2023 Spring Training Update – March 9

by Doug Gruber

Thankfully we have returned to a normal spring training, where we can focus our attention on prospects, position battles and injury news. We are still three weeks away from Opening Day, but a lot has already happened.

Let’s look closer at the noteworthy developments:

JORDAN WALKER

A spring training update wouldn’t seem right if we didn’t start with the hottest name out there.  On Saturday, Jordan Walker (s|EX) sent his stock soaring with a 4-for-4 performance including two massive home runs. Walker’s ADP rocketed up more than 100 places and his prices exceeded $10 in the most recent auction contests. BABS rates Walker with a moderate speed asset, and nothing else, which is far from the rating of Julio Rodriguez, contrary to popular market comparisons. Do not buy a ticket on this hype train.

SAN DIEGO PITCHERS

The Padres rotation already had openings in the back end, and now a dropped kettle ball has put Joe Musgrove (ER,KK|inj-) on the shelf with a broken toe. Looking at the other rotation candidates, Nick Martinez has been receiving training camp admiration for changes to his pitch movements and a tick up in his velo. But BABS says we should target two others who offer better skills. Seth Lugo (ER,KK) signed with the Padres with the intent of entering the rotation.  BABS says he certainly has the skills to do so. As does Michael Wacha (e,k|INJ). Lugo and Wacha were already BABS targets in the late rounds, even more so with this Musgrove news.

NY YANKEES 5th STARTER

The Yankees rotation appeared set with the December signing of Carlos Rodon. But a month later news broke about shoulder issues for Frankie Montas, and surgery has him out until at least July. The Yankees say the job is between Clarke Schmidt (e,k.|EX) and Domingo German (KK|INJ). BABS likes both pitchers, and gives a slight edge to Schmidt, but also says to watch for the higher rated Michael King (ER,KK|INJ,e) and Jonathan Loaisiga (ER,k|INJ) if they were to enter the mix.

GAVIN LUX ACL INJURY

Gavin Lux (a) was ticketed to be the new Dodgers SS but is now out for the season. Lux was not on the BABS target list with his one modest asset, and unfortunately, in his stead the rest of the Dodgers depth chart is also not attractive.

Miguel Rojas (a|-P) likely gains PT due to his defensive prowess, but his lone batting asset is offset by liability in power. No help there. Miguel Vargas (|-A,EX) may also be a beneficiary of Lux’s injury, but provides no benefits to our fantasy rosters. Trayce Thompson (P+|-A) and James Outman (PW|-A,EX) offer pop, but their batting ineffectiveness is an enormous liability to overcome. We can find that power elsewhere without the batting drag. And Michael Busch (p|-A,EX) may get his MLB opportunity, but no help for us. Finally, what about Jason Heyward (|-PA)? Ha, JK!

TAMPA ROTATION

Six pitches into a batting practice session, Tyler Glasnow (ER,K+|INJ), pictured, went down with an oblique injury that will sideline him until May. BABS thinks this is a terrific opportunity to grab Jeffrey Springs (e,KK), still going too late in most drafts. Also bump up Drew Rasmussen (e,k|e) and Zach Eflin (e,k|INJ), especially Eflin whose ADP has been a bargain after round 20.  For the open 5th spot, BABS says Taj Bradley (e,k|EX) is the only arm worthy of your consideration, from a group of competitors that includes Yonny Chirinos (e|-K,INJ,e), Josh Fleming (|-K,inj-,e) and Luis Patino (|-K,INJ,EX).

COLORADO INFIELD

Diving for a ball became unfortunate for Brendan Rodgers (AV) as damage to his left shoulder could require season ending surgery. Openings in a Rockies lineup usually brings intrigue — is that the case here? Here are the options and their skill ratings: Alan Trejo (-|EX), Nolan Jones (PW|EX), Elehuris Montero (p|EX), Harold Castro (AV|-P) and Mike Moustakas (|-A,INJ). If BABS was in the Rockies office, the move would be for Ryan McMahon (PW) to shift to 2B, opening up 3B to prospects Jones or Montero. Both are worth a late round flyer to see what develops for the rest of camp.

ARIZONA PITCHING PROSPECTS

There has been a lot of buzz over the back end of the Arizona rotation, centered around a foursome of rookies. The market favors Brandon Pfaadt (e,k|EX) over Drew Jameson (e|EX), Ryne Nelson (|-K,EX) and Tommy Henry (|-EK,EX), and it seems too early to call what the D’Backs might have in mind. Based on their skills, Pfaadt is a prospect worth speculating on.

TEXAS BULLPEN

Coming into camp, Texas looked like one of the teams with a top option for saves. But what seemed clear has now become cloudy. Jose LeClerc (e,K+,sv-|INJ). developed neck discomfort forcing him to miss a few spring games and drop out of the WBC.  Texas must have been concerned, as they just signed Will Smith (e,K+). who had more saves (37) in 2021 than LeClerc has earned for his career (36). BABS likes both players, rating them with identical skill sets, but says sit this one out for now.

BOSTON PITCHING STAFF

BABS has been excited about the market discounts placed on the high-quality arms competing for the back end of the Bosox rotation. Most notably for James Paxton (e,K+|INJ) who has skills comparable to Cease and Ray yet has gone undrafted in most standard leagues. However, he and teammates Garrett Whitlock (e,KK|INJ) and Brayan Bello (e,k|EX) are now battling injuries that make them doubtful for an opening day roster spot.  BABS says, No Worries! Next up Tanner Houck (e,KK|INJ,EX), who should immediately move up your draft board.