Spring training preview for Grapefruit League teams

By Drew Davison

ddavison@star-telegram.com

Atlanta Braves

Spring site: Lake Buena VistaLast year: 89-73 (second)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Monday), full squad (Saturday)Who's in: INF Jack Wilson (Seattle)Who's out: RHP Derek Lowe (Cleveland), CF Nate McLouth (Pittsburgh), SS Alex Gonzalez (Milwaukee), RHP Scott Linebrink (St. Louis), LHP George Sherrill (Seattle)Spring outlook: Most people remember the Boston Red Sox's late collapse last season, but few recall that the Braves had a similar one. They blew an 8 1/2-game lead in the wild-card race the final month of the season to miss the playoffs. The roster remains relatively intact from last season, although prospect Tyler Pastornicky is expected to be the starting shortstop.Baltimore OriolesSpring site: SarasotaLast year: 69-93 (fifth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (today), full squad (Friday)Who's in: RHP Jason Hammel (Colorado), RHP Matt Lindstrom (Colorado), Luis Ayala (New York Yankees), LHP Wei-Yin Chen (Japan), OF Endy Chavez (Texas), LHP Dana Eveland (Los Angeles Dodgers), DH Wilson Betemit (Detroit)Who's out: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (Colorado), OF/DH Luke Scott (Tampa Bay)Spring outlook: There's not too much optimism that the Orioles can contend in the AL East. They traded away an innings-eater starter from last season (Guthrie), and are relying on a young staff led by Weatherford graduate Zach Britton, TCU's Jake Arrieta and former Ranger Tommy Hunter. Offensively, the Orioles' biggest threats are outfielders Nick Markakis and Adam Jones and catcher Matt Wieters.Boston Red SoxSpring site: Fort MyersLast year: 90-72 (third)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday), full squad (Saturday)Who's in: RHP Andrew Bailey (Oakland), OF Cody Ross (San Francisco), OF Ryan Sweeney (Oakland), RHP Mark Melancon (Houston), C Kelly Shoppach (Tampa Bay), OF Nick Punto (St. Louis)Who's out: RHP Jonathan Papelbon (Philadelphia), RF J.D. Drew (FA), SS Marco Scutaro (Colorado), SS Jed Lowrie (Houston), OF Josh Reddick (Oakland)Spring outlook: The historic September collapse led to several changes within the Red Sox organization. They have a new GM, Ben Cherington, and manager, Bobby Valentine. Boston then made a splash on the trade market for closer Andrew Bailey. Still, the majority of the core players remain the same, headlined by Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz leading the rotation. Offensively, the Red Sox have one of the best lineups with Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez as the 1-2-3 hitters.Detroit TigersSpring site: LakelandLast year: 95-67 (first)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Monday), full squad (Friday)Who's in: 1B Prince Fielder (Milwaukee), RHP Octavio Dotel (St. Louis), C Gerald Laird (St. Louis)Who's out: OF Magglio Ordonez (FA), INF Carlos Guillen (Seattle), RHP Brad Penny (Japan), 3B Wilson Betemit (Baltimore)Spring outlook: The Tigers solidified themselves as World Series contenders by signing Prince Fielder in the off-season. With Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, they might have the most potent 1-2 punch of any lineup. The pitching staff is set, too, with Justin Verlander and Doug Fister leading the rotation, and Jose Valverde and Joaquin Benoit at the backend of the bullpen.Houston AstrosSpring site: KissimmeeLast year: 56-106 (sixth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Monday), full squad (Feb. 26)Who's in: OF Jack Cust (Seattle), C Chris Snyder (Pittsburgh), RHP Kyle Weiland (Boston), INF Jed Lowrie (Boston)Who's out: SS Clint Barmes(Pittsburgh), RHP Mark Melancon (Boston)Spring outlook: The Astros lost a franchise-record 106 games last season and could be on their way to another triple-digit-loss season. They remain in rebuilding mode, and they will give young players a chance to compete for starting spots.Miami MarlinsSpring site: JupiterLast year: 72-90 (fifth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Thursday), full squad (Feb. 27)Who's in: SS Jose Reyes (New York Mets), LHP Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox), RHP