| Gil Meche, P, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/5, 11:28 PM CT |
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| Gil Meche allowed two hits in three shutout innings Wednesday in a Cactus League win over the Kansas City Royals, 3-1, according to the Associated Press. Meche did not record a single strikeout but also did not allow a single runner past first base. It was Meche's second positive outing this spring who hopes to work as the catalyst for success in Kansas City this season. |
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| Adam Wainwright really struggled on Wednesday, a day after he agreed to terms with the Cardinals. Wainwright allowed five hits, three walks and three runs against the Marlins. “It’s one thing to go out there and do well every time out, but it’s another to go out and struggle and learn from it," Wainwright said to the AP. Wainwright will be fine, or at least he better be as the Cardinals are counting on him to be their number one hurler this season. |
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| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Wednesday 3/5, 10:03 PM CT |
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| B.J. Ryan will look to make his spring training debut on Saturday after a solid outing on Wednesday in a simulated game, this according to MLB.com. "I still try not to do too much, too fast, but on the other hand, I need to get ready to get out there and pitch in some games." Ryan is hoping to be the team's closer from day one this year, though that would be less than one year after he had TJ surgery. Ryan appears to be on his way to closing in April, but we would still caution against putting too much faith in him early until we seem him have solid outings on the mound in game-action. As such, Jeremy Accardo is a must grab for those of you who plan on rostering Ryan. |
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| Milton Bradley will likely begin to serve as a DH in minor league games starting March 12th in his attempt to return to the field from the ACL tear he suffered late last season, this according to MLB.com. "There's nothing I want to rush with Milton. I want him to be right because if he's right, he's going to be productive," manager Ron Washington said. Washington also said that, barring a setback, that Bradley should be able to see some time in the OF before the team leaves camp. Bradley, a big time risk to do the injury factor, could be an all-star if he could ever remain healthy. |
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| Hank Blalock didn't play on Wednesday as he continued to recover from his minor car injury. Blalock's sore neck kept him out of action on Wednesday and will likely do so on Thursday as well, this according to MLB.com. "He's still got whiplash from being hit," manager Ron Washington said. "He's still got residue from that. We'll just take that a day at a time." Blalock hopes to return to DH on Friday in his attempt to reestablish himself as one of the top third basemen in the game in 2008. |
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| Howie Kendrick will be looking to run more this season, this according to MLB.com. "Howie certainly has the ability to steal between 20 and 30 bases a year," manager Mike Scioscia said. This is the type of non-sense we hear from managers each spring. Kendrick does have 11 SB in 160 career games so he offers some 5x5 value for sure, doubling that figure this year seems like a stretch. |
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| Chris Bootcheck, and his strained left oblique, will likely be on the sidelines for up to eight weeks, this according to MLB.com. "I've heard anywhere from four to six [weeks], six to eight," Bootcheck said. "The doctor said within four to 10 days, they'll know a lot about timeframes for throwing off a mound and all that." Bootcheck doesn't figure to be worthy of much attention except in deep AL Only leagues anyway, and for now it's best to leave him on waivers. |
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| Kerry Wood, P, Chicago Cubs | Wednesday 3/5, 9:36 PM CT |
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| Kerry Wood looked really strong on Tuesday as his slider was sharp and his fastball was clocked at 98 MPH, this according to a report on MLB.com. "[The ball] was coming out of his hand really well and really alive," manager Lou Piniella said. Wood is still in the mix at closer for the Cubs, so continue to monitor the situation closely as your draft aproaches. |
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| Alfonso Soriano, out with a non-displaced fracture in his right hand, was able to throw on Wednesday and hopes to be able to hit at some point this weekend, this according to MLB.com. Progress is progress, and it seems like that is what is occurring here, but until he returns to the plate we will withhold pronouncing him fit. |
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| Jay Bruce, CF, Cincinnati Reds | Wednesday 3/5, 9:27 PM CT |
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| Jay Bruce, dealing with an injured left quadriceps, hopes to be able to return to the field on Friday, this according to MLB.com. "Bruce asked to pinch-hit [on Tuesday]. I said, 'No,'" manager Dusty Baker said. "From my experience, if they say, 'I'm ready today,' I wait until tomorrow." Bruce figures to be a long shot to stick given the recent signing of Corey Patterson, but he still makes one of the best keeper league targets this year as he will almost certainly begin his major league career at some point this season. |
