Cactus League 2018

CACTUS LEAGUE

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE 2018 PREVIEW

FOR MORE CACTUS LEAGUE COVERAGE, GO TO CACTUS.AZCENTRAL.COM CA

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Cactus League 2018 Wednesday, Feb. 21 ASU at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 23 LAA at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

MIL (ss) at SF, 1:05 p.m.

CHC at MIL (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CIN at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

CHW at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

AZ at COL, 1:10 p.m.

SEA at SD, 1:10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 24 LAD (ss) at KC, 1:05 p.m.

SD at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

TEX at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

COL at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

SF at LAD (ss), 1:05 p.m.

MIL at LAA, 1:10 p.m CLE at AZ, 1;10 p.m.

CHW at SEA, 1:10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 25 KC at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

COL at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

CHC at SF, 1:05 p.m.

CLE at CIN (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CIN (ss) at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

SD at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

LAD at SEA, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 26 KC at SF, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

LAD at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

CLE at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

AZ (ss) at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

OAK at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at SD, 1:10 p.m.

COL at AZ (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 SEA (ss) at KC, 1:05 p.m.

AZ at SF, 1:05 p.m.

CHW at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

OAK at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

TEX at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at COL, 1:10 p.m.

SD at SEA (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 CIN at KC, 1:05 p.m.

OAK at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

SF at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at CLE (ss), 1:05 p.m.

TEX at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

COL at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

CLE (ss) at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

LAD at SD, 1:10 p.m.

Thursday, March 1 TEX (ss) at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at SF, 1:05 p.m.

COL at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

CHW at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

SD at TEX (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CLE at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

KC at SEA, 1:10 p.m.

MIL at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

Friday, March 2 CIN at SF, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

TEX at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

LAD at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

AZ at COL, 1:10 p.m.

CHC at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

KC at SD, 1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 3 CHW at KC, 1:05 p.m.

SD at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

TEX at SF (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CIN at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

SF (ss) at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

AZ at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at COL, 1:10 p.m.

LAA at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

Sunday, March 4 LAD at SF, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

CLE and MIL, 1:05 p.m.

KC at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

SD (ss) at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

CHC at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

COL at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

OAK at SD (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 5 CHW at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

SF at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

CLE at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

CHC at COL, 1:10 p.m.

AZ at SD, 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, March 6 TEX at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

LAD at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

CLE at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

SD at KC, 6:05 p.m.

COL at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7 MIL at KC, 1:05 p.m.

SD at SF, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

TEX at COL, 1:10 p.m.

LAD at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

CHC at CLE, 6:05 p.m.

OAK at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

Thursday, March 8 LAA at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

SD at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

CHW (ss) at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

KC at CHW (ss), 1:05 p.m.

AZ at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at COL, 1:10 p.m.

LAD at CLE, 6:05 p.m.

SF at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

Friday, March 9 AZ at KC (ss), 1:05 p.m.

SEA at SF, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

OAK at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

KC (ss) at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

CLE at COL, 1:10 p.m.

CHW at SD, 1:10 p.m.

TEX at CIN, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 10 LAA (ss) at SF (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CHW at CHC (ss), 1:05 p.m.

OAK at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

COL at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

SF (ss) at LAA (ss), 1:10 p.m.

KC at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

CLE at SD, 1:10 p.m.

SEA at CIN, 6:05 p.m.

CHC (ss) at LAD, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 11 CHC at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

CLE (ss) at KC, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at CLE (ss), 1:05 p.m.

AZ at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at SEA, 1:10 p.m.

LAD at COL, 1:10 p.m.

TEX at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

SD at SF, 3:05 p.m.

Monday, March 12 SD at KC (ss), 12:05 p.m.

TEX (ss) at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

SF at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

COL at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

CIN at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

TEX (ss) at KC (ss), 6:05 p.m.

CHW at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, March 13 TEX at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

OAK at KC, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at COL, 1:10 p.m.

CHC (ss) at SD, 1:10 p.m.

SF at CHC (ss), 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14 CHW at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

LAA at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

CHC at KC, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

SF at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

COL at LAD, 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, March 15 AZ at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

KC at LAD, 1:05 p.m.

LAA (ss) at COL, 1:10 p.m.

CHW at LAA, 6:10 p.m.

SF at SD, 6:40 p.m.

SEA at OAK, 7:05 p.m.

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Friday, March 16 CLE at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

CHC at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

LAD at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

COL at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

KC at SD, 1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 17 TEX (ss) at KC (ss), 12:05 p.m.

SEA (ss) at OAK (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CLE (ss) at CHC (ss), 1:05 p.m.

COL at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

SF (ss) at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

LAD at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

SD at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

LAA at SEA (ss), 1:10 p.m.

OAK (ss) at SF (ss), 4:05 p.m.

KC (ss) at TEX (ss), 6:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 18 CHW at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

KC at CHC (ss), 1:05 p.m.

LAD (ss) at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

AZ at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

SD at LAD (ss), 1:05 p.m.

LAA at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

SF at COL, 1:10 p.m.

CLE (ss) at SEA, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 19 CLE at SF, 1:05 p.m.

CHW at AZ, 1:10 p.m.

COL at TEX, 6:05 p.m.

CHC at CIN, 6:05 p.m.

SEA at LAA, 6:10 p.m.

OAK at LAD, 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20 LAD at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

TEX at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

AZ at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

MIL at COL, 1:10 p.m.

SF at KC, 6:05 p.m.

CIN at SD, 6:40 p.m.

Wednesday, March 21 OAK at MIL (ss), 1:05 p.m.

CHC at TEX, 1:05 p.m.

SD at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

KC at CLE, 6:05 p.m.

MIL (ss) at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

SF at AZ, 6:40 p.m.

Thursday, March 22 COL at OAK, 1:05 p.m.

KC at MIL, 1:05 p.m.

SD at CLE, 1:05 p.m.

CIN at TEX (ss), 6:05 p.m.

TEX (ss) at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

CHW at AZ, 6:40 p.m.

CHC at SF, 7:05 p.m.

LAA at LAD, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, March 23 KC (ss) at SF, 1:05 p.m.

MIL at CHC, 1:05 p.m.

SEA at CHW, 1:05 p.m.

LAD at KC (ss), 1:05 p.m.

OAK at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

CIN at COL, 1:10 p.m.

AZ at CLE, 6:05 p.m.

TEX at SD, 6:40 p.m.

Saturday, March 24 MIL at OAK, 12:05 p.m.

CLE at TEX, 12:05 p.m.

CHW at LAD, 12:05 p.m.

SD at CIN, 1:05 p.m.

KC at AZ (ss), 1:10 p.m.

AZ (ss) at LAA, 1:10 p.m.

CHC (ss) at SEA, 6:40 p.m.

COL at CHC (ss), 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 25 MIL at CHW, 12:05 p.m.

CHC at KC, 12:05 p.m.

CIN at CLE, 12:05 p.m.

SEA at SD, 12:10 p.m.

AZ at COL, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 26 CLE at AZ at Chase Field, 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, March 27 CLE at Arizona at Chase Field, 12:40 p.m.

SEA at COL, 1:10 p.m.

On the cover, from left: Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani and Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley. PHOTOS BY JOE CAMPOREALE/ USA TODAY SPORTS, MATT KARTOZIAN, USA TODAY SPORTS AND MICHAEL CHOW/THE REPUBLIC

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Peoria

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101

Phoenix

Surprise

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60

Glendale

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Scottsdale

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87

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10

Goodyear

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202

River Salt

10 Tempe

8Mesa 60

101 10 MILES

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Surprise Stadium 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise Teams: Royals, Rangers Tickets: 623-222-2222

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Hohokam Stadium 1235 N. Center St., Mesa Team: Athletics Tickets: 1-877-493-2255

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Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria Teams: Padres, Mariners Tickets: 623-773-8720

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Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale Team: Giants Tickets: 1-877-473-4849

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Camelback Ranch 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix Teams: Dodgers, White Sox Tickets: 800-745-3000

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Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa Team: Cubs Tickets: 480-668-0500

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Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix Team: Brewers Tickets: 800-933-7890

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Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear Teams: Reds, Indians Tickets: 623-882-3130

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Salt River Fields 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale Teams: Diamondbacks, Rockies Tickets: 480-362-9467

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Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe Team: Angels Tickets: 800-745-3000

Go the distance | Mileage between Cactus League parks Sur

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Surprise Peoria Camelback Maryvale Salt River Hohokam Scottsdale Sloan Goodyear Tempe

Pe

Ca Sco Sa H M me lba aryva lt Riv ohoka ttsda ori c e m le le k a r

— 11.5 13.6 18.2 38.2 39.8 33.9 41.5 17.9 32.9

10.9 — 12.7 11.5 30.2 33.0 27.3 36.4 23.1 26.0

13.6 12.7 — 9.0 38.8 33.1 27.6 28.1 8.1 26.0

18.2 11.5 9.0 — 27.8 23.8 17.9 23.0 13.3 16.6

38.2 30.2 38.8 27.8 — 12.0 6.0 8.7 42.7 18.0

39.8 33.0 33.1 23.8 12.0 — 9.1 3.1 37.0 13.5

Slo

33.9 27.3 27.6 17.9 6.0 9.1 — 6.3 31.7 9.7

Go ody T ear empe an

41.5 36.4 28.1 23.0 8.7 3.1 6.3 — 33.2 9.0

17.9 23.1 8.1 13.3 42.7 37.0 31.7 33.2 — 29.9

32.9 26.0 26.0 16.6 18.0 13.5 9.7 9.0 29.9 —

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Cactus League 2018 || Season Preview

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Cactus League will have plenty of star power BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

If a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat, seven-game World Series left you wanting more, get ready to settle into another beguiling baseball season.

