There's a friendly competition brewing between Clint Frazier and his mentor, Brett Gardner, for the starting left field job in NYY. Also: back-of-the-rotation battles in BAL and TOR, Dustin Pedroia's return in BOS, and Avisail Garcia's role in TAM.

Is presumptive closer Will Smith's grasp on the saves less secure than previously thought? Plus, a look at the LA rotation, the COL first base picture, 2B in ARI, and catchers in SD.

The 1B/DH AB for most AL West clubs look unsettled over the longer haul. This is particularly true in Anaheim now, where despite three remaining contract years, aging Albert Pujols is looking over his shoulder.

Corbin Burnes leads a trio of young Milwaukee SP who are good candidates to breakout this season. Also: Rotation depth in CHC, breaking down the hierarchy for saves in CIN, Elias Diaz path to more playing time in PIT, and Carlos Martinez's role in STL.

Jeff McNeil's transition to the outfield means he could be a full-time player sooner rather than later. Also: Breaking down save opportunities in PHI, playing time at the hot corner in MIA, save chances behind Doolittle in WAS and the fifth starter in ATL.

The arrival of Freddy Galvis could lead to Devon Travis and Lourdes Gurriel trying their hand at outfield this spring. Also: Hays to rise again in BAL, Swihart's prospects in BOS, Tulowitzki's rebound potential in NYY and where Font might slot in TAM.

With a hole at short in PIT, Erik Gonzalez appears to have inside track. Plus interim search for saves in CHC; Reds' rotation takes shape; a platoon at 2B is expected in MIL; and STL hasn't settled on a closer.

We're not talking about the post-game spread after the relievers do their thing, but the roles and skills imbalances on current rosters as spring training approaches.

The slow free agent market still keeps us from looking too closely at position battles. But names like newly-acquired Domingo Santana in SEA have playing time upside that may not be apparent in their current ADPs.

Young starters looking to take the next step in SD, along with the COL outfield situation, ARI bullpen, LA catchers and 2B options in SF.

Yet again, Ben Zobrist is among the Cubs who will vie for 2B time in 2019. Plus the Grandal signing in MIL, health updates in Pittsburgh, xx