PHOENIX -- Throughout the winter, while watching general manager Dave Stewart make the blockbuster acquisitions of Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller, D-backs manager Chip Hale has been scribbling down various lineup combinations, bullpen options and rotation alignments.
When pitchers and catchers work out for the first time Thursday, Hale will begin the six-week process of evaluations that will lead to an Opening Day roster.
There will be plenty of battles for spots in the starting lineup, while there are fewer openings when it comes to the rotation and bullpen.
At least heading into Spring Training, Hale has first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, center fielder A.