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| Ricky Nolasco will be the fifth starter in the Marlins' rotation, according to the Sun Sentinel. He holds a 5.31 ERA over 20.1 spring innings, with 11 strikeouts and he pitched well enough to nail down the spot. |
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| Joe Crede, 3B, Chicago White Sox | Thursday 3/27, 10:46 PM CT |
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| Joe Crede was given a precautionary X-Ray, according to MLB.com. Crede left Thursday's Cactus League closer against the D-backs in the fifth inning after fouling a pitch off his left ankle. After icing down the ankle in the clubhouse, the training staff decided to take a precautionary X-ray. The X-ray was still pending after the game, but the training staff didn't anticipate any serious problems. Manager Guillen commented, "I was really concerned about Joe. I don't have the final report yet, but he got hit pretty good. Joe is a tough guy. I wouldn't have finished that at-bat. I would have left right away." Joe has won the starting third base job while Josh Fields was sent down, and hopefully he will be fine for opening day.
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| Alex Romero, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks | Thursday 3/27, 8:33 PM CT |
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| Alex Romero has reportedly made the D-Backs' opening day roster, according to AZCentral. He was battling Trot Nixon for the fifth outfielder spot, and has beaten him out with a solid .333 spring average over 57 at-bats, with only two strikeouts. |
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| Troy Glaus, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals | Thursday 3/27, 8:26 PM CT |
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| Troy Glaus could be limited this season, according to MLB.com. Manager LaRussa looks like he is going to be cautious with the battle worn vet this season and stated, "We're going to pay a lot of attention to him. If it looks like he could use a rest, we're going to give it to him. If we had to rest him one game a series, I'd be all right with that. That'd give him 120 games." This would cut into his at-bats, but could keep him healthier over the duration of the season.
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| Josh Beckett threw 47 pitches in a minor league game on Thursday, according to MLB.com. He hurled four scoreless innings for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs versus Minnesota's New Britain Rock Cats. Beckett threw 47 pitches, while allowing one hit and no walks, with six strikeouts. Boston Minor League pitching coordinator Ralph Treuel stated that Josh did well throwing the ball today. This is good news for Boston's ace, but it remains to be seen if he will be placed on the DL to open the season.
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| The Orioles have purchased Steve Trachsel's contract, according to MLB.com. He will provide depth and experience to a young Baltimore pitching staff, but his fantasy value is limited. |
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| Chris Stewart has been released, according to Dallas News. This was to be expected. |
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| Miguel Olivo, C, Kansas City Royals | Thursday 3/27, 7:20 PM CT |
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| Miguel Olivo's suspension has been reduced from five to four games, according to SI.com. Olivo has notably been suspended for the start of the new season because of a fight with the Mets during the final weekend of last season while he was a member of the Marlins. He will battle John Buck for playing time when he returns.
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| Luis Hernandez has a firm grip on the starting job at shortstop, according to the Baltimore Sun. Manager Trembley is reportedly close to naming Hernandez as his starting shortstop, who has big shoes to fill following the departure of Miguel Tejada. Hernandez hit .290 over 69 at-bats in 2007, with one home run. |
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| Chris Capuano will try rehab on his ailing elbow before considering Tommy John surgery, according to ESPN.com. He has been placed on the 15-day DL Thursday, retroactive to March 21, and will try rehabbing his left elbow for the next three to four weeks. The decision came after Capuano visited with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday and underwent a second MRI. Andrews performed Capuano's first elbow ligament replacement procedure in 2002. Capuano was informed Sunday that he has a torn ligament in his pitching elbow and would probably need Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. He hopes to play again this season if the rehab works.
