The Z Files: AL East Playing Time Preview

Welcome to the first installment of a six-part series, looking at a different MLB division each week. I'll pose a series of playing time questions with draft implications in mind. Some of these will be answered by the time the series is over, some will extend into spring training. I'll commence with the American League East, conclude with the National League West, going through each in order of last season's finish.

BOSTON RED SOX

First Base

Mitch Moreland is a free agent while Hanley Ramirez is Hanley Ramirez. The early talk suggests Ramirez is gearing up to play the field in 2018. Raise your hand if you believe that. Yeah, me neither. The key could be Michael Chavis, a third baseman by trade but a possibility to move across the diamond like he did at the Arizona Fall League. He won't be ready this season, but how Boston feels about his long-term potential could direct how they handle the position for the next year or two. The club is rumored to be interested in dealing for Jose Abreu. Eric Hosmer has been mentioned, but isn't a bopper and will likely require a long-term commitment. Another placeholder like Moreland is a possibility, with Lucas Duda, Logan Morrison, Matt Adams and Adam Lind all on the market, forming a platoon with Sam Travis. Yonder Alonso is also a free agent, but the player making the most sense is Carlos Santana.

Second Base

Do you want to feel old? Dustin Pedroia celebrated his 34th birthday in August. The gritty veteran is on the shelf until the end of May after October knee surgery. Red Sox brass has indicated they're planning on having Marco Hernandez cover the keystone in Pedroia's absence. Brock Holt was tendered a contract and will likely be back as another option. An interesting move would be signing Brandon Phillips, as he could also spell Rafael Devers at third base occasionally, especially against tough southpaws.

Starting Pitching

Assuming David Price is a starter, that leaves the fifth spot open with Eduardo Rodriguez sidelined until late May or early June after knee surgery. Brian Johnson is transitioning to the bullpen, leaving Stephen Wright as the top in-house option. Chances are, a Doug Fister-like arm is brought in to add depth. Someone a little higher on the food chain is a possibility.

What about J.D. Martinez?

Martinez is atop the wish list of Red Sox Nation. Something can be done to clear a spot, like dealing Jackie Bradley Jr. (likely for pitching), but there isn't a clear position for Martinez unless dons a first baseman's mitt, which is unlikely.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Infield

Gleyber Torres, one of the top prospects in the game, is recovering from last June's Tommy John surgery. As a position player, he doesn't need the same rehab as a pitcher and thus is expected to be ready in the spring. With Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius returning as the double-play combo, third base is Torres' likely landing spot. Yes, Chase Headley hit well down the stretch, but if Torres proves capable in the Grapefruit League, Headley will not get in the way.

Outfield

The Yankees allege Aaron Hicks will be their regular center fielder. His glove and arm are worthy, but there's questions about his durability and if his bat will be exposed playing every day. Still, there's no reason to doubt this is the plan. Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge will flank Hicks, with Jacoby Ellsbury the odd man out. Perhaps the Yankees can move him, but more than likely they have an albatross contract as a reserve. The wild card is Clint Frazier. The 23-year-old debuted last season, holding his own, but he could certainly use a little more seasoning. Especially if you can stash players on reserve, Frazier is a nice speculative play in American League-only. In mixed formats, he's a risk without a clear path to steady playing time.

Starting Pitching

Similar to last season, the Yankees have an opening in their fifth spot, with a bevy of in-house candidates. In 2017, Jordan Montgomery emerged. This time around, Chad Green, Bryan Mitchell, Luis Cessa and rookie Chance Adams could battle it out in the spring, or they could bring in a veteran to replace CC Sabathia, although Sabathia coming back is also a possibility. With their loaded bullpen, Green could have a leg up on grabbing the spot.

TAMPA BAY RAYS

Infield

The left side appears set, but the right side is in flux. A lot depends on Matt Duffy coming back after missing the entire 2017 campaign. Duffy can play either middle infield spot, but with Adeiny Hechavarria manning shortstop, second is the more likely destination. This pushes Brad Miller to first base, or Miller can be the typical Rays' Swiss Army knife, playing everywhere. In terms of fantasy, until things flesh out – which would be indicated by signing a first baseman – Miller is a mixed league risk, but ideal for AL-only since he'll get his playing time but won't cost much unless a pathway to playing time crystallizes.

Outfield

Corey Dickerson's best position is designated hitter, which would clear a full-time spot for Mallex Smith and his wheels. With stolen bases at a premium, taking a shot on Smith in mixed leagues is well worth it.

Starting Pitching

There's a rotation opening with Alex Cobb a free agent, which is likely to be filled internally. Matt Andriese is a candidate to keep the spot warm for rookies Brent Honeywell or Jose De Leon. Nathan Eovaldi, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is also in the mix. Of the group, Honeywell is most intriguing. The 34th overall prospect in James Anderson's Top 400 Fantasy Baseball Prospects list, Honeywell and his screwball are likely to debut in 2018. In a pitching-starved landscape, he's worth a dart in mixed leagues.

Closer

Alex Colome returns, but is again rumored to be on the block. With Brad Boxberger dealt to the Diamondbacks, next-in-line is hazy. This is important since save opportunities track well with team ERA, and the Rays should fare well in that department. I wish I had a gem to suggest from their current relief corps, but alas, I don't.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Infield

The big question is second base. The oft-injured Devon Travis could battle the recently acquired Aledmys Diaz for the spot. Travis is a risk, though not a bad speculative play late in mixed leagues provided you have an exit strategy. Diaz is intriguing in AL-only since he can play shortstop in the unlikely event [Ed. note: ahem] Troy Tulowitzki get hurt.

Outfield

Losing Jose Bautista creates a big hole. Plus, can Steven Pearce be relied on for an entire season? And, even if he's healthy, will Pearce provide the punch necessary to keep up in the AL East? Ezequiel Carrera and Teoscar Hernandez are in-house options, but again, especially in a hitter's venue like Rogers Centre, are they the answers? Hernandez is interesting, but chances are Toronto will look to fortify their outfield.

Pitching

The bodies are there, but will they remain blister-free? I'm looking at you, Aaron Sanchez. Depending on if the Blue Jays feel they can make a splash this season, they could be in the market for a mid-rotation starter.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Catcher

Last year's starter, Welington Castillo, is now with the White Sox. Holdover Caleb Joseph could assume the lead role while future starter Chance Sisco either begins in Triple-A or perhaps breaks camp with the club. There's a chance Baltimore brings someone in, but with so many other needs, they'll likely spend the big money elsewhere. This isn't a scenario worth investing in.

Outfield

Adam Jones and Trey Mancini are solid. Mark Trumbo is best suited for designated hitter. The Orioles should look to go big (J.D. Martinez) but could save their budget for pitching and give prospect Austin Hays a shot. If it were my call, I'd look for another big thumper and try to bash teams 10-8, but the early scuttlebutt is Baltimore wants to sign some of the better starting pitchers.

Starting Pitcher

Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy are talented, but they're both coming off uneven campaigns. Personally, I like Gausman to rebound, but not to ace level. I recognize Bundy's skills, but am less confidence he can put it together on a consistent basis. As mentioned, Baltimore is rumored to be in on every arm, though they weren't invited to the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. The issue is convincing one of the better hurlers to work in Camden Yards for half of the season, likely drawing the Yankees and Red Sox a couple of times. I just don't see Yu Darvish going down that road. Chances are, they'll be in the Lance Lynn, Tyler Chatwood, Jason Vargas range, none of which are especially appetizing for fantasy purposes.

Questions? Hit me up in the comments.

Next week: AL Central