I know I have heard the tune over and over that Spring training numbers do not matter. But, many roster decisions are determined by how many of these players perform in the Cactus or the Grapefruit league. There are players in camps now that are turning heads and forcing many GMs to rethink their final rosters.
Callix Crabbe - Padres : “Crabbe was a Rule 5 Draft pick for the Padres last December, plucked from the Brewers’ system, where he spent his six-year professional career. He could be a valuable asset to the Padres, with the ability to play multiple positions in both the infield and the outfield, having played in 11 games at shortstop, five in the outfield, two at third base, and one each at second, first and DH this spring”
Eugenio Velez - Giants : “Infielder Eugenio Velez, who admittedly needs work defensively, is batting .321 with a majors-high 10 steals in 13 attempts and a team-high 11 runs and two triples.“
Micah Hoffpauir - Cubs : “The time is now for Micah Hoffpauir, and he is making the most of it… So far this spring he has been working out mainly at first base. In recent years, he has been played in the outfield. Hoffpauir likes first base, but would be happy to make the roster to get time in the big leagues.“
Reggie Abercrombie -Astros: “in his first season in Houston, is second in the league this spring with eight steals. Bourn is right behind him with seven. “
Jorge Cantu - Marlins: “but they also can’t ignore Cantu’s offense this spring. He is batting .457 with two homers and 10 RBI. Going into Wednesday, Cantu led National League hitters with 21 hits. New York’s Angel Pagan was second with 20.“