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| Max Scherzer, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 3/5, 9:23 PM CT |
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| Max Scherzer had a rough outing on Wednesday as he allowed he allowed three runs, including two solo HR. "It seems like every hit he's given up this year has been a home run," manager Bob Melvin said on MLB.com. "... But Max was pretty impressive out there. A lot of good fastball hitters and fastball talents aren't getting good swings off him." The former number one draft pick doesn't figure to stick out of camp, but he could be called up at some point during the season if he can learn to harness his dominating stuff. |
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| Erick Aybar, SS, Los Angeles Angels | Wednesday 3/5, 9:22 PM CT |
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| In the Angels' 5-6 loss to Seattle in Cactus League play on Wednesday, none of the three top candidates for the starting SS job emerged as a player to watch, according to the Associated Press. Erick Aybar went 0-for-1, Maicer Izturis went 1-for-3, and Brandon Wood did not register an at bat. This is a major concern for Angel fans, so hopes of a breakout performance loom large. |
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| Torii Hunter, CF, Los Angeles Angels | Wednesday 3/5, 9:19 PM CT |
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| Torii Hunter doubled, tripled, and scored two run for the Angles in a 5-6 loss to Seattle in Cactus League play today, according to the Associated Press. |
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| Micah Owings, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 3/5, 9:18 PM CT |
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| Micah Owings threw around 35 pitches in the bullpen on Wednesday and hopes to return from the soreness in his throwing shoulder on Saturday, this according to MLB.com. If healthy, Owings figures to be one of the better 4/5 starters in the NL after a solid season last year that included a 1.28 WHIP and only 2.95 BB/9. |
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| Nick Adenhart pitched two and 2/3 of an inning in the Angels' 5-6 loss to Seattle in Cactus League play on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. Adenhart gave up three runs on seven hits in the loss. |
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| Updating an earlier story, Yuniesky Betancourt went 3-for-4 and scored a run in the Mariners' 6-5 victory over the Angels in Cactus League play, according to the Associated Press. |
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| Erik Bedard, P, Seattle Mariners | Wednesday 3/5, 9:16 PM CT |
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| Erik Bedard completed three innings of efficient pitching for Seattle in a 6-5 win over the Angels in Cactus League action today, according to the Associated Press. Bedard, enjoying his first season with the Mariners after joining the team via trade with the Baltimore Orioles, allowed two hits, one run, and a walk with one strikeout in his first spring training appearance. |
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| Adam Miller, P, Cleveland Indians | Wednesday 3/5, 9:15 PM CT |
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| Adam Miller has upped his throwing to 120 feet in his bid to return from a finger blister and he hopes to throw a bullpen session on Friday, this according to MLB.com. "It's been a little frustrating," Miller said. "I'm pretty much ready to go forward." Miller can ill afford any other setbacks if he hopes to make the team out of camp. As it stands now, he will likely begin the year at Triple-A. |
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| Last year Kelly Shoppach was Paul Byrd's personal catcher, though with the team wanting to have Victor Martinez and Ryan Garko's bats in the lineup every day, Shoppach may find himself on the bench more frequently, this according to MLB.com. "We're going to match them up, but I'm not saying they're going to be matched up every single time," manager Eric Wedge said. "There may be situations that dictate otherwise, depending on the rest of our lineup." The other option for the team would be to sit Travis Hafner, and that isn't any more palatable an option than sitting Garko or V-Mart, so the bottom line is that Shoppach may find it difficult to match last seasons total of 161 AB. |
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| In his never ending attempt to play every position on the field, Brandon Inge started in CF for the Tigers on Wednesday, this according to MLB.com. "It's really common sense out there," he said. "It's almost like a golf game. Just figure out the elements and play them." Inge, if he isn't traded, could serve as the backup at C, 3B and CF given his overall athletic ability. Still, without the knowledge of ample AB, it'd hard to recommend him at this point. |
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| Vance Wilson's recovery from TJ surgery doesn't look like it will enable him to be ready by opening day, this according to MLB.com. "More than likely, Vance will not be ready by Opening Day, from what I've seen," manager Jim Leyland said. The team is still trying to convince Brandon Inge to fill the backup catchers role, though they have been less than effective on that front. |
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| Denny Bautista has had a solid spring in his bid to make the Tigers bullpen, this according to a report on MLB.com. "You can tell by his posturing and body language," manager Jim Leyland said. "The more he was throwing, the more confidence he got. He felt real good about himself today and got in a good groove." Bautista is still a long shot to make the team out of camp, but Matt Mantei's retirement and the visa problems of Francisco Cruceta might open up a spot. |
