| John Danks, P, Chicago White Sox | Saturday 3/8, 11:55 PM CT |
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| John Danks started for the Chicago White Sox, going four innings and allowing one run and three hits in the Sox's 6-4 victory over the split-squad San Francisco Giants. The team felt Danks' work was so effective, he was allowed to throw 20 more pitches in the bullpen after the outing. Clearly, the hope is to encourage and progress a young man that has been somewhat inconsistent this spring, not to mention last season (allowing 28 homers in just under 140 innings). Today's performance may be a step in the right direction. |
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| Billy Butler, 1B, Kansas City Royals | Saturday 3/8, 11:44 PM CT |
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| Billy Butler singled twice and ran over Royals starter John Bale while trying to cover second base in the Kansas City Royals' 8-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. Butler, who also walked and has six hits in his last seven at-bats, was trying to get to second base after CF Joey Gathright made a spectacular play running down a deep fly ball by J.J. Hardy in the second inning. As noted last week, Butler's bat is not in question, but the fielding is. Today's mishap is another brick in that wall, but Butler's problems may be easily improved with proper coaching. It may take time, but he is young and has the game the Royals need in a young star on the rise. |
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| Carlos Gonzalez, sent to Oakland as part of the deal for Dan Haren, is giving the Athletic fans reason for hope, going 2-for-5 with one run scored in the A's 5-2 split-squad victory over Seattle. The chance of making the major league roster this season seems slim, but the kid has a bright future and could be seen on the MLB field should an opportunity open in the A's outfield this season. |
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| Mike Sweeney, 1B, Oakland Athletics | Saturday 3/8, 11:34 PM CT |
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| Mike Sweeney continues to push his value as a bat that should be in the order, hitting 2-for-3 with two runs scored in Oakland's split-squad victory over Seattle, 5-2. He's hitting over .500 this spring and appears to have his old magic working at the plate once more. The hope was to earn a spot as the backup DH or 1B. If he keeps it up, a shot at forcing opportunity seems all too certain. |
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| Juan Rivera, RF, Los Angeles Angels | Saturday 3/8, 11:28 PM CT |
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| Juan Rivera continues to push for a spot on the major league roster, hitting 2-for-3 in the Angels' 2-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies. The opportunistic play is a positive sign for the Angels, but the timing is off. The Angels carry more than a few options at 1B, though Rivera got his shot in left field today. If he keeps the hot bat in form and a spot can be found on the bench as a backup, Rivera may have a seam of hope in '08. |
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| Marcus Giles, continuing his work towards earning the starting job at 2B, enjoyed another strong outing, batting 2-for-2 with a triple and a run scored. He also added a stolen base for good measure, leaving little doubt that his heart is in the chase. As spring moves along, it is hard to imagine the Rockies won't give Giles a good, long look as Jayson Nix works as their supposed favorite for that starting 2B job. The veterans seems dedicated and has the bat you hope to see in the mile-high air of Denver. Stay tuned. |
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| Ubaldo Jimenez struck out three in four shutout innings as the Colorado Rockies beat the Los Angeles Angels split squad 6-2 on Saturday. Jimenez allowed three hits, struck out three and walked none, bouncing back after a rough first spring outing against Kansas City, giving up three runs and three hits in an 11-5 loss to the Royals on Tuesday. Jimenez, slated as the Rockies' No. 3 starter, went 4-4 with a 4.28 ERA in 15 games last season. Pitching coach Bob Apodaca said the goal is to teach Jimenez to focus on the moment rather than trying to analyze everything that happens around him over the course of the game. He is looking to play a complete season in the majors for the first time in his career. |
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| Four days after Carl Crawford leveled a catcher on a play at the plate, Elliot Johnson lowered his shoulder and barreled catcher Francisco Cervelli in the Rays' 4-1 victory on Saturday. Cervelli broke his right wrist in the play, according to the Associated Press. Yankees manager Joe Girardi was more than happy to express his anger with the aggressive play. "I think it's uncalled for," Girardi said. "Spring training, you're going to get people hurt, and that's what we got, we got Cervelli hurt. It's one thing to get hit by a pitch, it gets away, but, I don't understand it." Cervelli has been fitted with a cast and will be out an undetermined length of time. |
