2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions

[N41D]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by Kevin Cleveland

If I was in Brian McCann's position, I would probably strongly consider never playing baseball again.

This could be something that sticks with him, and affects him this year.  I wouldn't count it out at all.  The Braves gotta be trying to get some counseling or something to help him thru it. 

I gotta kick outta Salazar sayin he's just lookin to get back to work though. 

  Those baseball guys don't mess around, it's their job and they love doin it.  I give the guy credit for that. 

  

Pun intended?

 

[CP1708]

Oh damn. 

 

No no, I did not mean that pun intended. 

 

[CP1708]

Oh damn. 

 

No no, I did not mean that pun intended. 

 

[proshares]

Injury stuff.

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We've officially reached the part of spring training when an injury could mean opening the season on the disabled list. A sore arm or knee in mid-February is no big deal, but now it can impact the 25-man roster. Pitchers battling arm issues have only two weeks to get in enough work to be ready, and position players who aren't playing now are almost certainly not going to be ready for the first pitch of the season.

And Chase Utley, who has yet to go through a running or fielding drill, went to see a specialist, David Murphy writes. The good news for the Phillies is that Brad Lidge (biceps tendinitis) is feeling better, and Placido Polanco says he's 100 percent sure he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Other injury issues:

1. Kendrys Morales' ankle is not ready, and he is expected to open the year on the disabled list. Remember, he was hurt last May 29.

2. Shaun Marcum left his start on Wednesday because of shoulder tightness, and while Marcum downplayed what he felt, his manager sounds concerned. From Andrew Gruman's story: "There is definitely concern there," said [Ron] Roenicke. "His neck bothered him the last couple of days and when he went out there today, he thought it was the neck. I don't know if he was overcompensating, I don't know. We're in a tough spot if he's down for a while." One evaluator who saw Marcum's start on Thursday clocked his fastball at 86 mph. Not a good sign. Marcum has never been a power pitcher, but what concerns evaluators who have seen him this spring, beyond the velocity, is the quality of his fastball. Hopefully for the Brewers and for Marcum, he'll get better as he goes along.

Within the same piece, there is word that Manny Parra suffered a setback and won't be ready when the season starts.

3. The Jays are treating Aaron Hill carefully.

4. Oakland closer Andrew Bailey has been assured that his elbow ligament is fine.

5. Carlos Beltran's left knee is a big pain, writes Steve Popper, and Beltran could start the year on the disabled list.

6. Joe Mauer caught two innings in a minor league game Thursday, and will catch for the Twins on Saturday, writes Joe Christensen.

7. Jason Heyward returned to the Atlanta lineup and mashed a home run.

8. Lance Berkman started for the first time in three weeks, a good sign.

9. Grady Sizemore will start as a DH on Sunday, in his first game since last May.

10. Ian Stewart talked his way back into the lineup this week, at a time when his slow growth as a player is trying the Rockies' patience, writes Troy Renck.

11. Danny Espinosa and Ivan Rodriguez are OK.

12. Jake Peavy could be a scratch from his next start because of a stomach ailment, writes Mark Gonzales.

13. Ryan Doumit is expected to play today, as he comes back from a strained oblique.

14. Conor Jackson is finally healthy after a couple of lost seasons.
[h3]Notables[/h3]

• The Marlins have always posted one of the league's lowest payrolls, with the entire budget being less than what the left side of the Yankees' infield will make. But that has never deterred owner Jeffrey Loria from having the highest expectations. It's like he's willing to pay for the McDonald's Dollar Menu, but is stunned that he isn't getting a five-star spread.

Given that dynamic, the Marlins' machinations are forever interesting. The front office is excellent when it comes to collecting and developing young players, but given its limited resources, there is always a very small margin for error. Their bullpen was too thin going into last season, and they blew lead after lead early in the year, and Fredi Gonzalez was fired.

Now they are preparing to open this season with an improved bullpen, but with an inexperienced everyday lineup -- and after a series of losses, Loria has made it clear he wants more and better.

Like Loria, manager Edwin Rodriguez says he thinks his team can play better -- but he did try to inject some reality into this conversation: The Marlins are a very young team. They have had a ragged spring of poor defensive play and injuries, and now Chris Coghlan is battling shoulder tendinitis and may not be ready for Opening Day. Josh Johnson did manage to end Florida's nine-game losing streak, by utilizing his two-seamer.

Hanley Ramirez and Omar Infante both made errors during the game; this was the sixth for Ramirez in spring. From Joe Capozzi's story:

• Shortstop Hanley Ramirez told Edwin [Rodriguez] he wants to play again tomorrow. Ramirez made his sixth error of the spring -- he went into the day tied with two other players for most errors in baseball -- with a bad throw in the second inning.
  "He should've made that play," Edwin said.
  
  Infante also made an error.
  
  "The defense I would like to see a little bit more consistency," Edwin said. "I think it's because this is the first week (regulars) have been playing in back to back games. Defense is like hitting and like pitching -- you have to get in a rhythm. You have to get the timing back. That's what I think is happening. I think we're going to be fine."

• The Twins' players were happy to see Harmon Killebrew.

• Neftali Feliz wants to be a starter, but that may not fit the Rangers' needs, writes T.R. Sullivan.

• Earlier this spring, Jake Fox approached Orioles manager Buck Showalter and expressed some concern about how few at-bats he was getting. Showalter assured him, with all good humor, that once the team made some roster cuts and cleared out some of the younger players, Fox would start to play enough to the point where he'd be begging for rest.

Fox probably doesn't want to come out these days, though, because he's killing the ball and having a great spring; with two homers yesterday, Fox has seven overall, Jeff Zrebiec writes. Showalter would like to see improvement in Fox's play behind the plate.

• Yankees manager Joe Girardi moved Brett Gardner to the leadoff spot and shifted Derek Jeter to the No. 2 spot. Jeter has said he likes the changes he has made at the plate with his stride and he is hitting over .300 this spring. But rival evaluators have noted that he continues to hit a whole lot of ground balls, and so far haven't seen a major change in the results of his at-bats from last year, when he hit a career-low .270.

Maybe this is why Girardi is experimenting with his lineup this late in spring training.

And as written here before, there is a very bottom-line thing going on with the Yankees in regards to Jeter: If he hits well, he'll stay at the top of the order. If he struggles, as he did last season, then he'll be moved down in the lineup; it's as simple as that.

• Nate McLouth has never discussed hitting mechanics with the Braves' new hitting coach, Larry Parrish. The only thing they've talked about is getting McLouth back to being aggressive at the plate, and so in his at-bats this spring he's gone to the plate with a more focused approach: He looks for the ball in a particular part of the strike zone early in the count, and looks to do damage. If the ball is not in that spot, he takes the pitch.

This is working for him. Through Wednesday's games, McLouth was hitting .348, and feeling much, much better at the plate. "It's nice to go up there with confidence," McLouth said.
[h3]The battle for jobs[/h3]
1. The path for Michael Pineda to be part of the Mariners' rotation at the outset of the season continues to clear, Geoff Baker writes. It's worth noting that through his time in the minors, Pineda -- now 22 years old -- has built his innings count:
2006: 20.1
2007: 59
2008: 138.1
2009: 47.1
2010: 139.1

He made 12 starts in Triple-A last year, throwing 62.1 innings. It's an interesting quandary for the Mariners, who are trying to shift to the next level of development with their best young prospects.

2. If Brandon Belt can help the Giants immediately, GM Brian Sabean will let him.

3. Mike Leake may or may not be part of the Cincinnati rotation to start the year, writes Tom Groeschen.

4. As Brett Lawrie tries to win a job, it appears he has a strong advocate in John Farrell, writes Mike Rutsey.

5. John Lackey is lined up as the No. 2 starter for the Red Sox.

6. Wade Davis has been lined up to be the No. 3 starter for Tampa Bay, writes Marc Topkin.

7. Clete Thomas is making his mark. Scouts have talked about him this spring as being a solid under-the-radar player.

8. Ian Desmond is a candidate to be a leadoff hitter for the Nationals, whose lineup will be leaning heavily to the right -- until Bryce Harper arrives. It could look something like this:

SS Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
RF Jayson Werth
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Mike Morse
CF Rick Ankiel
C Ivan Rodriguez

And Jim Riggleman hasn't completely settled on who his No. 3 hitter will be, whether it's Werth or Zimmerman.

9. Missed this earlier this week: The Cubs are likely to have a platoon at second base.

10. Jeff Fulchino is in the mix scrapping for a job in the Astros' bullpen.

11. The D-backs have some pending issues, Nick Piecoro writes.

12. The Royals' Mike Montgomery is having a strong spring, writes Bob Dutton.

13. Lastings Milledge has been having a good spring.

14. Jeff Manship has been helping his case for a job in the Minnesota bullpen.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Phillies are shifting one of their top prospects to the outfield, because of organization needs.
2. The Nationals should give Jim Riggleman some job security, writes Jason Reid.

3. The Dodgers' Jerry Sands was sent to the minors.
[h3]Thursday's games[/h3]
1. Matt Kemp hit a homer, and is drawing praise for his play this spring.
2. The Padres' Clayton Richard threw well, writes Bill Center.

3. A Toronto left-hander settled down after a shaky start.

4. Ross Ohlendorf got hit around.

5. Phil Hughes had an efficient outing on Thursday and, Joel Sherman notes, he will be a linchpin in the Yankees' rotation.

6. Chris Davis continues to have a big spring.

7. Chipper Jones homered again, and says he's ready to break camp.

8. Francisco Cordero had his third straight 1-2-3 outing.

9. Felix Hernandez got roughed up.

10. Miguel Cabrera blasted another homer.

11. Jonathan Sanchez had a great outing.

Cubs/White Sox prospects.

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I didn't get a lot of prospect-watching in during Wednesday's White Sox-Giants game in Glendale.

http:///sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=6232375&story=6232056">http://sports.espn.go.com...232375&...idth=640,height=750,scrollbars=no,noresize'); return false;" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=law_keith&id=6232056#">[+] Enlarge

Jake Roth/US PresswireMorel's bat doesn't project big, but he might be the best current option.

• The White Sox did give Brent Morel four at bats as he and what's left of Mark Teahen's career battle for Chicago's third base job. Morel is something of a tweener, not likely to produce enough offense to play third everyday for a contender due to lack of OBP skills and power, but I think he could outhit Teahen over a full season, which is the only question now for the White Sox. Morel has some loop length in his swing but does have some hand strength and stays upright well through the swing, but he doesn't rotate his hips, meaning he generates no torque and the ball doesn't go as far when he makes contact.

• Gordon Beckham seemed to be struggling to keep his front side closed, although his spring stats don't indicate that he's having a larger problem with contact. I'm hoping that was just a bad day for him, as he was on a tremendous tear when he got hurt last year and I'd like to see him pick up where he left off.

• On Thursday, I got a very brief look at Cubs bonus baby Matt Szczur, who signed a $1.5 million contract in January that obligated him to give up football. In our sport, Szczur can run and shows a very flat, slappy swing with some bat speed, but it's hard to imagine any kind of power given his swing path and where he meets the ball. He had one non-routine play in center while I was watching his game and he spun himself around twice while the ball fell behind him for a triple, although the sun was in front of him as he looked for the ball. My main question, though, is whether he had a football option. He's listed at what I'm guessing is a generous 6-foot-1 and overall is a lot smaller than the typical NFL player at any position where he might play in the NFL. That said, many football players will drop a little weight once they leave the sport.

• Hayden Simpson also threw on the minor league side for the Cubs but struggled to reach 90 MPH. He did show a slider with good shape, and given his bout with mono in 2010 and the weight he lost along the way he gets a lot more slack than most pitchers would at this point in the spring. I'll try to see him again when he's had a chance to build up some arm strength.

Rumors.

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http://[h3]Tight LF battle in the desert[/h3]
10:53AM ET

[h5]Gerardo Parra | Diamondbacks [/h5]


Gerardo Parra is making a strong case for more playing time in the Diamondbacks' outfield, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

Xavier Nady, penciled in as the starting left fielder over the winter, may now be looking over his shoulder. Parra had two more hits on Wednesday and is hitting .350 in the Cactus League while drawing praise from manager Kirk Gibson.

Gibson says that the left field competition, which also includes Brandon Allen, is "totally up in the air."

Nady is hitting .189 and Piecoro cites opposing scouts who say Nady "is showing neither bat speed nor arm strength from left field."

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Lastings may last in Chicago[/h3]
10:44AM ET

[h5]Lastings Milledge | White Sox [/h5]


The sky appeared to be the limit for http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6477Lastings Milledge when the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nym/new-york-metsNew York Mets made the outfielder the top pick in the 2003 Draft.

Milledge has yet to realize that potential and was non-tendered by the Pirates after hitting .277 last season. Milledge ended up signing a minor league deal with the White Sox and came to camp knowing he was not assured of a roster spot.

A few weeks later, Milledge is looking more and more like a key piece of the White Sox bench, writes Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun-Times. Milledge hit his third and fourth homers of the spring Thursday against the Rockies and is hitting .314 in Cactus League play.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Lidge says he'll be ready[/h3]
10:28AM ET

[h5]Brad Lidge | Phillies [/h5]


The Phillies have plenty to worry about when it comes to second baseman Chase Utley, but any fear that they have to go looking for a new closer appear unfounded.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark says that Brad Lidge, who has been out with biceps tendinitis, threw a bullpen session Friday morning in Clearwater and reported "no discomfort" in the area near his right shoulder.

Lidge said he plans to throw another bullpen session this weekend, then hopes to pitch in a game "in three or four days." Asked if he felt confident he could be ready by Opening Day, based on how he felt, Lidge said: "I was never really in doubt of that."

http://[h3]Leake out of the mix?[/h3]
10:18AM ET

[h5]Mike Leake | Reds [/h5]


Mike Leake was the phenom of the Cincinnati Reds' camp in 2010, working his way into the rotation without ever appearing in a minor league game.

It has been a more difficult spring in 2011, who had an ERA of 9.00 before throwing four scoreless innings against the Indians on Thursday. Even with Thursday's outing, Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Leake may still be the odd man out for the fifth starter's raise.

Homer Bailey, who is out of options, and Travis Wood, the sole left-hander among the top candidates, appear to have the edge for the final two spots.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Cause for concern with Marcum?[/h3]
10:00AM ET

[h5]Shaun Marcum | Brewers [/h5]


All that positive karma surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason seems to be dissipating over a rash of injuries.

The Brewers already know that Zack Greinke will miss a few starts with broken ribs. Now there is concern with Shaun Marcum, who left Thursday's outing against the White Sox after three innings with shoulder tightness.

Marcum insists he left only as a precaution, but manager Ron Roenicke admitted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "there is definitely concern there."

The 29-year-old Marcum missed all of 2009 with Toronto following Tommy John surgery, so the Brewers will be extra careful. If Marcum's first outing is pushed back a few days, that could mean a start for Wily Peralta or Mark Rogers, who was sent to the minors Monday.

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Marcum's latest outing

"One evaluator who saw Marcum's start on Thursday clocked his fastball at 86 MPH. Not a good sign. Marcum has never been power pitcher, but what concerns evaluators who have seen him this spring, beyond the velocity, is the quality of his fastball. Hopefully for the Brewers and for Marcum, he'll get better as he goes along."

http://[h3]The latest on Utley[/h3]
9:58AM ET

[h5]Chase Utley | Phillies [/h5]


The clock is ticking on Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, who has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game due to patellar tendinitis in his right knee.

In what can be viewed as another red flag, Utley left spring training Thursday to visit what GM Ruben Amaro Jr. termed a "rehab specialist." David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News writes Friday it would take a "near miraculous recovery" for Utley to be ready by Opening Day.

There has been ample speculation that the Phillies are willing to take a look at http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4566Michael Young as a possible replacement. But ESPN.com's Jayson Stark says there are no indications the Phillies plan to fill Utley's chasm by making a deal, at least for now.

In a Monday interview with MLB Network Radio, Amaro said the payroll is maxed out and the team could not take on additional salary in any deal.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rowand's status by the Bay[/h3]
9:40AM ET

[h5]Aaron Rowand | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants would love to find a new home for Aaron Rowand and the $24 million left on his contract, but the club is drawing little or no interest for the center fielder, reports Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Giants are debating whether to take top prospect Brandon Belt with them to San Francisco and one of the casualties could be Rowand, who hit a mere .230 last season. The only option for GM Brian Sabean may be to hand Rowand his outright release.

Unless a position player starts the year on the disabled list, Schulman says Belt, Rowand, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa need to fit into two roster slots.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Making a decision on Belt[/h3]
9:23AM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy insists he is keeping an open mind regarding the status of top prospect Brandon Belt.

Belt has done all the Giants have asked of him this spring, including a big day at the plate (3-for-4, HR, double) in Wednesday's win over the White Sox. If Belt were to land the starting first base job, that would necessitate the move of Aubrey Huff to left field.

Despite his success, the Giants still might be inclined to have Belt start the season in Triple-A Fresno in order to delay his eligibility for arbitration. As Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle points out, Huff has not played one inning in left field this spring, which might be a hint that general manager Brian Sabean is inclined to get Belt more time in the minors.

Sabean insists a decision has not been made. Schulman adds that Belt batted seventh on Thursday night. That would be his likely position if he makes the team.

Keeping Belt also could force the Giants to part ways with Aaron Rowand, who is hitting just .207 this spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Beltran headed to the DL?[/h3]
9:03AM ET

[h5]Carlos Beltran | Mets [/h5]


It is exactly two weeks until Opening Day and Carlos Beltran has appeared in just one Grapefruit League game for the New York Mets.

When Beltran first scaled back his activities due to more knee problems, the party line was that the newly minted right fielder would be out only a few days. But no news is not good news, and it appears more and more likely that Beltran will begin the season on the disabled list.

"Expectations scale back each day," writes Andy McCullough in Friday's Star Ledger.

As for replacements in right field, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com wrote last week that scouts are raving about prospect http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30953Lucas Duda, who could be ready for the big leagues as early as later this season or out of spring training in 2012.

A trade is likely out of the question due to the team's financial woes. Along with Duda, the Mets also could use a platoon involving Willie Harris and Scott Hairston.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Sizemore to play Sunday[/h3]
8:37AM ET

[h5]Grady Sizemore | Indians [/h5]


It remains unclear whether Grady Sizemore will be in the Cleveland Indians' lineup by Opening Day, but the team will get a better indication when the three-time All-Star appears in a Cactus League game on Sunday.

Sizemore will be the DH against Arizona, his first game action since May 16, when he suffered a knee injury that led to microfracture surgery.

Once he's right, Sizemore is expected to be the starting center fielder for the Indians. Michael Brantley will have the job if Sizemore isn?t ready.

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Questions with Sizemore

"If Sizemore comes back and is a star again, a whole lot of logical questions will follow: Because Sizemore's current contract has a 2012 option for $8.5 million, would it make sense for the Indians to pick up the option? Would it make sense for them to trade him, in their effort to rebuild their pitching? But none of that matters until he gets back on the field and plays, and plays well."

http://[h3]Cook may be expendable[/h3]
7:50AM ET

[h5]Aaron Cook | Rockies [/h5]


The Colorado Rockies appeared to be in a bind earlier this month when Aaron Cook went down with right shoulder tendinitis and then suffered a broken right finger.