Start it by seeing all that the Cactus League has in store.

Five of the past eight World Series champions, as well as five of the past eight World Series runner-ups, conduct spring training in the greater Phoenix area, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, who paced Major League Baseball with 104 wins last season.

The Dodgers have won the National League West crown each of the past five seasons and look to be the favorites once again in 2018. They will have to contend, however, with not only a confident Arizona Diamondbacks team coming off a 93win season and a wild-card appearance, but a re-energized San Francisco Giants franchise that added two big-name superstars, Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen.

There is no shortage of star players and intriguing teams in the Cactus League, which features the Chicago Cubs and sluggers such as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo; the Cleveland Indians and stud infielders Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor; the Colorado Rockies and their two big boppers, Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon; not to mention the Dodgers and two of baseball’s newest stars in Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager.

This spring training also will introduce a captivating new face: young Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, who has joined megastar center fielder Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels after becoming the most sought-after free agent of the offseason. Ohtani could be primed to do something that hasn’t happened with any real regularity in 100 years.

‘Babe Ruth of Japan’ Ohtani, 23, hopes to become the first full-time, two-way player in the majors since Babe Ruth. Nicknamed the “Babe Ruth of Japan,” he is a right-handed power pitcher whose fastball clocks into triple digits and is a left-handed power hitter who had a .500 career slugging percentage with the Nippon-Ham Fighters.

“As a baseball fan, I am incredibly in-

Fans watch Diamondbacks players on the first day of workouts for pitchers and catchers at Salt River Fields on Feb. 14. MICHAEL CHOW/THE REPUBLIC

trigued to see how Ohtani both does in hitting and also as a starter,” former 14time All-Star and three-time American League MVP Alex Rodriguez said. “I will say this: I think what makes Major League Baseball not only the best league in the world, but also the most challenging, is how long it is. It is a marathon. “ ... But I’m super excited to see how that develops.”

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo used the same phrase – “super excited” – when he was asked about watching Ohtani this spring.

“It’s been a topic of baseball since I became a staff member in the early 2000s, where you wonder if somebody could pull it off and play on both sides,” said Lovullo, the 2017 National League Manager of the Year. “It’s a challenge, and it takes a special athlete with a special type of body that’s not going to break down and is going to be at full strength for an entire season.

“I know the Angels probably have a plan for that, but I’m super excited to see what he can do. I’ve read a lot about him, and every team in baseball did their

homework on him, and that included me watching a lot of video on him. I’m super excited to see what type of player he is. I will say this: I’m glad he’s not in the NL West.”

West is best What is in the NL West: four of the league’s top eight strikeouts artists from last season – Robbie Ray (218) and Zack Greinke (213) of the Diamondbacks, Jeff Samardzija (205) of the Giants and Clayton Kershaw (202) of the Dodgers.

Ray, Greinke and Kershaw – the threetime NL Cy Young Award winner – also ranked among the top six National League leaders in ERA and wins.

And now two of baseball’s bigger names have joined the division, Longoria and McCutchen, who figure to invigorate a Giants team that is coming off its second-worst season in franchise history.

“The Giants are going to be a force again in that division,” ESPN Sunday Night Baseball play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian said.

Rodriguez, who will call Sunday night

games with Vasgersian in addition to his broadcasting duties as a studio host for Fox Sports, said he is curious to see if the Giants “get back on the horse.” He is more interested, however, in how the Dodgers respond following their Game 7 collapse in the World Series to the Astros.

“It’s always interesting to see how Goliath does and how they come back,” Rodriguez said.

“If you think about one of the best World Series in a really long time and some really exciting games, it ended in a very anticlimactic way in Game 7. The game was basically over after eight or nine, 10 pitches into the game of Yu Darvish. It’ll be interesting to see how they come back, how they bounce back.”

Meanwhile, there are those pesky Diamondbacks, who exceeded all expectations under Lovullo, their first year manager, and Mike Hazen, their first-year general manager.

“We know what’s in the NL West,” he said. “There’s a lot of real quality teams in the NL West and we have to play Arizona Diamondback baseball to have another successful season.”

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Cactus League 2018 || Arizona Diamondbacks

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D-Backs looking to repeat last year’s success NICK PIECORO ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

The Diamondbacks entered spring training a year ago preparing for the possibility of a rebuild. The feel entering camp this season is vastly different.

Fresh off a surprising 93-win season, the Diamondbacks are clear-cut contenders. Their offseason was relatively quiet – more maintaining the status quo than making big-name acquisitions – but they bring back most of the same players who advanced out of the wild-card round before falling in the division series.

All five of their starters – a group that registered the second-best ERA in the National League – are back, as is most of the group of position players who ranked in the top five in runs, home runs and stolen bases.

They finished a sizable 11 games back in the National League West of the Dodgers, who also bring back largely the same team, and they didn’t make the same offseason moves as the Brewers, Cardinals, Giants and Rockies, all of whom could be wild-card contenders. Still, the Diamondbacks like their chances.

“We feel very good about the talent on our club,” General Manager Mike Hazen said. “We think in a lot of instances, we’re another year matured. I do think we’re fairly young on the whole, and I think that maturity is always beneficial. When you have the majority of the team in the 20s, I think that will benefit us.”

The relative youth of which Hazen speaks portends greater predictability, though it’s still baseball, a notoriously hard-to-predict game.

Slugger Paul Goldschmidt and outfielders A.J. Pollock and David Peralta are entering their age-30 seasons, which is to say they might be slightly out of their prime but not alarmingly so.

Jake Lamb (27), Chris Owings (26), Ketel Marte (24), Brandon Drury (25) and Nick Ahmed (28 in March) are in a range in which production should be at its best.

The pitching staff skews just as young. Among the starters, only Zack Greinke (34) is out of his 20s. The club’s top reliever, Archie Bradley, is 25.

So even though the Diamondbacks didn’t make any headline-grabbing acquisitions, Hazen still sees a team largely on the upswing even while he acknowledges it’s hard to expect everyone to improve.

Diamondbacks relief pitcher Archie Bradley warms up during the first day of workouts for pitchers and catchers at Salt River Fields on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation on Feb. 14. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CHOW/THE REPUBLIC

“I just think with maturity, there’s probably a sharpness in execution - and a consistency with the execution,” he said.

“Not asking them to be more talented, but asking them to hone in their consistency is an attainable goal as guys mature and get more experience under their belt.”

Another consideration, Hazen said, is that the Diamondbacks didn’t get full seasons from most of their starters. Lefty Robbie Ray missed about a month after taking a line drive off the head. Righthander Taijuan Walker battled a blister issue that cost him a month. And righthander Zack Godley didn’t pitch a full season in the majors, either, after starting the season in the minors.

“I think if we keep our guys healthy, there is some built-in upside there,” he said.

With slugger J.D. Martinez expected

to depart as a free agent, the Diamondbacks were still on the hunt for another outfielder. Their lineup, despite averaging a tick over five runs per game, also has room to improve.

Goldschmidt had an uncharacteristic final month of the season. Lamb struggled through another rough second half.

Owings and Ahmed missed most of the second half with injuries. Pollock also missed time and didn’t produce as well as in previous seasons.

“We got beat in the division by a significant amount last year and we need to make up that gap,” Hazen said. “That’s on us. It’s something we’re going to focus in on Day 1 and work to improve to try to do that.”

Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or nick.piecoro@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.

Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker missed a month last season while dealing with a blister issue on his pitching hand. He was 9-9 with a 3.49 ERA in 2017, his first season with Arizona after being acquired from Seattle.

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Cactus League 2018 || Salt River Fields Salt River Fields This 13,000-seat stadium opened in 2011. There are 13 fields (including the main stadium) split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

Details: 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Reservation. 480-270-5000, saltriverfields.com.

Insider tips: Salt River Fields was the first Major League Baseball property built on an Indian reservation. Tribal influences incorporated throughout the park gives information about the teams and the history of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Restroom signs are in Maricopa, Pima and English.

Food and drink: Budweiser Bow Tie, Streets of New York Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, Salty Señorita and Sonoran BBQ will stoke hungry and thirsty fans.

Where to sit: There isn’t a bad seat in the house. For the cost-conscious fan, the grass area is pretty expansive, even when it’s crowded.

Bring a blanket or towel, as chairs are not permitted. Although the

facility was built to maximize shade, free sunscreen is provided for fans along the Banana Boat Lawn. The always-busy hospitality levels, such as the Pepsi Patio, provide an amazing view of just about every mountain in the Valley, from the McDowells to the Four Peaks to Red Mountain.

Meet-and-greets: Autographs are widely available. At each Diamondbacks home game, an autograph session is held in the left-field corner where two players will sign an hour before the first pitch. During batting practice at D-Backs and Rockies games, try to squeeze down to the front-row stadium seats near the bullpens. The Rockies have added an autograph session at the right-field corner an hour before first pitch.

