Day by day, we're getting closer to real major league baseball.
Five exhibition games Wednesday featured more-or-less major league teams against each other, and a team in Miami Marlins uniforms defeated the University of Miami.
-- There were highlights -- particularly in Scottsdale, Ariz.
There, Athletics RF Josh Reddick and Giants -- I don't know, OF? -- Michael Morse engaged in a form of deja vu. Reddick twice reached over the fence to catch balls that Morse drove to the opposite field. Instead of home runs, they became outs -- three, in fact, because Reddick doubled off a mentally dozing baserunner at second base after the second and less spectacular catch. Oakland took a 10-0 lead with a six-run fourth inning and went on to win 10-5. It appears that they have built some kind of pavilion beyond the right field fence in my favorite older park in Arizona.
-- There were hints of mid-season form.
Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista hit a home run in his first at-bat as Toronto defeated the Phillies 4-3 in a game stopped after seven innings because of rain in Clearwater, Fla.
Reds OF Billy Hamilton stole his first of no doubt many bases in an 8-3 victory over the Indians.
As leadoff batter, Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury walked and scored in each of the first two innings. However, the Pirates rallied to win 6-5. 1B Gaby Sanchez might have taken note when it was Sanchez -- C Tony Sanchez -- who hit a game-tying three-run homer and 1B Chris McGuiness, hoping to become the left-handed-batting part of a platoon, who followed with a single that delivered the deciding run.
-- There were examples of fast-and-loose rules in spring training.
It also rained near Disney World, where the Tigers took a 6-5 lead on Hernan Perez's two-run single in the top of the ninth inning. The Braves had a runner on base and two out when the game was called because of rain. Instead of reverting to the last completed inning, the game was ruled a 6-5 Detroit victory. For Atlanta, Matt Lipka -- McKinney (Texas) HS teammate of Dodgers prospect Zach Lee -- entered the game late. Lipka struck out in both at-bats, but threw out Perez at the plate in the ninth.
-- There was an example of a spring appearance that most likely meant virtually nothing.
The Diamondbacks defeated the Dodgers 4-1, scoring three runs in two innings against LHP Clayton Kershaw. See me in August to find out how Kershaw's doing then.
-- There were injury updates.
Angels fans might have breathed more easily when the team said OF Josh Hamilton, on crutches Tuesday, would miss just two weeks because of a strained calf muscle.
Mets LHP Jonathan Niese went back to New York to have an MRI exam on his shoulder.
Orioles 3B Manny Machado will have his injured left knee reevaluated March 18, two weeks before the season is scheduled to begin.
-- There was the retirement of a player we didn't even know still had been thinking about playing.
RHP Carl Pavano, who didn't pitch last season, announced that he has retired. Thanks. We'll all go and cross him off our fantasy draft lists.
-- There was a move that probably means nothing to either big-league team, or any fantasy team.
The White Sox claim RHP Maikel Cleto on waivers from the Royals.
-- There will be even more games Thursday.
Still, not every team will be in action. Nineteen major league extended rosters will be well used in 12 games. Those include a Red Sox doubleheader against first Northeastern University and then Boston College. The Diamondbacks will split into two squads, probably with at least 25 players each, going against the Cubs and Dodgers hordes. The Marlins also have a college opponent, meaning that they might have at least one two-game winning streak in 2014.
* * *
Hockey. The NHL came back! Part of my team did. I remained at 67 points, but moved two points closer to second place because the current second-place team dropped to 74. My players totaled minus-10. Now I love Jarome Iginla as a player, and he did have a power-play assist Wednesday, but he still managed to be minus-3 by himself.
* * *
Basketball. Team Fresh Prints moved into a 6-1-1 lead. Despite shooting better than 50 percent from the field, it still trails .5094-.5026 in field goal percentage. The tie is in blocks. My best hope there is Serge Ibaka, but he has just two games remaining this week. However, Carmelo Anthony, David West and potentially Raymond Felton are scheduled for three more.
Showing posts with label Jacoby Ellsbury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jacoby Ellsbury. Show all posts
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Ellsbury following Damon's footsteps to New York?