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| Cliff Lee, P, Cleveland Indians | Thursday 3/27, 6:59 PM CT |
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| Cliff Lee surrendered four runs on six hits (two home runs) over 5.1 innings in a no decision against Tampa Bay on Thursday, with no walks and six strikeouts. Lee lacks consistency, but will be the Indians' fifth starter in the rotation. |
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| Jason Jennings earned his first win of the spring against Kansas City on Thursday as he only allowed two runs on six hits over 5.1 innings, with two walks and four strikeouts. Most of the damage came on a John Buck solo homer, and he favorably lowered his spring ERA to 2.12. Jennings will be looking for a fresh start after suffering through a 2-9 campaign in 2007. |
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| Felix Hernandez surrendered three runs on nine hits over five innings in a no decision against San Diego on Thursday, with five strikeouts and no walks. Hernandez will anchor a strong Seattle rotation this season, which recently acquired Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva. |
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| Chris Young, P, San Diego Padres | Thursday 3/27, 6:44 PM CT |
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| Chris Young pitched well in a no decision against Seattle on Thursday as he allowed two runs on four hits over three innings of work, with no walks and three strikeouts. Most of the damage came on a solo home run (Kiger), and Young has pitched well overall this spring. |
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| Kevin Kouzmanoff went 3-for-3 against Seattle on Thursday, and raised his spring average to .310. The Padres' hot young prospect is ready to roll. |
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| Alfonso Soriano blasted his third homer of the spring as he went 2-for-2 with three RBI against Milwaukee on Thursday. He also scored two runs. He will play a large part in the Cubs' chances to reach the playoffs (and beyond) this season. |
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| J.J. Hardy, SS, Milwaukee Brewers | Thursday 3/27, 6:28 PM CT |
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| J.J. Hardy went 2-for-2 with two RBI against the Cubs on Thursday. He raised his spring average to .386 and has racked up 14 RBI. He is off to a solid start as he tries to build upon his breakout campaign of 2007. |
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| Hank Blalock went 1-for-2 with two RBI against Kansas City on Thursday, and most notably crushed his fourth homer of the spring. He now has 15 RBI with a .377 average and is capable of strong numbers if he can just stay healthy. |
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| Alex Gordon, 3B, Kansas City Royals | Thursday 3/27, 6:19 PM CT |
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| Alex Gordon went 2-for-2 with one RBI against Texas on Thursday, and raised his spring average to .308. The Royals' prized prospect is off to a solid start as he continues to make strides in the majors. |
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| Travis Hafner continues to struggle this spring as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts against Tampa Bay on Thursday, lowering his average to .227. He now co-leads the team with 14 strikeouts and he really needs to end his slump soon as the season draws closer. |
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| Jonny Gomes, RF, Tampa Bay Rays | Thursday 3/27, 6:08 PM CT |
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| Jonny Gomes had a tough day at the plate against Cleveland on Thursday, as he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. His average dropped to .241 and hopefully he can end spring training on a high note. |
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| Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-3 with an RBI against Cleveland, while collecting his second homer of the spring. He holds a .356 average and is off to a solid start. |
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| Rick VandenHurk fell to 2-2 as he allowed two runs on five hits over 4.2 innings against St. Louis on Thursday, with five walks and three strikeouts. That was one of his weaker outings of the spring, but he still has a good shot to win a starting spot in the rotation. |
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| Alejandro De Aza had a tough day in the batters box against St. Louis on Thursday, as he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout, while stranding three men on base. His spring average remains fine at .317 but today's performance has not helped his chances to win a starting gig this season. |
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| Rick Ankiel, CF, St. Louis Cardinals | Thursday 3/27, 5:46 PM CT |
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| Rick Ankiel had a tough day at the plate against Florida on Thursday as he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, while leaving seven men on base. His spring average remains strong at .351 and the young slugger has a firm grip on a starting job. |
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| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Thursday 3/27, 5:42 PM CT |
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| Kyle Lohse was in control against Florida on Thursday as he hurled five scoreless innings, with three hits allowed and four strikeouts. He is ready to roll heading into the new season. |
