike Gonzalez (closer)
Jim Johnson
Mark Hendrickson
Will Ohman
Cla Meredith
Matt Albers
Kam Mickolio
DL
RP Koji Uehara
The lineup is still just a hazy guess. We know Roberts will hit first, Markakis third and Izturis ninth. Everyone else seems pretty interchangeable. Jones, Tejada and Reimold could all see time batting second, while Tejada, Scott and Wieters are the candidates to fit into the cleanup spot. … Tillman isn't locked into the rotation yet, as the team might yet choose David Hernandez. Tillman, though, has the most upside of the group of anyone except Matusz. As is, Matusz is the only Orioles starter I recommend.
Boston
Lineup
LF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
C Victor Martinez
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
RF J.D. Drew
3B Adrian Beltre
CF Mike Cameron
SS Marco Scutaro
Bench
OF Jeremy Hermida
C Jason Varitek
INF Bill Hall
INF Tug Hulett
Rotation
Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
John Lackey
Clay Buchholz
Tim Wakefield
Bullpen
Jonathan Papelbon (closer)
Hideki Okajima
Daniel Bard
Ramon Ramirez
Manny Delcarmen
Joe Nelson
Scott Atchison
DL
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
RP Boof Bonser
INF Mike Lowell
Matusuzaka will probably miss two or three starts as a result of his back and neck problems, allowing Wakefield to open the season in the rotation. … Lowell (knee) isn't a lock for the DL yet, but the Red Sox might be better off with him there. No one is going to want to trade for him as is. Either Hulett or the newly acquired Kevin Frandsen would replace him on the roster.
Chicago
Lineup
LF Juan Pierre
2B Gordon Beckham
RF Carlos Quentin
1B Paul Konerko
C A.J. Pierzynski
DH Andruw Jones
3B Mark Teahen
CF Alex Rios
SS Alexei Ramirez
Bench
1B-OF Mark Kotsay
INF Omar Vizquel
C Ramon Castro
INF Jayson Nix
Rotation
Mark Buehrle
Jake Peavy
Gavin Floyd
John Danks
Freddy Garcia
Bullpen
Bobby Jenks (closer)
Matt Thornton
J.J. Putz
Tony Pena
Scott Linebrink
Randy Williams
Sergio Santos
The White Sox are one of the few teams not married to the idea of carrying 12 pitches, but they've debated on both 11 and 13. It currently looks like 12 will be the number, since the club has committed to going with Jayson Nix as a second backup infielder. Santos figures to be the last man in the pen, since there's no way he'd clear waivers after such an impressive spring. ... Kotsay has been red-hot this spring and likely will battle Jones for at-bats well into the regular season. Jones is still the far more intriguing choice for fantasy purposes, though I have him at only $3 right now.
Cleveland
Lineup
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
CF Grady Sizemore
RF Shin-Soo Choo
3B Jhonny Peralta
DH Travis Hafner
LF Matt LaPorta
2B Luis Valbuena
C Lou Marson
LF Michael Brantley
Bench
INF Mark Grudzielanek
INF Andy Marte
OF Trevor Crowe
C Mike Redmond
Rotation
Jake Westbrook
Justin Masterson
Fausto Carmona
Mitch Talbot
David Huff
Bullpen
Chris Perez (closer)
Rafael Perez
Tony Sipp
Aaron Laffey
Joe Smith
Jensen Lewis
Saul Rivera
DL
RP Kerry Wood
1B Russell Branyan
Branyan's back will put him on the DL to start the year, so LaPorta will play first and Brantley figures to start in left field. Once Branyan returns, Brantley could be sent down, though that will largely depend on how he performs. … There are still a few ongoing battles here. Marson hasn't beaten out Wyatt Toregas for the starting job behind the plate just yet, though he's the favorite. There's only room for one, since the Indians are committed to Redmond as the backup. Huff is competing with Carlos Carrasco for the fifth spot in the rotation. Carrasco is the more exciting talent, but if Huff still figures to claim the spot with a strong effort this week. Lewis and Rivera are battling Jamey Wright and Rule-5 pick Hector Ambriz for two bullpen spots.
