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| Skipper Joe Maddon confirmed that Shawn Riggans is the top candidate for the backup catcher's job but didn't hold back from offering the team's third option, 12-year veteran Mike Difelice, accolades, according to SPTimes.com.
"I can really understand why he's made such an impact on all the teams that he's played for," Maddon said. "Well-spoken, well-thought-out and he's got this professional sternness about him as a catcher that I really like." Riggans has not been bothered by the elbow that prematurely ended his 2007 season. |
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| Matt Garza, P, Tampa Bay Rays | Saturday 2/16, 11:44 PM CT |
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| With the acquisition of Matt Garza this offseason the team believes they have the youngest trio of talent in the league. Garza, Rays ace Scott Kazmir and James Shields make up the teams top three starters. According to SPTimes.com, Rays officials are comparing their three top starter to that of the A's in the early part of the decade. That trio included Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito. The comparison is a stretch at this point, especially including Garza into the mix. |
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| Kei Igawa, P, New York Yankees | Saturday 2/16, 9:41 PM CT |
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| Kei Igawa, the left-handed Japanese import, is fighting for a starting role for the second straight spring, according to the team website.
The Yankees' $46 million investment in the 28-year-old looked to be a bust early last year, and that opinion hasn't changed this spring. Igawa was just 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) over three stints in New York, bouncing to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Class A Tampa in an effort to fix his mechanics. The team is doing everything they can to help Igawa, but all indications point to the southpaw being nothing more than an average Major League talent. |
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| Jonathan Sanchez is challenging Kevin Correia for the teams fifth slot in the starting rotation, according to the official team website. Sanchez will be "stretched out" this spring but what his role will be come April is still not definitive. The report noted that Sanchez looked sharp in his second throwing session off a bullpen mound, just as he did on Friday. The right-hander has talent, and if tapped, he will be a fantasy asset in all formats.
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| Rafael Soriano .192 opponents' average over the past two seasons ranks fifth among major-league relievers, and his .232 opponents' on-base percentage in 2007 ranked second among NL relievers.
The ex-Mariner has dynamite movement, superior command and is the prototypical closer.
Soriano did have a valley to work through last year when he allowed nine homers in 24 innings from mid-June to mid-August, but closed out the season allowing one run in his last 17 appearances, while piling up 24 strikeouts with three walks.
Soriano reported to camp stronger after an offseason of strength training, according to AJC.com, and has a chance to be one of the top-tiered closers in the league for the next 10-years.
Soriano is the fourth different pitcher, in four years, to begin the season as the Braves closer. Dan Kolb, Chris Reitsma and Bob Wickman were the others. None have the stuff that Soriano possesses. |
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| Gregg Zaun, C, Toronto Blue Jays | Saturday 2/16, 8:49 PM CT |
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| Jays manager John Gibbons told the team website on Saturday that Gregg Zaun is his catcher, and Rod Barajas isn't in a position to win the starting job. Barajas will see plenty of time behind the plate -- and possibly also at first base according to the skipper. Zaun's a starting option in AL-only leagues that require two backstops and a fringe option in all other formats. |
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| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Saturday 2/16, 8:35 PM CT |
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| B.J. Ryan, the 6-foot-6 left-hander, put his return from elbow surgery on display for the first time Friday, according to MLB.com. He followed that up with another session on Saturday.
"I couldn't wait to get out there that first day," Ryan said. "You can't get the ball back fast enough once you get out there and get going. And you finally settle down and get in a little rhythm. I felt good."
Ryan threw for only 10 minutes, but didn't show any ill effects from his TJS last May. The report noted he threw fastballs and sliders in his second round in the bullpen since arriving in Florida. The team still gives Ryan a chance to be ready for Opening Day - only 11 months removed from surgery that typically takes anywhere from 12-24 months to completely recover from. |
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| The hot topic in Toronto is the role of veteran Casey Janssen . According to the official team website the organization is debating where the 26-year-old righty fits best in the pitching staff, as a starter, or out of the bullpen.