Family time: With a Cold Stone Creamery Kids Fun Field near the first-base concourse, kids can play Wiffle ball with stadium personnel.

Fans may also find some MLB coaches wandering over. Kids can enjoy running the bases after every Sunday home game.

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Fans watch on the left-field lawn as the Diamondbacks play the Dodgers at Salt River Fields near Scottsdale last March 3 during the Cactus League season. ROB SCHUMACHER/AZCENTRAL SPORTS

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Cactus League 2018 || Colorado Rockies

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Rockies hope to ride pitching back to playoffs NICK PIECORO ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

The Rockies won 87 games and reached the postseason last year, doing so more on the back of their pitching staff than their traditionally high-powered offense. That tends to be the case when Colorado clubs reach the playoffs, but it was a little more exaggerated last season.

Believe it or not, the Rockies’ offense was largely subpar last season. While they led the league in runs per game, that was only due to playing at Coors Field; on the road, the Rockies scored the fourthfewest runs in the National League.

Some advanced stats portray the Rockies as having one of the five worst offenses in the majors last season.

The pitching could carry them again this year. Most of their rotation returns intact, and their bullpen figures to be just as strong, with free-agent additions Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw joining Jake McGee, who re-signed.

Top draw With apologies to Charlie Blackmon, who can be an electric offensive player, Nolan Arenado is incredible on both sides of the ball. Last season, he won both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, finished fourth in MVP voting and made the All-Star team.

He accumulated 7.2 Wins Above Replacement, making him the third most valuable position player in the league, according to Baseball-Reference.

Position battle On this front, the Rockies have a few interesting scenarios to watch. They have too many starters for the rotation.

The first base job looks unclear. The backup catcher, behind newcomer Chris Iannetta, could be another.

Then there’s right field, where the Rockies will need to settle on a replacement for free agent Carlos Gonzalez.

Former Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra is one option, and another, perhaps higher upside candidate, is David Dahl.

Dahl missed all of last season with rib/ upper back injuries, but he showed in 2016 – when he hit .315 with a .500 slugging in 222 at-bats – that he can be an offensive force when healthy.

Rockies manager Bud Black watches bullpen workouts at Salt River Fields near Scottsdale on Feb. 16. Black and the Rockies were 87-75 and made the postseason in 2017. PHOTOS BY RICK SCUTERI/USA TODAY SPORTS

Breaking in The Rockies had a slew of players emerge last season, particularly on the pitching side, with German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland turning in solid years in the rotation.

Perhaps the best bet for such an emergence this year is on the position player side, Ryan McMahon.

Ranked as the Rockies’ No. 2 prospect

by Baseball America, he could get a chance to establish himself at first base.

With Mark Reynolds apparently departing as a free agent and Ian Desmond looking likely to see time in the outfield, McMahon, who hit a combined .355 between Double-A and Triple-A last season, could seize control of the firstbase job.

Manager: Bud Black.

Last season’s record: 87-75.

Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta, left, played for the Diamondbacks last season. Pitcher Jon Gray, right, was 10-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 2017.

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Cactus League 2018 || San Francisco Giants, Scottsdale Stadium

SPECTAB

02.21.18

Additions of McCutchen, Longoria improve Giants BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

Something happened to the Giants after celebrating three World Series championships in a five-year span from 2010-15 and reaching the postseason again in 2016: They fell on their face.

It wasn’t just a stumble, either. In losing 98 games, the Giants suffered their second-worst season ever, including the 74 years they spent in New York.

But the Giants don’t intend to repeat that misery, which is why they rolled the dice and traded for a trio of veteran stars: third baseman Evan Longoria and outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Austin Jackson. The bet is they can win with an aging lineup and let the farm system remain barren for a few more years.

“I truly believe that this organization, obviously with the moves that they’ve made this offseason, with the recent acquisition of McCutchen, I believe that they’re still not done,” Longoria told KNBR radio in San Francisco. “I think they want to do a few more things and that shows a commitment to winning. We’re definitely on the path to turning it around this year.”

Top draw The Giants have an assortment of exciting and entertaining athletes to watch, from catcher Buster Posey and first baseman Brandon Belt to the two big names

Scottsdale Stadium The home of the San Francisco Giants is in the heart of downtown Scottsdale and games attract large crowds. If you don’t have a ticket, be sure to check that your desired game isn’t sold out before you start driving; after all, the Giants have won three of the past eight World Series titles.

Details: 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale.

480-312-2580, scottsdaleaz.gov/scottsdale-stadium.

Insider tip: The stadium partners with the Scottsdale Charros, a community group that raises funds from banner and program advertising and by selling tickets to the Charro Lodge, an all-inclusive mostly shaded VIP area ($140-$165). The Charros donate more than $500,000 to East Valley charities each year.

Food and drink: Old Town Scottsdale has scads of restaurants. Citizen Public House is a haven for Giants fans, and other options include Dos Gringos for laid-back Mexican food and the popular Kelly’s, Banderas and

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, center, gestures to players during spring training on Feb. 15 in Scottsdale. BEN MARGOT/AP

they acquired this winter in Longoria and McCutchen. But the centerpiece in 2018 remains ace lefty Madison Bumgarner, who had strung together four consecutive years of more than 200 innings and a sub-3.00 ERA until suffering a shoulder injury in a dirt bike crash and missing half of 2017. Limited to 17 starts, Bumgarner was the only Giant to finish with an ERA below 4.40 (3.32), and he seems poised to return to All-Star form this year.

healthy, should be super stellar in 2018 thanks to their top three arms: Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija.

The final two spots, though, figure to be more or less up for grabs with as many as four to six pitchers possibly gunning for the jobs. Among those sure to be in the mix are Chris Stratton, Ty Blach and Tyler Beede, who is an intriguing prospect.

Position battle

The Giants still have a handful of intriguing prospects on track to the majors, and one of them is 24-year-old center

The Giants’ starting rotation, if RnR. At the game, try a 22-ounce bomber from Anchor Steam Brewing Co., a San Francisco original since 1896. Oh, and save room (and a breath mint) for an order of garlic fries. The stadium also sells smoked pulled pork and brisket.

Where to sit: If you've purchased grass seating, bring a blanket and settle in alongside other fans. Chairs aren’t allowed. If you're looking for shade, head to the left-field corner where mature trees offer respite.

Meet-and-greets: Autograph seekers need to get to the game early. Hang out along the rail behind the first-base line near the Giants dugout and be ready to chat with the players.

Getting there: Don't be intimidated by Old Town parking or the limited access at the park. The city's trolley has a stop at the stadium's Gate E, allowing you to park pretty much anywhere along the route and hitch a free ride to and from the game. There's also ample public parking within walking distance of the stadium.

Breaking in

fielder Steven Duggar, who might have made his big-league debut last season had it not been for an assortment of injuries.

He’s got some raw power at the plate, but what the Giants really love about him is his speed, particularly in the outfield where he has been called a veritable ball hawk. He’s got an above-average arm to go along with that, which makes it very likely he will receive a promotion and split some time in center with the veteran Jackson. Ultimately, the full-time job there will go to this prospect on the rise.

Manager: Bruce Bochy.

2017 record: 64-98.

Scottsdale Stadium, Cactus League home for the San Francisco Giants, opened in 1992 and holds 12,000 fans. SAM GREENE

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Cactus League 2018 || Los Angeles Dodgers

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Dodgers, Kershaw eager to take that final step BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite winning 104 games, the most in their 60 seasons of playing in Los Angeles, capturing their fifth consecutive NL West championship and advancing to the NL Championship Series for the third time in five years, the Dodgers still probably aren’t over their Game 7 World Series loss to the Houston Astros.

“Gosh, I don’t know if you ever get over it,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters at the winter meetings. “Especially if you go to Game 7. A lot of things could have been different – a pitch here, a pitch there – that could maybe change the outcome.

“You’ve got to get back up to the top of the mountain, and it’s good knowing that we have a lot of guys that have been part of some big games in the last few years, some very meaningful games, and there’s a lot of value in that. So I’d argue that our guys are as hungry as anybody in all of baseball to be that close. We’ll be right there in the mix again.”

With a stellar starting rotation led by Clayton Kershaw, a lineup full of speed and power highlighted by rising young stars in first baseman Cody Bellinger and shortstop Corey Seager, and a bullpen featuring stud closer Kenley Jansen, who has averaged 42 saves each of the past four years, the Dodgers clearly remain contenders and likely will make another run at the first World Series championship since 1988.

Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda works on a drill at the team's spring training facility in Glendale on Feb. 14. PHOTOS BY CARLOS OSORIO/AP

gest drawback is that he hit just .190 against in 286 plate appearances against right-handers. Taylor has far better career splits, and it probably makes sense to give him the bulk of the starts at second and let Forsythe do most of the utility work in 2018.

Top draw

Breaking in

The Dodgers have stars aplenty, from Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, to clutch-hitting third baseman Justin Turner. But it’s time to make way for the 22-year-old Bellinger, last year’s unanimous NL Rookie of the Year after hitting an NL rookie-record 39 home runs.

That number was the third-most by a rookie all-time in either league.

Adrian Gonzalez’s departure alleviates any uncertainty at first base. The job is now Bellinger’s for years to come, and don’t be surprised if the Scottsdaleborn slugger goes on to shatter records the more he settles into newfound fame.