Detroit
Lineup
CF Austin Jackson
LF Johnny Damon
RF Magglio Ordonez
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Carlos Guillen
3B Brandon Inge
C Gerald Laird
2B Scott Sizemore
SS Adam Everett
Bench
INF-OF Ryan Raburn
C Alex Avila
INF Ramon Santiago
INF-OF Don Kelly
Rotation
Justin Verlander
Max Scherzer
Nate Robertson
Rick Porcello
Jeremy Bonderman
Bullpen
Jose Valverde (closer)
Joel Zumaya
Ryan Perry
Phil Coke
Fu-Te Ni
Eddie Bonine
Brad Thomas
DL
Zach Miner
Bobby Seay
Rather than see the loser wind up in the pen, I imagine either Robertson or Dontrelle Willis will be traded before the end of the week. It's not a given, particularly with Miner and Seay hurt, but it makes the most sense. What might change it is if Zumaya goes on the disabled list. But should that happen, then there's a good chance the Tigers will add a reliever on waivers. They might anyway. … There's still one roster spot up for grabs on offense, with Kelly, Clete Thomas and Jeff Larish aiming for it. Kelly's versatility figures to win out. … There's been some talk about the Tigers pursuing a second baseman and sending Sizemore back to Triple-A. I don't think it will happen, though. Sizemore deserves a month or two to show what he can do, and there's no position easier to fill with an in-season trade than second base.
<!--RW-->
Kansas City
Lineup
RF David DeJesus
LF Scott Podsednik
3B Alberto Callaspo
1B Billy Butler
CF Rick Ankiel
DH Jose Guillen
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
C Jason Kendall
2B Chris Getz
Bench
INF-OF Willie Bloomquist
INF Mike Aviles
OF Mitch Maier
C Brayan Pena
Rotation
Zack Greinke
Luke Hochevar
Brian Bannister
Kyle Davies
Kyle Farnsworth
Bullpen
Joakim Soria (closer)
Juan Cruz
Robinson Tejeda
Roman Colon
John Parrish
Anthony Lerew
Edgar Osuna
DL
SP Gil Meche
3B Alex Gordon
The Royals switched up their lineup plans, moving DeJesus from third to first and inserting Callaspo into the opening. That's quite a change from a month ago, when it looked like Callaspo might begin the season on the bench. Gordon figures to start against righties after he returns in mid- or late April, but Callaspo needs to be a fixture somewhere. … I'd love to see the Royals release Guillen and turn to Kila Ka'aihue in the DH spot. But that's probably more of a May or June move. … Meche (shoulder) still has a chance to avoid the disabled list. If he starts the season on time, then Farnsworth will return to the pen, which would seem to have only four locks at the moment. Parrish, Lerew and Osuna are all still striving for spots.
Los Angeles
Lineup
SS Erick Aybar
RF Bobby Abreu
CF Torii Hunter
DH Hideki Matsui
1B Kendry Morales
LF Juan Rivera
2B Howie Kendrick
C Mike Napoli
3B Brandon Wood
Bench
INF Maicer Izturis
C Jeff Mathis
OF Reggie Willits
INF Freddy Sandoval
Rotation
Jered Weaver
Joe Saunders
Ervin Santana
Joel Pineiro
Scott Kazmir
Bullpen
Brian Fuentes (closer)
Fernando Rodney
Kevin Jepsen
Scot Shields
Jason Bulger
Brian Stokes
Matt Palmer
Izturis figures to be in the lineup more often than not, but he gets listed with the reserves. I imagine he'll start over Wood a couple of times a week and Kendrick at least once a week in the early going. … The Angels might yet make room for Terry Evans on the bench, but Willits has the edge for one spot and it's more likely that the team will keep a second reserve infielder than a fifth outfielder.
