We’re a little over a week away from pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training. A big annual moment in the life of a Major League Baseball fan. A lot of years, you already know exactly how your favorite team’s roster is going to shake out. All the transactions for the most part are done and over with. But, as we go along year by year, agents are balking at offers and GMs are pinching their pennies. As we get closer and closer to camp, the anxiety over who’s going where and what your team is going to do to fill those gaps they have is still present and continues to build. So today I’m going to build an everyday lineup (pitching is coming in another article!) of the leftover fellows.

First Base: Joey Votto

Leftover Equivalent: You need that late night snack and see an apple in the kitchen. It’s kinda soft so you’re a little leery. You bite in and to your delight, it’s still okay!

Yeah, I know he’s 40. Yeah, I know he hasn’t produced well. But god dammit if I don’t love this former Cincinnati Red staple. I’m still pretty surprised the Reds didn’t either pick up his option or not pick it up and come together on a one year deal that’d keep him playing at Great American Ballpark. But alas, they’ve moved on and Joey is still looking for a home. It’s been very obvious that he wants to continue playing somewhere and I think eventually he will catch on somewhere, at least a camp deal. Or maybe if he keeps himself ready, can be that June pickup that comes in to replenish a team that needs pop on the left side. He’s still got that pop, can get pitchers deep in the count and get on base a bit.
PREDICTION: Angels

Second Base: Tim Anderson

Leftover Equivalent: Frozen pizza you reheat in the microwave. It’s definitely not as good as takeout pizza, but you’ll enjoy.

This one was difficult for me to be honest. I’ve said some harsh things about Timmy the last couple years. He still definitely feels like the kind of guy if his head is on straight and he’s healthy, still can piece it together. I put him at 2B because I don’t think any major league team will want to even touch him at short. He’s just been god awful over there. But if you have a 2B on the roster already that struggles against lefty bats, TA should be able to hop into that role where he can play 2-3 days a week and rake a bit.
PREDICTION: Rays (the ying to Brandon Lowe’s yang)

Third Base: Matt Chapman

Leftover Equivalent: You made a casserole last night and you’ve been waiting all day to reheat and enjoy it’s greatness.

Matt I still can’t quite understand why he hasn’t signed yet. He’s one of the 2-3 best defensive 3B I’ve ever seen, has a fair amount of pop in the bat and seems like a pretty solid dude. Where’s the muck? He strikes out a bit too much but still manages to draw a fair amount of walks and his per 162 average in the home run department is 29. I’m not sure if you can look at his agent asking for too much or that teams are just scared to spend on him. Regardless, he’s going to get an absolute dickload of money and continue to be a gold glove/fringe all-star at the hot corner.
PREDICTION: Cubs (go ahead and boo me)

Shortstop: Elvis Andrus

Leftover Equivalent: Moldy ass orange.

The market for shortstops left is that bad. Elvis is probably the best one that’s still hanging out. You could probably argue Amed Rosario (doubt he plays SS anymore, he’s TA bad with the glove there), Enrique Hernandez (plays a bit of everywhere), or even Adalberto Mondesi (injuries galore), but at least with Elvis you know he’ll be able to play the position okay and in a ridiculously streaky manner, hit a tad.
PREDICTION: I haven’t the slightest idea. Like Votto may be one of those guys that gets added to camp to fill in for an injured regular.

Outfield: Cody Bellinger

Leftover Equivalent: You forgot your significant other bought an apple pie. You cut a piece, bite in, and think “okay, the apples taste a little off, but it’s still solid.”

Coming off a very solid season (4.4 bwar) on the north side after a few REALLY down years, Cody and his agent are looking to cash in big time. I’m not sure they’re going to get anywhere near their asking price ($200+ million). They’ve played the long game throughout the offseason process and have watched team after team fill their holes (please giggle) with other bats that will probably produce similarly and not require the long-term commitment. I don’t blame them for balking to be honest. If he reverts back to anything less than what he brought the Cubs in 2023, you may wind up with a very difficult contract to manage for 7-8 years.
PREDICTION: Red Sox (Someone is going to throw a wad of cash as camps open, forcing the Cubs to pivot to Chapman)

Outfield: Adam Duvall

Leftover Equivalent: That banana that’s probably 2-3 days beyond that ripe point. You open it up, cut out the bruises and enjoy.

I like Adam Duvall, a lot. I was actually hoping my beloved White Stockings would kick the tires. Perfect guy to bring in, give him a spot in RF every day, hopefully mash a bit, then trade at the deadline for a young piece. He strikes out a ton and he doesn’t draw walks at all so there’s definitely some stink there. But he plays an average outfield (shit, he won a world series in Atlanta playing center every day) and has an assload of pop in that bat.
PREDICTION: Twins (they need a righty bat)

Outfield: Jorge Soler

Leftover Equivalent: Deviled eggs. Full of protein, just crush!

I’ll admit Soler is definitely going to DH more than play the field. But I couldn’t decide between 2 DHs so we’ll have to deal with Jorge flashing his nonexistent leather. He probably shouldn’t even have a glove, ever again. Definitely on the Eloy level in the field. Doesn’t stop him from mashing the shit out of the ball every chance he gets. 2023 was Jorge’s best year at the dish since he hit 48 bombs for the Royals in 2019. I’m going to mention Eloy again, because I feel like Jorge is the guy we all hoped Eloy would be. Just get up to the plate and mash like mad.
PREDICTION: Yankees (I think we’re gonna see Stanton get moved somewhere and this dude’s taking the spot)

Designated Hitter: JD Martinez
Leftover Equivalent: Cottage cheese that’s a few days beyond expiration.

Just that item that you have to ask someone “does this smell okay?”
To semi-Wooderson you, JD keeps “getting older but his bat stays the same age!” Taking out the covid season, Martinez has been one of the most consistent hitters in the game. Seems to do everything well at the dish and as long as he doesn’t play in the field, I don’t really see the warts on him. Maybe has a little Adam Duvall in him (not enough walks, strikes out a bit much), but not nearly on the same level. Wherever he ends up, I’m sure he’ll keep hitting at an above average clip.
PREDICTION: Mets (need bats pretty bad still)