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| RHP Chien-Ming Wang threw 75-pitches during a 25-minute bullpen session two days after allowing six runs in two-thirds of an inning against Cincinnati Reds, according to the Associated Press. The expected opening-day starter worked on the balance point of his delivery. "Better at the end," Wang said. Following such a troubled outing, it is understandable that concerns follow. It is still early, but Wang is the projected starter for opening day and the rotation is one of the more significant worries for the Yanks this season. Stay tuned. |
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| In a game best described as disgusting, Cesar Izturis did little to help the cause for St. Louis and provide hope looking forward. Shelled in a 14-run loss (20-6) to the Dodgers, Izturis committed two of three errors in a seven-run third inning. Izturis ended with four errors in seven games and has just two hits in 20 at-bats this spring. Having joined the Cardinals in the offseason after shortstop David Eckstein signed with the Blue Jays, it was thought the defense would be the shining aspect of Izturis' game. Guess again. Brendan Ryan, who replaced Izturis in the fifth inning Saturday, is also vying for the shortstop job.
"I'm not too concerned about (Izturis') defense," manager Tony La Russa said. "I've watched Izturis move. His hands show me he's a defensive player. I think we're going to be an improved defensive club." |
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| In one of the worst outings in recent spring-training memory, Braden Looper was forced to the bench rather early in today's 14-run loss to the Dodgers. LA hit two homers and scored seven runs off Looper in their 20-6 victory. Five runs scored in the second and two more had crossed in the third when Looper was pulled with one out for Ron Villone, who entered the game with Matt Kemp at third base. Before the inning was over, the Cardinals had committed three errors and allowed five more runs. There are times when it might be best to ignore such result, but this certainly should be a warning for Looper and fantasy owners looking forward. |
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| Ryan Doumit, C, Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday 3/8, 9:39 PM CT |
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| With the weight of expectations not met and the lingering fears of injury sitting on his shoulder, catcher Ryan Doumit is doing what he can to start '08 on a positive note. Doumit went 2-for-3 with a home run in Pittsburgh's 4-8 loss to Minnesota in spring training today. Doumit is going to battle with Ronny Paulino for the starting job and the early indication is that the lean is towards Paulino. Today's game could help change minds. |
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| Juan Rincon, P, Cleveland Indians | Saturday 3/8, 9:29 PM CT |
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| With three runs already scored against Brian Duensing, reliever Juan Rincon pitched the Twins out of a bases-loaded, none-out situation in the fourth, striking out Nyjer Morgan and Jack Wilson, then getting Nate McLouth on a line drive to right in the Twins' 8-4 win over the Pirates in Grapefruit League action. Rincon is likely to be a strong force for Minnesota this year, working in relief of a starting rotation in flux. Their top starter, Johan Santana, is gone, leaving the bulk of the hope in the arms of unproven youth. Outings like this from Rincon provide a bit of relief looking forward. |
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| Lastings Milledge went 2-for-2 with a double, three walks and an RBI in the Nationals' 12-10 win over the Astros in spring training today. Milledge has come into camp with all the motivation to show and prove. The Nats lured the Mets into a trade they had been unwilling to make for some time, and now Milledge is working to be the feather in the Washington cap. Thus far, he's been everything they hoped he would be and more. |
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| The Astros took a bit of a gamble based on one year of production, but thus far they are pleased with the production of leadoff hitter Kazuo Matsui . In the Astros' 10-12 loss to the Washington Nationals, Matsui finished 3-for-3 with two doubles, two RBIs and a stolen base. Matsui is competing with Michael Bourn for the top spot in the Astros' batting order. At this rate, Kaz seems right for the job. |
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| Jeremy Affeldt , hoping to secure a spot in the Cincinnati starting rotation, struggled today in the Reds' 13-8 win over the split-squad Atlanta Braves, allowing six runs, six hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. The left-hander signed a $3 million, one-year contract with the Reds, who are giving the former Rockies reliever a chance to start. Outings like this don't provide much hope that the money has been well spent. Stay tuned.