Keep an eye on right-hander Walker Buehler, a first-round pick in 2015 who is back from Tommy John surgery and will get a shot to crack the starting rotation somewhere behind Kershaw, Rich Hill and Alex Wood. Buehler, 23, made his big-league debut last season as a reliever, posting a 7.71 ERA in eight appearances for the Dodgers. In 11 starts at Double-A Tulsa, his ERA was a 3.49. Roberts said Buehler is a starter and will be used as one this spring, but he’ll have lots of competition. There’s Kenta Maeda, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Ross Stripling and, at some point, Julio Urias will return from shoulder surgery and be a big consideration. A very strong spring training and a good start to the season will be paramount for Buehler.

Manager: Dave Roberts.

2017 record: 104-58.

Position battle There are tweaks the Dodgers need to make in the outfield, on the back end of

Dodgers ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw has been tabbed for a record eighth start on Opening Dayfor the Dodgers.

their starting rotation and with a spot or two in the bullpen, but the most intriguing developments could come at second base. Logan Forsythe, the incumbent

starter, will be challenged for playing time by Chris Taylor, who can play almost anywhere and last year spent most of his time in the outfield. Forsythe’s big-

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Cactus League 2018 || Chicago White Sox, Camelback Ranch

02.21.18

White Sox look to accelerate rebuilding process came with all of Hahn’s moves for the past year and a half. The top relievers were traded away to contenders, leaving the pen woefully unarmed with a cast of castoffs. There will easily be more than a dozen relievers competing for a variety of roles up and down the bullpen. Nate Jones is returning from arm woes and could be in for a battle with newcomer Joakim Soria for the set-up role - if not the closer’s role - along with Juan Minaya. Soria, a lefty, and fellow reliever Luis Avilan were acquired from the Padres.

BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

Although the White Sox finished with their worst record in four years, the rebuilding project seems to be progressing as planned, and 2017 showed the development of a handful of young and promising standouts, including second baseman Yoan Moncada, shortstop Tim Anderson, third baseman Yolmer Sanchez and designated hitter Matt Davidson, along with pitchers Carson Fulmer and Juan Minaya.

“All in all, I think we showed improvement and we showed some fight,” Rick Renteria said after his first season as Chicago’s manager. “People should be optimistic about the coming years.”

The goal has been for the White Sox to be ready to contend by 2020, and any real uptick this season or next could expedite those expectations and make General Manager Rick Hahn more aggressive in adding high-priced talent. This offseason, there were rumors that the Sox were interested in making a run at Orioles star Manny Machado, but it’s unclear just how realistic that was.

Chicago has an establish slugger, first baseman Jose Abreu, who has strung together four straight seasons with at least 25 home runs, 100 RBIs and a .290 average. Right fielder Avisail Garcia, mean-

Breaking in The White Sox share spring training facilities with the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC

while, slimmed down and responded with career highs with a .330 average, 18 homers and 80 RBIs. Both players could be subject to a trade, however, if Hahn seeks to gain more elite prospects moving forward.

Top draw Abreu is still a masher whom fans love to watch swat ball over the wall, but it’s another Cuban-born talent who is sure to draw attention this year. The 22-year-old Moncada, acquired last winter from the Red Sox as part of the package for pitcher

Chris Sale, is a future face of the franchise. The switch hitter is still learning his way – he needs to sharpen up defensively and do a better job of making contact at the plate – but the tools are real and the potential is huge. He’s already forced Sanchez to move from second base to third, and he finished the season on an incredibly high note with five homers and a .818 OPS in his final 24 games.

Position battle One of the downfalls to the ongoing rebuild was how decimated the bullpen be-

It’s probably a foregone conclusion that right-hander Michael Kopech will start the season at Triple-A Charlotte, but there is so much intrigue in the White Sox’s top pitching prospect that it’s believed he could crack the starting rotation with an outstanding spring. Acquired from the Red Sox as part of the last year’s trade involving Sale, Kopech dominated the Southern League and was still mowing them down upon his promotion to Charlotte. The right-hander had 172 strikeouts in 134.1 innings last season in the minors. He’s also ramped up his velocity to such a degree that he can regularly throw 100 mph and has already touched 105 in a game.

Manager: Rick Renteria.

2017 record: 67-95.

Camelback Ranch The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers share Camelback Ranch Glendale, which actually is in Phoenix. It covers 141 acres, making it the largest complex in the Cactus League.

Details: 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 623-302-5000, camelbackranchbaseball.com.

Insider tips: There is a $3 surcharge on tickets purchased on the day of the game. Save money by purchasing in advance.

Parking at the complex is free.

Food and drink: Food options include authentic Dodger Dogs and Vienna Beef Chicago Dogs. Enjoy a cold beer or Three Amigos margarita at Four Peaks Patio on the stadium’s main concourse.

Things to look for: As Camelback Ranch celebrates its 10th season in 2018, upgraded amenities include two new 100-foot shade canopies along the first-base concourse and a new 30-foot by 50-foot Daktronics video board in right-center field.

Meet-and-greets: The railings are low, so the left- and right-field corners of the stadium are good places to approach players on game days. The Dodgers enter from the left-field corner, the White Sox from the right. Fans also could try to snag a signature on the paths from the Dodgers or Sox team buildings to the practice diamonds during morning workouts.

Camelback Ranch Glendale is host to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. THE REPUBLIC

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Cactus League 2018 || San Diego Padres

02.21.18 a

Padres to lean on core of young players in 2018 BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

For the seventh straight season, the Padres failed to finish .500 or better in 2017, but there could be some reasonable hope moving forward. Despite a National League-worst team .234 batting average, a league-fewest 604 runs and an NL-low .299 team OPS, improvement could be on the way if several of San Diego’s young players, the core of which they plan to build around, are able to take the next step forward in their development.

Several teams would love to have the player-control rights of the Padres’ bevy of budding stars such as catcher Austin Hedges, outfielders Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe, and pitchers Luis Perdomo and Dinelson Lamet.

San Diego set a franchise record with 189 home runs last season, and there is reason to believe they can add to that given some of the boppers they have in Green’s lineup, which includes the reacquisition of third baseman Chase Headley and the trade with Philadelphia for shortstop Freddy Galvis.

Top draw It might become incredibly easy to fall in love with some of the Padres’ collection of young and rising stars, but until one of them shows signs of becoming All-Star worthy and beyond, the player you probably should keep your eyes on this spring is first baseman Eric Hosmer, who recently signed an eight-year deal worth $144 million – the largest contract in franchise history.

His addition means Wil Myers, whom San Diego signed to a six-year, $83 million extension a year ago, will be shifted to the outfield a year after hitting a career-high 30 homers, along with 29 doubles and 20 stolen bases.

“This is an offseason that I’m preparing more than I ever have to be able to come back and take that next step as a ballplayer,” Myers told reporters recently, adding of his sub-bar .243 batting average, “I haven’t dealt with failure very well at the big-league level.”

Position battle The logjam in the infield starts at second base. The top candidates to man the position are Cory Spangenberg and Carlos Asuaje. Last season as a rookie,

Pitcher Kazuhisa Makita, center, joins the Padres after several professional seasons in Japan. The submarining reliever’s fastballs were routinely clocked at 80 mph last season with Seibu. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP

Manager Andy Green and the Padres were 71-91 last season, his second at the helm in San Diego.

The Padres recently signed Eric Hosmer to an eight-year deal worth $144 million, the largest contract in franchise history. AP

Padres pitcher Colin Rea missed all of last season after undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery.

Asuaje hit .270 and flashed very well, defensively. Spangenberg can shift between second and third base, as he has experience at both positions.

Don’t count out 20-year-old prospect Luis Urias, either. The infielder has a .310 batting average in 347 minor-league games with 153 walks to just 135 strikeouts. He’s played predominantly second base to this point, but can double at shortstop. The Padres may have to trade away another infielder to find him a spot

when he’s ready for the majors fulltime.

The first Padres rookie in history to homer twice in the club’s home opener, Margot has terrific speed, anticipation and projects to be a top defensive standout. He stole 17 bases, hit 13 home runs and had a .409 slugging percentage.

“When you’re able to be an impact, twoway player, that’s what makes you into a superstar,” Margot said late last season.

“That’s something that I want to be.”

Manager: Andy Green.

2017 record: 71-91.

Breaking in The Padres knew they had something special top prospect Manuel Margot, and that’s why they entrusted him as their starting center field and leadoff hitter last season as a rookie. He didn’t disappoint and might have actually been better than they could have expected.

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Cactus League 2018 || Seattle Mariners, Peoria Sports Complex

02.21.18

Mariners look ready to return to playoffs Position battle

BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC

This isn’t so much a battle between players for one specific position as it is more of one player battling to learn a new position. To that, we give you Dee Gordon, whom the Mariners acquired in a trade with the Marlins in December.

Gordon, 29, is transitioning from second base to center field, a position he’s played only a few times in the Venezuelan Winter League four years ago.

“We’re really confident in his ability to go out there and runs flay balls down,” manager Scott Servais said. “… His goal is to be a Gold Glove center fielder, and he’s got the athletic ability and work ethic. I think he’s going to be fine.”

USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite yet another busy offseason

by General Manager Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners not only failed to take another step forward, they fell eight games off their 86-76 record from 2016 and continue to own the longest postseason drought in Major League Baseball.

