Baseball season has arrived -- in Australia, at least.
Aussie fans got to see some of what we're used to Up Above. Included were a rain delay, a wind-blown home run and what passes as a pitching gem in these days.
Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw went all of 6 2/3 innings in a 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks in Sydney early this morning (tonight in Australia). I hate to be an old fart, but Juan Marichal and Don Drysdale and Ferguson Jenkins would have spit on a 6 2/3-inning opening game. I'm pretty sure Nolan Ryan still would. And you can't tell me there's no correlation between pitch counts and inning counts and the rash of pitching injuries we're seeing in the 21st century. But that's a topic for another day.
OF Scott Van Slyke hit the wind-blown homer for LA. RF Yasiel Puig, whose has been on the interstate throughout the exhibition games, went 0-for-5. How silly does all that outrage about not putting him in last year's All-Star Game seem now?
The other topic on my soapbox for today is that it's a shame today's (in the U.S.) two games aren't on a more available television outlet than just the MLB Network and mlb.tv. Especially if you're going to take the games to another continent, you owe it to your domestic fan base to get their baseball juices flowing.
The Dodgers and Diamondbacks have another game Sunday afternoon in Australia (10 p.m. EDT tonight), with LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (he's getting good enough that I know can type his name without having to look up which vowels go where) against Arizona RHP Trevor Cahill. You can probably follow it on Gameday. I'll probably check in to see what the simulated hitters' background at Sydney Cricket Grounds looks like.
In a way it's a good thing that I neither have the MLB Network in our Uverse package, nor have mlb.tv for this year yet. I'm supposed to be getting a discounted package as a sometime official scorer, but I haven't heard back on my request. But by being part of the other half for now, I see that it's an injustice to the universe of baseball fans. Does baseball actually think that we wouldn't buy the mlb.tv package if we could get two games from a foreign land relatively for free. What about the other 2,400 or so games this season?
The beginning of the baseball season, on top of everything else in life, also means there's a whole lot I could be writing about that I haven't written yet.
Life has intruded on baseball a lot the last couple of weeks -- nothing bad, just a whole lot of stuff to do. Thus I haven't had or taken the time to write about Reds LHP Aroldis Chapman's frightening injury and a lot of battles for positions, spots in rotations and bullpens and other baseball concerns.
I hope to do a lot more in the next few days, even with three fantasy drafts in Sunday. Can't do that now, because I have a Stars game this afternoon. But there will be more, and I hope a return to a daily blogging schedule.
* * *
Basketball. Our league is in the playoffs, and my team's late-season slide has continued. Through the first 5 of 14 days in the first round, I'm tied 4-4 with the team that finished fourth during the regular season. The reason that I'm tied and not ahead comes down to one word: Shooting. I trail in field goal and free throw percentage, 3-point field goals and points. All shooting.
Today's active players are three big men and G Victor Oladipo. I'm hoping the big guys get plenty of put-back opportunities to improve my 43% shooting, without sucking at the foul line. Even Carmelo Anthony scored just 21 points Friday, when the high scorer among my 10 active players was Amar'e Stoudemire with 22. Belated props (does anyone say that anymore) to Ricky Rubio on his triple double Wednesday. That certainly helped my team in assists and rebounds. I'm also leading in steals and killing in blocks.
Most of the basketball news these days is about the NCAA tournament. I'm in three pick-'em pools and another that pays off for each game after those phony first four. It's like a traditional Super Bowl pool, based on the final score -- with my square representing the same score (I think winner ending in 7, loser ending in 3) for all 66 opportunities, including halftime of the Final Four games. So it's 66 chances to "win" among 100 contestants -- even if winning means getting half of my money back for a first-round win and I think breaking even with a Round of 32 win. I split up the upsets for my pick-'em pools, so that I've had most of the upsets. I don't know whether it will be good to have those evenly distributed among the three or to have one entry heavy with correctly picked upsets. Hedging my bets, I went mostly with chalk in the most expensive pool, figuring that I might not win as much but at least I wouldn't lose as much by playing it safe.
* * *
Hockey. I'm confused about the game limits in my league. While I've been rationing my playing time, the team directly ahead of me in second place already has exceeded the games limit. The only place I've been able to find for a clarification has been a message board on espy.com. I don't expect an answer, and I don't expect to move up in the standings after being in third place for months.
Showing posts with label Aroldis Chapman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aroldis Chapman. Show all posts
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Peace of mind could help Chapman's performance
There's some baseball news today. Not necessarily real meaty stuff for fantasy purposes, but there could be some clues to mental states that could affect performance.
The Reds and LHP Aroldis Chapman agreed to avoid arbitration by splitting the difference between their requested salary figures with a $5-million contract for this season. The amicable settlement could do a lot more for the closer's pitching than the extra $400,000 he'll receive.
Some day the Drew brothers could become a case study for young athletes who've been told how good they are and had their butts kissed for so long that they believe they're better than they are and somehow above the fray of petty matters such as living a life. Of course, nobody ever listens to such cautionary tales.
