Thanks for the update. Sounds like a lot of moving parts. I’ve had the chance to catch several scrimmages last fall and a few this spring, and agree they could be really good this year, it may just take some time to figure out the winning combination.
As for Dom, I expect he will play, just taking precaution in practice, may see some substitutions if/when the game is in-hand. I agree, it appears that Franklin is the likely replacement next year for Dom - and stands to reason that he’ll see some time there this spring, but as for LF Lifrieri was not throwing the past couple weeks, think there may be an injury or just being nice giving extra bases to teammates without a throw, so I suspect Goodheart may be called on to fill that role if needed.
Ezell has looked good at the plate, and has been making plays at 2nd, I suspect he will start, but like Dom, may work in Nesbit as the game/situation allows.
As for McFarland, I don’t expect Goodheart to start in front of him - they both have been slow to get going offensively this spring. I think McFarland may get the start, but with a short leash - may see Goodheart there depending on the OF situation. Although I’m not aware of Opitz getting reps at 1B this spring, he did in the fall, and did a nice job. Van Horn said Plunkett has the best catch-n-throw in the country, and power at the plate, from what was reported he hit for a good avg in the fall and this spring, so we may be able to use Optiz in a dual role if McFarland and Goodheart continue to struggle.
Pitching overall may be better this year, I think this team has a lot of potential but may not have the depth as some positions. Up-the-middle - CF, SS, 2B, C we have some depth, the corners 1B and OF may not have as many options beyond the starters. Offense is the big question for me, Martin has without a doubt been on a tear, and there is no reason to think that won’t continue, but I think the lineup may hinge on productive ABs.