Cubs
It's very uncommon for a team in so much transition to be settled heading into camp. While that typically is a good thing that isn't the case for the 2012 version of the Cubbies. While I love the direction of this offseason a 70 Win season would be incredible.
Reds
Lineup- LF. Chris Heisey and Ryan Ludwick will battle for the bulk of playing time in LF. Heisey is the better player of the two both offensively and defensively yet Baker has a penchant for Veteran players.
Rotation- Four of the spots are set with Latos, Arroyo, Cueto, and Bailey. It would appear after a solid 2011 that Leake would have a firm grip on the 5th spot. However the signing of Jeff Francis may have changed that. Francis would provide a LH look and as I have stated Baker hasn't met a Vet he didn't like. Miguel Cairo anyone? Heading into camp Leake does have the edge but Francis could easily pitch his way into it.
Astros
Lineup- Catcher is a collection of uninteresting names with Jason Castro, Humberto Quintero and Chris Snyder vying for the majority of playing time. Snyder could produce double digit HR's and little else. Sadly that is double the output of the other two. Jose Altuve, Angel Sanchez and Jed Lowrie will battle for the 2B/SS duties with Altuve and Lowrie being the clubhouse favorites. Continuing with the unexciting Astros position battles Chris Johnson who is void of praise will battle Jimmy Paredes who's fast. Finally the race for the most inept position is on as Brett Wallace looks to out hit Jason Bourgeois and/or Jordan Schafer. Carlos Lee will either play 1B or LF depending on what bat Brad Mills wants to get out of the lineup.
Rotation- The move of Brett Myers may have cleared up a major question mark but it took away from what appeared to be a strength. The move leaves Zach Duke, Kyle Weiland, Livan Hernandez, Henry Sosa and Lucas Harrell battling for the final rotation spot which will ultimately be a dumpster fire every fifth game.
Brewers
Lineup- With Braun back the lineup has little questions outside of who may be the most regular CF between Nyjer Morgan, Carlos Gomez, and newcomer Norichicka Aoki.
Pirates
Things seem rather set. A strong spring by Chase D'Arnaud could press Clint Barmes but it's unlikely. The Pirates would love for Pedro Alvarez to force his way into the lineup therefore a slightly above average Spring could do the trick. Alvarez could force McGhee to first moving Jones into the OF. Alex Presley would likely be the victim of lost playing time under that scenario.
Cardinals
Sure they lose #5 but they return a solid roster with little question marks heading into Spring. Outside of a potential Jon Jay/Allen Craig playing time battle the Spring could be void of question barring any health issues.
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