With Opening Day fast approaching, we've received a small preview from each club in Spring Training. Let's take a look at questions that each club must answer this season:
Atlanta Braves
Question: Can the Braves find a cure for the hitting woes of Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton?
If the Braves can solve this riddle, they will have one of the most productive offenses in all of professional baseball. Uggla has never been able to hit for a high average, but he was exceptionally bad in 2013, only hitting .179. Upton wasn't much better, hitting a lowly .184. Upton's biggest loss in production came from his tremendous decrease in stolen bases from 31 in 2012 to just 12 in 2013. The Braves will need to find a way to limit strikeouts, as both Uggla and Upton were fanned 150-plus times each in 2013.
Miami Marlins
Question: Where will the Marlins turn for runs?
Giancarlo Stanton was among two players to hit over 10 home runs for the Marlins in 2013. Yes, you read that right, the Marlins only had two players hit over 10 home runs. To battle this concern, the Marlins' management brought in three players: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Garret Jones and Rafael Furcal. Furcal hasn't played since 2012, when he had a good year with the St. Louis Cardinals. Saltalamacchia and Jones are similar hitters, both hitting around 15 home runs and around .250. The Marlins have a lot of youth in their lineup this season. If that youth can generate runs, they could have a surprisingly good season.
New York Mets
Question: Who will fill Matt Harvey's spot at the front of the Mets' rotation?
The Mets will add veteran Bartolo Colon to the rotation in 2014. Zack Wheeler and Dillon Gee are the two guys that the Mets would be thrilled to see step up in 2014. Both Wheeler and Gee have a repertoire of good pitches, and both also have a lot of potential upside. The Mets are hoping these two will add a nice punch to the middle of their rotation.
Philadelphia Phillies
Question: Will the Phillies' veterans be able to lead the club to success?
The Phillies are trying to put together a successful 2014 campaign on the back of some veterans. The Phillies' management has already questioned the leadership role of shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley will both be trying to return to the championship caliber players they were a few seasons ago. Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels lead a rotation that added another veteran in A.J. Burnett this offseason. These players have tasted success before and know what it takes to get to October.
Washington Nationals
Question: Can the Nationals find a way to win a postseason game?
The Nationals will probably return to the postseason this year, as that hasn't been the issue. The Nats need to find a way to put forth their best effort and advance this time around. This might sound simple, but it has been a problem for this team. Luckily the club has a lot of youth that should give the organization plenty of chances.
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