“It was a rough season for us, obviously, due to injuries and stuff,” starting pitcher James Paxton said after the final game of the 2017 season. “I thought we did a nice job of hanging in there. Coming in next year, I think we have a really good core, and as long as we can stay healthy, we’re going to be really competitive.”

Dipoto has made a seScott Servais ries of moves to help the Mariners get there in 2018, making a couple of trades to bring in some extra bats and signing a key free-agent reliever to a mix that still features veteran position players Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz as the cornerstones.

There’s more than enough to like in Seattle with everyday players such as right fielder Mitch Haniger, shortstop Jean Segura, slugging third baseman Kyle Seager and developing young catcher Mike Zunino, not to mention the dynamic 1-2 punch the top of the starting rotation, Felix Hernandez and Paxton.

Peoria Sports Complex The first spring-training facility to host two teams, Peoria Sports Complex celebrates its 25th season in 2018. It is the home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.

Details: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

623-773-8720, peoriasportscomplex.com.

Insider tips: Buy a ticket to the March 1, 9, 20, 22 or 25 games and you can buy up to four tickets to any February game for 25 percent off. Plus, during February games only, visit Guest Services to pick up a free 12-ounce cup redeemable for 25-cent soft-drink refills all season.

Food and drink: For $25 plus the cost of your ticket, upgrade your experience with the new Chef’s a la Carte. Menu themes change daily and include street tacos, panini melts, mac and cheese, roast sliders and more. Each purchase includes an entree, sides, dessert and a cocktail, beer or wine.

Breaking in Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger, left, infielder Taylor Motter, center, and outfielder Ben Gamel chat as they take a break in the batting cages on Feb. 14. AP

Top draw He may not be the “King” anymore, but Hernandez remains the eye candy of Seattle’s spring training to any baseball fan who appreciates an incredibly talented right-handed pitcher who often dominated most of his starts. He’s had backto-back seasons of injury issues, however, after going 18-9 in 2015, with a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts and pitching 200-plus innings for an eighth straight time. In 2016, it was an aggravated calf strain that cost Family time: Peoria Cove features The Ballyard, a mini baseball field where kids can play out their big-league dreams. It also has The Shipyard, a ship-themed playground featuring a splash pad, slides and climbs.

Don't miss Kids Days, where kids can register for special experiences and run the bases after the game.

Giving back: Eligible organizations can receive consigned game tickets to resell at face value as a fundraiser. Your organization will get 25 percent of the proceeds from each ticket sold. Unsold tickets can be returned to the ticket office. For more information, call 623-773-8720.

Special events: For its 25th season, Peoria Sports Complex introduces Your Peoria Days, themed days for teachers, first responders, military, volunteers and others who serve the community. Other days allow you to bring your dog and receive giveaway items. See www.peoriasportscomplex.com for more.

him six weeks. Last year, he missed three months because of shoulder problems.

Because of his age and the injury concerns, Hernandez, 31, will try something different this year upon reporting to Peoria.

He will have already ratcheted up his throwing program and pitch on a far more regular basis than in the past, when he was eased into innings and saved for the end of the Cactus League season.

Ryon Healy isn’t new to the major leagues, but he’s brand new to the Mariners, and they’ve decided to put their trust in the 26-year-old with just 221 career MLB games manning the full-time job at first base. He’s played only 39 games at first base in the majors, yet Seattle is willing to move on from its previous platoon plan at first because of Healy’s brief but impressive .282/.313/.475 slash line with 38 home runs and 115 RBIs. Healy, acquired in a November trade with the A’s, has spent most of his offseason taking more reps at first base, working on his footwork and positioning, and he’s excited to see how he can help get the Mariners over the top.

Fans walk around the Peoria Sports Complex before a game last year. JORDAN ALLRED

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Cactus League 2018 || Texas Rangers

02.21.18 a

Rangers eye AL West title with cast of top vets RICHARD MORIN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite a high payroll and some serious star talent, the Rangers struggled on their way to a 78-84 record in 2017. Texas will look to their star-laden roster for a turnaround in the upcoming season.

A pair of 24-year-olds make up the right side of the Texas infield, as Rougned Odor and Joey Gallo appear to have a hold on the second and first base positions, respectively. While both struggled to hit for average last season, the power output was undeniable– Gallo blasted 41 homers and Odor added another 30.

As evidenced, the Rangers have a dangerous lineup with an ability to change the game with a single swing.

The problem, however, is that they strike out with as much frequency as the hit one out.

Top draw Rangers pitcher Clayton Blackburn, center, warms up during a spring training workout on Feb. 15 in Surprise.

The Rangers are still led by veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre, who still managed a .312 average and 17 home runs in his age-37 season. Shoring up the left side is franchise cornerstone Elvis Andrus, who hit a career-high 20 home runs in 2017.

Although boasting the third-most home runs in the majors last season, the Rangers also ended 2017 with the most strikeouts in MLB. They will need to find a balance in order to contend in the upcoming season.

The outfield in Texas will be even younger than the infield, as Willie Calhoun (23), Delino DeShields (25) and Nomar Mazara (22) go left to right in the outfield.

Mazara, a slim-slugging lefty, will look to build on a 20-homer, 101-RBI campaign a year ago, while DeShields will try to build on his .347 OBP from 2017.

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP

from right elbow surgery. Veteran righty Doug Fister comes over via free agency after posting a 4.88 ERA and a 50.6 percent ground ball rate with the Red Sox last season.

Two more dependable lefties, Matt Moore and Mike Minor, will likely round out the Rangers rotation this season. Altogether, this staff doesn’t have many holes and features five pitchers who have at one time displayed the talent to succeed at the MLB level.

Breaking in

Position battle Youngster Drew Robertson will also vie for playing time in the outfield.

For Calhoun, who played at Yavapai College in Prescott, the 23-year-old will likely get every opportunity to prove himself after seeing his first MLB action in September. In 34 at-bats, he registered nine hits, one home run and four RBIs. Once a staple in center field, 35-yearold Shin-Soo Choo will likely see most of his playing time at designated hitter as

Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels will anchor Texas’ rotation this season. He was 11-6 with a 4.20 ERA last season.

the South Korea native looks to build on a 22-homer campaign from a year ago.

Right-handed hitter Ryan Rua will also see some playing time at DH and first base against lefties.

As for pitching, the Rangers rotation is as formidable as any in the American

League -- barring its health. Led by lanky left-hander Cole Hamels, the pitching staff in Texas could be poised for a step forward in 2018.

Another lefty, Martin Perez, follows Hamels in the rotation but might not be ready for Opening Day as he recovers

The bullpen might be a different story. At closer, it was a revolving door for the Rangers all season long. Sam Dyson was so ineffective that he was eventually cut, and after trail runs featuring Matt Bush, Alex Claudio and Keone Kela, among others, the team still does not have a firm answer to their ninth-inning problem.

The Rangers will excel at hitting home runs this year, but they will also post more than their fair share of strikeouts. Still, it might come down to which Rangers pitcher can get strikeouts at the end of games to determine the team’s 2018 success.

Manager: Jeff Bannister.

2017 record: 78-84.

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Cactus League 2018 || Kansas City Royals, Surprise Stadium

02.21.18

Royals’ stars exit; team looks toward rebuild looks to the the favorite for the job in center field -- although prospect Jorge Bonifacio may have other designs after hitting 17 home runs last season.

As for the pitching staff, veterans Danny Duffy and Ian Kennedy lead a rotation looking to bounce back from a subpar 2017 campaign. Duffy posted a respectable 3.80 ERA to go along with a 1.26 WHIP, but Kennedy will have to improve his 5.38 ERA from a year ago.

With Vargas out, righty Jason Hammel moves into the rotation top three.

But if the Royals want to contend, he, too, will have to do something about his 5.29 ERA from 2017. Righties Jake Junis and Nathan Karns round out the rotation.

RICHARD MORIN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

Perhaps no team in baseball has to fill as many holes as the Royals, as several departures leave key question marks for the team’s playoff hopes in 2018.

The Royals will be without infielders Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas, outfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-handed pitcher Jason Vargas. It seems like more memories from the Royals 2015 World Series championship are leaving Kansas City every day.

They don’t look any closer to improving their offensive or defensive numbers, both of which ranked in the bottom third of the league. The Royals’ 4.33 runs per game was 24th, and their 4.61 ERA as a staff ranked 20th out of 30 teams.

Breaking in

Top draw Royals catchers ride a golf cart to a drill during a spring training workout on Feb. 15 in Surprise.

The Royals did re-sign shortstop Alcides Escobar, who checked in with a .250 average in his age-30 season (10 points below his career average of .260).

But the story of the middle infield will be defined by Whit Merrifield and Raul Mondesi.

Merrifield, a late-bloomer at 29, looks to have a lock on the second-base job after posting .288 average to go along with 19 home runs last season. Mondesi, whose father of the same name played 13 MLB seasons, has compiled just a .181 average in the big leagues thus far but looks to take a step forward in his age-22 season.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP

Surprise Stadium

Texas and Kansas City favorites Boulevard Brewing Co. and Tito’s Vodka are also available.

Where to sit: For a picnic atmosphere, bring a blanket and sit on the grass berm overlooking the outfield. For $30, sit in the Four Peaks Pavilion, where you get a seat overlooking right field, a meal catered by local restaurants and a drink voucher. And with two large-screen televisions, you don't have to worry about missing any other sporting events.

