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DUNEDIN, Florida – The Blue Jays kick off their 31-game exhibition schedule on Wednesday and there are decisions to be made at key positions. Heres a breakdown of where the battles will be, the players involved and how one decision may have an effect on another. This goes without saying: Were working within the confines of the current Jays roster. STARTING ROTATION: Guaranteed: R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow, Mark BuehrleAlmost Certain: J.A. Happ As many as nine guys, some with almost no chance of landing the job, but are included here, anyway, are vying for the final available spot. They are Esmil Rogers, Todd Redmond, Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek, Marcus Stroman, Sean Nolin, Ricky Romero, Chad Jenkins, Aaron Sanchez and Dustin McGowan. This will be intriguing because there is a business case to be made and, depending on how spring training plays out, potential performance cases to be made. On the business end, Rogers and Redmond are out of options, meaning both must break camp with the club or risk being lost on waivers. The bullpen is an option if neither gets a starting spot – more on that later when we look at the possibility of a seven-man or eight-man bullpen. Hutchison and Drabek each have big league experience. Drabek dating back to 2010 and when he cracked the opening day roster a year later and Hutchison when he was a mid-April call up two seasons ago. Both are back to full health following Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgeries in the summer of 2012. Drabek needs to drastically improve on 1.683 career WHIP over 169 1/3 innings, particularly in the walks department – hes averaged 5.8 bases on balls per nine innings over his brief career. Hutchison is a control pitcher, not overpowering, and appears to be the most polished of the non-established big leaguers in the group. Nolin, a big lefthander, and top prospects Stroman and Sanchez would have to mesmerize Torontos brass to break camp with the club, which itself will be a tall task. There are voices amongst the decision-makers who caution against putting too much value on Grapefruit League numbers because there are occasions when pitchers are facing what amount to minor league-calibre line-ups. Jenkins, like Nolin, has options remaining and can be sent to the minor leagues without waivers. Stroman and Sanchez arent on the 40-man roster at the moment and can be sent to the minors without burning one of their three option years, at least not right away. Romero appears to have been relegated to afterthought status, a deep valley for the one-time ace, just three years removed from a 15-win season and All-Star appearance. McGowan has interest in starting, but after multiple shoulder surgeries and not having consistently started in six years, its an unlikely scenario. Hell be stretched out this spring, but McGowan is likely destined for the bullpen. Barring an incredible spring performance, it seems one of Rogers, Redmond, Hutchison or Drabek will come away with the final starting spot. Stroman has an outside shot. If the decision is strictly business, itll be Rogers or Redmond starting the season in the rotation. Regardless, most of the kids on the list are bumping their heads on the minor league ceiling and are expected to be contributing to the Blue Jays sooner rather than later. BULLPEN (SEVEN-MAN or EIGHT-MAN?): Guaranteed: Casey Janssen, Steve Delabar, Brett Cecil, Sergio Santos, Aaron Loup and Dustin McGowan. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has to decide on whether to go with a seven-man or eight-man bullpen. Choose the latter and youll have one fewer bench player (three instead of four) at manager John Gibbonss disposal. The eight-man bullpen scenario occurs if neither Rogers nor Redmond secures the final rotation job. The Blue Jays were reminded last year that a club cant have too much pitching and theres a strong probability either would be lost if exposed to waivers. Jeremy Jeffress, a flame-throwing right-hander, who briefly impressed with a 0.87 ERA over 10 1/3 big league innings last season, also has a shot at making the team. He adjusted his arm slot downward late last season and is in the process of successfully treating a juvenile epilepsy diagnosis. Jeffress is out of options and clubs love hard-throwing pitchers. The Jays got Jeffress through waivers at one point last season. There is no guarantee they could do it again. Left-hander Juan Perez, 35, has returned to health after straining his elbow last summer. Hes caught in a numbers game. Meantime, Neil Wagner appears destined for Triple-A Buffalo regardless of performance. He has an option and he, too, is caught in a numbers game. SECOND BASE: Competing: Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis, Chris Getz (non-roster invitee,) Jonathan Diaz (non-roster invitee,) Munenori Kawasaki (non-roster invitee) and Steve Tolleson (non-roster invitee.) Goins is the incumbent, having concluded last season as the Jays second baseman. Anthopoulos loves Goinss defense, saying last week he believes Goins is the best in Toronto since the days of Orlando Hudson. Goinss biggest challenger is Getz, a former Royal, who has familiarity with both Gibbons (Royals bench coach, 2008-2011) and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer from his days in Kansas City. Getz is a left-handed bat. BENCH: Here is where the Blue Jays thin out considerably, especially if they begin the season with an eight-man bullpen. Backup catcher: Erik Kratz or Josh Thole. Kratz, who strikes an imposing figure at 64", 255 lbs, is a right-handed bat whos hit 18 home runs in 378 