Training Camp: D.C. O-Bombers

The O-Bombers come in with a philosophy of change - no more mediocrity. The new-look Bushslappers felt that the previous moniker was too negative and will now focus on something more positive, like bombs.
Positional battles: The fifth starter battle boils down to Ryan Rowland-Smith and Oliver Perez. Rowland-Smith can also pitch out of the bullpen, so the club may be cautious with the rookie and let Perez start out in the rotation and bring the Australian out when he inevitably falters.

Although Derrek Lee is the favorite at first base, he has a bit of competition in camp this year. Veteran Todd Helton will give him a good run and Casey Kotchman could also challenge Lee. Meanwhile, at second base, the club made a draft day deal in order to acquire Howie Kendrick in the draft, so you know he will have every chance to win the job from Dan Uggla. Carlos Beltran and Matt Kemp should have starting jobs in the outfield, with Hideki Matsui possibly playing some DH along with the loser of the first base battle. Look for rookies Jay Bruce and Lastings Milledge to also get some at bats, possibly in platoon roles.

Pre-season surprises/disappointments: The team has gotten off to a great start offensively, with most of the projected lineup hitting well. The team is led by catcher Brian McCann (.397/.438/.534). Lee has gotten a big jump on winning the first base job with a .377 average and 1.045 OPS. Lee also leads the team with 12 RBIs. Jose Reyes has surprised with his hot hitting - leading the team in runs scored (12) and second in RBIs (10).

The pitching staff has been pretty bad so far in spring, including two projected starters - Erik Bedard (0-2, 8.36) and Chris Young (0-3, 12.12). Half the bullpen has been lights out - closer Jonathan Papelbon, in particular, has a 2.12 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 10 games - while the other half has been roughed up.
Roster outlook: The O-Bombers are carrying only one extra player in the pre-season, including five ineligibles. Chris Ray seems to be the most likely candidate to be cut at this point, but the team could make a surprise cut (or acquisition) yet.