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| Jason Frasor has been dealing with the stomach flu the past week, and though he hasn't pitched in a game he did throw 16 pitches in a simulated game on Wednesday, this according to MLB.com. With B.J. Ryan nearing full health, and Jeremy Accardo around to fill the set up role, Frasor is nothing more than a late round pick in AL Only leagues. |
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| Scott Rolen, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays | Wednesday 3/5, 8:51 PM CT |
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| Scott Rolen has batted second in the Jays lineup the past two games, though manager John Gibbons says that it is just so that Rolen can pick up more AB, this according to MLB.com. "We're trying to get him at least three [at-bats] a day," Gibbons said. "Right now, at this stage, five innings is his limit that we're going with. No, we're not looking at [Rolen batting second in the regular season]." Rolen had only eight HR in 392 AB last season, and the Jays need him to do a whole lot better than that this season since he will hit in a run producing slot in the order. |
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| Starting pitcher Lenny DiNardo allowed just one run and four hits in three innings of work for the A's, helping Oakland to a triumphant 15-4 win over San Diego in Cactus League action today, according to the Associated Press. Getting additional pitching strength out of DiNardo would be a huge plus for the A's. Stay tuned. |
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| Matt Stairs, DH, Toronto Blue Jays | Wednesday 3/5, 8:48 PM CT |
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| Matt Stairs has missed the last three days for the Jays because of a sprained ankle, this according to MLB.com. "He sprained his ankle the other day," manager John Gibbons said. "We're shooting for Friday. He stepped off the side of something in the batting cage." Stairs figures to be a productive bat in a supporting role with the Jays this season, a role that he was tremendous in last year when he hit .289 with 21 HR in just 357 AB. |
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| Noah Lowry, P, San Francisco Giants | Wednesday 3/5, 8:46 PM CT |
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| Following an earlier story, Noah Lowry underwent a MRI exam today on his tendinitis-plagued wrist and is expected to undergo further testing, according to MLB.com. The team hopes to release results on Thursday. |
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| Barry Zito, P, San Francisco Giants | Wednesday 3/5, 8:43 PM CT |
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| Barry Zito worked three innings and allowed just one run in hurling for the Giants on Wednesday, though his team lost 3-1 to the Royals, according to MLB.com. Zito threw 39 pitches, allowing one homer to Ryan Shealy in the third inning. This was a significant improvement over Zito's last outing (giving up eight runs in 2/3 of an inning last Saturday), a good sign for fans and fantasy owners alike. |
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| Daric Barton, 1B, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 3/5, 8:36 PM CT |
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| Following an earlier story, Daric Barton has missed the A's last four spring training games due to soreness on the side of his left hand, according to MLB.com. Barton states the injury is due to repitition from taking too many swings with the bat so early in the season. He fielded ground balls with the team before Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Padres but was not included in the starting lineup. The team hopes to get him back in action as early as Thursday when the A's play the Cubs at home, but that may be optimistic. |
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| Billy Wagner had the cyst on his neck removed on Wednesday and reported no ill effects, this according to MLB.com. "It didn't bother me when it was there. It didn't bother me when they cut it out," Wagner said. "But now [hours after the procedure], it feels like they took out an organ. I can pitch. But if I stink, I've got the built-in excuse." Wagner should be fine and post his usual 35 saves this season for the Mets. |
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| The Giants released Scott Williamson on Wednesday, while they sent Randy Messenger to Triple-A, this according to the AP. Williamson had allowed three runs and three hits over two innings this spring, and his stuff just hasn't returned since undergoing TJ surgery for the second time. |
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| Ryan Church, RF, New York Mets | Wednesday 3/5, 8:28 PM CT |
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| Ryan Church experienced a set back in his return from a concussion after experiencing dizziness on Wednesday, this according to MLB.com. "Not a good day," Church said. "Yesterday, I felt fine. Today, not so much." With Moises Alou out 4-6 weeks due to a hernia operation, the Mets will need to bring someone in to fill in for the two, that is unless they believe Endy Chavez will be healthy enough to start by opening day. |
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| Mike Sweeney, 1B, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 3/5, 8:13 PM CT |
