|
|
| Joba Chamberlain is trying to work on more than just his fastball this spring, this according to MLB.com. "I've just got to attack the zone more and trust my stuff, and not be too perfect with it," Chamberlain said. Chamberlain has been working on a two-seamer he learned from Chien-Ming Wang that he hopes will induce more groundballs this season. |
|
|
|
| Edinson Volquez had a fantastic outing on Monday as he punched out eight Yankees on Monday night, this according to MLB.com. "Volquez threw the ball very well -- he's throwing the ball great," manager Dusty Baker said. Volquez allowed two runs and six hits in four innings, but all those punchouts are what everyone will be talking about. |
|
|
|
| Joaquin Benoit, who hasn't pitched an inning this spring due to a sore throwing shoulder, threw 15 pitches in a simulated game on Monday and reported no problems, this according to MLB.com. Benoit still needs to build up arm strength which means he could still be a week away from pitching in a game. |
|
|
|
| Kevin Millwood threw 51 pitches in a simulated game on Monday and the results where encouraging, this according to MLB.com. "I felt good, I just wanted to throw the ball better than I did," Millwood said. "It's not my stuff, I just wasn't locating the ball very well." Millwood still hopes to be able to take the ball on opening day though it's uncertain if his hamstring woes have set him back to the point that he will be able to make his first start. |
|
|
|
| Carlos Quentin returned to game action on Monday after spending some time on the sidelines to rest his surgically repaired shoulder, this according to MLB.com. Quentin went 2-for-5 on the day. "Am I there yet?" Quentin asked. "No, I'm not there as far as getting my timing down. But strength-wise, my shoulder feels even better." Quentin is in a battle for the starting LF role this season and he would appear to be the teams top choice to man the spot if he can prove that he is healthy. |
|
|
|
| Jerry Owens returned to the field to play on Monday after missing time due to a sore groin, this according to MLB.com. "Those two at-bats were the second and third at-bats I've had off a lefty all spring," Owens said. "Today, I took some balls out there and it felt good." Owens figures to get a fair amount of playing time if healthy, but his value is in his legs so the Sox have to be hoping he can avoid the type of season long woes that bothered another one of their speedsters, Scott Podsednik, last year (pods now plays for the Rockies). |
|
|
|
| Johan Santana was at his dominating best on Monday as he held the Red Sox to two hits while issuing no walks in four innings. Santana, as is his trademark, also didn't walk a batter in what could be described as the perfect tuneup outing for the regular season. |
|
|
|
| Roy Halladay got his work in on Monday, and though he punched out five Astros batters, he allowed six hits and three runs in the game. Halladay is just working himself into game shape as he continues to be one of the most consistently excellent starting pitchers in baseball. |
|
|
|
| Jason Hammel looked horrible on Monday as he was tagged for nine hits, three walks and nine runs in just 3.1 innings. Battling for the fifth spot in the rotation with Andy Sonnanstine, Hammel's outing may have cost him a chance to open the year as anything more than a bullpen arm. |
|
|
|
| George Sherrill pitched two scoreless, hitless innings on Monday, the third straight appearance he has allowed no hits for the Orioles. Sherrill seems to be over the leg issues that plagued him early in camp, and he has solidified his role of closer to open the year with the Orioles given his run of dominance. |
|
|
|
| Ian Snell hurled four innings on Monday and he picked up the victory as he allowed only two hits, one walk and one run on the day. Snell, who fell from 14 victories to just nine last season, is a pitcher to keep an eye on this year given the strikeouts (177) and his solid control of the strikezone 2.60 (K/BB). |
|
|
|
| Carlos Delgado was hitless in two AB on Monday, his first game back since being diagnosed with a right hip impingement, this according to MLB.com. The good news is that Delgado was pain free today, and though he has a lot to prove this season after his 24 HR year in '07, Delgado could be a nice value play if he slips in your draft. |
|
|
|
| Carlos Beltran played his first game since last season on Monday, though he only DH'd and didn't play in the field, this according to MLB.com. Beltran had surgery on both knees last October and the report stated that he felt "a little weird" and that he was still not pain free. With only about three weeks until the regular season begins we aren't exactly thrilled with Beltran's progress, but barring a setback he still figures to start in CF on opening day. |
|
|
|