"What got Affeldt in trouble was walks," Baker said. "He is working on his changeup. He threw the ball pretty good. If he cuts down those walks, he'll be all right." |
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| With a three-run homer from Friday fresh in our memories, Brandon Phillips continued to carry a heavy stick, homering again and adding a two-run double on Saturday with four runs batted in, leading the way in a 13-8 win for the Reds over the split-squad Braves. Phillips also carried a sacrifice fly into the box score. The second baseman hit 30 homers and stole 32 bases last season, joining Eric Davis and Barry Larkin as the only players in franchise history to reach 30-30. Now the Reds are all but sold on moving him from 2nd in the batting order to 4th, and fantasy owners should adjust accordingly. |
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| Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Braves | Saturday 3/8, 8:34 PM CT |
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| Tim Hudson will make the spring-training start for Atlanta with the team faces St. Louis on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Hudson is 1-0 this spring with a 3.60 ERA, though his eight hits allowed in five innings is a tad concerning. With that said, Hudson is working on experimentation with a backdoor slider and continues to work into shape, thus the modest returns are somewhat positive at this early stage of the process. |
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| Hunter Pence had three RBIs for Houston in a 7-4 win over the Braves, providing the Astros with what proved to be their winning runs with a two-run triple off Royce Ring in the fifth inning. Pence raised his average to .357 by going 2-for-4 and has eight RBIs this spring. |
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| Yunel Escobar continues to impress and give the fans of the Atlanta Braves reason to smile, hitting a double and single in three at-bats in Atlanta's 7-4 split-squad loss to the Houston Astros. Escobar has raised his spring average to .545 and has outstanding range and a strong arm in the field. Escobar batted .326 last year as a rookie, getting a chance to play regularly when Edgar Renteria was sidelined in August with a sprained ankle. Now Renteria is sporting a Detroit jersey and Escobar is getting his chance to shine. Thus far, it looks like they made the right move. |
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| In an attempt to avoid a fall from last season's success, the Cleveland Indians are opening the bullpen to a full-blown competition rather than put full faith in Joe Borowski , according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. To create an ideal situation for this season, the Indians have brought back the entire bullpen with the addition of Japanese right-hander Masa Kobayashi. They've also opened one of the seven spots for competition with holdover Tom Mastny competing against spring-training invitees Jorge Julio, Rick Bauer, Scott Elarton and others. GM Mark Shapiro is reluctant to say what lies ahead for 2008. Shapiro and scouts note Rafael Betancourt could be the player to watch should Borowski struggle while Kobayashi, Rafael Perez, and Aaron Fultz could be viewed as optimal setup men. |
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| Rich Harden , making his second spring start after missing most of last season with a sore right shoulder, was roughed up for three runs on four hits and a walk in the first inning of a 6-7 loss to the Cubs, according to MLB.com. Harden allowed seven hits (five for extra bases), four runs, two walks and a home run, while whiffing two in his three innings. However, Harden remains positive that he is headed in the right direction, saying he was working on realigning his motion so that his arm, hip and legs all moved fluidly and directly toward home plate. Coming into the spring, Harden hadn't pitched since last July 7. When asked what working on these mechanics would help, Harden answered, "Everything." |
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| Updating an earlier story, Wilkin Ramirez , injuring his shoulder diving for a line drive on Friday, appears to be done for the remainder of spring training but should be available for the regular season, according to MLB.com. The partially dislocated shoulder was popped back into place but muscles in that area have been stretched and will need time to heal. There wasn't an expectation that Ramirez would make the major-league roster, but his performance in these early games have been impressive and the team had hopes he could surprise. Now the plan has him starting in Double-A Erie and working his way towards health and Detroit. |
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| Matt Stairs, DH, Toronto Blue Jays | Saturday 3/8, 7:30 PM CT |
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| As one of the more intriguing players to watch this spring, Matt Stairs is showing his bat could continue as a positive note for the Blue Jays and may be worthy of starts in left field. Stairs went 1-for-2 today with a run scored in Toronto's 4-3 win over Detroit. Meanwhile, other options in left failed to make noise. Reed Johnson went 0-for-1 and Adam Lind did not play. |
