Jake Bauers may bash his way into the Rays' plans sooner rather than later. Also: Mancini gets a look in RF of BAL, Swihart not to be forgotten in BOS, Carter may be slipping in NYY, and Pearce gets healthy in TOR.

This week, we look at the closer situation in CIN. Does the Reds’ committee have what it takes to last? Also: PT prospects for Javier Baez in CHC, MIL’s closer situation, 3B in MIL, and STL’s 5th starter competition.

Oft-injured LA rotation validates the idea that there's no such thing as too much starting pitching, while COL looks to fill the hole left at 1B, plus SD catchers, the SF bullpen and 2B situation in ARI

Detroit reliever Bruce Rondon floundered in 2015 after early 2014 Tommy John surgery, but he began to put things together in the second half of 2016. Will the return be made complete in 2017? Plus, analyses of 3B in CHW and backstops in CLE, KC and MIN.

Big springs from A.J. Reed and Colin Moran are likely for naught early on, thanks to restocked offensive depth in HOU. A look at OAK's longer term 1B situation, the Rangers OF, and more.

Dan Straily entered spring training as the favorite to win the fifth starter job in Miami. We'll update that competition. Plus we'll take a look at the ATL bench, catcher situations in NYM and WAS, and more.

Should Tim Beckham be a serious post-hype prospect this year at SS? Also: Left-field situations in BAL, TOR grow murkier; Kelly may shine in BOS, and Severino may be slipping in NYY rotation derby.

With a plethora of contenders for open spots in Cincinnati’s rotation, whither Cody Reed? Plus: MIL starting catcher battle, CHC’s high minors depth, PIT’s rotation battles, and STL’s infield situation.

The Diamondbacks appear set in the OF, but what do they have in terms of reinforcements? Plus the current favorite for saves in COL, the Padres rotation, and veterans eyeing playing time in SF and LA.

The Tigers have a big hole to fill in their batting order. Nick Castellanos is no Cameron Maybin, but he may be good enough in the second slot and increase his value. Plus, more analysis of the AL Central.

Closer questions are already surfacing in Oakland and Anaheim, and the long-term situations in TEX, HOU and SEA aren't exactly on lockdown. Our trip around the AL West.