| Omar Vizquel is progressing well from his his knee injury and surgery, and has begun work on his rehab program, this according to MLB.com. Initially estimated to miss 4-6 weeks, Vizquel has been out for almost three weeks already. "Everything is going all right," he said. "I'm about a week from running." One of the few things he is still capable of doing on offense is running, so be very careful with rostering Omar until you see his bad wheel is back in shape. |
|
|
|
| Eric Chavez was cleared to resume running on Monday, this according to MLB.com. On the down side he is still about a week away from taking any groundballs. Chavez is highly doubtful to start the season on time, but if the team moves Jack Cust to the OF Chavez might be able to find his way into the lineup even if his back issues preclude him from fielding. |
|
|
|
| Erik Bedard allowed four runs on Monday as he saw his spring ERA increase to 8.00 with his new ballclub. "Compared with other [Spring Trainings], I would say I'm pretty close to the same. If I do bad the rest of the spring, it would be different," said Bedard on a report on MLB.com. Bedard is still in line to start for the Mariners on opening day, and barring a collapse, he figures to be one of the top-20 SP this season and one that possesses top-10 talent if he can put it all together. |
|
|
|
| Nomar Garciaparra will miss the Dodgers trip to China with his injured right wrist, this according to MLB.com. Mike Sweeney (knee), will also miss the trip. The Dodgers still believes the injury is a bruise and not a broken bone, but the team is taking it easy considering the fact that the injury is close to where he had surgery in 2000. |
|
|
|
| Kevin Slowey is still in the mix to grab a spot in the Twins starting rotation after a solid outing on Monday, this according to MLB.com. Slowey threw three scoreless innings during which time he struck out three and gave up six hits, a great improvement over his work in his first two outings. "It's a confidence thing with him," Gardenhire said. "He's got good stuff. He's just got to quit overthrowing the ball and use [all of his pitches] and trust them all." Slowey appears to be battling Phil Humber, Glen Perkins and Kevin Mulvey for the fifth spot in the rotation, and the battle figures to go down to the wire. |
|
|
|
| Sergio Mitre will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, this after injuring his right forearm on Feb 28th, this according to MLB.com. Mitre has actually been dealing with muscle tightness in the forearm, but the Fish are still holding out hope that he will be able to take the ball on a regular basis this year after an up and down 2007 in which he made 27 starts. |
|
|
|
| Scott Olsen will return to the hill on Tuesday and throw his first bullpen session since tweaking his shoulder last week, this according to MLB.com. Olsen still hopes to be able to pitch in the first week of the season, that is if he can avoid any more setbacks this spring with his shoulder. |
|
|
|
| Jesse Crain considered his appearance on Monday a success even though he allowed one run and three hits in one inning. "By far, this is the best I've thrown," Crain said after his outing. "I threw all my pitches for strikes and my slider was a lot better today." Crain was limited to just 16.1 innings last season but he figures to have a prominent role in the Twins bullpen if he can remain healthy. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Braun will bat cleanup this season behind Prince Fielder, this according to MLB.com. "They're gonna pitch around Prince, just because of Prince's intimidation factor," said manager Ned Yost. "They're not gonna pitch around Prince too long with me behind him," said Braun. While this bodes well for Fielder, it could be considered a bit of a letdown for Braun who must become more selective at the plate as pitchers will certainly try to get him to expand his already large zone with Brewers on base. |
|
|
|
| Chan Ho Park had a strong start on Monday as he threw three perfect innings in his attempt to secure the Dodgers' 5th starters spot, this according to MLB.com. "He couldn't be much better," said manager Joe Torre. "He certainly hasn't done anything to hurt his chances." Park has allowed only two hits through seven innings and really seems to have turned back the clock this spring. Still, Park hasn't been a useful play since 2001, so don't go overboard with the bidding. |
|
|
|
| Jordan Tata will have his injured hand examined by doctors after he punched a door and early reports are that he has a broken pinkie on his throwing hand, this according to MLB.com. Tata will now almost certainly have to start the season in the minors and try to work his way back up to the bigs as a long reliever unless one of the teams starters is subsequently injured. |
|
|
|