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| Aaron Hill, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays | Saturday 3/8, 7:26 PM CT |
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| 2B Aaron Hill had two hits and two RBIs and Shannon Stewart doubled twice for Toronto in today's 4-3 win over Detroit. Hill appears to be the main man at 2B for the Blue Jays and getting this kind of lift from the position is a definitive positive. |
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| The Braves are shopping backup 1B Scott Thorman , according to Scout.com. Billy Shanks reports the Braves are leaning towards other options for first base, including Mark Kotsay (28 games in his career), Brayan Pena (22 games at first in AAA last season), Matt Diaz (2 games there last year), and Joe Borchard (1 game). It is clear the position is in flux and all signs point to change. Stay tuned. |
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| Chin-lung Hu, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers | Saturday 3/8, 6:53 PM CT |
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| With Andy LaRoche going down for 8-to-10 weeks with a torn ligament in his right thumb, Tony Abreu struggling with abdominal pain, and Nomar Garciaparra at an older age and nursing a sore wrist, coach Joe Torre is giving SS Chin-Lung Hu strong consideration for significant playing time at 3B in the weeks ahead, according to MLB.com. Options are limited right now and the problems at hand could persist, thus it seems wise to give Hu a look. We know he has the arm and the glove to handle the job, but his bat is what needs to show in the coming weeks in spring training. Delwyn Young will also get a shot to show and prove while Blake DeWitt, recently added to the travel squad, has shown promise in early opportunities and could also earn consideration. |
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| Shane Victorino continued to spread the positive emotions for '08 in the Phillies' 5-9 loss to Cleveland today, batting 1-for-3 with a stolen base. The young up-and-comer provided fantasy owners with a strong 37 stolen bases in '07 and thus far it looks like he will continue to progress moving forward. |
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| Ryan Garko, 1B, Cleveland Indians | Saturday 3/8, 6:37 PM CT |
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| Ryan Garko went 2-for-2 today, hitting a double and homer with a whopping four RBI in helping the Indians to a 9-5 win over the Phillies in Grapefruit League play. Garko is penciled for the starting job at 1B and showed why today. These performances only bolster the momentum gained through positive play in '07 and should warn fantasy owners to be on the lookout in '08. |
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| Josh Barfield went 1-for-3 today in Cleveland's 9-5 win over the Phillies in Grapefruit League action, hitting a double and scoring two runs. Barfield is battling to stay in the mix for a spot on the major league roster this season, following a disappointing 2007 campaign in which he hit just .243 with three home runs in 420 at-bats. Today's game certainly helps. |
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| Dallas McPherson went 0-for-3 in today's win over Boston as the Marlins continue through spring training. McPherson is a strong candidate to win Florida's starting job at 3B, but one of his primary competitors, Jose Castillo, posted a nice performance (1-for-3, run scored, stolen base) and could push for consideration. McPherson is battling injury, a persistent problem throughout his career. Getting a hot bat could become a necessity of McPherson wants to stay in the mix. |
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| Jose Castillo , fighting for consideration for the starting job at 3B for the Marlins, enjoyed a nice showing today, going 1-for-3 with a run scored in the Marlins' 5-2 win over Boston in Grapefruit League play. Castillo also added a stolen base, flashing his speed as a primary attribute he hopes could help his effort to win a spot on the major league roster. |
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| Fans were introduced to the power-that-could-be, young outfield Jacoby Ellsbury , during the World Series last season. In spring training the anticipation continues to grow as Ellsbury went 3-for-5 in Boston's 2-5 loss to the Marlins in Grapefruit League play today. Ellsbury finished with a double, a homer, two RBI, and a run scored on the day. With days like this, it is hard to imagine Coco Crisp will remain in the race for the starting job. |
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| Tike Redman, CF, Baltimore Orioles | Saturday 3/8, 5:44 PM CT |