Minnesota
Lineup
CF Denard Span
2B Orlando Hudson
C Joe Mauer
1B Justin Morneau
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jason Kubel
LF Delmon Young
SS J.J. Hardy
3B Nick Punto
Bench
DH Jim Thome
INF Brendan Harris
C Drew Butera
INF-OF Alexi Casilla
Rotation
Scott Baker
Nick Blackburn
Carl Pavano
Kevin Slowey
Francisco Liriano
Bullpen
Jon Rauch
Matt Guerrier
Jose Mijares
Jesse Crain
Pat Neshek
Clay Condrey
Brian Duensing
DL
RP Joe Nathan (out for season)
C Jose Morales
I suspect that Thome will wind up as the primary DH, but for now, I'm listing Young with the regulars instead. … The Twins also have yet to announce who will start at third base. Still, Punto is widely expected to be the choice, even though Harris has been far more productive this spring. … Manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that he wouldn't name a closer prior to Opening Day. I prefer Rauch as the favorite for saves, though Crain could jump over everyone in front of him with a strong start. Liriano is still in line to function as the fifth starter.
New York
Lineup
SS Derek Jeter
DH Nick Johnson
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
C Jorge Posada
CF Curtis Granderson
RF Nick Swisher
LF Brett Gardner
Bench
OF Randy Winn
OF Marcus Thames
INF Ramiro Pena
C Francisco Cervelli
Rotation
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Javier Vazquez
Phil Hughes
Bullpen
Mariano Rivera (closer)
Joba Chamberlain
Damaso Marte
David Robertson
Chan Ho Park
Alfredo Aceves
Sergio Mitre
Everything appears to be settled here now. The choice of Hughes as the fifth starter and the decision to release Chad Gaudin essentially set the pitching staff. One would think the Yankees could get by with 11 pitchers, considering that they have four starters likely to work deep into games and several relievers capable of going multiple innings. It's not like they really need another pinch-hitter, though. … Cano's value increased after manager Joe Girardi picked him to hit fifth. If he just starts hitting with RISP like he does the rest of the time, he'd be a candidate to drive in 110-120 runs.
Oakland
Lineup
CF Coco Crisp
LF Rajai Davis
RF Ryan Sweeney
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff
C Kurt Suzuki
DH Jack Cust
2B Mark Ellis
1B Daric Barton
SS Cliff Pennington
Bench
OF Gabe Gross
INF Eric Chavez
INF Adam Rosales
C Landon Powell
Rotation
Ben Sheets
Dallas Braden
Brett Anderson
Justin Duchscherer
Trevor Cahill
Bullpen
Andrew Bailey (closer)
Brad Ziegler
Craig Breslow
Chad Gaudin
Jerry Blevins
Brad Kilby
Gio Gonzalez
DL
RP Michael Wuertz
RP Joey Devine
That's not the A's lineup I'd prefer, but it appears to be the one manager Bob Geren is most likely to open the season with. For one thing, I think Barton should be hitting much higher, but he probably will on days that Gross is filling in for one of the starting outfielders. Chavez also figures to see time in place of the outfielders, with Cust going to left or right on those days. … The roster above doesn't include either Eric Patterson or Jake Fox. However, those two shouldn't have to worry about going to Triple-A, since they're out of options and could be picked up by other teams. It wouldn't surprise me if the A's somehow found a way to keep Fox. … If Duchscherer goes on the DL, then both Cahill and Gonzalez will be in the rotation. As is, I'm leaning towards Cahill, with Gonzalez in the pen. Unlike Gonzalez, Cahill isn't a candidate to work out of the pen.
<!--RW-->
Seattle
Lineup
RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Chone Figgins
1B Casey Kotchman
LF Milton Bradley
DH Ken Griffey Jr.
3B Jose Lopez
CF Franklin Gutierrez
C Rob Johnson
SS Jack Wilson
Bench
C Adam Moore
OF Eric Byrnes
INF Matt Tuiasosopo
DH Mike Sweeney
Rotation
Felix Hernandez
Ian Snell
Ryan Rowland-Smith
Doug Fister
Jason Vargas
Bullpen
David Aardsma (closer)
Mark Lowe
Brandon League
Shawn Kelley
Sean White
Kanekoa Texeira
Luke French
DL
SP Cliff Lee
SP Erik Bedard
I took the lineup right from Geoff Baker's blog on Sunday. Lopez behind Griffey seems silly and I prefer Moore to Johnson behind the plate, but this is how it looks at the moment. … Sweeney versus Ryan Garko is the remaining position battle. Garko was supposed to make the team after getting a major league deal over the winter, but Sweeney has excelled this spring and the Mariners haven't been impressed with Garko's defense. If they want to go with Kotchman at first against lefties as well as righties, then Sweeney would make sense. … The assumption is that Lee will miss at least one start at the beginning of the year. It's now looking like it will be two or three. That puts both Fister and Vargas in the rotation, with French making the team as a middle reliever. Vargas is the better bet to stick in the rotation after Lee returns.