Tuesday's flurry of moves continued into the evening, with the biggest
individual move of the day -- CF Jacoby Ellsbury's reported agreement on a
7-year, $153-million contract with the Yankees. If this sounds familiar, it
sort of echoes Johnny Damon's career path, except that Ellsbury is younger than
Damon was when he moved from Boston.
It seems likely that Brett Gardner would move to Yankee Stadium's spacious left field, that OF Vernon Wells would hit the road again and OFs Ichiro Suzuki and Alfonso Soriano would fight it out to see who plays in the field and who joins the DH picture.
Another apparently imminent free-agent signing would have 1B Justin Morneau moving to the Rockies for 2 years and $13 million.
Colorado already was a major player Tuesday, dispatching CF Dexter Fowler to the Astros for CF Brandon Barnes and RHP Jordan Lyles.
The Rockies, on a smaller level than the Athletics but with greater needs, may have helped themselves in several places. Despite Morneau's disappointing stretch run with the Pirates, he still has more tread on his tires than the 2013 1B, Todd Helton. To avoid Morneau's difficulty hitting lefties, Colorado could give C Wilin Rosario more playing time by putting him at first against southpaws. OF Michael Cuddyer, who spent plenty of time at first during his career season, can go back to right field. Barnes would replace the more athletic Fowler in center field, which looks like a win for Houston. Lyles was just 7-9 with a 5.59 ERA for the last-place Astros. He might not be able to do even that well at Coors Field, but that still could be an improvement over some of the cast of characters who started games for the '13 Rockies.
In addition to jettisoning RHP Jim Johnson to Oakland for discredited 2B Jemile Weeks and a player to be named, the Orioles avoided arbitration with OF Nolan Reimold by signing him to a 1-year contract for $1 million. Reimold already will be 30 next season and, really, how much has he done in the majors.
The Tigers continued to be active players in the market. They reportedly are giving RHP Joe Nathan a 2-year contract to fill a sinkhole as their closer. Detroit's rotation won't be quite as good, because they traded RHP Doug Fister, a 14-game winner, to the Nationals for utility infielder Steve Lombardozzi (not the original, a 2B for the Twins when they won the 1987 World Series, but his son) and LHPs Ian Krol and Robbie Ray. Krol reached the majors in 2013 without much distinction (3.95 ERA in Washington's bullpen). As a starter, Ray was a combined 11-5 with a 3.36 ERA in high A and Double-A.
Fister always has ranked high in my Rule of 25 listing of pitchers' true ability (aiming for a .250 opponents' average and 2.5:1 K/W ratio), even when he was losing games for Seattle. The soon-to-be 30-year-old had more than three strikeouts for every walk, and earned 54 per cent of his outs on ground balls. Those stats helped lead to a 14-9 record and 3.67 ERA.
His new home park may not be as pitcher-friendly, but he'll remain a vital cog in a deep rotation in Washington that would include RHPs Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman and LHP Gio Gonzalez.
Detroit also made a bargain-basement signing to avoid arbitration with OF/IF Don Kelly. He will receive $1 million for 2014.
The Yankees freed up some loose change to help pay Ellsbury when they traded C Chris Stewart to the Pirates for a PTBN. Pittsburgh and Stewart reportedly agreed on a $1-million contract for him to back up C Russell Martin as he did in New York. The loser in that transaction was C Michael McKenry, who was designated for assignment.
Still a few player moves needing comments. I'll do those after I get home. Maybe Wednesday if I'm tired tonight.
It seems likely that Brett Gardner would move to Yankee Stadium's spacious left field, that OF Vernon Wells would hit the road again and OFs Ichiro Suzuki and Alfonso Soriano would fight it out to see who plays in the field and who joins the DH picture.
Another apparently imminent free-agent signing would have 1B Justin Morneau moving to the Rockies for 2 years and $13 million.
Colorado already was a major player Tuesday, dispatching CF Dexter Fowler to the Astros for CF Brandon Barnes and RHP Jordan Lyles.
The Rockies, on a smaller level than the Athletics but with greater needs, may have helped themselves in several places. Despite Morneau's disappointing stretch run with the Pirates, he still has more tread on his tires than the 2013 1B, Todd Helton. To avoid Morneau's difficulty hitting lefties, Colorado could give C Wilin Rosario more playing time by putting him at first against southpaws. OF Michael Cuddyer, who spent plenty of time at first during his career season, can go back to right field. Barnes would replace the more athletic Fowler in center field, which looks like a win for Houston. Lyles was just 7-9 with a 5.59 ERA for the last-place Astros. He might not be able to do even that well at Coors Field, but that still could be an improvement over some of the cast of characters who started games for the '13 Rockies.
