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| Joey Gathright went 1-for-3 with a triple, two runs, one RBI, and a stolen base in Kansas City’s Cactus League win over the Rockies on Tuesday, a nice performance for a man hoping to earn a job in the starting outfield for the Royals this season. |
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| Chris Iannetta went 2-for-2 with a double and one run in Colorado’s 5-11 loss to Kansas City in Cactus League action on Tuesday, hoping to keep a hot hand and battle for the catching job with the Rocks. |
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| Scott Podsednik went 2-for-3 with one run, one RBI, and one stolen base in Colorado’s 5-11 loss to Kansas City in Cactus League action on Tuesday. |
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| Troy Tulowitzki wasted no time earning his new, fat paycheck, hitting 1-for-2 with a homer in the Rockies’ 5-11 loss to Kansas City in Cactus League action on Tuesday. |
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| Felix Pie, CF, Chicago Cubs | Tuesday 3/4, 11:42 PM CT |
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| Felix Pie went 1-for-3 with one run in the Cubbies’ loss to the Brewers in the Cactus League on Tuesday. |
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| Fukumania continues for the Cubby Nation as Kosuke Fukudome went 3-for-3 with one homerun and two RBIs in Chicago’s loss to Milwaukee in Cactus League action Tuesday. |
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| Tony Gwynn, CF, Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday 3/4, 11:39 PM CT |
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| Tony Gwynn , Jr. went 2-for-5 with a triple and a homer in Milwaukee’s 10-6 win over the Cubs in the Cactus League Tuesday. |
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| Mike Cameron hit 2-for-3 with a double and three runs with one RBI in Milwaukee’s 10-6 win over the Cubs in Cactus League play Tuesday. |
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| Hank Blalock might get back into game action Wednesday after being rear-ended in his car on Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News. "A lady smoked us at about 40 mph," he said. "As soon as we heard tires, we got hit hard. Her car got totaled. I got a little whiplash, but I'm not too bad. I should be all right." On top of the sore neck, Blalock has been dealing with soreness on the back of his right shoulder that's kept him from playing since Friday. Consider him day-to-day at this point. |
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| Royals manager Trey Hillman shot down growing sentiment that Luke Hochevar is not a candidate for the rotation, according to the KC Star. "We’ve always had him in consideration as a starter," Hillman said. "We did say that if he didn’t fit into a starting role that it’s entirely possible that he could fit as a reliever." Hochevar has retired all but one of the 13 batters he's face this spring, so it's clear that he's in the mix right now for a starting role. Let's see what he does over the next couple of weeks. |
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| John Bale, P, Kansas City Royals | Tuesday 3/4, 11:03 PM CT |
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| John Bale is making a strong case to earn the final spot in the Royals starting rotation, according to the KC Star. "Coming out of the bullpen last year," catcher John Buck said, "he just threw a lot of power stuff. He can still reach back and do that when he needs to, but he’s commanding the ball a little more. He’s showing some finesse stuff. With that combination, you can see what he can do." What he has done is have two strong starts, including Monday's three scoreless innings. Bale lost 20 pounds during the offseason after he was told he'd have a shot at starting this spring. The Royals are looking to add a lefty to the mix, and thus far, Bale is ahead of the ailing Mike Maroth and Jorge De La Rosa, who gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings on Monday. |
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| Ryan Shealy, 1B, Kansas City Royals | Tuesday 3/4, 10:09 PM CT |
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| Ryan Shealy is expected to rejoin the Royals Wednesday for their road trip to Scottsdale, Ariz, according to MLB.com. "I've got him on the travel list for tomorrow," manager Trey Hillman said. "We'll see how he feels today and make a decision." Shealy has been out with a bad case of the flu and will have to step things up quickly if he's going to earn a roster spot this spring. |
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| Michael Young hit his first homer of spring training in the Rangers’ 3-9 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks today, according to the Associated Press. |
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| Kendry Morales connected for a two-run homer in the 2nd inning of today’s Cactus League loss for the Angels against the White Sox, according to the Associated Press. Morales displayed solid potential in a limited time in the Show last season and now hopes to take his game to the next level. Today, he showed the power the Angels hope will become a regular item on their hitting menu. |