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| Tike Redman went 1-for-2 today in the Orioles' 1-4 loss to the Mets in the Grapefruit League. Playing in left field, Redman is hoping to earn a spot of any kind on the major league roster and avoid starting in the minors. Left field is a bit of battle with Jay Gibbons and the loser of the 1B battle between Kevin Millar and Aubrey Huff vying for the position. Redman offers much more speed and a better glove than those veterans might bring to the table. If his bat proves worthy, he could be a darkhorse candidate for the position. |
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| Kevin Millar went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a sacrifice fly in Baltimore’s 1-4 loss to the Mets in the Grapefruit League today. Millar is battling with Aubrey Huff (who did not play today) to retain the starting 1B job in Baltimore. Outings such as this help the cause and could put Millar in the driver’s seat. |
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| George Sherrill continues his bid to fill the role of closer for the Orioles this season, closing the only three batters he pitched to today without problems. Sherrill has now thrown 1-2-3 innings in each of his last two opportunities and is asserting his name as the leading candidate for the coveted closing role in Baltimore. |
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| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday 3/8, 5:05 PM CT |
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| The Baltimore Orioles recently discussed free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse with his agent, Scott Boras, according to the Baltimore Sun. Lohse was originally seeking a five-year deal for approximately $50 million, but word is his price has come down drastically. |
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| Freddie Bynum will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and miss at least five weeks, ending his bid to be Baltimore's starting shortstop on opening day, according to SI.com. Bynum was competing with Luis Hernandez and Brandon Fahey to fill the void at shortstop left by the offseason trade of Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros. By submitting to surgery, Bynum eliminated himself from contention. |
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| Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the Marlins’ 5-2 win over Boston in Grapefruit League play today, according to MLB.com. |
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| Tagg Bozied, 1B, Florida Marlins | Saturday 3/8, 4:21 PM CT |
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| Tagg Bozied had an RBI and scored a run for the Marlins in a 5-2 win over Boston at spring training today, according to MLB.com. Bozied has been labeled as a star in the making for some time, and now he gets a shot with a team known for promoting youth and providing opportunity. Cracking in at 1B seems like a long shot, but games like this can only help. |
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| RHP Gaby Hernandez made his first spring-training start today in the Marlins’ 5-2 win over Boston, going three scoreless innings with just two hits allowed, according to MLB.com. Hernandez is fighting for consideration on a rotation with openings to battle for,so outings like this can only help. |
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| Manny Delcarmen earned a start in place of ailing Josh Beckett (back spasms), going two scoreless innings without allowing a hit or a walk as the Red Sox went on to lose 5-2. Thus far it appears Delcarmen ranks high on Boston's list for potential options, be it out of the bullpen or otherwise. Stay tuned. |
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| Eric Chavez, 3B, Oakland Athletics | Saturday 3/8, 3:30 PM CT |
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| Eric Chavez was able to hit living pitching in a batting cage and played some catch Saturday for the second straight day, though he didn't do any fielding, according to MLB.com. "I just won't field any ground balls," Chavez said. "I don't know when I'll be doing that. It's impossible to say. It's days away." The A's believe working in the field led to the back spasms that in turn led to an epidural injection. At this point, the A's trainer is deciding daily what Chavez will be allowed to do, but he still hopes to be ready for opening day. |
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| Randy Johnson is slated to make his Cactus League debut on Monday, according to MLB.com. "This is exactly where we kind of had it mapped out to," manager Bob Melvin said. "We're right on schedule." Johnson underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back in August. So far, so good, but let's see what he can do on Monday. |
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| Mike Hampton was able to ride a stationary bike for 45 minutes and climbed two sets of stairs Saturday without any visible discomfort in his strained groin, according to MLB.com. "I'll say I'm cautiously optimistic to make my next start, because I don't want [the groin injury] to be something that lingers on," said Hampton. Considering all he did today, it seems like the injury must be relatively minor. But like Hampton suggested, he'll need to keep from making it worse in the coming days. |