Meet-and-greets: The practice fields open at 9:30 a.m. and entry is free. Purchase your game ticket along right or left field, as players enter from the right- and left-field lines.

Promotions: Saturdays are family days.

March 12 is the Surprise Sundancers Charity Game. Proceeds benefit the Sundancer Youth Scholarship program. Check out all the promotions at surprisespringtraining.com.

The cozy facility is the spring-training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals.

Details: 15930 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise.

623-222-2222, surprisespringtraining.com.

Insider tips: Surprise Stadium has hosted two American League champion teams over the past decade — the Kansas City Royals (2014, 2015) and Texas Rangers (2011, 2012). Parking is free and gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch.

Food and drink: Joining the traditional favorites are new items such as the High Heat Dog – a jumbo hot dog topped with sriracha ketchup, caribe-pepper mustard and jalapeño relish – and the Tamale Dog – a dog inside a green chile tamale, topped with sour cream, salsa and jalapeños. Chick-fil-A also joins roster this year. Enjoy craft beer from Arizona breweries including State 48 and Four Peaks.

Cheslor Cuthbert slots in at third base, and the 25-year-old Nicaragua native will look to fill a massive hole left by Moustakas at the hot corner. At first base, prospect Hunter Dozier should finally get a chance to show what he can do at the MLB level after Hosmer’s departure.

Catcher Salvador Perez is one of the few remaining pieces from the team’s 2015 championship run, and he is poised once again to anchor things behind the plate. Perez maintained a .268 average

and hit 27 home runs in his age-26 season.

Position battle The other key piece from the Royals’ memorable 2015 is left fielder Alex Gordon, who will return to lead a youthful outfield contingent. Gordon, 33, will look to right the ship after a downward 2017 that saw him hit for just a .206 average over 476 at-bats.

Paulo Orlando is the other veteran of the outfield cast, and the 32-year-old

Right-hander Brandon Maurer was 20-for-23 in save chances with the San Diego Padres before coming to Kansas City via trade, but his overall numbers weren’t anything to write home about (6.52 ERA, 1.55 WHIP).

Closer Kelvin Herrera will need to return to the pitcher fans saw from 2014-16 if the Royals’ relievers are going to steal them games this season. Herrera’s walk rate doubled last season and he became hittable to the point where he had his job usurped in September.

Relief pitcher Wily Peralta and outfielder Cody Asche aren’t exactly franchise-changing additions, and the Royals will have to find a way to piece things together if they hope to contend in 2018.

Manager: Ned Yost.

2017 record: 80-82.

Surprise Stadium is the spring-training home to the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals.

CHRISTOPHER HANEWINCKEL/USA TODAY SPORTS

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SPECTAB

Cactus League 2018 || Chicago Cubs

02.21.18 a

Cubs can make history by making playoffs again BOB MCMANAMAN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

As consistently good as this team has been since the arrival of Joe Maddon as manager in 2015, the Cubs can do something this season that they’ve never done in the 142-year history of the franchise: They can reach the postseason for a fourth consecutive year.

Considering the majority of the core returns intact from a 92-win season, including star corner infielders Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, and the fact Chicago added depth to its bullpen via free agency, there’s no reason to think they won’t be able to make another run at a World Series title.

“We have a lot of guys with the potential to take a big step forward this year,” Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein told reporters recently. “I would expect improvement or maybe even a breakthrough or two with certain guys performing at another level.”

The Cubs' biggest offseason splash was bringing aboard free-agent starting pitcher Yu Darvish, signing him to a six-year, $126 million deal Feb. 10.

Top draw There are plenty of exciting players on this team to watch, but everybody’s favorite seems to be young Bryant, the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player. Bryant, a third baseman who turned 26 in January, signed a record $10.85 million deal with the Cubs, the most ever as a first-year arbitration-eligible player, and the team has him essentially under control through at least the 2021 season.

Bryant’s OPS was up seven points in 2017 from his MVP year, but in four fewer games, he finished with 10 fewer home runs (29) and had 29 fewer RBIs (73). His walks increased from 75 to 95, the third-most in the NL. Maddon started 11 players in the leadoff spot last season and might consider using Bryant, his No. 2 hitter, in the top spot, which could be fun to watch this spring. “I’ll do it,” Bryant told reporters. “I’d love to. My whole junior year (at the University of San Diego), I was leadoff.”

Position battle Assuming left-hander Jon Lester returns to form, the Cubs have one of the more talented foursomes now among

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester gestures at spring training on Feb. 14. ARMANDO L. SANCHEZ/AP

via free agency from the Rockies, gives them a solid No. 5 man, but if he or Lester fail, there are in-house candidates to replace them in right-hander Eddie Butler and lefty Mike Montgomery.

Breaking in

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish, right, listens to instructions during a practice session at the team's spring training facility on Feb. 16. CARLOS OSORIO/AP

any starting rotation in baseball thanks to the addition of Darvish, who could earn up to as much as $150 million if he reaches certain incentives. Right-han-

der Kyle Hendricks and lefty Jose Quintana could be No. 1 pitchers for a lot of teams. The addition of Tyler Chatwood, signed to a three-year, $38 million deal

Ian Happ turned in a very impressive rookie season in 2017 and is one of the young players Epstein likely was referring to when he said he expects to take a big step forward this season. Happ had a dominating spring training a year ago, hitting .388 with 21 RBIs and a 1.191 OPS, but started the season at Triple-A Iowa.

Upon his promotion, however, he became one of the Cubs’ more versatile and reliable plug-ins, finishing with 24 homers and 68 RBIs in 364 at-bats. The 2015 first-round pick came up primarily as a second baseman, but he has proven to be a very good outfielder and can play all three positions. Maddon sees him as an everyday player, but Happ probably figures to start the season in a center field-platoon situation with Albert Almora Jr., while also filling in elsewhere.

Manager: Joe Maddon.

2017 record: 92-70.

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SPECTAB

Cactus League 2018 || Sloan Park, Hohokam Stadium

02.21.18

Sloan Park After decades of training at Hohokam Stadium, the Chicago Cubs got a new home in 2014: Sloan Park.

Details: 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. 480-668-0500, sloanpark.com.

Insider tips: One of the park's fun features is the left-field deck, known as the Budweiser Rooftop. It features bleachers, a trellis and a party atmosphere. Tickets start at $23.

Food and drink: The food is a blend of Chicago-style cuisine and Southwestern chow. If that's not enough variety for you, a citrus grove inside the park hosts four to five food trucks each game. Giordano’s will be back this year, and if you are looking for something new, visit the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar down the left field line.

Hot tickets: Enjoy a Windy City rivalry when the Cubs play the White Sox on Feb. 27 and March 10.

Atmosphere: The facility was designed to reflect the team, so there are touches that should feel familiar to any Wrigley Field denizen: a brick pattern behind home plate, a cantilevered roof, outfield lawn seating and a scoreboard reminiscent of Chicago's north-side stadium.

Family time: The Riverview Park complex, adjacent to Sloan Park, boasts 300 feet of rock-climbing walls, a 50-foot climbing tower, a net-climbing structure, a splash pad, play equipment and a path that connects to Sloan Park. Come early, stay late and enjoy the whole complex.

Stay and play: Nestled between Sloan Park and Riverview Park is a new, 180-room Sheraton hotel with three swimming pools, a full-service salon and an upscale-casual sports-themed restaurant.

Sloan Park in Mesa opened in 2014 and is the spring training home for the Chicago Cubs.

TOM TINGLE/THE REPUBLIC

Hohokam Stadium

Mesa and the Oakland A’s poured nearly $27 million into renovations at Hohokam Stadium and nearby Fitch Park. THE REPUBLIC

The renovated ballpark opened in 2015, serving as the new home to the Oakland Athletics.

Details: 1235 N. Center St., Mesa. 877-493-BALL, mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/hohokam-stadium.

Insider tips: Stomper’s Kid Zone returns in 2018 behind the center-field fence. The area features tee ball, bean bags and arts and crafts for children 10 and younger. Fans can view the players from the “knothole” fence on the practice field before game time.

Food and drink: Look for Bay Area favorite Ike’s Love and Sandwiches for a taste of northern California’s deli scene. Or grab a straight-from-the-wok box of pan-fried noodles and other specialty items in the left-field deck. Hohokam Stadium has a great selection of craft beers from the Bay Area and Arizona. And check out Mustache Pretzels, where you get a disguise and snack in one.

Where to sit: Every seat is good. Shaded seats are available in the Terrace Box sections and are close to the action. If you’re looking for sun, the outfield berm is a great place to take in a game.

Getting there: Parking is $5. Stadium officials suggest you arrive at least two hours before the first pitch in order to park and see the team take batting practice in the main stadium.

Giving back: The stadium’s volunteer partners, the Mesa Hohokams, work as parking attendants and ushers. With the money earned during spring training, the Hohokam Foundation donates an average of $125,000 a year to benefit local youth.

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SPECTAB

Cactus League 2018 || Oakland Athletics

02.21.18 a

A’s leaning on offense to move up in AL West RICHARD MORIN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

A last-place team in 2017, the offensively inclined Athletics may be poised to take a step forward this season.

Oakland was a middle-of-the-pact offensive team last year, having ranked 17th in the majors with 4.56 runs per game. However, they posted the fifthhighest OPS in baseball after the All-Star break.