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| Dodgers manager Joe Torre was impressed with Clayton Kershaw's performance in his first big league spring game on Tuesday. "I thought he was terrific. He gives up a home run to the first hitter and he’s got a little smile on his face as if to say, well, OK. He never backed off. The kid’s got a lot—aside from his stuff—he’s got a lot going on there," Joe Torre said. "You have to love his stuff, sure. Curveball, changeup, fastball. But it’s what he does with it more so than what it is, for me." Kershaw gave up two hits besides the homer, but he walked none and struck out three in his inning of action. Kershaw should begin the season in Double-A, but Torre's already said he'd call the kid up if he earns it. So far, so good. |
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| Bobby Crosby missed his second straight game Tuesday due to back spasms, according to MLB.com. "It's something I've experience before, it seems like it's something that happens to me once a year at some point," Crosby said prior to Tuesday's game. "It happened to me last year during Spring Training when I dove for a ball. Hopefully this is the extent of it this year." So long as he returns to action on Tuesday, as is expected, this minor malady should't have any effect on his fantasy value. |
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| Paul Konerko went 3-for-3 today in Chicago’s win over the Angels, according to the Associated Press. Konerko is now 10-for-14 in spring training, an impressive average of .714. He also scored twice and recorded a double. |
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| Jose Contreras allowed two runs and two hits over three innings today in a 7-6 loss to the Angels, according to the Associated Press. Last season, Contreras went 10-17 with a 5.57 ERA. In an attempt to improve over those frustrations, coaches are working with Contreras in experiments with various arm angles and pitching techniques. “I want to pitch more three-quarters or higher because last year I pitched too many down low so my velocity came down,” Contreras said. |
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| Bartolo Colon was hoping to make his exhibition debut with the Red Sox on Sunday, but manager Terry Francona doesn't think that's prudent, according to MLB.com. "I think that's too quick," Francona said. "It just doesn't follow the progression that's built into normal throwing." On Monday, Colon threw 42 pitches in a bullpen session. Francona thinks he'd like to see Colon follow that up with two more side sessions, then face hitters in batting practice before taking the mound for a game. |
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| Jonathan Papelbon confirmed Tuesday that his agents and the Red Sox have gotten to the point where they won't be able to even get close to working out a long-term deal before the March 11 deadline, according to the Boston Globe. Papelbon won't be eligible for arbitration until next offseason, so he doesn't have any real pull in negotations, as the Red Sox can simply renew his current deal. On the other hand, if he can keep pitching like the past two seasons, he's going to get crazy paid once abritration is an option next winter. |
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| Dennis Sarfate all but has a spot locked up in the Orioles bullpen, according to the Baltimore Sun. Manager Dave Trembley said Sarfate would have to "pitch his way off the club" to not make the team. So long as he doesn't blow his roster spot, Sarfate could figure into the closer's mix if George Sherrill isn't up to the task. |
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| Tim Lincecum, P, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 3/4, 6:47 PM CT |
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| In his second spring-training performance, Tim Lincecum allowed three runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings, according to ESPN. Lincecum is viewed as a favorite to earn a spot in San Francisco’s starting rotation this season but still has work to do. |
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| Freddie Bynum underwent an MRI on his right knee Monday, according to the Baltimore Sun. The results weren't yet available, but Bynum said he didn't think it was anything serious. Well, it must have been at least a bit concerning in order to warrant an MRI. We'll have more details as they become available. |
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| Greg Maddux, P, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 3/4, 6:41 PM CT |
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| Greg Maddux enjoyed a strong performance in his first outing of spring training, using just 18 pitches to compile six outs in the Padres’ 9-6 win over San Francisco in Cactus League action today, according to ESPN. 16 of Maddux’ 18 pitches were strikes. |
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| Conor Jackson hit a grand slam and a 2-run triple for the Diamondbacks in today’s Cactus League win over the Texas Rangers, according to ESPN. With Jackson all but settled into the starting role, outings like this will continue to catch the eye of fantasy owners considering the young Diamondback on draft day. |
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| Brandon Webb, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Tuesday 3/4, 6:30 PM CT |
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| Brandon Webb continues to give fans and fantasy owners optimism for 2008 with another strong outing against the Texas Rangers today, according to ESPN. Webb got eight of his nine outs on groundballs with one strikeout in his second start of spring training. Webb did allow one homer and two earned runs in three innings of work, but the continued ability to influence those ever-popular groundouts is certainly a reason to smile. |
