| Bill Bray, P, Cincinnati Reds | Wednesday 3/12, 11:56 PM CT |
|
| Bill Bray tossed a scoreless inning Wednesday in his first action of the spring. He had been held back because of a sore shoulder that he suffered at the start of camp. "I wasn't paying attention to how hard I was throwing," Bray said on MLB.com. "I just wanted to throw strikes. I felt good." Bray has a nice arm and could potentially prove to be a worthy NL-only play if he picks up enough strikeouts. He won't be getting any save opportunities with Francisco Cordero around, though. |
|
|
|
| Yunel Escobar had a single in his lone at-bat Wednesday and now has collected a hit in all 11 games this spring. The shortstop is batting .517 with six RBI, though 12 of his 15 hits have been singles. It's pretty clear that Escobar, who batted .326 in 319 at-bats last year, can hit, but how much power he produces will ultimately determine where he falls on the fantasy totem pole. |
|
|
|
| Lincoln Holdzkom cleared waivers Wednesday and became a free agent, according to the AP. The Rule 5 pick has a good arm, but control problems once again derailed him (four walks in 3 1/3 innings). He'll catch on somewhere. |
|
| Adam Eaton, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 3/12, 11:28 PM CT |
|
| Adam Eaton threw a bullpen session Wednesday and is slated to pitch in a minor league game Friday, according to the AP. Eaton is dealing with a herniated disk in his back. He is the favorite to hold down the final spot in the Phils rotation, but he'll have to show he's healthy. |
|
| Cole Hamels, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 3/12, 11:25 PM CT |
|
| Cole Hamels was scratched from a minor league start Wednesday due to the flu, according to the AP. Unless Hamels comes down with pneumonia or something, he'll be just fine. |
|
| Kyle Kendrick, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 3/12, 11:24 PM CT |
|
| Kyle Kendrick will throw in a minor league game Friday after getting shelled in his first three spring starts. He's not in jeopardy of losing his spot in the starting rotation, though. “Kyle doesn’t have to prove nothing to me,” manager Charlie Manuel said in the AP. “It will take more than a bad spring for him to lose his job.” Given his woefully low strikeout rate and lack of super stuff, Kendrick got pretty lucky last year to post the numbers he did. Expect him to come back down to earth this year. |
|
|
|
| The Marlins optioned Daniel Barone to Triple-A Albuquerque Wednesday. He will provide starting depth at Albuquerque for the Fish and can also help out of the bullpen if needed. |
|
|
|
| Anthony Reyes gave up three runs on six hits and a walk in four innings Wednesday, but he also struck out six in the outing and came away pleased with how he pitched. “I feel like every time I go out there I’m getting more confident and the strikeouts are going up a little bit,” Reyes said in the AP. “I think it’s starting to come together a little bit and the more I go out there, the sharper I’m going to get.” Reyes had a dreadful 2007 season, but he still has lots of ability and could be a good bargain late in a draft. |
|
|
|
| Tony Pena, Jr.'s defense is his strong suit, but new infield coach Dave Owen think the shortstop can get even better. Owen says Pena takes a a slow first step resulting from being in improper position as the ball reaches the hitting zone. "Obviously, if we can get him on time," Owen said in the Kansas City Star, "he's going to be quicker. His first step is going to be better, and I think that's going to give us an edge. He might be able to pick up a step here or there and, maybe, balls that he might just miss, he now gets to." It's all well and good that the Royals want to improve Pena's defense, but fantasy owners want to see the shortstop step up his offensive game. He's only a late-round AL-only option right now. |
|
|
|
| Johnny Cueto continued his stellar spring with four shutout innings Wednesday, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out two. The youngster has given up one run in nine innings this spring, with just six hits, one walk and eight punchouts. Cueto is just 22 and has made only four starts above Double-A, but if he keeps pitching like this he may sew up a spot in Cincy's rotation. |
|
| Juan Uribe, 2B, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 3/12, 10:18 PM CT |
|
