|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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." |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Ryan Doumit, C, Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday 3/8, 9:39 PM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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." |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Braves | Saturday 3/8, 8:34 PM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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." |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Chin-lung Hu, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers | Saturday 3/8, 6:53 PM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday 3/8, 5:05 PM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Tagg Bozied, 1B, Florida Marlins | Saturday 3/8, 4:21 PM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Tim Lincecum, P, San Francisco Giants | Saturday 3/8, 8:58 AM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
| Casey Smith, SS, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 3/8, 8:53 AM CT |
|
| 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.
|
|
| Tom Gordon, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 3/8, 8:47 AM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Cole Hamels, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Saturday 3/8, 8:43 AM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
| Ian Snell, P, Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday 3/8, 8:15 AM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
| Jeff Kent, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Saturday 3/8, 8:12 AM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Kevin Hart, P, Chicago Cubs | Saturday 3/8, 7:54 AM CT |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
Baseball
| Football | Basketball
| Hockey | Golf
| Auto Racing
| Soccer
