Off-season Lasik eye surgery could be beginning to take effect for Braves C Brian McCann. He hit his first two home runs this spring, against RHP Brett Myers and journeyman LHP Tim Byrdak, as Atlanta lost to the Astros 8-5. RF Hunter Pence slugged his third homer for Houston.
Speaking of eyes, in the Stephen Strasburg watch, the Nationals right-hander pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out two in a 7-3 loss to the Cardinals. The winning pitcher was RHP Adam Ottavino, who to date has been overhyped as a prospect. He had a pitching line of 200001 after relieving RHP Adam Wainwright in the fifth inning.
In the Diamondbacks’ 9-3 victory over the Rangers, RF Justin Upton blasted his third homer. Texas LF Josh Hamilton, struggling to avoid injuries this spring, hit his first. Thus far, the second coming of RHP Colby Lewis with the Rangers doesn’t seem much better than the first. They re-signed him after he’d had some success pitching in Japan. However, his spring ERA is 9.95.
You know it’s spring training when the Pirates club the Yankees 10-5. And when 1B/SS Bobby Crosby hits two homers and 2B/OF Delwyn Young hits another, giving each three already this spring. It didn’t hurt for the Bucs that RHP Jonathan Abominablesnowman was pitching in the game. He gave up three runs in two-thirds of an inning, giving him 10 earned runs allowed in two innings, a 45.00 ERA.
The Marlins defeated the Mets 5-1, with RHP John Maine giving up all five of the runs in two-thirds of an inning. That’s a 67.50 ERA.
The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 8-7 in Hermosillo, Mexico. RHP Leo Rosales made up for some shaky pitching earlier this spring by recording a save. In his one inning, he gave up a solo homer to 1B Brad Eldred.
In the Cubs’ 8-7 victory over the Angels, RHP Thomas Diamond earned a save. He entered the game with the bases loaded and a two-run lead with two out in the eighth inning. Diamond allowed one runner to score, but held LA/Anaheim scoreless in the ninth. Could closer be his future role?
The Athletics’ corner infielders made news in their 10-3 victory over the Royals. 3B Eric Chavez, now playing first base, went 0-for-3 but the news was that he played on back-to-back days for the first time since last year’s back surgery. Meanwhile, new 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff drove in three runs.
Still hitting home runs for the Rays were 2B Sean Rodriguez, his fourth, and OF Justin Ruggiero, his third. Tampa Bay still lost to the Tigers 9-6.
The Giants pounded four home runs – by 1B Aubrey Huff and OFs Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand and Nate Schierholtz – but still lost to the Brewers 10-8.
The scoring in the Rockies’ 5-4 win over the Mariners all came after the starting pitchers left the game. For Colorado, RHP Ubaldo Jimenez pitched four scoreless innings, giving him a string of seven shutout innings. In RHP Felix Hernandez’s first appearance this spring, he went 2 2/3 innings without allowing a run for Seattle.
In the Dodgers’ 6-4 victory over the Rangers, Matt Kemp hit his second homer this spring and OF Garret Anderson went 1-for-3, a single against LHP Derek Holland, in his first game as LA’s DH since signing a minor league contract.
The rest of the Dodgers won their final exhibition game in China, 11-1 over the CPBL All-Stars. OF prospect Trayvon Robinson hit a two-run homer, and LF Manny Ramirez and 1B James Loney had three hits apiece. The winning pitcher, RHP Josh Towers, had a pitching line of 341102.
Inside the injuries:
While Mets SS Jose Reyes recovers from a thyroid disorder, which is expected to take 2-8 weeks, they will have rookie Ruben Tejada share time with 2B/SS Alex Cora in Reyes’ place. The timetable on CF Carlos Beltran’s return now has been pushed back as far as Memorial Day.
The Angels were set to go with their regular lineup against the Cubs until SS Erick Aybar reported a stiff arm and RF Bobby Abreu tightness in his side. Both sat out the game.
Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez went out Saturday because of a sore triceps muscle, and isn’t expected to throw for a couple of more days.
The Red Sox scratched RHP Josh Beckett from his start because he was sick. Instead of disrupting other pitchers’ schedules by moving him back to Monday, the Sox said Beckett wouldn’t pitch in a game until his next scheduled start Friday against the Pirates.
The Royals said CF Rick Ankiel, pulled from Friday’s game because of a sore right ankle (ankiel?), could be out a week. In his absence, they will take an extended look at OF Jason Dyson, who stole 46 bases in 80 games last season between low Class A and Double-A ball.
Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal is trying to prove that he’s 100 per cent ready to play this year. He has played in eight of their last nine games. He said that when he played last season he was leery of reinjuring his back.
Sample Scouting Report:
Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP, Rockies
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 200 T: R Age: 26* Inj. Risk: 10 Alt. Pos.: SP
{2010} If there is such a thing as a perfect pitcher for Coors Field, Jimenez could be it. He throws a high-90s fastball and mixes in good off-speed pitches, which generates plenty of strikeouts and reduces the number of balls put in play. During the last two seasons, more than 60 per cent of his outs have come on ground balls. Those don’t ever go out of the park the way even a wind-blown fly ball can. Almost any kind of start could be an improvement over last year, when his April ERA was 7.58. Just think how good he could be if he went to a team playing in a pitchers’ park. Born: Jan. 22, 1984, Dominican Republic*. 2009: Rockies, 218 IP, 15 W, 0 S, 3.47 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 198 SO.