Since J.D. Drew turned down a contract offer as a No. 1 overall draft pick and signed as the next year's No. 1, he and SS Stephen Drew have had a litany of issues in negotiations, scads of games missed because of injuries, travels from team to team and potentially shorter careers than expected. (For the purposes of this discussion, Tim Drew doesn't count because he was never very highly regarded or effective.)
On the other hand, the Drews and their agents got their money up front, so perhaps the brothers don't care that they had to go to work only for a few years.
The latest Stephen Drew news is that he still hasn't signed. MLB.com pointed out that the primary unsigned free agents such as Drew, OF Nelson Cruz, DH Kendrys Morales and RHPs Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana haven't signed because they would cost the team signing them a draft pick. The baseball draft is hardly an exact science, so second-round, supplementary and even first-round picks aren't a given. But all five players in this paragraph are flawed in their own ways.
1B Yuniesky Betancourt is off the free-agent market. He has signed a guaranteed one-year contract to play in Japan. That sounds like a definite winner, doesn't it? It's not as if he'll face a steady diet of off-speed pitches that he can't hit over there. Or will he?
* * *
Basketball. My lead is down to 6-2 this week. I'm now behind in rebounds and assists. I could have as many as eight players in the lineup Wednesday to seven for my opponent. He appears to have a lot of rebounders in the lineup. Ricky Rubio should be able to help me in assists, and I hope that rebounder Joakim Noah has recovered from the illness that caused him to miss his last game.
* * *
Hockey. Lost half a point in both power-play points and goalie wins. My only goalie in action Tuesday was Tim Thomas. His former team, the Bruins, roughed him up for six goals, dropping me even farther into last place in GAA and save percentage. For the record, Thomas didn't win either. It's a good thing I didn't use Jonas Gustavsson; he gave up five goals and lost.
The Reds and LHP Aroldis Chapman agreed to avoid arbitration by splitting the difference between their requested salary figures with a $5-million contract for this season. The amicable settlement could do a lot more for the closer's pitching than the extra $400,000 he'll receive.
Some day the Drew brothers could become a case study for young athletes who've been told how good they are and had their butts kissed for so long that they believe they're better than they are and somehow above the fray of petty matters such as living a life. Of course, nobody ever listens to such cautionary tales.
Since J.D. Drew turned down a contract offer as a No. 1 overall draft pick and signed as the next year's No. 1, he and SS Stephen Drew have had a litany of issues in negotiations, scads of games missed because of injuries, travels from team to team and potentially shorter careers than expected. (For the purposes of this discussion, Tim Drew doesn't count because he was never very highly regarded or effective.)
On the other hand, the Drews and their agents got their money up front, so perhaps the brothers don't care that they had to go to work only for a few years.
The latest Stephen Drew news is that he still hasn't signed. MLB.com pointed out that the primary unsigned free agents such as Drew, OF Nelson Cruz, DH Kendrys Morales and RHPs Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana haven't signed because they would cost the team signing them a draft pick. The baseball draft is hardly an exact science, so second-round, supplementary and even first-round picks aren't a given. But all five players in this paragraph are flawed in their own ways.
1B Yuniesky Betancourt is off the free-agent market. He has signed a guaranteed one-year contract to play in Japan. That sounds like a definite winner, doesn't it? It's not as if he'll face a steady diet of off-speed pitches that he can't hit over there. Or will he?
* * *
Basketball. My lead is down to 6-2 this week. I'm now behind in rebounds and assists. I could have as many as eight players in the lineup Wednesday to seven for my opponent. He appears to have a lot of rebounders in the lineup. Ricky Rubio should be able to help me in assists, and I hope that rebounder Joakim Noah has recovered from the illness that caused him to miss his last game.
* * *
Hockey. Lost half a point in both power-play points and goalie wins. My only goalie in action Tuesday was Tim Thomas. His former team, the Bruins, roughed him up for six goals, dropping me even farther into last place in GAA and save percentage. For the record, Thomas didn't win either. It's a good thing I didn't use Jonas Gustavsson; he gave up five goals and lost.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Matsuzaka to take Wakefield's spot
We’re getting back toward our five-Emails-per-week regular-season schedule, which would send you News and Notes each Thursday.
The free period for these Emails is scheduled to end Sunday, April 25. After that, the Emails would go only to those who subscribe.
The good news is that you now CAN subscribe. See below to find out how.
Subscriptions will include Articles such as our “Pitchers (and Hitters) to Keep and Avoid.” Last year, our recommendation of Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa in itself was worth the cost of what you’d pay, and he was only one of our picks that were on the money. Choosing him was inspired; he was 0-6 when we recommended him, and 16-3 thereafter.
You also would have access to whatever content we’re able to get on to the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
Subscribers will be able to ask questions specific to their fantasy teams and leagues, and receive answers through these Emails, the web site or personal Emails.
