| Adam Lind, LF, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/13, 11:29 PM CT |
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| Adam Lind has been sent down to Triple-A Syracuse, according to MLB.com. He finished fourth among AL rookies with 11 home runs in 2007 but there is no spot for him in the Jays' outfield as of now. |
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| Jeremy Affeldt had a nightmarish outing on Thursday as he allowed seven runs on nine hits over a mere 3.1 innings of work. He had three strikeouts with only one walk but his hopes to win a spot in the Reds' rotation decreased with that performance. |
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| Jamie Moyer, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/13, 9:37 PM CT |
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| Jamie Moyer surrendered four runs on four hits over five innings of work against the Reds on Thursday. The aging vet picked up two strikeouts but walked three. His spring ERA rises to 4.50. |
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| Brandon Phillips went 1-for-3 with a two-run double, as he pushed his spring RBI count to 11. Phillips knocked in 94 RBI in 2007 and is off to a great start in that department. |
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| Tim Redding, P, Washington Nationals | Thursday 3/13, 9:24 PM CT |
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| Tim Redding enjoyed a strong outing on Thursday as he threw five scoreless innings with only one hit surrendered. He walked one with four strikeouts and helped his chances in his bid for a rotation spot. |
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| Mark Hendrickson had a strong outing on Thursday as he allowed one run on three hits over five innings, with an impressive six strikeouts and no walks. He is expected to start in the Marlins' rotation this season and a performance like this will keep him on our radar. |
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| Cameron Maybin hit a two-run homer in his only at-bat on Thursday. He has now hit three home runs and knocked in eight RBI this spring. He has a shot to start in the Marlins' outfield, but the team may like to bring him along slowly. |
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| Mark Loretta picked up three RBI on one hit Thursday, and now co-leads the Astros with nine. He has drawn interest from the Orioles, and this should keep him on their radar. |
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| Michael Bourn went 2-for-4 on Thursday, while scoring a run, and looks to be back on the right track following a bout with upper-back spasms. Bourn is still on pace to win a starting outfield job. |
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| Carlos Lee, LF, Houston Astros | Thursday 3/13, 8:24 PM CT |
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| Carlos Lee is off to a slow start and is currently in an 0-for-6 slump. Lee hit 32 home runs in 2007 and his swing should come back soon enough. |
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| Luis Mendoza went perfect for the first three innings of action against the Rockies, but he got rocked for five runs on five hits in the fourth inning. He is competing for a rotation spot and has been performing well and gaining praise from the Rangers' staff, but they have to be displeased with today's outing from him. |
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| Yorvit Torrealba went 1-for-3 on Thursday, and extended his spring hit streak to six games. He also notably knocked in two RBI with his hit. He should be the opening day starter at catcher. |
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| Hank Blalock blasted a three-run homer against the Rockies on Thursday, and looks to be fine and back on track following his car accident. Blalock is among the most dangerous hitters in the league, but has struggled to stay healthy (only played 58 games in 2007). |
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| Josh Hamilton continues his torrid start with the Rangers as he went 3-for-3 on Thursday with an RBI, his 12th of the spring. He is now batting 15-for-26, with a team leading 29 total bases. |
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| Conor Jackson went 3-for-3 on Thursday. He now has 11 hits over 11 spring games and continues to solidify his bid for a starting role. |
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| Jeff Suppan, P, Milwaukee Brewers | Thursday 3/13, 6:59 PM CT |
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| Jeff Suppan had a tough day on the bump as he allowed six runs on seven hits over three innings of work, with three walks and one strikeout. He continues to have a tough spring and looks to remain a weak link in the middle of their rotation. |
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| Damon Hollins went 2-for-3 on Thursday and knocked in a pair of RBI (on a two-run homer), pushing his spring total to 11. He is hitting very well, but still hasn't locked up a spot on the opening day roster. |
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| Joe Saunders, P, Los Angeles Angels | Thursday 3/13, 6:30 PM CT |
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| Joe Saunders had a solid outing on Thursday as he went scoreless over four innings of work, while only surrendering two hits and two walks. He seemingly has a firm grasp on a rotation spot as he has only allowed one run over nine innings of work this spring. |
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| Ichiro Suzuki finally recorded a hit this spring as he went 1-for-4 on Thursday. He entered the game with a 0-for-21 skid. |
