- The starting rotation seems set, which means Hardie Henderson, Whit Wyatt, Stan Coveleski, and Bill Steen are battling for some long relief innings.
- Injuries to Steen and Phenomenal Smith have opened some opportunities here, especially with Smith being out until sometime in June. Adding to the uncertainty, the projected top 3–Bob Feller, Pat Malone, and Mel Harder–have all struggled mightily. It feels like Cy Young and Wyatt will end up in the rotation, but its all up for grabs right now.
- Wyatt, Young Feller, and Henderson are in, leaving 5 pitchers–Harder, Malone, Coveleski, Hank Gastright, and Sudden Sam McDowell–vying for the final slot.
- Injuries to Steen and Phenomenal Smith have opened some opportunities here, especially with Smith being out until sometime in June. Adding to the uncertainty, the projected top 3–Bob Feller, Pat Malone, and Mel Harder–have all struggled mightily. It feels like Cy Young and Wyatt will end up in the rotation, but its all up for grabs right now.
- Chad Qualls and Terry Adams are fighting for the closer role.
- Cory Gearrin, Qualls, and Doug Corbett will setup Adams at the back end of the bullpen. Firpo Marberry has been recalled for some help in middle relief.
- Louis Santop has an edge over John Ellis to start at C who has an edge over Andy Etchebarren to back him up.
- Ellis’ Spring has him pushing for playing time, but he won’t displace Top behind the plate.
- Jake Stahl and Hal Trosky are fighting to backup Jim Thome at 1B as are Bob Elliot and Sammy Strang at 3B behind Ken Keltner.
- Not only has Strang played well, his ability to serve as a backup to Chuck Knoblauch at 2B probably assures him a roster spot.
- 1B is very crowded, making Trosky’s Spring struggles enough to send him to AAA.
- Not only has Strang played well, his ability to serve as a backup to Chuck Knoblauch at 2B probably assures him a roster spot.
- Bill Dahlen starts at SS, and Joe Sewell looks to be his backup, but Tom Veryzer could slip in if the Spiders decide a defensive option at SS is needed.
- If Sewell continues to hit no better than Veryzer, the better glove will make the roster.
- None of them have an OPS over .300. OPS. Someone had better hit soon. Bill Knickerbocker has been recalled to see if some more competition helps.
- If Sewell continues to hit no better than Veryzer, the better glove will make the roster.
- Either Harry Stovey or Kenny Lofton should make the team, but probably not both.
- Tris Speaker is out for several months, opening the door for Lofton. Gus Bell, called up from AAA, will also get a look as a CF option.
- The Spiders have also recalled OF Rowland Office and IF Jim Gantner to help with the Spring roster.
- Office is making an argument to stay; Gantner is just sticking around for Spring flexibility.
| Near Definite | Likely | Possible | Long Shot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitchers | Whit Wyatt Cy Young | Bob Feller Hardie Henderson | Stan Coveleski Hank Gastright Sam McDowell Pat Malone Mel Harder | |
| Middle Relievers | Chuck Porter Yordano Ventura | Firpo Marberry | ||
| Setup | Chad Qualls Doug Corbett Cory Gearrin | |||
| Closer | Terry Adams | |||
| C | Louis Santop | John Ellis | Andy Etchebarren | |
| 1B | Jake Stahl Jim Thome | Napoleon Lajoie | ||
| 2B | Chuck Knoblauch Sammy Strang | Jim Gantner | ||
| 3B | Ken Keltner | Bob Elliott | ||
| SS | Bill Dahlen Joe Sewell Tom Veryzer | Bill Knickerbocker | ||
| OF | Harry Stovey Larry Doby Johnny Bates | Ron Blomberg Kenny Lofton Rowland Office | Gus Bell |