By losing 30-plus pounds, has Pablo Sandoval solidified his grasp on the 3B job in BOS? Also: BAL's rotation depth, some back-end-of-the-rotation decisions in NYY and TAM, and Pompey in TOR?

TAM's Mallex Smith and TOR's Steve Pearce are among those who warrant watching this spring. Also: Mancini's battle for AB in BAL, the back-of-the-rotation quandary in BOS and what the verdict on Judge may be in NYY.

The status of C.C. Sabathia, whom the Yankees will likely owe $25 million for 2017, is just one of many pitching questions to be resolved in the offseason. Also: Whither Buchholz in BOS, Dickey in TOR? How will trade winds blow in TAM? And will Jimenez, Gallardo and Miley earn their keep in BAL?

Yoan Moncada headlines the names who may slide into new, prominent roles in 2017, but there are others as well. The Yankees will confront a notable retirement, while BAL and TOR gird for possible free-agent departures. TAM, meanwhile, has set its infield but has some outfield AB up for grabs.

Alex Cobb and Aaron Sanchez may not be "September call-ups" in the traditional sense, but they are among the more prominent names set to added to expanded rosters.

NYY has seemingly given up on Luis Severino, at least for now. But should you? Also: Miley's struggles in BAL, setup woes in BOS, Morisson's return in TAM and comings and goings (that may or may not include Goins) in TOR.

Did BOS closer Kimbrel return too soon from knee surgery? Also, Pearce gets cortisone shot in BAL, Eovaldi hits DL in NYY, some Tommy John survivors are nearing a return in TAM, and further thoughts on TOR's limping outfield.

Matt Duffy is set to become TAM's shortstop upon his return from the DL, but will Brad Miller's PT suffer? Also: Batting-order switches in BAL, BOS and TOR? The end of the line for the old guard in NYY?

The clock is ticking, but there's still a few hours before the MLB trade deadline. What else might AL East teams do to bolster their pennant push or advance their rebuilding efforts?

There's little doubt the Rangers would like to upgrade its rotation by next Monday's trade deadline. The bigger question is: Who are they willing to give up? Others who may be on the move include Reddick, Hill in OAK; Santiago, Escobar in LAA; Cishek, Miley in SEA.

Deals involving NYY closer Aroldis Chapman and perhaps a TAM starter seem likely. But how else might AL East rosters get reshuffled at the trade deadline?