In addition to jettisoning RHP Jim Johnson to Oakland for discredited 2B Jemile Weeks and a player to be named, the Orioles avoided arbitration with OF Nolan Reimold by signing him to a 1-year contract for $1 million. Reimold already will be 30 next season and, really, how much has he done in the majors.
The Tigers continued to be active players in the market. They reportedly are giving RHP Joe Nathan a 2-year contract to fill a sinkhole as their closer. Detroit's rotation won't be quite as good, because they traded RHP Doug Fister, a 14-game winner, to the Nationals for utility infielder Steve Lombardozzi (not the original, a 2B for the Twins when they won the 1987 World Series, but his son) and LHPs Ian Krol and Robbie Ray. Krol reached the majors in 2013 without much distinction (3.95 ERA in Washington's bullpen). As a starter, Ray was a combined 11-5 with a 3.36 ERA in high A and Double-A.
Fister always has ranked high in my Rule of 25 listing of pitchers' true ability (aiming for a .250 opponents' average and 2.5:1 K/W ratio), even when he was losing games for Seattle. The soon-to-be 30-year-old had more than three strikeouts for every walk, and earned 54 per cent of his outs on ground balls. Those stats helped lead to a 14-9 record and 3.67 ERA.
His new home park may not be as pitcher-friendly, but he'll remain a vital cog in a deep rotation in Washington that would include RHPs Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman and LHP Gio Gonzalez.
Detroit also made a bargain-basement signing to avoid arbitration with OF/IF Don Kelly. He will receive $1 million for 2014.
The Yankees freed up some loose change to help pay Ellsbury when they traded C Chris Stewart to the Pirates for a PTBN. Pittsburgh and Stewart reportedly agreed on a $1-million contract for him to back up C Russell Martin as he did in New York. The loser in that transaction was C Michael McKenry, who was designated for assignment.
Still a few player moves needing comments. I'll do those after I get home. Maybe Wednesday if I'm tired tonight.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
More patience would help Ellsbury as leadoff batter
Today’s TV viewing included Boston’s 5-4 victory over the Orioles. Starting for the Red Sox, RHP Clay Buchholz gave up three runs in two innings. Baltimore’s starter, RHP Jeremy Guthrie had similar problems, primarily because he couldn’t put away batters. Two marginal major leaguers, 2B Tug Hulett and 1B Aaron Bates, worked Guthrie for walks. In what had to be disappointing to the Sox, CF Jacoby Ellsbury wasn’t as patient. The leadoff batter instead popped out to end the threat.
Rain wiped out all of the games in the Phoenix area, meaning that the only games in Arizona were two between split squads of Diamondbacks and Rockies in Tucson. Even those games were shortened because of wet weather. Arizona won one game 9-3 in six innings, with much of the time being eaten up while the D-backs were scoring eight runs against LHP Franklin Morales in 1 2/3 innings. Without such a struggling pitcher, the other game made it through seven innings with the Rockies winning 4-1.
Despite their rainout, the Angels kept LHP Joe Saunders on schedule for his first regular-season start by having him throw batting practice in a bullpen. The White Sox did the same thing with RHP Jake Peavy, who pitched a simulated game
Scoring the most runs in the eight games in Florida were the Pirates, in a 15-5 victory over the Twins. RF Garrett Jones hit a home run against his former team, and 1B/SS Bobby Crosby also went deep for Pittsburgh. RHP Ronald Uviedo added a win to the save he recorded Friday. That spring production doesn’t necessarily make him a worthwhile fantasy pick but it could land him a spot in the Bucs’ bullpen.
The Twins’ good split squad apparently was playing against the Yankees, and recording an 11-0 shutout. It was the second scoreless effort in two days by Minnesota’s staff.
The Mets may have clinched fourth place in the National League East almost a month before the season begins. The defeated the Nationals again, 6-5. In his first game for Washington, RHP Jason Marquis gave up five runs in two innings. C Omir Santos helped New York’s cause with an inside-the-park grand slam courtesy of Nationals LF Willy Taveras’ indecision about grabbing the ball from under the fence down the left field line.