| Kazuo Matsui will likely be sidelined for another 4-5 days due to an "anal fissure", according to a report on MLB.com. The Astros are counting on Matsui to a spark at the top of the order so they want to make sure he is 100% healthy by the time that game action roles around. |
|
|
|
| Rocco Baldelli will more than likely enjoy some game action in the next couple of days, this according to the Tampa Tribune. Baldelli will be tested on Tuesday with the hope of returning to the field soon thereafter. “I think the point’s coming pretty soon where we’re going to need to get him out on the field and get a clear sense of what we can expect in April and beyond, but we’re not there yet,” said Andrew Friedman. You can hope against hope with Baldelli, but he still seems like nothing more than a shot in the dark at this point. |
|
|
|
| Ben Zobrist will miss at least the next four weeks due to a hairline fracture in his left thumb, this according to the Tampa Tribune. Jason Bartlett will start at SS, and the report went on to state that a Reid Brignac promotion was highly unlikely leaving Andy Cannizaro as the most likely backup middle infielder until Zobrist is once again healthy. |
|
|
|
| Julio Lugo's injured back will keep him out of action for a least a couple more days and there is growing concern that he will not be ready to go on opening day, this according to MLB.com. "I think when Lugo tried to play that one day, I think he overdid it a little bit and set himself back," manager Terry Francona said. "So we need to sit on it a little bit." Lugo figures to be greatly undervalued this season given this injury and his .237 average last season, but he remains a solid source of SB with an average of 32 bags the past three seasons. |
|
|
|
| Randy Johnson allowed four runs in 1.1 innings on Monday as he threw 20 of 33 pitches for strikes, this according to MLB.com. Johnson will likely make his next start on Saturday. While the results certainly weren't ideal, the fact that Johnson made it through the outing without a setback is a huge positive. It's looking more and more likely that Johnson will be able to help the D'Backs this season, and perhaps early in April with his comeback from back surgery going so well. |
|
|
|
| Jair Jurrjens has impressed the entire Braves organization with his stuff this spring, this according to a report on MLB.com. Jair allowed only two hits and one walk in four innings during which time he blanked the Cardinals on Monday. In three spring starts, Jair owns a 1.00 ERA and he appears to be the clear-cut leader in the battle for the 5th spot in the rotation. |
|
|
|
| Justin Verlander threw three scoreless innings on Monday to run his streak to eight innings this spring without a run allowed, this according to a report on Slam Sports. After an 18 win season with 183 K, there is little reason to expect any fall off this season as Verlander has a golden right arm and will be supported by the best offense in baseball. |
|
|
|
| Takashi Saito, dealing with a strained calf, threw a bullpen session on Monday and looked great, and the team now hopes that he will be able to face hitters on Wednesday, this according to MLB.com. Saito still has plenty of time to get his arm in shape to close. If for some reason he is unable to go come opening day, the Dodgers will turn to fireballer Jonathan Broxton, though after a 1.40 ERA and 0.72 WHIP last season, the team certainly is in no hurry to get rid of Saito. |
|
|
|
| The St. Louis Cardinals will likely bat the pitcher eighth, not ninth, in their lineup this season according to a report on MLB.com. "A position player has a better chance to get on base than the pitcher. And the more guys on base in front of Albert [Pujols] or your middle guys, the more runs you score. I like the reasons," manager Tony LaRussa said. The Brewers have also toyed with the idea this spring, and it makes a lot of sense, so keep an eye on both teams to see if either goes through with the plan. |
|
|
|
| Jorge Posada was cleared to play defense with the Yankees, he has been out with a sore lat, this according to MLB.com. "I would like to know how I feel tomorrow, but I don't think it's going to be any problem," Posada said. "I threw yesterday and I didn't feel anything." Posada should be fine and he remains one of the safest plays at the catching position as he seems to always accumulate 20 HR and 80 RBI. |
|
|
|
| John Lackey pitched 1.2 innings against the A's on Monday in what can be described as a solid outing, this according to MLB.com. However, the odds of him making the opening day start for the Angels are shrinking. "The probability is he'll be ready for his first turn in the rotation -- that's more important than being the starter in the opener," manager Mike Scioscia said. Truth is, it doesn't really matter is he starts opening day or not as long as he is healthy which appears to be the case. Continue to monitor his progress, but unless he suffers a setback, it appears you can draft him with confidence. |