Tampa Bay
Lineup
SS Jason Bartlett
LF Carl Crawford
RF Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
1B Carlos Pena
CF B.J. Upton
DH Pat Burrell
C Kelly Shoppach
2B Sean Rodriguez
Bench
INF Willy Aybar
INF Hank Blalock
C Dioner Navarro
OF Gabe Kapler
Rotation
James Shields
Matt Garza
Jeff Niemann
David Price
Wade Davis
Bullpen
Rafael Soriano (closer)
Dan Wheeler
Grant Balfour
Lance Cormier
Randy Choate
Andy Sonnanstine
Joaquin Benoit
DL
J.P. Howell
My current assumption is that Zobrist will play right field most of the time, with Rodriguez starting at second base. For that reason, I have Blalock making the team over Matt Joyce, though that's far from a lock. The whole point may be moot anyway, since both Joyce and Aybar candidates to open the season on the disabled list.
Texas
Lineup
CF Julio Borbon
3B Michael Young
LF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero
2B Ian Kinsler
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Elvis Andrus
Bench
OF David Murphy
C Taylor Teagarden
INF Andres Blanco
INF Joaquin Arias
Rotation
Scott Feldman
Rich Harden
C.J. Wilson
Colby Lewis
Matt Harrison
Bullpen
Frank Francisco (closer)
Neftali Feliz
Darren Oliver
Darren O'Day
Dustin Nippert
Chris Ray
Doug Mathis
DL
SP Tommy Hunter
Both Kinsler and Salty could start off on the disabled list, though even if that happens, the hope is that neither would be more than a week behind. It's unclear who would replace Kinsler. I prefer Esteban German, but Arias might have the edge. The Rangers also have Blanco, Hernan Iribarren and Gregorio Petit to choose from. Two will make the team anyway, with a third likely to join them if Kinsler does go on the DL. Matt Treanor would get a spot if Salty lands on the DL. … Wilson came in at $4 when I was projecting him as a reliever. As a starter, he's still right there. If I had him projected at 180-190 innings, he'd be closer to $6-$7. I'm skeptical that he'll remain healthy, though.
Toronto
Lineup
RF Jose Bautista
2B Aaron Hill
DH Adam Lind
CF Vernon Wells
1B Lyle Overbay
3B Edwin Encarnacion
C John Buck
LF Travis Snider
SS Alex Gonzalez
Bench
1B Randy Ruiz
INF John McDonald
C Jose Molina
OF Jeremy Reed
Rotation
Shaun Marcum
Ricky Romero
Mark Rzepczynski
Brian Tallet
Dana Eveland
Bullpen
Jason Frasor (closer)
Kevin Gregg
Scott Downs
Jesse Carlson
Casey Janssen
Shawn Camp
Jeremy Accardo
DL
SP Brandon Morrow
I think Elijah Dukes makes a ton of sense for the Blue Jays, but the offense appears set as is. If Encarnacion has a setback with his wrist, then Bautista would shift to third base and Mike McCoy would likely make the team. Reed would play right field in that scenario. The Jays really should be able to find an outfield upgrade this week, though. Better players than Reed will be available on waivers. … I believed the Jays would pick Gregg as their closer, but I had Frasor rated higher all along anyway. Now that manager Cito Gaston has made the right call there, Gregg should be avoided in AL-only leagues.
I have AL projected rosters and notes today, with the NL to follow on Tuesday evening.