| The battle for the starting job at second base remains a bit of a mystery, though most signs seem to point to veteran Juan Uribe, according to MLB.com. Uribe helped matters today, going 1-for-3 with a stolen base. Manager Ozzie Guillen states he has not made any firm decision. "It's a great competition. Whoever gets the job done will play every day," Guillen said. "I know Uribe doesn't want to be in that position but he has to battle and try to be the everyday second baseman." The primary combatants for the job include Alexei Ramirez and Danny Richar, and while both offer definitive upside, it appears the tone of Guillen's comments is more in the interest of motivating Uribe, and we know he's up to the challenge. |
|
| Josh Fields, 3B, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 3/12, 9:57 PM CT |
|
| Josh Fields went 3-for-4 today in the White Sox's 4-1 win over the Rockies in Cactus League action. Fields is battling against Joe Crede for the spot at third base and thus far the spring has not been kind, especially at the plate where Fields has suffered through a rough slump. Coach Ozzie Guillen had stated Fields was his man of choice at the hot corner, but that was a month ago and the competition may have been more closely contested than we might have believed. Today's performance could be sign of better things to come. |
|
| Billy Butler, 1B, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/12, 9:47 PM CT |
|
| Billy Butler continued his sizzling spring Wednesday, doubling and scoring a run in his only at-bat. He's now hitting .419 with two homers and seven RBI this spring. Butler will only be eligible at DH in most leagues to begin the year, but he's expected to be the team's starting first baseman. He's a definite breakout candidate. |
|
| Kip Wells, P, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/12, 9:38 PM CT |
|
| RHP Kip Wells struggled in the Rockies' 4-1 loss to the White Sox in Cactus League action today, giving up four runs on nine hits through five innings, according to MLB.com. While the team remains optimistic about Wells' future, there are concerns. He spent much of '07 working with players on base and struggled as a result, and thus far this year he is finding it difficult to break the trend. "I saw him get outs when he was down and give up hits when he was up," said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. Wells is battling with several candidates, including Franklin Morales, Mark Redman, and Josh Towers for the final two spots in the rotation, one of which could be filled once Jason Hirsh recovers from right shoulder pain. Outings like this leave major questions to be answered. |
|
|
|
| Carlos Gonzalez, who has been tabbed as the team's top new prospect after being gained via trade from Arizona, left today's 2-1 Oakland victory over those Diamondbacks with a strained right hamstring, according to MLB.com. The team reports Gonzalez could miss one to two days of action as a result, though the injury is not believed to be serious. If Gonzalez can return and continue to work as efficiently as he has thus far, there is little reason for concern. |
|
| Brad Lidge, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 3/12, 9:07 PM CT |
|
| Brad Lidge threw 26 pitches in his second bullpen session Wednesday and is scheduled to toss batting practice on Friday and Sunday, according to MLB.com. It's possible Lidge could appearance in a minor league or simulated game sometime next week. "I felt outstanding again," Lidge said. "It feels like it's coming really fast, so I think next week is a possibility for getting in games." Recovering from knee surgery, Lidge is hoping to be ready by opening day. |
|
|
|
| Maicer Izturis went 2-for-3 with a triple and a stolen base in the Angels' 3-6 loss to the Royals in the Cactus League today. Izturis is the midst of a battle for the starting SS job with Erick Aybar working as the competition for the position. Aybar went 0-for-1, but coach Mike Scioscia has indicated their defensive prowess could determine the Opening Day starter. Still, the ability to hit and take advantage of speed will weigh heavy in Izturis' favor. |
|
| Alex Gordon, 3B, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/12, 9:00 PM CT |
|
| Alex Gordon went 2-for-3 with a run scored in the Royals' 6-3 win over the Angels in Cactus League play today. Gordon, coming off a disappointing rookie campaign, is hitting .346 thus far through spring training and could be on his way towards better days in '08. |
|
|
|
