The PIT spring training camp has featured PT battles at several positions, including one corner OF spot, and both IF corners. Presumed 1B and LF frontrunners Garrett Jones and Alex Presley, have seized the opportunity with their hot hitting in early Grapefruit League action.

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.

Ervin Santana (RHP, LAA) appeared to be on his way to becoming one of the game's elite pitchers after his 2008 season. Elbow problems derailed him in 2009, but he has rebounded to establish himself as a solid workhorse starter. After consecutive seasons of skills recovery, there might even be more to come.

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).

Adrian Beltre is coming off the most productive back-to-back seasons of his career. Does this new level represent a plateau, or is he more likely to revert to pre-2010?

MIL's Ryan Braun won his appeal of a 50-game suspension for a positive PED test. The ruling means Braun will not miss time, with ripple effects for other potential PT battles.

Evan Longoria is coming off a season of reduced value, having lost nearly a month of 2011 with an early-season oblique injury. He also failed to fully translate his skills into production. Can Longoria rebound in 2012?

Miguel Cabrera answered critics of his off-field behavior last season by earning his first batting title, producing yet another 30-100-.300+ season. Cabrera is being challenged to shift back to 3B, his primary position in the early years of his career before joining DET. Potential 3B eligibility would further enhance the perceived value of this perennial Triple Crown threat.

Howie Kendrick has established himself as a solid 2B option, but can he retain his 2011 power gains?

Will Pujols rebound as he switches leagues? ... Albert Pujols' (1B, LAA) 2011 production slipped to its lowest level since 2007. What should we expect as Pujols switches leagues for the first time?

Is established BA asset Butler prepared to provide additional power?