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2016 MLB Preview: Intriguing NL Spring Training Position Battles to Watch

By Jordan Wevers

Feb 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cai (18) throws to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) during a workout at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cai (18) throws to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) during a workout at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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NL West

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Dodgers – OF/3B: The main one here rests on how valuable Andre Ethier could be in Los Angeles’ outfield. Carl Crawford‘s health is always an issue in left, Joc Pederson is trending towards a sophomore slump after a brutal second half in 2015 and Yasiel Puig‘s character flaws have prevented him from seeing playing time before. Scott Van Slyke and Enrique Hernandez are no slouches, either. So while the Dodgers’ OF isn’t as crowded as it was with Matt Kemp, don’t forget that Alex Guerrero is still on the roster as well. The picture remains murky.

At the hot corner, Justin Turner is coming off knee surgery. If Chase Utley can dig deep at 37 and find a way to stay healthy, play through pain and return to form, he could snag the starting job away from Turner in camp.

Giants – SP: The strength of San Francisco will be their group of starters this year. One through four, they are as legitimate as any on paper. Madison Bumgarner will lead Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Jake Peavy on this staff. The intriguing part is the battle for the fifth stater. That will come down to Matt Cain, who was one time viewed as the ace of this staff until multiple injuries derailed his career. After him, Chris Heston will look to follow up on a 2015 campaign that saw him win 12 games and pitch a no-no June 9 against the Mets.

Rockies – SP: No pitcher wants to play their home games at Coors Field, so few get involved with contract discussions when it comes to signing there as a free agent. Jorge De La Rosa has been with Colorado since 2008. Soon to be 35, he might be the only sure thing on Opening Day. The rest are yet to make any significant mark on MLB.

Jon Gray and Eddie Butler are a couple of former top prospects. Chad Bettis has a career ERA of 5.22 through 57 appearances in relief and starter capacities dating back to 2013. Tyler Chatwood was drafted by the Angels in 2008 and might actually project to be their best arm. In twenty 2013 starts, he registered an 8-5 record with a 3.15 ERA, then fell victom to TJ surgery in July of 2014. He did not appear for the Rockies in 2015. The remainder of the list is rounded out by Jordan Lyles, Chris Rusin and David Hale.

Lastly, the club will have Jeff Hoffman looking to turn his ninth overall draft pick billing from 2014 into something special for the Rockies. He hasn’t pitched beyond Double-A and along with RHP Miguel Castro, is the main haul Colorado received in the trade that sent Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays last July.

Next: NL Central

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