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| Kenny Rogers improved his spring record to 2-0 as he only allowed two runs on three hits over four innings against Philadelphia on Thursday, with no walks and one strikeout. His ERA now stands at 3.44 and he should make a fine late round draft pick, as long as he stays healthy. |
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| Tom Gordon, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/27, 5:32 PM CT |
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| Tom Gordon got rocked for six runs on three hits (one home run) over 1/3 of an inning of work against Detroit on Thursday, with three walks and one strikeout. His spring ERA climbed to 12.38 and hopefully Brad Lidge can return soon and be an effective closer for the club this season. |
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| Matt Diaz, LF, Atlanta Braves | Thursday 3/27, 5:28 PM CT |
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| Matt Diaz went 2-for-2 against the Mets on Thursday, and raised his spring average to .396. This was a good day for him in his bid to win the starting gig in left field. |
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| Ryan Church, RF, New York Mets | Thursday 3/27, 5:25 PM CT |
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| Ryan Church went 3-for-5 with an RBI against Atlanta on Thursday. He needed a solid outing as he raised his average to .229, and remains the projected favorite to start in right field for the Mets this season. |
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| Jeff Mathis, C, Los Angeles Angels | Thursday 3/27, 5:20 PM CT |
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| Jeff Mathis went 2-for-2 against Colorado on Thursday, and raised his spring average to .343. This was a good day for him in his bid to beat out Mike Napoli for the starting job at catcher. |
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| Troy Tulowitzki crushed his sixth homer of the spring at the expense of the Angels on Thursday. He broke out with 24 home runs in 2007 and he seemingly has not reached his ceiling in the power department, evidenced by his hot spring start. |
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| Jayson Nix, 2B, Colorado Rockies | Thursday 3/27, 5:11 PM CT |
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| Jayson Nix struck out in both of his at-bats against the Angels on Thursday. His spring average dipped to .243 but he has already locked up the starting gig at second base. |
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| Nick Masset, P, Chicago White Sox | Thursday 3/27, 5:02 PM CT |
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| Nick Masset got rocked for six runs on seven hits over 4.1 innings against Arizona on Thursday, with four walks and two strikeouts. Masset is battling for a bullpen role or an opportunity to be a spot starter, but today's performance will not help his chances. |
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| Brian Anderson had a tough day at the plate on Thursday as he went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts against Arizona. He still holds a solid .344 spring average, and has locked up a bench job with Jerry Owens' injury. |
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| Dan Haren, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Thursday 3/27, 4:54 PM CT |
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| Dan Haren earned his first win of the spring against the White Sox on Thursday, as he only allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings of work, with one walk and six strikeouts. Both of the runs came on solo homers by Konerko and Dye, and this was a strong outing overall for the D-Backs' hurler. |
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| Conor Jackson blasted his third home run of the spring against the White Sox on Thursday, while going 2-for-3 with three RBI on the day. He raised his spring average to .364 with three RBI, and is primed for a solid campaign. |
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| Kei Igawa, P, New York Yankees | Thursday 3/27, 4:42 PM CT |
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| Kei Igawa was dealt his first spring loss against Pittsburgh on Thursday as he allowed four runs on five hits over 3.1 innings of work, with three walks and two strikeouts. At the start of spring training he was competing for a rotation spot, but now it appears he is more likely to serve a role as a long reliever. |
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| Tom Gorzelanny earned his first win of the spring against the Yankees on Thursday as he only allowed one run on two hits over six innings of work, with two walks and two strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 6.23 and this was a good day for the Pirates projected number two starter. |
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| Scott Rolen, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/27, 4:25 PM CT |
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| Scott Rolen could be sidelined until May due to his broken right middle finger injury, according to MLB.com. Dr. Thomas Graham inserted a pin in the tip of Rolen's finger and he is scheduled to have it taken out on April 7. At that time, it is unclear how much time it will take Rolen to return to the lineup, but Rolen said Graham believed the third baseman could be out until late April or early May. Rolen added, "He gave a four-to-six week window from the time of surgery. We'll all hopefully be optimistic and cut that down as much as we can in the right way, the smart way."