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| Fred Lewis, LF, San Francisco Giants | Thursday 3/13, 6:19 PM CT |
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| Fred Lewis went 2-for-4 on Thursday with an RBI, his eighth of the spring. He continues to hit well as he fights for a spot in the Giants' outfield. |
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| Mark DeRosa went 2-for-3 on Thursday and continues to hit well following his operation to fix an irregular heartbeat. He seems to be a safe fantasy prospect again. |
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| Callix Crabbe went 3-for-4 on Thursday with one RBI, his fourth of the spring. Crabbe is enjoying a solid spring and is fighting for a spot as a utility man. |
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| Mike Mussina had his best outing of the spring on Thursday as he was perfect over five innings, with two strikeouts. He threw 64 pitches, 41 of them strikes. He continues to battle for a spot in the Yankees' rotation. |
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| Paul Maholm, P, Pittsburgh Pirates | Thursday 3/13, 5:39 PM CT |
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| Paul Maholm was nearly perfect over four innings on Thursday as he only allowed one hit, while striking out three with no walks. He needs more outing like this one as he held a 10-15 mark in 2007. |
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| Fausto Carmona earned his second win of the spring on Thursday, but his performance was shaky as he allowed three runs on five hits over four innings, with only one strikeout. Carmona aims to build on the momentum that led to 19 wins in 2007, but he carries a 5.19 ERA so far this spring. |
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| Gregg Zaun, C, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/13, 5:26 PM CT |
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| Gregg Zaun was previously only hitting 1-for-7 this spring but ended his slump with a vengeance on Thursday as he went 3-for-3 with three RBI, while recording his first home run. Zaun is expected to remain the Jays' starting catcher this season, with Rod Barajas serving as top backup. |
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| Brandon Moss, RF, Pittsburgh Pirates | Thursday 3/13, 5:10 PM CT |
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| Prized prospect Brandon Moss hit his first home run on the spring. He now has five RBI, but will likely start the season in the minors due to solid depth for Boston. |
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| Matt Garza, P, Tampa Bay Rays | Thursday 3/13, 5:06 PM CT |
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| Matt Garza had a good outing on Thursday as he went scoreless over 4.2 innings, with four hits allowed and a pair of strikeouts. He is expected to start in the Rays' rotation this season and hopefully he will have more days like this one. |
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| Braden Looper had another tough outing this spring as he allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. He gave up seven runs back on March 8 and has a spring ERA of 11.57. |
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| Endy Chavez, RF, New York Mets | Thursday 3/13, 4:54 PM CT |
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| Endy Chavez went 2-for-3 and led the Mets with two RBI in a losing effort against the Cardinals. This was a great day for him as he has been battling ankle and hamstring ailments that he suffered in winter ball. |
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| Melvin Mora, 3B, Baltimore Orioles | Thursday 3/13, 4:38 PM CT |
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| Melvin Mora continued his hot streak on Thursday as he went 1-for-2 with an RBI, his ninth of the spring. His hit was his fourth double as well and he is doing great as he looks to bounce back from his average 2007 campaign. |
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| Jason Kubel, DH, Minnesota Twins | Thursday 3/13, 4:32 PM CT |
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| Jason Kubel went 1-for-3 and drove in the Twins' only run in a 3-1 loss to Baltimore. He needed a solid outing as he was hitting under .200 this spring. |
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| Shawn Chacon got rocked on Thursday as he allowed five runs on five hits over three innings, with two walks and one strikeout. He has been battling for a rotation spot, but now has an ERA of 10.13 for the spring. |
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| Blake DeWitt, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Thursday 3/13, 4:10 PM CT |
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| Blake DeWitt had a big day in a losing effort for the Dodgers as he went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Two of his hits were a triple and a home run, his second of the spring. |
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| Joe Borchard had another solid day at the plate as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI, his 11th of the spring. Borchard is fighting for a bench job with the Braves. |
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| Jeremy Bonderman had control issues on Thursday as he allowed three runs on six hits over four innings. Bonderman has a 5.54 ERA for the spring. |
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| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/13, 3:49 PM CT |
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| The Blue Jays team website reports that ninth inning option, B.J. Ryan, is scheduled to appear in his first Grapefruit League game of the spring on Friday.