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| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Saturday 3/8, 2:25 PM CT |
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| As expected, B.J. Ryan faced four batters in a simulated game on Saturday, according to the National Post. He felt fine, and his fastball reached 88 mph on the radar gun. "I’m not even really thinking about my elbow now," he said. "I’m just worried about the end results. I threw some fastballs that had some good life. They finished down in the zone." Ryan, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, will toss another simulated game Tuesday with the hope of making his spring exhibition debut later in the week. |
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| The Nationals renewed Ryan Zimmerman's contract on Saturday, so he'll make $465,000 this season, according to MLB.com. The two sides still hope to work out a long-term extension, but Zimmerman wants more than the Nats are offering. He'll be eligible for arbitration after the upcoming season. |
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| Josh Beckett began to deal with back spasms as he warmed up for Saturday's spring game, so he was scratched from the contest, according to the AP. We'll get more information to you about his status as it comes in. |
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| Coco Crisp, CF, Boston Red Sox | Saturday 3/8, 11:54 AM CT |
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| Coco Crisp told the Boston Globe that it was "bogus" he had to compete for the center field role, and that he was not willing to be a bench player for the team. It's this kind of Neanderthal attitude that give athletes a bad name. You're only as good as your last performance or your last season, and neither of those efforts by Crisp were up to snuff.
“Why would you want to sit on the bench? Why would you want to do that?” Crisp said. “I want to play. It’s just a matter of getting out there and having to reprove yourself (this spring). It’s kind of bogus.” |
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| Bartolo Colon threw 50 pitches in the City of Palms Park bullpen Friday morning, according to the Boston Globe and cleared to face live hitters on Sunday. If the 2005 American League Cy Young Award winner continues to have no problems with his right elbow and shoulder, he will make his Grapefruit League debut either Friday vs. Baltimore or next Saturday vs. Cincinnati. |
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| Mike Lamb, 3B, Minnesota Twins | Saturday 3/8, 10:04 AM CT |
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| Mike Lamb sustained a bruised hip this week and aggravated it during Friday's game, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. It sounds like a minor ailment, but the Twins will hold him out of a couple of games to rest up. |
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| Hank Blalock was able to take some swings, run the bases and play catch on Friday, according to the Dallas Morning News. He hasn't played since suffering a sore neck in a car accident Monday, but he likely will be able to DH on Saturday. |
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| Tim Stauffer has been shut down due to a shoulder ailment, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Specifics on what's bothering him weren't available, but he won't make his scheduled start against the Dodgers in China next weekend. Justin Germano will replace Stauffer on the mound for that game. |
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| Mark Teahen, 1B, Kansas City Royals | Saturday 3/8, 9:45 AM CT |
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| Mark Teahen was back in the mix for Friday's game, working as the DH, according to the KC Star. "See," he said, "we were telling the truth when we said it was no big deal." Teahan had taken a couple of days off from hitting to rest a sore forearm. It appears that it really was no big deal after all. |
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| Rocco Baldelli still isn't taking part in games due to his sore leg muscles, according to the St. Petersburg Times. "The reason I'm taking these days off is to give my muscles a chance to recover," he said. "I'm thinking getting these extra days will do nothing but help me." Baldelli added that despite extensive tests by multiple specialists, he doesn't know exactly what the problem is. Considering his lengthy injury history and last year's hamstring injury that ended his season in May, this clearly is concerning. |
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| A sore left thumb kept Adrian Beltre from taking part in drills on Friday, according to the Seattle Times. It's the same digit that was sprained last year and cost him five games in June, but he could return from this minor ding as soon as Saturday. |
