re: TDBL Finals - Honk is your champ!

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Valencia hit his third homer of the spring Thursday -- a two-run shot off James Paxton.

Analysis: Valenica enters the season as the clear cut starting third baseman for the A's after posting an .886 OPS for Oakland in 183 at-bats in 2015. Valencia has been hitting in the middle of the order for the A's in the spring games that he has appeared, likely a good sign that he will find himself there to start the season.

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Realmuto is off to a solid start at the dish during Grapefruit League play, batting .316 (6-for-19) with two walks, a double and two RBI over eight games.

Analysis: Locked in as the Marlins' starting backstop, Realmuto will look to take a step forward from the respectable .259/.290/.406 line he posted over 126 as a rookie. He knocked 10 home runs in limited time last year and also chipped in eight steals. Given that he posted double-digit stolen base totals in three of his four full minor league seasons (2011-2014), Realmuto offers an under-the-radar blend of power and speed at his position.

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Pitching coach Bob McClure said he is leaning toward Bailey as his choice to close for the Phillies, the team's official site reports. "Bailey has done it before, so just talking about it, I would lean more towards looking at him as the guy, only because he's done it before and had success," McClure said. "But it could change. It could change. I'm kind of up in the air on it a little bit."

Analysis: Bailey has allowed one hit and struck out five in four scoreless innings this spring. He has closing experience, but has struggled to overcome shoulder issues since 2012. He remains in competition with David Hernandez, Edward Mujica and Dalier Hinojosa for closing duties.

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Bronson Arroyo's torn rotator cuff ensures that Roark will begin the season in the Nationals' rotation, The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Arroyo was a long shot anyway, but his injury removes what little competition Roark and Joe Ross had for the final two spots in the Nats' rotation. Roark has been sharp so far in spring training, amassing a 9:2 K:BB ratio along with a 1.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP through nine innings as he looks to rebound to his 2013 form after bouncing between roles last season.

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Zimmerman got another start at DH on Thursday, going 2-for-3 with a two-run home run off Mike Foltynewicz, his first blast of the spring.

Analysis: He's now hitting .364 through his first 11 Grapefruit League at-bats, and while his foot remains a concern, Zimmerman looks as though he'll be ready for Opening Day. If he can stay reasonably healthy for the first time since 2013, he could be in line for a big season hitting cleanup behind Bryce Harper, but Zimmerman is still a significant injury risk.

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if OU beats UNC in the title game then I probably win the pool.

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