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MLB • 1 year ago

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Toronto Blue Jays Position Battles to Watch

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

5 Toronto Blue Jays Position Battles To Watch In Spring Training Of 2015

2015 MLB Spring Training 5 Toronto Blue Jays Position Battles to Watch — The position battles brewing at spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays are interconnected. While a couple remaining independent, the biggest storylines for those fighting for a starting role are attached. A big money signing fuels the battles that hit full swing this week as games start in Florida.

The position battles brewing at spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays are interconnected. While a couple remaining independent, the biggest storylines for those fighting for a starting role are attached. A big money signing fuels the battles that hit full swing this week as games start in Florida.

5. Catcher

5. Catcher

Blue Jays Catcher Russell Martin2 — The real story here is that Russell Martin has to prove he can catch R.A. Dickey's knuckleball. If he can, then he will catch for every pitcher and get selective rest after coming off of a career year. Dioner Navarro has already said he won't mind a trade and GM Alex Anthopoulos is said to be shopping him. Josh Thole, who has been catching Dickey, could be out of a job if Martin and Navarro are on the roster at the end of spring.

The real story here is that Russell Martin has to prove he can catch R.A. Dickey's knuckleball. If he can, then he will catch for every pitcher and get selective rest after coming off of a career year. Dioner Navarro has already said he won't mind a trade and GM Alex Anthopoulos is said to be shopping him. Josh Thole, who has been catching Dickey, could be out of a job if Martin and Navarro are on the roster at the end of spring.

4. Designated Hitter

4. Designated Hitter

The Jays may have trouble finding the right match to trade Navarro, so right now he is a prime candidate to start at designated hitter. His bat still has plenty of value. If Navarro goes, then the DH role goes to Edwin Encarnacion. However, if all three catchers are on the roster, then Encarnacion will have to play some in the field.

3. First Base

3. First Base

Encarnacion becomes part of the mix at first base if Navarro is the top choice for DH. Justin Smoak and Danny Valencia are the platoon choices. Encarnacion is going to get breaks over concern of his back issues, which makes DH the preferred position, but his bat must be in the lineup just for threat of the long ball. Smoak and Valencia just get to wait and see how it plays out.

Encarnacion becomes part of the mix at first base if Navarro is the top choice for DH. Justin Smoak and Danny Valencia are the platoon choices. Encarnacion is going to get breaks over concern of his back issues, which makes DH the preferred position, but his bat must be in the lineup just for threat of the long ball. Smoak and Valencia just get to wait and see how it plays out.

2. Second Base

2. Second Base

Steve Tolleson2 — This is the first position independent of what happens at catcher. The Opening Day starter may just be a placeholder with four or five players competing for the job. Maicer Izturis, Steve Tolleson, Devon Travis and Ryan Goins could all get a look. Travis is the long-term answer, but Izturis has the inside track just as the veteran.

This is the first position independent of what happens at catcher. The Opening Day starter may just be a placeholder with four or five players competing for the job. Maicer Izturis, Steve Tolleson, Devon Travis and Ryan Goins could all get a look. Travis is the long-term answer, but Izturis has the inside track just as the veteran.

1. Center Field

1. Center Field

Dalton Pompey2 — Prospect Dalton Pompey is the front runner among a three-man field. Ezequiel Carrera and Kevin Pillar are also in the mix. The injury to Michael Saunders means two of the three could be starting in the outfield and takes a bit of pressure off of Pompey. Pompey was the 16th-round pick in 2010 and could be starting at the age of 22.

Prospect Dalton Pompey is the front runner among a three-man field. Ezequiel Carrera and Kevin Pillar are also in the mix. The injury to Michael Saunders means two of the three could be starting in the outfield and takes a bit of pressure off of Pompey. Pompey was the 16th-round pick in 2010 and could be starting at the age of 22.

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Douglas Smith is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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