Instead of going home after nine innings, the Rays and Phillies stayed for Tampa Bay’s 5-3 victory in 10 innings. That gives the Rays the early lead in games between the last two losing World Series teams.
RHP Kyle McClellan, fighting LHPs Rich Hill and possibly Jaime Garcia for the job as the Cardinals’ fifth starter, needed just 39 pitches to get through three innings of a 7-4 victory over the Marlins. OF Brett Carroll hit a home run for Florida.
Even before the Blue Jays have made it through the first week of exhibition games, injury problems are limiting their pitching rotation. That could keep LHP Brian Tallet in a starting role. However, he gave up four runs in two innings, including homers by RF Magglio Ordonez and 1B Ryan Strieby. Toronto’s rotation is unsettled, with RHPs Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan and Brandon Morrow and LHPs Ricky Romero, Marc Rzepczynski and Brett Cecil also fighting for spots. Marcum, McGowan and Cecil are coming back from injuries.
Injuries – current, not Prior:
Dodgers C Russell Martin will be out 4-6 weeks because of a pulled groin muscle. While he’s out, LA said it would go with rookie A.J. Ellis and old-timer Brad Ausmus. Ellis batted .314 last season at Triple-A Albuquerque, but is just 1-for-13 in the majors. Despite the Dodgers’ cheery words about Ellis, expect them to shop for a catcher if Martin would miss more than a couple of weeks to begin the season.
Royals 3B Alex Gordon suffered a broken right thumb when he slid headfirst trying to steal second base in Saturday’s game. He could be back by Opening Day, but at least until then 2B Alberto Callaspo and 3B Josh Fields are expected to share time at third base. Callaspo has lost his second base job to 2B Chris Getz, who went to Kansas City from the White Sox in a trade for OF/3B Mark Teahen.
Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Webb threw soft toss, and is considered day to day. He might not be able to pitch in a game by mid-March.
Giants 3B/OF Mark DeRosa, expected to be their left fielder this season, took his first batting practice following off-season surgery. OF/2B Emmanuel Burriss has been wearing a walking boot to protect his fractured left foot. He could be out two months. Even then there would be a question about how well Burriss, whose game is predicated almost entirely on his speed, could run.
Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka threw 65 pitches on the side.
What they’re working on:
Phillies RHP prospect Phillippe Aumont turned around his poor exhibition debut by pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings against the Rays. As part of Philadelphia’s switching him from a reliever to a starter, he has lowered his arm angle from over the top to three-quarters. That has improved his slider, making it a second out pitch to go with his fastball. His work on that most likely will continue in the high minors this season.
Sample Scouting Report:
Kyle McClellan, RHP, Cardinals
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 205 T: R Age: 25 Inj. Risk: 10
{2010} McClellan could be a hometown favorite; his family has had Cardinals season tickets for years. He has been mostly a setup man since jumping from Double-A to the majors to open the 2008 season with St. Louis. The Cardinals are giving him a shot as a starter this spring, which seems surprising because he has seemed to lack stamina in slumping during the second half of each of his two seasons as a big leaguer. It’s also possible that he could grow into a closer’s job. The key for McClellan will be improving the control that slipped last year. 2009: 67 IP, 4-4 W-L, 3.37 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3 S, 51 SO. Born: June 12, 1984, Florissant, Mo.
Projection
IP: 66 W: 3 ERA: 3.56 WHIP: 1.35 S: 3 SO: 48
Rain wiped out all of the games in the Phoenix area, meaning that the only games in Arizona were two between split squads of Diamondbacks and Rockies in Tucson. Even those games were shortened because of wet weather. Arizona won one game 9-3 in six innings, with much of the time being eaten up while the D-backs were scoring eight runs against LHP Franklin Morales in 1 2/3 innings. Without such a struggling pitcher, the other game made it through seven innings with the Rockies winning 4-1.
