Fantasy baseball players in the news
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February 22, 2012 @ 08:59:32
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By KFFL Staff
First Baseman
1B | Jim Thome | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
Philadelphia Phillies 1B Jim Thome and 1B Ty Wigginton will likely split time at first base until 1B Ryan Howard (Achilles') returns.
1B | Mitch Moreland | Texas Rangers | Injury, Fantasy
Texas Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland (wrist) had a batting practice session Tuesday, Feb. 21, and he didn't have any setbacks. Manager Ron Washington said Moreland was driving the ball to the opposite field, and swinging with confidence. "I'm going to modify my swing and maybe take 75 to 100 a day to see how it feels, and build on that," Moreland said. "I'm where I thought I would be."
1B | Justin Morneau | Minnesota Twins | Injury, Fantasy
Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan said 1B Justin Morneau (concussion) must still be cleared by doctors before he can play in spring training. However, Ryan said it is more of a formality.
1B | Kendrys Morales | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Injury, Fantasy
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1B Kendrys Morales (leg) ran six low-intensity sprints in the outfield Monday, Feb. 20, and he didn't experience any pain. "He had no pain at all yesterday. But the progression will be getting him out of his comfort zone since the injury," manager Mike Scioscia said. "After the injury, there's a comfort level I think you have to break through. I think we're expecting him to keep progressing. He feels no pain at all in the ankle. But you want to get his gait as normal as possible before you start to push him in other areas." It's unlikely Morales will be ready to play in spring games when they start March 5.
Second Baseman
2B | Luke Hughes | Minnesota Twins | Injury
Updating previous reports, Minnesota Twins IF Luke Hughes (shoulder) had an MRI that revealed inflammation in his shoulder. He hopes to resume baseball activities next week, but may get a cortisone shot to expedite that process.
2B | Ian Kinsler | Texas Rangers | Fantasy
Texas Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler denies he was out drinking with OF Josh Hamilton in his first remarks since the Jan. 30 incident where Hamilton fell off the wagon following a long period of sobriety. Hamilton said then that he didn't drink in front of Kinsler, and then went back to a North Dallas bar after Kinsler had dropped him off with the understanding that Hamilton was in for the night. "I'm not too concerned about what people say," Kinsler said. "I was there. I know what happened. People can say what they think was happening or what they want to say about the situation."
2B | Rickie Weeks | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
Milwaukee Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks and OF Corey Hart are the two options to hit leadoff this year, and manager Ron Roenicke prefers OF Nyjer Morgan hitting second. OF Ryan Braun is penciled in to start third, assuming he isn't suspended, and 3B Aramis Ramirez will hit cleanup. Weeks or Hart would hit fifth and 3B Mat Gamel could hit as high as sixth or down at No. 8. SS Alex Gonzalez and C Jonathan Lucroy fill out the order.
2B | Cristian Guzman | Cleveland Indians | Injury, Transaction
The Cleveland Indians signed free-agent 2B Cristian Guzman (Rangers) to a minor league deal with an invite to spring camp Tuesday, Feb. 21. He figures to be a long shot to earn a bench spot this year. Guzman said an injured right shoulder was the reason why he missed most of last season. He will see time at shortstop and second base this spring.
2B | Justin Turner | New York Mets | Fantasy
New York Mets manager Terry Collins has said that 2B Justin Turner will back up 1B Ike Davis at first base this year. Turner has played just one minor league game at first base.
2B | Brian Roberts | Baltimore Orioles | Injury, Fantasy
Baltimore Orioles 2B Brian Roberts (concussion) is hitting from both sides off a tee Tuesday, Feb. 21. He's been doing everything except for running and taking ground balls.
2B | Kelly Johnson | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell would like to see 2B Kelly Johnson as the team's No. 2 hitter all season.
Shortstop
SS | Edgar Renteria | free agent | Free Agents
Free-agent SS Edgar Renteria (Reds) is leaning towards retirement.
SS | Starlin Castro | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy
Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum hasn't decided where to hit SS Starlin Castro this year, so there is a chance he could settle into the third spot.
Third Baseman
3B | Brent Morel | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White 3B Brent Morel had walked just three times in 241 trips to the plate through the end of July last season. In August, Morel finally exhibited some patience, walking four times in the month. In September, Morel walked 15 times while hitting eight home runs. He'll need to carry over that momentum from September into spring training.
