Cuban outfielder Dariel Alvarez has to be considered one of the top athletes to watch in 2015 because you're probably not going to have any choice.
The 26-year-old prospect has jumped up the Orioles' developmental depth chart at just the right time to get a very long look from the club's coaching staff in spring training.
That might not have been the case if team MVP Nelson Cruz had stuck around to split time in left field and Nick Markakis had not left a big opening in right. The Orioles could remain in the market for veteran outfield help right up until Opening Day, but it's pretty clear that the front office believes Alvarez deserves serious consideration for major league playing time in 2015.
He already had significant experience in Cuba and put up nice offensive numbers at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2014. He's also a promising defensive player with a strong enough arm to project in right field.
Who knows, he might be a Norfolk "shuttle" guy next season or he could be the next Jonathan Schoop.
(Schmuck's pick for 2014: Carmelo Anthony)