Baltimore
Lineup
2B Brian Roberts
CF Adam Jones
RF Nick Markakis
3B Miguel Tejada
DH Luke Scott
C Matt Wieters
1B Garrett Atkins
LF Nolan Reimold
SS Cesar Izturis
Bench
OF Felix Pie
INF Ty Wigginton
INF Robert Andino
C Chad Moeller
Rotation
Kevin Millwood
Jeremy Guthrie
Brian Matusz
Brad Bergesen
Chris Tillman
Bullpen
Mike Gonzalez (closer)
Jim Johnson
Mark Hendrickson
Will Ohman
Cla Meredith
Matt Albers
Kam Mickolio
DL
RP Koji Uehara
The lineup is still just a hazy guess. We know Roberts will hit first, Markakis third and Izturis ninth. Everyone else seems pretty interchangeable. Jones, Tejada and Reimold could all see time batting second, while Tejada, Scott and Wieters are the candidates to fit into the cleanup spot. … Tillman isn't locked into the rotation yet, as the team might yet choose David Hernandez. Tillman, though, has the most upside of the group of anyone except Matusz. As is, Matusz is the only Orioles starter I recommend.
Boston
Lineup
LF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
C Victor Martinez
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
RF J.D. Drew
3B Adrian Beltre
CF Mike Cameron
SS Marco Scutaro
Bench
OF Jeremy Hermida
C Jason Varitek
INF Bill Hall
INF Tug Hulett
Rotation
Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
John Lackey
Clay Buchholz
Tim Wakefield
Bullpen
Jonathan Papelbon (closer)
Hideki Okajima
Daniel Bard
Ramon Ramirez
Manny Delcarmen
Joe Nelson
Scott Atchison
DL
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
RP Boof Bonser
INF Mike Lowell
Matusuzaka will probably miss two or three starts as a result of his back and neck problems, allowing Wakefield to open the season in the rotation. … Lowell (knee) isn't a lock for the DL yet, but the Red Sox might be better off with him there. No one is going to want to trade for him as is. Either Hulett or the newly acquired Kevin Frandsen would replace him on the roster.
Chicago
Lineup
LF Juan Pierre
2B Gordon Beckham
RF Carlos Quentin
1B Paul Konerko
C A.J. Pierzynski
DH Andruw Jones
3B Mark Teahen
CF Alex Rios
SS Alexei Ramirez
Bench
1B-OF Mark Kotsay
INF Omar Vizquel
C Ramon Castro
INF Jayson Nix
Rotation
Mark Buehrle
Jake Peavy
Gavin Floyd
John Danks
Freddy Garcia
Bullpen
Bobby Jenks (closer)
Matt Thornton
J.J. Putz
Tony Pena
Scott Linebrink
Randy Williams
Sergio Santos
The White Sox are one of the few teams not married to the idea of carrying 12 pitches, but they've debated on both 11 and 13. It currently looks like 12 will be the number, since the club has committed to going with Jayson Nix as a second backup infielder. Santos figures to be the last man in the pen, since there's no way he'd clear waivers after such an impressive spring. ... Kotsay has been red-hot this spring and likely will battle Jones for at-bats well into the regular season. Jones is still the far more intriguing choice for fantasy purposes, though I have him at only $3 right now.
Cleveland
Lineup
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
CF Grady Sizemore
RF Shin-Soo Choo
3B Jhonny Peralta
DH Travis Hafner
LF Matt LaPorta
2B Luis Valbuena
C Lou Marson
LF Michael Brantley
Bench
INF Mark Grudzielanek
INF Andy Marte
OF Trevor Crowe
C Mike Redmond
Rotation
Jake Westbrook
Justin Masterson
Fausto Carmona
Mitch Talbot
David Huff
Bullpen
Chris Perez (closer)
Rafael Perez
Tony Sipp
Aaron Laffey
Joe Smith
Jensen Lewis
Saul Rivera
DL
RP Kerry Wood
1B Russell Branyan
Branyan's back will put him on the DL to start the year, so LaPorta will play first and Brantley figures to start in left field. Once Branyan returns, Brantley could be sent down, though that will largely depend on how he performs. … There are still a few ongoing battles here. Marson hasn't beaten out Wyatt Toregas for the starting job behind the plate just yet, though he's the favorite. There's only room for one, since the Indians are committed to Redmond as the backup. Huff is competing with Carlos Carrasco for the fifth spot in the rotation. Carrasco is the more exciting talent, but if Huff still figures to claim the spot with a strong effort this week. Lewis and Rivera are battling Jamey Wright and Rule-5 pick Hector Ambriz for two bullpen spots.
