Baseball

The few position battles that were happening within the Reds spring training camp are just about over. When last we visited this topic, the only true battles happening were for the back of the rotation and the bullpen, with a potential for a shortstop scrap. Some players have been removed from the mix, while others have come out of nowhere to win the nod. 

As the San Francisco Giants prepare for their regular-season opener, there are still a few roster questions that must be answered. Fortunately, the starting eight position players appear set, even with the injury to Hunter Pence.

With spring training halfway over and the start of Major League Baseball's regular season a little more than two weeks away (yay!), now is the time when teams start making cuts and sending prospects to minor league camp.

Those youngsters still with the big league club actually have something of a legitimate shot to crack the 25-man roster come April.

With that in mind and with a focus on prospects who could contribute in 2015, it's time to grade all 30 farm systems based on prospect performance this spring.

Prior to the start of spring training, I wrote a piece covering everything you need to know about the Cleveland Indians, including the following: prospects to watch, breakout candidates, the projected lineup, bullpen/rotation and position battles.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — It is early morning in the desert, and there is every reason to be half-asleep right now. Gray skies. Chilly rain. Dog days of spring training.

When the Los Angeles Dodgers began spring training two weeks ago, most positions featured clear-cut starters who would not be facing much job competition leading up to Opening Day.

The exception—and biggest question mark facing the organization as it prepared to defend its National League West division crown—focused on the opening in center field.

Close your eyes, Boston Red Sox fans, and picture Dustin Pedroia. Not the guy who fought through injuries the last two seasons as his power plummeted, but the old Pedroia. The MVP Pedroia.

The New York Mets have already had their share of bad news this spring, so an injury to All-Star second baseman Daniel Murphy isn't what the team needs right now. Unfortunately, the human body doesn't pay attention to team needs, as Murphy has been diagnosed with a pulled hamstring. 

Continue for updates. 

And now for something we all ought to be used to by now:

A discussion about whether veteran New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia is good at pitching baseballs again, which will inevitably skew toward an "I'm not so sure, man" conclusion.

Top prospects around the league are often the focus of many conversations during spring training, and understandably so, as it's a chance to see what a young player is capable of against established competition.

However, it is also a time when young big leaguers who are still trying to establish themselves have a chance to open some eyes and take the first steps towards carving out an everyday gig in the majors.