|
|
|
| Lance Berkman had to leave the Astros game on Monday due to tightness in his leg, this according to MLB.com. "I pretty much took myself out of the game," Berkman said. "During the season, I wouldn't have come out of the game." No one seems too excited here, so we will figure this is just a case of the team, and a player, playing it safe in the early going. Stay tuned. |
|
|
|
| Scott Kazmir is on schedule to make his first start of the season on Sunday, this according to the AP. “It felt good, really good (being on the mound)”,” Kazmir said. “Just a little different. It’s been a while since I was on the mound. My release point was off a little bit. But everything felt free and easy.” Great news for Kazmir owners, and both he and the team are still hopeful that Scott will be able to start the team's first game of the season. |
|
|
|
| Scott Podsednik doesn't have a starting spot with the Rockies, but according to a report on SI.com, he has looked really, really good this spring. Willy Taveras will be the main speedster in the Rockies lineup, but if he once again struggles with injuries, the team could turn to Podsednik and see little if any drop-off at the top of the order. |
|
|
|
| Mark DeRosa returned to the Cubs lineup on Monday as he played his first game of the spring a week and a half after he had a minor operation to fix an irregular heartbeat, this according to the AP. DeRosa has back-to-back season of a .290 average 10 HR and 70 RBI, and qualifying as a 2B, 3B and OF makes him an extremely valuable spare part in almost any format. |
|
|
|
| Steven Pearce will attempt to pick up the position of OF as the team tries to find a way to get his big bat in the lineup, this according to the AP. With Adam LaRoche entrenched at 1B, Pearce will move to the OF full-time. Pearce hit 31 HR with 113 RBI last season, so the bat is certainly legit, and with the Pirates possibly looking to trade either Xavier Nady or Jason Bay during the season, Pearce could be a full-time player by the end of the season in Pittsburgh. |
|
|
|
| Felix Pie will miss about three to five days of action, according to ChicagoSports.com. He will need to undergo surgery to correct a personal problem called testicular torsion and the ailment is not expected to compromise his bid to be the Cubs starter in center field. |
|
|
|
| Noah Lowry is recovering from surgery on his left forearm, according to cbssportsline.com. He could reportedly begin playing catch again in about a week and no muscles were damaged during the procedure. He could be able to return in mid-April and stated, "When I'm back throwing again I'll have a better understanding. I just pray to God this has taken care of the problem I've had." Perhaps this will correct his control problems of 2007.
|
|
|
|
| J.R. Towles is expected to miss three to five days due to a strained right hamstring, according to MLB.com. He shouldn't lose too much ground while out of action. |
|
|
|
| Adam Miller has been sent down to the minors, according to the AP. He was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, as was Reid Santos. Michael Aubrey and Scott Lewis were optioned to Double-A Akron as well. Lastly, Chuck Lofgren was sent to minor league camp. The most significant cut here is Miller, who couldn't seem to shake his finger ailment which cost him a shot at the Indians' rotation. |
|
|
|
| Mike Hampton is determined to keep his schedule, according to MLB.com. He will pitch Wednesday. How he feels on Tuesday will determine whether it is an exhibition game or a simulated game. He pitched a 10 minute bullpen session on Monday and felt discomfort in the groin he strained Friday, but he is still optimistic he will begin the regular season in the Braves' starting rotation. Hampton has a long history of ailments and notably hasn't pitched in a regular season game since August 19,2005. |
|
|
|
| Eric Gagne is getting ready for the season at a relaxed pace, according to MLB.com. Gagne says he is at ease and knows his role is to close games for the Brewers, as opposed to the younger guys who are fighting for a spot on the roster. He knows the games don't count right now and doesn't have to prove himself to the Brewers yet. He commented,"Right now, I'm working on my fastball, just the location, and really getting my body under control." He also mentioned that he feels good. |
|
|
|
| Brad Lidge returned to the mound on Monday, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. The former star threw 25 pitches during a bullpen session and later stated, "I was really happy. I didn't feel the knee at all. I tried to let it go, and it felt great. I'm obviously real encouraged by that. That's a big step for me." He also mentioned that he thinks he will be ready for the March 31 season opener. This is good news for him and the Phillies.