Detroit
Lineup
CF Austin Jackson
LF Johnny Damon
RF Magglio Ordonez
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Carlos Guillen
3B Brandon Inge
C Gerald Laird
2B Scott Sizemore
SS Adam Everett
Bench
INF-OF Ryan Raburn
C Alex Avila
INF Ramon Santiago
INF-OF Don Kelly
Rotation
Justin Verlander
Max Scherzer
Nate Robertson
Rick Porcello
Jeremy Bonderman
Bullpen
Jose Valverde (closer)
Joel Zumaya
Ryan Perry
Phil Coke
Fu-Te Ni
Eddie Bonine
Brad Thomas
DL
Zach Miner
Bobby Seay
Rather than see the loser wind up in the pen, I imagine either Robertson or Dontrelle Willis will be traded before the end of the week. It's not a given, particularly with Miner and Seay hurt, but it makes the most sense. What might change it is if Zumaya goes on the disabled list. But should that happen, then there's a good chance the Tigers will add a reliever on waivers. They might anyway. … There's still one roster spot up for grabs on offense, with Kelly, Clete Thomas and Jeff Larish aiming for it. Kelly's versatility figures to win out. … There's been some talk about the Tigers pursuing a second baseman and sending Sizemore back to Triple-A. I don't think it will happen, though. Sizemore deserves a month or two to show what he can do, and there's no position easier to fill with an in-season trade than second base.
<!--RW-->
Kansas City
Lineup
RF David DeJesus
LF Scott Podsednik
3B Alberto Callaspo
1B Billy Butler
CF Rick Ankiel
DH Jose Guillen
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
C Jason Kendall
2B Chris Getz
Bench
INF-OF Willie Bloomquist
INF Mike Aviles
OF Mitch Maier
C Brayan Pena
Rotation
Zack Greinke
Luke Hochevar
Brian Bannister
Kyle Davies
Kyle Farnsworth
Bullpen
Joakim Soria (closer)
Juan Cruz
Robinson Tejeda
Roman Colon
John Parrish
Anthony Lerew
Edgar Osuna
DL
SP Gil Meche
3B Alex Gordon
The Royals switched up their lineup plans, moving DeJesus from third to first and inserting Callaspo into the opening. That's quite a change from a month ago, when it looked like Callaspo might begin the season on the bench. Gordon figures to start against righties after he returns in mid- or late April, but Callaspo needs to be a fixture somewhere. … I'd love to see the Royals release Guillen and turn to Kila Ka'aihue in the DH spot. But that's probably more of a May or June move. … Meche (shoulder) still has a chance to avoid the disabled list. If he starts the season on time, then Farnsworth will return to the pen, which would seem to have only four locks at the moment. Parrish, Lerew and Osuna are all still striving for spots.
Los Angeles
Lineup
SS Erick Aybar
RF Bobby Abreu
CF Torii Hunter
DH Hideki Matsui
1B Kendry Morales
LF Juan Rivera
2B Howie Kendrick
C Mike Napoli
3B Brandon Wood
Bench
INF Maicer Izturis
C Jeff Mathis
OF Reggie Willits
INF Freddy Sandoval
Rotation
Jered Weaver
Joe Saunders
Ervin Santana
Joel Pineiro
Scott Kazmir
Bullpen
Brian Fuentes (closer)
Fernando Rodney
Kevin Jepsen
Scot Shields
Jason Bulger
Brian Stokes
Matt Palmer
Izturis figures to be in the lineup more often than not, but he gets listed with the reserves. I imagine he'll start over Wood a couple of times a week and Kendrick at least once a week in the early going. … The Angels might yet make room for Terry Evans on the bench, but Willits has the edge for one spot and it's more likely that the team will keep a second reserve infielder than a fifth outfielder.