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| The A’s report RHP Keith Foulke , struggling with the right calf strain, threw off a mound to hitters for the first time today, according to ESPN. The A's remain steady in failing to report a timeline for Foulke's possible return to action, but today's works is a positive sign. |
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| Mike Morse, RF, Seattle Mariners | Tuesday 3/4, 6:18 PM CT |
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| Mike Morse went 2-for-4 in the Mariners’ Cactus League loss to the Oakland Athletics today, dropping his spring training average from .714 to .636, according to ESPN. Morse is battling for a backup position in the outfield for Seattle this season and has driven in six runs in five games. |
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| Pitcher Miguel Batista left today’s Cactus League game against the Oakland Athletics with what is being described as a sore back, according to ESPN. He surrendered two runs and two hits in three innings before leaving the game after stiffness settled in during his time on the bench. However, Batista retired the top of the A’s order in the third, a positive sign for the Seattle hurler looking forward. |
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| Dmitri Young, 1B, Washington Nationals | Tuesday 3/4, 5:31 PM CT |
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| Nats manager Manny Acta said Tuesday that he expects Dmitri Young to start a hitting program and soft tossing soon, according to the AP. Young hasn't played this spring due to tightness in his lower back and hip and currently is resting the sore muscles. So long as he gets back in action soon, he should be fine for opening day. |
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| Julio Lugo, SS, Boston Red Sox | Tuesday 3/4, 5:25 PM CT |
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| Julio Lugo skipped Tuesday's spring game due to a sore back, according to the AP. He's expected back in the mix on Wednesday, so it sounds like nothing to be concerned with. |
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| Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox are scheduled to begin the regular season against the A's in his native Japan March 25 and 26. However, he could arrive late or miss the trip entirely if his pregnant wife goes into labor at the wrong time, according to the AP. "It’s one of those things you have to leave to nature, so I can’t say one way or another right now," Dice-K said through a translator Tuesday. His wife is due to give birth on March 19, which is the same day the team is slated to head to Japan. He allowed a single run over three innings during Tuesday's exhibition game, but time will tell whether he'll be with the Sox in Japan. |
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| Nick Markakis and the Orioles were not able to work out a new contract by Tuesday's deadline, so the club renewed his current deal, according to the AP. "Unfortunately, while we were able to reach an agreement with everyone else on the roster that fit into that category, we weren’t with Nick," club president Andy MacPhail said. "It’s not a terribly unusual thing in our industry. It’s to be avoided if you can, but in this case we really weren’t able to find any common ground." After hitting .300 and knocking in 23 homers and 112 RBI in 2007, Markakis was hoping for a substantial raise from last year's $400,000 salary, but he'll make just $55,000 more in 2008. |
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| Carlos Beltran ran the bases on Tuesday but clearly was not running at full speed, according to the AP. "Right now, that’s the fastest I can go," he said. "If I can go straight, straight is fine. It’s just turning and stopping." Beltran had offseason surgery on both knees and said his left knee is bothering him more than his right. He still expects to be ready for opening day, but you'll want to keep a close on his status as the exhibition season rolls along. |
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| Ryan Church ran on a treadmill in a pool Tuesday, his first activity since sustaining a Grade III concussion on Saturday, and reported no dizziness, according to the AP. "It’s a good sign, a good start," he said. "I feel a lot better." He'll find out Wednesday from the training staff what his next step will be, though he hopes he'll be taking batting practice soon. If he continues to recover without a setback, Church should be ready for the start of the season. |
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| Chipper Jones may be ready to return to exhibition action as soon as Thursday, according to the AP. Jones is dealing with a strained right hamstring, but the Braves aren't concerned about it. At this point, you shouldn't, either. However, at this stage of his career, you should expect him to battle to stay healthy. |
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| Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Braves | Tuesday 3/4, 4:46 PM CT |
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| Tim Hudson tested out a new pitch during Tuesday's exhibition contest, according to the AP. "I’ve been trying to develop a backdoor slider on lefties and I ripped off a few good ones," Hudson said. Considering he was trying out a new weapon in his pitching arsenal and still is shaking off the offseason rust, he looked pretty good in the game; Hudson worked three innings and allowed four hits, a walk and a run, while striking out two batters. Hudson was 16-10 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.22 WHIP last season. |