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| Ken Griffey Jr. hit his second homer of the spring against Minnesota on Thursday, while going 1-for-2 on the day. He now has 13 RBI and holds a .341 batting average. Griffey should continue to post solid numbers as long as he can stay healthy. |
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| Mark Loretta went 1-for-2 with a two run homer against Washington on Thursday. Loretta continues to compete for a top backup role with Houston. |
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| Jon Rauch, P, Washington Nationals | Thursday 3/27, 4:10 PM CT |
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| Jon Rauch was solid in his lone inning of work against Baltimore on Thursday as he held the team hitless, with a pair of strikeouts. Rauch is competing for the top setup man role. |
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| Steve Trachsel was solid over six innings of work against Washington on Thursday as he only allowed one run on four hits, with one walk and two strikeouts. He lowered his spring ERA to 5.21 as he continues to compete for a spot on the final roster. |
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| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Thursday 3/27, 4:04 PM CT |
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| Kyle Lohse allowed three hits in five scoreless innings on Thursday. The right-hander walked one and struck out four. The newest addition to the Cardinals rotation was able to throw 67 pitches and 43 strikes, and appears ready to take the ball to the mound in Week 1. Lohse will receive a Saturday, April 5th start, against the Nationals ace, Odalis Perez. As undermanned as the Cardinals are this season, the matchup of Lohse versus an opposing teams ace (Perez) never looked so winnable. |
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| Scott Moore, 3B, Baltimore Orioles | Thursday 3/27, 4:03 PM CT |
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| Scott Moore had a tough day at the plate against Washington on Thursday as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. His spring average remains solid at .351 as he fights for a top bench job. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez, who has had one of his best springs as a big league, hit a pair of doubles and scored twice in Thursday's spring contest. Pudge has five home runs this spring and is hitting .375. |
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| Pedro Feliz, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/27, 3:51 PM CT |
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| Pedro Feliz, who's long ball in the sixth inning wasn't enough to give the Phillies a victory, did hit a career high fifth spring home run on Thursday. The move from spacious San Francisco to Philadelphia seems to have invigorated the veteran. |
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| Adam Eaton, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/27, 3:47 PM CT |
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| Adam Eaton, who gave up seven runs on 11 hits over 4 2/3 innings, took the Thursday spring loss to the hard hitting Detroit. Eaton walked two and struck out only one Tiger hitter. |
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| Oliver Perez allowed three earned runs and seven hits over 6.1 innings for the Mets on Thursday. The left-hander walked one and struck out four. |
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| Dustin McGowan , the Jays No. 3 starter worked seven innings on Thursday, allowed three runs on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks. McGowan is ready for the regular season after throwing 104 pitches. |
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| Buck Coats, LF, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/27, 3:32 PM CT |
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| Buck Coats, who found out he had made the team as the primary utility outfielder and pinch runner, hit a sixth-inning solo home run, his second long ball of the spring. If Coats garners a starting role in Toronto this year due to any number of circumstances, he will be a base stealing threat. |
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| Brandon Backe worked 5.1 innings on Thursday, surrendering six runs on 11 hits against Toronto. Backe managed to strike out two, walk two and give up two home runs to the hard hitting Blue Jays. |
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| Felipe Lopez, SS, Washington Nationals | Thursday 3/27, 3:25 PM CT |
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| Felipe Lopez hit his second home run of the spring on Thursday. He took a 1-1 Steve Trachsel offering over the right field wall. Lopez is auditioning as the team tries to peddle his services. |
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| John Lannan, P, Washington Nationals | Thursday 3/27, 3:22 PM CT |
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| John Lannan pitched six innings and gave up one run on three hits Thursday versus Baltimore. The left-hander will begin the season on the farm but will be the first pitcher called up if necessary. |