Projection
IP: 208 W: 15 ERA: 3.62 WHIP: 1.29 S: 0 SO: 187 Value: $14
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mets break loose with four-homer inning
The offensively challenged Mets hit four home runs and scored nine runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Tigers 9-1. 3B David Wright hit his third this spring, OF Gary Matthews powered his second and OF Jason Bay and 1B Daniel Murphy connected for the first time in 2010.
For another Tigers split squad, OF Johnny Damon hit his first homer in a 6-2 victory over his previous team, the Yankees. Even better news for Detroit was that a fifth-starter candidate, LHP Dontrelle Willis, was the winning pitcher. His pitching line of 341110 indicates he might have to succeed more with finesse than power.
The Yanks’ other split squad won over the Orioles 5-3. RHP David Robertson received a save. Baltimore RHP Jeremy Guthrie gave up three runs in the first inning.
We’ve been telling you that Phillies RHP Danys Baez could be a good sleeper candidate this year, when expectations for him are few and he still has some talent if he’s physically OK. Baez picked up a save in Philadelphia’s 5-4 victory over the Twins.
3B prospect Juan Francisco hammered his first two homers of the spring, but the Reds lost 11-4 to the Cubs.
Marlins OF Brett Carroll hit his third homer of the spring in an 8-5 victory over the Rays. CF B.J. Upton homered for the first time for Tampa Bay.
Also hitting his first homer was Royals 2B Chris Getz, who connected in a 12-3 rout of the Angels. He might not hit many more than that all season.
Two teams won in the bottom of the last inning – including the Athletics, who actually went to 10 innings in a 10-9 victory over the Padres decided when CF Eric Patterson drove in the winning run. 3B Dallas McPherson had tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a solo homer against San Diego RHP Kevin Correia. The Astros defeated the winless Nationals 8-7 on a single by rookie CF Jack Shuck. No, you won’t hear about him in the major leagues any more this year.
RHP Brandon McCarthy’s good start helped the Rangers to a 5-0 victory over the Indians. He is battling LHPs Matt Harrison and C.J. Wilson and others for a job as Texas’ fifth starter.
In Las Vegas, the Cubs took an early victory in their city series with the White Sox, 8-7.
Sample Scouting Report:
Brett Carroll, OF, Marlins
Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 190 B: R Age: 27
{2010} Carroll’s stats lines conjure up a vision of a lumbering 6-4, 240-pound type who is a defensive liability. In reality, he’s a pretty good defender with enough arm to play right field. Limiting his playing time have been strikeout/walk ratios pretty consistently in the 3:1 range. In addition to showing power, Carroll hit for good averages in Triple-A until last season. That drop-off most likely resulted from having his routine disrupted by shuttling between Miami and Albuquerque. If he can keep his strikeouts under control, Carroll could stick in the majors as a fourth or fifth outfielder and platoon pinch hitter. His best chance for success would come if he could show enough that another team would take an interest in him once OF Michael Stanton is ready for the Marlins’ outfield. Born: Oct. 3, 1982, Knoxville, Tenn. 2009: 141 AB, .234 BA, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB, 18 R.
Projection
AB: 182 BA: .249 HR: 5 RBI: 25 SB: 1 R: 25 Value: $1
For another Tigers split squad, OF Johnny Damon hit his first homer in a 6-2 victory over his previous team, the Yankees. Even better news for Detroit was that a fifth-starter candidate, LHP Dontrelle Willis, was the winning pitcher. His pitching line of 341110 indicates he might have to succeed more with finesse than power.
The Yanks’ other split squad won over the Orioles 5-3. RHP David Robertson received a save. Baltimore RHP Jeremy Guthrie gave up three runs in the first inning.
We’ve been telling you that Phillies RHP Danys Baez could be a good sleeper candidate this year, when expectations for him are few and he still has some talent if he’s physically OK. Baez picked up a save in Philadelphia’s 5-4 victory over the Twins.
3B prospect Juan Francisco hammered his first two homers of the spring, but the Reds lost 11-4 to the Cubs.
Marlins OF Brett Carroll hit his third homer of the spring in an 8-5 victory over the Rays. CF B.J. Upton homered for the first time for Tampa Bay.
Also hitting his first homer was Royals 2B Chris Getz, who connected in a 12-3 rout of the Angels. He might not hit many more than that all season.
Two teams won in the bottom of the last inning – including the Athletics, who actually went to 10 innings in a 10-9 victory over the Padres decided when CF Eric Patterson drove in the winning run. 3B Dallas McPherson had tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a solo homer against San Diego RHP Kevin Correia. The Astros defeated the winless Nationals 8-7 on a single by rookie CF Jack Shuck. No, you won’t hear about him in the major leagues any more this year.
RHP Brandon McCarthy’s good start helped the Rangers to a 5-0 victory over the Indians. He is battling LHPs Matt Harrison and C.J. Wilson and others for a job as Texas’ fifth starter.
In Las Vegas, the Cubs took an early victory in their city series with the White Sox, 8-7.