Minnesota
Lineup
CF Denard Span
2B Orlando Hudson
C Joe Mauer
1B Justin Morneau
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jason Kubel
LF Delmon Young
SS J.J. Hardy
3B Nick Punto
Bench
DH Jim Thome
INF Brendan Harris
C Drew Butera
INF-OF Alexi Casilla
Rotation
Scott Baker
Nick Blackburn
Carl Pavano
Kevin Slowey
Francisco Liriano
Bullpen
Jon Rauch
Matt Guerrier
Jose Mijares
Jesse Crain
Pat Neshek
Clay Condrey
Brian Duensing
DL
RP Joe Nathan (out for season)
C Jose Morales
I suspect that Thome will wind up as the primary DH, but for now, I'm listing Young with the regulars instead. … The Twins also have yet to announce who will start at third base. Still, Punto is widely expected to be the choice, even though Harris has been far more productive this spring. … Manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that he wouldn't name a closer prior to Opening Day. I prefer Rauch as the favorite for saves, though Crain could jump over everyone in front of him with a strong start. Liriano is still in line to function as the fifth starter.
New York
Lineup
SS Derek Jeter
DH Nick Johnson
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
C Jorge Posada
CF Curtis Granderson
RF Nick Swisher
LF Brett Gardner
Bench
OF Randy Winn
OF Marcus Thames
INF Ramiro Pena
C Francisco Cervelli
Rotation
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Javier Vazquez
Phil Hughes
Bullpen
Mariano Rivera (closer)
Joba Chamberlain
Damaso Marte
David Robertson
Chan Ho Park
Alfredo Aceves
Sergio Mitre
Everything appears to be settled here now. The choice of Hughes as the fifth starter and the decision to release Chad Gaudin essentially set the pitching staff. One would think the Yankees could get by with 11 pitchers, considering that they have four starters likely to work deep into games and several relievers capable of going multiple innings. It's not like they really need another pinch-hitter, though. … Cano's value increased after manager Joe Girardi picked him to hit fifth. If he just starts hitting with RISP like he does the rest of the time, he'd be a candidate to drive in 110-120 runs.
Oakland
Lineup
CF Coco Crisp
LF Rajai Davis
RF Ryan Sweeney
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff
C Kurt Suzuki
DH Jack Cust
2B Mark Ellis
1B Daric Barton
SS Cliff Pennington
Bench
OF Gabe Gross
INF Eric Chavez
INF Adam Rosales
C Landon Powell
Rotation
Ben Sheets
Dallas Braden
Brett Anderson
Justin Duchscherer
Trevor Cahill
Bullpen
Andrew Bailey (closer)
Brad Ziegler
Craig Breslow
Chad Gaudin
Jerry Blevins
Brad Kilby
Gio Gonzalez
DL
RP Michael Wuertz
RP Joey Devine
That's not the A's lineup I'd prefer, but it appears to be the one manager Bob Geren is most likely to open the season with. For one thing, I think Barton should be hitting much higher, but he probably will on days that Gross is filling in for one of the starting outfielders. Chavez also figures to see time in place of the outfielders, with Cust going to left or right on those days. … The roster above doesn't include either Eric Patterson or Jake Fox. However, those two shouldn't have to worry about going to Triple-A, since they're out of options and could be picked up by other teams. It wouldn't surprise me if the A's somehow found a way to keep Fox. … If Duchscherer goes on the DL, then both Cahill and Gonzalez will be in the rotation. As is, I'm leaning towards Cahill, with Gonzalez in the pen. Unlike Gonzalez, Cahill isn't a candidate to work out of the pen.
<!--RW-->
Seattle
Lineup
RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Chone Figgins
1B Casey Kotchman
LF Milton Bradley
DH Ken Griffey Jr.