Pirates fall 20 short of 20-20
The Red Sox will bring RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka back from his injury-rehab assignment. He will replace RHP Tim Wakefield in their rotation. That might be a greater indictment of Boston’s catchers, who are having great difficulty throwing out base stealers, than of Wakefield. The Sox might not be able to afford having his slow pitching motion and slow pitches giving opposing runners even greater chances to steal.
OOO The Brewers became the first team in major league history to win a game 20-0 to complete a three-game sweep in Pittsburgh during which they outscored the Pirates 36-1. LF Ryan Braun hit his fifth homer, and 1B Prince Fielder finally hit his first. OF Jim Edmonds and C George Kottaras also connected for the first time this season.
OOO Filling in for injured SS Jimmy Rollins, Phillies SS/2B Juan Castro went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI in an 8-3 victory over the Braves.
OOO Mets rookie 1B Ike Davis had three hits and scored two runs.
OOO On the flip side, Angels 3B Brandon Wood’s average slipped to .087.
OOO White Sox RHP Jake Peavy allowed seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings, causing his ERA to expand to 7.66.
OOO The Rays and OF/2B Ben Zobrist agreed on a contract extension through 2013, with team options for ’14 and ’15.
OOO In an episode reminiscent of how the Rays established themselves as a presence two years ago against the Yankees, Athletics LHP Dallas Braden engaged in a war of words with New York 3B Alex Rodriguez. Braden took offense when A-Rod ran across the mound after a foul ball. Rodriguez said, “He just told me to get off his mound. I’d never heard of that, especially from a guy that has a handful of wins in his career.” Braden said he hopes the Yankees realize “We’re not the doormat anymore.” A collision at home plate in a 2008 exhibition game that injured Yankees C Francisco Cervelli was Tampa Bay’s way of letting New York know the Rays had arrived.
Minor matters
3B Mike Moustakas, the Royals’ first-round draft pick in 2007, made his first Double-A appearance at Northwest Arkansas, and hit two home runs. Another prospect for the Naturals, OF Tim Smith, went on the disabled list because of a quadriceps injury.
The pitching-prospect twins, Reds LHP prospect Aroldis Chapman and Nationals RHP prospect Stephen Strasburg, again pitched on the same day. Chapman had control problems, with half a dozen walks and a pitching line of 5 1/3 31068 for Triple-A Louisville. Strasburg has a 2-0 record and 0.73 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg following a line of 510017, and should be ready to move up to Triple-A Syracuse.
Indians C prospect Carlos Santana left Wednesday’s game after fouling a pitch off his right knee, and is considered day to day.
When 1BJustin Smoak left Triple-A Oklahoma City’s game, speculation was that he had hurt himself by fouling a ball off his foot. After the game, though, the Rangers said they would recall Smoak and option struggling 1B Chris Davis to the Redhawks.
Injuries
Tigers OF/3B Carlos Guillen could go on the disabled list because of a hamstring injury.
OOO LF Manny Ramirez left the Dodgers’ game at Cincinnati in the sixth inning because of a strained right calf muscle. He expected to miss at least two games. RHP Jeff Weaver (back injury) has gone on the disabled list.
OOO The Red Sox learned that LF Jacoby Ellsbury’s injury is four fractured left ribs. He’s eligible to come off the DL Tuesday, and Ellsbury still is optimistic that that could happen.
OOO Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman is doubtful for this weekend’d games because of a hamstring injury.
OOO Rangers C Salty, rehabbing a left shoulder injury at Oklahoma City, made a throwing error on a stolen base. That could indicate that his throwing still isn’t good enough to have him playing in the majors.
OOO The Athletics fear that OF Travis Buck could be out until mid-May because of an oblique injury.
In closing
This is a regular feature of our Emails and blog posts. It lets you know who’s getting saves. Equally important is telling you who’s blowing saves or putting his job in jeopardy by getting shaky saves. There’s also a FREE Article on the old fantasybaseballscout.com web site letting you know which pitcher or pitchers each team is using to close games. It will be updated whenever there’s a change or speculation about a change in a team’s closer.
Rockies LHP Franklin Morales’ third save came in a 2-0 victory at Washington, where bigger news was that RHP Ubaldo Jimenez improved to 4-0 with an 0.95 ERA by pitching another 7 1/3 scoreless innings on the heels of his no-hitter.
LHP Darren Oliver picked up his first save – since 1994! – as the Rangers won in Boston 3-0. Texas’ closer, Neftali Feliz, wasn’t able to pitch, and RHPs Frank Francisco and Dustin Nippert had lost games the previous two nights, so Oliver apparently was the best option.
Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez finally received his first save, an easy one in a 5-2 win over the Cubs.
Other saves went to Reds RHP Francisco Corderon, sixth, 8-5 over the Dodgers; Tigers RHP Jose Valverde, fifth, 5-4 at LA/Anaheim, and Athletics RHP Andrew Bailey, second, 4-2 against the Yankees.