That set off a spirited competition for a fifth starter as well as speculation that the club was keeping an eye on Twins right-hander Kevin Slowey. That competition, however, has produced some pleasant surprises and Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com writes that the Rockies might consider trading Cook when he is healthy.

Esmil Rogers has emerged as the leader in the fifth starter race while the Rockies feel John Maine and Greg Reynolds could be key contributors at some point this season. Cook would be tough to deal because of his $9.25 million salary, so he could end up as a very expensive reliever.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Morales headed to the DL?[/h3]
7:32AM ET

[h5]Kendrys Morales | Angels [/h5]


If Kendrys Morales is to be ready for Opening Day, Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia says he would like to see his first baseman in Cactus League games by this weekend.

Morales, who is recovering from ankle surgery, expects to be a key contributor this season, but admitted Thursday that he may open the season on the disabled list. In that scenario, Mark Trumbo would start at first base with Bobby Abreu in the designated hitter role.

When Morales is ready, he may first be eased back into the lineup as the designated hitter. Lyle Spencer of MLB.com says that would have a ripple effect with Abreu likely moving to left and Vernon Wells to center. Peter Bourjos would then become a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement in the late innings.

Trumbo has impressed this spring with five homers and a .340 average, but has just one walk in 47 at-bats.

All of this points to Brandon Wood being the odd-man out, and since he's out of options, he'll have to clear waiver before the club can assign him to the minors again.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rays' closer role[/h3]
7:01AM ET

[h5]Tampa Bay Rays [/h5]


Tampa Bay Rays skipper Joe Maddon appears to be sticking to his guns on the closer-by-committee plan, reports MLB.com. That means that as many as three relievers could share the gig, and the fantasy points.

Those three are expected to be Joel Peralta, Kyle Farnsworth and rookie left Jake McGee. Maddon, however, certainly made it seem like McGee is the best arm of the group but that his inexperience will play a role in which of the three the manager goes to late in games.

McGee will likely get chances, however, and could be the club's future in the ninth inning.

 

[proshares]

Injury stuff.

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We've officially reached the part of spring training when an injury could mean opening the season on the disabled list. A sore arm or knee in mid-February is no big deal, but now it can impact the 25-man roster. Pitchers battling arm issues have only two weeks to get in enough work to be ready, and position players who aren't playing now are almost certainly not going to be ready for the first pitch of the season.

And Chase Utley, who has yet to go through a running or fielding drill, went to see a specialist, David Murphy writes. The good news for the Phillies is that Brad Lidge (biceps tendinitis) is feeling better, and Placido Polanco says he's 100 percent sure he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Other injury issues:

1. Kendrys Morales' ankle is not ready, and he is expected to open the year on the disabled list. Remember, he was hurt last May 29.

2. Shaun Marcum left his start on Wednesday because of shoulder tightness, and while Marcum downplayed what he felt, his manager sounds concerned. From Andrew Gruman's story: "There is definitely concern there," said [Ron] Roenicke. "His neck bothered him the last couple of days and when he went out there today, he thought it was the neck. I don't know if he was overcompensating, I don't know. We're in a tough spot if he's down for a while." One evaluator who saw Marcum's start on Thursday clocked his fastball at 86 mph. Not a good sign. Marcum has never been a power pitcher, but what concerns evaluators who have seen him this spring, beyond the velocity, is the quality of his fastball. Hopefully for the Brewers and for Marcum, he'll get better as he goes along.

Within the same piece, there is word that Manny Parra suffered a setback and won't be ready when the season starts.

3. The Jays are treating Aaron Hill carefully.

4. Oakland closer Andrew Bailey has been assured that his elbow ligament is fine.

5. Carlos Beltran's left knee is a big pain, writes Steve Popper, and Beltran could start the year on the disabled list.

6. Joe Mauer caught two innings in a minor league game Thursday, and will catch for the Twins on Saturday, writes Joe Christensen.

7. Jason Heyward returned to the Atlanta lineup and mashed a home run.

8. Lance Berkman started for the first time in three weeks, a good sign.

9. Grady Sizemore will start as a DH on Sunday, in his first game since last May.

10. Ian Stewart talked his way back into the lineup this week, at a time when his slow growth as a player is trying the Rockies' patience, writes Troy Renck.

11. Danny Espinosa and Ivan Rodriguez are OK.

12. Jake Peavy could be a scratch from his next start because of a stomach ailment, writes Mark Gonzales.

13. Ryan Doumit is expected to play today, as he comes back from a strained oblique.

14. Conor Jackson is finally healthy after a couple of lost seasons.
[h3]Notables[/h3]

• The Marlins have always posted one of the league's lowest payrolls, with the entire budget being less than what the left side of the Yankees' infield will make. But that has never deterred owner Jeffrey Loria from having the highest expectations. It's like he's willing to pay for the McDonald's Dollar Menu, but is stunned that he isn't getting a five-star spread.

Given that dynamic, the Marlins' machinations are forever interesting. The front office is excellent when it comes to collecting and developing young players, but given its limited resources, there is always a very small margin for error. Their bullpen was too thin going into last season, and they blew lead after lead early in the year, and Fredi Gonzalez was fired.

Now they are preparing to open this season with an improved bullpen, but with an inexperienced everyday lineup -- and after a series of losses, Loria has made it clear he wants more and better.

Like Loria, manager Edwin Rodriguez says he thinks his team can play better -- but he did try to inject some reality into this conversation: The Marlins are a very young team. They have had a ragged spring of poor defensive play and injuries, and now Chris Coghlan is battling shoulder tendinitis and may not be ready for Opening Day. Josh Johnson did manage to end Florida's nine-game losing streak, by utilizing his two-seamer.

Hanley Ramirez and Omar Infante both made errors during the game; this was the sixth for Ramirez in spring. From Joe Capozzi's story:

• Shortstop Hanley Ramirez told Edwin [Rodriguez] he wants to play again tomorrow. Ramirez made his sixth error of the spring -- he went into the day tied with two other players for most errors in baseball -- with a bad throw in the second inning.
  "He should've made that play," Edwin said.
  
  Infante also made an error.
  
  "The defense I would like to see a little bit more consistency," Edwin said. "I think it's because this is the first week (regulars) have been playing in back to back games. Defense is like hitting and like pitching -- you have to get in a rhythm. You have to get the timing back. That's what I think is happening. I think we're going to be fine."

• The Twins' players were happy to see Harmon Killebrew.

• Neftali Feliz wants to be a starter, but that may not fit the Rangers' needs, writes T.R. Sullivan.

• Earlier this spring, Jake Fox approached Orioles manager Buck Showalter and expressed some concern about how few at-bats he was getting. Showalter assured him, with all good humor, that once the team made some roster cuts and cleared out some of the younger players, Fox would start to play enough to the point where he'd be begging for rest.

Fox probably doesn't want to come out these days, though, because he's killing the ball and having a great spring; with two homers yesterday, Fox has seven overall, Jeff Zrebiec writes. Showalter would like to see improvement in Fox's play behind the plate.

• Yankees manager Joe Girardi moved Brett Gardner to the leadoff spot and shifted Derek Jeter to the No. 2 spot. Jeter has said he likes the changes he has made at the plate with his stride and he is hitting over .300 this spring. But rival evaluators have noted that he continues to hit a whole lot of ground balls, and so far haven't seen a major change in the results of his at-bats from last year, when he hit a career-low .270.

Maybe this is why Girardi is experimenting with his lineup this late in spring training.

And as written here before, there is a very bottom-line thing going on with the Yankees in regards to Jeter: If he hits well, he'll stay at the top of the order. If he struggles, as he did last season, then he'll be moved down in the lineup; it's as simple as that.

• Nate McLouth has never discussed hitting mechanics with the Braves' new hitting coach, Larry Parrish. The only thing they've talked about is getting McLouth back to being aggressive at the plate, and so in his at-bats this spring he's gone to the plate with a more focused approach: He looks for the ball in a particular part of the strike zone early in the count, and looks to do damage. If the ball is not in that spot, he takes the pitch.

This is working for him. Through Wednesday's games, McLouth was hitting .348, and feeling much, much better at the plate. "It's nice to go up there with confidence," McLouth said.
[h3]The battle for jobs[/h3]
1. The path for Michael Pineda to be part of the Mariners' rotation at the outset of the season continues to clear, Geoff Baker writes. It's worth noting that through his time in the minors, Pineda -- now 22 years old -- has built his innings count:
2006: 20.1
2007: 59
2008: 138.1
2009: 47.1
2010: 139.1

He made 12 starts in Triple-A last year, throwing 62.1 innings. It's an interesting quandary for the Mariners, who are trying to shift to the next level of development with their best young prospects.

2. If Brandon Belt can help the Giants immediately, GM Brian Sabean will let him.

3. Mike Leake may or may not be part of the Cincinnati rotation to start the year, writes Tom Groeschen.

4. As Brett Lawrie tries to win a job, it appears he has a strong advocate in John Farrell, writes Mike Rutsey.

5. John Lackey is lined up as the No. 2 starter for the Red Sox.

6. Wade Davis has been lined up to be the No. 3 starter for Tampa Bay, writes Marc Topkin.

7. Clete Thomas is making his mark. Scouts have talked about him this spring as being a solid under-the-radar player.

8. Ian Desmond is a candidate to be a leadoff hitter for the Nationals, whose lineup will be leaning heavily to the right -- until Bryce Harper arrives. It could look something like this:

SS Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
RF Jayson Werth
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Mike Morse
CF Rick Ankiel
C Ivan Rodriguez

And Jim Riggleman hasn't completely settled on who his No. 3 hitter will be, whether it's Werth or Zimmerman.

9. Missed this earlier this week: The Cubs are likely to have a platoon at second base.

10. Jeff Fulchino is in the mix scrapping for a job in the Astros' bullpen.

11. The D-backs have some pending issues, Nick Piecoro writes.

12. The Royals' Mike Montgomery is having a strong spring, writes Bob Dutton.

13. Lastings Milledge has been having a good spring.

14. Jeff Manship has been helping his case for a job in the Minnesota bullpen.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Phillies are shifting one of their top prospects to the outfield, because of organization needs.
2. The Nationals should give Jim Riggleman some job security, writes Jason Reid.

3. The Dodgers' Jerry Sands was sent to the minors.
[h3]Thursday's games[/h3]
1. Matt Kemp hit a homer, and is drawing praise for his play this spring.
2. The Padres' Clayton Richard threw well, writes Bill Center.

3. A Toronto left-hander settled down after a shaky start.

4. Ross Ohlendorf got hit around.

5. Phil Hughes had an efficient outing on Thursday and, Joel Sherman notes, he will be a linchpin in the Yankees' rotation.

6. Chris Davis continues to have a big spring.

7. Chipper Jones homered again, and says he's ready to break camp.

8. Francisco Cordero had his third straight 1-2-3 outing.

9. Felix Hernandez got roughed up.

10. Miguel Cabrera blasted another homer.

11. Jonathan Sanchez had a great outing.

Cubs/White Sox prospects.

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I didn't get a lot of prospect-watching in during Wednesday's White Sox-Giants game in Glendale.

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Jake Roth/US PresswireMorel's bat doesn't project big, but he might be the best current option.

• The White Sox did give Brent Morel four at bats as he and what's left of Mark Teahen's career battle for Chicago's third base job. Morel is something of a tweener, not likely to produce enough offense to play third everyday for a contender due to lack of OBP skills and power, but I think he could outhit Teahen over a full season, which is the only question now for the White Sox. Morel has some loop length in his swing but does have some hand strength and stays upright well through the swing, but he doesn't rotate his hips, meaning he generates no torque and the ball doesn't go as far when he makes contact.

• Gordon Beckham seemed to be struggling to keep his front side closed, although his spring stats don't indicate that he's having a larger problem with contact. I'm hoping that was just a bad day for him, as he was on a tremendous tear when he got hurt last year and I'd like to see him pick up where he left off.

• On Thursday, I got a very brief look at Cubs bonus baby Matt Szczur, who signed a $1.5 million contract in January that obligated him to give up football. In our sport, Szczur can run and shows a very flat, slappy swing with some bat speed, but it's hard to imagine any kind of power given his swing path and where he meets the ball. He had one non-routine play in center while I was watching his game and he spun himself around twice while the ball fell behind him for a triple, although the sun was in front of him as he looked for the ball. My main question, though, is whether he had a football option. He's listed at what I'm guessing is a generous 6-foot-1 and overall is a lot smaller than the typical NFL player at any position where he might play in the NFL. That said, many football players will drop a little weight once they leave the sport.

• Hayden Simpson also threw on the minor league side for the Cubs but struggled to reach 90 MPH. He did show a slider with good shape, and given his bout with mono in 2010 and the weight he lost along the way he gets a lot more slack than most pitchers would at this point in the spring. I'll try to see him again when he's had a chance to build up some arm strength.

Rumors.

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http://[h3]Tight LF battle in the desert[/h3]
10:53AM ET

[h5]Gerardo Parra | Diamondbacks [/h5]


Gerardo Parra is making a strong case for more playing time in the Diamondbacks' outfield, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

Xavier Nady, penciled in as the starting left fielder over the winter, may now be looking over his shoulder. Parra had two more hits on Wednesday and is hitting .350 in the Cactus League while drawing praise from manager Kirk Gibson.

Gibson says that the left field competition, which also includes Brandon Allen, is "totally up in the air."

Nady is hitting .189 and Piecoro cites opposing scouts who say Nady "is showing neither bat speed nor arm strength from left field."

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Lastings may last in Chicago[/h3]
10:44AM ET

[h5]Lastings Milledge | White Sox [/h5]


The sky appeared to be the limit for http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6477Lastings Milledge when the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nym/new-york-metsNew York Mets made the outfielder the top pick in the 2003 Draft.

Milledge has yet to realize that potential and was non-tendered by the Pirates after hitting .277 last season. Milledge ended up signing a minor league deal with the White Sox and came to camp knowing he was not assured of a roster spot.

A few weeks later, Milledge is looking more and more like a key piece of the White Sox bench, writes Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun-Times. Milledge hit his third and fourth homers of the spring Thursday against the Rockies and is hitting .314 in Cactus League play.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Lidge says he'll be ready[/h3]
10:28AM ET

[h5]Brad Lidge | Phillies [/h5]


The Phillies have plenty to worry about when it comes to second baseman Chase Utley, but any fear that they have to go looking for a new closer appear unfounded.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark says that Brad Lidge, who has been out with biceps tendinitis, threw a bullpen session Friday morning in Clearwater and reported "no discomfort" in the area near his right shoulder.

Lidge said he plans to throw another bullpen session this weekend, then hopes to pitch in a game "in three or four days." Asked if he felt confident he could be ready by Opening Day, based on how he felt, Lidge said: "I was never really in doubt of that."

http://[h3]Leake out of the mix?[/h3]
10:18AM ET

[h5]Mike Leake | Reds [/h5]


Mike Leake was the phenom of the Cincinnati Reds' camp in 2010, working his way into the rotation without ever appearing in a minor league game.

It has been a more difficult spring in 2011, who had an ERA of 9.00 before throwing four scoreless innings against the Indians on Thursday. Even with Thursday's outing, Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Leake may still be the odd man out for the fifth starter's raise.

Homer Bailey, who is out of options, and Travis Wood, the sole left-hander among the top candidates, appear to have the edge for the final two spots.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Cause for concern with Marcum?[/h3]
10:00AM ET

[h5]Shaun Marcum | Brewers [/h5]


All that positive karma surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason seems to be dissipating over a rash of injuries.

The Brewers already know that Zack Greinke will miss a few starts with broken ribs. Now there is concern with Shaun Marcum, who left Thursday's outing against the White Sox after three innings with shoulder tightness.

Marcum insists he left only as a precaution, but manager Ron Roenicke admitted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "there is definitely concern there."

The 29-year-old Marcum missed all of 2009 with Toronto following Tommy John surgery, so the Brewers will be extra careful. If Marcum's first outing is pushed back a few days, that could mean a start for Wily Peralta or Mark Rogers, who was sent to the minors Monday.

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Marcum's latest outing

"One evaluator who saw Marcum's start on Thursday clocked his fastball at 86 MPH. Not a good sign. Marcum has never been power pitcher, but what concerns evaluators who have seen him this spring, beyond the velocity, is the quality of his fastball. Hopefully for the Brewers and for Marcum, he'll get better as he goes along."

http://[h3]The latest on Utley[/h3]
9:58AM ET

[h5]Chase Utley | Phillies [/h5]


The clock is ticking on Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, who has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game due to patellar tendinitis in his right knee.

In what can be viewed as another red flag, Utley left spring training Thursday to visit what GM Ruben Amaro Jr. termed a "rehab specialist." David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News writes Friday it would take a "near miraculous recovery" for Utley to be ready by Opening Day.

There has been ample speculation that the Phillies are willing to take a look at http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4566Michael Young as a possible replacement. But ESPN.com's Jayson Stark says there are no indications the Phillies plan to fill Utley's chasm by making a deal, at least for now.

In a Monday interview with MLB Network Radio, Amaro said the payroll is maxed out and the team could not take on additional salary in any deal.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rowand's status by the Bay[/h3]
9:40AM ET

[h5]Aaron Rowand | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants would love to find a new home for Aaron Rowand and the $24 million left on his contract, but the club is drawing little or no interest for the center fielder, reports Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Giants are debating whether to take top prospect Brandon Belt with them to San Francisco and one of the casualties could be Rowand, who hit a mere .230 last season. The only option for GM Brian Sabean may be to hand Rowand his outright release.

Unless a position player starts the year on the disabled list, Schulman says Belt, Rowand, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa need to fit into two roster slots.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Making a decision on Belt[/h3]
9:23AM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy insists he is keeping an open mind regarding the status of top prospect Brandon Belt.

Belt has done all the Giants have asked of him this spring, including a big day at the plate (3-for-4, HR, double) in Wednesday's win over the White Sox. If Belt were to land the starting first base job, that would necessitate the move of Aubrey Huff to left field.

Despite his success, the Giants still might be inclined to have Belt start the season in Triple-A Fresno in order to delay his eligibility for arbitration. As Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle points out, Huff has not played one inning in left field this spring, which might be a hint that general manager Brian Sabean is inclined to get Belt more time in the minors.

Sabean insists a decision has not been made. Schulman adds that Belt batted seventh on Thursday night. That would be his likely position if he makes the team.

Keeping Belt also could force the Giants to part ways with Aaron Rowand, who is hitting just .207 this spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Beltran headed to the DL?[/h3]
9:03AM ET

[h5]Carlos Beltran | Mets [/h5]


It is exactly two weeks until Opening Day and Carlos Beltran has appeared in just one Grapefruit League game for the New York Mets.

When Beltran first scaled back his activities due to more knee problems, the party line was that the newly minted right fielder would be out only a few days. But no news is not good news, and it appears more and more likely that Beltran will begin the season on the disabled list.

"Expectations scale back each day," writes Andy McCullough in Friday's Star Ledger.

