National League Team Notes
INSIDE PITCH
Justin Upton has joined the list of players the Diamondbacks have identified as long-term keepers.
after signing a six-year, $51.25 million contract extension March 2, Upton became the third D-backs player tied up through at least 2012. Dan Haren’s $44.75 million extension signed last August is good through 2012 with a team option for 2013, and Chris Young has a deal through 2013 with a team option for 2014.
The D-backs also are talking to mark Reynolds and Miguel Montero about contract extensions this spring. Reynolds and the D-backs camp spoke March 5.
“Justin certainly is a core player,” D-backs general manager Josh Byrnes said. “This contract will keep him here through 2015 and allows us to build around him and our other core players. He is committed to winning here and showed that throughout the negotiation process.”
Upton, 22, is coming off a big season in which he hit .300 with 26 homers, 86 RBIs and 20 stolen bases.
“He’s in elite company,” D-backs manager a.J. Hinch said. “He hasn’t reached his potential yet. … He’s still got a lot of room to grow, which is exciting to see but also scary for the National League.”
The D-backs bought out all three of Upton’s arbitration years and his first two potential free agent seasons. Upton received a $1.25 million signing bonus and will make $500,000 this year, $4.25 million in 2010, $4.25 million in 2011, $6.75 million in 2012, $9.75 million in 2013, $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015.
WHERE: Tucson Electric Park, Tucson, Ariz. The D-backs will spend their last spring in south Tucson, adjacent to the down-home Ajo Cafe (breakfast and lunch only), as the only inhabitant of a two-team complex after the White Sox bolted to Glendale, Ariz., last year. The D-backs, who began playing in Tucson in 1998, and Colorado will share a new spring facility in Scottsdale beginning in 2011.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: after the Diamondbacks fired manager Bob Melvin on may 9 following a 12-17 start, a.J. Hinch did not fare much better, as his team sputtered to the finish line in his first season as a manager at any level. (He had been the D-backs’ director of minor league operations.) The team went 58-75 with Hinch in charge. a former major-leaguer, Hinch is smart, enthusiastic and well-prepared, and he seemed to handle the new post well. He spent time this offseason at Chase Field with the players in informal workouts with an eye toward strengthening his bond. Matt Williams and Bo Porter have joined the coaching staff, replacing Chip Hale and Lorenzo Bundy.
NOTES, QUOTES
—RHP Brandon Webb may open the season on the disabled list, GM Josh Byrnes said March 5, after Webb’s fourth bullpen session of the spring the day before.
“It’s a long season. If we get 30 starts from him, great. If we get 20, great,” said Byrnes, adding that it is too early to make a decision.
Webb is scheduled to start the third game of the regular season April 7.
He had not faced live hitters, and Byrnes said Webb would need to get into the spring training rotation by the second weekend in March to remain on schedule to open the regular season with the team.
“It’s more about the longer view, of six months, and how to get the most out of him over the course of the season,” Byrnes said.
—If Webb opens the season on the disabled list, it would not be without precedent. LHP Randy Johnson opened the 2008 season on the DL after undergoing back surgery the previous August, and RHP Max Scherzer opened the 2009 regular season on the DL following shoulder soreness in the spring. Johnson was activated the third week of April, and Scherzer missed only one start last year.
—Negotiations between 3B mark Reynolds and the D-backs took another step forward when Reynolds’ agent, Jeff Borris, was in Phoenix for face-to-face talks with team officials March 5. “Clearly, it’s nothing we want to have dragging on into the season,” GM Josh Byrnes said. “I think he’s definitely a core player. whether that leads to a contract or not, it is too early to tell.” Said Reynolds: “I’d like to get it done.” The D-backs have told Reynolds he would be renewed at $500,000 this season and a two-year extension would be for 2011-12.
—OF Justin Upton hit third in the first two exhibitions, and he may never move. “Upton hitting third is about as guaranteed as it gets,” manager a.J. Hinch said. “I like having him hit in the first inning, and he can do it all offensively. I like having a guy who can run, and he can steal bases there. I like having a guy in there who is a threat every time he gets up there. He can put up some quality at-bats.” 1B Adam LaRoche, 3B mark Reynolds and C Miguel Montero will follow, in some order.
—INF/OF Rusty Ryal has played first base and third base this spring after being used primarily as a second baseman in a late season call-up in 2009, as the D-backs are looking to get a read on his glove. Ryal, INF Tony Abreu and OF Cole Gillespie appear to be the top candidates for the final position-player spot on the roster. “He’s forced himself onto the map as far as being an offensive threat at the major league level. Exposing him at different defensive spots is going to be important to have him make a team,” manager a.J. Hinch said. “If he continues to advance offensively, you have a nice player on your hands.”
—RHP Billy Buckner, the leading contender for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, gave up two runs and three hits in two innings while starting the D-backs’ spring training opener, an 11-1 loss to Colorado on March 4. Five of the first six Rockies batters reached base, but Buckner struck out the final two batters he faced in the first and struck out two more in the second. It was the D-backs’ first game of their last season in Tucson; they and the Rockies will train in a two-team facility in Scottsdale starting next year. Non-roster invitee RHP Rodrigo Lopez, another candidate for the final spot in the rotation, gave up three runs in two innings on a three-run home run by OF Seth Smith.
BY THE NUMBERS: 36.00 — RHP Aaron Heilman’s ERA after his first appearance of the spring. He allowed four runs on five hits in one inning.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I want to be great. If you want to be great, then you set your goals higher.” — OF Justin Upton, about any pressure his new contract might bring.
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ATLANTA BRAVES
INSIDE PITCH
Sure, it’s fun to write about the Braves installing netting at their spring training ballpark to protect players’ cars in the right field parking lot from the bombs launched by right field prospect Jason Heyward. It’s amazing to hear manager Bobby Cox say that the sound off Heyward’s bat reminds him of only one other player’s: the sound Hank Aaron’s bat made when it made contact. Even opposing media break out superlatives, the Mets’ Keith Hernandez, for example, calling a right field line drive a “Willie McCovey shot.”
Really, though, the most exciting things about Heyward are the little moves he’s making. Working the count for walks. taking second base on a ball in the dirt, something he did twice in his second spring training game, March 3 against the Mets. and there’s his speed, which he showed off on a stolen base in the same game.
Heyward’s plate discipline, though, is the thing getting the most notice by Cox. yes, it’s early. How disciplined will he be when he faces the better pitchers, and they’re in the game for more than the two innings they’re pitching to start out?
but if Heyward’s general demeanor is a guide, he should have no problem rushing things. He has said repeatedly that he’ll take whatever comes. He feels no pressure, despite the early attention.
The organization half-heartedly tried to shield Heyward from outside expectations, saying early on that he would be given every opportunity to show what he could do but it wouldn’t be the worst thing if he started the season at Class AAA for some seasoning.
No one is saying that now. not since he began hitting balls over the right field wall without even trying. No, now everyone is saying they will be shocked if Heyward isn’t on the Braves’ opening-day roster.
WHERE: Champion Stadium, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Wondering why Braves players don’t cheer as much when a home run goes over the right field wall here? Because that’s where their cars are parked. many windows have been replaced since the Braves took up residence here in 1998.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Bobby Cox (career record 2,334-1,847, Atlanta record 2,058-1,637), entering his 29th season, his 21st consecutive season with the Braves. Cox also managed the Braves from 1978-81 and the Blue Jays from 1983-85. Cox is hoping he can get through his final season as a major league manager without receiving any rocking chairs in opposing stadiums.
His entire staff returns, and that consistency from the top continues to keep the Braves in the postseason hunt season after season: bench coach Chino Cadahia, pitching coach Roger McDowell, hitting coach Terry Pendleton, first base coach Glenn Hubbard, third base coach Brian Snitker and bullpen coach Eddie Perez. All of them are no doubt wondering whether every day will be an audition for the Braves’ managerial job.
NOTES, QUOTES
—1B Troy Glaus’ mastery of footwork at first base is allowing the team to breathe sighs of relief. more than a few eyebrows were raised when the Braves signed the former All-Star third baseman to hold down the fort at first base until prospect Freddie Freeman is ready for the majors.
—RHP Tim Hudson threw only 15 pitches — 10 for strikes — to complete his two innings of work in his first spring training start March 3 against the Mets. He’ll take it, but he noted realistically, “It would be awesome if it was July.” Hudson threw 20 more pitches on the side afterward.
—3B Chipper Jones is taking no chances that his swing is off track to begin the season: His dad, Larry Wayne Jones Sr., who has worked with his son on that swing since Chipper was a kid, came to camp when position players reported.
—RHP Derek Lowe has been appointed the opening-day starter by manager Bobby Cox. Lowe did the job in that role a year ago, and Cox is superstitious enough to try it again. not to mention that it can give Lowe’s confidence a boost after hearing all winter about the Braves trying to trade him.
—RHP Jair Jurrjens has finally begun throwing from a mound, with no ill effects. He was expected to have two more mound sessions before taking his start in a spring training game.
—The Braves have renewed the contracts of RHP Tommy Hanson and SS Yunel Escobar. The following players have agreed to terms on one-year contracts: RHP Jair Jurrjens, RHP Kris Medlen, RHP Luis Valdez, LHP Mike Dunn, LHP Lee Hyde, LHP Eric O’Flaherty, LHP Jose Ortegano, INF Brooks Conrad, INF Diory Hernandez, INF Martin Prado and OF Jordan Schafer. The entire 40-man roster was under contract.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 — Times in the same game that RF Jason Heyward raced to second base on pitches in the dirt, which is only one of the reasons he is rated baseball’s No. 1 prospect.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’m poised to have a bounce-back season. … these old bones have been through a lot.” — 3B Chipper Jones.