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| Hanley Ramirez was back in action for the Marlins on Tuesday after skipping Monday's game to rest a sore left ankle. He had one hit in three at-bats. It appears that his ankle ailment is nothing to be concerned about. |
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| Matt Belisle pitched a perfect first inning in Tuesday's spring game before giving up three hits and three runs in the second, according to the AP. "He was good early, then he lost his command," manager Dusty Baker said. "I don’t know what causes it. I have to see him some more. He definitely has the stuff." Belisle's going to have to learn how to avoid letting bad innings get to him if he's going to win and keep a job in the back end of the Reds rotation. |
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| Cliff Lee, P, Cleveland Indians | Tuesday 3/4, 4:31 PM CT |
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| Finally over a bout with a sinus infection, Cliff Lee was on the mound for the Indians on Tuesday. "I’ve never been sick for a week and felt that bad," he told the AP. "It feels good to feel good now. I felt like I threw the ball remotely close to where I wanted to, so I’ll take that." Lee's performance was good, as he allowed just one hit, no walks and no runs in his lone inning of action. It looked even better compared to what his competition for the fifth spot in the Indians rotation did: Aaron Laffey allowed three hits, three walks and five earned runs in 2/3 of an inning; Jeremy Sowers gave up four hits, a walk and two earned runs in one inning. |
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| Adam Jones, CF, Baltimore Orioles | Tuesday 3/4, 4:25 PM CT |
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| Adam Jones was 3-for-3 at the plate on Tuesday, which raised his spring batting average up to .500. The O's are counting on the offseason acquistion to be in their lineup when the regular season begins, and so far, he's proving to be up to the task. |
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| Melvin Mora, 3B, Baltimore Orioles | Tuesday 3/4, 4:22 PM CT |
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| Melvin Mora is lighting things up early this spring, and he credits some of it to spending three weeks with his former batting instructor in Venezuela during the offseason, according to the AP. "I want to go back to 2004," said Mora. So would fantasy owners, since Mora hit .340 with 27 homers and 104 RBI that season. Mora was 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBI during Tuesday's exhibition game, and he's now hitting .583 this spring. Let's hope he can carry the hot bat through spring and into the regular season. |
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| Kei Igawa, P, New York Yankees | Tuesday 3/4, 4:17 PM CT |
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| Kei Igawa pitched two perfect innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, striking out two batters in the process. That's a big improvement after he gave up a grand slam to South Florida on Friday. He'll have to continue to pitch well this spring if he's going to lock down a spot in the Yankees rotation. |
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| A.J. Burnett got through a bullpen session on Tuesday without any problems, according to the AP. Burnett broke the nail on his right index finger when he slammed it in a car door on Sunday. While he'll lay off his curve for 10-14 days, it appears the malady shouldn't affect his preparation for the start of the regular season. |
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| Phil Hughes, P, New York Yankees | Tuesday 3/4, 4:09 PM CT |
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| Phil Hughes tossed a perfect inning before rain delayed Tuesday's exhibition game for an hour. Hughes tossed a couple of simulated innings in a batting cage to make up for the lost work in game action, according to the AP. The 21-year-old is set to start for the Yankees and is looking good so far. |
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| The Mets received good news on Ruben Gotay Tuesday. A CT scan on the infielder's ankle revealed only a sprain, not a fracture, according to Newsday. The film will be sent to New York for further review. It sounds like Gotay will be OK, but it's possible he could begin the year on the DL. |
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| Adam Wainwright agreed to terms on a one-year contract Tuesday, according to the AP. The tall right-hander will make $438,000 if he makes the team and $246,000 if he’s in the minors. Since Wainwright is expected to be the Cardinals opening day starter, you can count on him making $438K. |
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| Cameron Maybin did some light jogging Monday for the first time since tweaking his left hamstring last Friday, according to MLB.com. "It feels good," Maybin said. "It's a lot better than two or three days ago." The 20-year-old is competing with Cody Ross and Alejandro De Aza for the center field job. |
