Spring training position battles

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Houston Astros: Closer

Early nod to Lindstrom: The Astros have two relievers with closer credentials, but the early-season nod could go to Matt Lindstrom. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes in Tuesday's blog that Lindstrom is weeks ahead of Brandon Lyon in the competition and "he's throwing his fastball in the upper 90s and complementing that velocity well with secondary pitches."

Lindstrom has not allowed a run in seven outings this spring with six strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. Lyon has appeared in four games and allowed two earned runs in five innings.

The Astros have committed $15 million over three years to Lyon, so he will get his chance at some point.

To see more position battles -- including who is in the mix for bullpen roles with the Mets and Red Sox, the job in San Francisco that's still open, the lifetime minor leaguer getting his big break and more -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

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