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| Shelley Duncan, who had blood clots in his arm last November, is fully healthy and ready to resume his major league career, according to MLB.com. Duncan certainly won't be handed any playing time with Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit and the newly acquired Morgan Ensberg on hand, but he will have a chance to make the team in spring training nonetheless. |
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| Andy Pettitte will report five days late to training camp, a result of his having to testify in front of Congress according to a report on Reuters. Pettitte likely needs the time just to decompress from the past week's worth of craziness, and given his illustrious career and dedication to training, this will likely have no effect on his ability to take the hill during the first week of the season. |
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| Josh Anderson will open the season as the Braves 4th OF according to a report on The Sports Network. Anderson could be in line for a substantial amount of AB if Mark Kotsay continues to be limited by his injured back, so if you hear that Kotsay is struggling Anderson would be a great target in NL Only leagues after hitting .358 in 67 AB last season. |
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| Ryan Dempster has full faith in his teammates and feels like they have a great shot to win the World Series this year, just ask him. "I think we are going to win the World Series. I really do," said Dempster in a report on MLB.com. Dempster will try and do his part from the starting rotation leaving the Cubs to decide between Carlos Marmol, Bobby Howry and Kerry Wood for the closers role. |
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| In his quest to bounce back from a disappointing season, Ramon Hernandez has shown up to camp in tremendous physical shape according to the Baltimore Sun. "I really concentrated this off-season on working out. Even when I went home, I was working out. I've been taking my vitamins and I need to help my body rebuild. You just have to keep working and hopefully you'll come in here and stay healthy." Hernandez lost about 10 pounds and he is eager to return to the 23 HR, 91 RBI form he posted in 2006 and not the disappointing player he was last season when he was limited to just nine HR and 62 RBI. |
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| Ray Durham, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 2/13, 7:43 PM CT |
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| Ray Durham will face a stiff battle for playing time from Kevin Frandsen this year after hitting .218 last season for the Giants according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I think that the best policy is to be honest," manager Bruce Bochy said. "...[Durham's] got a real good, talented player (Kevin Frandsen) who's trying to get that job, and it's going to be a close call and it's going to be deep in spring before we know who's going to be out there." The report also went on to say that if Durham can hold off Frandsen that Kevin could battle with Rich Aurlia for AB in the infield, and at this point the team still doesn't have a 3B so it's possible that Frandsen could end up shifting across the diamond leaving second base for Durham. |
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| Duaner Sanchez is ready to make a return from the shoulder surgery that he underwent last season. "If we get Duaner back to where he was," manager Willie Randolph said. "We'll have one more big weapon in the 'pen." Sanchez is obviously a risk coming off shoulder surgery, but he could be a very nice addition in NL Only league's if healthy considering he posted a 3.31 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 2004-06 while vulturing 12 victories. |
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| Ryan Wagner, P, Washington Nationals | Wednesday 2/13, 6:58 PM CT |
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| Ryan Wagner, who had a tear in his shoulder last season, may not be ready by opening day, but he is proceeding well in his recovery according to MLB.com. "[Playing in] Spring Training games is not looking too likely -- not necessarily because I wouldn't be ready, but because there is no reason to rush it," Wagner said. Wagner has long been rumored as a future closer, but up until this point of his career he has never been able to harness his stuff to the point that any team has trusted him late in games. At this point his goal is just to get healthy and secure a spot in the Nats bullpen. |
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| Nick Johnson, 1B, Washington Nationals | Wednesday 2/13, 6:54 PM CT |
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| Nick Johnson feels that his injured leg has sufficiently healed to the point where he shouldn't be limited on the field in 2008 according to a report on MLB.com. "I want to play every day," Johnson said. There might be one problem with that declaration. First base just so happens to be the position of Dimitri Young who was arguably the Nationals best hitter last season (.320-13-74). Neither player is particularly athletic, so the only way for both to get 500 AB this year would likely mean one of them would need to be traded. |
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| Chad Gaudin hopes to be able to take the hill by March 1st in his bid to gain a spot in the A's starting rotation according to the AP. Gaudin is coming off an off-season where he underwent two surgeries, one on his foot and another on his hip, which is the reason for his tardiness at the start of camp. Gaudin was 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA last season, though he slumped terribly in the second half going 3-10. He should only interest those in AL Only leagues, and then he should still be a very late pick. |
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| Greg Norton, LF, Atlanta Braves | Wednesday 2/13, 4:45 PM CT |
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| Greg Norton signed a minor league contract with the Mariners and will be invited to training camp according to a report on MLB.com. Norton had spent the past two seasons with the Rays hitting .243 with four HR in 75 games, hardly exciting numbers. He does have one skill, he is a solid pinch-hitter, but that doesn't matter in fantasy. |