Sample Scouting Report:
Brett Carroll, OF, Marlins
Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 190 B: R Age: 27
{2010} Carroll’s stats lines conjure up a vision of a lumbering 6-4, 240-pound type who is a defensive liability. In reality, he’s a pretty good defender with enough arm to play right field. Limiting his playing time have been strikeout/walk ratios pretty consistently in the 3:1 range. In addition to showing power, Carroll hit for good averages in Triple-A until last season. That drop-off most likely resulted from having his routine disrupted by shuttling between Miami and Albuquerque. If he can keep his strikeouts under control, Carroll could stick in the majors as a fourth or fifth outfielder and platoon pinch hitter. His best chance for success would come if he could show enough that another team would take an interest in him once OF Michael Stanton is ready for the Marlins’ outfield. Born: Oct. 3, 1982, Knoxville, Tenn. 2009: 141 AB, .234 BA, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB, 18 R.
Projection
AB: 182 BA: .249 HR: 5 RBI: 25 SB: 1 R: 25 Value: $1
Napoli could take a step forward
Rain wiped out eight games scheduled in Florida, including LHP Andy Pettitte’s scheduled 2010 debut for the Yankees.
Teams are at the point where they don’t even make a pretense of trying to get a decision in games. The two ties both ended after nine innings: the Angels and Indians 7-7 and the Royals and Mariners 6-6. In the LA/Anaheim-Cleveland game, Angels C Mike Napoli hit his fourth homer this spring. We considered Napoli for last year’s Derrek Lee Award, and we still feel he could do some breaking out. When Kansas City and Seattle played, Royals 1B prospect Kila Ka’aihue hit his second HR.
In the Rangers’ 6-2 victory over the Padres, Texas 1B Chris Davis followed Thursday’s 4-for-4 effort with three hits. Slimmed-down LHP Matt Harrison pitched three scoreless innings. RHP prospect Tanner Scheppers – who has been the talk of the back fields in Surprise, Ariz. – didn’t allow a run in his inning for the Rangers even though he gave up three hits.
The Cubs and White Sox met on neutral ground in Las Vegas, with the Cubs winning 6-5. Danger: Will Robinson! With an umpire named Will Robinson behind the plate, each team’s pitchers walked seven batters. Looking for speed? Cubs SS Ryan Theriot stole two bases, giving him four this spring. He stole one each against rookie Cs Tyler Flowers and Donny Lucy.
Another group of White Sox defeated an Angels split squad 10-7. Chicago supported RHP Jake Peavy’s three scoreless innings of pitching by taking a 7-0 lead against LA/Anaheim LHP Joe Saunders and RHP Travis Chick. The bad news for the Sox was that RHP Bobby Jenks didn’t get through the fourth inning, giving up five runs.
The Reds defeated a Dodgers split squad 3-2. Rookie Jordan Smith saved the game by retiring SS Argenis Reyes after LA had scored two runs and had another runner on base in the bottom of the ninth. The starting pitchers, Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo and Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw each allowed two hits in three scoreless innings. A warning sign for Cincy was 1B Joey Votto’s 0-for-5 game, leaving five runners on base, dropping his average to .067.
A team of ersatz Dodgers lost its first exhibition game in China, 5-2 to the CPBL All-Stars.
Sample Scouting Report:
Mike Napoli, C, Angels
{2010} There isn’t much doubt about Napoli’s power and overall offensive ability, which put him almost into an elite status among fantasy catchers. And that’s the rub. He’s not a very good defensive catcher, and LA/Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia was a standout backstop and is an exacting mentor. That means that Napoli loses playing time to C Jeff Mathis, a better defender. The hope for fantasy owners is that Napoli would hit well enough to stay in the lineup as the DH when he isn’t catching. Born Oct. 31, 1981, Hollywood, Fla. 2009: 382 AB, .272 BA, 20 HR, 56 RBI, 3 SB, 60 R.
Projection
AB: 367 BA: .267 HR: 22 RBI: 62 SB: 5 R: 59 Value: $8
Teams are at the point where they don’t even make a pretense of trying to get a decision in games. The two ties both ended after nine innings: the Angels and Indians 7-7 and the Royals and Mariners 6-6. In the LA/Anaheim-Cleveland game, Angels C Mike Napoli hit his fourth homer this spring. We considered Napoli for last year’s Derrek Lee Award, and we still feel he could do some breaking out. When Kansas City and Seattle played, Royals 1B prospect Kila Ka’aihue hit his second HR.
In the Rangers’ 6-2 victory over the Padres, Texas 1B Chris Davis followed Thursday’s 4-for-4 effort with three hits. Slimmed-down LHP Matt Harrison pitched three scoreless innings. RHP prospect Tanner Scheppers – who has been the talk of the back fields in Surprise, Ariz. – didn’t allow a run in his inning for the Rangers even though he gave up three hits.
The Cubs and White Sox met on neutral ground in Las Vegas, with the Cubs winning 6-5. Danger: Will Robinson! With an umpire named Will Robinson behind the plate, each team’s pitchers walked seven batters. Looking for speed? Cubs SS Ryan Theriot stole two bases, giving him four this spring. He stole one each against rookie Cs Tyler Flowers and Donny Lucy.
Another group of White Sox defeated an Angels split squad 10-7. Chicago supported RHP Jake Peavy’s three scoreless innings of pitching by taking a 7-0 lead against LA/Anaheim LHP Joe Saunders and RHP Travis Chick. The bad news for the Sox was that RHP Bobby Jenks didn’t get through the fourth inning, giving up five runs.
