| Billy Butler, 1B, Kansas City Royals | Tuesday 3/11, 11:55 PM CT |
|
| Billy Butler continued is journey towards the 1B job in Kansas City, hitting 2-for-3 with one homer and four RBI as the Royals won 8-7 over Arizona in the Cactus League. Whether he earns the shot on the 1st bag or is assigned to hit for a living at DH, Butler has been solid and appears to be one of the more promising bats in Kansas City this year. |
|
| Eric Chavez, 3B, Oakland Athletics | Tuesday 3/11, 11:42 PM CT |
|
| 3B Eric Chavez says he is ready to be the team's designated hitter and wants to jump into the roll once team doctors clear him to play, according to MLB.com. The hope, according to Chavez, is to be ready in time for the team's trip to Japan for the regular-season opener against Boston. However, if Chavez is not cleared to play, he won't be making the trip and will wait until the team returns stateside to make his '08 debut. With the injury history Chavez has built over recent seasons, the move to DH could be beneficial. Getting his bat in the lineup (not to mention the fantasy rotation) with regularity would be nice. |
|
|
|
| Vicente Padilla was forced to exit Tuesday's exhibition game due to a strained gluteus maximus muscle, according to the Dallas Morning News. At this point, the Rangers believe the injury is minor, in which case it shouldn't have much of any effect on his preparation for the beginning of the regular season. |
|
|
|
| Kazuo Fukumori pitched one inning of near-flawless baseball in the Rangers' 7-5 win over the Chicago White Sox in the Cactus League today, completing one full inning with one strike out, no walks, and no hits allowed. Fukumori has pitched six scoreless innings over five Cactus League appearances thus far, all but securing a spot in the Texas bullpen and officially being viewed as a potential contender for the team's closer position. |
|
|
|
| Josh Hamilton continued his clinic on the art of hitting, more commonly known as spring training to many, going 3-for-3 with a homer in Texas' 7-5 win over the Chicago White Sox in the Cactus League today. Hamilton is the focus of daily reports of praise, stating the man is starting to resemble a player worthy of rank among the great hitters in the game today. There is no doubt he will be appearing in the Rangers' outfield this season, we just hope he can stay healthy and in the batter's box. |
|
|
|
| John Patterson still is building up strength in his arm but felt fine tossing 60 pitches in Tuesday's exhibition game, according to the AP. "It felt good," Patterson said. "My curveball was there and I was more comfortable with my cutter." His numbers were solid Tuesday, as he worked three scoreless innings, giving up just three hits and no walks, while striking out three. Patterson has been limited to just 15 starts over the past two seasons due to a nerve problem that required two surgeries. |
|
| Gavin Floyd, P, Chicago White Sox | Tuesday 3/11, 10:46 PM CT |
|
| Gavin Floyd stepped to the mound fresh off a win over the flu and pitched four solid innings, giving up two runs and three hits with a walk and two strike outs in the White Sox's 5-7 loss to the Texas Rangers in the cactus League today, according to the Associated Press. Floyd is considered the favorite for the 5th spot in Chicago's starting rotation, thanks in large part to performances such as this. Last year, Floyd posted an ERA of 7.07 in his first four starts but improved dramatically as the season moved along, improving to a 3.41 ERA over his final six starts. He has a ton of upside and may just now be starting to fulfill his potential. |
|
|
|
| While the Rangers expect Joaquin Benoit to toss a bullpen session Wednesday and hope he can take part in spring games by this weekend, there's rising doubt about whether he'll be over his sore right shoulder by opening day, according to MLB.com. "We think he's getting there, but it has been slow in coming," Rangers pitching coach Mark Connor said. "My hope is he'll still get his eight innings and be ready for spring training and be ready for opening day, but I have to go according to what he says. If he's not ready to pitch, I have to go with that." A healthy Benoit could end up closing games if expected closer C.J. Wilson isn't over his own ailment. However, Kazuo Fukumori is healthy, pitching great and making his own case to fill in for Wilson. |
|
|
|