As for replacements in right field, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com wrote last week that scouts are raving about prospect http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30953Lucas Duda, who could be ready for the big leagues as early as later this season or out of spring training in 2012.

A trade is likely out of the question due to the team's financial woes. Along with Duda, the Mets also could use a platoon involving Willie Harris and Scott Hairston.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Sizemore to play Sunday[/h3]
8:37AM ET

[h5]Grady Sizemore | Indians [/h5]


It remains unclear whether Grady Sizemore will be in the Cleveland Indians' lineup by Opening Day, but the team will get a better indication when the three-time All-Star appears in a Cactus League game on Sunday.

Sizemore will be the DH against Arizona, his first game action since May 16, when he suffered a knee injury that led to microfracture surgery.

Once he's right, Sizemore is expected to be the starting center fielder for the Indians. Michael Brantley will have the job if Sizemore isn?t ready.

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Questions with Sizemore

"If Sizemore comes back and is a star again, a whole lot of logical questions will follow: Because Sizemore's current contract has a 2012 option for $8.5 million, would it make sense for the Indians to pick up the option? Would it make sense for them to trade him, in their effort to rebuild their pitching? But none of that matters until he gets back on the field and plays, and plays well."

http://[h3]Cook may be expendable[/h3]
7:50AM ET

[h5]Aaron Cook | Rockies [/h5]


The Colorado Rockies appeared to be in a bind earlier this month when Aaron Cook went down with right shoulder tendinitis and then suffered a broken right finger.

That set off a spirited competition for a fifth starter as well as speculation that the club was keeping an eye on Twins right-hander Kevin Slowey. That competition, however, has produced some pleasant surprises and Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com writes that the Rockies might consider trading Cook when he is healthy.

Esmil Rogers has emerged as the leader in the fifth starter race while the Rockies feel John Maine and Greg Reynolds could be key contributors at some point this season. Cook would be tough to deal because of his $9.25 million salary, so he could end up as a very expensive reliever.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Morales headed to the DL?[/h3]
7:32AM ET

[h5]Kendrys Morales | Angels [/h5]


If Kendrys Morales is to be ready for Opening Day, Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia says he would like to see his first baseman in Cactus League games by this weekend.

Morales, who is recovering from ankle surgery, expects to be a key contributor this season, but admitted Thursday that he may open the season on the disabled list. In that scenario, Mark Trumbo would start at first base with Bobby Abreu in the designated hitter role.

When Morales is ready, he may first be eased back into the lineup as the designated hitter. Lyle Spencer of MLB.com says that would have a ripple effect with Abreu likely moving to left and Vernon Wells to center. Peter Bourjos would then become a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement in the late innings.

Trumbo has impressed this spring with five homers and a .340 average, but has just one walk in 47 at-bats.

All of this points to Brandon Wood being the odd-man out, and since he's out of options, he'll have to clear waiver before the club can assign him to the minors again.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rays' closer role[/h3]
7:01AM ET

[h5]Tampa Bay Rays [/h5]


Tampa Bay Rays skipper Joe Maddon appears to be sticking to his guns on the closer-by-committee plan, reports MLB.com. That means that as many as three relievers could share the gig, and the fantasy points.

Those three are expected to be Joel Peralta, Kyle Farnsworth and rookie left Jake McGee. Maddon, however, certainly made it seem like McGee is the best arm of the group but that his inexperience will play a role in which of the three the manager goes to late in games.

McGee will likely get chances, however, and could be the club's future in the ninth inning.

 

[statis22]

The irony of Shilling calling Manny Ramirez a cheat but saying Luis Gonzalez is one of the best modern day hitters not to use the juice.

 

[statis22]

The irony of Shilling calling Manny Ramirez a cheat but saying Luis Gonzalez is one of the best modern day hitters not to use the juice.

 

[Retroballer]

Originally Posted by dland24

Got a super random question for you guys......

Why dont Major League teams take infield before games anymore?

This is something I just thought about for some reason. A random memory popped into my head. As a kid growing up going to Candlestick Park regularly, teams would ALWAYS take an infield before the game started. Both teams would do their normal batting practice routine that they do now, but after the cage was rolled away and the field cleared, the teams would take infield for about 5 minutes each. This happened every time. I cant remember the last time I saw this happen.

Anyone remember this? When did it stop being routine? Why isnt it done?

they do alot of that work while the batting practice is going on. Home team will take it before batting practice too, no one ever sees that cause the gate arent open.

 

[Retroballer]

Originally Posted by dland24

Got a super random question for you guys......

Why dont Major League teams take infield before games anymore?

This is something I just thought about for some reason. A random memory popped into my head. As a kid growing up going to Candlestick Park regularly, teams would ALWAYS take an infield before the game started. Both teams would do their normal batting practice routine that they do now, but after the cage was rolled away and the field cleared, the teams would take infield for about 5 minutes each. This happened every time. I cant remember the last time I saw this happen.

Anyone remember this? When did it stop being routine? Why isnt it done?

they do alot of that work while the batting practice is going on. Home team will take it before batting practice too, no one ever sees that cause the gate arent open.

 

[proshares]

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Gio Gonzalez is "the fakest Latin guy on the planet," teammate Dallas Braden jokes, because Gonzalez doesn't seem to like Latin food. But sometimes Braden will take him to get Mexican food, or Cuban fare, and the two will talk baseball. Pitch selection, game situations, pre-start preparation, pitch grips; everything is on the table.

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Jake Roth/US PresswireGonzalez now has an arsenal, as opposed to a couple good pitches.

This isn't always the case when baseball professionals get together. The Phillies' starting pitchers say they almost never talk baseball. "That's because they've figured it out," said Braden, respectfully. "And we're still trying to figure it out."

But in the eyes of teammates, like Braden, Gonzalez is close to climbing to that elite level of pitchers, after his strong second half last season, and after he started to ask a lot of questions and absorb the answers. "His mental capacity has really grown," said Braden. "He's ready to Nuke LaLoosh them, and announce his presence with authority."

After Gonzalez rejoined the Athletics after a stint in the minors in 2009, he approached Braden. "Please help me stay here," Gonzalez said. "I don't want to be sent down."

From Braden's perspective, the timing of the earnest plea was a heck of a coincidence, because Braden had intended to approach Gonzalez -- at the request of others in the organization -- and really push him. Instead, Gonzalez had become a willing student, talking with Braden about his mental approach, about how he limited damage within innings.

In the past, Braden would watch Gonzalez throw in a start and would see how a ball one first-pitch to a hitter would slowly but relentlessly snowball on him. A walk, a hit, then a big hit. Gonzalez spoke to Braden about focusing pitch to pitch, about pitching to contact down in the strike zone in an effort to get a ground ball.

The lessons began to take hold within Gonzalez, particularly in the second half of last year when he posted a 2.59 ERA in 15 starts, with an 8-3 record. In Gonzalez's first appearance this spring, he came out blazing. "A 95 mph fastball, and an 82 mph hammer," Braden raved, referencing Gonzalez's great curveball. "Who comes out and throws like that?"

Gonzalez has been diligently learning how to use a changeup, a pitch that could be very effective against right-handed hitters, and Braden has seen progress. Gonzalez is probably the least-known among Oakland's front four starters, because Brett Anderson had a strong 2009, Braden threw a perfect game last year, and Trevor Cahill was so good in 2010.

"But you know what?" Braden said. "We all know that Gio has the chance to be the best [of the starters]."

Gonzalez is teased by teammates for the shape of his body -- the strong legs and backside. "His hourglass figure," Braden said, laughing.

But Braden watches Gonzalez pitch and does not hesitate in drawing a comparison with another left-hander who had some success. "Steve Carlton," said Braden. "You talk about an unhittable breaking ball, and the ability to run a fastball up there in the mid-90s," said Braden. "He's got that kind of stuff."

None of it could have manifested, though, if Gonzalez hadn't opened his mind and listened to the advice that others had for him.

---

Oakland's rainout on Monday might mean that Gonzalez won't get the ball on Opening Day, writes Susan Slusser; instead, Brett Anderson could be the Opening Day starter.

The Athletics haven't announced any decisions, but Brandon McCarthy is expected to be Oakland's No. 5 starter; he has pitched very effectively, not allowing a single walk in 20.2 innings, with 14 strikeouts and a 3.05 ERA.
[h3]Notables[/h3]

• The Giants are encouraged by how much progress closer Brian Wilson has made in his recovery from a strained oblique, writes Henry Schulman.

• The White Sox could be thinking about the end of April for Jake Peavy, writes Mark Gonzales. Phil Humber hopes to step into Peavy's spot in the rotation.

• Johnny Cueto will start the year on the DL, because of shoulder soreness. From John Fay's piece: "The rotation will be Edinson Volquez, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo, Travis Wood and Mike Leake. Right now, it looks as if they'll go in that order since Arroyo had to scratch Monday's start with the flu."

• As good as Chris Davis has been this spring, hitting over .400, Mitch Moreland is not letting his chance to be the primary first baseman for Texas slip away, writes Jeff Wilson. Nolan Ryan loves how Moreland plays.

• Kyle Drabek had a great outing on Monday.

• The Yankees haven't announced any final decisions, but Ivan Nova is expected to be their No. 4 starter. They have other choices to make:

A) Should they keep Freddy Garcia in the rotation and use Bartolo Colon out of the bullpen, and trade Sergio Mitre? (Colon threw six strong innings at the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday).
B) Should they use Colon as the No. 5 starter, keep Mitre as the swingman and cut Garcia?
C) Should they keep Garcia and Mitre and cut Colon?

The guess here is that Garcia will get the No. 5 spot.

• Had a talk last night with Boston pitching coach Curt Young about Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Young mentioned how he thinks that Matsuzaka has become devoted to the idea of becoming more efficiently. "He knows that if his pitch count is high, then he's not going to be in the game for very long," said Young, who thinks that Matsuzaka has taken a more aggressive approach in the way he's attacked the strike zone in his recent outings.
[h3]Evaluator observations[/h3]
1. One evaluator loves the work he has seen out of Prince Fielder this spring, saying that Fielder is playing very hard and hustling.
2. A rival evaluator stationed in Arizona thinks that the worst team he has seen this spring is the Diamondbacks. "They just don't have a lot [of talent] over there," he said.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Luis Castillo is going to play for the Phillies over the next 10 days, and then they'll make a decision about whether to keep him.
From Matt Gelb's story, in reference to Chase Utley:

• The deal underscores the continued concern about Utley, who has not displayed any discernible progress since leaving camp to meet with an undisclosed rehab specialist last week. Amaro said Utley's progress remains "status quo."
  "We have been concerned," Amaro said. "We haven't made any bones about that."

2. The Mets cut Oliver Perez. They are now officially out of scapegoats, writes Filip Bondy.

3. The Pirates cut Garrett Atkins.

4. The Braves would still like to trade Kenshin Kawakami, writes Carroll Rogers.

5. The Tigers will skip Phil Coke in the rotation in the first turn, writes John Lowe.

6. Matt Carpenter was among the players cut by the Cardinals.

7. Luke Hochevar is lined up as the No. 1 starter for the Royals.

8. The Cubs will work through roster questions today, writes Gordon Wittenmyer.

9. The Cleveland Indians' rotation is almost set.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. Bryce Harper sprained his ankle, but is OK. It speaks a lot to the interest in him that within an hour after he got hurt, the Internet was buzzing with questions/speculation about his condition.
2. Scott Olsen has a hamstring problem that will keep him out at the outset of the season.

3. Matt Joyce is dealing with some back tightness.

4. Jason Isringhausen has some elbow pain.

5. The Rockies are mapping out a schedule for Todd Helton in their effort to keep him healthy, writes Troy Renck.

6. Justin Upton is OK and ready to go. Within the same notebook, there is word that J.J. Putz has made progress as he recovers from back tightness.

7. The Royals aren't sure what will happen with Jason Kendall, who is recovering.

8. Joe Mauer and Delmon Young appear ready to go, writes Joe Christensen.

9. Michael Cuddyer will return to the Twins' lineup on Wednesday, writes Kelsie Smith.

10. Joel Pineiro says he's feeling better.

11. Looks like Casey Blake will start the year on the disabled list.
[h3]The Battle for Jobs[/h3]
1. Matt Dominguez has been stuck in a slump. It sounds like Florida's Plan B is to play Emilio Bonifacio at second and shift Omar Infante to third base.
2. An 11-year veteran of the minors is getting a chance to make the Marlins.

3. Scott Proctor had a good day, as he tries to win a job with the Braves.

4. Nelson Figueroa will be the No. 5 starter for the Astros, writes Zachary Levine.

5. Dan Connolly sifts through the Orioles' last roster decisions.

6. Barry Enright will be part of the Arizona rotation.

7. The Indians have spots in the bullpen available, writes Paul Hoynes.

8. Kyle Waldrop could win a job in the Twins' rotation.

9. Michael Pineda continues to help his case to be part of the Seattle rotation, writes Geoff Baker.
[h3]Monday's games[/h3]
1. The Cardinals and Nationals had a dustup that stemmed from a play involving Nyjer Morgan last summer. This was typical stuff for the Cardinals, says Adam LaRoche.
2. Jeremy Hellickson was The Man against the Yankees, over four innings.

3. Jon Lester pitched against Roy Halladay on Monday and had high praise for the right-hander.

Watched a lot of the Phillies-Boston game on Monday, and Halladay looks like he's already in midseason form -- great movement, great command, total dominance against hitters, who could not square up the ball. Jed Lowrie loved the challenge of hitting against him, writes Michael Silverman.

4. Mat Latos had a rough start for the Padres, but there was a good sign in the game, writes Bill Center -- Latos managed to keep his composure, which has been a problem.

Draft stuff.

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We often hear that the MLB Rule 4 draft is "a crapshoot" because so many high picks turn out to be busts, even some players drafted first overall. I've occasionally propagated this idea, especially when talking about high-variance prep players whose professional development depends not just on skills but on physical and emotional maturation. The truth, however, is that the draft is far from a crapshoot, because the bulk of the game's U.S.- and Canadian-born stars were drafted very high, typically in the first 50 picks.

Take a look at the top position players and pitchers from 2010 when ranked by Fangraphs' Wins Above Replacement, a metric that estimates a player's total value to his team on all sides of the ball. This isn't meant to be a conclusive study, but a quick measure of relevance using the players who, last season, were the top performers in the game. It demonstrates clearly why you should be following the draft if you aren't already doing so.
[h5]Field players[/h5]
1. Josh Hamilton (8.0 fWAR): Top overall pick in 1999. While it didn't return any value for Tampa Bay because of Hamilton's off-field trouble, I think the fact that he could go three-plus years without facing live pitching, come back and hit at this level speaks to the fact that the Rays took the right player in terms of talent.

2. Joey Votto (7.4): Taken in the second round in 2002 with the 44th overall pick. Votto was a catcher in high school in Toronto, but everyone figured he'd have to move off the position, probably to first base, and the offensive standard for a high school first baseman is very high. (Yes, the Blue Jays had him at our predraft workout that year, but we didn't have him this high on our board.) I think if Votto had grown up in Southern California or Florida, he would have been drafted 10-15 picks higher because scouts would have had more looks at his bat, as with Eric Hosmer, a high school first baseman who went third overall in the 2008 draft.

3. Albert Pujols (7.3): The most famous 13th-round pick ever, 402nd overall, signing for $60,000. Every team now has a story about how it "almost" drafted him -- here's one about the Red Sox -- but the truth is that everyone saw Pujols (who played at the Area Code Games in high school) and had questions about the body, his actual age and the weak competition he faced as an amateur.

4. Ryan Zimmerman (7.2): Fourth overall pick in the loaded 2005 draft, and right now a better value than the three players (Justin Upton, Alex Gordon and Jeff Clement) taken ahead of him.

(No. 5 is Adrian Beltre.)

No. 6Jose Bautista was a 20th Round pick from Chipola Junior College. Almost goes without saying, Bautista's outlier performance in 2010 is the only year he's been on a list like this.

7. Evan Longoria (6.9): Third overall pick in 2006, after Luke Hochevar and Greg Reynolds. In general, the first college position player taken combines both probability and upside, which has certainly been true of Longoria, who was in the majors inside of 22 months after he was drafted.

8. Matt Holliday (6.9): A seventh-round pick in 1998, No. 210 overall, although that reflects Holliday's tough signability rather than his pure ability. Holliday went to high school in Stillwater and was committed to play baseball and football at Oklahoma State, signing for a bonus of $840,000 that was among the 50 biggest bonuses handed out in that draft. Prior to the 1998 draft, Baseball America had Holliday potentially looking for first-round money and noted that he was "a five-tool player with excellent power and arm strength."

9. Carl Crawford (6.9): First pick of the second round in 1999, No. 52 overall. I imagine a player with Crawford's tools would go higher today, with the increased emphasis on defense and positional value; he'd be seen as a surefire center fielder because of his speed, with the thought that he could learn center in time (something that turned out to be false in Crawford's case).

10. Troy Tulowitzki (6.4): The seventh overall pick in 2005; after Zimmerman went fourth, Ryan Braun and Ricky Romero came off the board before Colorado took Tulowitzki, who really should have gone third or sixth even if we don't use the benefit of hindsight. Tulo was on Team USA in the summer of 2004 with Gordon, Clement, Romero, Gordon, Cesar Ramos, Travis Buck, Trevor Crowe and freshman relievers Daniel Bard and Andrew Miller.

(Nos. 11 and 12 are Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera.)

13. Rickie Weeks (6.1): The second overall pick in 2003 after Delmon Young, and the first college position player taken. Weeks went that high as an up-the-middle player who was athletic and had (still has) plus-plus bat speed; he's battled injuries and strikeouts, but when healthy he's been extremely productive over the last two seasons.

14. Andres Torres (6.0): Torres' fWAR is an artifact of an unusually high defensive rating, but he was a fourth-round pick in 1998, No. 117 overall, because he could run.

In all, that's five first-rounders, two second-rounders and one player drafted late but paid like a sandwich pick. The next 10 drafted position players in fWAR include first-round or sandwich picks Kelly Johnson, Jay Bruce, Adrian Gonzalez (No. 1 overall in 2000), Chase Utley, Stephen Drew and Joe Mauer (No. 1 overall in 2002), plus second-rounder Brian McCann, for a total of 15 of the top 20 eligible players drafted in the top two rounds.
[h5]Pitchers[/h5]

1. Cliff Lee: Fourth-round pick in 2002 by Montreal out of the University of Arkansas.

2. Roy Halladay: The 17th overall pick in 1995, and the first of two picks in three years by Toronto to eventually win Cy Young Awards.

3. Justin Verlander: Second overall pick in 2004 who worked in the upper 90s as a junior at Old Dominion but didn't have great command.

4. Josh Johnson: Fourth-rounder in 2002 out of Jenks High School in Oklahoma. The 2002 draft was actually high school-heavy in the first round, with prep arms selected third, fourth and fifth overall, each of whom eventually blew their arms out. The prep arm taken sixth appears later on this list, and the first round also included high school arms Cole Hamels, Matt Cain and Scott Kazmir. Johnson wasn't as polished but had the projectability and a very sharp slider, and the Marlins have long shown a predilection for players from Oklahoma.