The Reds defeated a Dodgers split squad 3-2. Rookie Jordan Smith saved the game by retiring SS Argenis Reyes after LA had scored two runs and had another runner on base in the bottom of the ninth. The starting pitchers, Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo and Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw each allowed two hits in three scoreless innings. A warning sign for Cincy was 1B Joey Votto’s 0-for-5 game, leaving five runners on base, dropping his average to .067.
A team of ersatz Dodgers lost its first exhibition game in China, 5-2 to the CPBL All-Stars.
Sample Scouting Report:
Mike Napoli, C, Angels
{2010} There isn’t much doubt about Napoli’s power and overall offensive ability, which put him almost into an elite status among fantasy catchers. And that’s the rub. He’s not a very good defensive catcher, and LA/Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia was a standout backstop and is an exacting mentor. That means that Napoli loses playing time to C Jeff Mathis, a better defender. The hope for fantasy owners is that Napoli would hit well enough to stay in the lineup as the DH when he isn’t catching. Born Oct. 31, 1981, Hollywood, Fla. 2009: 382 AB, .272 BA, 20 HR, 56 RBI, 3 SB, 60 R.
Projection
AB: 367 BA: .267 HR: 22 RBI: 62 SB: 5 R: 59 Value: $8
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Twins will find a closer, maybe Liriano
It just occurred to me that we haven’t told you much about the Twins’ closer situation with RHP Joe Nathan likely to miss this season because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.
I don’t run the Minnesota organization; the Twins’ executives do a very good job without my help. Terry Ryan isn’t the GM anymore, but the team should assign him the task of sifting through the closer candidates, internal and external. After all, he’s the one who saw Nathan’s potential back when he was a setup man and stole him from the Giants in the notorious A.J. Pierzynski trade.
The Twinkies have plenty of in-house candidates, even though they’ll no doubt be looking elsewhere as well. They are the defending American League Central champions, after all, and a strong contender again this year, so there’s a lot at stake in a division where one blown save could make the difference in going to the playoffs or staying home.
Thus, we present the pitchers who could receive a promotion from the back to the front of the bullpen. RHP Jon Rauch has been a closer in the majors with mixed results. Of his 26 career saves, 17 came in 22 attempts with the 2008 Nationals. RHP Matt Guerrier has been a reliable setup man, but hasn’t been called on for many saves (one in each of the last four seasons, with a career record of 4 in 14 attempts). RHP Jesse Crain at times was an overpowering closer as high as Triple-A, but his skill set and some arm problems have kept him from being a major factor in the majors (2-for-12 in career saves). LHP Jose Mijares was a minor league closer, but has even less big-league track record (one unsuccessful save attempt in 81 games) than Crain. RHP Clay Condrey: 4-for-6 in his career. RHP Pat Neshek: 0-for-7. The most intriguing candidate is LHP Francisco Liriano. He would have an exceptional repertoire for a closer – fastball, slider, devastating changeup. For Minnesota even to try him as a closer would mean both that the twins are satisfied with five other starters and that they’d trust Liriano to be what could be an overwhelming closer.
In the Phillies’ 4-0 victory over the Tigers, RHP Joe Blanton continued a good spring by outdueling RHP Justin Verlander. Blanton’s pitching line was 430000, compared to Verlander’s 462202. We can only imagine that Blanton’s pitches were moving down and out of the strike zone, which they do when he’s at his best. Philadelphia’s bullpen held Detroit hitless for the final five innings.
The Marlins’ closer, RHP Leo Nunez, had a chance for an easy save, entering their game against the Cardinals to start the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead. Instead, he imploded. His pitching line was 2/3 45311 as he turned the lead into a 5-3 loss. Included were doubles by young 3B David Freese and OF Joe Mather.
Rays LHP Jacob McGee did get a save in a 4-1 victory of the Blue Jays. His pitching line was 210002. They played in St. Petersburg, but the Braves-Yankees game next door in Tampa was rained out.
In a game reduced to eight innings because of rain, the Twins defeated the Orioles 8-3. Baltimore RHP Kevin Millwood again struggled. He’s 0-2 this spring with a 29.70 ERA, including a pitching line of 2 2/3 95512. Minnesota OF/1B Michael Cuddyer hit a home run against Millwood.
The Diamondbacks defeated the Angels 4-1, with LA/Anaheim’s only run coming on C Mike Napoli’s third homer this spring against Arizona RHP Leo Rosales.
The Dodgers defeated the Royals 6-4, with most of the damage against RHP Gil Meche. His line of 274410 included a homer by LA OF Andre Ethier.
The Rangers had one of their occasional offensive explosions, pounding 23 hits in a 16-5 victory over the Rockies. The winning pitcher, RHP Scott Feldman, had a shaky line of 2 1/3 53323, but it was a case of “You should see the other guy.” Colorado RHP Aaron Cook’s line was 2 2/3 99513. Rangers 1B Chris Davis, who seems on track to have a bounce-back season, hit a two-run homer against Cook during a 4-for-4 day with three RBI.
Mets SS Jose Reyes has been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. He has been prescribed rest, and seems unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.