| Luke Hochevar was as strong as hoped in his first start of spring training, allowing six hits and two runs in four innings of work with one walk and one strike out. Hochevar is hoping to earn a spot in the Royals' starting rotation this season and has been a focal point of much discussion. The 1st-overall pick of the 2006 draft, Hochevar has made three appearances in spring games, working four innings without giving up a single run. In four games with the Royals last season, Hochevar was 0-1 with an ERA of 2.13. There's no reason to think he won't be on the major league roster on Opening Day and the potential ceiling for this young hurler is high, so stay tuned. |
|
|
|
| Sergio Mitre has been diagnosed with a strained right forearm and won't be able to throw for the next four-to-six weeks, according to MLB.com. The timetable means Mitre won't appear in a major league game until at least June. The right-hander is worth drafting now only in the latter rounds of NL-only play. |
|
| Jerry Owens, CF, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 3/12, 8:14 PM CT |
|
| Jerry Owens was out of the lineup Wednesday due to recurring soreness in his right groin, according to the AP. The injury has limited him since Feb. 25. He's officially listed as day-to-day. Owens keeps falling farther and farther behind and it's appearing very unlikely that he'll earn a starting job. Even in a backup role, he's worth a draft pick because of his speed. |
|
| Aaron Cook, P, Colorado Rockies | Wednesday 3/12, 8:10 PM CT |
|
| Aaron Cook threw three innings in an intrasquad game against minor leaguers Wednesday, allowing four hits while striking out three, according to the AP. The sinkerballer was scratched from his last start due to inflammation in his shoulder. It appears he's good to go now, though. |
|
| Brian Wilson, P, San Francisco Giants | Wednesday 3/12, 8:07 PM CT |
|
| Brian Wilson tossed a scoreless inning Wednesday and has been unscored upon in five of six outings this spring. Wilson has been anointed as the Giants closer for the '08 season. He has the stuff to succeed and could be a nice stopper to grab later on in your draft. |
|
|
|
| Jason Jennings had a solid showing Wednesday, giving up one run on three hits and a walk while striking out four. The right-hander, who is trying to rebound from am injury-plagued, disappointing season in Houston, has allowed just the one run in three outings this spring. Texas doesn't have a favorable home ballpark for pitchers, but Jennings was in the same situation in Colorado and thrived at times there. He could be worth a late-round gamble in your league. |
|
| Adam Loewen, LF, Toronto Blue Jays | Wednesday 3/12, 7:32 PM CT |
|
| Adam Loewen will likely miss Friday's start with discomfort in his left shoulder, according to the Baltimore Sun. The O's are hoping it's nothing more than mild tendinitis. "Nobody is too concerned," said Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. "It might back him up a start. That's where we are at the present time." Loewen, who is coming back from elbow surgery, is expected to hold down a spot in the Baltimore rotation. He could be a sleeper if he proves to be healthy. |
|
|
|
| Chase Headley sure is making it hard for the Padres to justify sending him down. He had a three-run, two-out double Wednesday and is now batting .400 with 11 RBI this spring. Headley once seemed like a longshot candidate for the left field job, but he could now be in the driver's seat for the position. |
|
|
|
| Orlando Hernandez tested a new delivery in a simulated game Wednesday, according to the AP. El Duque is ditching his customary leg-kick in an effort to to relieve pressure on a troublesome bunion on his right foot. Manager Willie Randolph isn't worried that the new windup might affect Hernandez's ability to deceive hitters. "I think his mystique is his ability to get people out," Randolph said. "The kick didn't really get people out. He does it so early that there isn't a lot of deception to it. It's more about his timing." El Duque was good when healthy last year, but the injury issues make him a risky mixed league play. |
|
| Kevin Mench, LF, Toronto Blue Jays | Wednesday 3/12, 7:18 PM CT |
|
| Kevin Mench appears to be the favorite to land the final bench spot for the Rangers, according to MLB.com. He will take ground balls at first base next week in an effort to increase his versatility. If Milton Bradley's knee doesn't allow him to be ready by opening day, it's possible Mench could be in the lineup against Seattle lefty Erik Bedard. |
|
|
|
| Milton Bradley will finally get some at-bats in minor league games later this week or early next week, according to MLB.com. He will do so as a DH, not a right fielder. Bradley will be the Rangers' starting right fielder this season, but the team isn't sure he'll be ready for the opener. If he isn't ready, Kevin Mench could fill in for him in right. |
|