| Chris Bootcheck was able to play some long-toss on Monday from 90 feet, just a week after straining his left oblique, according to MLB.com. "I kind of ramped it up, to see if I'd feel anything there," Bootcheck said. "It went very well. It's a little tight, but no discomfort. I'm trying to do what I can each day to get myself ready to pitch again. I don't know when I'll be back on a mound, but I want to be ready when they decide it's time." Bootcheck added that he hasn't ruled out being available on opening day. That may be wishful thinking, as a simple tweak of an already-strained oblique can set players back weeks. Expect the Angels to play it cautiously with the reliever and hope for a quick return. |
|
| Jack Cust, LF, Oakland Athletics | Tuesday 3/11, 8:06 PM CT |
|
| Jack Cust hit his third home run of spring training today as the Athletics silenced the Chicago Cubs 6-4 in Cactus League action. Cust was acquired from the Padres last season to help fill the void left at DH when Mike Piazza fell to injury, and during this short time in the league showed great promise, making several starts in left field and working towards a spot on the major league roster. He's a total gamble for fantasy owners now, but if he stays hot through spring training, anything is possible. The A's love to give youthful prospects a shot to shine and Cust could be their next subject for testing. |
|
|
|
| Carlos Gonzalez continues to voice his desire to join the major league club this spring, hitting 2-for-2 with a run scored in today's 6-4 Cactus League win for the Athletics over the Cubs, a performance posted against flame-throwing Carlos Zambrano. Gonzalez spent time in both right and center field and has, thus far, delivered in his spring training opportunities. The outfield in Oakland is going to invite competition for starting jobs and Gonzalez appears ready to seize the opportunity. Stay tuned. |
|
|
|
| Johnny Damon didn't play on Tuesday and will skip Wednesday's game, too, in order to rest his bruised foot, according to the AP. "Johnny has a bruised toe," Girardi said. "It doesn’t feel good. It might be a couple days." X-rays and an MRI came back negative, so Damon should return to game action later in the week after fouling a ball off his foot during Monday's game. |
|
|
|
| Gustavo Chacin's surgically repaired shoulder is feeling better, according to the AP. "I think I am 80 percent right now, but I am feeling better every time out," Chacin said. Unfortunately, 80 percent of Chacin equaled five hits, two walks, a homer and four runs over two innings during Tuesday's game. Expect him to begin the season at Triple-A while getting his shoulder up to 100 percent and his game up to speed. |
|
| Cliff Lee, P, Cleveland Indians | Tuesday 3/11, 7:31 PM CT |
|
| Cliff Lee was solid Tuesday, as he held the Tigers' split squad scoreless over three innings. He allowed two hits and a walk, while striking out three. Lee is in a battle with Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey for the final spot in the Indians rotation, and he made a good case for himself today. |
|
|
|
| David Price was optioned to the minors by the Rays on Tuesday, along with Justin Ruggiano and Jae Kuk Ryu, according to the AP. Price was the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft. There's a chance that we'll see him later this season if he can get hot in the minors. |
|
|
|
| The Mariners are hoping left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes can return to action against the Brewers in the team's next Cactus League battle, according to MLB.com. Rhodes is attempting to return from Tommy John elbow surgery (ligament transfer) but seems to be a bit of a long shot to make the major league bullpen. The Mariners are reportedly planning to keep just two situational lefty options on hand and, as we sit, Rhodes is on the outside of that group looking in. He'll get a chance to prove his worth and could change expectations, but in terms of fantasy value, Rhodes is nothing more than a major gamble (at best) at this point. |
|
|
|
| Seattle phenom Felix Hernandez enjoyed a fantastic outing in the Mariners' 1-4 loss to the Cubs in the Cactus League today, according to MLB.com. Hernandez tossed five innings, giving up just three hits, striking out three, and forcing two batters into double plays. It appears Hernandez is well on his way to once again working as one of the top pitching desires for fantasy owners this season, and outings like this add substantial fuel to the fire. Staying strong deep into the season should be a top priority, but today's performance gives reason for hope in Seattle and to fantasy owners alike. |