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons prefer keeping the right-hander out of the pen considering his 2.35 ERA in his team-high 70 games a year ago.
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi believes Janssen and the team is better served with the right-hander in the starting rotation. With closer B.J. Ryan possibly being ready for Opening Day, Janssen might not be needed to serve as the setup man and is a lock as one of the starting five. Everything appears to hinge on what kind of spring Ryan has and whether he will in fact be ready by April 1st. |
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| The Dodgers signed Nook Logan to a minor-league contract Saturday, according to the InsideSoCal.com. Logan was not invited to Spring Training and will instead report directly to the team's Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas. The Dodgers have extensive depth in the outfield, both at the Major League level and in their farm system, so Logan's chances of having a fantasy impact this season are long. |
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| Anderson Garcia is now a Seattle Mariner. The team claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Phillies and added him to the 40-man roster according to the Seattle Times. In 221 minor league games over a seven year span, including 39 starts, the 26-year-old is 29-31 with a 3.85 ERA. Barring a number of Spring Training injuries, Garcia will begin the year on the farm. |
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| Dmitri Young, 1B, Washington Nationals | Saturday 2/16, 5:18 PM CT |
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| Manager Manny Acta met with the media on Saturday afternoon and told the Washington Post he considers Dmitri Young his starting first baseman. The skipper listed veteran Ronnie Belliard his starting second baseman, Cristian Guzman his shortstop and said that Guzman would lead off. But -- and Acta stressed this several times -- "this could change." There is the possibility, with a healthy Nick Johnson (but for how long), Young is a candidate to be moved. |
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| Carlos Beltran told LoHud.com that he would miss the first few exhibition games due to soreness in his scoped knees. “I’m not where I want to be,’’ Beltran said. “The test won’t come until I run the bases.’’
Beltran will take full swings for the next two weeks but won't run full speed or turn on the bases until he's closer to 100 percent. |
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| Ervin Santana wasn't present for the first day of workouts but was expected to arrive sometime Saturday according to MLB.com. The fact that Kelvin Escobar (shoulder) is expected to begin the season on the disabled list means Santana and Joe Saunders will battle for the final slot in the rotation. Scioscia's knows that if Santana can maintain his delivery the way he did the first month and last month of the season, he has the potential to be special. In face the skipper believes, "...he has the potential to be a 20-game winner. He's got great stuff." Most experienced fantasy owners have been saying the same thing about Daniel Cabrera for three springs. |
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| Brandon Wood, 3B, Los Angeles Angels | Saturday 2/16, 4:48 PM CT |
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| For the Angels, the starting shortstop role will remain in question right up to Opening Day in Minnesota, according to the team website.
Manager Mike Scioscia will take long hard looks at Maicer Izturis, Erick Aybar and Brandon Wood before making a decision.
Izturis' versatility could pigeon-hole him into a utility role. Aybar's natural position is shortstop -- and the fact that Wood is less experienced among the group -- will not factor into the final decision, Scioscia said.
"We have a lot of versatility," Scioscia said. "A guy's not going to lose a position because he's more valuable moving around." Scioscia's statement would make one believe he is leaning towards Izturis as his starter in the hole, but the skipper likes Aybar bat, "...he is a guy with the ability to hit .300 at some point," according to Scoioscia. Wood will be in the Spring Training mix, but he is expected to begin the season on the farm. |
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| Francisco Rodriguez is expected to be with his teammates today after tying up some loose ends at home in Venezuela, according to the Angels team website and general manager Tony Reagins.
The league leader in saves over the past three seasons with 132, pitched over the winter in his native Venezuela. In 17 innings, he was 0-1 with a 2.65 ERA, walking only three hitters while striking out 21.