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| Mike Sweeney recorded two doubles and three RBIs, going 3-for-3 in Oakland's 15-4 trouncing of the Padres in the Cactus League today, according to the Associated Press. Sweeney has struggled to regain his old form, but veteran have a knack for playing like the days of old when they come to Oakland. Thus far he is hitting .500 (7-for-14) in spring training, a good sign for his effort to earn a job as the backup 1B/DH. |
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| Chad Tracy, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 3/5, 8:11 PM CT |
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| Arizona's Chad Tracy continues to rehab following microfracture surgery on his right knee. According to MLB.com, Tracy ran for the first time on Tuesday and experienced no pain or stiffness. Tracy hopes to make the starting lineup on Opening Day, but the team wants to proceed with caution. |
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| Scott Olsen, P, Florida Marlins | Wednesday 3/5, 8:03 PM CT |
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| Scott Olsen has a case of shoulder tendinitis that will keep him from making his scheduled start on Wednesday, this according to the Sun-Sentinel. Olsen will likely sit out for 2-3 days before he resumes his throwing. This is believed to be a minor case of tendinitis that just needs a couple of days to calm down, so the prognosis is good for Olsen who is looking to make his way back from a hideous 2007 campaign (5.81 ERA, 1.76 WHIP). |
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| Joe Nathan, P, Minnesota Twins | Wednesday 3/5, 8:00 PM CT |
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| Joe Nathan's injured ankle has healed to the point that he will be able to take the hill on Friday, this according to the AP. Nathan landed oddly last week, and though the team has been very careful with him, the injury is thought to be extremely minor and one that will have no bearing on his ability to take the ball on opening day. |
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| Hideki Matsui took 33 swings in batting practice, the first time he has swung a bat since straining his neck on Saturday, this according to the AP. Matsui is also dealing with an injured knee that is a greater concern, though he is still on schedule to to make the opening day lineup, though he might need to DH at the start of the year. |
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| Ian Kennedy, P, New York Yankees | Wednesday 3/5, 7:49 PM CT |
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| Ian Kennedy started and went two innings for the Yankees on Wednesday as he allowed two hits and one run against the Twins. Kennedy is trying to solidify his spot in the starting rotation with a big spring, so a couple more outings along this line should do the trick. |
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| Craig Counsell went 2-for-3 with three RBIs in the Brewers' 12-6 win over Texas in spring training today, according to the Associated Press. Counsell has the starting gig locked, but it's always good to see the veteran leading the way for a young squad in spring training. |
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| Kevin Slowey allowed three runs and five hits in two innings of action on Wednesday for the Twins. Slowey also walked two batters on the day. Slowey has now struggled in back-to-back outings as he has had trouble locating his pitches thus far. Still, Slowey figures to be in the lead for the Twins final rotation spot so unless his struggles continue he figures to open the year as the team's number five hurler. |
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| Gabe Kapler, CF, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 3/5, 7:20 PM CT |
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| Gabe Kapler , battling against three quality options (Tony Gwynn Jr, Laynce Nix, Gabe Gross) for a backup role in the Rangers' outfield, doubled and drove in a pair of runs in his second straight spring training performance today, according to the Associated Press. In a tough battle for employment, Kapler is starting to look like a favoritef for the job. |
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| Dave Bush, P, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 3/5, 7:19 PM CT |
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| Dave Bush failed to impress today in the Brewers' 12-6 win over Texas in spring training action today, according to the Associated Press. Bush entered the game in the fourth and immediately took a line shot off the bat of Michael Young in the rear. He held the Rangers scoreless in that inning, but surrendered a two-out solo homerun to Travis Metcalf in the fifth. By the end of the sixth inning, Bush had surrendered four runs (two unearned). Bush now sports an ERA of 12.60 after two spring outings, allowing nine runs (seven earned) and 10 hits. This is not a good way to start for a pitcher hoping to crach the MLB starting rotation this season. |
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| Shelley Duncan continued his impressive start with the Yankees as he hit a solo HR to up his spring numbers to .636 with two HR and nine RBI in four games. “Very impressive,” manager Joe Girardi said to the AP. “He’s done everything a man could do. He’s a ball of energy.” Duncan has started off like a house on fire, but it remains to be seen how much playing time he will be able to pick up given that he is battling Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit and Morgan Ensberg for AB. |
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| Manny Parra, P, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 3/5, 7:18 PM CT |