| Mike Cameron, CF, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 3/12, 7:08 PM CT |
|
| Mike Cameron is applying for a therapeutic use exemption that would allow him to take certain supplements or substances not currently approved by MLB, according to MLB.com. He also plans to undergo a series of neurological tests on Friday to see if he's still feeling the effects of a 2005 outfield collision with then-teammate Carlos Beltran. Cameron, who is facing a 25-game suspension at the start of the season for testing positive a second time for a banned stimulant, said that he feels fine physically but that he's been having some minor mental lapses sometimes. This news isn't likely to affect Cameron's fantasy value one way or another. |
|
|
|
| Mike Hampton had a four-inning simulated game against Braves hitters Wednesday and didn't go through any problems with his groin or anything else, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I'm looking forward to pitching and enjoying my next start," said Hampton, who strained his right groin Friday. "I didn't have any tweaks [Wednesday], nothing going on." The lefty, who is attempting a comeback after missing 2 1/2 seasons while recovering from two elbow surgeries, is expected to make his next scheduled start on Monday. Hampton hopes to be ready to go at the beginning of the season, but you certainly don't need to write his name down in ink for the Braves rotation. |
|
| Dana Eveland, P, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 3/12, 6:21 PM CT |
|
| Dana Eveland had a terrific outing Wednesday, tossing five scoreless innings while punching out seven. He's allowed two runs in 10 spring innings to go along with 10 strikeouts. The left-hander is looking like the front-runner for the fifth spot in the A's rotation. His minor league numbers have been superb, but Eveland has struggled so far in his big league chances. |
|
|
|
| Gerald Laird had a pair of solo home runs Wednesday. He has three bombs this spring and is batting .286 with five RBI. Meanwhile, Laird's competition for the catching job, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, is batting just .188. It's looking more and more likely that the Rangers will go with the veteran on opening day and send Salty to the minors. |
|
|
|
| The Reds reassigned Matthew Maloney to their minor league camp Wednesday. Maloney had been considered a longshot candidate for the starting rotation, but he quelled any of those thoughts by allowing 11 runs in four spring innings. |
|
|
|
| The Cardinals could use some arms for their banged up rotation, but former starter Ryan Franklin won't be moving out of the bullpen. "A major strength of us [in 2007] was our bullpen," manager Tony La Russa said on MLB.com. "And I don't think messing with that bullpen, when you're going to have to fill it with somebody else that does Franklin's job, [is wise]. I don't know that we have that person." Franklin has made 106 starts in his career but spent all of last year in the pen for St. Louis and excelled, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 80 innings. He could be the first one to step in and close for the Cards if something happens to Jason Isringhausen, which makes him worth owning in NL-only leagues. |
|
| Andre Ethier, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 3/12, 5:55 PM CT |
|
| Andre Ethier went deep Wednesday and drove in two runs. He's hitting a mediocre .273 this spring but has three dingers and six RBI. Juan Pierre is hitting only .200, though he drew a surprising three walks today. Even if Ethier out-plays Pierre this spring, we still think the veteran will get more playing time in left field. |
|
|
|
| Cameron Maybin had a pair of homers - a solo and a three-run shot - in Wednesday's 13-7 win over St. Louis. The youngster was dealing with a strained hamstring earlier this spring but appears to be over the ailment now. He is battling for the starting job in center, but the Marlins don't have any reason to rush the 20-year-old. |
|
|
|
| Not only will Rocco Baldelli begin the year on the disabled list, but it's possible his career could be in jeopardy because of some type of metabolic and/or mitochondrial abnormalities that leave him extremely fatigued after a short workout. The outfielder fought back tears several times when discussing details of the condition Wednesday. "As far as my baseball career I'm not here to stand in front of you telling you I'm retiring," Baldelli said in the St. Petersburg Times. "We're still going pursue any avenue that we can to try to figure out what is going on and have a better understanding of what is going on." Baldelli added that he will remain on the disabled list "indefinitely until we find out something else that could possibly improve my situation." Obviously it's tough to know what exact to make of Baldelli's situation until we know more. You should stay away from him in mixed leagues. |