Barring a change of plans, the one-inning appearance will mark Ryan's first big league outing since April 14 last season. Ryan has done everything the team has asked, and his promising spring offers the left-hander a good chance to begin the season on the active roster. Whether he starts out in middle relief, or as the team's primary closing option, is still uncertain. |
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| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Thursday 3/13, 3:45 PM CT |
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| As expected, the Cardinals team website confirmed Thursday that the club will bring in free agent right-hander Kyle Lohse for a physical examination on Friday.
According to team spokesman Brian Bartow, the deal isn't done, but the Cardinals need for starting arms required the team to investigate their options. One of the few remaining qualified pitchers on the market is Lohse. |
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| Nick Blackburn worked three innings and gave up runs in two of them on Thursday afternoon, notes the team website. Blackburn gave up two hits and walked two batters. The right-hander came into today's spring game with four scoreless innings. The Twins starter, took part in six 2007 contests, working 11.2 innings, giving up 19 hits and 10 earned runs. Blackburn is a long shot to make the opening day roster but his early spring performance has been promising. |
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| Adam Loewen, P, Baltimore Orioles | Thursday 3/13, 3:24 PM CT |
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| The Orioles confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Adam Loewen will miss his next scheduled start due to a left shoulder injury, notes the team website. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said it was purely a precautionary move.
"He told me if this was the regular season, he'd put me out there," Loewen said of Trembley. "But since I have the extra start -- since I was first out there and [scheduled to throw] six when everyone else was throwing five -- [he thought] it would be wise to skip this one. Let another guy show us what he's got, and then I'd just fill in the next time at the same pitch count."
Loewen's injury doesn't appear to be serious, but staff has little choice but to be careful with the current mix of starting option. The few that they have. |
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| The Astros eliminated Mark McLemore from the starting mix, this according to the team website. The left-hander will instead compete for a spot in the bullpen.
"I'm just happy I'm in the running for something," McLemore said. "The last few years, I'd go [to the manager's office] and they'd tell me I'm going to Minor League camp, out of the running completely. So, I'm OK with it."
The nine pitchers either considered locks for the rotation or candidates for a spot are Roy Oswalt, Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, Woody Williams (who should be eliminated), Chris Sampson, Shawn Chacon, Runelvys Hernandez, Jack Cassel and Brian Moehler. |
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| The New York Daily News reported Thursday that center fielder Carlos Beltran gave a positive review of his first game in the field since surgery to clean out both knees. Beltran played four innings and went 1-for-2 with a walk and RBI single.
