The worst of spring training

Some pitchers and hitters hit the ground running during the spring, looking to carry that success over into the regular season. Others...not so much. Let's take a look at the worst of the worst from spring training:

Abreu doesn't seem to have a position in the crowded Angels outfield/DH situation. And even if he did have a spot in the outfield, his limited range likely wouldn't allow him to move very far from it. Then there's his horrid spring numbers: .127 average, .226 on-base percentage, .164 slugging percentage and a .389 on-base plus slugging percentage—the lowest among qualified AL batters. But it doesn't end there. In 55 at-bats, Abreu has just seven hits—and only two have gone for extra bases, both doubles. He's struck out (8) more than he's walked (7) and has driven in just three runners.

The fleet-footed Fowler has never had the highest average (career .262), but he's usually posted decent OBPs to go along with a good amount of triples and some stolen bases. He's done nothing this spring, hitting just .149 with a .186 OBP and .269 SLG. His .454 OPS was the worst among qualified hitters in the NL. Fowler hit two home runs in 67 at-bats, but didn't record a triple and only stole two bases (he was also caught once). He also struck out (17) much more than he walked (three).

So the Royals have the best and worst AL pitchers in spring training this year. Difference is, Chen is slotted in as the opening day starter, so Kansas City better hope the last month is an aberration. Chen was 1-1 with a 9.41 ERA in 22 innings. He allowed 37 hits and 23 earned runs. One good note: he struck out 18 and walked just three.

It's not like Jordan Lyles was an ace for Houston last season, going 2-8 with a 5.36 ERA. But he sunk to new lows this spring. Lyles was 0-3 with an 8.41 ERA, the lowest among NL qualified pitchers. He gave up 34 hits and 19 earned runs in 20.1 innings. Lyle posted a 1.87 WHIP and opponents hit .374 against him.