Sample Scouting Report:
Chris Davis, 1B, Rangers
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 235 B: L Age: 24
{2010} In half a season as a rookie in 2008, Davis hit 17 home runs and drove in 55 runs. Last season, he was striking out nearly once every two at-bats when he was returned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He had been missing fastballs, swinging at balls and taking strikes, but altered his approach and became more patient in the minors. Davis batted .202 before the demotion, but improved to .308 in 36 games after his return to the Rangers. He can’t help but be somewhere between those averages this season, but he had a good start in exhibition games and should be a good power source making more consistent contact. If he doesn’t, he wouldn’t play much because 1B prospects Justin Smoak and Mitch Moreland are coming up behind him. Born: March 17, 1986, Longview, Texas. 2009: 391 AB, .238 BA, 21 HR, 59 RBI, 0 SB, 48 R.
Projection
AB: 482 BA: .258 HR: 26 RBI: 78 SB: 1 R: 67, Value: $7.
I don’t run the Minnesota organization; the Twins’ executives do a very good job without my help. Terry Ryan isn’t the GM anymore, but the team should assign him the task of sifting through the closer candidates, internal and external. After all, he’s the one who saw Nathan’s potential back when he was a setup man and stole him from the Giants in the notorious A.J. Pierzynski trade.
The Twinkies have plenty of in-house candidates, even though they’ll no doubt be looking elsewhere as well. They are the defending American League Central champions, after all, and a strong contender again this year, so there’s a lot at stake in a division where one blown save could make the difference in going to the playoffs or staying home.
Thus, we present the pitchers who could receive a promotion from the back to the front of the bullpen. RHP Jon Rauch has been a closer in the majors with mixed results. Of his 26 career saves, 17 came in 22 attempts with the 2008 Nationals. RHP Matt Guerrier has been a reliable setup man, but hasn’t been called on for many saves (one in each of the last four seasons, with a career record of 4 in 14 attempts). RHP Jesse Crain at times was an overpowering closer as high as Triple-A, but his skill set and some arm problems have kept him from being a major factor in the majors (2-for-12 in career saves). LHP Jose Mijares was a minor league closer, but has even less big-league track record (one unsuccessful save attempt in 81 games) than Crain. RHP Clay Condrey: 4-for-6 in his career. RHP Pat Neshek: 0-for-7. The most intriguing candidate is LHP Francisco Liriano. He would have an exceptional repertoire for a closer – fastball, slider, devastating changeup. For Minnesota even to try him as a closer would mean both that the twins are satisfied with five other starters and that they’d trust Liriano to be what could be an overwhelming closer.
In the Phillies’ 4-0 victory over the Tigers, RHP Joe Blanton continued a good spring by outdueling RHP Justin Verlander. Blanton’s pitching line was 430000, compared to Verlander’s 462202. We can only imagine that Blanton’s pitches were moving down and out of the strike zone, which they do when he’s at his best. Philadelphia’s bullpen held Detroit hitless for the final five innings.
The Marlins’ closer, RHP Leo Nunez, had a chance for an easy save, entering their game against the Cardinals to start the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead. Instead, he imploded. His pitching line was 2/3 45311 as he turned the lead into a 5-3 loss. Included were doubles by young 3B David Freese and OF Joe Mather.
Rays LHP Jacob McGee did get a save in a 4-1 victory of the Blue Jays. His pitching line was 210002. They played in St. Petersburg, but the Braves-Yankees game next door in Tampa was rained out.
In a game reduced to eight innings because of rain, the Twins defeated the Orioles 8-3. Baltimore RHP Kevin Millwood again struggled. He’s 0-2 this spring with a 29.70 ERA, including a pitching line of 2 2/3 95512. Minnesota OF/1B Michael Cuddyer hit a home run against Millwood.
The Diamondbacks defeated the Angels 4-1, with LA/Anaheim’s only run coming on C Mike Napoli’s third homer this spring against Arizona RHP Leo Rosales.
The Dodgers defeated the Royals 6-4, with most of the damage against RHP Gil Meche. His line of 274410 included a homer by LA OF Andre Ethier.
The Rangers had one of their occasional offensive explosions, pounding 23 hits in a 16-5 victory over the Rockies. The winning pitcher, RHP Scott Feldman, had a shaky line of 2 1/3 53323, but it was a case of “You should see the other guy.” Colorado RHP Aaron Cook’s line was 2 2/3 99513. Rangers 1B Chris Davis, who seems on track to have a bounce-back season, hit a two-run homer against Cook during a 4-for-4 day with three RBI.
Mets SS Jose Reyes has been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. He has been prescribed rest, and seems unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.
Sample Scouting Report:
Chris Davis, 1B, Rangers
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 235 B: L Age: 24
{2010} In half a season as a rookie in 2008, Davis hit 17 home runs and drove in 55 runs. Last season, he was striking out nearly once every two at-bats when he was returned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He had been missing fastballs, swinging at balls and taking strikes, but altered his approach and became more patient in the minors. Davis batted .202 before the demotion, but improved to .308 in 36 games after his return to the Rangers. He can’t help but be somewhere between those averages this season, but he had a good start in exhibition games and should be a good power source making more consistent contact. If he doesn’t, he wouldn’t play much because 1B prospects Justin Smoak and Mitch Moreland are coming up behind him. Born: March 17, 1986, Longview, Texas. 2009: 391 AB, .238 BA, 21 HR, 59 RBI, 0 SB, 48 R.
Projection
AB: 482 BA: .258 HR: 26 RBI: 78 SB: 1 R: 67, Value: $7.
Astros are happier, but don't seem any better
You might have heard about how there’s a much better atmosphere around the Astros this year with Brad Mills as manager. He might be the freshest breath of air in Florida this spring, or it could just be that anyone might have been an improvement over Cecil Cooper’s negativity.