Top draw In an attempt to continue that momentum, slugger Khris Davis will once again anchor the Athletics lineup looking to build on a 43-homer, 110-RBI campaign a year ago.

With center field prospect Dustin Fowler on the rise, Davis will likely see most of his playing time at designated hitter.

In his MLB debut, Fowler suffered a severe knee injury but had hit .293/.329/ .542 for the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate before coming to Oakland in the Sonny Gray trade.

Also in the outfield will be veteran power-hitter Matt Joyce and newcomer Stephen Piscotty, who was acquired in an offseason trade to bring the outfielder closer to his family.

Piscotty grew up about 30 miles from Oakland in Pleasanton, Calif., and the trade was facilitated in part so Piscotty could be closer to his mother, Gretchen, who was diagnosed with ALS in May; ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The Athletics also return almost their entire infield from last season, led in the power department by first baseman Matt Olson – who smacked 24 home runs in just 59 games with the big club, which was an MLB-best pace of one homer for every 7.9 at-bats.

Veteran utility infielder Jed Lowrie will man second base after posting a .277 average in his age-32 season, although top prospect Franklin Barreto will look to steal playing time from Lowrie or shortstop Marcus Semien, a native of the Bay Area.

Matt Chapman is one of the team’s biggest sleepers, as the third baseman struggled to hit for average last season but showered tremendous power potential in the minors.

The 24-year-old will look to bring his game to the next level in 2018.

From left, Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin, special instructor Dave Stewart, and third base coach Matt Williams oversee a spring training practice on Feb. 16. BEN MARGOT/AP

ord to go along with a 4.19 ERA in 19 starts last season. The 27-year-old has a career record of 22-24 and that will have to improve if Graveman is to be the ace of this staff.

Sean Manaea might very well emerge as the ace of the staff, as the 26-year-old lefty will try to return to his early career form. Righties Jharel Cotton, Daniel Mengden, and Andrew Triggs round out the Athletics rotation.

Oakland has a bit more stability in the bullpen.

Breaking in

Oakland Athletics catchers Beau Taylor, center, and Santiago Chavez take a break during a spring training practice on Feb. 16. BEN MARGOT/AP

Position battle Oakland expects to field a platoon situation behind the plate with catchers Bruce Maxwell and Josh Phegley vying for playing time. Both Maxwell (.237 average) and Phegley (.201) struggled to hit for average in 2017.

The Athletics were in the bottomthird of the league in pitching last season, posting a 4.68 ERA as a staff that ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. And there are still a lot of question marks with this year’s pitching contingent.

Right-hander Kendall Graveman leads the rotation after posting a 6-4 rec-

When the Athletics traded closer Sean Doolittle to the Washington Nationals, they also acquired their closer of the future – Blake Treinen, who has flourished with Oakland. Although he struggled in Washington, Treinen converted 13 of 15 save chances and posted a 2.13 ERA since becoming the A’s closer.

The Athletics are still largely the same team that registered a last-place finish in the AL West last season, but a couple of new arrivals have injected hope into this club. Oakland isn’t a postseason favorite, but they could certainly take a step forward in 2018.

Manager: Bob Melvin.

2017 record: 75-87.

SPECTAB

Cactus League 2018 || Milwaukee Brewers, Maryvale Baseball Park

02.21.18

Brewers land Cain, Yelich as they ramp up chase for title State. Behind the plate, the Brewers will likely use a combination of catchers Manny Pina and Stephen Vogt, although Vogt can also play first base and the corner outfield positions. Pina finished with a .279 average last season with Milwaukee and Vogt hit .233 in 2017.

RICHARD MORIN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

It was shaping up to be a boring offseason until the Brewers showed up on Jan. 25, single-handedly igniting a stove that had been only lukewarm.

In the same evening, the Brewers acquired free-agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain and traded for Miami Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich to form a superoutfield in Milwaukee.

The Brewers were a team thought to be mired in a rebuilding process, but after reaching 86 wins and coming just short of a wild-card spot last season, a decision was made upstairs that the Brewers are going for it in 2018.

Top draw Led by third-year manager Craig Counsell, this was a team that blew away their paltry expectations in 2017, thanks to huge power outputs by first baseman Eric Thames and third baseman Travis

Maryvale Baseball Park The Milwaukee Brewers call this west-side complex home. The stadium holds 10,000.

Details: 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix.

623-245-5500, phoenix.gov/parks/sports/ professional-sports/maryvale-baseball-park.

Insider tips: Most fans enter through Gate A, but for a shorter entrance line use Gate A1, west of the ticket office. Fans wishing to get autographs should go along the right-field line, where the tunnel for both the Brewers and visiting team is located.

Food and drink: Enjoy a Bratacho, which is made from kettle chips topped with bratwurst and all the fixings of supreme nachos. A grill behind home plate serves

Position battle

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Boone Logan throws during drills on Thursday. AP

Shaw, both of whom finished with 31 home runs. Both Thames and Shaw will be back this season along with an athletic middle infield in shortstop Orlando Arcia (.277 batting average in 2017) and second baseman Eric Sogard (.273). Sogard, who was born in Phoenix, graduated from Thunderbird High and attended Arizona

With their two newly acquired outfielders, longtime Brewers slugger Ryan Braun has said he would be willing to try first base to fit Cain and Yelich into the lineup. Milwaukee also has Keon Broxton, Domingo Santana, Brett Phillips and Hernan Perez on its outfield depth chart.

The 31-year-old Cain was inked to a deal worth five years and $80 million, locking him up through the 2022 season. A center fielder with a rare power-speed combo, Cain managed a .300 batting average last season and scored 86 runs. He won a World Series in 2015 with the Kansas City Royals.

In exchange for Yelich, a sweet-swinging lefty, the Brewers parted ways with

fire-braised smoked brisket sandwiches and barbecue smoked pulled-chicken or pulled-pork sandwiches.

Retail: Check out the Brewers Team Store for the spring-training jersey and cap featuring the ball and glove logo in navy and retro yellow and the 2018 spring training logo.

In-game promotions: Fans can get their pictures taken with the Johnsonville Famous Racing Sausages. The mascots that race at Miller Park in Milwaukee also take a turn at the Maryvale ballpark during the sixth inning. Get photos with Chorizo, Brat, Italian, Hot Dog or Polish on the concourse after the race. Other promotions include Lucky Seat, Guess that Tune and team trivia.

prospects Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison, Isan Diaz and Jordan Yamamoto. The 26-year-old, who is already signed through 2022, has a career .290 average over parts of five seasons.

Even with $20 million combined due to Cain and Yelich this season, the Brewers reportedly still feel they can land a significant free-agent pitcher before April.

Right-hander Jimmy Nelson will likely miss the start of the season while recovering from September shoulder surgery, but fellow righties Chase Anderson and Zach Davies look to anchor the rotation in his absence. The Milwaukee bullpen is led by All-Star closer Corey Knebel, who nailed down 39 games last season and posted a minuscule 1.78 ERA. Knebel, 26, is signed for $3.7 million this season and is arbitration eligible in 2019.

Breaking in The rest of the bullpen could use some sealant, but lefty Josh Hader and righthander Jacob Barnes are set to emerge as the Brewers’ set-up relievers this season.

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SPECTAB

League 2018 || Los Angeles Angels

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Stars Trout, Ohtani could power Angels into playoffs RICHARD MORIN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

In a sports landscape where most teams are generally either really good or really bad, the Angels have just been mediocre in recent years. But that could change in 2018.

With the arrival of two-way Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani, as well as infielders Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart, the Angels could be on the upswing after an 80-82 finish last season.

Top draw Mike Trout is still in Anaheim – which means anything is possible.

Trout missed 39 games last season due to a broken thumb and still managed to crank 33 home runs and finish fourth in the league’s MVP voting. Oh yeah, he also set career highs in on-base percentage (.442) and slugging percentage (.629) last season. Compared to Ohtani, it’s an awful lot easier to see where the Angels’ other two imports will fit, as

Catch Cincinnati

Kinsler slots nicely into second base while Cozart is projected to play third base. With Andrelton Simmons at short and C.J. Cron/Luis Valbuena at first, Los Angeles boasts a formidable infield on paper.

Kinsler, who was born in Tucson, struggled to hit for average with the Detroit Tigers last season but still managed 22 home runs and 90 runs scored in 2017.

Cozart, meanwhile, was named to his first All-Star Game last season and finished his campaign with a .297 average with the Cincinnati Reds to go along with 24 home runs and 63 RBIs. As for the outfield, we’ve already mentioned Trout’s stellar 2017 – but bookending the superstar will be Justin Upton in left field and Kole Calhoun in right.

Upton, a former No. 1 overall pick by the Diamondbacks in 2005, slugged 35 home runs and 109 RBIs en route to a sort of bounce-back year for him.

Calhoun, a Buckeye native and Arizona State product, will look to build on a 139-hit campaign a year ago.

02.21.18

Position battle At catcher, most games will likely be divided up between Martin Maldonado and Rene Rivera.

On the pitching side of things, much depends on the health of right-hander Garrett Richards, who returned from a nerve injury in his arm in September and posted a 2.28 ERA in 27 2/3 innings.

If Richards can return to ace-like form, the Angels will be in good hands.