Promotion
To subscribe for our five-times-weekly Emails and anything else we're able to provide this season, Email us at lary@fantasybaseballscout.com. Through Sunday, May 2, you can subscribe for just $20, a 20 per cent savings from our established price of $25.
Include your name, address, phone number and the Email address where you would like to receive the Emails. PayPal then would send you an invoice that would allow you to pay in one step.
If you already have expressed interest in subscribing, you should receive an Email asking you to pay for a subscription. If not, please be sure to follow the process above.
The free period for these Emails is scheduled to end Sunday, April 25. After that, the Emails would go only to those who subscribe.
The good news is that you now CAN subscribe. See below to find out how.
Subscriptions will include Articles such as our “Pitchers (and Hitters) to Keep and Avoid.” Last year, our recommendation of Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa in itself was worth the cost of what you’d pay, and he was only one of our picks that were on the money. Choosing him was inspired; he was 0-6 when we recommended him, and 16-3 thereafter.
You also would have access to whatever content we’re able to get on to the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
Subscribers will be able to ask questions specific to their fantasy teams and leagues, and receive answers through these Emails, the web site or personal Emails.
Pirates fall 20 short of 20-20
The Red Sox will bring RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka back from his injury-rehab assignment. He will replace RHP Tim Wakefield in their rotation. That might be a greater indictment of Boston’s catchers, who are having great difficulty throwing out base stealers, than of Wakefield. The Sox might not be able to afford having his slow pitching motion and slow pitches giving opposing runners even greater chances to steal.
OOO The Brewers became the first team in major league history to win a game 20-0 to complete a three-game sweep in Pittsburgh during which they outscored the Pirates 36-1. LF Ryan Braun hit his fifth homer, and 1B Prince Fielder finally hit his first. OF Jim Edmonds and C George Kottaras also connected for the first time this season.
OOO Filling in for injured SS Jimmy Rollins, Phillies SS/2B Juan Castro went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI in an 8-3 victory over the Braves.
OOO Mets rookie 1B Ike Davis had three hits and scored two runs.
OOO On the flip side, Angels 3B Brandon Wood’s average slipped to .087.
OOO White Sox RHP Jake Peavy allowed seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings, causing his ERA to expand to 7.66.
OOO The Rays and OF/2B Ben Zobrist agreed on a contract extension through 2013, with team options for ’14 and ’15.
OOO In an episode reminiscent of how the Rays established themselves as a presence two years ago against the Yankees, Athletics LHP Dallas Braden engaged in a war of words with New York 3B Alex Rodriguez. Braden took offense when A-Rod ran across the mound after a foul ball. Rodriguez said, “He just told me to get off his mound. I’d never heard of that, especially from a guy that has a handful of wins in his career.” Braden said he hopes the Yankees realize “We’re not the doormat anymore.” A collision at home plate in a 2008 exhibition game that injured Yankees C Francisco Cervelli was Tampa Bay’s way of letting New York know the Rays had arrived.
Minor matters
3B Mike Moustakas, the Royals’ first-round draft pick in 2007, made his first Double-A appearance at Northwest Arkansas, and hit two home runs. Another prospect for the Naturals, OF Tim Smith, went on the disabled list because of a quadriceps injury.
The pitching-prospect twins, Reds LHP prospect Aroldis Chapman and Nationals RHP prospect Stephen Strasburg, again pitched on the same day. Chapman had control problems, with half a dozen walks and a pitching line of 5 1/3 31068 for Triple-A Louisville. Strasburg has a 2-0 record and 0.73 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg following a line of 510017, and should be ready to move up to Triple-A Syracuse.
Indians C prospect Carlos Santana left Wednesday’s game after fouling a pitch off his right knee, and is considered day to day.
When 1BJustin Smoak left Triple-A Oklahoma City’s game, speculation was that he had hurt himself by fouling a ball off his foot. After the game, though, the Rangers said they would recall Smoak and option struggling 1B Chris Davis to the Redhawks.
Injuries
Tigers OF/3B Carlos Guillen could go on the disabled list because of a hamstring injury.
OOO LF Manny Ramirez left the Dodgers’ game at Cincinnati in the sixth inning because of a strained right calf muscle. He expected to miss at least two games. RHP Jeff Weaver (back injury) has gone on the disabled list.
OOO The Red Sox learned that LF Jacoby Ellsbury’s injury is four fractured left ribs. He’s eligible to come off the DL Tuesday, and Ellsbury still is optimistic that that could happen.
OOO Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman is doubtful for this weekend’d games because of a hamstring injury.
OOO Rangers C Salty, rehabbing a left shoulder injury at Oklahoma City, made a throwing error on a stolen base. That could indicate that his throwing still isn’t good enough to have him playing in the majors.
OOO The Athletics fear that OF Travis Buck could be out until mid-May because of an oblique injury.