|
|
|
| Daniel Cabrera needed 31 pitches to get out of the first inning of Tuesday's start against the Cardinals. He loaded the bases in the inning but struck out Chris Duncan to earn the final out. In the end, Cabrera allowed just one run and one hit over three innings, while striking out three. However, he walked five batters. Cabrera still has loads of potential, but unless he can finally figure out a way to become consistent, he's going to be a constant source of frustration for the O's and fantasy folk. |
|
|
|
| Gary Sheffield finally returned to action Tuesday after missing a few games due to leg cramps. It was almost as if he wasn't there in statistical terms, since he was 0-for-3 in the game, but it's good to see him back in the mix, nonetheless. Let's hope he can stay in the lineup and get ready for the regular season now. |
|
|
|
| Marcus Thames was held out of Tuesday's game due to a strained pectoral muscle. However, Thames said he felt fine and was ready to play, according to the AP. At this point, we'll take him at his word and assume he'll back in the next day or two. |
|
|
|
| Dontrelle Willis blames his poor outing Tuesday in a split-squad game on testing out his pitches and just trying to get ready for the season, according to the AP. "I was just missing and trying to stay aggressive," Willis said. "My command has to be a lot better. It’s going to be fine." Acquired by the Tigers in the Miguel Cabrera swap with the Marlins during the offseason, Willis allowed four walks and two hits, though he only gave up one run over 2 1/3 innings. |
|
|
|
| Jonathan Papelbon is enjoying success with the slider that he's added to his repertoire, according to the AP. "I used to throw it when I was starting so it’s not like a new pitch, really," Papelbon said. "It’s a natural arm slot for me to throw this pitch. It’s not like I’m going out of my delivery to execute this pitch. To me, it’s just a matter of staying one step ahead of the competition." It's scary to think of a guy who had 37 saves, a 1.85 ERA and 0.77 WHIP with 84 strikeouts in 58.1 innings last year improving his stuff. On Tuesday, he worked two perfect innings, while striking out two batters. |
|
|
|
| Vicente Padilla left Tuesday's game in the top of the fourth inning, though Dallas Morning News writer Evan Grant believed Padilla hadn't reached his 60-pitch max. Pitching coach Mark Connor and manager Ron Washington both went to the mound, but there was no visible sign of Padilla displaying an injury. We'll have to wait to see if Padilla was hurt, though the trainer apparently didn't join the others at the mound, so he could have been pulled for another reason. |
|
|
|
| The Mets have contacted the Blue Jays about trying to acquire Shannon Stewart and Reed Johnson, according to the New York Post. The Mets are looking for right-handed hitter to pair up with Ryan Church, while the Jays need only one of them to pair up with Matt Stairs. Nothing but early contact between the two clubs, but it's possible something could happen. |
|
|
|
| Red Sox manager Terry Francona told ESPN.com on Tuesday that there's just about no way a this point that Josh Beckett's sore back can possibly heal in time for him to pitch in the season opener in Japan. "I don't think we know [for sure] yet," Francona said. "But we're certainly not going to rush him back to pitch a game March 24 if he's not ready. And I think if you look at it with common sense, he's not going to pitch over there." At this point, the injury doesn't appear to be anything that should bother him long-term, but it sounds like he won't be ready to go in two weeks. It's something to keep an eye on, but if he returns to workouts soon, he should be ready when the full season gets going next month. |
|
|
|
| Grady Sizemore hit his first two home runs of the spring, at the expense of the Tigers on Tuesday. He is now batting 7-for-14, with 16 total bases. |
|
|
|
| Elvis Andrus has been cut by the Rangers, along with SS Joaquin Arias, CF Julio Borbon, 1B Chris Davis, pitcher Thomas Diamond, infielder German Duran, pitcher Kea Kometani, OF John Mayberry Jr., and catchers Max Ramirez and Chris Stewart. This according to the Star Telegram.
