Last year, we saw the surprise rise and fall of one Kyle Weiland. Coming from relative obscurity after a mediocre year at Portland, Weiland burst onto the scene in early 2011 largely thanks to desperation regarding the starting rotation. His numbers in Pawtucket were good, certainly, but it's hard to imagine them inspiring the sort of hope they did had Daisuke not been injured and John Lackey not been terrible.

Of course, Weiland is gone now, sent to Houston for Mark Melancon, but we're still searching for those fill-in starters. If after a few months they do not emerge, don't be surprised if Alex WIlson fills that role.

This is not to say that Wilson is Weiland, will bomb in his first few starts, or anything of the sort. In fact, Wilson is flying under the radar a bit undeservedly these days. Unlike Weiland, Wilson is coming off of a very strong year at Portland, posting a 3.05 ERA and 2.68 K:BB ratio in 112 innings. He would replicate his success in 21 innings at Pawtucket to close out the season.

Still, Wilson isn't really in the starting picture just yet. If he had a chance at the fifth spot, it evaporated when he allowed four runs in his only inning of work in spring training. For now, he'll have to put in his work at Pawtucket, and prove his changeup can play against more advanced hitters.

1. Ryan Lavarnway, C/DH
2. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
3. Xander Bogaerts, SS
4. Ryan Kalish, OF
5. Anthony Ranaudo, SP
6. Jose Iglesias, SS
7. Matt Barnes, SP
8. Garin Cecchini, SS
9. Brandon Jacobs, OF
10. Bryce Brentz, OF
11. Blake Swihart, C
12. Sean Coyle, 2B
13. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF
14. Felix Doubront, LHP
15. Brandon Workman, RHP
16. Henry Owens, LHP
17. Alex Wilson, RHP

Opening day is getting closer and closer. Just three left to go! Rec your vote, etc. etc. etc.