As for his damaged and recovering knees? The report noted, "I got tired a little bit. It’s still the same. The left side is weaker than the right side," said Beltran. "I’m not ready to play nine innings right now." Expect Beltran to get out of the gate slow, and the Mets to have some offensive woes early on this April. But as the temps rise, and some of the aging veterans on the Mets squad warm, so will their statlines. |
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| Kevin Cash, C, Boston Red Sox | Thursday 3/13, 2:35 PM CT |
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| With the release of Doug Mirabelli, Kevin Cash is now expected to be the backup behind Jason Varitek and serve as Tim Wakefield's personal catcher. Cash can't hit worth a lick, so he's useless in fantasy leagues. |
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| The Red Sox released Doug Mirabelli on Thursday. The Sox will go with Kevin Cash as Jason Varitek's backup and Tim Wakefield's personal catcher. Mirabelli hit just .195 over the previous two seasons, but he was kept around just for Wakefield. It will be interesting to see if the absence of his security blanket affects Wake this year. |
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| The Houston Chronicle outlined Woody Williams' Wednesday performance as a veteran trying to explain another bad outing Wednesday — an eight-run, four-home run, 10-hit debacle — that has all but sealed his fate for those in touch with reality.
"It left me scratching my head, to tell you the truth," Williams said after the 11-4 exhibition loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Managers in any format, regardless of circumstance, that are depending on Williams - are in line for a long fantasy season. |
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| Brad Lidge, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/13, 2:09 PM CT |
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| The good news from Philly camp on Thursday was the performance of ninth inning option, Brad Lidge , this according to Philly.com. Lidge threw another bullpen session yesterday and will face live hitters tomorrow and Sunday. If all goes well, he estimates that he'll make an appearance in a simulated game sometime next week before making his first Grapefruit League appearance. Lidge threw 25 to 30 pitches without issue. |
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| Jesse Crain, P, Minnesota Twins | Thursday 3/13, 2:04 PM CT |
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| The Star Tribune reports that Jesse Crain, pitching in a minor league spring training game Thursday, suffered a bruised right knee after being struck by a line drive. Twins team physician Dr. Dan Buss examined Crain and determined that no X-Rays were needed.
“I plan on throwing Sunday unless Andy (pitching coach Rick Anderson) or the doctors say something,” Crain said.
The right-hander was pitching in the first inning when Guillermo Quiroz hit a liner up the middle striking Crain. The Twins reliever was limited to 18 games a year ago, but has the ability to post solid K rate. |
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| Juan Gonzalez was held out of Thursday's spring work, this according to MLBlogs.com. The report notes that the veteran outfielder is dealing with a mild left abdominal strain. He was originally supposed to be in yesterday's lineup but was scratched. Gonzalez is a long shot to stick when final cuts are made. For now the team considers him day-to-day. |
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| Freddy Sanchez is close to making his spring debut, according to the team website. The Pirates second baseman continues his rehab from shoulder surgery and all reports indicate he is on schedule.
"He's been doing all of his work, taking a lot of groundballs," manager John Russell said. Sanchez will hit for average, but that's about it. He won't be a top contributor in any other category, including stolen bases (0 in 2007). |
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| Fernando Rodney took part in his first mound throwing session this spring, this according to MLB.com. The right-hander threw only fastballs off the mound in the Tigers bullpen in what pitching coach Chuck Hernandez called a seven-minute session. It was his first session off of a mound since early in camp, when he came up with tendinitis in his right shoulder.
"I feel very loose today," Rodney said afterwards. "I didn't try to do too much." Rodney's status for opening day is still unclear. |
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| The Providence Journal followed Red Sox Bartolo Colon's first spring start today and according to the report his appearance is complete. The right-hander threw 26 pitches (18 strikes) and allowed one run (solo homer) on two hits with one walk and one strikeout.
He retired the first two batters he faced in the second inning before surrendering a solo homer to the Rays' Jon Weber, who crushed the first offering over the right-center field wall. |
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| The Mets optioned Carlos Muniz to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, notes Matthew Cerrone's Mets Blog. The right-hander appeared in two games for New York last season throwing 2.1 innings, giving up one hit, two walks and two earned runs. Muniz did strike out two in his limited 2007 big league work. |
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| The Mets optioned Willie Collazo to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, this according to Matthew Cerrone's Mets Blog. The left-hander pitched in six games last year throwing 5.2 innings, giving up seven hits and four earned runs. Collazo didn't strike any one out during his five innings plus but found a way to walk four. Fantasy owners won't be ogling his digits anytime soon. |
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| The Mets have re-assigned infielder Michel Abreu to minor league camp on Thursday, according to Matthew Cerrone's Mets Blog. Abreu has no current fantasy value, not even for the most passionate Mets fan. |
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| The Red Sox placed right-handed pitcher Curt Schilling on the 60-day disabled list on Thursday, with the expectation that the 41-year-old will be sidelined until the All-Star break. The Sports Network reports that Schilling was removed from the active roster to make room for right-hander Lincoln Holdzkom, a Rule 5 pickup, a returnee via Philadelphia.