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CHICAGO CUBS
INSIDE PITCH
Look for Cubs general manager Jim Hendry to step up his efforts to land a veteran right-handed reliever, most likely via the trade market.
The Cubs got more bad news when right-handed setup man Angel Guzman was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his pitching shoulder. He will be out indefinitely.
Guzman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January, and while throwing from flat ground in the early days of spring training, he felt discomfort in the shoulder. He had to be shut down in September last year because of soreness in the triceps area.
“If he misses any more significant time, it will be hard to get him ready,” Hendry said.
The Cubs had hoped Guzman would be ready to pitch in Cactus League games by the middle of March, but that’s not going to happen now.
on top of that, right-hander Jeff Gray, obtained in an offseason trade with Oakland, continues to be slowed by a groin strain. The Cubs thought Gray would be ready to throw off a mound by now, but that hasn’t happened at all this spring.
Right-hander Carlos Marmol is the closer, and veteran John Grabow is the top left-handed setup man.
Manager Lou Piniella already has said that young right-hander Esmailin Caridad would have to pitch his way off the team this spring. Right-hander Jeff Samardzija has had some success out of the pen since 2008, but the Cubs are grooming him to be a starter. It’s possible Samardzija could start the season in the bullpen, particularly if veteran right-hander Carlos Silva pitches well and earns a rotation spot.
The Cubs have youngsters Jeff Stevens and Justin Berg in camp. Both saw big-league time last year. Hendry has vowed to keep looking all around the majors for help.
WHERE: HoHoKam Park, Mesa, Ariz. The Cubs have committed to Mesa for another 25 years, provided the city and the state of Arizona come up with a funding package for a new, state-of-the-art facility on the east side of town. HoHoKam opened in 1997, but the Cubs want a new complex to rival the ones on the west side of the Phoenix valley.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Who’d have thought? There were whispers aplenty last year that manager Lou Piniella had somehow lost his “fire” or became uninterested as a disappointing season unfolded. Piniella vehemently denied that he had lost anything. Piniella has led the Cubs to three straight winning seasons, going 265-219 with two playoff appearances. He’s signed for one more year and has not said one way or the other whether 2010 will be his last. The new hitting coach is Rudy Jaramillo, a respected taskmaster who wasn’t wanted back with the Rangers. LF Alfonso Soriano worked with Jaramillo in Texas and is said to be happy with the hire. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild has been with the Cubs since 2002 and is one of the most respected in the game.
NOTES, QUOTES
—RHP Angel Guzman is considering surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right shoulder. He said the team told him he’d need four to six weeks of inactivity before starting to rehab the shoulder, but he said he’d consult with Dr. James Andrews to determine whether to go under the knife.
Guzman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January, and he hurt the shoulder while throwing from flat ground early in spring training. He had to be shut down in September last year because of soreness in the triceps area.
—LF Alfonso Soriano missed the first two Cactus League games, but he was expected to be in the lineup during the first weekend of March. Soriano is coming off arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, performed last September. Soriano came to camp and said he had pushed the knee to only 85 percent, but as the early days of spring training passed, he said the knee felt fine. Soriano will be the Cubs’ No. 6 hitter this year.
—OF Tyler Colvin came to camp with an extra 25 pounds of good weight on his 6-foot-3 frame, bring him to about 210 pounds. Colvin, the Cubs’ first-round draft pick in 2006, started the Cactus League opener in left field and went 3-for-3 with a homer and two doubles. Colvin came up last September, but only because the Cubs were short in the outfield. It’s expected he’ll open the season at Class AAA Iowa, but manager Lou Piniella won’t rule him out of the opening-day roster. “He has a chance. why not?” Piniella said.
—RHP Randy Wells tossed two hitless and scoreless innings in the Cubs’ exhibition opener. Wells, who began last year in the minor leagues before coming up and going 12-10 with a 3.05 ERA, is on track to start the third game of the regular season in Atlanta.
—RHP Carlos Zambrano worked two scoreless innings in the second game of the Cactus League season. Zambrano is lined up to start his sixth consecutive opening day, April 5 at Atlanta. He came to camp after losing 10 to 12 pounds and saying he’s in one of the best physical shapes of his career.
—CF Brett Jackson, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2009, started the second game of the exhibition season and tripled once and walked twice. Jackson appears to be a fast-tracker who could open the season at Class AA (Kodak) Tennessee after making several low minor league stops after signing last year. The Cubs say Jackson, a product of Cal Berkeley, is a five-tool prospect. He helped Class a Peoria to the Midwest League playoffs last season, batting .295 with seven homers and a .383 on-base percentage in 26 games.
“I’m always trying to improve on every aspect,” Jackson said. “I’d like to steal more bases. I’d like to hit the ball harder and more times. I’m pretty comfortable with my defensive skills, but I’m always trying to improve those, as well. We’ll see where I am at the end of March and at the end of the season.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 9 — Extra-base hits for the Cubs in their Cactus League opener, a 9-3 victory over Oakland. Hitting homers were Brad Snyder, Derrek Lee, Marlon Byrd, Sam Fuld and Tyler Colvin.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I like Lou. I’m waiting for the season when he turns it on and gets that intensity and that fire going. Right now, he’s another guy that’s making it easy, coming in smiling.” — CF Marlon Byrd, on manager Lou Piniella.
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CINCINNATI REDS
INSIDE PITCH
The scouting report says that Yonder Alonso can only play first base. but with Joey Votto there, Alonso is willing to try to prove the scouts wrong.
“I’ll do whatever I can to get on the field,” he said. “Give Joey a day off. give Scottie (Rolen) a day off. Play left a day.”
Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Alonso would get a look at third base and left field.
a lot fans believe the logical move is shifting Votto, who is more athletic, to left.
“I don’t see moving Joey,” Jocketty said.
“I understand,” Alonso said. “Joey’s probably the best player on this team. but it’s a long season. He’s got my support.”
Choices like this are not new.
“I remember coming up as a kid, (the Giants) had Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda,” Dusty Baker said. “Both are in the Hall of Fame. Cepeda went to the outfield. You remember when the Cincinnati Reds had Lee may and Tony Perez? they had a similar problem. Tony went to third. Lee eventually got traded to Houston.
“That’s what happens. You hope not. but your options are pretty good if and when that time comes.”
Jocketty wouldn’t speculate on a possible trade.
“These things have a way of working themselves out,” he said.
WHERE: Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, Ariz. The Reds left behind Sarasota, Fla., after 11 years. They’ll move into their new facility and a share Goodyear Stadium with the Indians.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Dusty Baker (152-172) is in the third and final year of his contract with the Reds. The Reds improved by four games from 2008 to ‘09. They’ll probably have to make a bigger jump for the Baker to get a fourth year.
NOTES, QUOTES
—RHP Justin Lehr, in the battle for the fifth rotation spot, thinks he’ll have more zip on his fastball this year. Lehr had his best year ever in 2009. He went 13-3 with a 3.31 ERA in Class AAA and 5-3 with a 5.37 ERA after a call-up the Reds. The five wins surpassed Lehr’s four big-league wins in his previous 10 years in the professional baseball.
“I felt like I had to put good numbers over time to get an opportunity,” Lehr said. “But stuff-wise, it was all-time low.”
The Reds gave Lehr a guaranteed contract. The security allowed him to skip winter ball and rest his arm for the first in five years.
“I definitely feel my stuff will better,” Lehr said. “We’ll see when I get in the game. I’d definitely be disappointed if I have the stuff I ended the season with. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
—INF Todd Frazier was hit on the right knee by a 95 mph Aroldis Chapman fastball in the March 4 intrasquad game. He came away with only a bruise.
“It’s scary anytime you get hit on the bone,” he said. “But the training staff did a great job.”
—INF Aaron Miles fractured the tip of a finger in infield drills. He was only expected to miss a couple of days.
—2B Brandon Phillips will hit in the cleanup spot again this season. “He’s the best selection I’ve got, power, speed,” manager Dusty Baker said, “especially now that he’s learning to be an RBI man. I like (Scott) Rolen in the fifth spot, more than the fourth spot. It’ll give him better pitches to hit because Brandon might steal.”
—LHP Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless inning in the intrasquad game. after giving up double and hitting Todd Frazier on back-to-back pitches, Chapman got strikeouts of Ryan Hanigan and Wilkin Castillo. He got Hanigan on a 97 mph fastball and Castillo on an 82 mph changeup.
“He was impressive,” pitching coach Bryan Price said. “You guys all saw it. He had a terrific fastball. He threw a real nice changeup to his last hitter for his final out. The slider is progressing nicely. with Frazier, that didn’t look too good, a fastball off the back knee. but he was around the plate with three pitches. He looks live and is athletic around the mound. I wasn’t disappointed in any way.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 118 1/3 — Innings LHP Aroldis Chapman pitched last year for Holguin in Cuban League. He could probably go up to 150 innings or so this year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Might make the fans stick around. they might sell some more beer. You guys didn’t know I was in marketing, did you?” — Manager Dusty Baker, on pitching LHP Aroldis Chapman in relief in his first outing.
