As the Spring Training days count down, the Opening Day roster gets more and more set, and the battles for those final roster spots get more and more heated. This year is no exception, but due to injuries and some surprising spring performances, the spots open at the beginning of the offseason are not the same spots we see open now.
For example, most people thought that after his impressive debut, Madison Bumgarner was the favorite for the fifth starter spot. And he was. But throw in Todd Wellemeyer and his dominance of opposing hitters (1.35 ERA in a team-high 20 IP), coupled with Bumgarner's loss of velocity and underwhelming lack of a strikeout in seven innings, and you've got a whole new ballgame.
I'll go through this process much like Selection Sunday for college basketball, providing you readers with locks, bubble players, and sleepers to make the 25-man roster.
All photos are courtesy of Joseph Pun over at AZGIANTS.COM, who does a terrific job with pictures of Spring Training, extended Spring Training, and the Arizona Fall League.
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