(Nos. 5 and 6 are Ubaldo Jimenez and Felix Hernandez.)

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Scott Halleran/AllsportJust another first-round pick -- Roy Halladay in 1998.

7. Adam Wainwright: First-rounder in 2000, 29th overall.

(8. Francisco Liriano)

9. Jered Weaver. First-round pick in 2004, 12th overall, in a year when he and Stephen Drew both fell on signability concerns (with the Padres taking Matt F. Bush first overall because they didn't want to pay up for either college player).

10. Jon Lester. A second-round pick in 2002, 57th overall, 13 picks after Votto, and the last prep pitcher the Red Sox would take in the first round until they ended up with Casey Kelly in 2008.

11. Zack Greinke. A bit controversial as the sixth overall pick in 2002, but I think his Cy Young Award and three-year run before he was dealt has more than justified the selection.

12. Tim Lincecum. Tenth overall in 2006, behind college starters Greg Reynolds and Brandon Morrow, although I'm guessing Colorado and Seattle are tired of having that pointed out to them by now.

13. CC Sabathia. Twentieth overall in 1998.

So seven of the top 10 drafted pitchers last year were first-rounders, along with a second-rounder and two fourth-round picks. The next 10 include first-rounders or sandwich picks Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Colby Lewis and David Price (No. 1 overall in 2007), plus second-rounders Yovani Gallardo and Dan Haren.

There is no question that every draft class will have its significant busts, even the loaded class we're seeing for this year's draft. There are plenty of ways a top draft prospect's career can find itself off the rails, from poor plate discipline to injuries to insoluble mechanical problems to lack of physical development. And yet with all of those risk factors, we still find that the vast majority of impact players who enter pro ball through the draft were selected in the top two rounds. (It holds true in earlier years as well; a quick look at the 2008 fWAR leaderboard, for example, has different names but also high picks like David Wright, Lance Berkman, Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran, Nick Markakis, Dustin Pedroia and Alex Rodriguez.)

If the draft was actually a "crapshoot," you wouldn't find this year-in, year-out concentration of talent at the top, but that just demonstrates that scouts are identifying the right players and that any serious fan of the game who wants to know about tomorrow's stars needs to pay attention to the draft as well.

More draft.

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College pitching is the strength of the 2011 draft class, but while there's little doubt which college arm stands out above the rest, there is some question as to which D-1 starter comes in right after UCLA's Gerrit Cole. Virginia's Danny Hultzen and Vanderbilt's Sonny Gray are among those candidates, and all three have impressed scouts in one way or another in recent outings, staking their own claim in the process.

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AP Photo/Andrew ShurtleffHe doesn't have big-time stuff, but Hultzen is dominating college hitters right now.

Hultzen struck out 12 in seven innings Friday night, sitting 89-93 MPH with his fastball and showing the occasional plus breaking ball and changeup. He twirls a curveball that is consistent, though often about average, but his stuff is playing up this season due to improved command and more consistent velocity -- he's steadily in the low 90s.

Hultzen stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at about 200 pounds. His delivery is simple without wasted movements and doesn't require a lot of effort, which helps him repeat his clean mechanics. He throws from a three-quarter arm slot, which can often contribute to difficulties keeping the ball down and turning over a consistent changeup. Now 4-0 with 1.05 ERA and a 62-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 34 1/3 innings, he has not had such issues.

"He's been very consistent in just about all aspects," said an area scout. "He's not blowing anybody away, but he's aggressive in the strike zone and has a feel for pitching that projects well in pro ball."

Hultzen has competition in Gray, who ranked at No. 5 in the initial Future 50 and has done little to dissuade the early ranking. Still, Gray's smallish frame creates an avenue for concern.

The right-hander, all 6-feet and 190 pounds of him, has been consistently in the 93-95 MPH range with his fastball, touching 97 in recent starts, and despite the occasional battles with control, is dominating. He whiffed 10 over 7 1/3 shutout innings Friday, walking four and yielding four hits. He's 5-0 on the season with a 46-13 K/BB ratio in five starts, but he's also thrown five wild pitches and hit four batters.

The wild stretches aren't necessarily a major worry, but combined with the long-term durability apprehension, Gray is unlikely to challenge Cole for the crown of top college arm. But the stuff is undeniable and Gray's reputation as a fierce competitor with diligent habits work in his favor.

Others that could enter the top 10 and could challenge to be the second college pitcher off the board include Connecticut's Matt Barnes (3-2, 1.24 ERA, 36 SO, 11 BB, 20 H, 36 1/3 IP), Georgia Tech's Jed Bradley (3-0, 1.44 ERA, 43 SO, 12 BB, 17 H, 31 1/3 IP) and Taylor Jungmann of Texas (5-0, 0.63 ERA, 35 SO, 4 BB, 23 H, 42 2/3 IP). TCU's Matt Purke, whom Keith Law scouted this past weekend, has the ability to make up some of the ground he's lost early this season and surpass the others.
[h3]How the top prospects fared[/h3]
• Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon had a solid weekend, collecting five hits -- three for extra bases, including his third home run of the season. He's still serving as the DH, but the bat has shown plenty of life.
• Cole's Saturday start was postponed due to rain and right-handed ended up going two innings Monday on a strict pitch count because he's still slated to go Friday at USC. Cole threw 24 pitches -- 17 for strikes -- and raced through his two frames with ease, allowing a hit and striking out three.

• Oregon's Tyler Anderson is doing his best impression of a first-round talent, logging double-digit strikeouts for the fourth straight start. Anderson went eight scoreless innings at San Diego, surrendering only two hits and a walk while fanning 11. For the year, Anderson has compiled 52 strikeouts and 14 walks in 37 1/3 innings of work. Opponents have managed just 19 hits off him -- only three by left-handed batters.

• Bethune-Cookman catcher Peter O'Brien had a three-hit weekend, including a long ball, but his season numbers remain pedestrian at .265/.344/.554. He does have six homers, but isn't making enough contact versus inferior competition to stand out as much as expected.

• Alonso High School (Fla.) right-hander Jose Fernandez, who has touched 98 MPH this season, went seven strong Saturday allowing one run while striking out 11. He's committed to South Florida, but could be a first day selection. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and has fanned 47 in 31 frames over five starts this season.

• Texas A&M's John Stilson, who profiles as a reliever in the eyes of many talent evaluators, struck out nine over seven strong, allowing an earned run on seven hits and two walks. Stilson may rank atop the draft class when it comes to late-inning relief options.

• Left-hander Nick Maronde of Florida struck out four of the six batters he faced to improve his K/BB ratio to 20-2 on the season. Maronde could be Stilson's main competition.

• Oregon State southpaw Josh Osich had his best outing of the season over the weekend, striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings. He surrendered two hits and an earned run and issued just one walk while sitting 88-92 MPH, touching 94, and showing some promise in the return of his breaking ball and changeup.

Rumors.

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http://[h3]Colon's job to lose?[/h3]
12:03PM ET

[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4007Freddy Garcia's struggles his last two times out are making the battle for the No. 5 spot a stressful time for the Yankees brass. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3602Bartolo Colon has been fine, but he took last year off and there are general concerns about his durability. But the right-hander was stellar Monday, striking out five Tampa Bay Rays in six innings.

Colon allowed just two hits and a run and seems to have taken a commanding lead in the competition. Both he and Garcia will have at least one more start before the Yankees have to make a decision.

It's believed that the Garcia would not be a good fit for, nor would he welcome, an assignment to the the bullpen or the minor leagues, so if Colon wins the competition, the Yankees are likely to let Garcia go.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Rhymes wins battle, what's next?[/h3]
11:57AM ET

[h5]Detroit Tigers [/h5]


Will Rhymes will open the season as the starting second baseman for the Detroit Tigers, tweets Jason Beck of MLB.com. The decision could have a trickle down effect on the rest of the roster, including a new role for a veteran.

Carlos Guillen could now be used as a utility player, available at second base, third base, first base and left field, and perhaps as an emergency shortstop. He could also DH some. Scott Sizemore is likely to head back to Triple-A, unless Guillen is not healthy when the season begins.

Rhymes' holds on the job at second may not be a strong one, as he didn't exactly light it up in Grapefruit League play, and Sizemore showed more pop. Second base could be a fluid position for the Tigers unless of the three establishes themselves offensively and defensively and never looks back.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Reimold back to the minors?[/h3]
10:56AM ET

[h5]Nolan Reimold | Orioles [/h5]


Nolan Reimold has outplayed Felix Pie in the battle for the fourth outfielder's spot in Baltimore, but it might not be enough to earn a roster spot.

In his analysis of the Orioles' roster, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun notes that Reimold has minor league options and his development might be better served playing every day at Triple-A Norfolk.

Reimold hit .270 with 15 homers as a rookie in 2009, but took a step backward last season, spending a bulk of the year in the minors and hitting .207 in 116 big league at-bats.

Reimold's status might change, however, if Derrek Lee is forced to begin the season on the disabled list.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Schierholtz on the block?[/h3]
10:36AM ET

[h5]Nate Schierholtz | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants are still debating whether to award their first base job to prized prospect Brandon Belt, a decision that will have a ripple effect throughout the roster.

The Giants also are having all sorts of trouble trading Aaron Rowand and the $24 million left on his contract, so a roster spot could come down to Nate Schierholtz or Travis Ishikawa, both of whom are out of options.

Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News that it would be easier for the Giants to trade Schierholtz than Ishikawa and that a deal could happen soon.

Schierholtz hit just .242 in 277 at-bats last season, but saw his OBP rise from .302 to .311.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Dominguez losing grip on 3B job[/h3]
10:19AM ET

[h5]Florida Marlins [/h5]


The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/fla/florida-marlinsFlorida Marlins are giving Matt Dominguez every chance to be their Opening Day third baseman. That planned looked fine through the first few week of Grapefruit League, but a prolonged slump may change things.

Dominguez is in a 1-for-23 slide that dropped his average to .175. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald says if the 21-year-old prospect doesn?t recover quickly, the Marlins will be forced to consider other options at third base, including trades.

One internal option would be to move Omar Infante to third base and insert Emilio Bonifacio at second.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Moreland is first in Texas[/h3]
9:57AM ET

[h5]Mitch Moreland | Rangers [/h5]


The sizzling bat of Chris Davis apparently won't keep Mitch Moreland from taking over as the first baseman in Texas.

Davis has been the Opening Day starter in Texas each of the last two seasons, but has seen his batting average plummet each of the last two years, settling below the Mendoza Line at .192 last season.

Davis may have advanced his value by hitting over .400 this spring, but Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram reports that Moreland, who is hitting .373, has done everything asked of him and remains at the top of the depth chart.

Michael Young and Mike Napoli also may see some time at first base, but Moreland is expected to get the bulk of the at-bats. If Davis continues to wield a hot bat, that gives the Rangers an additional bargaining chip.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Peavy out until end of April?[/h3]
9:40AM ET

[h5]Jake Peavy | White Sox [/h5]


The remarkably quick recovery of Jake Peavy from shoulder surgery hit a speed bump Sunday when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen decided to shut down the right-hander following an 83-pitch outing a day earlier.

Peavy has been pitching through shoulder soreness that he discounted as nothing serious, but the latest setback has changed things Guillen told the Chicago Tribune that Peavy might not return until the end of April. The White Sox also will call the shot when Peavy returns, not the pitcher himself.

Peavy will not pitch in his next scheduled spring start against the Chicago Cubs and will be replaced by Philip Humber. Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com says Humber could lock up the fifth spot in the rotation with a solid outing.

An early off day could allow Guillen to go without a fifth starter until April 10.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Little interest in Rowand[/h3]
9:31AM ET

[h5]Aaron Rowand | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants would love to find a new home for Aaron Rowand and the $24 million left on his contract, but the club is drawing little or no interest for the center fielder, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reported last week.

Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News reports Tuesday that when Texas contacted the Giants to gauge interest in Michael Young, the Rangers told them: "Don't even bother bringing up Rowand's name."

The Giants are debating whether to take top prospect Brandon Belt with them to San Francisco and one of the casualties could be Rowand, who hit a mere .230 last season. Unless a position player starts the year on the disabled list, Schulman says Belt, Rowand, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa need to fit into two roster slots.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pitching issues in Milwaukee[/h3]
9:17AM ET

[h5]Milwaukee Brewers [/h5]


The Milwaukee Brewers insist they plan to fill a temporary opening in their rotation from within, but that won't stop GM Doug Melvin from keeping a close eye on the waiver wire.

Zack Greinke is expected to miss at least one start with a cracked rib and the leading candidate to replace him is prospect Mark Rogers, who has shoulder issues of his own.

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy says a key issue is the stiff shoulder of Shaun Marcum. If Marcum is forced to miss a start, that could force the Brewers to more actively pursue outside help.

McCalvy reports the Brewers are not interested in left-hander Doug Davis, who threw for scouts on Monday, or in Oliver Perez, who was released by the Mets.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tomlin takes the fifth in Cleveland[/h3]
8:59AM ET

[h5]Cleveland Indians [/h5]


Josh Tomlin has all but officially wrapped up the fifth spot in the Cleveland Indians' rotation, reports Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer.

Manager Manny Acta is expected to reveal his rotation at the end of the week. Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson, Carlos Carrasco and Mitch Talbot own four of the five spots. The addition of Tomlin, whose Cactus League start on Monday was rained out, gives the Tribe five right-handed starters.

Tomlin was 6-4 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts last season.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Braves look to unload Kawakami[/h3]
8:47AM ET

[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]


The Atlanta Braves have yet to decided on a fifth starter, but the winner of the sweepstakes will be Brandon Beachy or Mike Minor and not Kenshin Kawakami.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports the Braves are still hoping that they can trade Kawakami and find a team willing to pay a "respectable portion" of the $6.77 million he is owed this year.

That may be wishful thinking given Kawakami's 1-10 record with a 5.15 ERA in 2010. Finding a trading partner is the easier part, getting another team to pay is something else entirely.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Who plays CF in D.C.?[/h3]
8:31AM ET

[h5]Washington Nationals [/h5]


With 10 days remaining until Opening Day, the center field job in Washington remains there for the taking.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports the Nationals are committed to starting Jerry Hairston against left-handed starting pitchers, but the certainty ends there. The three primary candidates - Roger Bernadina, Nyjer Morgan and Rick Ankiel - have all "had and fumbled chances to claim the position for themselves."

Morgan fell behind the pack with a terrible start to spring training, but Morgan says the veteran has looked better of late and has played himself back into the mix. As for Ankiel, he has hit three homers and impressed manager Jim Riggleman with this defense

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rounding out the Twins' bullpen[/h3]
7:55AM ET

[h5]Minnesota Twins [/h5]


Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had to revamp his bullpen this spring due to a string of free agent departures. Minnesota is expected to take seven relievers north next week, and three of the spots remain up for grabs, reports Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press.

The guaranteed spots are for Joe Nathan, Matt Capps, Jose Mijares and either Kevin Slowey or Scott Baker (the loser of the rotation battle goes to the bullpen).

The likeliest candidates for the remaining three spots are left-handers Dusty Hughes, Glen Perkins and Scott Diamond, and right-handers Jim Hoey, Jeff Manship and Carlos Gutierrez.

Smith adds that Perkins has a good chance to make the club since he is out of options.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Room for Branyan now?[/h3]
7:40AM ET

[h5]Arizona Diamondbacks [/h5]


The Arizona Diamondbacks have outrighted Jon Hester to Reno, which could allow the club to add a player such as Russell Branyan or Mike Hampton, tweets Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

Piecoro notes that Hampton is less likely, but Branyan has been in a battle with Juan Miranda and Brandon Allen for the job at first base. If Branyan and Allen or Miranda make the club, a time share of sorts is clearly in order.

Allen could also be used in the outfield on occasion, but he appears headed back to Triple-A as his competition has outplayed him this spring.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Enright leads in rotation race[/h3]
7:39AM ET

[h5]Barry Enright | Diamondbacks [/h5]


Barry Enright may have faded down the stretch in 2010, but a solid spring may have strengthened his claim to a spot in the Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic reports Enright appears to have moved ahead of Armando Galarraga and Aaron Heilman for one of the two remaining spots. Enright, who lost his final five outings in September, has a 2.65 ERA after five appearances this spring - by far the best among any other starter on Arizona's staff.

Zach Duke also is in the rotation mix, but is out until May with broken bones in his hand.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]More leadoff at-bats for Zobrist?[/h3]
7:18AM ET

[h5]Ben Zobrist | Rays [/h5]


Rays right fielder Ben Zobrist may be getting more at-bats atop the order.

Zobrist already is expected to be the main leadoff hitter against right-handers. Manager Joe Maddon tells Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times he might also consider using the switch-hitter in the top spot against lefties.

Maddon adds that he still likes B.J. Upton in that role for now. Zobrist is a .268 career hitter against lefties as opposed to a .245 mark against righties.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Who would play for Blake?[/h3]
7:01AM ET

[h5]Casey Blake | Dodgers [/h5]


Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has plans to periodically rest http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4149Casey Blake in hopes that the third baseman, who hit just .248 last season, doesn't wear down, but the skipper acknowledged this week that Blake could start the year on the disabled list, and ESPNLosAngeles.com's Tony Jackson wrote Monday that the possibility has turned to "likely."

An updated medical report Tuesday said Blake's rib injury was tied to spinal inflammation and gave no timetable for his return.

The Dodgers appear to have two choices without Blake being available. Use Juan Uribe at second base and Jamey Carroll and third, or vice versa. Veterans Aaron Miles or Juan Castro could make the initial roster if Blaje is placed on the DL.

 

[proshares]

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Gio Gonzalez is "the fakest Latin guy on the planet," teammate Dallas Braden jokes, because Gonzalez doesn't seem to like Latin food. But sometimes Braden will take him to get Mexican food, or Cuban fare, and the two will talk baseball. Pitch selection, game situations, pre-start preparation, pitch grips; everything is on the table.

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Jake Roth/US PresswireGonzalez now has an arsenal, as opposed to a couple good pitches.

This isn't always the case when baseball professionals get together. The Phillies' starting pitchers say they almost never talk baseball. "That's because they've figured it out," said Braden, respectfully. "And we're still trying to figure it out."

But in the eyes of teammates, like Braden, Gonzalez is close to climbing to that elite level of pitchers, after his strong second half last season, and after he started to ask a lot of questions and absorb the answers. "His mental capacity has really grown," said Braden. "He's ready to Nuke LaLoosh them, and announce his presence with authority."

After Gonzalez rejoined the Athletics after a stint in the minors in 2009, he approached Braden. "Please help me stay here," Gonzalez said. "I don't want to be sent down."

From Braden's perspective, the timing of the earnest plea was a heck of a coincidence, because Braden had intended to approach Gonzalez -- at the request of others in the organization -- and really push him. Instead, Gonzalez had become a willing student, talking with Braden about his mental approach, about how he limited damage within innings.

In the past, Braden would watch Gonzalez throw in a start and would see how a ball one first-pitch to a hitter would slowly but relentlessly snowball on him. A walk, a hit, then a big hit. Gonzalez spoke to Braden about focusing pitch to pitch, about pitching to contact down in the strike zone in an effort to get a ground ball.

