As the first round of cuts nears, here are a few players that may just stay on a bit longer.
Honorable Mention: Matt Dominguez
This guy has been having a great spring. 2 hrs, 10 rbis, and a .314 avg in just 19 at bats. He certainly looks like the 3B the Marlins will want in the future. His fielding is superb, and his batting seems to be finally getting there. Problem is, the Marlins organization may want this 21 year old to spend a bit more time in the minors, at least until the questions about his consistency at the plate go away. Infante will be playing second base for the Marlins, so once he's ready, there'll be a spot for this up and comer.
5th. Danny Espinosa
Espinosa was strong when he joined the club last year, and certainly looked to be the SS of the future for the Nationals. But he tapered off as the year came to a close, going from rookie phenom to maybe next year. Well, next year is just about here, and he's back at it this spring. With a .407 avg, 2 hrs and 11 rbis, expect to see this guy in the opening day line-up. It doesn't hurt that he plays for an awful team.
4th. Bartolo Colon
Colon used to be one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. The Yankees picked him up out of sheer desperation. No one really expected him to be good. His spring stats aren't fantastic, but they're good enough for him to make this list. Colon hasn't pitched a full season since he won the CY Young award in 2005. The Yankees desperately need him to have a comeback year or they may just be watching from home come October. With a .300 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, Colon might just be able to fill a gaping hole in the Yankees team.
3rd. Luke Hughes
Hughes debuted strong with the Twins, but got injured not long after. With the loss of Nick Punto, Hughes is in the running to fill a spot as a utility infielder. With Twins manager electing to go with oft-troubled Alexi Casilla at second base, Hughes won't get a starting job out of camp. But his 3 hrs, .370 avg, and 10 rbis will make him a prime candidate to replace Casilla should Casilla have yet another poor showing.
2nd. Andy Dirks
Another AL Central player, Andy Dirks is having a surprising spring. He has yet to make the bigs, but with a .483 avg and .559 obp, he's making a case to stay with the Tigers for a bit longer. Unfortunately for Dirks, the Tigers already have a stellar young left fielder in Brennan Boesch. If the Tigers start to have injury problems, don't count this guy out. Dirks could end up playing with the Tigers or another MLB team before year's end.
1st. Lonnie Chisenhall
Chisenhall is batting an impressive .524 for the Indians this spring. He's also hit 2 home runs in just 21 at bats. This Indians team is downright awful, and if they're front office has any brains at all, its time for Chisenhall to see some big league time. This kid was listed among MLB.com's top 50 prospects, and at only 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to grow into the Indians 3B of the future. His biggest obstacle, Jayson Nix, has batted .105 this spring. While this is no indication of big league success (or lack thereof), Nix's career .215 big league average certainly is.