In closing
This is a regular feature of our Emails and blog posts. It lets you know who’s getting saves. Equally important is telling you who’s blowing saves or putting his job in jeopardy by getting shaky saves. There’s also a FREE Article on the old fantasybaseballscout.com web site letting you know which pitcher or pitchers each team is using to close games. It will be updated whenever there’s a change or speculation about a change in a team’s closer.
Rockies LHP Franklin Morales’ third save came in a 2-0 victory at Washington, where bigger news was that RHP Ubaldo Jimenez improved to 4-0 with an 0.95 ERA by pitching another 7 1/3 scoreless innings on the heels of his no-hitter.
LHP Darren Oliver picked up his first save – since 1994! – as the Rangers won in Boston 3-0. Texas’ closer, Neftali Feliz, wasn’t able to pitch, and RHPs Frank Francisco and Dustin Nippert had lost games the previous two nights, so Oliver apparently was the best option.
Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez finally received his first save, an easy one in a 5-2 win over the Cubs.
Other saves went to Reds RHP Francisco Corderon, sixth, 8-5 over the Dodgers; Tigers RHP Jose Valverde, fifth, 5-4 at LA/Anaheim, and Athletics RHP Andrew Bailey, second, 4-2 against the Yankees.
Promotion
To subscribe for our five-times-weekly Emails and anything else we're able to provide this season, Email us at lary@fantasybaseballscout.com. Through Sunday, May 2, you can subscribe for just $20, a 20 per cent savings from our established price of $25.
Include your name, address, phone number and the Email address where you would like to receive the Emails. PayPal then would send you an invoice that would allow you to pay in one step.
If you already have expressed interest in subscribing, you should receive an Email asking you to pay for a subscription. If not, please be sure to follow the process above.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Struggles for Meche, Peavy, Burnett, Hughes, Chapman
On Monday, March 22, both the winning and losing pitchers struggled and finished the game with 6.55 ERAs as the Royals defeated the White Sox 9-5. It was a day that signaled hope for some players and concerns about others.
Kansas City RHP Gil Meche left because of a stiff shoulder after producing a pitching line of 343311. White Sox RHP Jake Peavy’s ERA really soared with his line of 3 10 7704. Royals reserve middle infielders Willie Bloomquist (.556 average) and Mike Aviles (.538) continued to hit. Let’s see how they do back in KC.
In the Tigers’ 8-2 victory over the Blue Jays, Detroit 3B Brandon Inge hit his first home run this spring. He’s recovering from surgery on both knees, but manager Jim Leyland expects Inge to be ready for Opening Day.
The Phillies roughed up Yankees RHPs A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes to win 9-7. Starter Burnett had a line of 475534, and Hughes’ line of 4 1/3 4406 included three homers. SS Wilson Valdez went deep against Hughes in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game.
In one of the spring’s best performances, Indians RHP Fausto Carmona looked like the 19-game-winning 1997 model Carmona in a 9-2 victory over the Cubs. His line was 620002, and Chicago manager Lou Piniella said Carmona had the “best start of any of the pitchers who’ve faced us.” Cubs RHP Jeff Samardzija clung to his hope of landing a spot in their rotation with a line of 442224 that improved his ERA to 6.75.
3B Ryan Zimmerman and LF Josh Willingham hit two homers and drove in three runs apiece against Mets RHP Mike Pelfrey, whose line was 4 2/3 76513 in a 7-5 loss to the Nationals.
The Rockies defeated the Reds 9-1, but the news was all about Cincinnati rookie LHP Aroldis Chapman’s difficulty – a line of 1 2/3 24022 before leaving the game because of a stiff lower back. SS Drew Sutton’s error led to the runs. Colorado 1B Brad Eldred did some damage with two homers, and LHP Jorge De La Rosa dominated with a line of 5 1/3 31115. The Reds’ only run came on OF Drew Stubbs’ third homer.
Back to Chapman. His injury was diagnosed as back spasms, on a day when backs were all over the news. Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols underwent an MRI exam and received an anti-inflammatory injection because of a tight lower back.
Kansas City RHP Gil Meche left because of a stiff shoulder after producing a pitching line of 343311. White Sox RHP Jake Peavy’s ERA really soared with his line of 3 10 7704. Royals reserve middle infielders Willie Bloomquist (.556 average) and Mike Aviles (.538) continued to hit. Let’s see how they do back in KC.
In the Tigers’ 8-2 victory over the Blue Jays, Detroit 3B Brandon Inge hit his first home run this spring. He’s recovering from surgery on both knees, but manager Jim Leyland expects Inge to be ready for Opening Day.
The Phillies roughed up Yankees RHPs A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes to win 9-7. Starter Burnett had a line of 475534, and Hughes’ line of 4 1/3 4406 included three homers. SS Wilson Valdez went deep against Hughes in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game.