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| Steve Trachsel pitched well on Thursday, his final tune up before beginning the season as the O's No. 4 starter. The veteran right-hander pitched six innings, allowing four hits, one run, one walk and striking out two. This is about as good as it will get with Trachsel. He won't strike out too many batters and giving up one run in six innings equates to a huge success. |
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| Mike Pelfrey heads into Friday's mano y mano duel for the No. 5 job with El Duque, and pitching coach Rick Peterson just said on the ESPN broadcast of today's game at Disney that it will be a "photo finish" between the two, this according to New York Newsday. The two right-handers will split tomorrow's Florida finale against the Orioles in Fort Lauderdale. The report noted that while Orlando Hernandez opened camp with the slot, injuries have forced him to miss most of the spring work. Pelfrey, who made his full allotment of five starts, has been less than impressive registering a 8.31 ERA with 29 hits in 17 1/3 innings of work. |
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| Bronson Arroyo pitched seven scoreless innings on Thursday giving up three hits and striking out six. The Reds' right-hander lowered his spring ERA to 1.89. |
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| John Lannan, P, Washington Nationals | Thursday 3/27, 2:01 PM CT |
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| John Lannan, who went 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA this spring, was optioned to Triple-A Columbus, notes the Washington Post. Lannan would be the first pitcher called up if the team needs a replacement, which is possible with the injured Shawn Hill (forearm) scheduled to be in the rotation sooner than later. |
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| Nick Johnson, 1B, Washington Nationals | Thursday 3/27, 1:54 PM CT |
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| Nick Johnson started at first during the the team's two game road swing and is the front runner to be the opening day starter for the Nats, this according to the Washington Post. Dmitri Young didn't make the road trip and remained at the training facility nursing a nagging back injury. When both are healthy, they figure to share time. |
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| Nick Blackburn worked five innings on Thursday giving up three hits, one run, two walks and striking out four. He is a wait and see candidate in AL-only formats after earning the No. 4 slot in the five-man Minnesota rotation. |
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| Travis Blackley accepted his assignment to Triple-A before Thursday's game against the Tigers, this according to the team website.
As a Rule 5 Draft pick, the left-hander had to be offered back to the San Francisco, but the Giants were not interested in picking up his contract. |
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| Carlos Gomez was scratched from Thursday's card for overall soreness in his left leg, this according to the team website.
Gomez suffered a left hamstring cramp in the fifth inning of Wednesday's game, and the cramp caused some soreness. The injury isn't considered serious and he's expected to take part in the team's exhibition schedule this weekend.
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| Scott Eyre, P, Chicago Cubs | Thursday 3/27, 1:15 PM CT |
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| Scott Eyre won't undergo surgery for his sore elbow but the Cubs did place the left-hander on the disabled list Thursday, retroactive to March 23. Eyre's fantasy value rests in deep NL-only formats. |
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| Andy Pettitte is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game on Sunday and then expected to take the mound for regular season action either Friday or Saturday, this according to Fox Sports. "We're going to see how it feels and try and stretch it out," Pettitte said. "Then figure out what I'm going to do after that game." Pettitte threw off a bullpen mound Wednesday and will do it again Friday. He hasn't pitched in a game since March 17. |
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| Scout.com reports that Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome could see some time as the Cubs leadoff hitter. Chicago skipper Lou Piniella has plenty of options to top the order and it's likely he will us a situational lineup from game-to-game. The Cubs outfielder has upside and is being drafted as such in most March leagues. |
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| Freddy Sanchez will take field work on Friday and play second base in a minor-league game, this according to Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The Pirates former batting champion will test his ailing right shoulder.
It will be Sanchez's first action in the field since March 21, after which he complained of significant pain and sought a second medical opinion.
Unless Sanchez has a significant setback, he is expected to be on the opening-day roster Monday in Atlanta, even if only as a pinch-hitter.