|
|
|
|
| C.J. Wilson threw a bullpen session on Tuesday for the first time since being hit with a case of biceps tendinitis on March 1, according to the Star Telegram. He could reportedly returned to the mound this weekend. |
|
| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Tuesday 3/11, 3:05 PM CT |
|
| B.J. Ryan took another step forward in his mission to be ready for opening day, according to MLB.com. He looked good on Tuesday as he rehabs from elbow surgery by downing four hitters on 16 pitches, including nine strikes. He is expected to pitch in his first Grapefruit League game this Friday. |
|
|
|
| Evan Longoria hit his first home run of the spring (while going 1-for-2) on Tuesday. That should help his case to make the 25-man roster on opening day. |
|
|
|
| James Shields had a strong day from the mound on Tuesday as he pitched five scoreless innings, while allowing four hits and walking one. He looked great at times in 2007 and this is encouraging news. |
|
|
|
| George Sherrill is reportedly the front-runner to be the Orioles' featured closer this season, according to MLB.com. Manager Trembley said that he is leaning toward Sherrill as his closer and added, "I would say he's leading the pack right now. He's got a leg up. He wants to be the guy. I know that about him."
|
|
| Alan Embree, P, Oakland Athletics | Tuesday 3/11, 1:24 PM CT |
|
| Alan Embree blew his second save opportunity of the spring on Monday and is carrying a 15.75 ERA. In his defense, he has been nursing a stiff back. |
|
|
|
| Daric Barton returned to the lineup on Monday and his injured hand seemed fine as he blasted a three run home run. This according to the SF Chronicle. That was his first hit of the spring and a great sign he is healthy, as he is not known as a power hitter. |
|
| Joe Blanton, P, Oakland Athletics | Tuesday 3/11, 1:13 PM CT |
|
| Joe Blanton could be on the Yankees' radar, according to the SF Chronicle. This news comes after a Yankees scout was seen tracking Blanton at Sunday's game. |
|
|
|
| Johnny Damon is reportedly fine after X-Rays showed no damage after he fouled a ball of his foot on Monday, according to Newsday. The injury bug likes Johnny Damon, so it is good to see he's alright. |
|
|
|
| Casey Janssen was forced to cut his practice session short on Tuesday due to pain in his right shoulder, this according to the MLB.com. Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi commented that the team wasn't certain how a potential injury would affect the pitcher's program moving forward. Janssen was notably fighting for a spot in the Jays starting rotation.
|
|
|
|
| Hank Blalock returned to his post at third base for the first time since his car accident on Monday, according to Dallas News. He was 0-for-3 hitting but was solid in the field and notably charged a chopped in the fifth inning to make a strong play. He commented that he is completely over the soreness now. |
|
|
|
| Sidney Ponson had a bullpen session on Monday and already said that he feels like he is ready to pitch in a game, according to Dallas News. He also said that his troubles are in his past and that he has learned his lesson. He is aiming for the Rangers fifth spot in the rotation, and won't have to be ready to go until April 12. |
|
|
|
| Brandon McCarthy did not go to Dallas as scheduled for treatment on his strained right forearm, according to Dallas News. Dr. Keith Meister wanted to see another MRI from a different angle, which McCarthy got late Monday afternoon in Arizona. Before having the second MRI, McCarthy stated that Meister thought there was no ligament damage, but he wanted a clearer view of the area before determining treatment options.