Despite their rainout, the Angels kept LHP Joe Saunders on schedule for his first regular-season start by having him throw batting practice in a bullpen. The White Sox did the same thing with RHP Jake Peavy, who pitched a simulated game
Scoring the most runs in the eight games in Florida were the Pirates, in a 15-5 victory over the Twins. RF Garrett Jones hit a home run against his former team, and 1B/SS Bobby Crosby also went deep for Pittsburgh. RHP Ronald Uviedo added a win to the save he recorded Friday. That spring production doesn’t necessarily make him a worthwhile fantasy pick but it could land him a spot in the Bucs’ bullpen.
The Twins’ good split squad apparently was playing against the Yankees, and recording an 11-0 shutout. It was the second scoreless effort in two days by Minnesota’s staff.
The Mets may have clinched fourth place in the National League East almost a month before the season begins. The defeated the Nationals again, 6-5. In his first game for Washington, RHP Jason Marquis gave up five runs in two innings. C Omir Santos helped New York’s cause with an inside-the-park grand slam courtesy of Nationals LF Willy Taveras’ indecision about grabbing the ball from under the fence down the left field line.
Instead of going home after nine innings, the Rays and Phillies stayed for Tampa Bay’s 5-3 victory in 10 innings. That gives the Rays the early lead in games between the last two losing World Series teams.
RHP Kyle McClellan, fighting LHPs Rich Hill and possibly Jaime Garcia for the job as the Cardinals’ fifth starter, needed just 39 pitches to get through three innings of a 7-4 victory over the Marlins. OF Brett Carroll hit a home run for Florida.
Even before the Blue Jays have made it through the first week of exhibition games, injury problems are limiting their pitching rotation. That could keep LHP Brian Tallet in a starting role. However, he gave up four runs in two innings, including homers by RF Magglio Ordonez and 1B Ryan Strieby. Toronto’s rotation is unsettled, with RHPs Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan and Brandon Morrow and LHPs Ricky Romero, Marc Rzepczynski and Brett Cecil also fighting for spots. Marcum, McGowan and Cecil are coming back from injuries.
Injuries – current, not Prior:
Dodgers C Russell Martin will be out 4-6 weeks because of a pulled groin muscle. While he’s out, LA said it would go with rookie A.J. Ellis and old-timer Brad Ausmus. Ellis batted .314 last season at Triple-A Albuquerque, but is just 1-for-13 in the majors. Despite the Dodgers’ cheery words about Ellis, expect them to shop for a catcher if Martin would miss more than a couple of weeks to begin the season.
Royals 3B Alex Gordon suffered a broken right thumb when he slid headfirst trying to steal second base in Saturday’s game. He could be back by Opening Day, but at least until then 2B Alberto Callaspo and 3B Josh Fields are expected to share time at third base. Callaspo has lost his second base job to 2B Chris Getz, who went to Kansas City from the White Sox in a trade for OF/3B Mark Teahen.
Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Webb threw soft toss, and is considered day to day. He might not be able to pitch in a game by mid-March.
Giants 3B/OF Mark DeRosa, expected to be their left fielder this season, took his first batting practice following off-season surgery. OF/2B Emmanuel Burriss has been wearing a walking boot to protect his fractured left foot. He could be out two months. Even then there would be a question about how well Burriss, whose game is predicated almost entirely on his speed, could run.
Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka threw 65 pitches on the side.
What they’re working on:
Phillies RHP prospect Phillippe Aumont turned around his poor exhibition debut by pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings against the Rays. As part of Philadelphia’s switching him from a reliever to a starter, he has lowered his arm angle from over the top to three-quarters. That has improved his slider, making it a second out pitch to go with his fastball. His work on that most likely will continue in the high minors this season.
Sample Scouting Report:
Kyle McClellan, RHP, Cardinals
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 205 T: R Age: 25 Inj. Risk: 10
{2010} McClellan could be a hometown favorite; his family has had Cardinals season tickets for years. He has been mostly a setup man since jumping from Double-A to the majors to open the 2008 season with St. Louis. The Cardinals are giving him a shot as a starter this spring, which seems surprising because he has seemed to lack stamina in slumping during the second half of each of his two seasons as a big leaguer. It’s also possible that he could grow into a closer’s job. The key for McClellan will be improving the control that slipped last year. 2009: 67 IP, 4-4 W-L, 3.37 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3 S, 51 SO. Born: June 12, 1984, Florissant, Mo.
Projection
IP: 66 W: 3 ERA: 3.56 WHIP: 1.35 S: 3 SO: 48
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)