3B | Jose Bautista | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Toronto Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista (ankle, neck) was beaten up last season, as he dealt with neck problems that developed in May, and a twisted ankle the first game after the All-Star break which lingered through the rest of the season. Bautista went back to the gym in December, and by January, he incorporated baseball specific exercises into his routine. He is pushing himself hard even as spring training approaches. "For now, it's a matter of getting myself in the best shape possible," Bautista said. "When the games start, I'll be trying to get my timing down and the last two or three weeks it will be working hard on game situations." Bautista is unconcerned the neck ailment will recur.
3B | Eric Chavez | New York Yankees | Transaction, Free Agents
Updating a previous report, the New York Yankees have agreed to a deal to re-sign free-agent 3B Eric Chavez (Yankees). The deal is pending a physical, and terms were not disclosed.
3B | Jorge Cantu | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3B Jorge Cantu and OF Ryan Langerhans arrived at camp Tuesday, Feb. 21. Both worked out together on the backfields and were chatting with each other all afternoon. The two are non-roster invitees to camp, and there is currently no spot on the roster for either. One might open if the team makes a move, and many expect that to happen. If 3Bs Alberto Callaspo or Maicer Izturis is moved, Cantu might have a spot. If OF Bobby Abreu is dealt or won't report, Langerhans might work his way onto the roster. "I think they're both really interesting to us," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Ryan's a guy that is a left-handed bat, and is a good defender in the outfield. And Jorge is really interesting, because this guy was an RBI machine."
3B | Hanley Ramirez | Miami Marlins | Fantasy
Miami Marlins 3B Hanley Ramirez took ground balls at third base for the first time Tuesday, Feb. 21, signaling he is accepting the position switch to accommodate SS Jose Reyes.
Catcher
C | Ivan Rodriguez | free agent | Free Agents
Free-agent C Ivan Rodriguez (Nationals) has fielded a few offers, one from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he's seeking a job with real playing time.
C | David Ross | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Atlanta Braves C David Ross is stockier in his upper body, and it was by design after he increased the intensity of his offseason weight workouts. "Last year I was trying to get skinny like everybody else," Ross said. "I looked good, but I'd rather hit the ball in the trees."
C | Robinson Chirinos | Tampa Bay Rays | Injury
Tampa Bay Rays Cs Robinson Chirinos (hand) and Jose Lobaton (shoulder) are both ready to go for spring training after suffering winter ball injuries.
C | Chris Iannetta | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy
Critics wonder if the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will get a player in C Chris Iannetta who will struggle at sea level after playing his home games at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies for years. He pointed out that in his best season of 2008, he hit .280 on the road and .250 at home.
C | Michael Ohlman | Baltimore Orioles | Transaction
The Baltimore Orioles signed free-agent C Michael Ohlman to replace C Dane Sardinha, who failed his physical.
C | Yadier Molina | St. Louis Cardinals | Fantasy
The agents for St. Louis Cardinals C Yadier Molina indicated that they will not discuss a contract extension with their client during the regular season. He's expected to seek at least a five-year deal that would go over $10 million per season.
C | Taylor Teagarden | Baltimore Orioles | Injury, Fantasy
Baltimore Orioles C Taylor Teagarden (knee) had a cyst removed from his knee and also underwent another procedure to remove blood that was forming in the back of his knee and affecting range of motion. He said it is behind him and he is focusing on strengthening his knee this spring.
C | Joe Mauer | Minnesota Twins | Fantasy
The Minnesota Twins are expected to take three catchers with them to start the regular season. Cs Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit are locks, while Cs Drew Butera is the favorite to be the third man. C J.R. Towles will challenge Butera for a job.
C | Devin Mesoraco | Cincinnati Reds | Fantasy
Cincinnati Reds skipper Dusty Baker said he's not ready to anoint C Devin Mesoraco as the starting catcher just yet. "I haven't seen enough of him," Baker said. "He's one of two. Eventually, he's going to be No. 1." C Ryan Hanigan is likely to split time with the youngster.
C | Dane Sardinha | free agent | Free Agents
Baltimore Orioles C Dane Sardinha failed his physical and will not stay with the team in camp.