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COLORADO ROCKIES
INSIDE PITCH
Closer Huston Street, who converted 35 of 37 save opportunities last year, is dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder, saying his condition has improved and the situation is normal for early in spring training.
Street has thrown four times in spring training. He threw three bullpen sessions, the second 10-minute outing being the most intense, and then threw 10 minutes of batting practice Feb. 26. He said he felt “normal” coming off the mound but “was pretty stiff” the next day.
Street then rested for two days. He said he began taking anti-inflammatory medication March 1 and played catch from 90 feet on March 2.
“It definitely feels a little bit better,” said Street, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract after going 4-1 with a 3.06 ERA last year in 64 games. “There’s still some inflammation we’re trying to work out.”
Trainer Keith Dugger said the inflammation felt by Street is normal when pitchers “up the intensity a little bit” while going from bullpen sessions to batting practice.
Dugger opted to have Street rest March 3 (and that day Street said, “It feels like it’s coming around … It feel more back to normal”) before having him play catch from 120 feet and throw off flat ground the following day.
“I would (say) last year’s flare-up in September (was) significantly more serious than what we’re dealing with now,” Street said. “And we came back in three weeks after that. We don’t really have a timetable. but I want to be in games sometime soon.”
after Street made an appearance Sept. 1 last season, he was sidelined with shoulder inflammation and didn’t pitch again until Sept. 22.
Street experienced groin stiffness in spring training last year and said it led to some arm issues, not only later in camp but the early part of the regular season as well.
Street said he’s still on course to get 10 to 12 appearances in Cactus League games, which would be in keeping with past springs and have him ready for the beginning of the regular season. In 2009, his first season with the Rockies, Street pitched in 11 exhibition games and worked 11 1/3 innings.
WHERE: hi Corbett Field, Tucson, Ariz. The Rockies have trained there since their inception in 1993, but this will be their 18th and final spring in Tucson. In 2011, the Rockies are moving to Scottsdale, Ariz., where they will share a new complex with the Diamondbacks.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Jim Tracy was named National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America after the Rockies went 74-42 (.638) following the firing of Clint Hurdle. Tracy has a very good rapport with the players, who admire his adroit handling of the bullpen and his minimal presence in the clubhouse. a year ago, Tracy took over an 18-28 team and guided it into the postseason as the wild-card team. this year will be different, since the Rockies enter the season with lofty internal and external expectations. Tracy, who seems ideally suited to meet that challenge, has brought back his entire coaching staff: bench coach Tom Runnells, pitching coach Bob Apodaca, hitting coach Don Baylor, third base coach Rich Dauer, first base coach Glenallen Hill and bullpen coach Jim Wright.
NOTES, QUOTES
—1B Brad Eldred, who last appeared in the majors with the Pirates in 2007, signed a minor league deal with the Rockies. with Jason Giambi on hand to back up 1B Todd Helton, it’s unlikely Eldred would make the big-league squad. Eldred, 29, spent last season with Washington’s Class AAA Syracuse affiliate, hitting .269 with 17 homers in 106 games.
—Manager Jim Tracy believes his team “has a chance to do some special things.” to that end, Tracy, who is very precise and methodical, has made sure the Rockies pay attention to details in their various drills and go through them highly focused. The whole intent is to have the Rockies ready to play well when they start the regular season April 5 at Milwaukee.
“I don’t want us to be surprised by anything,” Tracy said. “It’s early now, but when it’s April 5, it’s not early anymore. That’s just an excuse — when you get off to a slow start. We need to be ready with the same intensity from the first pitch to the last.”
—LF Seth Smith nearly hit for the cycle in the Rockies’ Cactus League opener March 4. He singled, doubled and hit a three-run homer on his first three at-bats against the Diamondbacks and then left the game in the fifth inning and downplayed the performance.
“This was the first game of spring training,” Smith said. “I didn’t know what I’d bring to the table. I’ll take this game and try to build on it. Yesterday was my first day of batting practice where I felt, ‘OK, I remember what I’m trying to do here.’”
Smith hit .293 last year with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs in 133 games, including 79 starts, and totaled 335 at-bats. as a pinch hitter, Smith led the majors with a .472 average (17-for-36). His output off the bench also included five doubles, three triples, one home run, 12 RBIs and 10 walks, a .574 on-base percentage and .861 slugging percentage.
—RHP Rafael Betancourt did not throw batting practice March 5 as previously scheduled because of shoulder tightness. Instead, he took the day off and simply iced his shoulder. He threw batting practice March 2 for the second time this spring and said he felt fine but then experienced a setback.
“I didn’t feel good (March 3),” Betancourt said. “I didn’t like the way my shoulder was feeling.”
Betancourt said his shoulder bothered him when he played catch March 3 and March 4, hence the decision to rest it March 5. He said he would try to play catch March 6 and see how the shoulder felt.
“When I get back, I don’t think it’s going to take too much time to be able to throw in the bullpen and throw (batting practice),” Betancourt said. “But I just want to feel good enough to do that.”
Betancourt said bullpen coach Jim Wright told Betancourt that when he was with Cleveland he threw between seven and 10 innings in spring training, something that is entirely possible at this early stage of the spring.
—1B Todd Helton, 36, and 1B Jason Giambi, 39, will make their debuts in exhibition games between March 10-12, when the Rockies play three consecutive home games. In recent years, Helton has not made any bus rides to the Phoenix area as a concession to the back stiffness that has bothered him. He had back surgery in September 2008 and avoided buses last spring before hitting .325 during the season with 15 homers and a .416 on-base percentage.
“With Todd, his swing is such that he can hibernate for a while and bring it out,” hitting coach Don Baylor said. “He can flat-out hit. I told him two months ago that we would use spring just to get his legs underneath him.”
—Star-crossed RHP Greg Reynolds, 24, was hit just above the right elbow while throwing batting practice March 1. The ball, which was hit by Jeff Kindel, chipped the bone above the elbow, but when the swelling and soreness subside, Reynolds will be able to resume throwing, build his arm back up and resume pitching. had the ball hit Reynolds on the elbow, Reynolds was told there was a good chance most of the bones in his elbow would’ve been shattered.
Staff members who have history with Reynolds, the second player taken overall in the 2006 draft, said he was throwing as well as he had since he began the 2007 season 4-1 with a 1.42 ERA in eight starts at Class AA Tulsa. at that point, Reynolds developed shoulder soreness and has dealt with other shoulder issues, including a mysterious one last year. after making the opening-day start for Class AAA Colorado Springs last year and pitching 4 1/3 innings, Reynolds didn’t pitch the rest of the season.
on Oct. 27, Reynolds underwent exploratory surgery in Lexington, Ky., where Dr. Ben Kibler removed scar tissue underneath Reynolds’ right scapula. Reynolds’ rhomboid muscle was irritating the area, and Kibler detached and reattached it in a slightly different spot.
“This one just seems like a minor speed bump compared to what I’ve been through for the last two years,” Reynolds said, referring to getting hit with the line drive.
—Last August, as the minor league season was winding down and his misspent 2009 was coming to a merciful close, LHP Greg Smith had a conversation with roving pitching coordinator Bo McLaughlin. “I just want a mulligan,” Smith told him. “I just want this year to be over. I want to go home and work on my offseason (program), and I want to get healthy.”
The forgotten man in the trade that netted closer Huston Street and OF Carlos Gonzalez for LF Matt Holliday, Smith is healthy. That alone is different from a year ago, when Smith contracted the flu and a stomach virus, the medical entryway, it turned out, to a season filled with injuries and illness. by the time Smith had his conversation with McLaughlin, he had been through shoulder tendinitis, two staph infections and back spasms. He pitched a mere 49 1/3 innings in 11 combined starts for the Rockies’ high Class a, Class AA and Class AAA affiliates.
“Last year, it was whether or not I was going to be able to throw in my mind or if it was going to hurt or what was going to hurt,” Smith said. “This year, it’s worrying about working hitters and the strategy of the game.”
not only is Smith healthy, he’s heavier, by design, having gone from 185 at the end of last season to 202 when he reported to camp after an offseason diet that was high in proteins and included meals three times a day.
“This is definitely the heaviest I’ve been,” Smith said. “I’ve never weighed over 200 pounds in my life. I tell myself it’s going to be a durable heavy. Granted, we have yet to see that, but I think it’ll help me physically.”
—LHP Jeff Francis, a native of British Columbia, was ecstatic Canada beat the USA 3-2 in overtime to win the gold medal in hockey in the Olympics on Feb. 28. but Francis’ daughter Cameron, who is 4 1/2 months old, caused him to temper his reaction when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal.
“I was at home with my wife and daughter,” Francis said. “But my daughter was sleeping, so I couldn’t yell. It’s like the most silent yell ever.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 40.1 — Percent of Carlos Gonzalez’s career hits that have gone for extra bases. In 174 games, Gonzalez has 61 extra-base hits — 36 doubles, eight triples and 17 home runs.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Let’s not talk about that. Let’s just try and make 35 starts this year.” — LHP Jeff Francis, who missed the entire 2009 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, on being a top candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.
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FLORIDA MARLINS
INSIDE PITCH
The Marlins are giving prospects Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez every chance to win the first base job this spring, but they have a backup plan if those two prospects fail to show they’re ready.
Infielder Jorge Jimenez arrived in camp competing for a bench spot, but he could wind up starting at third base and moving Jorge Cantu to first base.