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| Leg cramps will keep Gary Sheffield from taking part in Saturday's exhibition game, according to the Detroit Free Press. "We're not going to take a chance with it," manager Jim Leyland said. Sheffield is 0-for-11 this spring, but clearly his health is of much more relevance right now. |
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| Fernando Rodney said Friday that he plans to throw a bullpen session next week, according to the Detroit Free Press. "I feel ready to go," he said. Rodney has been shut down since late last month due to a sore shoulder, but he should still have time to prepare himself for opening day, barring a setback. |
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| Tim Lincecum, P, San Francisco Giants | Saturday 3/8, 8:58 AM CT |
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| Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Friday that Tim Lincecum's next start will be bumped back a few days due to a sore groin, according to the San Francisco Gate. He's still slated to throw a bullpen session Saturday, so the ailment appears to be minor. |
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| Casey Smith, SS, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 3/8, 8:53 AM CT |
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| Nonroster invitee Casey Smith recorded a double in two at-bats in the Phillies Friday loss to the Rays. Smith isn't expected to make the opening day roster but he's having a terrific spring, going 5-for-10, with two doubles, a homer, a walk and three runs scored.
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| Tom Gordon, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 3/8, 8:47 AM CT |
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| Tom Gordon , who is covering for the injured Brad Lidge, struck out the side in his inning of work while allowing a walk and a single. Gordon is scheduled to fill the ninth inning role for the Phillies until Lidge returns from knee surgery. As of Monday, the Phillies still don't know who (Lidge or Gordon) close on opening day. |
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| Luis Vizcaino skipped Friday's game due to a sore elbow, according to the Denver Post. He's expected to return to game action on Saturday, so at this point, it appears that the setup man should be fine. |
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| Cole Hamels, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 3/8, 8:43 AM CT |
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| Cole Hamels threw his second straight stiff of the spring on Friday, allowing three runs on five hits in three innings of work. The Phillies left-hander has a 12.80 Grapefruit League earned run average, according to Philly.com, but Hamel feels right physically. "If I feel physically right, even if the results aren't what I want, then I feel like I've accomplished something," he said. "My velocity won't be back until the end [of the exhibition schedule]. I kind of got used to this last year with all the home runs (nine in 20 innings) and runs (6.10 ERA) I gave up. But after the success I had last season, I know it's just part of the routine." Fantasy owners who are counting on Hamels repeating his 2007 numbers (15-5, 3.39 ERA with 177 Ks) would like to see more before camp breaks. |
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| The trade talks between the Cubs and O's concerning a deal for second baseman Brian Roberts are on hold for now. The teams have not agreed to a package that both find suitable. According to the Baltimore Sun, the Cubs have offered infielder Ronny Cedeno, pitching prospects Sean Gallagher and Donald Veal, and one other player for Roberts, but the Orioles are holding out for a better offer. Almost everyone close to this situation believes a deal will get done, but as opening day approaches it becomes less and less likely. |
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| Julio Lugo, SS, Boston Red Sox | Saturday 3/8, 8:23 AM CT |
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| The Red Sox have decided to keep Julio Lugo out of action until Monday, at which point he'll be examined again, according to the Boston Globe. Lugo is dealing with some minor back stiffness, and it appears the Sox are just taking it easy on him since it's still early in spring training. |
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| Ian Snell, P, Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday 3/8, 8:15 AM CT |
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| The Pirates have formally extended a long-term contract offer to starter Ian Snell, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
No specifics of the offer were immediately known. Snell, the Pittsburgh ace, continues to grow into his role. His 2007 statline -- 3.76 ERA, 177 Ks, 1.33 WHIP and 7.66 K rate -- doesn't represented his 9-12 record. With any run support Snell would have approached 13-14 wins. |
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| Jeff Kent, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Saturday 3/8, 8:12 AM CT |
