Our long national nightmare is over. MLB players are rolling into spring training by the minute, and we are just over a week from seeing the Cubs and Dodgers square off in the first Cactus League contest.
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Spring storylines are as abundant as ever before. As a diehard baseball fan and dedicated fantasy manager, here are the storylines that will keep my attention in the coming weeks.
The Dodgers’ star-studded roster
Whether you love them or hate them, there is no debating the fact that the Dodgers have lapped the field when it comes to creating headlines. Following up a World Series title by being the most aggressive team in free agency has led to an endless supply of storylines in Camelback Ranch.
All eyes will be on Roki Sasaki during his first spring training. The 23-year-old is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, but before making a major draft investment, fantasy managers want to see him mow down a few major leaguers. Managers are also awaiting specific information from Dodgers management regarding the youngster’s expected workload.
The Dodgers storylines don’t stop there. It will be a challenge to sort out late-inning roles from a loaded bullpen that includes Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips. And in the rotation, managers will want to determine the health statuses of Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May. The lineup is a little more settled, but there will still be attention on Hyeseong Kim for his rookie season.
Rookies are all the rage
Sasaki isn’t the only rookie who will warrant instant attention.
Jackson Jobe is vying for an Opening Day rotation spot with the Tigers and was the No. 1 pitching prospect until Sasaki arrived on the scene. Bubba Chandler of the Pirates is another rookie starter to watch this spring, as he may be ready to become Paul Skenes’ sidekick as soon as Opening Day. Reds roster hopefuls Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns likely need an injury to open a rotation spot, but they could force Cincinnati’s hand. The same can be said for Quinn Mathews in St. Louis.
Boston will be a focal point for hitting prospects, as Roman Anthony (outfield) and Kristian Campbell (second base) try to force their way onto the Opening Day roster. Anthony has greater prospect status, but Campbell has a clearer path to playing time. In Washington, Dylan Crews should make the team after an unremarkable 31-game audition last year….