The lessons began to take hold within Gonzalez, particularly in the second half of last year when he posted a 2.59 ERA in 15 starts, with an 8-3 record. In Gonzalez's first appearance this spring, he came out blazing. "A 95 mph fastball, and an 82 mph hammer," Braden raved, referencing Gonzalez's great curveball. "Who comes out and throws like that?"

Gonzalez has been diligently learning how to use a changeup, a pitch that could be very effective against right-handed hitters, and Braden has seen progress. Gonzalez is probably the least-known among Oakland's front four starters, because Brett Anderson had a strong 2009, Braden threw a perfect game last year, and Trevor Cahill was so good in 2010.

"But you know what?" Braden said. "We all know that Gio has the chance to be the best [of the starters]."

Gonzalez is teased by teammates for the shape of his body -- the strong legs and backside. "His hourglass figure," Braden said, laughing.

But Braden watches Gonzalez pitch and does not hesitate in drawing a comparison with another left-hander who had some success. "Steve Carlton," said Braden. "You talk about an unhittable breaking ball, and the ability to run a fastball up there in the mid-90s," said Braden. "He's got that kind of stuff."

None of it could have manifested, though, if Gonzalez hadn't opened his mind and listened to the advice that others had for him.

---

Oakland's rainout on Monday might mean that Gonzalez won't get the ball on Opening Day, writes Susan Slusser; instead, Brett Anderson could be the Opening Day starter.

The Athletics haven't announced any decisions, but Brandon McCarthy is expected to be Oakland's No. 5 starter; he has pitched very effectively, not allowing a single walk in 20.2 innings, with 14 strikeouts and a 3.05 ERA.
[h3]Notables[/h3]

• The Giants are encouraged by how much progress closer Brian Wilson has made in his recovery from a strained oblique, writes Henry Schulman.

• The White Sox could be thinking about the end of April for Jake Peavy, writes Mark Gonzales. Phil Humber hopes to step into Peavy's spot in the rotation.

• Johnny Cueto will start the year on the DL, because of shoulder soreness. From John Fay's piece: "The rotation will be Edinson Volquez, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo, Travis Wood and Mike Leake. Right now, it looks as if they'll go in that order since Arroyo had to scratch Monday's start with the flu."

• As good as Chris Davis has been this spring, hitting over .400, Mitch Moreland is not letting his chance to be the primary first baseman for Texas slip away, writes Jeff Wilson. Nolan Ryan loves how Moreland plays.

• Kyle Drabek had a great outing on Monday.

• The Yankees haven't announced any final decisions, but Ivan Nova is expected to be their No. 4 starter. They have other choices to make:

A) Should they keep Freddy Garcia in the rotation and use Bartolo Colon out of the bullpen, and trade Sergio Mitre? (Colon threw six strong innings at the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday).
B) Should they use Colon as the No. 5 starter, keep Mitre as the swingman and cut Garcia?
C) Should they keep Garcia and Mitre and cut Colon?

The guess here is that Garcia will get the No. 5 spot.

• Had a talk last night with Boston pitching coach Curt Young about Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Young mentioned how he thinks that Matsuzaka has become devoted to the idea of becoming more efficiently. "He knows that if his pitch count is high, then he's not going to be in the game for very long," said Young, who thinks that Matsuzaka has taken a more aggressive approach in the way he's attacked the strike zone in his recent outings.
[h3]Evaluator observations[/h3]
1. One evaluator loves the work he has seen out of Prince Fielder this spring, saying that Fielder is playing very hard and hustling.
2. A rival evaluator stationed in Arizona thinks that the worst team he has seen this spring is the Diamondbacks. "They just don't have a lot [of talent] over there," he said.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Luis Castillo is going to play for the Phillies over the next 10 days, and then they'll make a decision about whether to keep him.
From Matt Gelb's story, in reference to Chase Utley:

• The deal underscores the continued concern about Utley, who has not displayed any discernible progress since leaving camp to meet with an undisclosed rehab specialist last week. Amaro said Utley's progress remains "status quo."
  "We have been concerned," Amaro said. "We haven't made any bones about that."

2. The Mets cut Oliver Perez. They are now officially out of scapegoats, writes Filip Bondy.

3. The Pirates cut Garrett Atkins.

4. The Braves would still like to trade Kenshin Kawakami, writes Carroll Rogers.

5. The Tigers will skip Phil Coke in the rotation in the first turn, writes John Lowe.

6. Matt Carpenter was among the players cut by the Cardinals.

7. Luke Hochevar is lined up as the No. 1 starter for the Royals.

8. The Cubs will work through roster questions today, writes Gordon Wittenmyer.

9. The Cleveland Indians' rotation is almost set.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. Bryce Harper sprained his ankle, but is OK. It speaks a lot to the interest in him that within an hour after he got hurt, the Internet was buzzing with questions/speculation about his condition.
2. Scott Olsen has a hamstring problem that will keep him out at the outset of the season.

3. Matt Joyce is dealing with some back tightness.

4. Jason Isringhausen has some elbow pain.

5. The Rockies are mapping out a schedule for Todd Helton in their effort to keep him healthy, writes Troy Renck.

6. Justin Upton is OK and ready to go. Within the same notebook, there is word that J.J. Putz has made progress as he recovers from back tightness.

7. The Royals aren't sure what will happen with Jason Kendall, who is recovering.

8. Joe Mauer and Delmon Young appear ready to go, writes Joe Christensen.

9. Michael Cuddyer will return to the Twins' lineup on Wednesday, writes Kelsie Smith.

10. Joel Pineiro says he's feeling better.

11. Looks like Casey Blake will start the year on the disabled list.
[h3]The Battle for Jobs[/h3]
1. Matt Dominguez has been stuck in a slump. It sounds like Florida's Plan B is to play Emilio Bonifacio at second and shift Omar Infante to third base.
2. An 11-year veteran of the minors is getting a chance to make the Marlins.

3. Scott Proctor had a good day, as he tries to win a job with the Braves.

4. Nelson Figueroa will be the No. 5 starter for the Astros, writes Zachary Levine.

5. Dan Connolly sifts through the Orioles' last roster decisions.

6. Barry Enright will be part of the Arizona rotation.

7. The Indians have spots in the bullpen available, writes Paul Hoynes.

8. Kyle Waldrop could win a job in the Twins' rotation.

9. Michael Pineda continues to help his case to be part of the Seattle rotation, writes Geoff Baker.
[h3]Monday's games[/h3]
1. The Cardinals and Nationals had a dustup that stemmed from a play involving Nyjer Morgan last summer. This was typical stuff for the Cardinals, says Adam LaRoche.
2. Jeremy Hellickson was The Man against the Yankees, over four innings.

3. Jon Lester pitched against Roy Halladay on Monday and had high praise for the right-hander.

Watched a lot of the Phillies-Boston game on Monday, and Halladay looks like he's already in midseason form -- great movement, great command, total dominance against hitters, who could not square up the ball. Jed Lowrie loved the challenge of hitting against him, writes Michael Silverman.

4. Mat Latos had a rough start for the Padres, but there was a good sign in the game, writes Bill Center -- Latos managed to keep his composure, which has been a problem.

Draft stuff.

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We often hear that the MLB Rule 4 draft is "a crapshoot" because so many high picks turn out to be busts, even some players drafted first overall. I've occasionally propagated this idea, especially when talking about high-variance prep players whose professional development depends not just on skills but on physical and emotional maturation. The truth, however, is that the draft is far from a crapshoot, because the bulk of the game's U.S.- and Canadian-born stars were drafted very high, typically in the first 50 picks.

Take a look at the top position players and pitchers from 2010 when ranked by Fangraphs' Wins Above Replacement, a metric that estimates a player's total value to his team on all sides of the ball. This isn't meant to be a conclusive study, but a quick measure of relevance using the players who, last season, were the top performers in the game. It demonstrates clearly why you should be following the draft if you aren't already doing so.
[h5]Field players[/h5]
1. Josh Hamilton (8.0 fWAR): Top overall pick in 1999. While it didn't return any value for Tampa Bay because of Hamilton's off-field trouble, I think the fact that he could go three-plus years without facing live pitching, come back and hit at this level speaks to the fact that the Rays took the right player in terms of talent.

2. Joey Votto (7.4): Taken in the second round in 2002 with the 44th overall pick. Votto was a catcher in high school in Toronto, but everyone figured he'd have to move off the position, probably to first base, and the offensive standard for a high school first baseman is very high. (Yes, the Blue Jays had him at our predraft workout that year, but we didn't have him this high on our board.) I think if Votto had grown up in Southern California or Florida, he would have been drafted 10-15 picks higher because scouts would have had more looks at his bat, as with Eric Hosmer, a high school first baseman who went third overall in the 2008 draft.

3. Albert Pujols (7.3): The most famous 13th-round pick ever, 402nd overall, signing for $60,000. Every team now has a story about how it "almost" drafted him -- here's one about the Red Sox -- but the truth is that everyone saw Pujols (who played at the Area Code Games in high school) and had questions about the body, his actual age and the weak competition he faced as an amateur.

4. Ryan Zimmerman (7.2): Fourth overall pick in the loaded 2005 draft, and right now a better value than the three players (Justin Upton, Alex Gordon and Jeff Clement) taken ahead of him.

(No. 5 is Adrian Beltre.)

No. 6Jose Bautista was a 20th Round pick from Chipola Junior College. Almost goes without saying, Bautista's outlier performance in 2010 is the only year he's been on a list like this.

7. Evan Longoria (6.9): Third overall pick in 2006, after Luke Hochevar and Greg Reynolds. In general, the first college position player taken combines both probability and upside, which has certainly been true of Longoria, who was in the majors inside of 22 months after he was drafted.

8. Matt Holliday (6.9): A seventh-round pick in 1998, No. 210 overall, although that reflects Holliday's tough signability rather than his pure ability. Holliday went to high school in Stillwater and was committed to play baseball and football at Oklahoma State, signing for a bonus of $840,000 that was among the 50 biggest bonuses handed out in that draft. Prior to the 1998 draft, Baseball America had Holliday potentially looking for first-round money and noted that he was "a five-tool player with excellent power and arm strength."

9. Carl Crawford (6.9): First pick of the second round in 1999, No. 52 overall. I imagine a player with Crawford's tools would go higher today, with the increased emphasis on defense and positional value; he'd be seen as a surefire center fielder because of his speed, with the thought that he could learn center in time (something that turned out to be false in Crawford's case).

10. Troy Tulowitzki (6.4): The seventh overall pick in 2005; after Zimmerman went fourth, Ryan Braun and Ricky Romero came off the board before Colorado took Tulowitzki, who really should have gone third or sixth even if we don't use the benefit of hindsight. Tulo was on Team USA in the summer of 2004 with Gordon, Clement, Romero, Gordon, Cesar Ramos, Travis Buck, Trevor Crowe and freshman relievers Daniel Bard and Andrew Miller.

(Nos. 11 and 12 are Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera.)

13. Rickie Weeks (6.1): The second overall pick in 2003 after Delmon Young, and the first college position player taken. Weeks went that high as an up-the-middle player who was athletic and had (still has) plus-plus bat speed; he's battled injuries and strikeouts, but when healthy he's been extremely productive over the last two seasons.

14. Andres Torres (6.0): Torres' fWAR is an artifact of an unusually high defensive rating, but he was a fourth-round pick in 1998, No. 117 overall, because he could run.

In all, that's five first-rounders, two second-rounders and one player drafted late but paid like a sandwich pick. The next 10 drafted position players in fWAR include first-round or sandwich picks Kelly Johnson, Jay Bruce, Adrian Gonzalez (No. 1 overall in 2000), Chase Utley, Stephen Drew and Joe Mauer (No. 1 overall in 2002), plus second-rounder Brian McCann, for a total of 15 of the top 20 eligible players drafted in the top two rounds.
[h5]Pitchers[/h5]

1. Cliff Lee: Fourth-round pick in 2002 by Montreal out of the University of Arkansas.

2. Roy Halladay: The 17th overall pick in 1995, and the first of two picks in three years by Toronto to eventually win Cy Young Awards.

3. Justin Verlander: Second overall pick in 2004 who worked in the upper 90s as a junior at Old Dominion but didn't have great command.

4. Josh Johnson: Fourth-rounder in 2002 out of Jenks High School in Oklahoma. The 2002 draft was actually high school-heavy in the first round, with prep arms selected third, fourth and fifth overall, each of whom eventually blew their arms out. The prep arm taken sixth appears later on this list, and the first round also included high school arms Cole Hamels, Matt Cain and Scott Kazmir. Johnson wasn't as polished but had the projectability and a very sharp slider, and the Marlins have long shown a predilection for players from Oklahoma.

(Nos. 5 and 6 are Ubaldo Jimenez and Felix Hernandez.)

http:///sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=6244520&story=6245963">http://sports.espn.go.com...244520&...idth=440,height=750,scrollbars=no,noresize'); return false;" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=law_keith&id=6245963#">[+] Enlarge

Scott Halleran/AllsportJust another first-round pick -- Roy Halladay in 1998.

7. Adam Wainwright: First-rounder in 2000, 29th overall.

(8. Francisco Liriano)

9. Jered Weaver. First-round pick in 2004, 12th overall, in a year when he and Stephen Drew both fell on signability concerns (with the Padres taking Matt F. Bush first overall because they didn't want to pay up for either college player).

10. Jon Lester. A second-round pick in 2002, 57th overall, 13 picks after Votto, and the last prep pitcher the Red Sox would take in the first round until they ended up with Casey Kelly in 2008.

11. Zack Greinke. A bit controversial as the sixth overall pick in 2002, but I think his Cy Young Award and three-year run before he was dealt has more than justified the selection.

12. Tim Lincecum. Tenth overall in 2006, behind college starters Greg Reynolds and Brandon Morrow, although I'm guessing Colorado and Seattle are tired of having that pointed out to them by now.

13. CC Sabathia. Twentieth overall in 1998.

So seven of the top 10 drafted pitchers last year were first-rounders, along with a second-rounder and two fourth-round picks. The next 10 include first-rounders or sandwich picks Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Colby Lewis and David Price (No. 1 overall in 2007), plus second-rounders Yovani Gallardo and Dan Haren.

There is no question that every draft class will have its significant busts, even the loaded class we're seeing for this year's draft. There are plenty of ways a top draft prospect's career can find itself off the rails, from poor plate discipline to injuries to insoluble mechanical problems to lack of physical development. And yet with all of those risk factors, we still find that the vast majority of impact players who enter pro ball through the draft were selected in the top two rounds. (It holds true in earlier years as well; a quick look at the 2008 fWAR leaderboard, for example, has different names but also high picks like David Wright, Lance Berkman, Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran, Nick Markakis, Dustin Pedroia and Alex Rodriguez.)

If the draft was actually a "crapshoot," you wouldn't find this year-in, year-out concentration of talent at the top, but that just demonstrates that scouts are identifying the right players and that any serious fan of the game who wants to know about tomorrow's stars needs to pay attention to the draft as well.

More draft.

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College pitching is the strength of the 2011 draft class, but while there's little doubt which college arm stands out above the rest, there is some question as to which D-1 starter comes in right after UCLA's Gerrit Cole. Virginia's Danny Hultzen and Vanderbilt's Sonny Gray are among those candidates, and all three have impressed scouts in one way or another in recent outings, staking their own claim in the process.

http:///sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=6246201&story=6246056">http://sports.espn.go.com...246201&...idth=640,height=550,scrollbars=no,noresize'); return false;" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=mlb_draft&id=6246056#">[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Andrew ShurtleffHe doesn't have big-time stuff, but Hultzen is dominating college hitters right now.

Hultzen struck out 12 in seven innings Friday night, sitting 89-93 MPH with his fastball and showing the occasional plus breaking ball and changeup. He twirls a curveball that is consistent, though often about average, but his stuff is playing up this season due to improved command and more consistent velocity -- he's steadily in the low 90s.

Hultzen stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at about 200 pounds. His delivery is simple without wasted movements and doesn't require a lot of effort, which helps him repeat his clean mechanics. He throws from a three-quarter arm slot, which can often contribute to difficulties keeping the ball down and turning over a consistent changeup. Now 4-0 with 1.05 ERA and a 62-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 34 1/3 innings, he has not had such issues.

"He's been very consistent in just about all aspects," said an area scout. "He's not blowing anybody away, but he's aggressive in the strike zone and has a feel for pitching that projects well in pro ball."

Hultzen has competition in Gray, who ranked at No. 5 in the initial Future 50 and has done little to dissuade the early ranking. Still, Gray's smallish frame creates an avenue for concern.

The right-hander, all 6-feet and 190 pounds of him, has been consistently in the 93-95 MPH range with his fastball, touching 97 in recent starts, and despite the occasional battles with control, is dominating. He whiffed 10 over 7 1/3 shutout innings Friday, walking four and yielding four hits. He's 5-0 on the season with a 46-13 K/BB ratio in five starts, but he's also thrown five wild pitches and hit four batters.

The wild stretches aren't necessarily a major worry, but combined with the long-term durability apprehension, Gray is unlikely to challenge Cole for the crown of top college arm. But the stuff is undeniable and Gray's reputation as a fierce competitor with diligent habits work in his favor.

Others that could enter the top 10 and could challenge to be the second college pitcher off the board include Connecticut's Matt Barnes (3-2, 1.24 ERA, 36 SO, 11 BB, 20 H, 36 1/3 IP), Georgia Tech's Jed Bradley (3-0, 1.44 ERA, 43 SO, 12 BB, 17 H, 31 1/3 IP) and Taylor Jungmann of Texas (5-0, 0.63 ERA, 35 SO, 4 BB, 23 H, 42 2/3 IP). TCU's Matt Purke, whom Keith Law scouted this past weekend, has the ability to make up some of the ground he's lost early this season and surpass the others.
[h3]How the top prospects fared[/h3]
• Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon had a solid weekend, collecting five hits -- three for extra bases, including his third home run of the season. He's still serving as the DH, but the bat has shown plenty of life.
• Cole's Saturday start was postponed due to rain and right-handed ended up going two innings Monday on a strict pitch count because he's still slated to go Friday at USC. Cole threw 24 pitches -- 17 for strikes -- and raced through his two frames with ease, allowing a hit and striking out three.

• Oregon's Tyler Anderson is doing his best impression of a first-round talent, logging double-digit strikeouts for the fourth straight start. Anderson went eight scoreless innings at San Diego, surrendering only two hits and a walk while fanning 11. For the year, Anderson has compiled 52 strikeouts and 14 walks in 37 1/3 innings of work. Opponents have managed just 19 hits off him -- only three by left-handed batters.

• Bethune-Cookman catcher Peter O'Brien had a three-hit weekend, including a long ball, but his season numbers remain pedestrian at .265/.344/.554. He does have six homers, but isn't making enough contact versus inferior competition to stand out as much as expected.

• Alonso High School (Fla.) right-hander Jose Fernandez, who has touched 98 MPH this season, went seven strong Saturday allowing one run while striking out 11. He's committed to South Florida, but could be a first day selection. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and has fanned 47 in 31 frames over five starts this season.