K-Rod is for the most part, the highest ranked fantasy relief option, regardless of format. But paying (too much) for saves is not recommended, and the Angels fireman will not be available after the fifth round -- or for less than $32 in AL-only formats, less in mixed. Targeting K-Rod on draft day will mean an owner will have no choice but to overpay for his services.
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| Kiko Calero is working out, but he is behind the other pitchers in camp. Calero is coming off rotator cuff surgery. "He's on his own throwing program," manager Bob Geren tells MLB.com. "He's going to be behind as far as mound time." |
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| Mark Prior, P, San Diego Padres | Saturday 2/16, 3:15 PM CT |
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| Mark Prior threw 31 pitches off a mound on Saturday and tells MLB.com he "felt pretty comfortable and was able to focus on spots instead of mechanics and arm." Prior says he threw at anywhere between 60 and 75 percent. He missed the entire 2007 season due to April shoulder surgery and hopes to be ready in May. |
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| Brian McCann is feeling strong following a season hindered by left thumb and left ankle ailments. "This is the best I've ever felt going into the season," McCann tells MLB.com. "I feel confident. I feel ready." He spent the winter adding strength to his upper body and increasing his flexibility by performing yoga. |
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| Cardinals manager Tony La Russa tells the AP the club will keep a close eye on Albert Pujols' sore right elbow this year. Pujols has a strained ligament, but he doesn't plan to hold back. "If it blows out it's going to blow out," Pujols says. "You can't control that." The ailment has bothered the slugger since 2003. "We'll definitely monitor it," La Russa explains. "Talking to the trainers this morning one of the biggest issues will be throwing so we'll be on the careful side of really firing it. He could make a swing that could tweak it, too. It's one of those deals." |
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| Jason Schmidt made his first bullpen outing on Saturday and came out smiling. "Knock on wood, I hate to even say anything. I was pain-free," he tells the AP. "I'm feeling free and easy. Stamina up, arm strength, too. (But) we're not out of the woods." Schmidt underwent surgery on June 20 to repair a torn labrum, frayed biceps tendon, and inflamed bursa in his right shoulder. He says he used all of his pitches during the 30-pitch outing. |
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| Hanley Ramirez (shortstop) will be ready to take part in drills when they begin on Thursday, MLB.com reports. There were some questions about Ramirez's availability following offseason surgery on his left shoulder, but it sounds like it's safe to continue viewing him as an elite fantasy player. |
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| Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Braves | Saturday 2/16, 11:47 AM CT |
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| Braves pitcher John Smoltz believes teammate Tim Hudson should be the Opening Day starter. "You can pretty much pencil Huddy in first — in my opinion that's a no-brainer," Smoltz tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "But it does not matter to me." Hudson responds, "He just doesn't want to pitch against the Nationals." The Braves face the Nats on March 30 and then have a three-game series against the Pirates. |
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| Cliff Floyd, DH, Tampa Bay Rays | Saturday 2/16, 11:36 AM CT |
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| Cliff Floyd reported to camp on Saturday and is prepared to split the outfield and DH roles. "Well, I think the important thing is when I do get out on the field, play well," Floyd tells MLB.com. "I mean, not try to be Superman, because that's going into the danger zone... Whatever role I'm put into, I'm sure I can adapt to it, whether it's going into the outfield and playing two, three days a week and DHing two." |
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| Mausmi Kuwata had ankle surgery in this offseason, and he tells the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he is currently "about 80 to 90 percent." He will need to earn a roster spot with a strong spring. |
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| The Astros want Wandy Rodriguez to focus on his craft this season, rather than be distracted by things he can't control, the Houston Chronicle reports. "Look, Wandy," manager Cecil Cooper told the hurler, "this year I don't want you to argue with the umpire or make any faces at them. I want you to focus and concentrate." Fellow pitchers Roy Oswalt and Woody Williams chided Rodriguez for his mound presence and temperament in the past. |
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| Ryan Braun, LF, Milwaukee Brewers | Saturday 2/16, 11:22 AM CT |
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| Brewers general manager Doug Melvin is excited about the year ahead, and he knows one of the tougher changes will be Ryan Braun's move from third base to left field. "That will be a big challenge for him," Melvin tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "He's very athletic, which helps. It'll be important for him to play (in Milwaukee) in the two (exhibition) games when we break camp, to get comfortable there." |