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| Manny Parra earned the start for Milwaukee today and allowed just two singles with four strikeouts in three innings of scoreless work as the Brewers cruised to a 12-6 win over Texas in spring training today, according to the Associated Press. Parra is fighting for a spot in the stating rotation and today's performance shows he could be their man. |
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| Delmon Young hit a home run and went 2-for-3 for the Twins on Wednesday. “He’s very excited to be here. He’s done everything we’ve asked," manager Ron Gardenhire said in a report on the AP. "[He] said he’ll do whatever we need him to do, and that’s been the way he’s gone about everything.” Young certainly needs to grow as a ballplayer, especially with his plate discipline, but he still hit .288 with 93 RBI as a rookie last year and figures to build on those numbers moving forward. |
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| Joba Chamberlain allowed two hits, walked one, hit a batter and allowed a 2-run homer to Garret Jones on Wednesday. Joba threw only 20 of 36 pitches for strikes against the Twins. “Joba was missing with his breaking ball early in the count, and getting in some bad counts,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “It’s a learning experience.” Momma said there will be days like this. Look for Chamberlain to start the year in the bullpen for the Yanks before being transitioned into the rotation. |
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| Michael Bourn went 0-for-3 with a walk leading off for the Astros on Wednesday. Bourn is now 5-for-18 (.278) so far this spring with two runs scored in six games as he tries to prove to the team that he is capable of filling the team's leadoff role on an everyday basis. Capable of 50 steals, Bourn figures to offer little in terms of fantasy production other than his wheels as his power is almost non-existent. |
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| Felix Pie, CF, Chicago Cubs | Wednesday 3/5, 6:54 PM CT |
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| Centerfield hopeful Felix Pie was a depressing 0-for-4 with two strikeouts against Arizona in the Cubs' 4-5 loss in Cactus League action today, according to the Associated Press. Pie is battling with Sam Fuld for the starting job in center. Today's performance did little to help his cause. |
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| Cristian Guzman went 2-for-4 with a run scored on Wednesday as he attempts to recapture a starting spot with the Nationals a year after being limited to just 174 AB due to injury. With Ronnie Belliard at second and Felipe Lopez at SS it appears that Guzman will be the team's backup middle infielder, though they are paying him an awful lot of money to fill that role. |
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| Arizona RHP Juan Gutierrez made the start today for the Diamonbacks, throwing two perfect innings with three strikeouts, according to the Associated Press. Added as one of three players gained from Houston via trade in exchange for Jose Valverde, Gutierrez is viewed as a work in progress and is not expected to make the MLB roster, but today's outing is worthy of note. |
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| Brian Barton, LF, St. Louis Cardinals | Wednesday 3/5, 6:44 PM CT |
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| Brian Barton, hoping to force his way onto the roster with a big spring, had a huge game on Wednesday as he went 4-for-5 with a HR. Ryan Ludwick, battling Barton for a reserve role, also had a nice day with three hits and a HR. The Cardinals will go with Rick Ankiel and Chris Duncan in the OF, but after that it's a battle between Barton, Ludwick and Colby Rasmus for the third starting spot. |
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| Carlos Zambrano threw three innings of scoreless ball for the Cubs in a 4-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to the Associated Press. Zambrano allowed just one hit, struck out three, and hit a homer of his own to cap an impressive spring training performance. |
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| John Lannan, P, Washington Nationals | Wednesday 3/5, 6:40 PM CT |
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| John Lannan had his second straight strong start on Wednesday as he hurled three scoreless innings for the Nationals. Lannan, who was the Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2007, went 2-2 last season with a 4.15 ERA in six starts for the big league club. With the uncertainty in the team's starting rotation, especially with the health of Shawn Hill, there is an outside chance that Lannan could grab a starting gig. |
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| Moises Alou, LF, New York Mets | Wednesday 3/5, 6:35 PM CT |
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| Moises Alou will miss the start of the season for the Mets after it was learned he will need to have surgery on his groin, this according to the AP. Alou will have the surgery on Thursday and likely be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Still a tremendous hitter, Alou usually waits until the start of the year before getting hurt, so even for him this is a bit early to be out of the lineup. With Ryan Church also dealing with the effects of a concussion, the Mets OF is suddenly very thin with Angel Pagan, Endy Chavez and Marlon Anderson now being in a position to possibly have to cover some substantial at-bats. |