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| Kris Benson, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 2/13, 2:59 PM CT |
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| The Phillies have signed Kris Benson to a minor-league deal, pending a physical, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Phillies scout Chuck LaMar said that Benson, who missed the 2007 season while recovering from shoulder surgery, is throwing only at 60 to 70 percent, which makes it very doubtful the right-hander will break camp with a spot in the rotation. |
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| Erik Bedard, P, Seattle Mariners | Wednesday 2/13, 2:37 PM CT |
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| Manager John McLaren didn't take long to think about who his opening day starter will be. McLaren informed new acquisition Erik Bedard Wednesday that he would be getting the ball on March 31 against the Rangers, according to the AP. It had been expected that the lefty would compete with Felix Hernandez for the top spot in Seattle's rotation, but obviously that's not the case. |
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| Takashi Saito agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract Wednesday. Saito, who can earn an additional $200,000 in incentives, posted a 1.40 ERA while recording 39 saves in 43 chances with the Dodgers last season. The Dodgers closer has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two years, though the fact that he dealt with shoulder problems at the end of last year and he'll turn 38 tomorrow should at least give fantasy owners a bit of pause. |
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| Matt Herges, P, Colorado Rockies | Wednesday 2/13, 2:07 PM CT |
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| Matt Herges admitted Wednesday to using performance-enhancing drugs, according to SportsTicker. The Rockies reliever was one of 86 players named in the Mitchell Report.
"Several years ago, I made a poor decision rather than trusting in the abilities the Lord has blessed me with," Herges said in a statement Wednesday. "With great insecurity, I chose to cross the line and briefly use performance-enhancing substances. I have no excuse for my actions." Herges re-signed with the Rockies last November, before the report came out. |
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| The Red Sox plan to limit Clay Buchholz's innings this year. "We had a target number of innings before the season started last year, which we'll have this year," pitching coach John Farrell said in the Boston Globe. "It'll certainly be an increase over the 150 innings that we targeted last year. I think it's a reasonable number to think that Clay is going to be in line for 180-190 innings, in that range. I think he's ready certainly for a full season at the major league level and he's got the talent to back that up." Buchholz will battle Julian Tavarez for the last spot in the team's rotation. |
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| Matt Clement, coming back from shoulder surgery, had been throwing indoors and Tuesday was his first throw off a mound. He said it was similar to what he normally would be doing this time of year. "I expect a normal spring and, as of right now, I expect to do everybody else is doing," Clement said in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "The big thing is I don't want to waste my throws. The important throws have to be when I'm on the mound, and we'll see how my arm reacts." Clement has yet to try throwing breaking balls. |
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| The Astros expect Miguel Tejada to arrive in camp on time despite concerns he could have faced trouble entering the United States because of his legal woes. "We're still optimistic he's going to be there on time," manager Ed Wade said in the Houston Chronicle. "I talked to one of his representatives (Tuesday), and we still believe that everything is on schedule." The FBI opened a preliminary investigation last month into whether Tejada lied when he told federal authorities he never took steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. |
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| Adam Eaton, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 2/13, 9:37 AM CT |
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| Adam Eaton will have to earn his spot in the rotation this spring despite his big contract, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'd say he definitely has the inside track, without a doubt," manager Charlie Manuel said of Eaton. "But that doesn't mean that somebody can not move him out." Eaton won 10 games but posted a ghastly 6.29 ERA in 30 starts in his first year with the Phils last season. He'll have to hold off Chad Durbin, J.D. Durbin and Travis Blackley for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Kris Benson would also be in the mix if he signs on as expected. |
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| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Wednesday 2/13, 9:14 AM CT |
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| B.J. Ryan, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has thrown two bullpen sessions with no physical problems and is slated to throw next from the mound Saturday. He is still three months away from reaching one year post-surgery, but Ryan is hoping to be ready by opening day. "I felt good coming into spring training with the same throwing routine," Ryan said in the Toronto Star. "I got hurt doing my job. I like to take the ball. I don't turn it down very often. But that's going to catch up with you some time. Guys pitch with aches and pains throughout their careers, but sometimes it's a little too much and you feel like you're taking away from your teammates. You try and grow and mature as a person and then just work hard to get back to where you were." |
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| Oft-injured outfielder Rocco Baldelli expects to be at full strength when camp opens. However, Baldelli will be paying close attention to how he feels every time he takes the field. "Managing my body's going to be very important for me this year, maybe taking it easy a little bit when I can," he said in the Tampa Tribune. "I think I just have to be smart and I have to put my body first and I'm going to and I plan on being out there the full year." |