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| The Cardinals kept pitchers Cliff Politte and Dewon Brazelton out of workouts on Friday because the club is worried about injuries. Politte underwent a right shoulder exam later in the day, and Brazelton had his arm checked out, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. |
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| Kent Mercker is feeling good and ready to compete for a bullpen role. He missed all of 2007 after having Tommy John surgery in 2006. "I wasn't surprised that my elbow felt good," Mercker tells the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But I was surprised how good my shoulder felt... If I'm throwing well and I turn my ankle or something, I'd be willing to go to the minors to get ready." |
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| Todd Coffey, P, Milwaukee Brewers | Saturday 2/16, 11:12 AM CT |
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| Todd Coffey beat his weight goal this offseason. "I wanted to go from 264 to 240," he tells the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I beat that by a pound. I weigh 239." Coffey, 27, posted a robust 5.32 ERA in 2007. |
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| Mark Kotsay, CF, Boston Red Sox | Saturday 2/16, 11:09 AM CT |
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| Mark Kotsay worked out with pitchers and catchers on Friday and has no issues with his surgically repaired back. "I'm fully capable of working out and doing whatever," he tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. |
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| Shawn Hill, P, Washington Nationals | Saturday 2/16, 11:06 AM CT |
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| Shawn Hill underwent two operations in October, but he is at full strength and working without restrictions in camp. "I've been throwing since the middle of December," he tells the Washington Post. Hill underwent surgeries to his right forearm and left shoulder. |
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| Dmitri Young, 1B, Washington Nationals | Saturday 2/16, 11:04 AM CT |
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| The Nationals may look to trade either Nick Johnson or Dmitri Young this preseason. "If they're both healthy, logically, it may be possible one of them has to be moved to make that work. It doesn't mean we're going to, but it's something we may have to look at," general manager Jim Bowden tells the Washington Post. |
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| Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets | Saturday 2/16, 11:00 AM CT |
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| Jose Reyes has swiped 60, 64 and 78 bases the last three years. Could he steal even more this season? "Probably I'm going to be a little faster this year," he tells the New York Daily News. Reyes did more long distance running this offseason in order to increase his endurance. |
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| Kris Benson, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 2/16, 10:55 AM CT |
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| The Phillies expect Kris Benson to arrive in camp on Saturday, and he could throw as soon as Sunday. "He's just not going to be able to jump in and do everything right now, from how I understand it," manager Charlie Manuel tells the Philadelphia Inquirer. "It's going to take a while." Benson missed the entire 2007 season due to right shoulder surgery, and he is currently throwing at only 60-to-70 percent. |
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| Hong-Chih Kuo is healthy, on schedule, and ready to fight for a roster spot. He underwent surgery last July to have bone chips removed from his left elbow. "I think I'll have to fight it out," Kuo tells the Los Angeles Daily News. "I'm just trying to make (the team). It doesn't matter whether it's as a starter or reliever." |
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| Chone Figgins arrived at camp on Friday, and he is still working through a bit of rehab with his left wrist. He had surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in late October. "It's full go," Figgins tells MLB.com. "I didn't get my normal work in, but I've been hitting for about a month. I still get some soreness, but nothing like before." |
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| Kelvim Escobar isn't expected to throw a baseball until mid-March as he recovers from a sore right shoulder. "He'll be throwing a baseball sometime in the second, third week of March, playing catch. If there are no setbacks, hopefully we can get him going early in the season," manager Mike Scoscia tells MLB.com. We don't have a firm timetable for Escobar, but he won't be ready for the start of the season and this news strongly suggests he may not be ready to join the rotation until May. His fantasy stock is sliding quickly. |
