Spring training battles: Reyes could miss opening day

Let’s hit the cages for some top stories — and position battles — around the league.

1. New York Mets' shortstop

Jose Reyes has been shut down indefinitely and could miss opening day or more because of his hyperthyroid condition.

On Thursday, a media briefing was conducted by the New York Mets to advise of the status of Reyes. As is quoted from the briefing, “(Reyes) to rest, refrain from athletic activity and make changes in his diet.”

This period of inactivity will range anywhere from 2-8 weeks.

Note that the 2-8 weeks isn’t a notice of when Reyes can return to action. No, that is the range of the expected inactivity (read: video game playing and rolling through the Netflix queue) before Reyes can begin to get ready for baseball. So, that puts us on a timetable from opening day through the middle of May … as a starting point.

That isn’t to say that Reyes can’t get his thyroid condition in check, get back onto the field and start flying around the bases again. It just compounds the questions about his health (hamstring) that you had coming into the reporting period for camp.

Light-hitting Alex Cora (.251 with one home run, 18 RBI and 8 stolen bases last season in 82 games) or 20-year old Ruben Tejada (.289 with five home runs and 46 RBI in Double-A) will slide in for Reyes during his absence. Neither player offers value in the fantasy realm. Tejada is likely 1-2 years away from being a contributor.

As for Reyes, he may ultimately represent a bargain on draft day if he can get his health in check. But if I were entering a draft room today, Reyes slides to No. 11 in my updated shortstop rankings.

2. Colorado's No. 1 starter

Jim Tracy confirmed Wednesday that Ubaldo Jimenez has been tabbed as the Rockies’ opening day starter. He pitched three scoreless innings on Tuesday against the Dodgers, thereby allowing Tracy to make the definitive statement about his ace following a strong outing.

Jimenez stands as one of the most intriguing young hurlers in the game. He possesses explosive strikeout punch, and both his hit and walk rates decreased in 2009. The insignia on his cap probably drops him an extra slot or two on draft boards. It’s a new era in Colorado, and Jimenez is a pitcher that doesn’t fit the mold of past hurlers on this squad. Tracy’s assignment to him is clear. "Go forth and dominate."

3. Oakland's third base

Former Gold Glove third baseman Eric Chavez is trying to solidify his role for the 2010 season. He’s looking for at-bats at both corner infield positions and DH behind Kevin Kouzmanoff, Daric Barton and Jack Cust. Chavez’s back looked strong on Wednesday when he clubbed two home runs against the White Sox. Chavez is working on his footwork and getting acclimated to first base. If he gets regular at-bats and can avoid a recurrence of his back troubles, Chavez might prove to be a decent late-round value pick in AL-only leagues.

4. Washington's catcher

What? I can’t go one day without seeing the name of Dr. James Andrews in a news report. Andrews’ counsel is now being sought regarding the ailing, weakened shoulder of catcher Jesus Flores of the Nationals. I updated my catcher rankings earlier this week to include veteran Ivan Rodriguez on the news that Flores has been unable to throw the ball to the mound, let alone to the bases. The Washington Post advises that Flores is also expected to stay in Alabama for at least 10 days, and that a season-opening trip to the disabled list is all but assured.

Rodriguez doesn’t offer the massive power numbers from his days in Texas, but he’ll still produce a double-digit home run count and a solid RBI total with regular at-bats (35 extra-base hits with 10 home runs 47 RBI last season). I’m not so sure that this doesn’t end in surgery for Flores. Perhaps he and Joe Nathan can get a group discount.

5. Philadelphia's closer

Brad Lidge is looking to put his disastrous 2009 season, a year that ended with offseason elbow and knee surgeries, behind him. Lidge threw to a pair of hitters in batting practice and participated in fielding drills on Wednesday. He reportedly had no extraordinary discomfort following the workout. Lidge is expected to make his spring debut on Monday, barring a setback this weekend.

Phillies fans and trusting fantasy owners are a little better following Lidge’s update, but there are still questions to be answered. How is the velocity? How’s the control and location? Is he closer to 2008 form than the 2009 form? What happens when he finally rears back and throws to live hitters in a game situation? If you draft Lidge, draft closer-in-waiting Ryan Madson as insurance in the later rounds. Madson converted 10-of-16 save opportunities last season while striking out 3.5 batters per walk allowed.

6. Philadelphia's No. 5 starter

Also in Philadelphia, ageless wonder Jamie Moyer is making things difficult (or easier?) for the Phillies by throwing three shutout innings on Wednesday morning. Moyer is trying to stave off a challenge by former fantasy sleeper and late-season help Kyle Kendrick for the fifth slot in the Philadelphia rotation. Kendrick is trying to reclaim the form that made him a 10-game winner with a sub-4.00 ERA in 2007. His lack of strikeout punch doesn’t help his cause, nor does Moyer’s status as a "crafty southpaw." Sorry, that extra lefty in the rotation wins out. Neither pitcher offers much value except in the win column.

7. Oakland's setup man

The A’s were hopeful that former closer contender Joey Devine would show enough this spring to become a contributor in a set-up role or potential trade bait. He’s recovering from Tommy John surgery (it’s a theme, I tell you) and has been sidelined by tendinitis in his forearm. Michael Wuertz remains the top set-up option for Andrew Bailey, and it’s possible that Devine opens the year on the disabled list.

8. Milwaukee's third base

We’ve been watching Matt Gamel’s development for years, and it appeared that he’d break through in 2009. Alas, shoulder issues slowed his progress, and he found himself struggling with the Brewers before getting shipped back to the minor leagues. Gamel is competing for a role this spring, but shoulder issues are slowing him down once again. Management is already talking about the inevitable return to Triple-A if he can’t get on the field soon. Gamel was expected to be in the mix for at-bats behind the versatile Casey McGehee, currently slated to be the starting third baseman.

9. Florida's outfield/bench

Finally, let’s talk for a moment about a prospect not named Heyward, Chamberlain, Hughes or Chapman. Slugger Mike Stanton of the Marlins is demonstrating an improved batting eye and power stroke this spring. Standing 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Stanton’s an imposing figure at the plate and rates among the "can’t miss" prospects in the game. He’s already hit two home runs this spring and is making a strong case for consideration of a roster slot. It’s unlikely to occur because of his age (20) and inexperience (nearly 300 plate appearances at Double-A), but the clock is ticking. If Stanton mashes in the minor leagues, he could get the call in the second half of the season.