|
|
|
|
| Luis Mendoza has been making strides and has worked his way up the Rangers rotation, thanks in part to Brandon McCarthy's injury, this according to MLB.com. Pitching coach Mark Connor stated, "He's a strong contender, just because of what I've seen last September and this spring: his stuff, his work ethic, his aptitude. The kid picks up things well."
|
|
|
|
| Felix Pie has taken a sizable lead over Sam Fuld to be the Cubs starting center fielder, according to the Chicago Tribune. Pie is hitting .321 with two home runs so far this spring and said,"I just want to do my job every day and change the manager's mind. It's Piniella's decision, so all I can do is play." Piniella also mentioned that he would like to see Pie raise his on-base percentage and limit his strikeouts, which he has done so far.
|
|
|
|
| Eric Chavez's opening day streak will likely end at nine, according to the SF Chronicle. Chavez still hasn't fielded any grounders, and won't until his agility improves. Back surgery takes a long time to heal and team trainer Steve Sayles stated, "It would be more advantageous for him to stay here and get work done rather than to make the trip to Japan". He also added that Chavez would not be medically fit to serve as DH. Chavez will continue to drop down fantasy draft boards. |
|
|
|
| Scott Kazmir threw off the mound today for the first time since straining his elbow two weeks ago, according to the Tampa Tribune. He threw around 37 pitches in a session that lasted about 10 minutes. Joe Maddon commented,“We’re pretty satisfied with the way he’s throwing. It’s real loose and free and no restrictions whatsoever, so he might be OK to get right back out there. We’ll build him up slowly from that point, but he’s looking good.” This is good news for one of the game's best young pitchers.
|
|
|
|
| Josh Beckett is more pessimistic about his ailing back, according to the Boston Globe. He had trouble sleeping last night, and didn't feel much better after undergoing treatment this morning, even though an MRI revealed no issues with the disks in his lower back. He said,"Today wasn't as good as yesterday. We'll just have to wait and see I guess. Doctors told me yesterday that there was a possibility I'd come in and feel like I do today so as far as that goes, the doctors were right." When asked if he would be ready to go for the 24th he added,"I don't know. If I'd had as much progress from yesterday to today as I did from the first day to the second day, I wouldn't have ruled that out. Today I'm just holding up my obligation (to talk to media). It probably would have been better to talk to you guys yesterday because I was a little more optimistic. I'm in a pretty crappy mood as far as this thing goes because it was a pretty frustrating day because yesterday was good and today's kind of horse(bleep)." He then said this when asked when he thinks he will pitch again, "We're going to make sure it's completely pain free. I can't even really if laying in one position too long, or sitting in one position too long or standing in one position too long it kind of goes backwards. I've got to keep moving and stuff like that." Beckett will continue to drop down fantasy draft boards following this news.
|
|
|
|
| Adam Eaton has a herniated disk in his back according to the AP. He also has slight arthritis in his back and team trainer Scott Sheridan said,"The most important thing to know about that is it's not pressing against the nerve root, which is really what your concern is. All of his symptoms are centrally located in his back. He has long-tossed the last two days and he's going to try to throw a bullpen tomorrow." Eaton has allowed seven runs and 10 hits in two starts this spring.
|
|
|
|
| Mark Loretta has landed on the Orioles radar, according to The Baltimore Sun. They reportedly like the option of having him in case they decide to trade Brian Roberts, and they also like his versatility, which is important since Freddie Bynum underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Loretta is 36, but was the league's best number two hitter in the league while in his prime. |
|
|
|
| Wes Helms has landed on the Dodgers radar as they hunt for a third baseman, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. Helms was made expendable in Philadelphia following the addition of Pedro Feliz and he would jump at the chance to possibly start the season with the Dodgers. |
|
|
|
| Aaron Rowand has urged the Giants to make a play for White Sox third baseman Joe Crede, according to the Chicago Tribune. Rowand stated that Crede would no doubt help the Giants and added that he's healthy now and could be in line for his best season. He also admits that he is biased, which is understandable since they enjoyed one of the most magical seasons ever with the Sox in 2005. While Crede is not likely to live up to Rowand's expectations, the fact remains that the Giants do need a third baseman. |
|
|
|
| The Angels are in the hunt for a utility player and Clint Barmes is on their radar, according to the Denver Post. Barmes was memorably a hot hitter before getting hurt in 2005 and the Angels have a void at shortstop following the departure of Orlando Cabrera. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Freel could be on the trading block, according to the Hamilton Journal News. Utility man Freel realizes that he doesn't hold a spot in center field, second base, or right field, especially after the team brought in Corey Patterson. Freel has been nursing a contusion on his right wrist and said this about his feelings and future with the Reds, "You can't help but look around. I've been around the game awhile now, and I can look around and see what is going on. I can see what they're trying to do and hey, they're going in the right direction. When you get to a point in your age (32) and you see what's around you, one second you are at the top of their list and the next thing you know you don't know where you stand. You get an idea of how they're using guys and playing guys. There are some guys on this team who can flat-out play, and it's all about winning right now. It's not about what is going on with me, but as an individual, what is going on in my head, I'm thinking, 'What's going to happen next? I wonder what their options are and what they're thinking about me."