In one of the spring’s best performances, Indians RHP Fausto Carmona looked like the 19-game-winning 1997 model Carmona in a 9-2 victory over the Cubs. His line was 620002, and Chicago manager Lou Piniella said Carmona had the “best start of any of the pitchers who’ve faced us.” Cubs RHP Jeff Samardzija clung to his hope of landing a spot in their rotation with a line of 442224 that improved his ERA to 6.75.
3B Ryan Zimmerman and LF Josh Willingham hit two homers and drove in three runs apiece against Mets RHP Mike Pelfrey, whose line was 4 2/3 76513 in a 7-5 loss to the Nationals.
The Rockies defeated the Reds 9-1, but the news was all about Cincinnati rookie LHP Aroldis Chapman’s difficulty – a line of 1 2/3 24022 before leaving the game because of a stiff lower back. SS Drew Sutton’s error led to the runs. Colorado 1B Brad Eldred did some damage with two homers, and LHP Jorge De La Rosa dominated with a line of 5 1/3 31115. The Reds’ only run came on OF Drew Stubbs’ third homer.
Back to Chapman. His injury was diagnosed as back spasms, on a day when backs were all over the news. Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols underwent an MRI exam and received an anti-inflammatory injection because of a tight lower back.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Heyward hammers first homer
After pounding baseballs into a parking lot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for a couple of weeks, Braves RF prospect Jason Heyward hit his first exhibition homer in a 12-4 victory over the Tigers. The blast came against RHP Max Scherzer, from whom Detroit is expecting big things. Tigers manager compared Heyward to a young Albert Pujols. Expect the rookie to arrive in Atlanta amid even more hype on Opening Day. And expect whoever gets him in your fantasy league to overpay for Heyward.
Speaking of hype, the legend of Reds rookie LHP Aroldis Chapman continued with two scoreless innings in his first exhibition game, or any game on U.S. soil. His fastball was clocked at 99 and 100 mph on different radar guns. That was in a 14-5 win over the Royals. Possible good news for Kansas City was that 3B Josh Fields, filling in for injured 3B/1B Alex Gordon, hit a home run against Cincinnati RHP Nick Masset.
Other home runs of note included Blue Jays C J.P. Arencibia’s third this spring. Don’t get too excited about this one; it was against marginal Astros RHP Bud Norris in Toronto’s 4-1victory. In the Brewers’ 6-2 win over the Mariners, RF Corey Hart hit his second. That could be a good sign that he won’t cut down his effort after signing a multiyear contract.
It could have been a typical high-scoring Arizona game when C Mike Napoli hit his second spring homer in the Angels’ 13-9 victory over the Rangers. Or it could be that Napoli is continuing to develop, and is a good candidate to spend the All-Star break at home in Anaheim to play in the game.
In the Twins’ 5-0 victory over the Orioles, RHP Kevin Slowey had a pitching line of 310012. You might recall that he was one of our Jarrod Washburn Award winners before last season, and won 10 games before going on the disabled list for most of the season’s second half. It’s entirely possible that we’d name him the Washburn Award winner (for an inexpensive pitcher who will rack up the wins) again this year.
The Yankees and Pirates both were in mid-season form as New York won 6-0. RHP Alfredo Aceves pitched four hitless innings. Pittsburgh’s only hit in the game was 1B/OF Steven Pearce’s single against RHP Ivan Nova, who is more likely to pitch at Triple-A Scranton than in Yankee Stadium this year. The Yanks’ closer, RHP Mariano Rivera, hasn’t even pitched yet this spring and isn’t scheduled to until March 16. He said, “When the time comes, I will be ready.” We have no reason to doubt him.
Mets OF Chris Carter, late of the Red Sox, became the second player this spring to homer twice in the same inning – New York’s eight-run ninth in an 11-2 victory over the Marlins. The game’s biggest news, however, might have been RHP prospect Jennry Mejia’s three scoreless innings. Manager Jerry Manuel compared Mejia’s moving cut fastball to Rivera’s. My own comparison to Rivera is Rangers RHP Neftali Feliz, because from the time I first saw each of them in the minors I felt they have almost impossible-to-hit stuff but not enough stamina to withstand high pitch counts as a starter. Ergo, each would be best as a reliever. I haven’t seen Mejia yet, so I’m not sure about his optimum role.
Three games ended as one-run decisions on last-inning runs. The Rays beat the Pirates 4-3 on OF Fernando Perez’s 10th-inning single. In another 10-inning game, the Giants defeated the Dodgers 3-2 with strong-armed rookie RF Roger Kieschnick preventing what would have been the tying run by throwing out 2B Ron Belliard at home plate. The Red Sox edged the Cardinals 7-6, with rookie 1B Che-Hsuan Lin driving in the winning run. Boston RHP Josh Beckett pitched three perfect innings.
Injuries:
Rangers LF Josh Hamilton (bruised left shoulder) was supposed to return to the field Sunday, but the scheduled “B” game was rained out. Instead, he came back today and went 2-for-3 against the Angels.
Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez (pinkeye) was expected to come back to throw Tuesday or Wednesday, and to pitch in a game over the weekend. However, New York NL has shut down RHP Kelvim Escobar (weak shoulder), who is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.