C | Mike Napoli | Texas Rangers | Injury, Fantasy
Texas Rangers C Mike Napoli (ankle) said his ankle is "about 80 percent" healthy as spring camp kicks off this week. "But I was able to work out and do some lateral movement on it without tape yesterday," Napoli said. "It will be ready to go by opening day for sure. It will be at 100 percent by then. I just have to keep working on it and get used to baseball stuff." He's been receiving treatment five or six days a week and will not be kept from catching bullpen sessions this spring.
Outfielder
OF | Gerardo Parra | Arizona Diamondbacks | Fantasy
The Arizona Diamondbacks are working with OF Gerardo Parra to make sure he earns time in center field. OF Jason Kubel was signed to play left and will likely take time from Parra in that spot. When asked how he expects playing time to shake out with Kubel on board, manager Kirk Gibson said he "can't answer" the question. However, he intimated that he wants Parra to find his way into the lineup more often in center field. "I'd like to see him work on center field and be able to play all the positions," Gibson said. "He's very good on each corner. He isn't as good as we think he can be in center field."
OF | Dayan Viciedo | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Chicago White Sox OF Dayan Viciedo showed improved plate discipline in 2011, as his walk rate was 8.9 percent at Triple-A Charlotte, and 8.0 percent when he reached the majors last year. If he is to reach his full offensive ceiling, his pitch recognition and ability can't take a step backward.
OF | Jason Bay | New York Mets | Fantasy
New York Mets manager Terry Collins said OF Jason Bay was flying to Florida Tuesday, Feb. 21, and he would be at camp well ahead of the official reporting date of Saturday, Feb. 25, for position players.
OF | Andres Torres | New York Mets | Fantasy
New York Mets manager Terry Collins said OF Andres Torres is very likely the team's leadoff hitter, but 2B Daniel Murphy and SS Ruben Tejada are other alternatives. Murphy is likely to serve as the No. 2 hitter.
OF | Matt Diaz | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Atlanta Braves OF Matt Diaz slimmed down during the offseason after hitting no home runs and slugging .323 in 251 at-bats for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves in 2011. This winter, he took a less-is-more approach. "I did more power lifting and that stuff because in my mind, (Pittsburgh) is a big field and I wanted to add some more pop," Diaz said of his strategy a year ago. "But it just absolutely backfired. I wasn't free and easy with my wing. I didn't have hand speed, which leads to power. I was strong in the weight room, but had no bat speed."
OF | Michael Bourn | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Atlanta Braves OF Michael Bourn and SS Tyler Pastornicky are the only projected starting positions players who have yet to report to spring training. However, it is still four days before non-catcher position players are due in. Pastornicky is working out with SS Jack Wilson in California, while Bourn has been working out with the University of Houston baseball team.
OF | Martin Prado | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Atlanta Braves OF Martin Prado reported to spring training Monday, Feb. 20, four days early for position players. Prado has shrugged off multiple trade rumors from the offseason and is happy to be back with his teammates. Prado spent the offseason working out in Orlando to strengthen areas and try to avoid the kind of nagging injuries that have slowed him in the past, including groin injuries.
OF | Desmond Jennings | Tampa Bay Rays | Fantasy
Tampa Bay Rays SS Reid Brignac, OF Sam Fuld, OF Brandon Guyer, OF Desmond Jennings, 2B Elliot Johnson, 2B Jeff Keppinger, 2B Will Rhymes, SS Sean Rodriguez and OF Luke Scott (shoulder) have already arrived at the team's spring training facility well ahead of the first full-squad workout set for Sunday, Feb. 26.
OF | Johnny Damon | free agent | Free Agents
Free-agent OF Johnny Damon (Rays) doesn't understand why he is not getting contract offers after a solid 2011 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He said he even did not get an offer from the Rays despite posting a .261 average with 16 home runs, 73 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. "Hopefully (the phone) rings soon," Damon said, "and whether it rings in a few minutes or a few weeks, I'll be ready with the bat."
OF | Brett Gardner | New York Yankees | Fantasy
New York Yankees OF Brett Gardner has already been taking batting practice at the team's minor league complex in Tampa, well before position players are scheduled for their first full workout.
