There is little tea leaves to read with Joe Maddon's spring training opening day lineup:
1. Kyle Schwarber - LF
2. Kris Bryant - 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo - 1B
4. Jorge Soler - RF
5. Miguel Montero - C
6. Javy Baez - CF
7. Tommy La Stella - 2B
8. Dan Vogelbach - DH
9. Munenori Kawasaki - SS
Travis Wood - P
This will not be the regular opening day batting order. Schwarber, Bryant, Rizzo and Soler at the top is only a means of getting them extra "live" at-bats.
Travis Wood as starting pitcher is little more than long relief stint this early in the camp schedule. He will not throw more than 2 IP (depending on pitch count). Maddon had already disclosed that his three main starters, Arrieta, Lester and Lackey, would skip the first week of games to conserve their arms for the regular season. Some old school pitching coaches would say "you should not train to avoid an injury. You should train harder to avoid injuries."
Arrieta is a work-out machine so his preparation is not to be disputed. However, he threw a large increase in innings pitched last season (and struggled at the end) so for those who believe there is a finite number of throws in a human arm would like what Maddon is doing with his starters.
Maddon should not be set with either Hammel or Hendrick as the 4th and 5th starter. Wood is getting a look to be the 5th starter. Warren will also get a long look, even though the front office really likes how the Yankees used him both as an effective starter and reliever last season. Cahill and Richard will also be probably stretched out for a shot at a starting role.
Spring training is a show case for players. First, for their existing team to make the opening day roster. Second, for other clubs who may scout them and look for a trade. It would seem that LaStella and Vogelbach are going to get big show cases early in camp.