Astros RHP Brandon Lyon (cyst in his shoulder) threw 30 pitches in the bullpen, and could face batters by the weekend.
Dodgers 3B Casey Blake is out because of a strained rib cage muscle. RHP Cory Wade (tender shoulder) will be out two weeks.
Cardinals SS Brendan Ryan (wrist surgery) hit soft toss, and could take batting practice for the first time Friday.
Phillies LHP J.C. Romero (elbow surgery) is scheduled to throw in the bullpen Tuesday. He expects to be ready by the home opener in Philadelphia April 12.
Dodgers RHP Ronald Belisario isn’t injured, but he hasn’t been able to pitch because he’s still home in Venezuela. He has had difficulty obtaining a visa because of a DUI arrest last summer.
The PED News:
Dr. Anthony Galea, the Canadian physician under fire for allegedly arranging to smuggle performance-enhancing drugs into the U.S., said he had provided anti-inflammatory drugs to Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez. Mets SS Jose Reyes said Dr. Galea used with him a “blood spinning” technique that kind of sounds like the blood doping banned by the Olympics decades ago.
Sample Scouting Report:
Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Reds
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 180 T: L Age: 22* Inj. Risk: 10 Alt. Pos: SP
{2010} Chapman was considered such a good pitcher in Cuba that president Raul Castro forgave him for an attempt to defect in 2008, and allowed him to travel with the national team the next year. He then defected in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Chapman’s fastball reportedly has been clocked at 102 mph; he has flirted with triple figures this spring. At least some of the hype around him is justified. There is a lot of interest in Cincinnati about having him in the rotation this season. How well he does will depend on how he can control his slider and continue to develop a changeup. Without those, he’d be best in Triple-A or even Double-A this season. Born: Feb. 28, 1988, Cuba*.
Projection
IP: 81 W: 6 ERA: 4.00 WHIP: 1.33 S: 0 SO: 73 $3
Speaking of hype, the legend of Reds rookie LHP Aroldis Chapman continued with two scoreless innings in his first exhibition game, or any game on U.S. soil. His fastball was clocked at 99 and 100 mph on different radar guns. That was in a 14-5 win over the Royals. Possible good news for Kansas City was that 3B Josh Fields, filling in for injured 3B/1B Alex Gordon, hit a home run against Cincinnati RHP Nick Masset.
Other home runs of note included Blue Jays C J.P. Arencibia’s third this spring. Don’t get too excited about this one; it was against marginal Astros RHP Bud Norris in Toronto’s 4-1victory. In the Brewers’ 6-2 win over the Mariners, RF Corey Hart hit his second. That could be a good sign that he won’t cut down his effort after signing a multiyear contract.
It could have been a typical high-scoring Arizona game when C Mike Napoli hit his second spring homer in the Angels’ 13-9 victory over the Rangers. Or it could be that Napoli is continuing to develop, and is a good candidate to spend the All-Star break at home in Anaheim to play in the game.
In the Twins’ 5-0 victory over the Orioles, RHP Kevin Slowey had a pitching line of 310012. You might recall that he was one of our Jarrod Washburn Award winners before last season, and won 10 games before going on the disabled list for most of the season’s second half. It’s entirely possible that we’d name him the Washburn Award winner (for an inexpensive pitcher who will rack up the wins) again this year.
The Yankees and Pirates both were in mid-season form as New York won 6-0. RHP Alfredo Aceves pitched four hitless innings. Pittsburgh’s only hit in the game was 1B/OF Steven Pearce’s single against RHP Ivan Nova, who is more likely to pitch at Triple-A Scranton than in Yankee Stadium this year. The Yanks’ closer, RHP Mariano Rivera, hasn’t even pitched yet this spring and isn’t scheduled to until March 16. He said, “When the time comes, I will be ready.” We have no reason to doubt him.
Mets OF Chris Carter, late of the Red Sox, became the second player this spring to homer twice in the same inning – New York’s eight-run ninth in an 11-2 victory over the Marlins. The game’s biggest news, however, might have been RHP prospect Jennry Mejia’s three scoreless innings. Manager Jerry Manuel compared Mejia’s moving cut fastball to Rivera’s. My own comparison to Rivera is Rangers RHP Neftali Feliz, because from the time I first saw each of them in the minors I felt they have almost impossible-to-hit stuff but not enough stamina to withstand high pitch counts as a starter. Ergo, each would be best as a reliever. I haven’t seen Mejia yet, so I’m not sure about his optimum role.
Three games ended as one-run decisions on last-inning runs. The Rays beat the Pirates 4-3 on OF Fernando Perez’s 10th-inning single. In another 10-inning game, the Giants defeated the Dodgers 3-2 with strong-armed rookie RF Roger Kieschnick preventing what would have been the tying run by throwing out 2B Ron Belliard at home plate. The Red Sox edged the Cardinals 7-6, with rookie 1B Che-Hsuan Lin driving in the winning run. Boston RHP Josh Beckett pitched three perfect innings.