|
| Nate McLouth, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates | Wednesday 3/12, 5:12 PM CT |
|
| Nate McLouth was 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI Wednesday. He's now hitting .400 this spring with a homer and six ribbies over 20 at-bats. His competition for the center field job, Nyjer Morgan, is batting .269 with one RBI in 26 at-bats. McLouth had an edge over Morgan heading into spring training, and that gap has only widened. |
|
|
|
| Woody Williams was torched for eight runs on 10 hits over three innings Wednesday in his second start of the spring. He gave up four longballs in the contest. This outing comes after he gave up five runs on six hits and two walks in 2 2/3 frames last week. His spring ERA now sits at 15.26. The veteran is looking to rebound this year after a disappointing first season in Houston, but consecutive starts like this isn't a good sign. |
|
|
|
| Francisco Liriano struggled Wednesday in his second spring outing, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one. The left-hander's 7.36 ERA so far in two spring games is unsightly, but the important thing is he appears to be healthy. Barring a setback, he should be good to go at the beginning of the season. |
|
|
|
| Andy Sonnanstine moved closer to securing a spot in Tampa Bay's rotation with a stellar outing Wednesday. The right-hander gave up one hit in three scoreless innings and has now tossed six scoreless frames this spring with only one hit allowed. He's a nice sleeper to target late in your draft. |
|
| Tony Abreu, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 3/12, 4:49 PM CT |
|
| Tony Abreu flew to Philadelphia Wednesday to visit Dr. William Meyers, the sports hernia specialist who performed surgery on him last October, according to MLB.com. Abreu has had lingering effects from the hernia surgery, as well as soreness in his right buttocks. We'll update you on Abreu's visit to the doctor when more becomes known. With Jeff Kent also battling an injury, the Dodgers can't afford to be missing Abreu, as well. |
|
|
|
| Takashi Saito threw a pain-free batting practice Wednesday. The closer has dealt with a calf injury all spring, but the tightness has apparently gone away. "My condition is very good," Saito said on MLB.com through a translator. "After I threw the bullpen last time, I felt very good. Before that, I felt some tightness in the calf, but I didn't feel that at all." Saito's numbers the last two years have been astounding, but he is 38 and also had shoulder problems last year. He is a health risk entering the season. |
|
|
|
| Nomar Garciaparra hit off a tee with a fungo bat Wednesday for the second straight day. He hasn't played since a beaning last Friday left him with a sore right wrist. "That's the beauty of spring training," Garciaparra said on MLB.com. "Instead of pushing it, you can kind of take your time." The Dodgers third baseman said he still feels pain, but swelling in his wrist had begun to subside. Consider Nomar day-to-day for now. He should be good to go by next week. |
|
| Jeff Kent, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 3/12, 4:38 PM CT |
|
| Jeff Kent's strained right hamstring has healed well enough for him to begin playing, but he's not going to take the field just yet. "It lingers longer when you play on it -- any injury," Kent said to MLB.com. "I've had quad pulls and hamstring pulls my whole career. It's typical of what baseball players go through, nothing different." Kent said he would definitely be in the lineup if this were the regular season, but he doesn't want to rush things. Barring a setback, he should be fine by opening day. |
|
| Brad Hawpe, RF, Colorado Rockies | Wednesday 3/12, 4:33 PM CT |
|
| Brad Hawpe missed his second straight game Wednesday because of a sore elbow, according to MLB.com. However, there is no swelling in the elbow, and Hawpe isn't too concerned. "I hurt it just a little bit, but it was not that big of a deal," Hawpe said. "It's spring training, and you want to take care of injuries." For now, this doesn't seem like a big deal. Keep a close eye on it, though. |
|
|
|
