It's that time of year again - while the hot stove is boiling over with Free Agent concerns and such. However, another thing each team needs to think about is how many 40-man roster spots do they have (hint - 40) and how will Free Agency affect the amount of guys they can protect.
I know my Yankees will certainly lock up SP Dellin Betances and INF Brandon Laird, but other than that, it's hard to see anyone in particular that stands out. C's Jesus Montero and Austin Romine are both a year away from Rule-5 eligibility. Something that will be interesting this year: Switch pitcher Pat Venditte is eligible this year, however he is a long-shot at ever making the majors, so I don't see him being protected or being taken.
Who are you expecting your team to lock up, who do you hope they will, and who do you think could be some dark horses taken in the draft during the Winter Meetings?