• Texas A&M's John Stilson, who profiles as a reliever in the eyes of many talent evaluators, struck out nine over seven strong, allowing an earned run on seven hits and two walks. Stilson may rank atop the draft class when it comes to late-inning relief options.

• Left-hander Nick Maronde of Florida struck out four of the six batters he faced to improve his K/BB ratio to 20-2 on the season. Maronde could be Stilson's main competition.

• Oregon State southpaw Josh Osich had his best outing of the season over the weekend, striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings. He surrendered two hits and an earned run and issued just one walk while sitting 88-92 MPH, touching 94, and showing some promise in the return of his breaking ball and changeup.

Rumors.

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http://[h3]Colon's job to lose?[/h3]
12:03PM ET

[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4007Freddy Garcia's struggles his last two times out are making the battle for the No. 5 spot a stressful time for the Yankees brass. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3602Bartolo Colon has been fine, but he took last year off and there are general concerns about his durability. But the right-hander was stellar Monday, striking out five Tampa Bay Rays in six innings.

Colon allowed just two hits and a run and seems to have taken a commanding lead in the competition. Both he and Garcia will have at least one more start before the Yankees have to make a decision.

It's believed that the Garcia would not be a good fit for, nor would he welcome, an assignment to the the bullpen or the minor leagues, so if Colon wins the competition, the Yankees are likely to let Garcia go.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Rhymes wins battle, what's next?[/h3]
11:57AM ET

[h5]Detroit Tigers [/h5]


Will Rhymes will open the season as the starting second baseman for the Detroit Tigers, tweets Jason Beck of MLB.com. The decision could have a trickle down effect on the rest of the roster, including a new role for a veteran.

Carlos Guillen could now be used as a utility player, available at second base, third base, first base and left field, and perhaps as an emergency shortstop. He could also DH some. Scott Sizemore is likely to head back to Triple-A, unless Guillen is not healthy when the season begins.

Rhymes' holds on the job at second may not be a strong one, as he didn't exactly light it up in Grapefruit League play, and Sizemore showed more pop. Second base could be a fluid position for the Tigers unless of the three establishes themselves offensively and defensively and never looks back.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Reimold back to the minors?[/h3]
10:56AM ET

[h5]Nolan Reimold | Orioles [/h5]


Nolan Reimold has outplayed Felix Pie in the battle for the fourth outfielder's spot in Baltimore, but it might not be enough to earn a roster spot.

In his analysis of the Orioles' roster, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun notes that Reimold has minor league options and his development might be better served playing every day at Triple-A Norfolk.

Reimold hit .270 with 15 homers as a rookie in 2009, but took a step backward last season, spending a bulk of the year in the minors and hitting .207 in 116 big league at-bats.

Reimold's status might change, however, if Derrek Lee is forced to begin the season on the disabled list.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Schierholtz on the block?[/h3]
10:36AM ET

[h5]Nate Schierholtz | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants are still debating whether to award their first base job to prized prospect Brandon Belt, a decision that will have a ripple effect throughout the roster.

The Giants also are having all sorts of trouble trading Aaron Rowand and the $24 million left on his contract, so a roster spot could come down to Nate Schierholtz or Travis Ishikawa, both of whom are out of options.

Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News that it would be easier for the Giants to trade Schierholtz than Ishikawa and that a deal could happen soon.

Schierholtz hit just .242 in 277 at-bats last season, but saw his OBP rise from .302 to .311.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Dominguez losing grip on 3B job[/h3]
10:19AM ET

[h5]Florida Marlins [/h5]


The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/fla/florida-marlinsFlorida Marlins are giving Matt Dominguez every chance to be their Opening Day third baseman. That planned looked fine through the first few week of Grapefruit League, but a prolonged slump may change things.

Dominguez is in a 1-for-23 slide that dropped his average to .175. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald says if the 21-year-old prospect doesn?t recover quickly, the Marlins will be forced to consider other options at third base, including trades.

One internal option would be to move Omar Infante to third base and insert Emilio Bonifacio at second.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Moreland is first in Texas[/h3]
9:57AM ET

[h5]Mitch Moreland | Rangers [/h5]


The sizzling bat of Chris Davis apparently won't keep Mitch Moreland from taking over as the first baseman in Texas.

Davis has been the Opening Day starter in Texas each of the last two seasons, but has seen his batting average plummet each of the last two years, settling below the Mendoza Line at .192 last season.

Davis may have advanced his value by hitting over .400 this spring, but Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram reports that Moreland, who is hitting .373, has done everything asked of him and remains at the top of the depth chart.

Michael Young and Mike Napoli also may see some time at first base, but Moreland is expected to get the bulk of the at-bats. If Davis continues to wield a hot bat, that gives the Rangers an additional bargaining chip.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Peavy out until end of April?[/h3]
9:40AM ET

[h5]Jake Peavy | White Sox [/h5]


The remarkably quick recovery of Jake Peavy from shoulder surgery hit a speed bump Sunday when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen decided to shut down the right-hander following an 83-pitch outing a day earlier.

Peavy has been pitching through shoulder soreness that he discounted as nothing serious, but the latest setback has changed things Guillen told the Chicago Tribune that Peavy might not return until the end of April. The White Sox also will call the shot when Peavy returns, not the pitcher himself.

Peavy will not pitch in his next scheduled spring start against the Chicago Cubs and will be replaced by Philip Humber. Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com says Humber could lock up the fifth spot in the rotation with a solid outing.

An early off day could allow Guillen to go without a fifth starter until April 10.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Little interest in Rowand[/h3]
9:31AM ET

[h5]Aaron Rowand | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants would love to find a new home for Aaron Rowand and the $24 million left on his contract, but the club is drawing little or no interest for the center fielder, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reported last week.

Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News reports Tuesday that when Texas contacted the Giants to gauge interest in Michael Young, the Rangers told them: "Don't even bother bringing up Rowand's name."

The Giants are debating whether to take top prospect Brandon Belt with them to San Francisco and one of the casualties could be Rowand, who hit a mere .230 last season. Unless a position player starts the year on the disabled list, Schulman says Belt, Rowand, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa need to fit into two roster slots.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pitching issues in Milwaukee[/h3]
9:17AM ET

[h5]Milwaukee Brewers [/h5]


The Milwaukee Brewers insist they plan to fill a temporary opening in their rotation from within, but that won't stop GM Doug Melvin from keeping a close eye on the waiver wire.

Zack Greinke is expected to miss at least one start with a cracked rib and the leading candidate to replace him is prospect Mark Rogers, who has shoulder issues of his own.

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy says a key issue is the stiff shoulder of Shaun Marcum. If Marcum is forced to miss a start, that could force the Brewers to more actively pursue outside help.

McCalvy reports the Brewers are not interested in left-hander Doug Davis, who threw for scouts on Monday, or in Oliver Perez, who was released by the Mets.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tomlin takes the fifth in Cleveland[/h3]
8:59AM ET

[h5]Cleveland Indians [/h5]


Josh Tomlin has all but officially wrapped up the fifth spot in the Cleveland Indians' rotation, reports Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer.

Manager Manny Acta is expected to reveal his rotation at the end of the week. Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson, Carlos Carrasco and Mitch Talbot own four of the five spots. The addition of Tomlin, whose Cactus League start on Monday was rained out, gives the Tribe five right-handed starters.

Tomlin was 6-4 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts last season.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Braves look to unload Kawakami[/h3]
8:47AM ET

[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]


The Atlanta Braves have yet to decided on a fifth starter, but the winner of the sweepstakes will be Brandon Beachy or Mike Minor and not Kenshin Kawakami.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports the Braves are still hoping that they can trade Kawakami and find a team willing to pay a "respectable portion" of the $6.77 million he is owed this year.

That may be wishful thinking given Kawakami's 1-10 record with a 5.15 ERA in 2010. Finding a trading partner is the easier part, getting another team to pay is something else entirely.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Who plays CF in D.C.?[/h3]
8:31AM ET

[h5]Washington Nationals [/h5]


With 10 days remaining until Opening Day, the center field job in Washington remains there for the taking.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports the Nationals are committed to starting Jerry Hairston against left-handed starting pitchers, but the certainty ends there. The three primary candidates - Roger Bernadina, Nyjer Morgan and Rick Ankiel - have all "had and fumbled chances to claim the position for themselves."

Morgan fell behind the pack with a terrible start to spring training, but Morgan says the veteran has looked better of late and has played himself back into the mix. As for Ankiel, he has hit three homers and impressed manager Jim Riggleman with this defense

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rounding out the Twins' bullpen[/h3]
7:55AM ET

[h5]Minnesota Twins [/h5]


Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had to revamp his bullpen this spring due to a string of free agent departures. Minnesota is expected to take seven relievers north next week, and three of the spots remain up for grabs, reports Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press.

The guaranteed spots are for Joe Nathan, Matt Capps, Jose Mijares and either Kevin Slowey or Scott Baker (the loser of the rotation battle goes to the bullpen).

The likeliest candidates for the remaining three spots are left-handers Dusty Hughes, Glen Perkins and Scott Diamond, and right-handers Jim Hoey, Jeff Manship and Carlos Gutierrez.

Smith adds that Perkins has a good chance to make the club since he is out of options.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Room for Branyan now?[/h3]
7:40AM ET

[h5]Arizona Diamondbacks [/h5]


The Arizona Diamondbacks have outrighted Jon Hester to Reno, which could allow the club to add a player such as Russell Branyan or Mike Hampton, tweets Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

Piecoro notes that Hampton is less likely, but Branyan has been in a battle with Juan Miranda and Brandon Allen for the job at first base. If Branyan and Allen or Miranda make the club, a time share of sorts is clearly in order.

Allen could also be used in the outfield on occasion, but he appears headed back to Triple-A as his competition has outplayed him this spring.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Enright leads in rotation race[/h3]
7:39AM ET

[h5]Barry Enright | Diamondbacks [/h5]


Barry Enright may have faded down the stretch in 2010, but a solid spring may have strengthened his claim to a spot in the Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic reports Enright appears to have moved ahead of Armando Galarraga and Aaron Heilman for one of the two remaining spots. Enright, who lost his final five outings in September, has a 2.65 ERA after five appearances this spring - by far the best among any other starter on Arizona's staff.

Zach Duke also is in the rotation mix, but is out until May with broken bones in his hand.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]More leadoff at-bats for Zobrist?[/h3]
7:18AM ET

[h5]Ben Zobrist | Rays [/h5]


Rays right fielder Ben Zobrist may be getting more at-bats atop the order.

Zobrist already is expected to be the main leadoff hitter against right-handers. Manager Joe Maddon tells Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times he might also consider using the switch-hitter in the top spot against lefties.

Maddon adds that he still likes B.J. Upton in that role for now. Zobrist is a .268 career hitter against lefties as opposed to a .245 mark against righties.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Who would play for Blake?[/h3]
7:01AM ET

[h5]Casey Blake | Dodgers [/h5]


Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has plans to periodically rest http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4149Casey Blake in hopes that the third baseman, who hit just .248 last season, doesn't wear down, but the skipper acknowledged this week that Blake could start the year on the disabled list, and ESPNLosAngeles.com's Tony Jackson wrote Monday that the possibility has turned to "likely."

An updated medical report Tuesday said Blake's rib injury was tied to spinal inflammation and gave no timetable for his return.

The Dodgers appear to have two choices without Blake being available. Use Juan Uribe at second base and Jamey Carroll and third, or vice versa. Veterans Aaron Miles or Juan Castro could make the initial roster if Blaje is placed on the DL.

 

[naija nitemare]

Any of ya'll college baseball buffs know anything about my friend Nick Ramirez from CSUF?

 

[naija nitemare]

Any of ya'll college baseball buffs know anything about my friend Nick Ramirez from CSUF?

 

[kevin cleveland]

We present our annual organization talent rankings, evaluating eachfarm system based on its prospect-eligible players heading into the2011 season. Our ratings consider both impact talent and overall depthand were developed by the Baseball America staff.

1. Kansas City Royals
2. Tampa Bay Rays
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. New York Yankees
6. Cincinnati Reds
7. Cleveland Indians
8. San Diego Padres
9. Colorado Rockies
10. Philadelphia Phillies
11. Los Angeles Dodgers
12. Minnesota Twins
13. Washington Nationals
14. Texas Rangers
15. Los Angeles Angels
16. Chicago Cubs
17. Boston Red Sox
18. Seattle Mariners
19. Pittsburgh Pirates
20. New York Mets
21. Baltimore Orioles
22. Arizona Diamondbacks
23. San Francisco Giants
24. St. Louis Cardinals
25. Detroit Tigers
26. Houston Astros
27. Chicago White Sox
28. Oakland Athletics
29. Florida Marlins
30. Milwaukee Brewers

 

[kevin cleveland]

We present our annual organization talent rankings, evaluating eachfarm system based on its prospect-eligible players heading into the2011 season. Our ratings consider both impact talent and overall depthand were developed by the Baseball America staff.

1. Kansas City Royals
2. Tampa Bay Rays
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. New York Yankees
6. Cincinnati Reds
7. Cleveland Indians
8. San Diego Padres
9. Colorado Rockies
10. Philadelphia Phillies
11. Los Angeles Dodgers
12. Minnesota Twins
13. Washington Nationals
14. Texas Rangers
15. Los Angeles Angels
16. Chicago Cubs
17. Boston Red Sox
18. Seattle Mariners
19. Pittsburgh Pirates
20. New York Mets
21. Baltimore Orioles
22. Arizona Diamondbacks
23. San Francisco Giants
24. St. Louis Cardinals
25. Detroit Tigers
26. Houston Astros
27. Chicago White Sox
28. Oakland Athletics
29. Florida Marlins
30. Milwaukee Brewers

 

[Retroballer]

Yes. We moved up to 26. Watch out now.

 

[Retroballer]

Yes. We moved up to 26. Watch out now.

 

[proshares]

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The Giants probably would not have won the World Series last season without Juan Uribe, who plugged lineup holes and positional holes throughout the 2010 season and wound up with more RBIs (85) than any teammate other than Aubrey Huff (86).

http:///sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=6249352&story=6249282">http://sports.espn.go.com...249352&...idth=440,height=750,scrollbars=no,noresize'); return false;" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=olney_buster&id=6249282#">[+] Enlarge

Christopher Hanewinckel/US PresswireMiguel Tejada's bat has tailed.

San Francisco wanted Uribe back, and the Giants were stunned when he signed with the Dodgers. In a scramble to get a veteran for the middle of their infield, the Giants signed Miguel Tejada to a one-year deal for about one-third of what they offered Uribe. Tejada wasn't their first choice at shortstop, and he may not be their last choice for a shortstop by the end of this season.

He turns 37 in May, and as he nears the end of a career that will probably net him about 2,500 career hits and at least 300 homers and a hard-earned reputation for being a strong leader, his production is in decline. His OPS since 2003:

2004: .894
2005: .864
2006: .877
2007: .799
2008: .729
2009: .795
2010: .693

Tejada is a temp, a fact that was underscored by Bruce Bochy's lineup the other day -- he slotted Tejada in the No. 8 spot, partly because the right-handed hitter is generally a free-swinger, and partly because the Giants cannot expect Tejada to generate the same kind of production he's had in the past.

If he has a resurgence this summer, if he can still play an effective shortstop, this could all be very seamless. But it's also possible that the Giants will need to be on the lookout for some kind of upgrade during the season, because San Francisco will again contend -- they are regarded by some rival evaluators as the best team in Arizona this spring -- and because Tejada has reached the stage of his career when his performance could tip for good.

Maybe the Giants would turn to Mike Fontenot, who hit .283 in 103 games last season. Or maybe, if Tejada struggles, they could go outside the organization. And there figure to be some players who become available during the season, such as:

1. Jose Reyes: He is eligible for free agency in the fall and it seems unlikely that the Mets will re-sign him, and executives with other teams expect New York to market him before the July 31 trade deadline, for pitching.

2. Marco Scutaro: The Red Sox were willing to deal him during the offseason, given the ascendance of Jed Lowrie. "I think the Red Sox want Lowrie to win that job, eventually," said one rival evaluator. With a salary of $5 million this year and a player option that would pay him at least $3 million for next season, he's a little pricey for a utility infielder; for the Giants, he could be more than that in 2012, for a club option of $6 million, if he remains productive.

3. Jack Wilson: It appears he'll play second base at the outset of the year -- probably until Dustin Ackley is ready to take over -- in what is the last season of a multiyear deal Wilson signed with the Mariners. Wilson doesn't contribute much offensively -- he posted a .282 on-base percentage last year in 193 at-bats, with no homers and one steal -- but if the Giants ever decided they want a defensive upgrade over Tejada, they could make a move for Wilson, 33. Brendan Ryan will be the Mariners' shortstop.
[h3]Notables[/h3]
• Kendrys Morales has had a setback because of a new injury, writes Mike DiGiovanna. From Mike's story:

• Morales has soreness in the ball of his left foot, an injury that is not directly related to his surgery to repair the broken leg but has slowed his rehabilitation from it.
  Morales returned to Los Angeles on Monday to be examined by Dr. Phil Kwong, a foot and ankle specialist. An MRI test revealed no structural damage in the foot, but there is too much inflammation for Morales to resume his running program.
  
  "He's still working through some flexibility issues with his ankle and foot, and until those are resolved he can't move forward," General Manager Tony Reagins said. "He's day to day right now."

There is also word, within the same story, that Joel Pineiro will remain in Arizona after the Angels break camp. Not good.

• Wally The Beer Man: Not guilty.

• Either Joe Saunders has been put on notice by Arizona manager Kirk Gibson, or else Gibson is trying to light a fire under Saunders, writes Nick Piecoro.

• Luis Castillo arrived at the Phillies' camp, writes Jim Salisbury. He is not happy with the way his time with the Mets ended, writes Dan Martin.
[h3]Observations from evaluators[/h3]
1. Juan Cruz, who signed with the Rays just before the start of spring training, looks excellent. Cruz had surgery early last season and seems to have recovered; during his workout before scouts, he was throwing in the low 90s, giving Tampa Bay some hope that he could be its next version of Joaquin Benoit.
2. Rickie Weeks appears to be on a mission, in the eyes of one evaluator. "He's been getting better, but I think this is the year he blossoms -- if he stays healthy," the evaluator said.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. Curtis Granderson could start the year on the disabled list.
2. Derrek Lee says he's getting better all the time.

3. Craig Breslow's hamstring was tested, as Susan Slusser writes.

4. Michael Cuddyer was back in the lineup, and productive.

5. Jake Peavy is encouraged after playing catch.

6. There is good and bad news about Frank Francisco within this Richard Griffin notebook.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Fans are being asked to choose Troy Tulowitzki's walk-up song.
2. The Braves, working with a surplus of pitching, have been fishing around for a possible trade of Rodrigo Lopez, according to sources. Lopez is signed to a minor league deal and presumably, Atlanta's asking price won't be high, given Lopez's age and recent track record. Atlanta has been looking to move Kenshin Kawakami for months.