Injuries:
Rangers LF Josh Hamilton (bruised left shoulder) was supposed to return to the field Sunday, but the scheduled “B” game was rained out. Instead, he came back today and went 2-for-3 against the Angels.
Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez (pinkeye) was expected to come back to throw Tuesday or Wednesday, and to pitch in a game over the weekend. However, New York NL has shut down RHP Kelvim Escobar (weak shoulder), who is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.
Astros RHP Brandon Lyon (cyst in his shoulder) threw 30 pitches in the bullpen, and could face batters by the weekend.
Dodgers 3B Casey Blake is out because of a strained rib cage muscle. RHP Cory Wade (tender shoulder) will be out two weeks.
Cardinals SS Brendan Ryan (wrist surgery) hit soft toss, and could take batting practice for the first time Friday.
Phillies LHP J.C. Romero (elbow surgery) is scheduled to throw in the bullpen Tuesday. He expects to be ready by the home opener in Philadelphia April 12.
Dodgers RHP Ronald Belisario isn’t injured, but he hasn’t been able to pitch because he’s still home in Venezuela. He has had difficulty obtaining a visa because of a DUI arrest last summer.
The PED News:
Dr. Anthony Galea, the Canadian physician under fire for allegedly arranging to smuggle performance-enhancing drugs into the U.S., said he had provided anti-inflammatory drugs to Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez. Mets SS Jose Reyes said Dr. Galea used with him a “blood spinning” technique that kind of sounds like the blood doping banned by the Olympics decades ago.
Sample Scouting Report:
Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Reds
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 180 T: L Age: 22* Inj. Risk: 10 Alt. Pos: SP
{2010} Chapman was considered such a good pitcher in Cuba that president Raul Castro forgave him for an attempt to defect in 2008, and allowed him to travel with the national team the next year. He then defected in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Chapman’s fastball reportedly has been clocked at 102 mph; he has flirted with triple figures this spring. At least some of the hype around him is justified. There is a lot of interest in Cincinnati about having him in the rotation this season. How well he does will depend on how he can control his slider and continue to develop a changeup. Without those, he’d be best in Triple-A or even Double-A this season. Born: Feb. 28, 1988, Cuba*.
Projection
IP: 81 W: 6 ERA: 4.00 WHIP: 1.33 S: 0 SO: 73 $3
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Chapman shines vs. less shiny players
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.”
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.”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
First reports of actual spring training activity
The biggest news today as pitchers and catchers made their first official appearances on the playing fields for 12 major league teams came out of Goodyear, Ariz.
That's where Reds LHP Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban defector, said he wasn't throwing at top speed during his 35-pitch workout from a mound. Nevertheless, team officials said they were impressed. What would you expect them to say? They're not going to do anything to suggest that they wasted money on Chapman. Before we get too excited, let's see him against real major league batters.
Speaking of getting overly excited, what's with all the people talking about how wonderful the Mariners are? They'd still have to beat the Angels and the emerging Rangers. And now that Seattle's primary acquisition, LHP Cliff Lee, won't throw until next Wednesday, will there be more overreaction saying the Mariners now don't have a chance?
Meanwhile, don't put too much stock in a pitcher who usually is one of our favorites, Cubs LHP Ted Lilly. He's recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder, and now may need an MRI exam on his right knee.
Lilly is likely to do better than Nationals LHP Ross Detwiler, who will be out three months following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip.
Pitchers and catchers from the teams that reported today -- with the exception of the Mets, who won't start workouts until Saturday -- will be on the field Friday for the first time.
Another six teams will have their pitchers and catchers reporting Friday.
And on March 2, we'll hear the first exhibition shouts of "Play ball!"
That's where Reds LHP Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban defector, said he wasn't throwing at top speed during his 35-pitch workout from a mound. Nevertheless, team officials said they were impressed. What would you expect them to say? They're not going to do anything to suggest that they wasted money on Chapman. Before we get too excited, let's see him against real major league batters.
Speaking of getting overly excited, what's with all the people talking about how wonderful the Mariners are? They'd still have to beat the Angels and the emerging Rangers. And now that Seattle's primary acquisition, LHP Cliff Lee, won't throw until next Wednesday, will there be more overreaction saying the Mariners now don't have a chance?
Meanwhile, don't put too much stock in a pitcher who usually is one of our favorites, Cubs LHP Ted Lilly. He's recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder, and now may need an MRI exam on his right knee.
Lilly is likely to do better than Nationals LHP Ross Detwiler, who will be out three months following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip.
Pitchers and catchers from the teams that reported today -- with the exception of the Mets, who won't start workouts until Saturday -- will be on the field Friday for the first time.
Another six teams will have their pitchers and catchers reporting Friday.
And on March 2, we'll hear the first exhibition shouts of "Play ball!"
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