“Who knows — Jimenez may win the job. We’ve got that kind of flexibility,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “Let’s not put it out of the realm of possibility. If he plays good, he could play third and put Jorge at first. It fits.”
Jimenez was taken by Houston in the Rule 5 draft (from the Red Sox) in December but was immediately traded to the Marlins to complete the Matt Lindstrom trade.
Jimenez played 126 games at third base and five at first base last year for Class AA Portland (Maine). He batted .289 with 13 homers and 87 RBIs in 133 games.
If Jimenez doesn’t fit into Florida’s plans, he’d have to be offered back to the Red Sox.
Morrison and Sanchez are expected to alternate starts at first base for at least the first two weeks of camp.
“Right now, it’s those two guys,” Gonzalez said, “but there’s always a dark horse some place, with Jimenez or whoever it may be.”
WHERE: Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., home of the “Dean Dog” — the Grapefruit League’s best hot dog. The Marlins have been there since 2003, replacing the Montreal Expos as co-tenants with the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s about 90 minutes from Sun Life Stadium in Miami, allowing fairly easy access for the Marlins’ regular-season fan base. with the departure of the Orioles from Fort Lauderdale, the Marlins now have the southernmost spring camp on Florida’s east coast, which means more travel this spring than players would prefer.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Fredi Gonzalez guided the team to an 87-win finish — third best in franchise history — but almost lost his job after the season when the team barely missed the playoffs. It will be interesting to see what happens if the Marlins struggle early this season. Gonzalez (242-243 in three seasons) will work with three new coaches: pitching coach Randy St. Claire, first base/infield coach Joe Espada and third base/outfield coach Dave Collins. Hitting coach Jim Presley and bench coach Carlos Tosca are back.
NOTES, QUOTES
—CF Cameron Maybin suffered a left groin strain during the March 7 game, and he was expected to miss at least a few spring training games. The injury wasn’t considered serious.
—RHP Derrick Turnbow was wild in his first bullpen sessions because of a stubbed big toe. an infection in the swollen toe burst during the last weekend of February, and thereafter, Turnbow’s command improved. He did not pitch in any of the Marlins’ first three spring games.
—C John Baker was scratched from the starting lineup March 5 because of tenderness in his right (throwing) arm. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Baker would be held out the next day, too, as a precaution.
—RHP Ricky Nolasco’s fastball hit 91 mph in his first spring game against the University of Miami. Nolasco will be the Marlins’ No. 2 starter.
He made sure to be extra careful with his pitches: Facing a Hurricanes team using aluminum bats, he allowed one hit in two scoreless innings.
“I’m not going to lie — it’s a little bit different when you look up and see a guy holding a weapon instead of a wooden bat. It kind of changes your game plan,” C John Baker said.
—LHP Taylor Tankersley threw just four pitches in his first spring game March 4, but it was significant — his first action since coming back from surgery last April to repair a stress fracture in his throwing elbow.
“I know this is just a spring training game, but I missed a year of baseball, and I was so excited to pitch again,” he said after giving up a single, a double-play grounder and flyout against Washington.
“I did only throw four pitches, but it was awesome. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity to throw a baseball again. When I had surgery last April, there were a lot of days over the summer where you’re coming into rehab and you’re working hard, but in the back of your mind you have the knowledge that it might all be in vain because I might not ever pitch again.”
—LF Chris Coghlan, the National League rookie of the year, was rewarded with a $475,000 contract. That’s a $75,000 raise over the league minimum — and a bigger raise than the team gave SS Hanley Ramirez in 2007 and LHP Dontrelle Willis in 2004 after they each won Rookie of the Year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 3 — Stolen bases by the Nationals in the first two innings against RHP Anibal Sanchez and C Ronny Paulino on March 4 in Florida’s Grapefruit League opener. The Marlins have said they’d make a priority of holding runners on base.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve been enjoying the experience of playing the Marlins for many, many years, but we haven’t quite had the experience we had today.” — University of Miami coach Jim Morris, after the Hurricane lost to the Marlins 19-3 in the teams’ annual spring game.
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HOUSTON ASTROS
INSIDE PITCH
It could not be spring training for the Astros without an injury scare.
The Astros got their first — and arguably the biggest of all — when Lance Berkman complained of pain and swelling in his left knee during the first week of March.
Berkman, the Astros’ biggest bat, was diagnosed with a contusion that forced him to miss a workout and the team’s Grapefruit League opener. He was back in uniform March 5, getting two at-bats as the designated hitter against the Tigers.
“(The knee) is OK; it’s not perfect, but it’s definitely playable,” Berkman said. “It doesn’t necessarily feel a lot better, but when the doctor told me I couldn’t hurt it any worse, why not go back out there?
“I need to get ready for the season.”
with Miguel Tejada gone and two prospects vying for starting jobs, the Astros are counting on Berkman to stay healthy and return to All-Star form if the team is to be competitive.
Berkman, 34, missed a month last season with a calf injury en route to posting some of his lowest numbers since becoming the Astros’ marquee player.
“We need to get off to a good start this year, and a big part of that is going to be me being ready on opening day,” Berkman said. “So I don’t want to miss any time.”
WHERE: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla. this year marks the Astros’ 26th spring training in the town dubbed the “Heart of Florida,” which is also home to the Gulf Coast League affiliate. one famous mouse resides nearby.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Brad Mills enters his first spring training as a major league manager after spending the past six seasons as Terry Francona’s right-hand man in Boston. He provides the clubhouse with a much-needed breath of fresh air, a leader who comes from a winning organization and an expert communicator. Success this season will depend heavily on pitching, so new pitching coach Brad Arnsberg will have his work cut out.
NOTES, QUOTES
—RHP Brandon Lyon began throwing light sessions from the mound in early March without discomfort, giving the Astros reason to believe the race for the closer spot will be under way soon. Lyon entered camp behind schedule after having a cyst in his right shoulder drained in the offseason. “It’s felt good,” Lyon said. “I’m not 100 percent yet, but I feel I’m getting my strength back.”
—CF Michael Bourn may have had a breakout 2009, but he’s the first to say plenty of work remains. Bourn, who is coming off a Gold Glove season that also saw him lead the National League in stolen bases (61), wants to improve on his bunting and cut down on his strikeouts. “I like to be aggressive,” said Bourn, who led the Astros with 140 strikeouts in 2009. “When I’m passive is when I tend to strike out, I feel.”
—RHP Felipe Paulino, who is competing with veteran Brian Moehler for the No. 5 spot, will be given every opportunity to make the rotation. and the Astros expect the power pitcher to respond. “With the tools he’s got, we want him to go out there and grab the bull by the horns,” manager Brad Mills said.
—2B Kaz Matsui needs a solid spring training if he is to keep his starting spot. Astros brass as well as manager Brad Mills have made it clear they will not hesitate to replace Matsui with Jeff Keppinger or Geoff Blum if he struggles or is unable to stay healthy. That said, Astros GM Ed Wade is convinced the team is at its best with a healthy Matsui in the starting lineup.
—LF Carlos Lee missed the first two games of the spring while at the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo, where he had 11 entries. Lee, an avid cattle rancher with properties in Texas and his native Panama, cleared the trip with manager Brad Mills at the beginning of spring training.
—RHP Bud Norris, the projected No. 4 starter, had his contract renewed at $401,000 by the Astros after failing to agree to terms before the March 3 deadline. Earlier in the week, INF Edwin Maysonet and LHP Wesley Wright agreed to deals worth up to $400,000 and $444,500, respectively.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 — Home runs, including a three-run blast, hit in an inning by OF Hunter Pence in the March 4 Grapefruit League opener, which the Astros won 15-5 over the Nationals.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I feel like any given day, if I’m on my game, you can throw an All-Star hitting lineup out there and I can shut them down.” — RHP Roy Oswalt.
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LOS ANGELES DODGERS
INSIDE PITCH
After seeing plenty of obstacles put in his way over the last two years, Blake DeWitt looks to be the favorite for the starting second base job.
Spring training is still young, but it seems as if DeWitt will get every chance to earn the job over candidates such as Ronnie Belliard and Jamey Carroll, both of whom could end up as utility men.
DeWitt started the spring training opener March 5 on a day when manager Joe Torre’s lineup had all of the other projected opening-day starters. DeWitt played solid defense and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run.
“DeWitt played both sides of the ball really well,” Torre said. “He’s worked very hard at second base. He’s really applied himself, and I’m really impressed.”
He started the 2008 season as the Dodgers’ surprise opening-day third baseman after an injury-plagued camp took out a number of other contenders. DeWitt slumped at midseason, though, and the Dodgers ended up getting Casey Blake in a trade.
DeWitt returned later that year having reinvented himself as a second baseman. He even started at second in the postseason over veteran Jeff Kent. last season, though, the Dodgers signed second baseman Orlando Hudson and brought over Belliard late in the year.
after getting recalled to the Dodgers six separate times in 2009, it looks as if a solid spring would allow DeWitt to settle in. but he will have to win the starting role. General manager Ned Colletti already has said that if DeWitt isn’t the starter on opening day, he will return to Class AAA Albuquerque, where he could get consistent at-bats.