Heath Bell (San Diego), RHP Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs), LHP Wade LeBlanc (San Diego)Who's out: RHP Chris Volstad (Chicago Cubs), RHP Javier Vazquez (retired), RHP Burke Badenhop (Tampa Bay), RHP Clay Hensley (San Francisco), RHP Brian Sanches (Philadelphia), C John Baker (San Diego)Spring outlook: The Marlins have a new look, from their logo to their stadium to their manager. They made some of the biggest signings at the winter meetings, bringing in shortstop Jose Reyes, left-hander Mark Buehrle and closer Heath Bell. The Reyes signing forces Hanley Ramirez to move to third. Miami also traded for enigmatic right-hander Carlos Zambrano. In all, Ozzie Guillen and the Marlins will be one of the more interesting teams to watch this season.Minnesota TwinsSpring site: Fort MyersLast year: 63-99 (fifth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (today), full squad(Friday)Who's in: OF Josh Willingham (Oakland), SS Jamey Carroll (Los Angeles Dodgers), OF/ DH Ryan Doumit (Pittsburgh), RHP Joel Zumaya (Detroit)Who's out: OF Michael Cuddyer (Colorado), OF Jason Kubel (Arizona), RHP Joe Nathan (Texas)Spring outlook: The Twins were expected to contend in the AL Central last season, but their season unraveled with injuries and disappointing seasons. They didn't make any significant upgrades and saw veterans Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel and Joe Nathan sign elsewhere. The key for Minnesota will be Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau rebounding from sub-par seasons.New York MetsSpring site: Port St. LucieLast year: 77-85 (fourth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday), full squad (Feb. 27)Who's in: OF Andres Torres (San Francisco), RHP Frank Francisco (Toronto), RHP Jon Rauch (Toronto), RHP Ramon Ramirez (San Francisco), SS Ronny Cedeno (Pittsburgh)Who's out: SS Jose Reyes (Miami), OF Angel Pagan (San Francisco), LHP Chris Capuano (Los Angeles Dodgers), RHP Jason Isringhausen (FA), RHP Ryota Igarashi (Pittsburgh), OF Willie Harris (Cincinnati), OF Nick Evans (Pittsburgh)Spring outlook: The Mets had a better-than-expected season last year and still finished fourth in the NL East. They didn't do much to improve, either. Instead, the Mets are hoping David Wright, Johan Santana, Ike Davis and Jason Bay all return to form and play up to their potential.New York YankeesSpring site: TampaLast year: 97-65 (first)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Monday), full squad (Saturday)Who's in: RHP Hiroki Kuroda (Los Angeles Dodgers), RHP Michael Pineda (Seattle)Who's out: RHP Bartolo Colon (Oakland), OF Greg Golson (Kansas City), RHP Sergio Mitre (FA), C/DH Jesus Montero (Seattle), RHP Hector Noesi (Seattle), C/DH Jorge Posada (retired)Spring outlook: The Yankees won the most games in the American League last season and return most of their core. They improved their rotation, too, signing Hiroki Kuroda and trading for promising right-hander Michael Pineda in exchange for top hitting prospect Jesus Montero. Offensively, the Yankees are hoping Alex Rodriguez bounces back and Mark Teixeira hits for a better average.Philadelphia PhilliesSpring site: ClearwaterLast year: 102-60 (first)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (today), full squad(Friday)Who's in: OF/1B Laynce Nix (Washington), RHP Jonathan Papelbon (Boston), RHP Chad Qualls (San Diego), PH/1B Jim Thome (Cleveland), 3B/1B Ty Wigginton (Colorado), LHP Dontrelle Willis (Cincinnati)Who's out: LF Raul Ibanez (FA), RHP Brad Lidge (Washington), RHP Ryan Madson (Cincinnati), RHP Roy Oswalt (FA)Spring outlook: The Phillies won more games than any team last season but faltered in the playoffs. They still have arguably the best rotation in baseball led by Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. The bullpen improved with the signing of Jonathan Papelbon, although the offense could struggle with Ryan Howard (Achilles' surgery) out for at least the first month of the season.Pittsburgh PiratesSpring site: BradentonLast year: 72-90 (fourth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (today), full squad(Friday)Who's in: RHP A.J. Burnett(New York Yankees), LHP Erik