One thing Mills can’t do is play for Houston. Not many others in Kissimmee, Fla., are much help either. If LHP Wandy Rodriguez’s performance (pitching line of 366401) in a 16-4 loss to the Marlins is any indication, it will be a long year for the Astros.
Florida 2B Dan Uggla and OF prospect Michael Stanton hit home runs against Rodriguez. LF Chris Coghlan had a double against not-so-magic Wandy and a triple against RHP Gary Majewski in a 2-for-3 day with four RBI. OF Brett Carroll, having a good spring, homered against LHP Wesley Wright and added two doubles.
The bad news for the Athletics in a 9-5 loss to the White Sox was RHP Ben Sheets’ pitching line: 2 2/3 56510. The better news was 3B Eric Chavez’s two home runs, against RHP hopefuls Dan Hudson and Jeff Marquez.
The Yankees beat the Tigers 9-8 on a home run by OF Greg Golson against LHP Phil Dumatrait. The next time we see that matchup, they’ll probably be playing for Scranton and Toledo in the Triple-A International League.
Meanwhile, the Mets’ struggles continued in a 7-6, 10-inning loss to the Braves. A bright spot is OF Chris Carter, whose third home run this spring was against a legitimate major leaguer, RHP Derek Lowe. Carter drove in four runs, and power-poor New York might have no choice but to take him north for Opening Day.
A few days ago, we mentioned Blue Jays OF/3B Jose Bautista as a sleeper candidate for fifth outfielder/corner infielder. In a 4-2 loss to the Phillies, he hit his third homer, against LHP Cole Hamels. Bautista also had a double and raised his spring average to .643.
The Devil Rays defeated the Red Sox 8-6, with RHP Dale Thayer’s line of 100000 earning a save. It’s possible he could have some saves for Tampa Bay this season. He has been a minor league closer. The downside is that he might not have enough power to get needed strikeouts in tight situations. Boston CF Jacoby Ellsbury hit two home runs, but those were against two middle relievers at best, RHPs Joe Bateman and Joaquin Benoit.
In the Mariners’ 6-3 victory over the Rangers, LHP Cliff Lee was the winning pitcher. That wasn’t unexpected, so the eyebrow-raiser might have been LHP Garret Olson’s relief pitching. He entered with a three-run lead, the bases loaded and two out in the eighth inning and finished with the same lead, a save and a line of 1 1/3 10010.
For the Cardinals, RHP Brad Penny had a line of 410002 and rookie 3B/OF Allen Craig hit a two-run homer against RHP Garrett Mock in a 6-4 victory over the Nationals. Craig could be in line for a utility/pinch hitter role in the majors, possibly after succeeding for a time in Triple-A this season.
3B Pablo Sandoval’s grand slam against RHP Carlos Zambrano provided most of the offense as the Giants defeated the Cubs 5-1. Holding down Chicago was San Francisco LHP Jonathan Sanchez, with a line of 330005. Should be an interesting National League West race this year among the Giants, Rockies, Dodgers and possibly Diamondbacks.
The Orioles probably took note of RHP Matt Albers’ save (pitching line: 110000) in their 3-2 win over the Pirates. Baltimore scored all of its runs in the first inning against Pittsburgh LHP Zach Duke, who’s either wishing he was traded last season or thinking about suing for non-support.
Sample Scouting Reports:
W. Chris Carter, OF, Mets
Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 230 B: L Age: 27
{2010} New York acquired him from the Red Sox in the Billy Wagner trade. Carter has batted .324, .300 and .294 in Triple-A the last three seasons, mostly as a left fielder and first baseman. He has a good batting eye and little speed. With the Mets, he could be a DH for just a few games a year. Still, they need any power they can find, so Carter could end up as a platoon option with a few dollars of fantasy value. He doesn’t have the upside of Athletics 1B prospect Chris Carter, but should have more value this season. Born: Sept. 16, 1982, Fremont, Calif. 2009: Red Sox, 6 AB, .000 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB, 0 R.
Projection
AB: 255 BA: .255 HR: 9 RBI: 36 SB: 1 R: 30
Chris C. Carter, 1B, Athletics
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 210 B: R Age: 23
{2010} After a monster season as the Texas League MVP at Double-A Midland – 24 homers, 100 RBI, 108 runs, 13 stolen bases, .337 average, Carter hit four homers and batted .259 in 54 at-bats for Triple-A Sacramento. With Eric Chavez and Daric Barton already in Oakland, and with Carter batting just .212 in the Mexican Pacific League, there wouldn’t seem to be room for him with the parent club this season, which he’d most likely begin back in Sacramento. There he could work on reducing his strikeouts (401 over the last three years). His physique reminds me of Enos Cabell with power. Even though Carter has 92 homers the last three years in the minors, we can’t be sure how many of those were the result of playing in hitter-friendly parks. He is a prospect, but probably not until September in the majors. Born: Dec. 18, 1986, Redwood City, Calif.
Projection
AB: 148 BA: .257 HR: 7 RBI: 24 SB: 1 R: 23
One thing Mills can’t do is play for Houston. Not many others in Kissimmee, Fla., are much help either. If LHP Wandy Rodriguez’s performance (pitching line of 366401) in a 16-4 loss to the Marlins is any indication, it will be a long year for the Astros.