WHERE: Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz. Heading into its second spring, the ballpark the Dodgers share with the White Sox already leads the Cactus League in rust. Fortunately, the oxidation was part of the architect’s plan.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Joe Torre has been just what the Dodgers needed, as his teams have gone 179-145 over his first two seasons and won back-to-back NL West titles. Getting the most out of Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake, Rafael Furcal and Russell Martin will be his big challenge in 2010.
NOTES, QUOTES
—C Russell Martin strained an adductor muscle in his right groin, and he will be sidelined four to six weeks, the team announced. That timetable has him likely missing opening day. Brad Ausmus and a.J. Ellis are the leading candidates to take over behind the plate.
—LF Manny Ramirez was drawing rave reviews for his work early in spring training. Ramirez, who was in camp a week before the required reporting date for position players, had even been adept at handling bunting drills. He was the only Dodgers player with a multi-hit game in the spring opener, drawing praise from manager Joe Torre.
—LHP Brent Leach, who pitched in 38 games with the Dodgers last season, has been shut down with a groin strain.
—RHP James McDonald thinks the addition of a two-seam fastball can help him win the battle for the open No. 5 spot in the rotation. McDonald worked on the pitch in winter ball when told by his teammates there that veteran winter ball players thrive on straight fastballs. McDonald is also in line for a bullpen spot if he doesn’t end up in the rotation.
—CF Matt Kemp already is seeing his stock rise with a solid 2009 season and the revelation this winter that he is close friends with singer Rihanna. Kemp had a recent four-hour photo shoot with GQ magazine that required him to run, catch and hit all while wearing casual but progressive form-fitting clothing.
—OF Brian Giles said he would retire if he isn’t on a major league roster on opening day. The 39-year-old veteran is battling for a bench job with the Dodgers, but hasn’t been at full speed because of chronic right knee problems. He has no intention of accepting a minor league assignment.
BY THE NUMBERS: 5 — Outfielders the Dodgers could potentially carry on the opening-day roster if Garret Anderson winds up making the club. Manager Joe Torre is working on scenarios where the Dodgers open the season with 11 pitchers instead of the 12 he originally intended to carry.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Man, I hit one through nine since I’ve been in the big leagues, and I can hit anywhere. If that’s where (manager) Joe (Torre) wants me to hit, that’s where I’m going to hit. I’ll just do the best I can to get on base for the big boys.” — CF Matt Kemp, on Torre’s idea of batting him second, a spot where he collected just five of his 101 RBIs last season.
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MILWAUKEE BREWERS
INSIDE PITCH
The Brewers and right-hander Yovani Gallardo agreed to disagree, at least when it came to his value in 2010.
Unable to reach agreement on a salary for this season, the Brewers renewed Gallardo’s contract for $450,000. He made $414,000 last year, and he had a much bigger raise in mind.
Problem is, the Brewers use a formula for pre-arbitration players (zero to three years in the majors) to determine their yearly salaries. and, trying to be fair to every player, they do not waver from that system.
what hurt Gallardo is that the Brewers incorporate the Elias rankings into their formula, which takes into account the player’s previous two seasons. The 24-year-old budding ace missed most of the 2008 season with a knee injury, so he fell off the Elias radar.
“‘Yo’s injury worked against him in that system, but we thought he had a special year last year,” said his agent, Bobby Witt. “We thought he did some great things. but that’s the system they use.”
Gallardo had a deceiving 13-12 record last season, when he posted a 3.73 ERA in 30 starts with a team-high 17 quality starts. He logged 204 strikeouts in 185 2/3 innings, becoming only the fourth pitcher in franchise history (five times overall) to reach the 200 plateau.
Gallardo was the last player to agree to a contract in 2009, so there has been some butting of heads in negotiations. Despite the disagreement over Gallardo’s value, both sides agreed there were no hard feelings.
“He’s all about going out and helping the Milwaukee Brewers win ballgames,” Witt said. “That’s what his focus is right now. It’s part of the system. they have a right to do that.”
The Brewers had not renewed a pre-arbitration player’s contract since doing so with Prince Fielder two years ago. Fielder spoke out in anger and frustration after that process, but club officials feared no such reaction from Gallardo.
“I talked with ‘Yo’ and he understood,” assistant general manager Gord Ash said. “All of our talks were very professional.”
WHERE: Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix. The Brewers’ spring facility isn’t in the greatest section of town, and attendance lags behind other Cactus League clubs. but that makes it easier for the fans that do come, and the ballpark itself is a great place to watch games, with nary a bad seat. Sun worshipers love the outfield berm.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Ken Macha (80-82 in 2009) begins his second season with the Brewers. He managed for four years in Oakland before a two-year sabbatical and had to adjust to the NL game last year. He doesn’t like to make outs on the bases and is hands-on with the pitching staff, which annoyed some players last season. new pitching coach Rick Peterson worked with Macha in Oakland and with Willie Randolph, the Brewers’ bench coach, when he managed the Mets, so these guys know each other. Hitting coach Dale Sveum made needed improvements in the team on-base percentage last year. first base coach Ed Sedar, third base coach Brad Fischer and bullpen coach Stan Kyles all return to the staff.
NOTES, QUOTES
—3B Mat Gamel was scratched from a starting assignment in the Brewers’ exhibition opener against San Francisco because of a strained right shoulder. Gamel suffered the injury during an extra batting practice session but was not expected to be sidelined for long.
—1B Prince Fielder was hit by a pitch from Giants LHP Barry Zito in his first at-bat of the Brewers’ first exhibition game. The plunking apparently was in retaliation for an elaborate celebration by Fielder and his teammates after a walk-off homer in the 12th inning Sept. 6 in Milwaukee. Fielder insisted the celebration was not mean as disrespect to the Giants. “That’s something I did with me and my teammates. It has nothing to do with them,” he said.
—SS Alcides Escobar missed the Brewers’ first exhibition game while undergoing some extensive dental work. further procedures were anticipated, and manager Ken Macha said Escobar might miss some more action in the days to come.
—RHP Josh Butler was held out of game action at the outset of Cactus League play because of minor arm stiffness. Butler started his offseason throwing program a bit later than usual after a heavy workload in 2009, and that might have contributed to the soreness.
—RHP mark Rogers threw his first pitches in a Milwaukee uniform with two scoreless innings in the Brewers’ second exhibition game. Rogers missed all of the 2007 and 2008 seasons before returning last year at the Class a level. During his down time, Rogers had two shoulder surgeries.
—OF Trent Oeltjen, trying to win a reserve outfield spot, suffered a setback when struck above the left wrist by a pitch in an exhibition game against Oakland. Oeltjen was diagnosed with a bad bruise but was slated to see a hand specialist.
BY THE NUMBERS: 7 — Runs allowed by relievers Mitch Stetter and Tim Dillard in the sixth inning of an 8-7 exhibition loss to Oakland after there were two outs and nobody on base.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I know I can still play. It’s going to take a couple days to get game speed. I haven’t seen pitching in a year and a half, but I don’t feel bad. I feel good.” — OF Jim Edmonds, trying to make the roster as a reserve outfielder after sitting out the 2009 season.
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NEW YORK METS
INSIDE PITCH
With projected setup man Kelvim Escobar likely to open the season on the disabled list, the Mets signed right-handed reliever Kiko Calero to a minor league deal on March 4. Calero will compete with right-handers Ryota Igarashi and Bobby Parnell to serve as the primary setup man for closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Escobar is only being permitted to toss a baseball on flat ground, and manager Jerry Manuel said he does not expect the former Angel to be ready for opening day. Escobar, who signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal during the offseason, arrived in camp with shoulder weakness.
Despite a solid 2009 season with the Marlins, Calero remained unsigned as camps opened in Florida and Arizona. He went 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA in 67 appearances spanning 60 innings with the Marlins last season.
Calero, 35, had a short-term stint on the disabled list with Florida in 2009, but he said suggestions that he had any lingering shoulder woes are unfounded.
“It was frustrating because last year was my best year,” Calero said about going unsigned so long. “I had to wait until two weeks after spring training started. It was hard, but I’m here.”
The Mets remain interested in adding another left-hander to the bullpen. two possibilities are free agents Joe Beimel and Ron Mahay.
WHERE: Tradition Field, Port St. Lucie, Fla. at least, it’s called Tradition Field for now. Treasure Coast Newspapers reported in January that the company that operates the neighboring community of Tradition failed to make its annual $75,000 naming-rights payment to St. Lucie County.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Jerry Manuel, who took over for fired Willie Randolph midway through the 2008 season, is now on the hot seat himself after last year’s 92-loss season dropped his record to 125-130 at the Mets’ helm. In the final guaranteed year of his deal, Manuel realizes there are no shortage of potential replacements. they included former Diamondbacks and Mariners manager Bob Melvin and former Astros and Angels manager Terry Collins. Former Arizona third base coach Chip Hale and former Baltimore bench coach Dave Jauss join the Mets in the same roles.
NOTES, QUOTES
—RHP Kyle Snyder, who pitched all of last season with the Mets’ Class AAA Buffalo affiliate, rejoined the organization on a minor league deal. Snyder was 3-8 with a 4.23 ERA over 33 appearances (14 starts) for Buffalo in 2009. The 32-year-old has pitched in the majors with Kansas City (2003, 2005-06) and Boston (2006-08).
—CF Carlos Beltran acknowledged meeting with FBI agents in Port St. Lucie, Fla., as camp opened for position players. Beltran, who underwent knee surgery in January, was questioned about his relationship with Toronto-based doctor Anthony Galea, who is under investigation for alleged human growth hormone trafficking. Beltran said his dealings with Galea were regarding knee rehab, and no injections were ever done.