Beyond Richards, the Angels will also have Clayton Richard, Matt Shoemaker and Tyler Skaggs as sure-fire starters.

Breaking in Still, the biggest storyline for the Angels is that of Ohtani, and where manager Mike Scioscia will play him both as a pitcher and a position player. Ohtani will likely get his chance to crack the starting rotation and occasionally serve as the team’s designated hitter.

Manager: Mike Scioscia.

2017 record: 80-82.

Tempe Diablo Stadium Built in 1969, Tempe Diablo is one of the most centrally located parks in the Cactus League. It is home to the Los Angeles Angels.

Details: 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe.

480-350-5205, tempe.gov/diablo.

Insider tip: Game day, parking is $5 per car.

Food and drink: The stadium has more than a dozen vendors, and you also can bring your own snacks. Fans are allowed to carry soft coolers (smaller than 16 by 16 inches) filled with food. Each person can bring one sealed bottled water. Just don’t bring takeout food from a restaurant.

Choose from hot dogs, brats and sausages, and nachos in a souvenir Angels helmet.

Where to sit: If you’re looking for shade, you’re in luck. The upper pavilion in right field is shaded and offers an all-you-can-eat food package for $25 plus the price of a game ticket. Those tickets include table seating. And, yes, there is lawn seating.

Meet-and-greets: It's easier to get autographs as players come and go from practice than it is on game days. The best spot to catch players is near the walking fence in the west parking lot between the stadium and practice fields. Try to linger near the right-field line by locker rooms.

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SPECTAB

Cactus League 2018 || Cleveland Indians

02.21.18

Indians, intact and stacked, settling for no less than World Series stay healthy, his 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings should yield results in 2018.

The Indians’ strong bullpen returns both of its key pieces in closer Cody Allen and super-reliever Andrew Miller this season. While Allen was one of just five closers to strike out 90 batters in 2017 – and one of just 15 relievers overall – Miller has established himself as one of the more fearsome relievers in baseball.

The lanky left-hander held hitters to a paltry .144 average last season and an MLB-low .205 slugging percentage last season. Miller also punched out 95 strikeouts, good for a 13.6 K/9.

RICHARD MORIN ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

For a team that won an American League pennant in 2016 and finished with the best record in the league in 2017, anything short of a World Series title feels like it would be a disappointment in 2018.

The departure of first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana hurts some, but the Indians brought in a similar player, Yonder Alonso, to fill the hole. The return of outfielder Michael Brantley, who has missed a good part of the past two seasons, should also help shore up the lineup.

Top draw Designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion returns after slugging 38 home runs for the Indians in his first year in Cleveland.

A pitching staff that topped the majors with a 3.30 staff ERA returns almost in its entirety, save for some departed freeagent relievers. There still might not be a team able to match the Indians’ top-four starters with Corey Kluber, Carlos Car-

Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller, right, talks with starter Mike Clevinger, left, as reliever Cameron Hill, middle, walks behind them on Friday. ROSS D. FRANKLIN/AP

rasco, Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar.

Kluber solidified his place in the hierarchy of starting pitchers by nothing the American League Cy Young award last season after posting a 1.79 ERA after the All-Star break. Salazar is the wild card of the rotation – but if the right-hander can

Position battle Catcher might be the most intriguing position this season, as both Roberto Perez and Yan Gomes look to battle for the majority of playing time. But prospect Francisco Mejia is looking over their shoulders after hitting .297 at Double-A last season. Mejia appeared in 14 plate appearances with Cleveland as a catcher and designated hitter in September and played third base in the Arizona Fall

League this season, suggesting he may see some big-league playing time.

As for the Indians’ offense, which ranked sixth in MLB with 5.05 runs per game, Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis, Jose Ramirez and Encarnacion will still likely carry most of the load this season.

With Brantley likely to return in time for Opening Day in left field, Lonnie Chisenhall slots in at right – which leaves Brandon Guyer and Tyler Naquin as players who will look to impress in Goodyear.

Breaking in — again Cleveland brought in free-agent outfielder Melvin Upton Jr., who has not seen MLB action since 2016. The veteran center fielder will likely compete with prospect Bradley Zimmer for the starting job in spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Upton posted a 20-homer, 27-steal campaign just two seasons ago, but Zimmer ran well on the bases last season and played well defensively. But he also had a 0-for-36 stretch at the plate in August.

Manager: Terry Francona.

2017 record: 102-60.

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League 2018 || Goodyear Ballpark

Goodyear Ballpark Goodyear Ballpark is the spring-training home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.

Details: 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear.

623-882-3120, goodyearbp.com.

Insider tips: Fan experiences are back for 2018. Batting Practice Fan Zone, Player/Broadcaster Meet & Greet and an On-Field Workout can be added to your ticket purchase for $80-$130 per person.

Food and drink: Get a Skyline Chili dog and Cleveland Polish Boy in the Queen City Grill and 1901 Charter Grille, the two main Ohio-themed concession stands. The ballpark also stocks Bertman Ball Park Mustard.

Arizona flavor includes the taquito dog, a hot dog wrapped in a tortilla with cheese, deep fried and topped with sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole. New this year is the Cheesy Changeup, two grilled-cheese sandwiches surrounding a bacon cheeseburger. Before all night games the ballpark opens two hours early for happy hour with food and drink specials.

Where to sit: The Right Field Pavilion has a bar with 12 tap handles, lounge furniture and nine big-screen TVs. Fans may purchase group

02.21.18 a

tickets that include the buffet, or just mingle on the top level if they have seats elsewhere.

Get half-price tickets for kids ages 3-12 in Outfield Box, Outfield Reserved and Berm seating. Club and premium-field box seats have wider, padded seats and your own server.

Family time: The Kids Zone has inflatable baseball activities and a kid-size Wiffle ball field. Sundays are kids days, when kids take part in game promotions and can run the bases after the game.

Giving back: March 25 is a charity game, with all the Indians’ and Reds’ proceeds going to Goodyear non-profit organizations.

Military appreciation: Active duty, retired military and Guard/Reserve personnel with ID receive a free game ticket in Outfield Box, Outfield Reserved or Berm seating and may buy up to four additional tickets in those areas at the group discount.

Special events: Giveaways include a Mr. Redlegs F-35 bobblehead on Feb. 24 and a Trevor Bauer #MiniTeamCLE2017 figurine on March 3 for the first 2,000 fans. Fireworks will take place after the game on March 9 and March 23.

The Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians share Goodyear Ballpark in the West Valley during spring training. SAM GREENE

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Cactus League 2018 || Cincinnati Reds

02.21.18

Reds’ Votto, Hamilton must lead way in uncertain season ARIZONA REPUBLIC USA TODAY NETWORK

The Reds haven’t been to the playoffs since 2013, and the rebuilding franchise doesn’t look much closer to returning in 2018. For a team that finished in the top half of MLB in hitting (fourth, 4.65 runs per game) and park-factor scoring (13th, 1.020), the Reds still have a ton of work to do to become a successful team for the foreseeable future.

Their only addition this offseason was right-handed pitcher Vance Worley – and combined with the departure of All-Star infielder Zack Cozart, it felt like a negative offseason in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Reds pitchers long toss at the start of workouts on Friday. KAREEM ELGAZZAR / CINCINNATI ENQUIRER-USA TODAY NETWORK

Top draw Perennial MVP candidate Joey Votto is always a can’t-miss attraction. Beyond the All-Star first baseman, though, there are some questions to be answered in the outfield, especially if Billy Hamilton is traded this season. For now, Hamilton

looks to man center and do his best to top the 59 bases he stole a season ago.

Adam Duvall, he of the 31 home runs and 99 RBIs a season ago, slots in at left field and Scott Schebler looks to have the inside track at the right field job. Sche-

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bler quietly jacked 30 home runs last season, but prospect Phillip Ervin could give him a run for the job.

If the Reds are going to make progress this season, it will start and end with starting pitching. Veteran right-hander Homer Bailey will join a young contingent of pitchers featuring Luis Castillo, Brandon Finnegan, Anthony DeSclafani and Robert Stephenson in an attempt to bolster a pitching staff that ranked 29th out of 30 MLB teams with a 5.17 ERA. As for the bullpen, the Reds have talent in the late innings. Hard-throwing righty Raisel Iglesias converted 28 of 30 save chances last season and even features an ability to go longer than an inning per outing. Michael Lorenzen is an interesting setup option for the Reds, as the right-hander spent time as both a starter and closer with Cal-State Fullerton and has flourished in a multi-inning utility relief role with this team.

Position battle

toon situation between Tucker Barnhart and Devin Mesoraco on most days. Barnhart hit .270 last season while Mesoraco put up a .213 average in just 141 at-bats.

Breaking in It will be interesting to see if either of the Reds’ top two prospects, third baseman Nick Senzel and outfielder Jesse Winker, crack a regular lineup spot at some point this season.

Senzel, the second overall pick in 2016, hit .340 with 10 homers at Double-A last season and is entering his age-23 season.

Winker made his debut last season and lost his rookie status.

For now, it looks to be Eugenio Suarez manning the hot corner in Cincinnati, while Jose Peraza replaces the departed Cozart and shortstop.

Cincinnati native Scooter Gennett returns to play second base after a power surge of 27 home runs last season to go along with a .295 average.

Manager: Bryan Price.

2017 record: 68-94.

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