The Reds continue to trumpet rookie LHP Aroldis Chapman’s development and potential. He has been impressive, but keep in mind that he really hasn’t done anything against anybody yet.
He should be good, is likely to be in Cincinnati’s rotation at some point this season; his six-year, $30.25-million contract almost forces the Reds to promote him. But don’t overbid on him thinking he’ll win a Cy Young Award or immediate induction into the Hall of Fame.
Chapman pitched batting practice against “major league” batters for the first time. But keep in mind that those major leaguers were Chris Burke, Chris Heisey, Chris Valaika, Yonder Alonso and Corky Miller. That’s a bunch of middle infielders, a journeyman catcher – and at least a legitimate hitting prospect in 1B Alonso.
On the plus side, after catching Chapman, C Wilkin Castillo said the Cuban defector’s fastball reached 98 or 99 mph and his slider was between 85 and 88. The batters said they were most impressed by Chapman’s slider and a changeup he has been working on since arriving in the Goodyear, Ariz., camp.
Certainly you should watch what the lefty does during March, but until he begins getting out or dominating major league lineups late in the month, don’t go writing his name in ink as a high-round draft pick or high-dollar auction choice.
OOO Another rookie wowing people in camp – and this is batting practice, people – has been Braves OF Jason Heyward. There clearly is room for him in Atlanta’s outfield, but again wait until he sees a steady diet of major league pitchers before jumping in with both feet on Heyward.
OOO Speaking of phenoms, better get your tickets quickly for the Nationals’ March 9 game at Space Ghost Stadium in Viera, Fla. That’s when RHP Steven Strasburg is scheduled to make his first exhibition appearance, pitching two innings or 30-40 pitches. That probably will be the most difficult Washington ticket until Strasburg leads the Nats into the World Series.
Injuries:
Rangers LF Josh Hamilton left his first day of workouts because of a bruised left (throwing) shoulder suffered when he dove for a popup. He’s being considered day-to-day, but keep in mind his growing injury case file. If he couldn’t play for a while, DH Vladimir Guerrero is hoping to play some outfield, but Texas pitchers wouldn’t like it if he has to play a lot in the field. Rookie RHP Omar Poveda will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss this season.
Speaking of injury histories, the word from the Red Sox camp is that RF J.D. Drew should be able to play more this season after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from the AC joint in his left shoulder. Betting on more playing time for J.D. is always a risky proposition.
Tigers RHP Joel Zumaya is back throwing fastballs after having a bone shard removed from his shoulder during the off-season.
Mariners LHP Cliff Lee, who underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from a foot, made his first spring appearance. He threw 45 pitches during 10 minutes in the bullpen.
RHP Brandon Lyon, expected to battle RHP Matt Lindstrom to become the Astros’ closer in 2010, is behind in his development after having a cyst drained in his shoulder last week.
2B Nick Punto, who underwent off-season wrist surgery, could share some time at third base with Brendan Harris.
Looking for a Comeback of the Year candidate? How about White Sox OF Carlos Quentin, recovering from plantar fasciitis in his left foot that limited his availability last season. In fact, the Sox as a team seem primed for a comeback.
Lining up:
Angels manager Mike Scioscia is planning to go with a top of the lineup that would go like this: SS Erick Aybar or 3B Maicer Izturis, RF Bobby Abreu, CF Torii Hunter, DH Hideki Matsui, 1B Kendry Morales, LF Juan Rivera and 2B Howie Kendrick. That’s a good lineup even without Guerrero.
The very top of the Tigers’ lineup is likely to have rookie CF Austin Jackson followed by LF Johnny Damon. Manager Jim Leyland said Damon would play in the outfield with Carlos Guillen as DH. What does that say about Guillen’s defensive ability? It’s also possible that Damon could lead off.
The Royals are planning to go with an outfield, left to right of Scott Podsednik, Rick Ankiel and David DeJesus, with DH Jose Guillen also a possibility to play in right field. Sure sounds like a pennant-winning combination, doesn’t it?
For openers:
Manager Ron Gardenhire has named RHP Scott Baker the Twins’ Opening Day starter.
Reporting:
Seven teams’ batters began workouts today. In addition to the Rangers’ possibly ill-fated opening, the Diamondbacks began to swing bats in Arizona, and the Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Marlins and Astros in Florida.
On the run:
Padres manager Bud Black said he wanted his team to be more aggressive on the bases and to try stealing more bases. That should mean slightly greater fantasy value for SS Everth Cabrera, but only slightly because virtually all of his value comes from steals.
Raining:
The rain that curtailed some activity in the Arizona camps has made its way to Florida. The back fields in Lakeland, Fla., were so soaked that the Tigers moved their batting practice in to Joker Marchant Stadium.
Growing:
Dodgers C Russell Martin has gained 25 pounds. Reports say that it’s not flab; Martin is in better shape. Let’s hope it’s not Mickey Tettleton muscle that he has gained.
HGH in the news:
First came the word that baseball will begin testing minor leaguers for the use of human growth hormone. My reaction was that until there’s HGH testing in the majors, the move in the minors means little except that scouts and teams now can more properly evaluate prospects on their own merits without the influence of outside performance-enhancing influences.
Then came a statement from the MLB Players’ Association saying that it was open to HGH testing for its members. That bold statement was watered down because the union also said accepting such testing would happen “if the blood test is scientifically validated.” That leaves wiggle room, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
Today’s gossip:
Joining Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez in the tabloids is Dodgers CF Matt Kemp. His celebrity relationship is with singer Rihanna. As usual, Dodgers manager Joe Torre took the baseball media attention on Kemp’s outside life in stride. He pointed out that when he managed the Yankees when SS Derek Jeter’s name started popping up on Page Six (cough, Minka Kelly), spoke with Jeter and was satisfied because the current captain “assured me his priorities were in order, and they were.”
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