One more name to throw on your list for political reasons is J.C. Ramirez. He is out of options and therefore needs to be on the 25-man roster or exposed to waivers. He isn’t nearly as good as the guys already on the list, but he may be given extra opportunities for that reason.

If Diekman and Horst are both healthy and on the team, I will be really surprised if Diekman makes the squad and Horst doesn’t. Horst was really, really good last year. Diekman threw to a 3.95 ERA, but with a 1.65 ratio. He allowed 20 walks in 27 1/3 innings.

If I had to pick now, I would go with Stutes and Valdes getting the last two spots, even if it means three lefties to start the year. Valdes was really fantastic last season also.

People will surely be hurt, though, so I’d guess they will be looking at different lists anyway by the time it comes to actually have to make a choice.