OF | Andruw Jones | New York Yankees | Fantasy
New York Yankees OF Andruw Jones is expected to fill the designated hitter rule in games with a left-handed pitcher opposing the team. Jones will also occasionally see time in the field, according to manager Joe Girardi.
OF | Raul Ibanez | New York Yankees | Fantasy
New York Yankees OF Raul Ibanez is expected to serve as the designated hitter in games with a right-handed pitcher opposing the team, and he is likely to bat seventh in the order. Ibanez will also see time in the field occasionally, according to manager Joe Girardi. "We plan on DHing him," Girardi said. "We plan on putting him in the outfield as well. We've about trying to give some guys a DH day or a rest day, and it gives you more flexibility since he can play the outfield as well.
OF | Jacoby Ellsbury | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy
Boston Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury arrived at camp Tuesday, Feb. 21. DH David Ortiz is the only player not in camp.
OF | Matt Kemp | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Los Angeles Dodgers OF Matt Kemp said Tuesday, Feb. 21, that if Milwaukee Brewers OF Ryan Braun is suspended for 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy, he doesn't want the 2011 National League most valuable player award. Kemp finished second to Braun, who is appealing a positive test from the playoffs. "I would want to win by them voting me," Kemp said. "I wouldn't want them to just, 'Oh, this person did that so how about we just give the award to this person?' I don't think it should work that way. If it is that way, then it should be a vacant award for 2011, no one should win the MVP award in the National League." Kemp added that he is hopeful Braun will be vindicated.
OF | Andre Ethier | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
Los Angeles Dodgers OFs Andre Ethier or Juan Rivera will be used in the cleanup spot behind OF Matt Kemp, is set to bat third in manager Don Mattingly's batting order.
OF | Colby Rasmus | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell said the team could carry five outfielders into the regular season. The candidates include OFs Colby Rasmus, Jose Bautista, Eric Thames, Travis Snider, Rajai Davis and Ben Francisco.
OF | Shane Victorino | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
Philadelphia Phillies OF Shane Victorino, who is eligible to become a free agent after the 2012 season, said he hasn't had any discussions on an extension with the team, but he would like to remain in Philadelphia.
OF | Denard Span | Minnesota Twins | Injury, Fantasy
Minnesota Twins OF Denard Span (concussion), who changed diet in the winter, gave up caffeine, started taking natural medications and added yoga to his routine, said he is confident that he is over his concussion from last year. "I think I'm over that concussion," Span said. "Even talking with my chiropractor, the last thing he told me was, 'You're over your concussion. Now it's about body functioning.' When you have a concussion and your body gets jarred I think you are just more aware of different things that are going on in your body. So it's just now about taking care of my body."
OF | Jarrod Dyson | Kansas City Royals | Injury, Fantasy
Kansas City Royals OF Jarrod Dyson (shoulder) is being cautious this spring as he takes good care of his right shoulder, which he injured in the Venezuelan Winter League. He said the injury hasn't affected his game. "The legs are ready," Dyson said. "My goal is to steal 50 bases this year. I've never done that."
OF | Alex Gordon | Kansas City Royals | Fantasy
Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost said OF Alex Gordon will lead off this year, likely followed by 2B Johnny Giavotella, 1B Eric Hosmer and DH Billy Butler. 3B Mike Moustakas and OF Jeff Francoeur are expected to hit fifth and sixth respectively. Moustakas could drop to sixth against left-handers. C Salvador Perez, OF Lorenzo Cain and SS Alcides Escobar round out the order.
Yost also indicated that Gordon and Butler will see some time at first base to spell Hosmer. "Billy deserves it," Yost said. "He's worked his (backside) off. He's put himself in that position. Now, I'm not thinking of playing him there four days a week, but he'll play there some."
OF | Val Majewski | Texas Rangers | Transaction
The Texas Rangers re-signed OF Val Majewski to a minor league deal Tuesday, Feb. 21. He will report to minor league spring training.
OF | Ichiro Suzuki | Seattle Mariners | Fantasy
Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge said Tuesday, Feb. 21, that OF Ichiro Suzuki will be the team's No. 3 hitter this season, with 3B Chone Figgins hitting leadoff and 2B Dustin Ackley likely hitting second. "I'm confident he can get back to his old self as the leadoff hitter," Wedge said of Figgins. "That's when he was the Figgins that produced, that got on base and scored runs and was really a pain for opposing teams. I feel like to give him the greatest chance to get back on track and succeed is to put him back in that role."