Bedard (Boston), SS Clint Barmes (Houston), INF Casey McGehee (Milwaukee), C Rod Barajas (Los Angeles Dodgers), OF Nate McLouth (Atlanta)Who's out: SS Ronny Cedeno (New York Mets), RHP Ross Ohlendorf (Boston), RHP Jose Veras (Milwaukee), C Ryan Doumit (Minnesota), C Chris Snyder (Houston), 1B Derrek Lee (FA), OF Ryan Ludwick (Cincinnati), LHP Paul Maholm (Chicago Cubs)Spring outlook: The Pirates were a feel-good story midway through last season and in contention, but then faded away in the second half. They are trying to become legitimate contenders, though, and hope the rotation has improved with the additions of A.J. Burnett and Erik Bedard. Offensively, Pittsburgh traded for infielder Casey McGehee to be a presence in the middle of the lineup.St. Louis CardinalsSpring site: JupiterLast year: 90-72 (second)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (today), full squad(Friday)Who's in: OF Carlos Beltran(San Francisco), LHP J.C. Romero (Colorado)Who's out: 1B Albert Pujols (Los Angeles Angels), RHP Octavio Dotel (Detroit), RHP Edwin Jackson (Washington), INF Nick Punto (Boston), INF Ryan Theriot (San Francisco)Spring outlook: The reigning World Series champions will be missing some familiar faces at spring training. Star slugger Albert Pujols signed with the Angels, and manager Tony La Russa retired. The Cardinals expect to contend again this season, especially with Adam Wainwright returning from Tommy John elbow surgery. Chris Carpenter is back in the rotation as well, and David Freese will look to build off his magical postseason.Tampa Bay RaysSpring site: Port CharlotteLast year: 91-71 (second)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Tuesday), full squad (Feb. 26)Who's in: DH Luke Scott (Baltimore), 1B Carlos Pena (Chicago Cubs), INF Jeff Keppinger (San Francisco), RHP Burke Badenhop (Miami), C Jose Molina (Toronto), RHP Josh Lueke (Seattle), RHP Fernando Rodney (Los Angeles Angels)Who's out: C Kelly Shoppach (Boston), 1B Dan Johnson (Chicago White Sox), DH Johnny Damon (FA), 1B Casey Kotchman (Cleveland), C John Jaso (Seattle), RHP Juan Cruz (Pittsburgh), RHP Andy Sonnanstine (Chicago Cubs), OF Justin Ruggiano (Houston)Spring outlook: The Rays, thanks to a historic Red Sox collapse, made a run to the postseason last year, and then were knocked out by the Rangers. Tampa Bay returns most of its young core and has a talented young rotation with James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson and Matt Moore. The lineup improved with Carlos Pena returning to the Rays as well.Toronto Blue JaysSpring site: DunedinLast year: 81-81 (fourth)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Wednesday), full squad (Saturday)Who's in: LHP Darren Oliver (Texas), RHP Sergio Santos(Chicago White Sox), RHP Francisco Cordero (Cincinnati), C Jeff Mathis (Los Angeles Angels)Who's out: RHP Frank Francisco (New York Mets), RHP Jon Rauch (New York Mets), RHP Shawn Camp (Seattle), C Jose Molina (Tampa Bay)Spring outlook: The Blue Jays hope that experience is the key to success, as they return all position starters and the five-man rotation from 2011. Jose Bautista remains their biggest offensive threat, and Ricky Romero is the ace of the rotation.Washington NationalsSpring site: VieraLast year: 80-81 (third)First workouts: Pitchers and catchers (Monday), full squad (Saturday)Who's in: LHP Gio Gonzalez (Oakland), RHP Brad Lidge (Philadelphia), RHP Edwin Jackson (St. Louis), OF Mike Cameron (Florida), INF/OF Mark DeRosa (San Francisco), RHP Ryan Perry (Detroit)Who's out: OF Jonny Gomes (Oakland), Brian Bixler (Houston), INF Alex Cora (St. Louis), RHP Livan Hernandez (Houston), OF Laynce Nix (Philadelphia), C Ivan Rodriguez (FA), LHP Doug Slaten (Pittsburgh)Spring outlook: The Nationals could contend. They upgraded their rotation by trading for Gio Gonzalez and signing Edwin Jackson and will have a healthy Stephen Strasburg. The bullpen is solid with closer Drew Storen and setup men Tyler Clippard and Brad Lidge. Offensively, the Nats will need better seasons by Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche.

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Spring training preview for Grapefruit League teams