| Kosuke Fukudome will hit fifth behind Aramis Ramirez for the Cubs Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune. "In the five hole, I think he'll give us the best protection for [cleanup hitter Aramis] Ramirez," manager Lou Pinella said. "He's a good contact guy. He'll drive in runs with guys in scoring position, put the ball in play. It makes sense to me. We'll try it for a few more games and see what happens." Fukudome is a much better fit for the No. 2 spot with his on-base skills and lack of pop. This potential move doesn't seem to benefit the Cubs, but it won't hurt Fukudome's fantasy value. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Theriot will hit leadoff for the Cubs Friday, and that's where he could end up batting for the Northsiders on opening day, according to the Chicago Tribune. Theriot might run more and score more runs in the leadoff spot, so this bit of news seems to be good for his fantasy stock. |
|
|
|
| Alfonso Soriano will hit in the second spot for the Cubs Friday, with Ryan Theriot sliding into the leadoff spot and Kosuke Fukudome in the five hole, according to the Chicago Tribune. "We want to keep Soriano nice and healthy and strong all year," manager Lou Pinella said. "It seems to me, out of the leadoff spot, he'll want to do too much, run too soon. We'll see, just take a look at it. Last year he was out a few times with the leg pulls. If you talk to him, [he says] he's 80-85 percent. Put it this way: Out of the two hole it might be easier for him not to have to run as much... I don't think we'd ask him to bunt. My point of this is it's for his own good. And for the team's good, because having him in that lineup is important to us." Soriano might drive in a few more runs in the two spot, but it sounds like he won't run as much, so this isn't good news for him fantasy-wise. We'll see if this lineup setup sticks. |
|
|
|
| Joaquin Benoit threw a bullpen session Wednesday and will pitch in a minor league game Saturday, according to the Dallas Morning News. How Benoit fares this weekend could go a long way in determining whether his sore shoulder will allow him to be ready for opening day. |
|
| C.J. Wilson, P, Texas Rangers | Wednesday 3/12, 4:17 PM CT |
|
| C.J. Wilson threw a bullpen session Wednesday for the second straight day and is slated to pitch in a minor league game Saturday, according to the Dallas Morning News. Wilson is coming back from a bout with biceps tendinitis. He is the front-runner for the closing job but will need to prove that he's healthy. |
|
|
|
| The Reds claimed Jose Capellan off waivers from the Giants Wednesday. The Rule 5 pick was slated to head back to the Red Sox, but Cincy apparently wants to take a look at the young left-hander. Chances are Capellan will find his way back to Boston eventually. He's not going to be a fantasy option this year regardless. |
|
| Zach Duke, P, Pittsburgh Pirates | Wednesday 3/12, 4:04 PM CT |
|
| Zach Duke made his second start of the spring and allowed two runs on five hits, over four innings. Duke induced seven ground ball outs, struck out one batter and walked none. The Pirates left-hander threw 66 pitches, 44 for strikes. Duke isn't even on mixed league radars, but is a reserve option in NL-only formats. |
|
|
|
| Kenny Rogers became the first Detroit pitcher to work at least five innings in a game this spring. The Tigers left-handed veteran struggled in the second inning but retired the final 10 batters he faced for the win. Rogers is being ignored in most traditional mixed leagues. His ADP, according to Mock Draft Central, is the 29th round of 30 round formats. |
|
|
|
| The Tigers fielded their projected opening day lineup on Wednesday and put an 11-4 beating on the Houston Astros. Detroit smacked four home runs and four doubles over the first four innings. Ivan Rodriguez homered twice, his fifth and sixth of the spring. |
|
| Angel Pagan, LF, New York Mets | Wednesday 3/12, 3:42 PM CT |
|
| Angel Pagan didn't get the start on Wednesday, but made the most of his at-bat in the seventh by hitting a two-run home run. Pagan is a reserve option in deep mixed formats and if the Mets injury woes continue, he could make the opening day roster as the fourth outfielder. |
|
|
|
| Oliver Perez made his third exhibition game start and pitched four efficient innings. The left-hander allowed a run in the first inning and one single in his final three frames. He struck out one and walked none. Oliver remains a backend rotisserie option in mixed formats. |
|
|
|
| Brian Roberts didn't make the trip to Port St. Lucie for a game against the New York Mets on Wednesday, so he participated in some drills and took batting practice with those left behind. What Roberts can't avoid, however, is the continued rumors about his exit out of Baltimore.