3. Heard this: The Mets intend to keep Rule 5 draft picks Brad Emaus and Pedro Beato.

4. Heard this yesterday morning: The Yankees have no interest in Oliver Perez.

5. The Pirates released a pitcher.

6. The Red Sox and the agent for Adrian Gonzalez had more contract talks, which are expected to result in a contract.
[h3]The Battle for Jobs[/h3]
1. Looks like Will Rhymes will be the Detroit second baseman. Jim Leyland praised the players he cut.
2. Chris Getz figures to be the Royals' second baseman, and No. 2 hitter.

3. Scott Baker will be the Twins' No. 5 starter; Kevin Slowey remains on the trade block, rival officials say.

4. Two weeks into training camp, it appeared that Jesus Montero was going to be the backup to Russell Martin. Now it appears that Montero needs to go back to Triple-A to work on his defense.

5. Josh Thole is going to put his catching education to the test, writes David Waldstein.

6. Zach Britton is making his case with the Orioles.

7. Looks like Vinnie Pestano could win a job in the Cleveland bullpen, writes Paul Hoynes; Jensen Lewis was outrighted to Triple-A.

8. The Brewers need help with their rotation, and Marco Estrada looked good in his start Tuesday.
[h3]Tuesday's games[/h3]
1. Joba Chamberlain was clocked at 96 mph, and said it was the best he's felt all spring.
2. John Lannan had a strong outing.

3. Cliff Lee says he's ready to get the season started, writes Paul Hagen.

4. Jemile Weeks had a really good day.

5. Mike Leake had a rough outing, and in general has had a tough spring.

6. Ricky Romero threw great.

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http://[h3]Emaus in, Hernandez on block?[/h3]
12:59PM ET

[h5]Luis Hernandez | Mets [/h5]


With Brad Emaus, Chin-lung Hu and Daniel Murphy crowding the infield, Luis Hernandez may be the odd-man out, and could be traded, writes ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin, who adds that Hernandez cannot be sent back to the minors without first clearing waivers because he is out of options.

Rubin notes that clubs have inquired about Hernandez this spring, but not specific teams were mentioned. Perhaps the Toronto Blue Jays are one of them, as Aaron Hill is still a bit of a question mark for the start of the season.

With Casey Blake on the shelf and possibly missing time in April, the Dodgers could use some depth, too. The Orioles could be in the market for a middle infielder with Brian Roberts' tendencies to get hurt the past two years, but may not have room on the 25-man for Hernandez.

The Mets could carry Hernandez and trade Murphy or Hu instead, but it appears Emaus will be the starter at second base.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Silva still has a chance[/h3]
12:22PM ET

[h5]Carlos Silva | Cubs [/h5]


The Chicago Cubs will give Carlos Silva at least one more look, says manager Mike Quade as tweeted by Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.

Silva, who has been blasted for 29 hits and 20 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings this spring, will start Wednesday versus the Oakland Athletics in what may be his final chance to show the organization he can still pitch.

Silva's peripherals suggest he's toast, however, including yielding more homers, four, than he has recorded strikeouts, three.

Right-hander Andrew Cashner is Silva's main competition, and Cashner sports a 3.97 ERA in four games, but he has issued seven bases on balls.

Veteran Todd Wellemeyer was reassigned to minor league camp.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Making a decision on Belt[/h3]
12:07PM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


UPDATE: There was speculation Wednesday morning that Belt was headed to Triple-A Fresno, but Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says to "squelch this Twitter rumor." "I haven't been told anything," Belt said.

--

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy insists he is keeping an open mind regarding the status of top prospect Brandon Belt.

If Belt were to land the starting first base job, that would necessitate the move of Aubrey Huff to left field. Huff played left field on Sunday for the first time this spring, a clear sign the Giants are keeping their options open.

Despite his success, the Giants still might be inclined to have Belt start the season in Triple-A Fresno in order to delay his eligibility for arbitration.

Keeping Belt also could force the Giants to part ways with Aaron Rowand, who is hitting just .194 this spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pitching issues in Milwaukee[/h3]
11:23AM ET

[h5]Milwaukee Brewers [/h5]


The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-brewersMilwaukee Brewers insist they plan to fill a temporary opening in their rotation from within, but that won't stop GM Doug Melvin from keeping a close eye on the waiver wire.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883Zack Greinke is expected to miss at least one start with a cracked rib and the candidates to replace him include Wily Peralta and several others. Meanwhile, Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel says Marco Estrada put himself into the conversation with a strong outing Tuesday.

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy says a key issue is the stiff shoulder of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6427Shaun Marcum. If Marcum is forced to miss a start, that could force the Brewers to more actively pursue outside help.

McCalvy reports the Brewers are not interested in left-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4138Doug Davis, who threw for scouts on Monday, or in http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5192Oliver Perez, who was released by the Mets.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Montero headed to the minors?[/h3]
11:11AM ET

[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]


The New York Yankees apparently have curbed some their enthusiasm -- at least temporarily -- when it comes to Jesus Montero.

Montero, who was mentioned as a key component in a possible deal for Cliff Lee last summer, came to camp penciled in as the backup to catcher Russell Martin. John Harper of the New York Daily News, however, writes that Montero hasn't lived up the hype and the Yankees may have no choice but to have the 21-year-old start the season in Triple-A.

Montero's defensive skills have already been called into question and he is hitting just .226 this spring. At this stage, it may make sense to keep Austin Romine as the backup due to his superior defense.

Our Keith Law, who has Montero No. 4 in his list of Top 100 prospects, gives his take on Montero:

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Finding a spot for Montero

"We can all agree on one thing about Montero: He's going to hit. And by that, I mean he's going to hit for average, get on base and have huge power -- the type of offensive profile that plays anywhere on the field and in the lineup. Montero is a physical beast, the rare front-foot hitter who can generate big-time power, reminiscent of Frank Thomas who was, himself, also a patient and disciplined hitter. Of course, the question on Montero since the Yankees signed him has been his ultimate position. He has the arm strength to remain a catcher, but takes way too long to get rid of the ball. He's not a bad athlete, but his bulk has always made it hard for him to get his body moving quickly the way a catcher has to move to block balls or jump out of the crouch to throwing position. There's also a concern about the long-term effects that catching will have on Montero's knees. He is listed at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, and only five players in MLB history have caught 200 games at or above those numbers, three of them (Joe Mauer, Chris Snyder, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia) have had knee and/or back problems. With a bat this potentially strong, why risk injury or give up the 20-25 games a year when your catcher has to rest? Montero could solve the Yankees' DH problem for the next 10 years if they commit to it, a move they are unlikely to ever regret."

http://[h3]Getz to move up in order[/h3]
10:42AM ET

[h5]Chris Getz | Royals [/h5]


It has ended up as a productive spring for the Royals' Chris Getz, even if he is hitting just .268 in Cactus League play.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that Getz not only appears to have won the starting job at second base, but also will split time with shortstop Alcides Escobar as the No. 2 hitter in the Royals' lineup.

It will be relatively new terrain for Getz, who has just 28 career at-bats from the No. 2 spot in the order.

Center fielder Melky Cabrera filled that No. 2 role in the order early in spring training, but is now slotted at No. 5 behind projected cleanup hitter Kila Ka'aihue.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Mets survive Pagan scare[/h3]
10:18AM ET

[h5]Angel Pagan | Mets [/h5]


UPDATE: Pagan insists that the injury is nothing serious and was merely a stiff back caused by a long bus ride.

Pagan does have a history of injuries (five career trips to the disabled list), so the Mets have every reason to have some center field insurance.

--

Angel Pagan left Tuesday's game versus Detroit with a lower back injury after two innings in the field and one plate appearance. There's no definitive word on how serious the injury is just yet, but if it keeps Pagan out long enough to impact the regular season opener in 10 days, the Mets may have to dig deep for outfield help.

Carlos Beltran, if he's healthy enough when the time comes, could go back to center in the interim, and Jason Bay, who shifted to his left Tuesday when Pagan left the game, could fill in for short stints, too, as could Scott Hairston or non-roster invitee Willie Harris.

Prospect Fernando Martinez is a short-term possibility, but the club sent the outfielder to minor league camp earlier this month because they believe he needs more time to develop before being thrust into regular action in the show.

Pagan may not even miss a workout, let alone a spring game or part of the regular season, but the club does have options within just in case.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Will Slowey be traded?[/h3]
10:09AM ET

[h5]Kevin Slowey | Twins [/h5]


After months of uncertainty, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire answered his rotation questions Tuesday, naming Scott Baker as his fifth starter and moving Kevin Slowey to the bullpen.

Slowey's name will undoubtedly pop up in trade rumors, but La Velle Neal of the Star Tribune notes that the Twins used nine different starters last season, so there is plenty of incentive to keep the right-hander around as insurance.

The chances of Slowey being traded could increase if the Twins feel top pitching prospect Kyle Gibson is ready for a promotion at midseason.

Colorado and Toronto have been mentioned as possible destinations for Slowey in recent weeks. The Rockies, however, are now more comfortable using Esmil Rogers as their fifth starter in place of the injured Aaron Cook.

Milwaukee has pitching issues due to Zack Greinke's uncertain health, but the Brewers may be unwilling and unable to give up top minor league talent for Slowey, especially if Greinke misses only a few starts.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tejada's status by the Bay[/h3]
9:44AM ET

[h5]Miguel Tejada | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants scrambled for middle infield help this winter when Juan Uribe surprisingly bolted for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The answer was Miguel Tejada, who was signed to a one-year deal to take over at shortstop.

There are concerns whether Tejada, who turns 37 in May, can cover enough ground, and Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle is among those putting up a red flag. "He rarely barrels up a baseball at the plate. On the field, his range is nonexistent and most of his throws to first are weak, even on routine plays. He looks his age and then some," Schulman wrote in a recent blog post.

Schulman expects Tejada to be better once the games count, but the Giants have to be considering contingency plans. In Wednesday's blog, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that the Giants could be on the lookout for outside help, listing Jose Reyes, Marco Scutaro and Jack Wilson as shortstops who could become available.

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
An insurance policy for Tejada?

"If Tejada has a resurgence this summer, if he can still play an effective shortstop, this could all be very seamless. But it's also possible that the Giants will need to be on the lookout for some kind of upgrade during the season, because San Francisco will again contend -- they are regarded by some rival evaluators as the best team in Arizona this spring -- and because Tejada has reached the stage of his career when his performance could tip for good."

http://[h3]Lengthy DL stay for Morales?[/h3]
9:16AM ET

[h5]Kendrys Morales | Angels [/h5]


The Los Angeles Angels already knew that Kendrys Morales was recovering slowly from a broken leg and would begin the season on the disabled list. His stay on the DL could now be longer than expected.

Morales also has soreness under the ball of his left foot, and the team is uncertain when he will return.

First base will be the domain of rookie Mark Trumbo, who is hitting a solid .340 with five homers in Cactus League play. Trumbo, however, was just 1-for-15 after a September call-up, and the Angels will be entering the season without a significant safety net at the position.

Also on the depth chart at first are Brandon Wood, Howard Kendrick and Bobby Wilson.

When Morales is ready, he may first be eased back into the lineup as the designated hitter. Lyle Spencer of MLB.com says that would have a ripple effect with Bobby Abreu likely moving to left and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4166Vernon Wells to center. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29318Peter Bourjos would then become a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement in the late innings.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]A-Gone, Red Sox closer to deal?[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Red Sox [/h5]


After the Boston Red Sox landed Adrian Gonzalez in a blockbuster deal in December, the two sides were unable to finalize a long-term contract with the star first baseman.

The two sides appeared to be closer to a deal after GM Theo Epstein met with two of the agents for Gonzalez. One of the representatives, John Boggs, tells Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that a deal could be struck in a matter of weeks. The deal is expected to be for seven years at about $22 million per season.

The speculation for months had the Red Sox waiting until after Opening Day to formally announce a deal in order to avoid a luxury tax hit.

If Gonzalez were to let his contract expire, he would join a blockbuster crop of free agent first baseman that, for now, includes Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Braves look to unload Kawakami[/h3]
8:23AM ET

[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]


The Atlanta Braves have yet to decided on a fifth starter, but the winner of the sweepstakes will be Brandon Beachy or Mike Minor and not Kenshin Kawakami.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports the Braves are still hoping that they can trade Kawakami and find a team willing to pay a "respectable portion" of the $6.77 million he is owed this year.

That may be wishful thinking given Kawakami's 1-10 record with a 5.15 ERA in 2010. Joe Pawlikowski of FranGraphs.com writes there is a limited market for Kawakami since rebuilding teams have little to gain in any deal.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Ollie's job search[/h3]
8:11AM ET

[h5]Oliver Perez | Mets [/h5]


Oliver Perez has been unemployed for a few days after being released by the New York Mets, and so far the answer from other clubs has been "thanks, but no thanks."

Any chance of Perez heading across the Whitestone Bridge to the Bronx ended when Yankees manager Brian Cashman told Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com that signing Ollie "is not something that make sense."

The Brewers and Diamondbacks are among the other teams to politely decline interest.

Perez may end up with a club that does not have an immediate need. Any team that immediately plugs Perez into a fifth starter's role would be playing with fire because of his inability to find the plate and a glaring loss of velocity.

Perez needs to work out his problems in the minors, but has been reluctant to do that until now. At this stage, it may be his only chance.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Impact of Granderson injury[/h3]
7:51AM ET

[h5]Curtis Granderson | Yankees [/h5]


The New York Yankees will need to do some shuffling in the outfield, at least temporarily, if Curtis Granderson is forced to miss the start of the season with an oblique strain.

The Yankees didn't send Granderson for an MRI, which is an encouraging sign, but the center fielder could end up on the disabled list to prevent the injury from lingering all season.

If Granderson lands on the DL, Brett Gardner would move back to center field, leaving more playing time in left field to Andruw Jones. Justin Maxwell or Greg Golson also could make the Opening Day roster as a backup infielder.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]When will Peavy return?[/h3]
7:33AM ET

[h5]Jake Peavy | White Sox [/h5]


The remarkably quick recovery of Jake Peavy from shoulder surgery hit a speed bump Sunday when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen decided to shut down the right-hander following an 83-pitch outing a day earlier.

Peavy has been pitching through shoulder soreness that he discounted as nothing serious, but the latest setback has changed things Guillen told the Chicago Tribune that Peavy might not return until the end of April. The White Sox also will call the shots when Peavy returns, not the pitcher himself.

Peavy will not pitch in his next scheduled spring start against the Chicago Cubs and will be replaced by Philip Humber. Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com says Humber could lock up the fifth spot in the rotation with a solid outing.

Peavy is expected to be on a limited pitch count when he returns, An early off day could allow Guillen to go without a fifth starter until April 10.

Peavy was upbeat after a light throwing session Tuesday, but will likely be on a limited pitch count when he returns.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Does Dotel have time?[/h3]
7:14AM ET

[h5]Octavio Dotel | Blue Jays [/h5]


Octavio Dotel tossed a seamless frame in a minor league game Tuesday, testing out his sore hamstring and prepping for a late run at the closer's job in Toronto. But does he have enough time?

Dotel entered camp as one of the favorites, along with Frank Francisco, but the hamstring injury has held him back as Jon Rauch is the favorite serve as the closer to start the season. Francisco has his own injury problems, though it was revealed Tuesday that Dr. James Andrews found no structural damage.

If Dotel can get back into big league games and prove his arm is ready without suffering a set back or showing that his mechanics are off due to overcompensation for the leg, he may be able to wrest the gig away from Rauch. But Rauch's spring numbers only help his case -- six shutout innings allowing just four baserunners.

The Blue Jays will see how Dotel responds to Tuesday's outing before moving forward to the next step of his rehab.

 

[proshares]

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The Giants probably would not have won the World Series last season without Juan Uribe, who plugged lineup holes and positional holes throughout the 2010 season and wound up with more RBIs (85) than any teammate other than Aubrey Huff (86).

http:///sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=6249352&story=6249282">http://sports.espn.go.com...249352&...idth=440,height=750,scrollbars=no,noresize'); return false;" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=olney_buster&id=6249282#">[+] Enlarge

Christopher Hanewinckel/US PresswireMiguel Tejada's bat has tailed.

San Francisco wanted Uribe back, and the Giants were stunned when he signed with the Dodgers. In a scramble to get a veteran for the middle of their infield, the Giants signed Miguel Tejada to a one-year deal for about one-third of what they offered Uribe. Tejada wasn't their first choice at shortstop, and he may not be their last choice for a shortstop by the end of this season.

He turns 37 in May, and as he nears the end of a career that will probably net him about 2,500 career hits and at least 300 homers and a hard-earned reputation for being a strong leader, his production is in decline. His OPS since 2003:

2004: .894
2005: .864
2006: .877
2007: .799
2008: .729
2009: .795
2010: .693

Tejada is a temp, a fact that was underscored by Bruce Bochy's lineup the other day -- he slotted Tejada in the No. 8 spot, partly because the right-handed hitter is generally a free-swinger, and partly because the Giants cannot expect Tejada to generate the same kind of production he's had in the past.

If he has a resurgence this summer, if he can still play an effective shortstop, this could all be very seamless. But it's also possible that the Giants will need to be on the lookout for some kind of upgrade during the season, because San Francisco will again contend -- they are regarded by some rival evaluators as the best team in Arizona this spring -- and because Tejada has reached the stage of his career when his performance could tip for good.

Maybe the Giants would turn to Mike Fontenot, who hit .283 in 103 games last season. Or maybe, if Tejada struggles, they could go outside the organization. And there figure to be some players who become available during the season, such as:

1. Jose Reyes: He is eligible for free agency in the fall and it seems unlikely that the Mets will re-sign him, and executives with other teams expect New York to market him before the July 31 trade deadline, for pitching.

2. Marco Scutaro: The Red Sox were willing to deal him during the offseason, given the ascendance of Jed Lowrie. "I think the Red Sox want Lowrie to win that job, eventually," said one rival evaluator. With a salary of $5 million this year and a player option that would pay him at least $3 million for next season, he's a little pricey for a utility infielder; for the Giants, he could be more than that in 2012, for a club option of $6 million, if he remains productive.

3. Jack Wilson: It appears he'll play second base at the outset of the year -- probably until Dustin Ackley is ready to take over -- in what is the last season of a multiyear deal Wilson signed with the Mariners. Wilson doesn't contribute much offensively -- he posted a .282 on-base percentage last year in 193 at-bats, with no homers and one steal -- but if the Giants ever decided they want a defensive upgrade over Tejada, they could make a move for Wilson, 33. Brendan Ryan will be the Mariners' shortstop.
[h3]Notables[/h3]
• Kendrys Morales has had a setback because of a new injury, writes Mike DiGiovanna. From Mike's story:

• Morales has soreness in the ball of his left foot, an injury that is not directly related to his surgery to repair the broken leg but has slowed his rehabilitation from it.
  Morales returned to Los Angeles on Monday to be examined by Dr. Phil Kwong, a foot and ankle specialist. An MRI test revealed no structural damage in the foot, but there is too much inflammation for Morales to resume his running program.
  
  "He's still working through some flexibility issues with his ankle and foot, and until those are resolved he can't move forward," General Manager Tony Reagins said. "He's day to day right now."

There is also word, within the same story, that Joel Pineiro will remain in Arizona after the Angels break camp. Not good.