Abiding by the league's collective bargaining agreement, Schilling agreed to begin rehabilitating his injured right shoulder in mid-February rather than having surgery.
There is no timetable for Schilling's rehab and his return is totally dependent on his progress. |
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| Tyler Johnson will remain inactive for at least another week, this according to the team website. The report notes that a re-evaluation of his injured shoulder determined that he is not yet ready to begin throwing again.
Johnson has been sidelined with tendinitis and a rotator cuff strain.
"I still have discomfort in there," Johnson said. "He said he wants me to be pain-free from doing my exercises, and I'm just not yet."
It was believed that Johnson would not be be prepared for opening day, but this latest news cinches it. |
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| The Boston Globe reports that there was lots of Thursday morning talk concerning the performances, and the work, of Bartolo Colon . The report notes that manager Terry Francona is pleased with how Colon's throwing and is eager to see him in the game against a pretty good Rays lineup. Colon's next start is slated against the Yankees next Monday in Tampa. What will be more interesting than how the former Cy Young winner fairs against the Yanks, will be the velocity on his fastball. If Colon can find his arm strength and clock his semi-heater in the neighborhood of 92-94 MHP, he automatically becomes an intrigue for fantasy owners who are familiar with Colon and his ability. |
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| The Josh Beckett watch is taking on a life of its own. The latest news out of Florida, according to the Boston Globe, is that Beckett received treatment Thursday morning on his ailing back, and is feeling better. Skipper Terry Francona said they're now trying to determine when they might get Beckett out on the field to play catch. Count on the Beckett watch to heat up as the team prepares for a long plane flight to Japan. |
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| Julio Lugo, SS, Boston Red Sox | Thursday 3/13, 10:15 AM CT |
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| Red Sox manager Terry Francona told the Boston Globe on Thursday that shortstop Julio Lugo and his back woes, could be ready for game action by Friday or Saturday. Great news for fantasy owners that were able to grab Lugo cheap. Lugo's 2007 numbers were disappointing after a solid 2006 campaign in Tampa Bay. |
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| Hayden Penn, P, Baltimore Orioles | Thursday 3/13, 10:10 AM CT |
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| Fantasy owners can take Hayden Penn's name out of the O's battle-hat for the No. 5 slot in the starting rotation. The Orioles sent four players to their minor league camp on Thursday, including Penn, according to the Baltimore Sun.
With Troy Patten out to a shoulder injury, and Steve Trachsel a default starter due to injuries, the final placement could go to Radhames Liz. The young right-hander has not only improved his mechanics this spring, he's pitched four scoreless innings as of March 11th. |
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| Cole Hamels, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/13, 9:52 AM CT |
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| Cole Hamels' next start is in question, this according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The lefthander had been scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Wednesday, but was scratched after coming down with the flu. Manuel said he'll pitch again whenever he is healthy.
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| Joe Crede, 3B, Chicago White Sox | Thursday 3/13, 9:48 AM CT |
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| MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Giants have recently scouted Joe Crede and Brandon Inge. The report notes that the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo said the Giants could be less likely to acquire Crede given the Noah Lowry injury. Then on Monday, Kenny Williams mentioned that the two teams he'd discussed Crede with hadn't impressed with their offers. Williams suggested Crede could be his opening day third baseman, despite Josh Fields' worthiness.