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| Jeff Kent tested his strained hamstring by playing catch and taking batting practice on Friday, according to the LA Times. However, he's not expected to run for another four or five days. Kent has downplayed the ailment, so if he's back in action later next week, he should be fine. |
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| Dodgers manager Joe Torre said Friday that he wasn't sure how much longer Takashi Saito would be held out of game action and made no assurances that Saito would be ready to go on opening day, according to the LA Times. The closer threw a side session Friday but wasn't completely free of pain in his ailing calf. Torre said Saito would not pitch in a game until he's 100 percent healthy. He still has time to prepare for opening day, but he'll have to return to action relatively soon to pull it off. |
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| Nomar Garciaparra was hit by a pitch above his right wrist Friday and left the game, according to the LA Times. X-rays came back negative. After Garciaparra exited, his replacement and competition to start at third base, Andy LaRoche, tore a ligament in his thumb. LaRoche will miss 8-10 weeks, so Garciaparra will be the Dodgers starter at the hot corner when the season begins. |
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| Kevin Hart, P, Chicago Cubs | Saturday 3/8, 7:54 AM CT |
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| Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before Friday's game that Kevin Hart had the inside track to earn the fifth right-handed bullpen spot, according to the Chicago Tribune. Hart followed Piniella's comments up by allowing two runs on two hits in a third of an inning. He also was hit on his left Achilles by a line drive, but he's expected to be fine and still in the driver's seat for that role. |
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| Alfonso Soriano is expected to take part in Saturday's spring exhibition game, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. That's a pretty quick return, considering he fractured the bone on the tip of his right middle finger on Sunday. If he can play with the ailment, he should be fine going forward. |
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| Jerry Owens, CF, Chicago White Sox | Saturday 3/8, 7:41 AM CT |
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| White Sox trainers examined Jerry Owens on Friday and cleared him to return to baseball activities on Monday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Sox had shut Owens down for a bit to keep his groin injury from worsening into a nagging problem. |
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| The O's and Cubs have not had any recent discussions about dealing Brian Roberts, according to the Baltimore Sun. "Our scouts are out and about doing their due diligence and watching the teams that they should be watching," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. The two clubs have been talking trade for months but can't agree on which players should end up in the deal, so they continue to scout each other's teams trying to find the right mix. Obviously, both teams would prefer to have a deal done before the regular season begins, but this could drag on past opening day. |
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| Chuck James will make his spring exhibition debut on Thursday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. James has a slight tear in his rotator cuff and has been brought along slowly this spring after not throwing over the winter. He should still have time to claim a rotation spot if he performs well enough. |
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| Chipper Jones was back in action Friday, going 2-for-2 with a walk in three trips to the plate, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Chipper had a great day," manager Bobby Cox said. "He hit two balls on the button and got a walk his other time up." Jones had missed the previous four contests due to a strained hamstring. With any luck, this will be his last ailment for a while, but don't count on it. |
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| Peter Moylan is expected to test his sore elbow out with a bullpen session on Saturday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It's been an annoyance for about two weeks," he said. "Rather than keep throwing with it, we're trying to knock it out early." It could be just typical early spring rust he's shaking off, but we'll have a better idea of whether that's the case after his Saturday side session. |
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| Cleveland agreed to terms with outfielder Shin-Soo Choo on Friday. Choo is hoping to return from Tommy John surgery in May. |
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| Keith Foulke , whose wife gave birth to a boy early Friday morning, threw his second simulated game of the spring on Friday. According to the team website Foulke said he used all his pitches and is coming along. Foulke sat out | |
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