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| Hank Blalock had a stiff neck Tuesday, a day after he was rear-ended while stopped at an intersection. He was held out of Tuesday's game as a precaution but said he's fine. “It’s no big deal. They’re being real careful with me,” Blalock said in the AP. The Rangers are taking it easy with Blalock this spring. He's yet to play third base since having surgery last May to remove a rib. |
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| Brad Hawpe, RF, Colorado Rockies | Tuesday 3/4, 2:32 PM CT |
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| Updating a previous report, Brad Hawpe has agreed on a three-year, $17.425 million deal with the Rockies, according to the AP. The Rox also hold an option for a fourth year. The outfielder signed a one-year, $3.925 deal in January, but this new deal will replace the old one. |
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| After a short-lived comeback, Matt Mantei is retiring again. The right-hander made the decision after developing pain in his shoulder during Sunday’s outing, according to the Detroit Free Press. “He knew he hurt it,” president/GM Dave Dombrowski said. The former closer hadn't pitched since 2005. |
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| Francisco Liriano threw 45 pitches in a live BP session Tuesday with no problems. “I didn’t feel any pain, any soreness at all,” Liriano said in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I feel real good.” It was the second live BP session and fourth throwing session from a mound this spring for Liriano, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery. The lefty said that his fastball and changeup feel good, but that he's still holding back on his slider. Hopefully Liriano can get it all ironed out by the beginning of the season, which it sounds like he'll be ready for. |
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| Juan Pierre, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 3/4, 2:04 PM CT |
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| The A's have shot down a rumor that they may be interested in trading for Juan Pierre, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. This is not surprising given that the rumor made very little sense. |
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| Shawn Hill, P, Washington Nationals | Tuesday 3/4, 12:50 PM CT |
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| A second opinion on Shawn Hill's sore right forearm confirmed that he had no further damage. “It was good news in a sense that the nerve checked out fine; the MRI was clear,” Hill said in the AP. “We just have to figure out how to get it under control.” However, it's looking like Hill might not be ready by opening day. “I don’t want to be too quick pulling the trigger, but this right now doesn’t put him on schedule to be ready on opening day,” manager Manny Acta said. “If you’re going to shut him down, then he’s going to start all over with a throwing program, and then build up a little bit.” Hill has dealt with arm problems his entire professional career, and you can bet he'll probably make a trip or two to the DL this year, as well. |
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| Chipper Jones took some ground balls and 30 left-handed swings Monday and had no problems. Chipper injured his right hamstring when he was batting right-handed Sunday, and he's going to wait a couple more days before taking some swings from that side, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He hopes to play by this weekend. Chipper is always going to be dealing with some sort of nagging injury. It's nothing to be concerned about at this point. |
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| Rafael Soriano underwent some tests to see if he had an ulcer (they came back negative), but the real issue is that he's also dealing with some elbow inflammation, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The right-hander is scheduled to pitch this weekend, so if the Braves end up holding him back, then it might be time to be concerned. |
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| Justin Duchscherer's line from his first spring outing wasn't good (one inning, one run, two hits and two walks), but the right-hander is just happy that he's overcoming some of the mental hurdles with his surgically repaired hip, according to the Mercury News. Duchscherer, who is moving from the bullpen to the rotation, was nervous about the hip at first, but said he made a conscious effort to drive hard off the hip when he struck out Gary Matthews to end the fourth inning. "You hear people say that the last thing to come is the mental part of it," he said. "To know that I can pitch pain free is a big deal." Duchscherer has been terrific at times as a setup man, but it will be interesting to see how he fares as a starter. Consider him only as a late-round flyer in AL-only play right now. |
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| Rich Harden was pleased with his first spring outing Monday despite giving up two runs on four hits over three innings. "I'm glad that guys were able to get on, because I really only upped that intensity level for a couple of pitches," he said in the Mercury News. "I just wanted to stay in control, and I was able to do that." Health is always the issue with Harden. Will this be the year he stays pain-free enough to make 30 starts? Don't bet on it. |
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| John Lackey, P, Los Angeles Angels | Tuesday 3/4, 10:41 AM CT |
