LAKELAND, Fla. -- You can look at what remains of spring training from different angles:
Ten games remain, nine days are left on the spring schedule, or seven days until the Blue Jays leave Florida for Houston and a two-game pre-season series against the Astros.
There are more battles going on for the final positions than in recent years.
Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, bothered by a bad wrist, singled and walked in his debut, a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
"I think he'll be ready, he didn't have any pain," manager Cito Gaston said.
A rundown at who is elbowing whom for the spots on the 25-man roster for pre-game introductions April 5 when the Jays open in Arlington, Tex:
1. The rotation.
Brandon Morrow is pencilled in to start the third game of the season. After being scratched from his March 19 start, He'll throw a bullpen today. If he isn't healthy, either Dana Eveland or Brett Cecil join opening day starter Shaun Marcum, Ricky Romero, Marc Rzepczynski and Brian Tallet in the rotation.
2. The bullpen.
Gaston has Kevin Gregg, Jason Frasor and Scott Downs at the back end. He has three spots remaining for Casey Janssen, Shawn Camp, Jesse Carlson, Merkin Valdez, Jeremy Accardo, David Purcey and Josh Roenicke.
Unless someone shines, the nod usually goes to the pitcher out of options, as unfair as it is. Accardo, Purcey and Roenicke all have options remaining.
"It's unfair but it's the nature of our business," John McDonald said. "I used up all my three options."
3. Backup catcher.
Either Jose Molina, who backed up Jorge Posada in 2009, or holdover Raul Chavez.
"I'm making plans to go with the team, but haven't heard anything," Molina said. "They should know in three or four days. I came here because my brother (Bengie) sold me on the city and fans."
4. Who is on the bench beside the second catcher and McDonald.
Gaston loves Ruiz and says he could hit 20-to-25 homers if given the at-bats.
"I can give Lyle Overbay or Travis Snider a day off against a tough lefty and play (DH) Adam Lind in the outfield," Gaston said.
"We can't play Ruiz in the field."
Ruiz showed indecision flattening Don Kelly in a collision at first base in the second.
Gaston has to pick one from a list of Mike McCoy (52 steals at triple-A Colorado Springs last year), former New York Mets outfielder Jeremy Reed (11 career homers) or outfielder Joey Gathright (24 steals at triple-A Norfolk) for the other bench spot. Only McCoy can play infield and outfield.
"This camp is more competitive than a year ago," Gaston said.
