SEA traded heralded starter Michael Pineda (RHP, NYY) to the Yankees not only to sure up their catcher position with Jesus Montero (C, SEA), but because they also had a sea of young arms waiting to fill the void. Felix Hernandez (RHP, SEA) and Jason Vargas (RHP, SEA) figure to anchor the top of the rotation, but beyond that things get a little muddled. 

Persistent neck stiffness has sidelined Chris Carpenter (RHP, STL). Carpenter will skip his first scheduled Grapefruit League start after leaving training camp to have his troublesome neck examined by a specialist. He first reported the stiffness March 3 after throwing live batting practice, then missed a scheduled throwing session. Carpenter currently is still listed as STL's opening-day starter, but his status is now clouded by injury.

In a lot of ways baseball is a game of cycles, including injuries. Right now we are dealing with few familiar names dealing with injury situations at second base. There have been years where this position has been deluged with injuries but not this year. Enjoy the “down cycle” while it lasts.

David Robertson (RHP, NYY) had an MRI and several tests on Thursday after spraining his right foot in a fall at his spring training home Wednesday night. Robertson was seen in camp with a walking boot, and although manager Joe Girardi downplayed the incident before Thursday's spring training game, afterwards he admitted some concern.

Well-paid Cuban import Leonys Martin may spend all of 2012 in the minor leagues. If that's the case, it could set up a pair of his fleet-footed teammates to be off to the races.

Sometimes first impressions can lead us down the wrong road. Take the first base talent pool for example. With the latest news that Ryan Howard had suffered a setback in his rehab from Achilles tendon surgery last fall, it seems that at least in the NL with the departures of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, that first base was going to be void of major power hitters. But it's not like fantasy owners in NL-only leagues are going to be scrambling for power.

Eric Thames (OF, TOR) and Travis Snider (OF, TOR) find themselves battling for the starting left field job this spring. Thames held the every day job during the second half of last season, during which time he hit .255 with 11 home runs. He possesses plus power, as shown by last year's 133 PX, but mediocre walk and contact rates held him to just a .306 on-base-percentage.

Mike Adams spent two years in SD waiting behind a rock-solid closer for chance to save games. He now finds himself in the same situation in Texas ... or does he?

OF Corey Hart will likely miss his second consecutive Opening Day for the Brewers after undergoing undergoing knee surgery. And NYM 1B Ike Davis reportedly has Valley Fever.

When Yonder Alonso was traded to San Diego, it was assumed he would be plugged into the starting 1B spot, but the incumbent might have something to say about that. We also cover at the White Sox' new-look outfield and reserve infielders in Toronto ...

Spring training reports indicate that Stephen Drew (SS, ARI) is coming along slowly in his return from season-ending surgery after a July ankle fracture. Drew is unlikely to be ready for opening day, and could miss a sizable early chunk of the season. Competing for PT in his absence are veteran utilityman Willie Bloomquist (SS/OF, ARI) and venerable good-field, no-hit infielder John McDonald (SS/2B/3B, ARI).