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| Nick Swisher, CF, Chicago White Sox | Thursday 3/27, 12:34 PM CT |
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| Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen announced on Wednesday afternoon that Nick Swisher will bat leadoff and play center field most of the time while Jerry Owens recovers from a small tear of the right adductor muscle, notes the Chicago Tribune. This is somewhat of a surprise, and owners that expected to have Swisher in the meat of the order could see him return to that role when Owens is scheduled to return from the disabled list, April 9th. |
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| The New York Daily News reports that Rule 5 pick, Steven Register , has cleared waivers. The Mets are trying to work out a trade with the Rockies that would allow them to keep the reliever and place him in the minors instead of the required 25-man roster that's required from a Rule 5 draftee. |
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| Johnny Damon, LF, New York Yankees | Thursday 3/27, 12:25 PM CT |
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| Johnny Damon , still suffering from flu-like symptoms, was in the spring facility this morning and is expected to take part in the Thursday game.
"You don't want to get too close to me," MLB.com overheard Damon telling a fan.
Despite his body aches, Damon is serving as the designated hitter today but Yankees manager Joe Girardi told the media that he expects Damon to be the Yankees' leadoff hitter and left fielder on opening day. |
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| John Smoltz, P, Atlanta Braves | Thursday 3/27, 12:06 PM CT |
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| John Smoltz threw a 20-minute session in the bullpen on Thursday, this according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Braves beat writer David O'Brien noted in his report that when "Smoltz has the me-against-the-world tone (or at least me-against-the-skeptics tone) that he had today, that’s usually a good sign for the Braves". The hard-throwing veteran is scheduled to start for the Braves on April 6th. |
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| Rays' skipper Joe Maddon told Marc Lancaster of the Tampa Tribune that the final roster spot for opening day has come down to a competition between relievers Grant Balfour and Scott Dohmann. Both relievers will race to the finish line with expected spring game appearances today. |
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| Elliott Johnson, who made two errors on Wednesday, is starting at third base today for the Rays after playing shortstop on Wednesday, notes the Tampa Tribune. According to the report the utilityman is locked into a roster spot with Ben Zobrist still rehabbing a broken finger on his glove hand. |
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| Willy Aybar, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays | Thursday 3/27, 11:48 AM CT |
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| Willy Aybar was "still not ready" to take part in Thursday's spring game because of a sore left hamstring, notes the St. Petersburg Times. Rays skipper Joe Maddon told the media on Thursday morning that he expects Aybar to be ready opening day. "I still believe he's going to be fine to play in that game. I'm not hearing anything that leads me to believe that he won't be."
The staff wants Aybar, who is 8-for-28 this spring, to sneak in some at-bats before the opener. He will start at third base if he's healthy. |
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| As expected, Edwin Jackson was named the No. 4 starter for the Rays on Thursday, notes the St. Petersburg Times. Jackson, who had a solid outing on Monday throwing seven innings of two run ball, receives the pleasure of facing the Yankees, in New York, on April 4th. |
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| The Tigers placed outfielder Freddy Guzman on outright waivers Thursday, this according to the Detroit Free Press. If in fact he clears the wire, he will be sent to Triple-A Toledo. This roster move indicates that Clete Thomas is likely the 25th man for the opening day roster.
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| Buck Coats, LF, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/27, 11:32 AM CT |
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| Buck Coats, a December acquisition by the Blue Jays via Cinncinati, has been outstanding this spring. The outfielder batted .357 in 16 games. According to the Toronto Star, the 25-year-old utilityman will initially serve the roster as a late-inning defensive replacement in left field for Shannon Stewart or Matt Stairs. Coats' speed will be utilized as a pinch runner more than anything.
The speedster was sent to minor-league camp just a week ago, but was recalled after third baseman Scott Rolen injured a finger in a fielding mishap and was placed on the disabled list. |
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| Jose Guillen, RF, Kansas City Royals | Thursday 3/27, 11:25 AM CT |
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| After all of the hullabaloo about the Mitchell report, it appears the league will soften its stance "guilt by association," to a degree at least, this according to the Rocky Mountain News.
An convoluted agreement between both sides, however, likely would eliminate the 15-day suspensions imposed in December on Kansas City's Jose Guillen and Baltimore's Jay Gibbons after they were both connected to performance-enhancing drugs.
