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

By Jordan Wevers

Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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AL Central

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Royals – RF/2B/SP: Speedster Jarrod Dyson and relative unknown Paulo Orlando of Brazil will battle for the last outfield spot. Dyson would have the potential to lead the AL in steals with everyday at-bats, while Orlando brings more to the plate in terms of power, something most managers view as a normal asset in right fielders.

At second base, the downtrodden Omar Infante from 2015 will look to bounce back. He will be pushed by Christian Colon, the fourth overall pick from the 2010 amateur draft. Colon did slash .290/.356/.336 over 107 at-bats last year, so there is a sense he might be able to take a major step forward in 2016.

As for the defending champions and their rotation, it looks like a five car race for the last two spots. Returning to camp will be Chris Young, Danny Duffy, Kris Medlen and Christian Binford, who will all compete with newcomer Mike Minor, a 13 game winner with the Braves in 2013.

Tigers – Center Field: Since being drafted by Detroit in first round of 2005, Cameron Maybin has played in only 24 games for them, all coming in 2007. After stops in Miami, San Diego and Atlanta, the 28-year-old returns to the Motor City in 2016. He projects as their starting center fielder, but Anthony Gose won’t let him walk away with that honor.

Maybin had a great start to 2015, posting a .289-38-8-44-15 split in the first half. Those numbers tapered off mightily in the second half (.240-27-2-15-8). Meanwhile, Gose (.321) got on-base at a competitive pace to Maybin (.327) in 2015. He also led his club with 23 steals and finished third on Detroit in runs scored with 73. Gose is entering only his age 25 season. The sad thing for Detroit and the spacious center field at Comerica Park is neither of the two are above average defenders, with Gose having a UZR of -10.4 in 2015 and Maybin’s being -7.2.

Next: AL East

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