Spring Training thoughts

[george w]

Have not posted for awhile but with spring training less than 2 weeks away, I decided to jot down a spring training analysis, which you are all invited to comment on:
Pitchers (26) Carpenter, Wainwright, Lohse, Penny, Garcia, Franklin, Motte, Hawksworth, Kinney, Boggs, TMiller, Reyes, RHill, McClellan, Walters, Jukich, Zink, Maclane, Perez, Parise, Samuel, Salas, Sanchez, Ottavino, Norrick, Lynn
Catchers (8) Molina, Larue, Pagnozzi, Anderson, Hill, Cutler, Cruz, Stock
1b- Pujols, Mather, Hamilton
2b- Schumacker, Gotay, Descalso
ss- Ryan, Lugo, Kozma
3b- Freese, Greene, Solano
lf- Holliday, Craig, Stavinoha
cf- Rasmus, Robinson, Jones
rf- Ludwick, Jay, Henley
**** It seems likely that one or two more additions may occur between now and opening day, most likely bench players. As things stand now, it would seem that McClellan and Hill will battle with Garcia for the #5 rotation spot. If McClellan does not get the starting spot, he would go to the bullpen and either Boggs, Hawksworth or Kinney would be the odd man out. If Garcia or Hill do not make the rotation, it would seem likely that they would go to Memphis. If there are any darkhorse candidates to make the pitching staff, I would think that Sanchez and Parise could be ready if needed. The catching situation is decided barring injury with Molina and Larue. If we assume that David Freese does not implode at third base, the starting lineup appears set. It seems safe to say that Larue and Lugo will command 2 of the 5 bench spots. The remaining 3 spots (barring additions) would come from Mather, Gotay, Greene, Craig, Jay and Stavinoha. Since Jay is a left handed hitter and Gotay is a switch hitter, they would have an advantage. I hope that the club can sign Felipe Lopez. His versatility would be a real help to the bench. I will look forward to your input.