AL-only managers are likely standing in applause. Guillen and his owners are the obvious winners, if in fact the Royals outfielder has his current suspension lifted. |
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| With the opening day roster finalized in Toronto, it was easy to see which player was the big winner on Wednesday, this according to the Toronto Star. Randy Wells, a 25-year-old right-hander and off-season Rule 5 draftee from the Chicago Cubs, made his first big-league team. Wells will serve as the seventh man in the Jays' bullpen. He beat out left-handed prospect Jesse Carlson for the final spot but part of making the team prevented the Blue Jay from sending him back to the Chicago Cubs for half of the $50,000 they paid for his services. Wells did not allow a run in seven spring appearances. |
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| B.J. Ryan, P, Toronto Blue Jays | Thursday 3/27, 11:11 AM CT |
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| The Toronto Blue Jays finalized their roster on Wednesday, and B.J. Ryan will not be part of the opening day festivities, this according to the Toronto Star. However, Jays' general manager J.P. Ricciardi told the paper that Ryan is scheduled to begin throwing off the mound next week, and should return in mid-April barring a setback. At this point hurrying the left-hander along won't help the longterm process. In the meantime, Jeremy Accardo will get the save opps in place of Ryan.
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| Kris Benson, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday 3/27, 10:21 AM CT |
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| Kris Benson will be in a position to help the Phillies sometime in May, this according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Benson and the team finalized a new contract increasing the minor league salary he will receive as well as creating a date on which he can opt out of his contract, if the team doesn't bring him into the rotation.
If Benson isn't on the major league roster and pitches in more than 10 minor league innings before May 15, he can opt out of the deal. Until more information is known on what Benson is capable of, he is nothing more than free agent fodder in all formats. |
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| The Mariners coaching staff has decided they will not keep any pitchers that can not pitch in back-to-back games, thus Arthur Rhodes was sent to the minor league, according to Seattle PI.
Rhodes (elbow ligament replacement surgery) is nearly fully recovered from his surgery, but needs more conditioning.
Rhodes agreed to be sent down and will attempt to work his way back up. |
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| Chris Reitsma was optioned to the minor leagues on Wednesday, this according to Seattle PI.
Reitsma (offseason elbow surgery) is close to full strength, but the organization didn't want to keep any players on the roster that couldn't perform on back-to-back days. Reitsma told the paper," I want to take a few days and think about my options." Reitsma's options are retirement, accepting the demotion, or asking the Mariners to release him. |
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| Brett Tomko, P, Kansas City Royals | Thursday 3/27, 9:52 AM CT |
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| Brett Tomko will begin the season as the Royals No. 5 starter, this according to the Kansas City Star.
“Tomko, I think there’s a lot more yet to be seen from him. He’s a better pitcher right now … than he was at the start of spring training. We believe he can continue to get better.” Tomko has been increasing his arm strength and registering in the mid-90s with his fastball. For this reason alone we believed he was a better fit as the hard-throwing right-hander out of the KC pen. |
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| John Bale, P, Kansas City Royals | Thursday 3/27, 9:48 AM CT |
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| The Kansas City Star reports that John Bale has earned the No. 4 slot in the Royals rotation.
"Bale earned it," manager Trey Hillman said. "Johnny has been outstanding all through spring training. The left-hander threw 40 innings in 2007, and recorded 42 strikeouts in that span. |
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| The last offical, unofficial game, for the Marlins comes Saturday and Josh Willingham is still looking for his first spring home run. Willingham told the Palm Beach Post he isn't concerned.
"I haven't hit a spring training home run since 2006,'' said Willingham. The Marlins' outfielder hit 21 home runs last season and should repeat his modest numbers (.265 and 89 RBI). |
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| Mark Hendrickson has been announced as the Marlins opening day starter, this according to the Palm Beach Post. The left-hander will get Monday's start versus the Mets as opposed to the young Andrew Miller, who will take the mound for the second game of the series. Hendrickson, who worked a minor league game on Wednesday allowed two runs on three hits in five innings. |
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| Jeremy Hermida is possibly headed for the disabled list, this according to the | |
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