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| Jason Hammel, battling for a spot in the Rays starting rotation, allowed four hits and two runs (one earned), on Wednesday. Hammel owns some pretty horrible career numbers in 129 innings including a 6.70 ERA and 1.72 WHIP, so he's going to need a strong spring to hold off Andy Sonnanstine. |
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| Runelvys Hernandez allowed one run and four hits in 2.1 innings of work on Wednesday for the Astros. Hernandez is trying to prove he belongs at the major league level a year after he was one of the worst pitchers in baseball (6.48 ERA, 1.76 WHIP). With a solid spring he could make the bullpen, but even then, he is best left on waivers. |
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| Bartolo Colon threw what is being described as 41 impressive pitches in a bullpen session on Wednesday, 10 days before he is scheduled to take the hill for the Red Sox, this according to the AP. “The expectation was there,” Boston pitching coach John Farrell said. “...I think initially and, again, this is very premature, he’s on the positive side of those expectations.” Colon was thought to be a long shot to join the Red Sox rotation out of camp, but there is always a chance that a strong spring will change that belief. Colon is nothing more than a late round grab at this point as he still has a long way to go to reclaim his Cy Young form. |
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| Edinson Volquez was the winning pitcher for the Reds on Wednesday as he allowed four hits and one walk in 2.1 innings. Though he allowed too many baserunners, he didn't allow the Red Sox to push any runs across the plate. Volquez is in a heated battle for the Reds fifth rotation spot, so the fact that he was able to work around the baserunners he allowed today has to be seen in a very positive light with the Reds brass. |
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| Homer Bailey, trying to prove he belongs in the team's rotation this year, allowed two runs and five hits in three innings on Wednesday. “He had a good breaking ball,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said in a report on the AP. “He had good mound presence. He gets better every time out. That’s what you want to see, the progression.” Bailey, who has one of the top arms in baseball, will more than likely start the year in the team's rotation. The hope is that Dusty Baker won't overwork Bailey as he did with Mark Prior however. |
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| Jon Lester, P, Boston Red Sox | Wednesday 3/5, 5:14 PM CT |
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| Rebounding from a poor first start, Jon Lester had a solid outing on Wednesday as he allowed one run in three innings to the Reds, this according to the AP. “There was nothing wrong mechanically," he said referring to his last start. “You see somebody other than your own team for the first time, you’re more amped up. That could have resulted in me being a little erratic.” With Curt Schilling starting the year on the DL, Lester will be one of the team's starters unless he has an awful spring. |
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| Joe Borowski allowed three runs in the fourth inning on Wednesday as he continues to be an adventure while on the hill. Borowski will start the season as the Indians closer, but if he continues to make his managers heart race every time he takes the hill, the Indians might turn to Rafael Betancourt or Masahide Kobayashi to take over that role. |
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| Roy Halladay worked three scoreless innings on Wednesday allowing only one hit while striking out two. Halladay also worked on his curveball and appeared to be in mid-season form in this outing. Halladay, who has won 32 games while throwing 445.1 innings the past two seasons, is one of the top-15 hurlers in baseball this year, especially in leagues that award points for complete games (he has 11 the past two seasons). |
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| Dmitri Young, 1B, Washington Nationals | Wednesday 3/5, 4:21 PM CT |
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| Dmitri Young has overcome many issues in the past with the most recent speed bump being diabetes, this according to ESPN. Because of the illness, Young came to camp tipping the scales at a whale-like 298 pounds, but at least there seems to be a medical explanation for it. Young will have to monitor the condition for the rest of his life, but since he was diagnosed in 2006 he has gone out and proven that he can overcome it and hit the heck out of the ball (.320-13-74 last year). |
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| Jeff Kent, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 3/5, 4:05 PM CT |
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| Jeff Kent injured his left hamstring prior to Wednesday's game. He is slated to miss a week, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. |
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| Rick Vanden Hurk worked three scoreless innings against the Orioles on Wednesday. He allowed one hit, walked none, and struck out one. The right-hander then worked another inning in the bullpen. “Just to extend a little bit, try to get my arm ready for more innings,” Vanden Hurk explains to the AP. “Try to build it up so next outing I can go longer.” He is fighting for a rotation spot. |
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| Coco Crisp, CF, Boston Red Sox | Wednesday 3/5, 3:58 PM CT |
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| Coco Crisp missed a second straight game on Wednesday due to a sore groin, MLB.com notes. He is day-to-day. |