—RHP Francisco Rodriguez was back with the Mets on March 8 being banned from the team’s spring training complex while he dealt with a persistent case of pinkeye. K-Rod arrived from Venezuela with his eyes bothering him. The trouble lingered for three weeks, and he said it had been a week since he threw off a mound.
—3B David Wright homered in first spring at-bat after going deep only 10 times last season. He nonetheless downplayed the significance of the long ball, noting the wind was blowing out to right field.
—LHP Johan Santana tossed a 40-pitch simulated game to teammates Rod Barajas and Josh Thole on March 4 and pronounced himself fit to enter the Grapefruit League rotation. Santana indicated he felt no ill effects from Sept. 1 surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow.
—LHP Hisanori Takahashi returned to camp after spending two nights in the Dominican Republic. Takahashi needed to leave the country to obtain a work visa in order to participate in Grapefruit League games.
BY THE NUMBERS: 29.14 — Average age of players on the Mets’ 40-man roster, second oldest in baseball. The Phillies are the oldest at 29.72.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He plays like Sergio Garcia. He takes a million years to hit the ball.” — RF Jeff Francoeur, on 3B David Wright’s deliberate golf game.
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PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
INSIDE PITCH
Making his first Grapefruit League start for the Phillies on March 4, Roy Halladay never found himself in a jam.
at least not until the game was over.
Halladay threw 24 pitches, 21 strikes in two hitless innings against a stripped-down version of the Yankees (Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson stayed home) before a sold-out crowd at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. among those in the stands: His 9-year-old son.
How would Halladay explain why his son missed school?
“I don’t know what we called him in with,” Halladay said with a smile, “but the cat might be out of the bag now.”
Braden Halladay, the staunchest advocate of his dad’s decision to approve a trade to the Phillies in December, was not going to miss this. not a chance. and if his teacher is a baseball fan, the excuse will be obvious.
Roy Halladay’s first start for the Phillies, even in a Grapefruit League game on an unseasonably cold Florida afternoon, was a must-see event. as first impressions go, it couldn’t have gone any better.
“He’s a strike-throwing machine who knows how to locate, with movement,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who has watched Halladay for years in the American League. “He hasn’t changed much, that’s for sure.”
after watching Halladay mow down the Yankees, Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee recalled the first time he talked to Halladay after the trade. Dubee, who lives in Sarasota, Fla., made the 70-minute drive north to Clearwater in the winter to meet with his new ace.
“He comes out with this binder that has everything documented about what he does (to train),” Dubee said. “How many pitches he threw when he first came out. How many he threw between starts, in his warmups, everything. There’s not much that goes by this guy that he doesn’t know or hasn’t prepared to be ready for.”
It’s a routine Halladay has followed for most of the past decade, since the Jays sent him to the minors in 2001 to change his arm slot, refine his mechanics and revive his career. and Halladay’s experience tells him not to get too excited about one spring training appearance. He said he was pleased with the movement on his sinker and cutter, and his location couldn’t have been more precise.
If anything, he’s pleased with a rapid assimilation to his new team. Halladay was drafted by the Blue Jays in 1995, then spent 12 major league seasons in Toronto. He hadn’t known another organization until the Phillies dealt three minor-leaguers and signed him to a three-year, $60 million contract extension.
“There’s definitely a part of you, the first time you run out there with a new team, it’s a different feeling,” Halladay said. “But it’s been an easy transition so far. You never have that disorienting moment, so it’s been nice. It surprises me every day how easy it’s been to come in and feel normal.”
WHERE: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Fla. The Phillies have trained in Clearwater since 1948, although this is just their seventh year at Bright House Field. The ballpark’s must-see feature: a thatched-roof Tiki bar beyond the left field fence.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Charlie Manuel has emerged as one of the most successful managers in Phillies history. only Manuel (2007-09) and Danny Ozark (1976-78) have led the franchise to three consecutive division crowns. Manuel, 66, has a 447-363 record in five seasons for the fifth-best winning percentage (.552) in Phillies history. Manuel’s coaching staff, including pitching coach Rich Dubee and hitting coach Milt Thompson, remains intact from 2009.
NOTES, QUOTES
—LHP Jamie Moyer, entering his 24th major league season, allowed three hits and struck out three in three scoreless innings of a B-game March 5 against the Blue Jays. He threw 31 pitches, 23 for strikes, and stayed on schedule with the healthy pitchers in camp, including RHP Kyle Kendrick, his primary competition for the final spot in the rotation. “I really felt I could get back with hard work,” said Moyer, who underwent three surgeries in 3 1/2 months during the offseason. “Without any setbacks — based on what the doctors were saying and as far as the rehab and everything like that — I felt like this was very possible.”
—3B Placido Polanco got an early reminder of the adjustment to his new position when the first two balls put in play in the March 4 Grapefruit League opener were hit to him. Polanco, making the transition back to third base after spending the past four seasons as the Tigers’ second baseman, smoothly handled one and made a throwing error on the other.
“You couldn’t ask for a better day than that,” said Polanco, who finished with three assists in five innings. “I got them all — ground ball in, right, left, fly ball. Good test, first day. I feel comfortable, but again, this was my first game in six years. I have to get used to it, and that’s what spring training is for.”
—RHP Kyle Kendrick was in the same position last spring — competing for the Phillies’ No. 5 starter job. but this year is different. Kendrick is more prepared. He spent last season in the minors, developing his secondary pitches. now, armed with a changeup and cutter, he’s more equipped to win a job. “It’s not even close how I felt last year to where I’m at right now,” Kendrick said. “That just comes with confidence and how I finished last year and how my body feels, where I stand mentally, physically. I didn’t feel secure at all last year. this year, I’m excited to get it under way and get going.”
—RHP Phillippe Aumont’s debut with the Phillies didn’t go the way he planned. Aumont, acquired from Seattle in the controversial trade for LHP Cliff Lee, yielded five runs in the third inning March 3 against Florida State University. The big blow was a three-run homer by Stuart Tapley. “You kind of have that small pressure of being traded for Cliff Lee, and you want to do good,” Aumont said. “You don’t want to disappoint, especially for the fans. … It was (only) the first outing. You have to start with that. I can’t do worse than that.”
—CF Shane Victorino has been suffering from a sore right shoulder, an injury that caused him to miss the Phillies’ first batch of Grapefruit League games. Victorino has been taking batting practice and playing catch from 90 to 120 feet. but the Phillies have held him out of throwing drills. “We’re just taking it easy on him for a few days, make sure he’s all right,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “We don’t want to throw him into our drills, cutoffs and relays. It’s kind of typical when you first come into spring training and you first start out.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 258 — Career victories for Jamie Moyer, 10th all-time among left-handed pitchers. Moyer is trying to win the Phillies’ fifth starter job.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I don’t know Jared. He can’t hit.” — Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, on a visit to Phillies camp by Subway spokesman Jared Fogle, who shot a commercial with 1B Ryan Howard.
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PITTSBURGH PIRATES
INSIDE PITCH
Paul Maholm pitched one scoreless inning to start the Pirates’ exhibition season and pronounced that the left knee injury that had an impact on his 2009 season was no longer a factor.
“Actually, it wasn’t as much of a big deal last season as some people are making it out to be,” Maholm said.
Maholm went 8-9 with a 4.43 ERA last season after straining a ligament in his left knee during his final start in spring training. however, the injury was never made public until he admitted he had pitched hurt when asked by reporters during the final week of the season.
“I just don’t think it was that big of a deal,” Maholm said. “There isn’t a pitcher in the major leagues who goes out and makes 30-plus starts a season, takes the ball every fifth day and feels 100 percent every time out. You’re always going to have aches and pain. It’s part of the job.”
While Maholm downplays it, his performance last season was not as good as it was in 2008, when he went 9-9 with a 3.71 ERA. His hits per nine innings rose from 8.8 to 10.2 in 2009. His strikeouts per nine innings dropped from 6.1 to 5.5, while his walk rate went up slightly (2.7 in 2008, 2.8 in 2009).
“It had to be tough for Paul last year, not just from a physical standpoint, but from the mental part of knowing that he was going to be hurting every time out,” Pirates manager John Russell said. “Through it all, he pitched pretty well.”
Maholm expects to pitch better this season.
“The knee hasn’t been an issue all spring,” Maholm said. “It’s in the past.”
WHERE: McKechnie Field, Bradenton, Fla. The Pirates have trained in the sleepy town on the Gulf Coast since 1969 and play in Florida’s oldest ballpark, which opened in either in 1922 or 1923, depending on which historian you believe. There is not a more charming park in the Grapefruit League.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager John Russell, who is 129-194 in two seasons, really can’t be judged by his record. He has been put in a no-win situation by having his lineup ripped apart by midseason trades in each of his two years as skipper. He may be the least-animated manager in the major leagues, as he rarely shows emotion in the dugout or clubhouse or in dealing with umpires. Carlos Garcia replaces the well-regarded Perry Hill as the first base/infield coach, even though the Pirates led the major leagues in fielding last season. Hill wanted a raise and the Pirates said no. Ray Searage joins the team as a special assignment coach. The rest of the staff returns intact: pitching coach Joe Kerrigan, hitting coach Don Long, bench coach Gary Varsho, third base coach Tony Beasley and bullpen coach Luis Dorante.