|
|
|
|
| Daniel Moskos has been cut, according to the Post Gazette. Moskos was the Pirates first round draft pick of last June. He commented, "I kind of knew my days were numbered." He is expected to start the season at Class A Hickory. |
|
|
|
| Fernando Rodney is expected to pitch on Tuesday, according to DetroitNews.com. Coach Leyland mentioned this on Rodney's recovery from tendonitis,"This will be the big week, the telling week. But I'm reluctant to emphasize that because I don't want someone rushing himself with the thought, if I don't get moving, I won't make the team." Rodney recorded 54 strikeouts over 50 innings in 2007 and will have a good chance to save games for Detroit if healthy, especially if Todd Jones continues to struggle.
|
|
|
|
| Juan Uribe is said to have a sizable edge for the starting second base spot, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He only hit .234 in 2007 but a back ailment suffered by Danny Richar has put Uribe at the top of the depth chart with just a few weeks until opening day. Richar is still in intense pain and Alexei Ramirez was a solid candidate at one point but he is having problems locating pitches, namely the breaking ball. |
|
|
|
| The injury of Andy LaRoche and the age and durability of Jeff Kent and Garciaparra has the Dodgers in the market for a versatile infielder, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com. So far Ronnie Belliard and Esteban German have been named, as well as Delwyn Young. |
|
|
|
| Scott Elarton is fighting hard for a roster spot with the Indians, according to IndiansConfidential.com. He has pitched well as he has only allowed one run over six innings, but the Indians have a strong and deep pitching staff and he will be lucky to make it as a bottom of the line reliever. He commented, "Instead of just getting ready for the season, I'm trying to make the team." |
|
|
|
| Andy Marte is not hitting well, but that is fine according to MLBnewsonline. To ease the pressure, the team said he is a lock to make the team regardless of his spring performance, which is great for him considering how poorly he hit in the Dominican Winter League (only hit .198). He is making contact this spring but his bat lacks any real "pop" as he is wavering at the .200 average mark. His breakout campaign seems a long way from now. |
|
|
|
| Coco Crisp is recovering from his injury, but still isn't near full-speed, according to Provo.com. His lateral movement is fine but Coach Francona stated, “The burst forward is still not in a position where we want him to try to do something in a game. He’s just not ready.” There is speculation that Crisp could be traded, but he will likely have to get healthier before a favorable deal can get done for Boston.
|
|
|
|
| Hank Blalock is ready to return to his post at third base, according to MLB.com. He was previously relegated to DH duty following his car accident. |
|
|
|
| Daisuke Matsuzaka got rocked in his third spring start, according to Projo.com. He threw 28 pitches in the first inning and ended the day with three runs and three hits over three innings of work, with three walks. He did have five strikeouts however and Coach Francona stated, “When he made his pitches he was fine. We want to get his pitch count up, so he feels like he’s working, which he did a little too quick. When he didn’t make pitches he paid the price.”
|
|
|
|
| Fernando Nieve had a solid bullpen session on Saturday, but was ultimately cut by the Astros, according to the Houston Chronicle. He would have battled for a rotation spot if healthy and should turn up with another team. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Dempster is in a heated battle with Jason Marquis to be the Cubs fifth starter in the rotation, according to the D | |