Florida 2B Dan Uggla and OF prospect Michael Stanton hit home runs against Rodriguez. LF Chris Coghlan had a double against not-so-magic Wandy and a triple against RHP Gary Majewski in a 2-for-3 day with four RBI. OF Brett Carroll, having a good spring, homered against LHP Wesley Wright and added two doubles.
The bad news for the Athletics in a 9-5 loss to the White Sox was RHP Ben Sheets’ pitching line: 2 2/3 56510. The better news was 3B Eric Chavez’s two home runs, against RHP hopefuls Dan Hudson and Jeff Marquez.
The Yankees beat the Tigers 9-8 on a home run by OF Greg Golson against LHP Phil Dumatrait. The next time we see that matchup, they’ll probably be playing for Scranton and Toledo in the Triple-A International League.
Meanwhile, the Mets’ struggles continued in a 7-6, 10-inning loss to the Braves. A bright spot is OF Chris Carter, whose third home run this spring was against a legitimate major leaguer, RHP Derek Lowe. Carter drove in four runs, and power-poor New York might have no choice but to take him north for Opening Day.
A few days ago, we mentioned Blue Jays OF/3B Jose Bautista as a sleeper candidate for fifth outfielder/corner infielder. In a 4-2 loss to the Phillies, he hit his third homer, against LHP Cole Hamels. Bautista also had a double and raised his spring average to .643.
The Devil Rays defeated the Red Sox 8-6, with RHP Dale Thayer’s line of 100000 earning a save. It’s possible he could have some saves for Tampa Bay this season. He has been a minor league closer. The downside is that he might not have enough power to get needed strikeouts in tight situations. Boston CF Jacoby Ellsbury hit two home runs, but those were against two middle relievers at best, RHPs Joe Bateman and Joaquin Benoit.
In the Mariners’ 6-3 victory over the Rangers, LHP Cliff Lee was the winning pitcher. That wasn’t unexpected, so the eyebrow-raiser might have been LHP Garret Olson’s relief pitching. He entered with a three-run lead, the bases loaded and two out in the eighth inning and finished with the same lead, a save and a line of 1 1/3 10010.
For the Cardinals, RHP Brad Penny had a line of 410002 and rookie 3B/OF Allen Craig hit a two-run homer against RHP Garrett Mock in a 6-4 victory over the Nationals. Craig could be in line for a utility/pinch hitter role in the majors, possibly after succeeding for a time in Triple-A this season.
3B Pablo Sandoval’s grand slam against RHP Carlos Zambrano provided most of the offense as the Giants defeated the Cubs 5-1. Holding down Chicago was San Francisco LHP Jonathan Sanchez, with a line of 330005. Should be an interesting National League West race this year among the Giants, Rockies, Dodgers and possibly Diamondbacks.
The Orioles probably took note of RHP Matt Albers’ save (pitching line: 110000) in their 3-2 win over the Pirates. Baltimore scored all of its runs in the first inning against Pittsburgh LHP Zach Duke, who’s either wishing he was traded last season or thinking about suing for non-support.
Sample Scouting Reports:
W. Chris Carter, OF, Mets
Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 230 B: L Age: 27
{2010} New York acquired him from the Red Sox in the Billy Wagner trade. Carter has batted .324, .300 and .294 in Triple-A the last three seasons, mostly as a left fielder and first baseman. He has a good batting eye and little speed. With the Mets, he could be a DH for just a few games a year. Still, they need any power they can find, so Carter could end up as a platoon option with a few dollars of fantasy value. He doesn’t have the upside of Athletics 1B prospect Chris Carter, but should have more value this season. Born: Sept. 16, 1982, Fremont, Calif. 2009: Red Sox, 6 AB, .000 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB, 0 R.
Projection
AB: 255 BA: .255 HR: 9 RBI: 36 SB: 1 R: 30
Chris C. Carter, 1B, Athletics
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 210 B: R Age: 23
{2010} After a monster season as the Texas League MVP at Double-A Midland – 24 homers, 100 RBI, 108 runs, 13 stolen bases, .337 average, Carter hit four homers and batted .259 in 54 at-bats for Triple-A Sacramento. With Eric Chavez and Daric Barton already in Oakland, and with Carter batting just .212 in the Mexican Pacific League, there wouldn’t seem to be room for him with the parent club this season, which he’d most likely begin back in Sacramento. There he could work on reducing his strikeouts (401 over the last three years). His physique reminds me of Enos Cabell with power. Even though Carter has 92 homers the last three years in the minors, we can’t be sure how many of those were the result of playing in hitter-friendly parks. He is a prospect, but probably not until September in the majors. Born: Dec. 18, 1986, Redwood City, Calif.
Projection
AB: 148 BA: .257 HR: 7 RBI: 24 SB: 1 R: 23
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Strasburg's debut offers some hope for Nats
The much awaited debut of Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg went off pretty much without a hitch for him. In two innings, he gave up just two hits and struck out two batters.
An even better performance was by his starting opponent, Tigers RHP Rick Porcello, himself a highly touted prospect not long ago. His pitching line in Detroit’s 9-4 victory was 320001.
That line was the same as that of Red Sox RHP Tim Wakefield, who wasn’t even a prospect 20 years ago. Boston shut out the Marlins 9-0.
Another up-and-coming pitcher having a good day was Rockies RHP Ubaldo Jimenez. His control wasn’t sharp, but his overall line was 310032 in a 12-0 whitewash of the Dodgers.
