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While Monday's column focused on players who have officially won starting jobs that had been up for grabs this spring, there remain a handful of positions that have yet to be formally decided heading into the final days of camp. Let's take a look at how some of those situations are shaking out and speculate on who should be the eventual winners:

Angels designated hitter: Here's a name that will take you back: Tim Salmon, who has actually emerged as a dark-horse candidate for this job following his .333-2-7 performance in 14 spring games. The Angels have been thinking about granting him at least a share of the starting job, though with Garret Anderson's foot troubling him and Salmon coming off back-to-back injury-plagued seasons, Salmon more likely might begin the year in the minors to regain his timing. What's most interesting about the Angels' DH race is that no one seems to be talking about Juan Rivera, who has batted .375 with three homers in eight games since returning from the World Baseball Classic. He's just entering his prime, and whether Anderson is healthy enough to play left field or is stuck at DH on Opening Day, Rivera should be the everyday player at the other position. Sure, Salmon, Dallas McPherson or even Kendry Morales could be a threat to his playing time later in the year, but Rivera is well worth a mixed-league reserve pick or a $10-12 AL-only bid.

Astros fifth starter: The demotions of Ezequiel Astacio and Carlos Hernandez suggest that Taylor Buchholz, who has a 1.96 ERA in six spring games, probably leads this race, but Houston might also wait to make a final decision until the first time it needs a fifth starter, on April 12. Regardless of whom the Astros use in the fifth starter role, the winner is going to have to string together a few quality outings before being a trustworthy fantasy starter anyway. Buchholz is only worthy of an NL-only reserve pick on the chance he realizes the potential that once made him a top prospect in the Phillies' organization.

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