3B Jose Lopez
CF Franklin Gutierrez
C Rob Johnson
SS Jack Wilson
Bench
C Adam Moore
OF Eric Byrnes
INF Matt Tuiasosopo
DH Mike Sweeney
Rotation
Felix Hernandez
Ian Snell
Ryan Rowland-Smith
Doug Fister
Jason Vargas
Bullpen
David Aardsma (closer)
Mark Lowe
Brandon League
Shawn Kelley
Sean White
Kanekoa Texeira
Luke French
DL
SP Cliff Lee
SP Erik Bedard
I took the lineup right from Geoff Baker's blog on Sunday. Lopez behind Griffey seems silly and I prefer Moore to Johnson behind the plate, but this is how it looks at the moment. … Sweeney versus Ryan Garko is the remaining position battle. Garko was supposed to make the team after getting a major league deal over the winter, but Sweeney has excelled this spring and the Mariners haven't been impressed with Garko's defense. If they want to go with Kotchman at first against lefties as well as righties, then Sweeney would make sense. … The assumption is that Lee will miss at least one start at the beginning of the year. It's now looking like it will be two or three. That puts both Fister and Vargas in the rotation, with French making the team as a middle reliever. Vargas is the better bet to stick in the rotation after Lee returns.
Tampa Bay
Lineup
SS Jason Bartlett
LF Carl Crawford
RF Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
1B Carlos Pena
CF B.J. Upton
DH Pat Burrell
C Kelly Shoppach
2B Sean Rodriguez
Bench
INF Willy Aybar
INF Hank Blalock
C Dioner Navarro
OF Gabe Kapler
Rotation
James Shields
Matt Garza
Jeff Niemann
David Price
Wade Davis
Bullpen
Rafael Soriano (closer)
Dan Wheeler
Grant Balfour
Lance Cormier
Randy Choate
Andy Sonnanstine
Joaquin Benoit
DL
J.P. Howell
My current assumption is that Zobrist will play right field most of the time, with Rodriguez starting at second base. For that reason, I have Blalock making the team over Matt Joyce, though that's far from a lock. The whole point may be moot anyway, since both Joyce and Aybar candidates to open the season on the disabled list.
Texas
Lineup
CF Julio Borbon
3B Michael Young
LF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero
2B Ian Kinsler
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Elvis Andrus
Bench
OF David Murphy
C Taylor Teagarden
INF Andres Blanco
INF Joaquin Arias
Rotation
Scott Feldman
Rich Harden
C.J. Wilson
Colby Lewis
Matt Harrison
Bullpen
Frank Francisco (closer)
Neftali Feliz
Darren Oliver
Darren O'Day
Dustin Nippert
Chris Ray
Doug Mathis
DL
SP Tommy Hunter
Both Kinsler and Salty could start off on the disabled list, though even if that happens, the hope is that neither would be more than a week behind. It's unclear who would replace Kinsler. I prefer Esteban German, but Arias might have the edge. The Rangers also have Blanco, Hernan Iribarren and Gregorio Petit to choose from. Two will make the team anyway, with a third likely to join them if Kinsler does go on the DL. Matt Treanor would get a spot if Salty lands on the DL. … Wilson came in at $4 when I was projecting him as a reliever. As a starter, he's still right there. If I had him projected at 180-190 innings, he'd be closer to $6-$7. I'm skeptical that he'll remain healthy, though.
Toronto
Lineup
RF Jose Bautista
2B Aaron Hill
DH Adam Lind
CF Vernon Wells
1B Lyle Overbay
3B Edwin Encarnacion
C John Buck
LF Travis Snider
SS Alex Gonzalez
Bench
1B Randy Ruiz
INF John McDonald
C Jose Molina
OF Jeremy Reed
Rotation
Shaun Marcum
Ricky Romero
Mark Rzepczynski
Brian Tallet
Dana Eveland
Bullpen
Jason Frasor (closer)
Kevin Gregg
Scott Downs
Jesse Carlson
Casey Janssen
Shawn Camp
Jeremy Accardo
DL
SP Brandon Morrow
I think Elijah Dukes makes a ton of sense for the Blue Jays, but the offense appears set as is. If Encarnacion has a setback with his wrist, then Bautista would shift to third base and Mike McCoy would likely make the team. Reed would play right field in that scenario. The Jays really should be able to find an outfield upgrade this week, though. Better players than Reed will be available on waivers. … I believed the Jays would pick Gregg as their closer, but I had Frasor rated higher all along anyway. Now that manager Cito Gaston has made the right call there, Gregg should be avoided in AL-only leagues.