When will the Mets get some good news? They lost to the Astros 8-4, with Houston scoring three times in the first inning against LHP Johan Santana.
Phillies RHP Roy Halladay showed some power pitching with a line of 330005. Other notes from that game: 1. OF Jayson Werth hit a home run against Braves RHP Kenshin Kawakami. 2. The winning pitcher in Philadelphia’s 7-4 victory was RHP Danys Baez, who pitched a scoreless inning. He hasn’t been a fantasy factor in years, which just makes him all the more attractive as a sleeper. Keep your eye on him. On the other hand, we think Werth will be overvalued in the wake of his 36 homers during a career season when he turned 30.
More home run news: In the Pirates’ 12-7 victory over the Yankees, DH Nick Johnson hit his first two homers this spring for New York and RF Garrett Jones hit his second for the Bucs. 1B Derrek Lee hit his second, but the Cubs still lost to the Brewers 6-3. Kevin Kouzmanoff hit his first for the Athletics in a cursed 8-8, nine-inning tie. Oakland plans to use Kouzmanoff as its regular third baseman, with 3B Eric Chavez moving to first base. That raises two questions: 1. Can Chavez avoid injury enough to play regularly? and 2. What does that mean for 1B Daric Barton? Our thinking is that Barton could be a productive fantasy player if he’s traded to a team in a hitters’ park.
Sample Scouting Report:
Jayson Werth
Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 225 B: R Age: 30
{2010} Werth had a breakthrough season in 2009, but it’s likely to be his career year. So if fantasy owners value him based on ’09, they almost certainly will be disappointed. For a reason why, look to OF Ryan Ludwick. His breakthrough 2008 season was even better than Werth’s except for the stolen bases; .299, 37 homers, 113 RBI, 104 runs, four steals. And he was nearly eight weeks younger then than Werth was last year. Ludwick’s ’09: .265, 22 HR, 97 RBI, 63 runs, four steals. Still good – and Werth still could be good if he avoids the injuries that have plagued him; last year was the first when he wasn’t on the disabled list – but just not 36 homers, 99 RBI and 20 steals good. You’ll see Werth overrated in most projections, auctions and drafts. Born May 20, 1979. 2009: Phillies, 571 AB, .268 BA, 36 HR, 99 RBI, 20 SB, 98 R.
Projection
AB: 482 BA: .269 HR: 27 RBI: 81 SB: 16 R: 77
An even better performance was by his starting opponent, Tigers RHP Rick Porcello, himself a highly touted prospect not long ago. His pitching line in Detroit’s 9-4 victory was 320001.
That line was the same as that of Red Sox RHP Tim Wakefield, who wasn’t even a prospect 20 years ago. Boston shut out the Marlins 9-0.
Another up-and-coming pitcher having a good day was Rockies RHP Ubaldo Jimenez. His control wasn’t sharp, but his overall line was 310032 in a 12-0 whitewash of the Dodgers.
When will the Mets get some good news? They lost to the Astros 8-4, with Houston scoring three times in the first inning against LHP Johan Santana.
Phillies RHP Roy Halladay showed some power pitching with a line of 330005. Other notes from that game: 1. OF Jayson Werth hit a home run against Braves RHP Kenshin Kawakami. 2. The winning pitcher in Philadelphia’s 7-4 victory was RHP Danys Baez, who pitched a scoreless inning. He hasn’t been a fantasy factor in years, which just makes him all the more attractive as a sleeper. Keep your eye on him. On the other hand, we think Werth will be overvalued in the wake of his 36 homers during a career season when he turned 30.
More home run news: In the Pirates’ 12-7 victory over the Yankees, DH Nick Johnson hit his first two homers this spring for New York and RF Garrett Jones hit his second for the Bucs. 1B Derrek Lee hit his second, but the Cubs still lost to the Brewers 6-3. Kevin Kouzmanoff hit his first for the Athletics in a cursed 8-8, nine-inning tie. Oakland plans to use Kouzmanoff as its regular third baseman, with 3B Eric Chavez moving to first base. That raises two questions: 1. Can Chavez avoid injury enough to play regularly? and 2. What does that mean for 1B Daric Barton? Our thinking is that Barton could be a productive fantasy player if he’s traded to a team in a hitters’ park.
Sample Scouting Report:
Jayson Werth
Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 225 B: R Age: 30
{2010} Werth had a breakthrough season in 2009, but it’s likely to be his career year. So if fantasy owners value him based on ’09, they almost certainly will be disappointed. For a reason why, look to OF Ryan Ludwick. His breakthrough 2008 season was even better than Werth’s except for the stolen bases; .299, 37 homers, 113 RBI, 104 runs, four steals. And he was nearly eight weeks younger then than Werth was last year. Ludwick’s ’09: .265, 22 HR, 97 RBI, 63 runs, four steals. Still good – and Werth still could be good if he avoids the injuries that have plagued him; last year was the first when he wasn’t on the disabled list – but just not 36 homers, 99 RBI and 20 steals good. You’ll see Werth overrated in most projections, auctions and drafts. Born May 20, 1979. 2009: Phillies, 571 AB, .268 BA, 36 HR, 99 RBI, 20 SB, 98 R.
Projection
AB: 482 BA: .269 HR: 27 RBI: 81 SB: 16 R: 77
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
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