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| John Lackey threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Monday and came away saying he was just fine. It's the first time the right-hander has been on a mound since feeling soreness in his elbow last week, according to the LA Times. Lackey is scheduled to make his spring debut Sunday, which would tentatively line him up to start the fifth game of the regular season. The Halos could certainly shuffle their pitchers around before then, though. |
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| Kyle Davies, P, Kansas City Royals | Tuesday 3/4, 10:29 AM CT |
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| Kyle Davies made a good case for a rotation spot with his first spring outing Sunday, giving up one run and three hits in three innings. “I was impressed with Kyle getting back in his delivery several times after he got out of it,” manager Trey Hillman said in the Kansas City Star. “He had a real good breaking ball at times but left a couple up. His fastball command had some real good spots of consistency.” Davies is one of at least eight candidates for the last two spots in the Royals rotation. |
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| Brandon Inge has made his feelings about catching pretty obvious, and manager Jim Leyland says he won't make Inge catch if he doesn't want to. "Read the paper this morning. It's obvious. He does not want to catch," Leyland said in the Detroit Free Press. "I'm not going to force somebody to catch. He's doing all the right things, saying all the right things. He's a professional. He's one of my favorites. I want him to play third base somewhere everyday. Is that going to happen? I have no clue." The Tigers have been trying to trade Inge since they acquired Miguel Cabrera in December but have so far had no takers. Obviously his fantasy value is minimal so long as he's in Detroit in a backup role. |
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| Jeremy Bonderman is using a new changeup grip this year, and he thinks it will really help him improve upon a pitch that's been very inconsistent for him in the past. "This year is different for me," he said in the Detroit Free Press. "I feel comfortable throwing it." Manager Jim Leyland thinks a better changeup is the only thing that's keeping Bonderman from becoming a star. "He'll go from really good to outstanding if he masters that," Leyland said. Bonderman is trying to rebound from a subpar 2007 campaign. It remains to be seen if he'll ever take that step to the next level. |
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| Hideki Matsui was unable to take batting practice for the second straight day Monday because of a stiff neck. "It's not a big deal," manager Joe Girardi told the NY Post of Matsui not taking BP. The outfielder is slated to start playing in games next Monday, and Girardi said the neck problem wouldn't alter those plans. "It won't slow him down when he gets in games," Girardi said. "Except for the cutting he looks good. I have watched him do cutoff and relays and there are no problems. I haven't seen anything to think he would have a setback." The neck isn't the issue with Matsui, it's his surgically repaired knee. At this point, he should be fine for opening day, but keep tabs on him to make sure he doesn't suffer any setbacks. |
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| Coco Crisp, CF, Boston Red Sox | Tuesday 3/4, 9:41 AM CT |
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| Coco Crisp will sit out Tuesday's game because of a minor groin injury, according to the Boston Globe. As long as the Sox are saying it's minor, you shouldn't worry about it. If he's still out a few days from now, perhaps then we should become a little suspicious. |
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| Brad Hawpe, RF, Colorado Rockies | Tuesday 3/4, 9:35 AM CT |
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| The Rockies are close to completing a three-year pact with outfielder Brad Hawpe, according to MLB.com. The team would also hold an option for a fourth year. Financial terms aren't known at this time. The Rox have handed out a lot of long-term deals this offseason, as Hawpe will join Matt Holliday, Troy Tulowitzki, Manny Corpas and Aaron Cook on the list of players with new deals. |
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| Tyler Johnson had an MRI on his shoulder Monday, which revealed a strained rotator cuff and tendinitis, according to MLB.com. "Great news," Johnson said. "I don't have to have surgery. Any time you don't have to have surgery, it's great news. I wasn't sure if it was that bad, anyway. I was just feeling tired and a little weak. But I know now that there's nothing wrong, and I can go out there and do what I have to do." The lefty was shut down Saturday after experiencing weakness in the shoulder. Johnson may throw some long toss while he is recuperating, but he'll stay away from a mound for a while. |
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| The Orioles had prospect Mike Costanzo behind the plate for two innings of Monday's game. Normally a third baseman, Costanzo had never caught in his life, not even in high school. "I told him ... that he'd catch two innings [yesterday]," manager Dave Trembley told the Baltimore Sun. "And he did OK. It was a good experience for him." Costanzo had 27 homers at Double-A last year when he was in the Phillies organization, so he has some pop. Even if he ends up moving behind the plate permanently, he will probably be passed up by 2007 first-round pick Matt Wieters. |
