Training Camp: Amityville Ant Slayers

We're going to take a little look into each team's camp as we run up to the start of the season. First stop on the road is Amityville. After the Tampa Bay Plunkers could not continue, Nick Pucci took over the franchise at rock bottom prices.

Pre-season battles: All of Amityville's infield and catcher slots are locked up, barring a trade or pickup. There are 6 outfielders battling for the 3 outfield slots, plus Ryan Garko is in the DH mix as well. Veterans Johnny Damon and Pat Burrell should have the upper hand here, while Jacoby Ellsbury and Torii Hunter should factor in heavily as well.

The starting rotation also looks like it should be pretty set, but the team could choose to go with Jered Weaver instead of Mark Buehrle or one of the youngsters. Weaver's been pretty impresive in his two starts so far in spring training, but so has the entire rotation. Buehrle is the only one that has not pitched yet. Manny Parra, who also hasn't pitched, seems to be a long shot at this point.

Pre-season surprises/disappointments: As noted, the starters have been a pleasant surprise so far. But the team's two closing candidates, Troy Percival (11.25 ERA in 5 games) and Salamon Torres (13.50 ERa, 2 saves, in 3 games) have been disastrous so far.

On the hitting side, Torii Hunter has exploded out of the gates, hitting .385 with 8 RBIs and a .769 slugging in 6 games. James Loney has been very disappointing with a .143 average and .389 OPS in 35 at bats. His platoon mate, Garko, hasn't been much better though (.222, .586 OPS in 9 AB). The catchers have been abysmal - starter Dioner Navarro is 2-22 with a .223 OPS and backup Brad Ausmus is 1-15 with a .243 OPS.

At only 10 games into the season a lot can change, but the Ant Slayers seem pretty set. They are only one player over the limit and there are several fringe candidates that could go before the season starts.