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| Angel Pagan, LF, New York Mets | Thursday 3/13, 9:44 AM CT |
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| Angel Pagan , who hit a two-run home run as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning Wednesday, is batting .419 with 10 RBI in 15 games this spring.
According to Matthew Cerrone's Mets Blog, Willie Randolph told the New York media after Wednesday's win that Pagan is talented.
“I’ve seen this happen a lot in spring training. The guys in a good rhythm, in a good groove, and determined to make the team. I’ve seen that before, where guys go crazy in spring training. Like I said, he’s in great shape, he’s matured a lot since the last time I saw him and he’s having a real good spring so far." The injury to Moises Alou opens the door for Pagan to get the call for opening day, and if he continues to perform in March, there is little reason to believe the Willie "Wheels" Randolph, won't give him the opportunity. |
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| Matt Treanor suffered a cramp in his left calf during Wednesday's spring game, reports the Sun Sentinel. The Rays catcher suffered the injury while running to first on a base hit. He left the game and will be re-evaluated today. Treanor has no fantasy value. |
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| Dallas McPherson, who already missed work to a sore side, is out again with a groin strain, notes the Sun Sentinel. McPherson missed all of 2007 after back surgery and is currently 1-for-15 on the spring. The oft-injured, one-time top prospect, is expected to open the season at Triple-A Albuquerque. His fantasy value is nil. |
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| Renyel Pinto is suffering from a stubbed toe. Yes, the left-hander has a sore piggy. Pinto stubbed his toe while getting out of bed on Wednesday morning and left the training facility to have it checked. The Sun Sentinel reports that Pinto walked to his car with a pronounced limp and Fish skipper Fredi Gonzalez expects him to be ready to pitch today. |
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| Scott Olsen, P, Florida Marlins | Thursday 3/13, 8:52 AM CT |
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| Left-hander Scott Olsen (shoulder tendinitis) will take the bullpen rubber for a throwing session today. According to the Sun Sentinel, Olsen has not yet been ruled out as the opening day starter. The paper noted that some combination of Mark Hendrickson, Andrew Miller and Ricky Nolasco, Gaby Hernandez, Rick VandenHurk or Doug Waechter will join Olsen in the rotation. The Marlins don't need a fifth starter until April 13. |
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| The Marlins will open the season without right-hander Sergio Mitre , this according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Mitre left camp Wednesday for a consultation with orthopedic surgeon James Andrews (never good) and was diagnosed with a right forearm strain. The treatment plan calls for Mitre to refrain from a throwing motion for 4-to-6 weeks.
Best case, Mitre won't be ready for his 2008 debut until late May. This takes Mitre's NL-only fantasy interest from lukewarm to mild. |
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| The Providence Journal reports that the biggest concern for Boston right now is Josh Beckett, who has been hampered by back spasms. No two reports out of Boston have been the same, and while most note his status for the team's trip to Japan is undecided, he's not expected to travel on the 14 hour flight. Beckett has been drafted as a fantasy ace in all formats this month, and while his back injury isn't considered serious, it's concerning nevertheless.
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| Scott Kazmir threw 33 pitches of live batting practice on Thursday morning and told the The Tampa Tribune he is ready to make his first Grapefruit League start Sunday against the Tigers. Kazmir told the paper he tossed about five changeups, five sliders and the rest fastballs to Joel Guzman and Jon Weber in the session. |
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| Matt Albers, P, Baltimore Orioles | Thursday 3/13, 7:02 AM CT |
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| Orioles manager Dave Trembley told the Baltimore Sun that he is trying to narrow that list of fifth-starter candidates.
Matt Albers , Brian Burres, Hayden Penn, Garrett Olson, Radhames Liz, Lance Cormier and Jim Johnson are believed to be in the running, barring late trades or free-agent acquisitions. When fantasy managers face the same fifth starter dilemma at the end of the month, the decision should not include any of the names Baltimore skipper Trembley has in his hat. |
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| Ryan Madson, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/13, 6:57 AM CT |
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| Ryan Madson allowed just one run over three innings in a 6-1 loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday.
