How can anyone NOT root for Randy Dobnak?!  

Yeah, I like Dobnak, even with a loss today.  If I had to choose today, I'd go with Dobnak.  But we've got two more weeks of Spring training to go.  That gives each candidate at least 2 more starts.  Things might be clearer then.

Dobnak was awesome when I saw him on Tuesday last week, and that was followed up by Chacin looking terrible on Friday.

They were complete opposites in terms of the contact they gave up. Predominantly weak for Dobnak, predominantly crushed against Chacin.

I think you can confidently put Dobnak in the 5th spot right now, and for me it would not be particularly close.

Yeah, I like Dobnak, even with a loss today.  If I had to choose today, I'd go with Dobnak.  But we've got two more weeks of Spring training to go.  That gives each candidate at least 2 more starts.  Things might be clearer then.

And even with him having an off day yesterday he only gave up 3 hits over 4 innings. He's the type that even when he doesn't have his best stuff he keeps you in the game. Perfect for your 5th rotation spot

Yes - like so many I am emotionally connected with Dobnak and really have no connection to Chacin.  Perhaps the real disappointment is that this was supposed to be a four person contest and Thorpe for reasons we might learn along the away did himself and his pocketbook a real disservice by leaving the team for two weeks.  I hope whatever happened is resolved and Smeltzer just does not look like an MLB starter.  He had a good story too, but I do not see him making this improved roster. 

Right now Dobnak is the guy and Chacin will probably be released to seek another opportunity.

Chacin has not impressed, Dobnak looks good. Should not be that difficult decision. Chacin just looks like he does not have it anymore. Dobnak on the rise, give him a shot, Pineda coming back mid-May then will have to decide on Bailey or Dobnak. Thorpe, Smeltzer, and Duran waiting for their opportunity as well Hill hopefully mid season.

I am all about Dob's being the guy - but maybe Chacin is last years Annibal Sanchez? 
After last spring, no way you give the spot to Sanchez, but by June you wished you did. 

I'm really torn here. Given a choice, this is the perfect opportunity/time for a young 5th SP...Dobnak in this case...to gain experience, perform, and build his case for the future as well as 2020.

But if a flier like Chacin finds his old self again, you are adding not an experienced body, but a quality ML SP with real value for a team with playoff and WS aspirations. That would be killer! What a potential steal!

But yeah, how about a young SP from the system who can be a part of our team for years to come? Dobnak!

I really should not say this, (I say that because we, the Dobnak's, are a humble Family) however, sometimes it needs to be said.  I looked it up, and you should too.  Gerrit Coles Minor league numbers compared to Randy"s minor league numbers.  Yes Randy does not throw 97-98 MPH, he is not 6'4", but he has thrown as high as 96 MPH.  I am not saying Randy is Gerrit Cole, what I am saying is that Randy throws strikes and works really hard at learning his craft.  He is definitely the kinda guy you just naturally want to root for, am I right?  He is in it for the Love of the game.  I tell people this story all the time.  When he was 6 or 7 years old I noticed that he was more comfortable inside the diamond than outside of it.  He was like a fish out of water when you would talk to him after a game.  It did not matter if he went 4 for 4 with a walkoff hit or Homerun, or 0 for 4.   He would rather talk about anything but Baseball.  I know it sounds silly, but it is the truth.  Thank you to anyone that reads this, I apologize for rambling, and yes I am biased, because I am his Dad.  GO TWINS!!!!!