|
|
|
|
| Kevin Millwood is doing fine as he fights through his hamstring ailment, according to the Dallas News. He isn't pleased with his pitch location but noted that his hamstring feels good, which is the important thing right now. Millwood has three outings left before he's scheduled to pitch the season opener on March 31. Millwood said, "I'd like to be able to pitch in a game where I have to do everything. I understand that right now, erring on the side of caution is better than trying to do more than I'm ready for." |
|
| John Lackey, P, Los Angeles Angels | Tuesday 3/11, 11:57 AM CT |
|
| Despite an elbow ailment, John Lackey hopes to be ready to pitch on opening day, according to the LA Times. Lackey made his spring debut on Monday and considers himself strong enough to start the Angels' opener. Mike Scioscia also stated, "I would not consider Lackey for the opener because he would not be able to make the five spring starts necessary to build his pitch count to 100. The probability is, he will not be the opening-day starter. There certainly is a possibility. We're going to let this thing play out." Scioscia left open the possibility Lackey could work up to 90 pitches in four spring starts and up to 100 on opening day, however.
|
|
|
|
| Travis Metcalf is expected to have surgery, according to the Dallas News. The needed procedure will cut out part of his left hamstring tendon. He tore part of the tendon while running the bases during game action on Friday . Metcalf stated that the procedure takes about 15 minutes and he will probably be out six to eight weeks. He will need at least three weeks of rehab before he can get back into playing shape.
|
|
|
|
| The Toronto Blue Jays have signed veteran pitcher Armando Benitez to a minor league contract, according to The Star. Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said this about the 35-year old reliever, " He hasn't got in shape, but we're going to keep stockpiling as many arms as we can. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. We're not looking for a closer." |
|
| Juan Rivera, RF, Los Angeles Angels | Tuesday 3/11, 11:30 AM CT |
|
| Juan Rivera is on the Braves' radar, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times. Rivera does not have a starting job and would be able to help several clubs, one being the Braves. Ken Rosenthal also suggested Sunday that Reggie Willits was not available but the team wanted to trade Rivera. David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution was quoted, "After talking to a couple of people today, I think there’s something to the Juan Rivera thing. I believe the Braves do have interest, just not sure if there’s a match."
|
|
|
|
| Josh Beckett is reportedly feeling better today, according to the Providence Journal. Manager Francona commented that Beckett is doing better and is more comfortable but the team still plans to take it slow and there is no new date set for his possible return. Beckett has been battling back spasms, in case you are new to his situation. |
|
|
|
| Scot Shields is feeling 100% ready for action again after suffering through a sore shoulder, according to the LA Times. He will make his Cactus League debut very soon. |
|
|
|
| Fernando Rodney's return to the mound has been delayed for two days, according to The Detroit Free Press. He is still battling shoulder tendinitis and is running out of time to get ready for opening day. |
|
|
|
| Hideki Okajima looked great in relief on Tuesday, according to the Providence Journal. He came in to the game in the fifth inning in place of Jon Lester and pitched two scoreless innings, while only allowing one hit and notching a strikeout. Manager Francona was pleased and said that he threw the ball very well. |
|
| Ian Kennedy, P, New York Yankees | Tuesday 3/11, 8:13 AM CT |
|
| Ian Kennedy continues to pitch well and has further solidified his bid for the fifth spot in the Yankees rotation. He pitched four scoreless innings out of the pen on Monday and has only surrendered one run in six innings. |
|
| Coco Crisp, CF, Boston Red Sox | Tuesday 3/11, 8:03 AM CT |
|
| Coco Crisp is still sidelined, according to the Providence Journal. There is no news regarding his groin injury or his expected return. |
|
|
|
| Josh Barfield wants a second chance to play second base, according to ClevelandIndiansBlogs.com. Barfield has lost his starting job to Asdrubal Cabrera and could start the season in the minors, but Josh is not giving up and has worked on his swing and put in tireless hours in the off-season, with his former big-league father Jesse. The results have paid off as Josh is currently hitting .300 with one home run and three RBI over 20 at-bats. |
|
|
|
| Travis Hafner has found the "pop" in his bat this spring, according to IndiansConfidential.com. Hafner notably had a down year in 2007 and fell into a slump but he is off to a good start in 2008 as he is batting .408 (6-for-15) with three doubles and six RBI this spring. That is what we want to see from one of the league's top designated hitters. |
|
Baseball
| Football | Basketball
| Hockey | Golf
| Auto Racing
| Soccer
