Image Credits: Rob Lynn Photo

Bradenton, Fla. — Players will begin departing spring training in just two weeks to begin training for the affiliated season. This means players will start to begin practicing in groups around other players on the same level, to learn certain systems based on affiliations, and find out their homes come April. I got to see first hand the beginnings of some of these groups in Bradenton, FL today. 

Indianapolis: This may come as a surprise to some, maybe not to others, but Paul Skenes appears to have been slated to start in Triple-A Indianapolis per sources in the organization. If he isn’t, my source tells me “He won’t be too happy with the organization if he heads back to Altoona.” RHP Sean Sullivan, and one of RHP Braxton Ashcraft or LHP Jackson Wolf will also begin in Indy as the other will be slated for Altoona.

Altoona: The Altoona rotation is almost set with a few minor tweaks in the coming weeks. Anthony Solometo and Bubba Chandler will return to Curve, PA after getting call ups last season. Thomas Harrington and Po-Yu Chen will also claim spots in the rotation come April. As for the final spot, it will come down to one of the previously mentioned arms in Wolf/Ashcraft. Aaron Shortridge will begin the season on the injured list recovering from a minor injury and will return in mid-late April. 

Rest: Derek Diamond and JP Massey highlight the rotation in Greensboro, but everything else seems to be wide open as of right now. The final two weeks are big for the guys who are looking to claim a spot in affiliated ball come April. It’s roster crunch season folks, the most exciting time of the year.