According to Slam Sports rarely does an hour go by when the two-time all-star isn't reminded about whispers in the wind.
"I don't have a choice about thinking about it because I get asked every day. My friends call me all the time, fans yell at me about it, guys from other teams ask me about it. It's pretty much nonstop," Roberts said. "You think about it when somebody's asking, but other than that, you go about your day the same way you always do. My job is to get ready for the season, whether it's here or someplace else."
While there is nothing knew concerning the talks between the O's and the Cubs, it's still believed that Roberts will not be in a Baltimore uniform in May. |
|
|
|
| Pitcher Horacio Ramirez was released on Wednesday, just 15-months after the left-hander was acquired in a trade from Atlanta. A bad trade at that.
CBS Sportsline reports that Seattle got Ramirez from Atlanta for reliever Rafael Soriano before last season. The 28-year-old Ramirez then went 8-7 with a 7.16 ERA in 20 starts and spent nearly two months on the disabled list because of a sore shoulder. The trade was one-sided on the day it was made, and in hindsight, one has to believe the M's wish they could have a mulligan.
|
|
| Coco Crisp, CF, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/12, 2:42 PM CT |
|
| According to the Boston Globe, the recent rumor that had Coco Crisp going to the Mets for Angel Pagan, lasted but a few minutes. The deal is a no go.
Theo Epstein, through media relations director John Blake, said that the Red Sox have not been talking to the Mets. The report calls the story a fabrication. The planets are beginning to realign after the initial ridiculous report. Just minutes ago, Pagan hit a two-run home run during a spring game against the Orioles.
|
|
| Coco Crisp, CF, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 3/12, 2:38 PM CT |
|
| According to WFAN's Ed Coleman, the Red Sox and Mets are working on a deal that would send Coco Crisp to New York for Angel Pagan. The report makes little long term sense, and an injured Crisp doesn't solve the current ailments in the Mets outfield. |
|
|
|
| Carlos Vasquez , who was acquired with reliever David Aardsma from the Cubs this offseason, was waived on Wednesday, notes the Chicago Tribune. The left-handed reliever was involved with the trade that sent left-hander Neal Cotts to the Cubs. |
|
| Paul Konerko, 1B, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 3/12, 2:06 PM CT |
|
| Paul Konerko was scratched from Wednesday's starting lineup, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Sox first baseman is suffering from a sore right toe. Konerko started strong this spring with 10 hits in his first 14 at bats. As of Tuesday, Konerko was hitting .406 with 13 hits in 32 at-bats with one home run and seven RBI. |
|
| Scott Baker, P, Minnesota Twins | Wednesday 3/12, 2:01 PM CT |
|
| Scott Baker isn't making a quick recovery from his back injury, and Manager Ron Gardenhire did not rule out the possibility Wednesday of the righthander opening the season on the disabled list, this according to the Star Tribune.
Baker felt a twinge near his latissimus dorsi muscle Saturday and will miss his next start. |
|
| Mike Lamb, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 3/12, 1:49 PM CT |
|
| Mike Lamb, out since Thursday because of a strained left hip, said he hopes to return to the lineup Friday, this according to the Star Tribune. Lamb's only fantasy value rests in AL-only formats |
|
| Nick Punto, SS, Minnesota Twins | Wednesday 3/12, 1:47 PM CT |
|
| Nick Punto went 0-for-2 with a walk on Tuesday, leaving him at 1-for-13 (.077) for the spring. Punto has AL-only value, but very little. |
|
|
|
| Rays skipper Joe Maddon told the MLB.com on Wednesday morning that the team would be without the services of infielder Andy Cannizaro.
The Rays shortstop was admitted as a hospital outpatient Tuesday, and was given anti-inflammatory medication intravenously to treat a back problem.