NOTES, QUOTES
—RHP Octavio Dotel did not pitch in any of the early exhibition games because of a strained muscle in his left ribcage. The Pirates say they are being cautious with Dotel to make sure he does not aggravate the injury. He was signed as a free agent in the offseason to serve as the Pirates’ closer.
—RHP Joel Hanrahan wasn’t ready to pitch when the exhibition season started as he was being limited to playing catch at 45 feet because of a strained flexor pronator in his pitching elbow. The Pirates, though, are optimistic that Hanrahan has enough time to get ready for the start of the regular season.
—3B Andy LaRoche hit the Pirates’ first home run of the spring and said he wants to build on his strong finish from last season, when he had six home runs and 20 RBIs after Aug. 28. LaRoche said the key to his late-season surge was being more aggressive, particularly in hitters’ counts.
—LHP Neal Cotts, signed to a minor league contract as a free agent in the offseason, continues his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow and likely won’t be ready to pitch until June. The Pirates also hold an option on Cotts for 2011.
—The Pirates avenged last season’s embarrassing loss to Manatee Community College by beating the new incarnation of the school, now called State College of Florida/Manatee-Sarasota, 6-1 in an exhibition game on March 2.
BY THE NUMBERS: 11 — Pitches that LHP Paul Maholm, the Pirates’ likely opening-day starter, needed to retire the Yankees’ Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and mark Teixeira on groundballs in the first inning of the opening game of exhibition season March 2.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Yeah, I took an eye test every spring with the Pirates, but a blind man could have passed it.” — Atlanta CF Nate McLouth, who has started wearing contact lenses since being traded by the Pirates last June.
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SAN DIEGO PADRES
INSIDE PITCH
Right-hander Mat Latos made his spring debut March 5, showing a new delivery and a sharper curve and changeup.
The 22-year-old has lengthened his stride to the plate.
“It incorporates the lower half of his body more,” Padres manager Bud Black said. “He releases the ball closer to home plate, and he’s straighter to the plate.”
Latos began working on his delivery — and his curve — last September in bullpen sessions with pitching coach Darren Balsley after the Padres shut him down early due to the number of innings he had pitched.
“Mat is throwing less across his body with better extension toward the plate,” Balsley said. “He doesn’t have to work as hard to get the ball going, and it increases some deception. Clearing up his delivery has also helped his curve.”
although the foundation for the change was made last fall, Balsley said the pitcher’s continued work on the switch over the winter is evident.
“I liked the way Mat threw the ball,” Black said of Latos, who is one of five pitchers bidding for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. three of the five — right-handers Latos and Sean Gallagher and left-hander Wade LeBlanc — pitched two innings apiece March 5.
“There’s good competition, and these guys sense it,” Black said. “At the end of this, if they all stay healthy, we’re going to have solid depth.”
WHERE: Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, Ariz. The Padres share the site with the Mariners, and many fans drop by to see Ichiro Suzuki. with the northwest corner of Phoenix now also hosting the likes of the Dodgers, the Padres have slipped in prominence.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Bud Black was extended for a fourth season late last season even though freshman owner Jeff Moorad probably knew he’d be replacing GM Kevin Towers at the end of 2009. Black’s personality is perfect for a young team trying to find its major league legs. His record thus far is 227-260, although he missed a playoff berth by a single game in his first season. Black is now teamed with freshman GM Jed Hoyer, who came to the Padres from the Red Sox at age 35.
NOTES, QUOTES
—3B Logan Forsythe is seeing playing time at second this spring, possibly leading to a position switch for one of the Padres’ top prospects. not a rap on Forsythe, mind you. but the Padres are deeper at third than any other position with 25-year-old, switch-hitting Chase Headley the varsity third baseman; 23-year-olds James Darnell and Forsythe among the franchise’s top prospects and 19-year-old Edinson Rincon coming off a .300 campaign with short-season Eugene. and second base happens to be a position where the Padres are weak throughout the system.
—RHP Mat Latos, 22, made his spring debut March 5 featuring a new delivery. He has altered his delivery to lengthen his stride to the plate, adding deception to his fastball and sharpness to his curve. Said Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley: “Mat is throwing less across his body with better extension toward the plate. He doesn’t have to work as hard to get the ball going, and it increases some deception. Clearing up his delivery has also helped his curve.”
—C Mitch Canham also could be in line for a position change. The Padres love the minor-leaguer’s bat, but they have added better defensive catchers to their depth chart over the winter in Yorvit Torrealba, Dusty Ryan and Chris Stewart. Canham will get a look at third base, first base and the outfield as well as behind the plate this spring.
—CF Tony Gwynn Jr. believes his route to playing time this season is not only a .400 on-base percentage but the ability to get to second. “I’m not a power hitter, so I better get on base a lot,” he said. “And because I’ll have a lot of line drives and walks, I’ve got to get more doubles, triples and steals. a .400 on-base percentage is my target. but I’ve been working on my stance and hands to drive the ball for more doubles and triples. and I feel I can steal 35 to 40 bases. If I’m getting to second, things will take care of themself.”
—RHP Heath Bell, who led the National League with 42 saves last season, is working to add a third pitch — the changeup — to his repertoire. “It’s shown signs of being a viable pitch,” manager Bud Black said. “In time, it could be valuable.”
—The Padres are going to honor Pvt. Manuel “Nay” Hernandez, the only member of the original minor league Padres to die in action during World War II, with a plaque in his memory in the “military zone” beneath the right field stands at Petco Park. a San Diego native who was originally exempt from the draft due to a heart murmur, Hernandez played for the Padres in 1944 and was hitting .207 when he was drafted into the Army on Aug. 8, 1944. Hernandez was killed between March 20 and 24, 1945, during the Allied assault on the German industrial city of Ludwigshafen according to research by “Baseball in Wartime” author Gary Bedingfield.
BY THE NUMBERS: 30 — Players with less than three years experience on the 40-man roster who signed minimum-negotiable contracts with the Padres. 0 — Number of players who remain unsigned on the 40-man roster.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I used to swing from the left side and fake his swing. I’m a huge fan. He has such a sweet swing. When he fouled the first pitch I threw straight back, it really struck me … I’m facing Ken Griffey Jr. and when I walked him, even though I thought the pitch was a strike, there was nothing but a smile on my face. I tip my cap to him. what a great hitter.” — Padres RHP Mat Latos, 22, on facing the player he idolized as a youngster in his spring debut.
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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
INSIDE PITCH
Tim Lincecum gave up three runs in the first inning of his first exhibition on March 3.
The big contract hasn’t made him soft. The back-to-back Cy Young Awards haven’t made his head too big for his tiny body.
It’s early, of course. Lincecum needs time to get his timing down, especially with his funky mechanics, and no one seemed bothered by Lincecum’s rough debut.
Anyway, he walked a couple of Mariners, and one of the runs was unearned. He threw 33 pitches and didn’t come out for the second inning.
His best memory of the day came after his outing. In the clubhouse speaking with reporters, he received a visitor who wowed him. It was Ken Griffey Jr., a boyhood idol of Lincecum, who grew up in the Seattle area.
Griffey introduced himself to Lincecum, who later said, “Wow, he just came over. That’s pretty cool. Just to have a guy who’s great like that come over caught me off guard.”
Regarding his pitching performance, which came out of the stretch and not the windup, Lincecum said his balance was off and that he planned to work out of the windup during his side session.
WHERE: Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale, Ariz. It’s considered the hippest ballpark in the Cactus League, situated a short walk from popular restaurants and nightclubs. It was refurbished in 2006 with the addition of accompanying fields, allowing fans who arrive early for games to watch players get in additional work. The great Willie Mays is a frequent clubhouse visitor.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Bruce Bochy saved his job and maybe GM Brian Sabean’s by piloting the Giants to 88 wins last year. Both were at the end of their contracts, and managing general partner Bill Neukom said he wouldn’t consider new contracts until the end of the season. In the end, Neukom kept both, and gave Bochy, who had losing seasons in 2007 and 2008, a two-year deal. now Neukom has higher expectations. Can you say “playoffs,” Bruce?
NOTES, QUOTES
—INF Emmanuel Burriss broke his left big toe again while running the bases in the exhibition opener March 3. X-rays were negative, the Giants said, but they announced the next day Burriss had a fracture and was to be in a boot for four weeks. at that point, he’ll be re-evaluated. last season, Burriss broke the toe in a Class AAA game and missed the second half of the season. Burriss’ absence could open the competition for a utility man and give INF Kevin Frandsen a better shot at making the team.
—1B Aubrey Huff homered on the first pitch he saw in spring training, and he was charged with an error on the first play he tried to make. It’s Huff in a nutshell. big power, not so big defense. In fairness, the error could have been charged to 3B Ryan Rohlinger, who made a shaky throw after fielding Ichiro Suzuki’s grounder.
—CF Aaron Rowand is the new leadoff hitter, and his first crack at running the bases went well. “Hamstrings intact,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to do that a lot this year.” Rowand struggled much of 2009, but he did better when hitting leadoff. In 50 games as the No. 1 hitter, he batted .294 with a .341 on-base percentage. He also had a 17-game hitting streak.
—LF mark DeRosa appeared close to playing in his first game. first, he intended to hit off Giants pitchers, and then he’d play if he could pass the test. He has been rehabbing from left wrist surgery in October. He said he could play if it were the regular season, but he and the Giants opened camp trying to be patient.