• Wally The Beer Man: Not guilty.

• Either Joe Saunders has been put on notice by Arizona manager Kirk Gibson, or else Gibson is trying to light a fire under Saunders, writes Nick Piecoro.

• Luis Castillo arrived at the Phillies' camp, writes Jim Salisbury. He is not happy with the way his time with the Mets ended, writes Dan Martin.
[h3]Observations from evaluators[/h3]
1. Juan Cruz, who signed with the Rays just before the start of spring training, looks excellent. Cruz had surgery early last season and seems to have recovered; during his workout before scouts, he was throwing in the low 90s, giving Tampa Bay some hope that he could be its next version of Joaquin Benoit.
2. Rickie Weeks appears to be on a mission, in the eyes of one evaluator. "He's been getting better, but I think this is the year he blossoms -- if he stays healthy," the evaluator said.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. Curtis Granderson could start the year on the disabled list.
2. Derrek Lee says he's getting better all the time.

3. Craig Breslow's hamstring was tested, as Susan Slusser writes.

4. Michael Cuddyer was back in the lineup, and productive.

5. Jake Peavy is encouraged after playing catch.

6. There is good and bad news about Frank Francisco within this Richard Griffin notebook.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Fans are being asked to choose Troy Tulowitzki's walk-up song.
2. The Braves, working with a surplus of pitching, have been fishing around for a possible trade of Rodrigo Lopez, according to sources. Lopez is signed to a minor league deal and presumably, Atlanta's asking price won't be high, given Lopez's age and recent track record. Atlanta has been looking to move Kenshin Kawakami for months.

3. Heard this: The Mets intend to keep Rule 5 draft picks Brad Emaus and Pedro Beato.

4. Heard this yesterday morning: The Yankees have no interest in Oliver Perez.

5. The Pirates released a pitcher.

6. The Red Sox and the agent for Adrian Gonzalez had more contract talks, which are expected to result in a contract.
[h3]The Battle for Jobs[/h3]
1. Looks like Will Rhymes will be the Detroit second baseman. Jim Leyland praised the players he cut.
2. Chris Getz figures to be the Royals' second baseman, and No. 2 hitter.

3. Scott Baker will be the Twins' No. 5 starter; Kevin Slowey remains on the trade block, rival officials say.

4. Two weeks into training camp, it appeared that Jesus Montero was going to be the backup to Russell Martin. Now it appears that Montero needs to go back to Triple-A to work on his defense.

5. Josh Thole is going to put his catching education to the test, writes David Waldstein.

6. Zach Britton is making his case with the Orioles.

7. Looks like Vinnie Pestano could win a job in the Cleveland bullpen, writes Paul Hoynes; Jensen Lewis was outrighted to Triple-A.

8. The Brewers need help with their rotation, and Marco Estrada looked good in his start Tuesday.
[h3]Tuesday's games[/h3]
1. Joba Chamberlain was clocked at 96 mph, and said it was the best he's felt all spring.
2. John Lannan had a strong outing.

3. Cliff Lee says he's ready to get the season started, writes Paul Hagen.

4. Jemile Weeks had a really good day.

5. Mike Leake had a rough outing, and in general has had a tough spring.

6. Ricky Romero threw great.

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http://[h3]Emaus in, Hernandez on block?[/h3]
12:59PM ET

[h5]Luis Hernandez | Mets [/h5]


With Brad Emaus, Chin-lung Hu and Daniel Murphy crowding the infield, Luis Hernandez may be the odd-man out, and could be traded, writes ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin, who adds that Hernandez cannot be sent back to the minors without first clearing waivers because he is out of options.

Rubin notes that clubs have inquired about Hernandez this spring, but not specific teams were mentioned. Perhaps the Toronto Blue Jays are one of them, as Aaron Hill is still a bit of a question mark for the start of the season.

With Casey Blake on the shelf and possibly missing time in April, the Dodgers could use some depth, too. The Orioles could be in the market for a middle infielder with Brian Roberts' tendencies to get hurt the past two years, but may not have room on the 25-man for Hernandez.

The Mets could carry Hernandez and trade Murphy or Hu instead, but it appears Emaus will be the starter at second base.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Silva still has a chance[/h3]
12:22PM ET

[h5]Carlos Silva | Cubs [/h5]


The Chicago Cubs will give Carlos Silva at least one more look, says manager Mike Quade as tweeted by Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.

Silva, who has been blasted for 29 hits and 20 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings this spring, will start Wednesday versus the Oakland Athletics in what may be his final chance to show the organization he can still pitch.

Silva's peripherals suggest he's toast, however, including yielding more homers, four, than he has recorded strikeouts, three.

Right-hander Andrew Cashner is Silva's main competition, and Cashner sports a 3.97 ERA in four games, but he has issued seven bases on balls.

Veteran Todd Wellemeyer was reassigned to minor league camp.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Making a decision on Belt[/h3]
12:07PM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


UPDATE: There was speculation Wednesday morning that Belt was headed to Triple-A Fresno, but Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says to "squelch this Twitter rumor." "I haven't been told anything," Belt said.

--

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy insists he is keeping an open mind regarding the status of top prospect Brandon Belt.

If Belt were to land the starting first base job, that would necessitate the move of Aubrey Huff to left field. Huff played left field on Sunday for the first time this spring, a clear sign the Giants are keeping their options open.

Despite his success, the Giants still might be inclined to have Belt start the season in Triple-A Fresno in order to delay his eligibility for arbitration.

Keeping Belt also could force the Giants to part ways with Aaron Rowand, who is hitting just .194 this spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pitching issues in Milwaukee[/h3]
11:23AM ET

[h5]Milwaukee Brewers [/h5]


The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-brewersMilwaukee Brewers insist they plan to fill a temporary opening in their rotation from within, but that won't stop GM Doug Melvin from keeping a close eye on the waiver wire.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883Zack Greinke is expected to miss at least one start with a cracked rib and the candidates to replace him include Wily Peralta and several others. Meanwhile, Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel says Marco Estrada put himself into the conversation with a strong outing Tuesday.

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy says a key issue is the stiff shoulder of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6427Shaun Marcum. If Marcum is forced to miss a start, that could force the Brewers to more actively pursue outside help.

McCalvy reports the Brewers are not interested in left-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4138Doug Davis, who threw for scouts on Monday, or in http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5192Oliver Perez, who was released by the Mets.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Montero headed to the minors?[/h3]
11:11AM ET

[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]


The New York Yankees apparently have curbed some their enthusiasm -- at least temporarily -- when it comes to Jesus Montero.

Montero, who was mentioned as a key component in a possible deal for Cliff Lee last summer, came to camp penciled in as the backup to catcher Russell Martin. John Harper of the New York Daily News, however, writes that Montero hasn't lived up the hype and the Yankees may have no choice but to have the 21-year-old start the season in Triple-A.

Montero's defensive skills have already been called into question and he is hitting just .226 this spring. At this stage, it may make sense to keep Austin Romine as the backup due to his superior defense.

Our Keith Law, who has Montero No. 4 in his list of Top 100 prospects, gives his take on Montero:

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Finding a spot for Montero

"We can all agree on one thing about Montero: He's going to hit. And by that, I mean he's going to hit for average, get on base and have huge power -- the type of offensive profile that plays anywhere on the field and in the lineup. Montero is a physical beast, the rare front-foot hitter who can generate big-time power, reminiscent of Frank Thomas who was, himself, also a patient and disciplined hitter. Of course, the question on Montero since the Yankees signed him has been his ultimate position. He has the arm strength to remain a catcher, but takes way too long to get rid of the ball. He's not a bad athlete, but his bulk has always made it hard for him to get his body moving quickly the way a catcher has to move to block balls or jump out of the crouch to throwing position. There's also a concern about the long-term effects that catching will have on Montero's knees. He is listed at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, and only five players in MLB history have caught 200 games at or above those numbers, three of them (Joe Mauer, Chris Snyder, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia) have had knee and/or back problems. With a bat this potentially strong, why risk injury or give up the 20-25 games a year when your catcher has to rest? Montero could solve the Yankees' DH problem for the next 10 years if they commit to it, a move they are unlikely to ever regret."

http://[h3]Getz to move up in order[/h3]
10:42AM ET

[h5]Chris Getz | Royals [/h5]


It has ended up as a productive spring for the Royals' Chris Getz, even if he is hitting just .268 in Cactus League play.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that Getz not only appears to have won the starting job at second base, but also will split time with shortstop Alcides Escobar as the No. 2 hitter in the Royals' lineup.

It will be relatively new terrain for Getz, who has just 28 career at-bats from the No. 2 spot in the order.

Center fielder Melky Cabrera filled that No. 2 role in the order early in spring training, but is now slotted at No. 5 behind projected cleanup hitter Kila Ka'aihue.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Mets survive Pagan scare[/h3]
10:18AM ET

[h5]Angel Pagan | Mets [/h5]


UPDATE: Pagan insists that the injury is nothing serious and was merely a stiff back caused by a long bus ride.

Pagan does have a history of injuries (five career trips to the disabled list), so the Mets have every reason to have some center field insurance.

--

Angel Pagan left Tuesday's game versus Detroit with a lower back injury after two innings in the field and one plate appearance. There's no definitive word on how serious the injury is just yet, but if it keeps Pagan out long enough to impact the regular season opener in 10 days, the Mets may have to dig deep for outfield help.

Carlos Beltran, if he's healthy enough when the time comes, could go back to center in the interim, and Jason Bay, who shifted to his left Tuesday when Pagan left the game, could fill in for short stints, too, as could Scott Hairston or non-roster invitee Willie Harris.

Prospect Fernando Martinez is a short-term possibility, but the club sent the outfielder to minor league camp earlier this month because they believe he needs more time to develop before being thrust into regular action in the show.

Pagan may not even miss a workout, let alone a spring game or part of the regular season, but the club does have options within just in case.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Will Slowey be traded?[/h3]
10:09AM ET

[h5]Kevin Slowey | Twins [/h5]


After months of uncertainty, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire answered his rotation questions Tuesday, naming Scott Baker as his fifth starter and moving Kevin Slowey to the bullpen.

Slowey's name will undoubtedly pop up in trade rumors, but La Velle Neal of the Star Tribune notes that the Twins used nine different starters last season, so there is plenty of incentive to keep the right-hander around as insurance.

The chances of Slowey being traded could increase if the Twins feel top pitching prospect Kyle Gibson is ready for a promotion at midseason.

Colorado and Toronto have been mentioned as possible destinations for Slowey in recent weeks. The Rockies, however, are now more comfortable using Esmil Rogers as their fifth starter in place of the injured Aaron Cook.

Milwaukee has pitching issues due to Zack Greinke's uncertain health, but the Brewers may be unwilling and unable to give up top minor league talent for Slowey, especially if Greinke misses only a few starts.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tejada's status by the Bay[/h3]
9:44AM ET

[h5]Miguel Tejada | Giants [/h5]


The San Francisco Giants scrambled for middle infield help this winter when Juan Uribe surprisingly bolted for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The answer was Miguel Tejada, who was signed to a one-year deal to take over at shortstop.

There are concerns whether Tejada, who turns 37 in May, can cover enough ground, and Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle is among those putting up a red flag. "He rarely barrels up a baseball at the plate. On the field, his range is nonexistent and most of his throws to first are weak, even on routine plays. He looks his age and then some," Schulman wrote in a recent blog post.

Schulman expects Tejada to be better once the games count, but the Giants have to be considering contingency plans. In Wednesday's blog, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that the Giants could be on the lookout for outside help, listing Jose Reyes, Marco Scutaro and Jack Wilson as shortstops who could become available.

- Doug Mittler

[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
An insurance policy for Tejada?

"If Tejada has a resurgence this summer, if he can still play an effective shortstop, this could all be very seamless. But it's also possible that the Giants will need to be on the lookout for some kind of upgrade during the season, because San Francisco will again contend -- they are regarded by some rival evaluators as the best team in Arizona this spring -- and because Tejada has reached the stage of his career when his performance could tip for good."

http://[h3]Lengthy DL stay for Morales?[/h3]
9:16AM ET

[h5]Kendrys Morales | Angels [/h5]


The Los Angeles Angels already knew that Kendrys Morales was recovering slowly from a broken leg and would begin the season on the disabled list. His stay on the DL could now be longer than expected.

Morales also has soreness under the ball of his left foot, and the team is uncertain when he will return.

First base will be the domain of rookie Mark Trumbo, who is hitting a solid .340 with five homers in Cactus League play. Trumbo, however, was just 1-for-15 after a September call-up, and the Angels will be entering the season without a significant safety net at the position.

Also on the depth chart at first are Brandon Wood, Howard Kendrick and Bobby Wilson.

When Morales is ready, he may first be eased back into the lineup as the designated hitter. Lyle Spencer of MLB.com says that would have a ripple effect with Bobby Abreu likely moving to left and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4166Vernon Wells to center. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29318Peter Bourjos would then become a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement in the late innings.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]A-Gone, Red Sox closer to deal?[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Red Sox [/h5]


After the Boston Red Sox landed Adrian Gonzalez in a blockbuster deal in December, the two sides were unable to finalize a long-term contract with the star first baseman.

The two sides appeared to be closer to a deal after GM Theo Epstein met with two of the agents for Gonzalez. One of the representatives, John Boggs, tells Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that a deal could be struck in a matter of weeks. The deal is expected to be for seven years at about $22 million per season.

The speculation for months had the Red Sox waiting until after Opening Day to formally announce a deal in order to avoid a luxury tax hit.

If Gonzalez were to let his contract expire, he would join a blockbuster crop of free agent first baseman that, for now, includes Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Braves look to unload Kawakami[/h3]
8:23AM ET

[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]


The Atlanta Braves have yet to decided on a fifth starter, but the winner of the sweepstakes will be Brandon Beachy or Mike Minor and not Kenshin Kawakami.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports the Braves are still hoping that they can trade Kawakami and find a team willing to pay a "respectable portion" of the $6.77 million he is owed this year.

That may be wishful thinking given Kawakami's 1-10 record with a 5.15 ERA in 2010. Joe Pawlikowski of FranGraphs.com writes there is a limited market for Kawakami since rebuilding teams have little to gain in any deal.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Ollie's job search[/h3]
8:11AM ET

[h5]Oliver Perez | Mets [/h5]


Oliver Perez has been unemployed for a few days after being released by the New York Mets, and so far the answer from other clubs has been "thanks, but no thanks."

Any chance of Perez heading across the Whitestone Bridge to the Bronx ended when Yankees manager Brian Cashman told Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com that signing Ollie "is not something that make sense."

The Brewers and Diamondbacks are among the other teams to politely decline interest.

Perez may end up with a club that does not have an immediate need. Any team that immediately plugs Perez into a fifth starter's role would be playing with fire because of his inability to find the plate and a glaring loss of velocity.

Perez needs to work out his problems in the minors, but has been reluctant to do that until now. At this stage, it may be his only chance.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Impact of Granderson injury[/h3]
7:51AM ET

[h5]Curtis Granderson | Yankees [/h5]


The New York Yankees will need to do some shuffling in the outfield, at least temporarily, if Curtis Granderson is forced to miss the start of the season with an oblique strain.

The Yankees didn't send Granderson for an MRI, which is an encouraging sign, but the center fielder could end up on the disabled list to prevent the injury from lingering all season.

If Granderson lands on the DL, Brett Gardner would move back to center field, leaving more playing time in left field to Andruw Jones. Justin Maxwell or Greg Golson also could make the Opening Day roster as a backup infielder.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]When will Peavy return?[/h3]
7:33AM ET

[h5]Jake Peavy | White Sox [/h5]


The remarkably quick recovery of Jake Peavy from shoulder surgery hit a speed bump Sunday when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen decided to shut down the right-hander following an 83-pitch outing a day earlier.

Peavy has been pitching through shoulder soreness that he discounted as nothing serious, but the latest setback has changed things Guillen told the Chicago Tribune that Peavy might not return until the end of April. The White Sox also will call the shots when Peavy returns, not the pitcher himself.

Peavy will not pitch in his next scheduled spring start against the Chicago Cubs and will be replaced by Philip Humber. Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com says Humber could lock up the fifth spot in the rotation with a solid outing.

Peavy is expected to be on a limited pitch count when he returns, An early off day could allow Guillen to go without a fifth starter until April 10.

Peavy was upbeat after a light throwing session Tuesday, but will likely be on a limited pitch count when he returns.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Does Dotel have time?[/h3]
7:14AM ET

[h5]Octavio Dotel | Blue Jays [/h5]


Octavio Dotel tossed a seamless frame in a minor league game Tuesday, testing out his sore hamstring and prepping for a late run at the closer's job in Toronto. But does he have enough time?

Dotel entered camp as one of the favorites, along with Frank Francisco, but the hamstring injury has held him back as Jon Rauch is the favorite serve as the closer to start the season. Francisco has his own injury problems, though it was revealed Tuesday that Dr. James Andrews found no structural damage.

If Dotel can get back into big league games and prove his arm is ready without suffering a set back or showing that his mechanics are off due to overcompensation for the leg, he may be able to wrest the gig away from Rauch. But Rauch's spring numbers only help his case -- six shutout innings allowing just four baserunners.

The Blue Jays will see how Dotel responds to Tuesday's outing before moving forward to the next step of his rehab.

 

[statis22]

Originally Posted by RetroBaller

Yes. We moved up to 26. Watch out now.

Blew my mind too. I just knew I would see the 30 by Houston once again.

 

[statis22]

Originally Posted by RetroBaller

Yes. We moved up to 26. Watch out now.

Blew my mind too. I just knew I would see the 30 by Houston once again.

 

[kevin cleveland]

Steve Hoskins. 

 

[kevin cleveland]

Steve Hoskins. 

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by RetroBaller

Originally Posted by dland24

Got a super random question for you guys......

Why dont Major League teams take infield before games anymore?

This is something I just thought about for some reason. A random memory popped into my head. As a kid growing up going to Candlestick Park regularly, teams would ALWAYS take an infield before the game started. Both teams would do their normal batting practice routine that they do now, but after the cage was rolled away and the field cleared, the teams would take infield for about 5 minutes each. This happened every time. I cant remember the last time I saw this happen.

Anyone remember this? When did it stop being routine? Why isnt it done?

they do alot of that work while the batting practice is going on. Home team will take it before batting practice too, no one ever sees that cause the gate arent open.

But why the change?  They did a lot of work when BP was going on back in the day too. 

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by RetroBaller

Originally Posted by dland24

Got a super random question for you guys......

Why dont Major League teams take infield before games anymore?

This is something I just thought about for some reason. A random memory popped into my head. As a kid growing up going to Candlestick Park regularly, teams would ALWAYS take an infield before the game started. Both teams would do their normal batting practice routine that they do now, but after the cage was rolled away and the field cleared, the teams would take infield for about 5 minutes each. This happened every time. I cant remember the last time I saw this happen.

Anyone remember this? When did it stop being routine? Why isnt it done?

they do alot of that work while the batting practice is going on. Home team will take it before batting practice too, no one ever sees that cause the gate arent open.

But why the change?  They did a lot of work when BP was going on back in the day too.