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| Talks between the Orioles and Cubs regarding Brian Roberts have stalled, and the All-Star is expected to report to Orioles camp next week. "I don't see [a trade] as likely before the reporting date," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail tells the Baltimore Sun. "Anything can happen... but I just don't see it." |
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| Chris Ray, P, Baltimore Orioles | Saturday 2/16, 10:23 AM CT |
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| Chris Ray threw on Friday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last August. "I think that kind of made everybody's day," manager Dave Trembley tells the Baltimore Sun. Ray is hoping to return before the end of this season, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect him to regain the closer's role this year. |
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| Hayden Penn, P, Baltimore Orioles | Saturday 2/16, 10:06 AM CT |
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| Hayden Penn is eager to show the Orioles that he's suited for a rotation spot. He made his big league debut in 2005 but has been hampered by injuries ever since. "I really think I do need to reprove myself to the organization," he tells the Baltimore Sun. "The last couple of years has been tough, and it almost feels like I'm starting over from where I was three years ago." |
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| Paul Lo Duca addressed his inclusion in the Mitchell Report on Saturday, releasing a statement. "In regards to Senator Mitchell's Report, I apologize to my family, all of my fans and to the entire baseball community for mistakes in judgment I made in the past and for the distraction that has resulted," Lo Duca writes to the AP. |
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| The Cubs could use Kosuke Fukudome anywhere from second to sixth in the batting order, but he is tentatively slated to hit fifth, the Chicago Tribune reports. |
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| Brendan Donnelly (elbow) won't report to spring training until March, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed last June. |
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| Josh Fields, 3B, Chicago White Sox | Saturday 2/16, 9:47 AM CT |
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| White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has a depth chart established at third base, for the moment. "My third baseman right now, to be honest with you, is Josh Fields," Guillen tells the Chicago Sun-Times. "One reason: I don't know exactly where Joe Crede is healthwise. I don't know what Joe can do for me." |
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| Tony Pena, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Saturday 2/16, 8:42 AM CT |
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| Tony Pena will be delayed in coming to spring training due to visa problems. "It seems like it is more of a problem this year than in the past, not only for us but for a lot of other teams," general manager Josh Byrnes tells the East Valley Tribune. Pena has had problems ever since changing his name four years ago. |
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| Miguel Montero , who is recovering from a broken finger suffered when playing winter ball, had a second X-ray taken Thursday that confirmed the fracture has not progressed like the team would have liked. The Arizona catcher has been told not to swing a bat and limit any throwing sessions according to the official team website.
"It just hasn't quite responded to the point where they envisioned at this point of time," Melvin said. The injury figures to create more looks, swings and plate opportunities for starter Chris Snyder this spring, and that might not be "bad" thing. |
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| Joe Mather, RF, St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday 2/16, 1:45 AM CT |
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| Prospect Joe Mather is likely to start the season at Triple-A Memphis, according to the team's official website. Mather is coming off a productive 2007 minor league campaign hitting 31 home runs in 487 at-bats. |
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| Manager Tony La Russa said Jason Isringhausen would take a little extra time before pitching in Grapefruit League games, according to the team's official website. Izzy will be limited to batting practice sessions during the early portion of the spring schedule. The team's ninth inning option has plenty of wear and tear on his right arm and the skipper won't overwork his closer. With the Cardinals in rebuilding mode, Isringhausen shouldn't be counted on as one of the top fantasy options in '08. |
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| Josh Kinney, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday 2/16, 1:27 AM CT |
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| Josh Kinney, who threw a light bullpen session on Friday, according to the team's official website, is in the middle of his rehab from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. Kinney, who suffered a setback in his recovery to a broken bone sustained in his elbow last November, estimated his effort level at about "60 or 70" percent. A mid-season return by Kinney is realistic. |
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