Maddon said the illness wasn't serious. |
|
| Jered Weaver, P, Los Angeles Angels | Wednesday 3/12, 1:23 PM CT |
|
| With projected opening day starter John Lackey still ailing and behind the rest of the staff in work, another impressive Tuesday outing makes Jered Weaver the favorite to receive the opening day start. The young Weaver held the Padres to one run over four innings of work, and offered up but one hit on the day. His spring totals of six strikeouts to one walk and 2.0 ERA over nine innings is promising. |
|
|
|
| Rafael Furcal's three hits on Tuesday ran his spring average to .357. The Dodgers shortstop is one of those players that always seems to have a hot March (career 333 hitter), but then cools in April. Furcal is healthy and excited about the Dodgers chances this year. The .284 career hitter is on average, leaving the mixed league draft board in the middle of the fifth round. |
|
|
|
| Ichiro Suzuki is still 0-for-spring, running his hitless streak to 0-for-21 on Tuesday. The M's leadoff hitter typically has a terrific spring, so the unusually slow start is raising some red flags. Ichiro has hit nearly .400 in his five previous spring sessions. |
|
|
|
| Livan Hernandez has made seven career opening day starts, according to the Star Tribune, and the Twins are leaning toward giving him the ball for the 2008 opening event.
"We're kind of trying to go with that, but we'll see how everything goes," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He should be the guy."
Hernandez lowered his spring training ERA to 8.00 in Tuesday's 7-1 loss to Tampa Bay, giving up two runs on three hits in four innings. This move says a lot about the Twins chances of winning the AL Central; slim to none.
|
|
| Matt Diaz, LF, Atlanta Braves | Wednesday 3/12, 12:41 PM CT |
|
| The Braves have discussed at length, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that Matt Diaz deserves a shot at playing everyday.
The talented outfielder has hit .330 with 59 extra-base hits (19 homers) and 77 RBIs in 655 at-bats for the Braves over the past two seasons. Diaz deserves a chance and it appears that opportunity will finally come. The Braves outfielder is a fringe starting option in mixed leagues, and with everyday at-bats could work his way into a starting role in all formats. |
|
|
|
| Rocco Baldelli will begin the season on the disabled list, this according to Yahoo Sports. The Rays' designated hitter and part-time outfielder is suffering from fatigue. The 26-year-old outfielder told the local media that his condition leaves him extremely fatigued after short workouts.
Baldelli, who has missed game time to a large number of ailments (appearing in just 127 of 486 games the past three seasons) has played in two games this spring, going 0-for-4 as a designated hitter.
Baldelli will be sidelined indefinitely and should be nowhere near a mixed league fantasy roster. |
|
|
|
| To no surprise, third baseman Dallas McPherson had a setback on Tuesday, this time a sore groin, notes the Palm Beach Post. He won’t play for a few days, reducing his chances of garnering at-bats at third base, yet alone winning the starting job. McPherson had a slow start to spring because of a sore oblique and is now on the verge of being released by one of the youngest teams in the league. McPherson is just one of those unfortunates, that happens to be made of glass. Even owners in the deepest of NL-formats should have no roster spot for McPherson. |
|
| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Wednesday 3/12, 11:48 AM CT |
|
| The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Cards are interested in Kyle Lohse. The right-hander, once considered one of the better pitchers in the league, has failed to sign this offseason.
The Cardinals had dismissed signing Lohse but early season scheduling issues that have the team with only two off days in April, in combination with question marks surrounding the health of half their projected rotation, has changed their stance.
The report suggests that Lohse is expected to sign a one-year deal for $5 million after going 9-12 with a 4.63 ERA in 2007 with the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies. Lohse carries a career 63-74 record and a 4.83 ERA.
|
|
| Sergio Mitre, P, New York Yankees | Wednesday 3/12, 11:24 AM CT |
|
| Sergio Mitre went to the team doctor on Wednesday morning, according to the Palm Beach Post. The report noted that the Marlins wouldn’t explain why but what is known is that he had some kind of set-back in his recovery from a right forearm strain. Mitre threw off the mound Tuesday and said at the time he felt fine, but given the morning events his assessment of fine yesterday, isn't what it is today. More on the failing health of the Marlins pitching staff as information is available. |
|
|
|
Baseball
| Football | Basketball
| Hockey | Golf
| Auto Racing
| Soccer
