While it's still cold out, and the ground is covered in snow wherever you are, a sure sign of better weather ahead is the start of Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers for each team are set to report to camp on Monday, and the storylines will emerge soon after.
One of the most intriguing stories will be who emerges as the fourth and fifth starters for the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek is currently pencilled in as the fourth starter, as management believes in his ability to handle the mound at the major league level.
When Drabek came over to the Blue Jays in the Roy Halladay trade, he was always projected as a future top-of-the-rotation starter. He will likely not yet be ready for that kind of pressure and workload in this, his rookie season, but with his arm he could still put up impressive numbers this year.
Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow and Brett Cecil are still projected as the top three starters, but look for Drabek to push his way up the depth chart over the next couple years.
For the fifth starter position, Jesse Litsch and Mark Rzepczynski have the inside track to land the job. However, expect competition from top-notch prospect Zach Stewart. Stewart could have the kind of mentality and arm to be developed as the Jays' future closer, but he has worked as a starter in the minors.
As for catching, the Jays' brass will be observing J.P. Arencibia to see whether he can handle full-time catching duties and everything that entails. He will have to gain a familiarity with each Blue Jays pitcher to see their strengths and weaknesses, including the new pitching additions.
Arencibia will be mentored by returning catcher Jose Molina, whose defense and ability to throw out baserunners will be a positive example for the rookie catcher.
The bullpen is dominated by right-handed pitchers, so it will be interesting to see what mix the Blue Jays go with heading into the season. Both David Purcey and Jo-Jo Reyes are out of options, so they will work hard to show they could be strong left-handed options out of the 'pen.
The only other left-handed options are Jesse Carlson and Mark Rzepcyznski, if he doesn't make the starting rotation.
As with all teams though, these positions are always subject to change. Pitchers get injured or struggle, and adjustments are made. With that in mind, Spring Training will have its share of stories, even before Toronto's first game of the spring against Detroit of Feb. 26.
Pitchers and catchers will be joined at camp by the rest of the club on Feb. 19.
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