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| Daric Barton, 1B, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 3/5, 3:55 PM CT |
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| Daric Barton will miss a fifth straight game on Wednesday due to a sore left wrist. He hopes to return Thursday. "He kind of wants to get back in there, but we want to make sure it's completely healed before he goes back out there," manager Bob Geren tells MLB.com. |
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| Randy Wolf, P, San Diego Padres | Wednesday 3/5, 3:52 PM CT |
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| For the second time in as many starts, Randy Wolf failed to make it out of the first inning. The Padres southpaw recorded only two outs on Wednesday. He allowed three hits and four runs and walked two. "Spring training is the height of my frustration," Wolf tells the San Diego Union-Tribune. We were on board with Wolf as a minor sleeper until these two starts. He still has plenty of time to shape up for the season. |
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| Kevin Millwood worked to live hitters on Wednesday, throwing 38 pitches. His hamstring appeared to be fine, the Dallas Morning News reports. Hamstring issues were a major problem for Millwood in 2007, and he's not worth touching in combo leagues unless he proves the problem is behind him. |
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| Mark Teahen, 1B, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/5, 3:41 PM CT |
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| Mark Teahen couldn't bear to play on Wednesday due to general soreness. “He is a little sore from all of the hitting he’s done,” manager Trey Hillman informs the Kansas City Star. “He’s staying back, taking it easy with his hitting today and work on his defense.” |
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| Jose Guillen, RF, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/5, 3:39 PM CT |
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| Jose Guillen will make his spring debut sometime early next week. The team is letting him set his own schedule. "With Guillen, I’ll check him (Thursday) and see how he’s feeling with his body," manager Trey Hillman tells the Kansas City Star. "He says he’s getting close. I think it’ll definitely be by the ninth or the 10th, but I don’t want to nail it down yet.” |
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| Justin Upton, RF, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 3/5, 3:34 PM CT |
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| Justin Upton hit a long home run on Tuesday, and people were still talking about it on Wednesday. “That’s the hardest hit ball I’ve seen in a long time," a scout told the Arizona Republic. "It just kept rising. I saw him do the same thing last year during batting practice." |
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| Stephen Drew, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 3/5, 3:31 PM CT |
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| Stephen Drew did not play on Wednesday due to the flu, the Arizona Republic reports. |
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| The Mariners are using Yuniesky Betancourt in the No. 2 spot of the lineup on Wednesday. "We want to take a look at it." manager John McLaren informs the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Thus far, Betancourt is 2-for-2 in the game. The 26-year-old shortstop is an AL-only player when working out of the No. 8 or No. 9 spot, but if it works out, this move makes him more intriguing in mixed leagues. |
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| The White Sox will shut down Carlos Quentin for a few days in order to rest his surgically repaired left shoulder. "This kid is going to be here for good and I think he was creating bad habits with his swing and it led to some soreness, but he'll be fine," manager Ozzie Guillen tells the Chicago Tribune. We're beginning to wonder if Quentin's shoulder will cause him to open the year back in the minors. He remains an intriguing long-term prospect, but this injury and a crowded outfield cloud his 2008 value. |
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| Jerry Owens, CF, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 3/5, 3:20 PM CT |
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| Jerry Owens remains out due to a sore groin, and he is expected to miss a few more days. "I don't like the way he was running the bases," manager Ozzie Guillen tells the Chicago Tribune. "The key for him is his legs and we have to keep those legs fresh." |
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| Carl Crawford collided with Astros catcher Humberto Quintero, but he emerged unscathed. "The bat was on the right side and that's where I was about to slide," Crawford informs the Tampa Tribune. "He was kind of up the line, more so than where a catcher usually stands, so I didn't really have too much of a choice." |
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| Carlos Guillen went 2-for-3 with a pair of homers and three RBI in a spring win over the Phillies on Wednesday. He will start at first base this year but is still eligible and most valuable as a fantasy shortstop. |
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| Jason Hirsh, P, Colorado Rockies | Wednesday 3/5, 2:18 PM CT |
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| Jason Hirsh will not make his scheduled start on Wednesday due to a sore right shoulder. "My shoulder's just a little sore, but it's not a big deal," Hirsh tells the | |
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