With Spring Training wrapping up and the regular season ready to go, here are the winners and losers of Spring Training.
Winners
1. Aaron Sanchez, SP, Blue Jays
Aaron Sanchez and Gavin Floyd came into the season battling for the 5th spot in the Blue Jay’s rotation. Sanchez performed brilliantly to seize the spot much to the delight of fantasy owners. While Sanchez has great upside, don’t expect him to start all season, as his previous career high in innings pitched is 92.
2. Yasmany Tomas, OF, Diamondbacks
Tomas entered into Spring Training in a competition for left field against Socrates Brito. Despite his limited defense, Tomas tore the cover off the ball hitting .462 with 7 doubles. He could be an intriguing late round pick for fantasy teams.
3. Socrates Brito, OF, Diamondbacks
While Brito looked to be the odd man out in the Dbacks outfield, Pollock’s recent injury changes that. Brito had a decent spring hitting .303 with a home run and 7 rbi’s. If all things work out just right, Brito could be a David Peralta type player with less power.
4. Roberto Osuna, RP, Blue Jays
As it got closer and closer to spring training, it looked like the Jays were ready to hand Storen the closing job. Fantasy fans were hopeful Osuna would get the job and sure enough he did. If Osuna pitches a full season at closer, he could be up there with guys like Britton and Cody Allen.
5. Tyler White, 1B, Astros
White seized the job after hitting .353 with 3 home runs during Spring Training. He is a good corner infield option for deeper leagues. However, A.J Reed is still right behind him in the depth chart, so it remains to be seen how long he stays there.
Special mention to Travis Shaw, who won the 3rd base job in Boston
Losers
1. The Cardinal’s 1st basemen.
Brandon Moss seemed the favorite going into Spring Training. Paired with an unspectacular spring, Holliday working out at first, and Matt Adams hitting decently, the Cardinals 1st base competition is no more clearer than it was when Spring Training began.
2. A.J Pollock
Pollock broke fantasy sports fans hearts with an injury sliding into home plate on the last game before the Regular season begins. There is no timetable for his return, however early reports indicate between one to two months. Regardless, fantasy owners who drafted him early are scrambling to find a replacement.
3. The Phillies bullpen.
Coming into the year, it seemed David Hernandez was primed to take the mantel. Later reports favored Andrew Bailey. With Bailey in the minors and Hernandez not guaranteed the role, it looks like the back of the bullpen could be a committee for the time being.
4. The Tampa Bay Bullpen
It seems the Rays are destined to start the season with a closer committee. While Boxberger is out 2 to 3 months, Alex Colome and Danny Farquhar will continue the closer battle in Tampa Bay
5. Pablo Sandoval
In a Surprising move, the Red Sox announced Travis Shaw will be the starting third baseman for the Red Sox. Pablo Sandoval has essentially become one of the most expensive benchwarmers in baseball.
