Spring position battles: Chapman competing to start

Today, I’m rolling through several of the big stories in fantasyland.

We’ll be revisiting the positional battles throughout the spring and watching the players competing for final spots in rotations league-wise and, well, those horrid injuries that pop up from time to time.

Here are fantasy's current top nine position battles looming in spring training.

1. Minnesota's closer

Obviously, our attention is fixed on Twins camp, as Ron Gardenhire tries to figure out the back of the bullpen. Joe Nathan tore his ulnar collateral ligament, and a surgical date with Dr. James Andrews (I get a chill down my spine every time I type his name) appears imminent. Yes, the team is going to have him rest and let the swelling subside. Nathan will try to pitch in two weeks. That’s all fine and good, but this isn’t sounding like anything other than a Tommy John procedure. You know what? It’s not all gloom and doom in Minnesota.

The Twins have a pitcher with closing experience in Jon Rauch. Rauch converted 17 of 22 save opportunities for the Nationals in 2008 before getting dealt to Arizona. He pitched to a sub-3.00 ERA and a tremendous 1.01 WHIP in 48 games for Washington in 2008.

If I’m drafting today, I’m selecting Rauch as a back-end second closer with upside. He’ll appear in my updated closer rankings at No. 22 after Mike Gonzalez at No. 21 and before Billy Wagner at 23rd.

Matt Guerrier and Pat Neshek form a formidable middle relief corps. Guerrier has converted four of 10 career save opportunities. Neshek was one of the game’s top middle setup men before experiencing an elbow injury of his own in 2008. He pitched a perfect inning in his first spring outing this week.

Now, there’s still the possibility that the Twins swing a deal to bring in another option. Several teams have experienced closers set to open the season in middle relief or whose contracts open things up to speculation. Brad Ziegler and Joey Devine sit behind Andrew Bailey in Oakland.

Kerry Wood has been the subject of countless rumors in Cleveland (go make that $1 bid or claim on Chris Perez for insurance). Octavio Dotel is in Pittsburgh, but, well, you know. And then there’s Chad Cordero in Seattle, who’s battling back from a torn labrum.

2. Seattle's closer

Of course, Seattle just might want to keep Cordero around as insurance should his velocity check out during the spring. David Aardsma felt tightness in his groin during his first throwing session last week. He’s back to throwing and reportedly felt no pain during his bullpen session. Mark Lowe is in the setup role and would be next in line for saves (26 holds in 2009). However, Lowe blew 10 of 13 save chances last season. As such, a healthy Cordero could be tossed back into the mix if Aardsma struggles, as some pundits suggest that he will.

3. Cincinnati's No. 5 starter

The Reds snagged the latest high-priced pitcher out of Cuba, and he’s trying to burst onto the scene in the fifth spot in the rotation. Aroldis Chapman reportedly topped triple digits with multiple pitches while striking out three batters in two innings. The Reds have several rotation spots up for grabs, so the hard-throwing 22-year old lefty will get every chance to make the roster.

While I’m on the Reds, can I quickly advise you to include Edinson Volquez on your “watch” lists? Volquez is on the comeback from elbow surgery (do you notice a theme here?) and could be available come midseason.

4. Baltimore's second baseman (potential)

The Orioles are starting to get moderately concerned about the back injury that has prevented Brian Roberts from participating in spring activities. Roberts has a herniated disc, and the medication he took to help the inflammation got him sick. Andy MacPhail told The Baltimore Sun that the team trainers are optimistic that he’ll log enough at-bats to be ready for opening day, but the clock is ticking.

5. Washington's rotation

The hype machine is in full gear for a pair of hard-throwing youngsters. Stephen Strasburg relied mostly on fastballs to pitch two shutout innings against the Tigers. Strasburg struck out two batters and allowed two hits. It’s a tremendous start to the spring, but fantasy owners shouldn’t get too excited … for now. Strasburg is certainly a player to launch into the stratosphere in keeper leagues, but we’re not likely to see him until the middle of the 2010 season. Follow the money.

6. Tampa Bay's DH

Hank Blalock hit 25 home runs in his eighth and final season in Texas. Blalock signed a minor league deal with the Rays on Tuesday. Blalock will get some at-bats this spring and could serve as a backup corner infielder and DH from the left side. He came cheap and offers some additional pop for the Rays off of the bench. Blalock is only 29, so he’s still got some swings left in his bat.

7. Toronto's rotation

Toronto starter Dustin McGowan threw a simulated game on Tuesday and reportedly felt fine following his two “innings” of work. McGowan had shoulder surgery in 2008 and appears to be past the setbacks that derailed his 2009 campaign. He was a 12-game winner in 2007 and could be in line for a line in the back-end of the rotation if his shoulder proves sound.

8. Baltimore's rotation

Chris Tillman, who is considered the leader for a spot in the back-end of the Baltimore rotation, allowed two runs (one earned) in 2 1/3 innings against the Rays. The Orioles have great hopes for the 21-year old righty. We’ll be watching him closely as the spring progresses. After all, the Orioles are going to be better, right? Right?

9. Boston's rotation

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield pitched three scoreless innings against the Marlins. He’s now pitched five scoreless innings in two appearances, a nice sign that Wakefield is full recovered from his offseason back surgery. Wakefield doesn’t have a place in the rotation secured, but you can bank on the cagey veteran to continue to see regular work in Boston.