The Philadelphia Inquirer suggests that despite the Phillies weakness at the fifth starter's spot, Madson is not a candidate for the job. He was assigned the Wednesday start because the team did not want Cole Hamels facing the Reds when he could oppose them in the second week of the regular season. Madson was groomed as a starter in the minors and would someday like to return to that role, but for now he will continue to work out of the bullpen. |
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| Luis Castillo was scheduled to be in the Wednesday lineup for the first time this spring, but a change in plans now has the Mets' second baseman waiting until Saturday to dress out. Castillo will begin testing and pushing his surgically repaired knee and increase his daily regiment as he works towards an opening day assignment. |
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| Jonny Gomes, DH, Tampa Bay Rays | Thursday 3/13, 6:14 AM CT |
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| Tampa Bay and New York benches cleared during the second inning of a Grapefruit affair on Wednesday, leading to the ejections of two players and two coaches.
Just four days after Yankees manager Joe Girardi complained about Tampa Bay's over-the-top home-plate collision that injured catcher Francisco Cervelli, the powers-to-be warned both teams before the game asking for both clubs best behavior. As is the case in most big league contests, warnings from umpires mean little.
The benches cleared after New York's Shelley Duncan slid into Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura with spikes raised. Duncan was thrown out by at least 10 feet and was immediately ejected. Tampa Bay's Jonny Gomes was ejected, too, after racing in from right field and barreling into Duncan as other players poured onto the field. Ah... we love the smell of baseball fights in the morning here at Fanball/Rototimes. |
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| Mike Hampton's comeback is back on the track. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the oft-injured veteran left-hander had no problems with his groin during a four-inning simulated game against Braves hitters Wednesday. Barring any setbacks (and "any" is an appropriate word in context with Hampton), the Braves southpaw is expected to make his next scheduled start Monday against the Cardinals. |
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| Nate McLouth, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates | Thursday 3/13, 5:57 AM CT |
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| Nate McLouth remained en fuego this spring going 3-for-3 at the plate on Wednesday and raising his spring average to .400 (8-for-20). McLouth is fighting for center field positional rights with teammate Nyjer Morgan this spring, and all things being equal, McLouth has earned the starting nod. Morgan is hitting .269 and showing little power in the process. NL-only owners will want to look at McLouth in the late rounds of March drafts. |
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| It's probably time to give San Diego's young outfielder Chase Headley his due; it's also time to anoint him the starting left fielder heading in to April. Headley is hitting .400 in March and his defense has been acceptable. The Padres left-fielder had a three-run double in three at-bats Wednesday against the Giants, running his spring plate appearances to an attractive 10-for-25. With Jim Edmonds likely to start the season on the disabled list the San Diego coaching staff has no alternative but to give Headley the nod for opening day. |
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| Juan Pierre, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Thursday 3/13, 5:39 AM CT |
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| Juan Pierre walked three times in three plate appearances on Wednesday, and stole two bases against the Reds pitching staff. The supposed battle in left field between Pierre and Andre Ethier (who homered for the third time this spring) has been intriguing, and diminished Pierre's fantasy value, but all indications point to the veteran speedster winning the job. Look for Pierre to be the club’s opening day leadoff-hitting left-fielder. |
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| Albert Pujols hit his fourth home run of the spring on Wednesday. Despite his elbow injury, the Cardinals first baseman has been productive during camp -- and his showing has been head and shoulders better than last years Grapefruit campaign. All of his March success doesn't dissipate the uncertainty that surrounds the former MVP, and eventual surgery is inevitable. Pujols remains a risky early round pick in fantasy drafts and regardless of his spring digits he doesn't offer long term security for simulated managers. |
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