—LHP Barry Zito said he’d try to relax more in the first half, which historically has been more rough on him. He’s 56-66 with a 4.23 ERA in the first half in during career, 75-40 and 3.42 in the second half. last year: 5-9, 5.01 in the first half, 5-4, 2.83 in the second half. “With anything, if you’re really comfortable doing anything, you’re loose,” he said.
BY THE NUMBERS: .330 — 3B Pablo Sandoval’s batting average last year, the fifth highest by a Giant during the 2000s. Barry Bonds was 1-2-3 on the list, and Jeff Kent was fourth. so Sandoval was in MVP company.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You like to think 90 to 92 wins will get you a good shot to get to the playoffs.” — Manager Bruce Bochy, who’ll try to lead the Giants to their first postseason since 2003. they had 88 wins last year.
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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
INSIDE PITCH
It appears shortstop Brendan Ryan, who had right wrist surgery Feb. 9, will be able to play in exhibition games sometime around March 21. but manager Tony La Russa said that didn’t necessarily mean he would be ready for the regular season two weeks after that.
“Once he’s strong and ready, he’s got to take enough at-bats where he’s got his timing,” La Russa said. “He can’t rush in there for four days and say, ‘Hey, I’m ready.’ and all of a sudden he hits .210.”
Ryan said he “can’t imagine” not being ready to start the season.
“I never saw myself not ready for opening day,” Ryan said. “That’s what I’m shooting for. but if there’s a chance of risk, I’m not going to be stupid.”
While Ryan gradually is rounding into form, veteran Julio Lugo will see much of the time at shortstop, along with young Tyler Greene and veteran utility man Felipe Lopez. Ryan hit .292 and committed just nine errors in his first year as the regular shortstop.
Lugo is a holdover from last season, acquired in a trade with Boston, with the Red Sox paying all but $400,000 of his $9 million salary. but the signing of Lopez might cut into Lugo’s playing time, and he wasn’t happy in Boston when he didn’t play as much.
“It doesn’t change anything for me,” Lugo said. “I just worry about myself and getting ready. They’re the ones who make the decisions.”
Lugo hit .277 in 148 at-bats for the Cardinals last season.
“I always play for 30 teams,” Lugo said. “I’m on the Cardinals, but you never know what’s going to happen. I’m going to enjoy myself, get ready and get a lot of hits.”
WHERE: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. The Cardinals have been there since 1998, but there have been changes all around. with the Orioles moving to Sarasota, Fla., and the Dodgers previously going to Arizona, the Cardinals have only the Marlins (who share a complex with the Cardinals in Jupiter) and the Mets as opponents any closer than two hours away.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Tony La Russa returns for his 15th season as Cardinals manager, having won 1,232 games in St. Louis and 2,552 games overall, which is third on the all-time list. The 65-year-old La Russa, for the first time with the Cardinals, has only a one-year contract, fueling speculation that this might be his last season on the field. The coaching staff returns intact with the notable exception of former Cardinals star mark McGwire replacing Hal McRae as the hitting coach.
NOTES, QUOTES
—1B Albert Pujols didn’t make a March 8 road trip due to lower back discomfort, and manager Tony La Russa said Pujols wouldn’t play March 9, too. GM John Mozeliak called the decision to rest Pujols precautionary.
—It worked with 2B Skip Schumaker last spring, so the Cardinals are giving diminutive OF Shane Robinson some instruction as an infielder this spring under the tutelage of coach Jose Oquendo. “Got to add a little trick to my bag,” said Robinson, 25. “I’m just trying to get the basics (of second base) down.”
—Manager Tony La Russa will assess several young players (Tyler Greene, Allen Craig, Joe Mather, Jon Jay, Nick Stavinoha) this spring, a couple of whom are likely to fill out his bench. “I’m hoping whoever is on our bench has an offensive and defensive value,” La Russa said. “The people there should be there to come in in the middle of the game or start a game and you not have to cross your fingers.”
—LHP Sam Freeman, a promising reliever, will have to have Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. Freeman felt pain in his left elbow when he tried to throw a changeup in a recent drill. He is likely to be out most, if not all, of the season.
—RF Ryan Ludwick, who had a slow start to his spring last year, homered and doubled in his first exhibition game against the Mets. Ludwick, who hit .216 last spring, said, “It’s better than last year, for sure. I felt like everything was where I needed to be at this point … but it’s early, though.”
—Rookie OF Allen Craig, the best minor league hitting prospect in camp, was slow off the mark because of a strained left quadriceps. with the cold weather in Florida, La Russa planned to keep Craig out for a while. “It’s sore,” La Russa said of Craig’s leg. “No matter what the weather, you’re not going to want to push it.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 24 — Players the Cardinals signed to one-year contracts, concluding the negotiations with the 40-man roster.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I recognized this was going to be part of it. I knew people would have questions. I’ve tried my best to answer those questions.” — new Cardinals hitting coach mark McGwire, discussing the attention created in camp by his recent steroids admission.
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WASHINGTON NATIONALS
INSIDE PITCH
Ever since the Nationals took right-hander Stephen Strasburg with the first overall pick in last June’s draft, fans have been salivating about the thought of watching the 21-year-old phenom with the 100 mph fastball. actually, they’ve been salivating about it ever since the Nationals secured the right to draft Strasburg in September 2008.
That day will finally come on March 9. It will only be for two innings, and it will likely be against a lineup dotted with minor-leaguers, but Strasburg will be in a Nationals uniform at last.
He makes his first start of spring training against the Tigers, and there will be plenty of people watching across the game. The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network — the regional sports network jointly owned by the Nationals and Orioles — altered its spring training schedule to broadcast Strasburg’s debut, and Major League Baseball’s online TV package will also pick up the game.
Strasburg’s chances of making the team seem remote, no matter how well he pitches this spring; manager Jim Riggleman has said the decision on Strasburg would be more “philosophical than performance,” adding the team prefers to have players as young as Strasburg move slowly.
The right-hander still hasn’t pitched in a minor league game, and there’s also the fact that Washington can delay his eligibility for arbitration and free agency by a year if it keeps him in the minors for the first couple months of the 2010 season.
but Strasburg, who got the richest contract ever given to a draft pick ($15.1 million) will have his day on March 9. and Nationals fans will finally see their wish come true.
WHERE: Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Fla. Home of the Expos/Nationals since 2003, Viera has grown from vast emptiness with cow pastures beyond the outfield fence to an emerging Florida subdivision. The local fare still consists of mostly chain restaurants like Chili’s and Cracker Barrel, but those willing to venture a bit into nearby Melbourne or Cocoa Beach will find plenty of impressive alternatives.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: after guiding the Nationals to a 33-42 record as interim manager, Jim Riggleman was given the job on a permanent basis this winter, agreeing to a two-year contract. The 57-year-old skipper retained some of his staff, including pitching coach Steve McCatty, hitting coach Rick Eckstein and third base coach Pat Listach, but added a couple of close confidants: bench coach John McLaren, first base coach Dan Radison and bullpen coach Jim Lett.
NOTES, QUOTES
—INF/OF Ian Desmond hit a grand slam and drove in six runs in the Nationals’ 11-8 loss to the Braves on March 5. Desmond, who is fighting for a spot on the roster and could possibly unseat Cristian Guzman as the starting shortstop at some point this year, was hitting .667 through his first two games of the spring.
“I’m just going out and playing,” Desmond said. “If they want to take me, they take me. If not, I’m just doing what I can.”
—RHP Garrett Mock made his first start of the spring on March 4 against the Astros, pitching two scoreless innings and allowing three hits. Mock, who has said he needs to be more aggressive with hitters this year, threw 13 of his last 19 pitches for strikes after falling behind OF Michael Bourn 2-0 to start the game.
—RHP Drew Storen, the Nationals’ second first-round pick in 2009, worked a perfect inning against the Astros on March 4, recording a strikeout in his first spring training appearance. Storen, the team’s closer of the future, threw eight of his nine pitches for strikes, and he said he mixed in his four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, curveball and slider.
—RHP Chien-Ming Wang, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Nationals in February, played long-toss March 8 in his first appearance at the Nationals’ camp. He had spent the past two weeks rehabbing in Arizona. Wang, who missed most of last season after shoulder surgery, is expected to join the Washington rotation in may.
—RHP Craig Stammen, whom the Nationals are considering as a starter or a reliever, gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits in 1 1/3 innings March 5, his first appearance of the spring. Stammen, who had arthroscopic elbow surgery last season, was throwing 93 mph after bone chips dropped his velocity into the high 80s last season. however, he had trouble controlling his fastball on March 5. “He’d been throwing real good, but now the juices are going,” pitching coach Steve McCatty said. “You just pump up a little bit, and you get off a hair and rush. That’s basically what he did.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 12.75 — The Nationals’ team ERA after three spring training games — Washington gave up 15 runs to Houston and 10 to Florida in a pair of split-squad losses on March 4, then allowed 11 to Atlanta on March 5.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “When we start getting through four, five, six innings with (our starters), I think it’s going to be a different story. I fully expect us to do well. I do. this is just tough in this situation when you start out. I know what everybody’s looking for. and then we walk some guys, we give up some homers and some hits. It’s tough.” — Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty, on his staff’s early struggles in spring training. Washington’s pitchers allowed 36 runs and seven homers in the team’s first three games.
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