at-bats over the last two seasons with the Phillies. Considering the likelihood the second catcher will play more this season (Dioner Navarro hasnt played more than 89 games in a season since 2009,) the Jays could value Kratzs offense over Tholes long history with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Navarro wont catch Dickey. Kratz spent a week with Dickey in Nashville in the offseason and has caught all of his bullpen and live batting practice sessions so far this spring. Right-handed Bat to Platoon with Adam Lind: Moises Sierra is out of options and Toronto needs to determine if he is the viable option. Backup Infielder: Manager John Gibbons has said on more than one occasion that he prefers to use Izturis off the bench because he can play around the infield. Its a role Izturis became accustomed to in Anaheim. So, if the Jays go with an eight-man bullpen, thats it. Anthony Gose, under the scenario presented above, would begin the season in Buffalo. Should the Jays go with a seven-man bullpen, the roving outfielder spot opens up and is likely Goses to take with the likes of Kevin Pillar and Kenny Wilson getting more seasoning in the minor leagues. REPLAY Each club will play five games this spring under the new instant replay rules. Managers will be encouraged to throw the challenge flag at some point each game during the exhibition contests. "We had that meeting last week and they said the umpires will notify us before the game and say, hey if you get a chance, try it," said manager John Gibbons. INTRA-SQUAD GAME The Blue Jays played a four-and-a-half inning intra-squad game on Tuesday at the Bobby Mattick Complex. Drew Hutchison, Marcus Stroman and Sean Nolin each pitched a scoreless inning. Aaron Sanchez gave up the games only run, a Maicer Izturis single. It was the fourth and final hit he allowed in his inning of work. Ricky Vaughn Jersey . The weekend at Oriole Park has been less kind, with three players suffering varying degrees of injury. The worst ailment of the three, at least optically, is the deep bone bruise suffered by Adam Lind when he fouled a pitch off the top of his right foot in the sixth inning of Saturdays game. Brad Hand Indians Jersey . Hawkins severely sprained his left ankle while making a diving catch during training camp and went on injured reserve with a designation he could return midway through the season. He was back at practice Wednesday. http://www.indianssale.com/indians-tyler-naquin-jersey/ . His stated reason for abruptly resigning as head coach of Canadas Olympic womens hockey team was he felt there were doubts about his ability to coach the team to Olympic gold in February. Trevor Bauer Jersey . Having won the first leg 1-0 in Barcelona, Madrid entered the match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium already in control and quickly sealed its place in the semifinals when Jese Rodriguez scored in the seventh minute. Zach Duke Jersey .com) - James van Riemsdyk had two goals with one assist to help the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night.We look at five talking points, including the return of Manu Tuilagi, ahead of England v Wales at Twickenham. Its been billed as the potential Six Nations decider as Wales land in London to take on England, but where will the game be won and lost? We take a look at five key talking points.Four ninesBen Youngs and Danny Care have taken turns starting for England under Eddie Jones, with Care first to wear the No 9 jersey against Scotland, after which he has taken up a spot on the bench. Danny Care and Ben Youngs will set the tempo for Englands attack George Ford told Sky Sports that the pair use the pressure of competition to grow their game, but are supportive of each other in the build-up to a match.Obviously theyre both very ambitious and determined and want to start, but they fully respect when one or the other is starting and back him 100 per cent, said Ford.Wales on the other hand were riding high in 2015 with Rhys Webb the first-choice No 9 up until the eve of the World Cup, where a foot injury ruled him out of the tournament. Gareth Davies stepped into the role superbly, including notching up the vital score that gave Wales victory over England at Twickenham. Lewis Moody and Dwayne Peel state why their respective teams will win the Six Nations match between England and Wales at Twickenham Gatland has brought Webb into the side on the bench, and speaking earlier this week Davies mentioned how much he is enjoying the renewed rivalry with his fellow scrum-half.Ive had Aled [Davies] and Lloyd Williams breathing down my neck since the start of the campaign, so it is a bit of extra pressure for me, but I enjoy it.With games between England and Wales often hanging in the balance throughout the full 80, it should prove to be a top-class battle between the four energetic scrum-halves until the end.Scrum WarsEddie Jones has called on referee Craig Joubert to be strict on Wales come scrum-time, as he says they constantly pre-engage to gain an advantage.One of the things Id like to see from Wales is that they scrum legally, said Jones on Sky Sports News HQ.Theyre very much a scrum that likes to pre-engage and thats against the law, so were very hopeful the referee will be very strict on that. Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau stands behind a scrum against England at Twickenham during the World Cup We believe weve got the stronger scrum and we want to have the opportunity to scrum strongly under the correct laws.This is Jouberts first high-profile game in charge since he took control of the World Cup quarter-final between Australia and Scotland. Joubert awarded a last-gasp penalty to Australia which cost Scotland a place in the semi-finals and then incensed Scotland players and fans when he ran off the field on the whistle.His interpretation of the set-piece will be crucial as Wales forwards coach Robin McBride has also waded into the scrum battle, saying that England loosehead prop Joe Marler does not scrum straight. Alex Payne gives his top betting tips ahead of Englands clash with Wales in the Six Nations. He needs to scrummage legally, otherwise we will be pointing a finger, said McBryde.You have to measure each scrum on its own merits with regards to who gets the upper hand. It was very disappointing, especially against England, when we fell on the wrong sides of decisions and we felt the problem lay elsewhere.Tuilagi returns - what theyve been sayingRichard Cockerill came out this week urging Eddie Jones not to pick Manu Tuilagi in his side, saying the Tigers midfielders return to rugby needs to be managed with care.The England boss was in no mood to entertain the request however, as he responded: Im not debating with Richard. I dont pick the Leicester side, he doesnt pick the England side. Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi takes his place on the bench at Twickenham Jones then included Tuilagi when he announced his team earlier in the week.He ran two lines on Tuesday and cut a hole in our defence, said Jones. So Paul Gustard wasnt too happy.Hes got power and hes got pace, and hes a good player. Thats not a bad combination.Wales centre Jonathan Davies: He is definitely an x-factor player. I have played with him before, and he is extremely strong and powerful, but he has great subtleties in his game as well. Manu Tuilagis England highlights England forwards coach Steve Borthwick: The approach Tuilagis brought to training has shown how desperate he is to play for England.dddddddddddd Hes desperate to get back playing rugby consistently at the very highest level and in Tests for England.Hes passionate about it and its great to have him around the group.Former England team-mate Nick Easter: Its good to see him back. Theres not many international games throughout the season and hes strung three or four games together for Leicester.Get the guy out there. Hes proven world class, he needs to get up to that level again.Twickenham factorWales have beaten England three times at Twickenham under head coach Warren Gatland, and were the last side to defeat them there in a Six Nations encounter. Jonathan Thomas joins James Gemmell on Rugby Club Agenda to give his thoughts on England v Wales Its a record that former Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas says has changed the mindset of Welsh players as they land in opposition territory.Wales never won at Twickenham during the 1990s and early 2000s but the psychology behind going to Twickenham has changed, said Thomas on Rugby Club. Wales have won there three or four times in the last seven years.The match-up in the backyard of the English is one that excites former Wales No 8 Scott Quinnell, who says the Twickenham factor wont help separate the two sides.It is one of the great weeks in world rugby when the old enemy comes around, said Quinnell on the Sky Sports podcast. It does not get much tougher than going to Twickenham. But I was speaking with someone who was with the players the other night and boy, are they up for it. Sky Sports podcast Sky Sports rugby union podcast I knew Wales were going to beat England in the World Cup - I said it for months and months - but this one is too close to call. It is going to be a very physical game.If you are sat in Twickenham on Saturday, put your seat belt on because it is going to be a close game.Ford focusIn his column this week, Sky Sports Dewi Morris identified Saturdays game as the watershed international for George Ford.The Bath fly-half was in and out of favour when Stuart Lancaster was in charge, with Owen Farrell often starting ahead of him, but Eddie Jones has opted to play the two together so far. Owen Farrell and George Ford have formed a good partnership Its a combination that has worked well, but Fords performances have not been extraordinary, and while Morris feels Ford is the right man to lead the England attack, he says the pressure is building on the 22-year-old.George Ford is one of the most creative fly-halves we have got in this country but it has been a difficult season for him, Morris wrote.When Ford is on form and playing well there is no one better. His instincts are second to none; if he sees a gap hes through it. What does happen sometimes is this weight comes on his shoulders after he misses a kick, and Baths struggles this season have compounded that.If Ford doesnt get rid of that negativity he will find himself out of the starting line-up when Henry Slade returns, as Farrell will slip into 10. Dewi: Time for Ford to focus Dewi Morris says Wales game is a big test for Ford However Wales centre Jamie Roberts says his side will be showing full respect to the fly-half.George Ford is probably playing his best rugby at the moment, certainly in attack, said Roberts.He attacks the line flat and creates problems for the opposition. He is someone we have to be wary of.England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Jack Clifford, 21 Danny Care, 22 Manu Tuilagi, 23 Elliot Daly.Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Rob Evans, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Bradley Davies 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 8 Taulupe Faletau.Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Gareth Anscombe.Who will grab the honours at Twickenham as England and Wales clash in the Six Nations? Tweet us @SkySportsRugby ' ' '