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| Brian Burres is competing for a job in the Orioles starting rotation, but even if he doesn't win a spot he's still expected to make the team. "I would think what he did for us last year, he is going to figure in somewhere for us," manager Dave Trembley said in the Baltimore Sun. The lefty allowed four hits and one run in two innings yesterday in his first spring outing. Burres didn't fare well with the O's last year, posting a 5.95 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 121 innings, though his 7.1 K/9 rate wasn't bad. He shouldn't be drafted even if he wins a starting spot. |
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| Juan Pierre, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 3/4, 9:05 AM CT |
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| The A's have apparently reached out to the Dodgers about a possible trade for Juan Pierre, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Pierre is competing with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier for a staring job in LA. This really doesn't make sense. The A's are in rebuilding mode and would be silly to take on Pierre's contract unless the Dodgers were willing to pick up a big portion of it. Pierre isn't a Billy Beane-type player, either, with his refusal to draw walks. We're betting that there's not much substance here. |
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| The left-handed hitting Ben Broussard won't be sitting against southpaws this year. "I don't want him coming to the park every day wondering if he's going to play against a left-hander," manager Ron Washington said in the Dallas Morning News. "He's going to play against them until he proves he can't." Broussard has batted just .227 in his career against lefties (as opposed to .275 against righties), so we're betting it won't take Washington long to change his mind and sit his first baseman most of the time with a left-hander on the mound. |
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| Carlos Marmol has been superb in two spring outings and looks like the early leader in the competition for the Cubs closer gig, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Kerry Wood and Bobby Howry, the other contenders for the job, have given up a combined seven runs in three innings so far. It's still very early. Don't move Marmol up your cheat sheet just yet. |
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| Alfonso Soriano was originally supposed to be back from his fractured finger in 3-5 days, but it now appears that it will be longer than that until we see him on the field again. "His finger was really swollen [Monday], so I don't know -- maybe a week or so," manager Lou Piniella said in the Chicago Sun-Times. "He'll have to tell us, but it's going to be a while. It's not going to be a matter of three or four days." The Cubs should take it slow with Soriano this early in the spring. At this point you don't need to worry about him. |
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| Kosuke Fukudome is off to a slow start this spring, picking up only one chop single in four games, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Japanese import has been batting third for the Northsiders. "We need for him to swing it," manager Lou Piniella said. "Maybe the 3-hole might be asking a little bit too much too soon. We might drop him down to the 2-hole, and he might be more comfortable there." Pinella added that he'll probably move the outfielder to the second spot in the lineup. Fukudome is probably pressing a bit in an effort to impress his new team. If he's still hitting this way a few weeks from now, then it will be time to worry. |
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| Aramis Ramirez is expected to make his spring debut Thursday after missing the first five games with a sore shoulder, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Cubbies are a little banged up right now with A-Ram, Alfonso Soriano, Mark DeRosa and Daryl Ward all nursing various maladies. |
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| Jack Cust, LF, Oakland Athletics | Tuesday 3/4, 8:00 AM CT |
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| Jack Cust, who started in left field Monday, was forced to leave the game early after being hit by a pitch, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I'm fine," Cust said. "It'll be good. It's not the first time. This (removal) was precautionary because it was a little numb." He said he doesn't expect to miss any time. |
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| Bobby Crosby was scratched from Monday's game after experiencing back spasms during infield drills, this according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The injury is not believed to be serious according to manager Bob Geren who said "it's not a big deal." Crosby is considered day-to-day. |
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| Glendon Rusch, who was injured by a hit ball Sunday, will miss some time but should be OK within the week, according to the team website. The report noted that the left-hander would need about three days, time he would normally have off between appearances. |
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| Kevin Cameron was able to throw on the side Monday and is closer to receiving his spring first live work this week, this according to the team website. Cameron is recovering from a strained hamstring. |
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