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| A decision on whether Evan Longoria begins the year with the Rays or back at Triple-A likely won't be made for at least another month. "This is a big moment for us and we want to give it as much thought as we possibly could," manager Joe Maddon said in the Tampa Tribune. "We felt it best to keep it fluid and not really make a hard-and-fast decision or judgment at this point and just let spring training take its course." Executive VP Andrew Friedman had raised the possibility last month that the Rays might make a call one way or the other on Longoria's status before spring training began as a way to alleviate the pressure on the youngster. If the team determines Longoria isn't ready, Willy Aybar would be the most likely candidate for the third base job. Eric Hinske would also be given a shot. |
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| Hideki Matsui will meet with the Yankees medical staff today to determine what course of action will be taken with his surgically repaired right knee. The outfielder had surgery in November but has been experiencing some lingering soreness. He could be on a lighter program at the start of camp, according to the NY Post. |
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| Chien-Ming Wang is not going to get the long-term deal from the Yankees that he desires, and it appears he'll be unable to avoid going to arbitration with the club tomorrow. "I want to," Wang told the NY Post of inking a multi-year contract. "They told me it's not the time because for pitchers it's hard to stay healthy." Wang, who will turn 28 next month, has 19 wins each of the last two seasons. |
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| The NY Post is reporting that in Andy Pettitte's affidavit, the pitcher revealed a conversation he had with Roger Clemens nearly 10 years ago in which Clemens admitted to using human growth hormone. Pettitte also said Clemens backtracked when the subject of HGH came up again in conversation in 2005, and Clemens responded by saying Pettitte misunderstood the previous exchange and that he had been talking about HGH use by his wife in the original conversation. We should know more about how all of this will shake out after Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, appear before congress today. |
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| Last year, the Red Sox usually turned to Hideki Okajima on days where Jonathan Papelbon was unavailable. This year, Manny Delcarmen could get his shot at a few stray saves, as well. "We've had a number of conversations already this winter, to challenge him with an increased role, increased importance, not to think that last year's ERA or performance that he had is the Manny Delcarmen," pitching coach John Farrell told the Boston Globe. "I think there's still room for improvement, certainly with his fastball command, that can continue to improve. I'd like to think at some point we can begin to expose him in that closer's role. And I say that because we probably are going to take a similar approach with the use of Jonathan this year, so there are going to be opportunities that both Manny and Hideki will again assume." |
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| Luis Hernandez is the favorite to land the starting shortstop job for the Orioles as we head into spring training. "In the brief time [Hernandez] had the opportunity to be with us, he showed what he could do defensively and he did enough things with the bat to show that he could fit," manager Dave Trembley said in the Baltimore Sun. "I don't want to say at this point in time that Luis Hernandez is the shortstop on Opening Day. That's not fair to the other guys. But I want him to be confident and to know that he's going to get an opportunity." Hernandez impressed team officials with his defense in limited action last year and hit .290 in 69 at-bats. However, he's just a career .250 hitter in six minor league seasons. Freddie Bynum and Brandon Fahey are the other options at short, and the O's will also keep an eye on guys like Juan Uribe and Jack Wilson in case their respective teams decide to unload them. |
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| Kris Benson, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 2/13, 7:40 AM CT |
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| A contract with veteran pitcher Kris Benson could be signed soon reports Philly.com. Amaro said he expects a "resolution" within 24-to-48 hours. Benson missed all of last season with a torn labrum after going 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA in seven seasons with the Pirates, Mets and Orioles. Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, said his client is completely healthy and has been throwing between 70 and 90 pitches during his offseason workouts for prospective teams. The two sides talked late last night and will talk again this morning in hopes of hashing out a deal. * |
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| Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told Philly.com that reliever Scott Mathieson visited team physician Michael Ciccotti yesterday and will soon visit specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum. The 24-year-old righthander, who is recovering from 2006 Tommy John surgery, has been experiencing discomfort in his pitching elbow.
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| Chuck James, P, Atlanta Braves | Wednesday 2/13, 12:31 AM CT |
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| LHP Chuck James has been throwing off flat ground, starting at two sets of 20 throws at 90 feet, according to Fox Sports. James, who suffered a slight tear in his rotator cuff, said his shoulder is still bothering him on occasion. James' fantasy potential is high, but so is his risk of injury; including a possible lighter workload early this season to protect his shoulder. |
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| Brian McCann , who elected not to have offseason surgery on his left ankle, is strengthening it with yoga instead according to Fox Sports. The Braves catcher did, however, undergo laser eye surgery, which could help both his catching and his hitting. |
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