OF | Domonic Brown | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to have OF Domonic Brown start the 2012 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but that doesn't mean he won't have a chance to prove he deserves a spot on the big league roster this spring. The team admitted that they may have rushed Brown to the majors last season.
OF | Carl Crawford | Boston Red Sox | Injury, Fantasy
Boston Red Sox OF Carl Crawford (wrist) said his wrist felt fine after taking 15 hacks off a tee Tuesday, Feb. 21. Crawford is ahead of schedule and he indicated that he could be ready by opening day.
OF | Jorge Soler | free agent | Free Agents
The Houston Astros are keeping tabs on Cuban OF Jorge Soler, who could soon become a major league free agent. The Philadelphia Phillies and many other teams are also interested.
Starting Pitcher
SP | Scott Kazmir | free agent | Free Agents
The New York Yankees aren't interested in free-agent SP Scott Kazmir (Angels).
SP | John Lackey | Boston Red Sox | Injury
Updating previous reports, Boston Red Sox SP John Lackey (elbow) is throwing on flat ground from 60 feet.
SP | Rubby De La Rosa | Los Angeles Dodgers | Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers P Rubby De La Rosa (elbow) threw off flat ground from 90 feet and said he expects to throw off a mound in April.
SP | Rick VandenHurk | Toronto Blue Jays | Transaction, Free Agents
The Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent SP Rick VandenHurk (Orioles) to a split, non-guaranteed major league deal.
SP | Gio Gonzalez | Washington Nationals | Fantasy,
Washington Nationals SP Gio Gonzalez threw his first side session in a batting cage Tuesday, Feb. 21, with everything hooked up to a strobe light to capture images for the Nationals' video board this year. "It was awesome," Gonzalez said. He also said his arm felt "awesome," too. RP Sean Burnett also threw in the batting cage.
SP | Stephen Strasburg | Washington Nationals | Fantasy,
Washington Nationals SP Stephen Strasburg threw in the bullpen Tuesday, Feb. 21, under the watchful eye of manager Davey Johnson.
SP | Henderson Alvarez | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy,
Toronto Blue Jays SP Henderson Alvarez is expected to be slotted in the fourth spot of manager John Farrell's rotation. Alvarez has been trying to master a slider to go with his very effective fastball-changeup approach.
SP | Brett Cecil | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy,
Toronto Blue Jays SP Brett Cecil was disappointed by his performance in 2011, and he worked hard during the offseason to make sure the results are different in 2012. "I can truly say I've done that. At the end of the day if I have a bad game, it's not going ot affect me as much as last year because I know I've done what I need to do to win a lot of games, pitch well for the team and help save the great bullpen that we have," Cecil said.
SP | Brad Meyers | New York Yankees | Injury,
New York Yankees RPs Cesar Cabral and Brad Meyers appear to be battling for the sixth and final bullpen spot heading into spring training. P George Kontos (oblique) is also in that mix, but he is dealing with a stiff oblique.
SP | Clay Buchholz | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy,
Boston Red Sox SP Clay Buchholz trimmed down to 185 pounds during the winter, and he looks to be in great shape. "He looks like a lean, mean, fighting machine," manager Bobby Valentine said Tuesday, Feb. 21.
SP | Vicente Padilla | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy,
Boston Red Sox SP Vicente Padilla likes to throw a big looping curveball, known as an eephus pitch in baseball parlance, on occasion. He was working on it in the bullpen Tuesday, Feb. 21, and manager Bobby Valentine asked him about it. "He's got a plan and he's a pretty veteran guy," Valentine said. "He says it's going to be part of his arsenal. Possibly when men on base, too, which is my concern. But he says he can work on it." Padilla is a candidate to fill the vacant fifth starter job.
SP | Aaron Cook | Boston Red Sox | Injury, Fantasy,
Boston Red Sox SP Aaron Cook (shoulder) convinced the coaches and trainers that he does not need to be brought along slowly. Cook is coming back from a shoulder injury.
SP | Ted Lilly | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy,
Los Angeles Dodgers SP Ted Lilly (personal) did not report to camp Tuesday, Feb. 21, due to the birth of his new baby daughter.
SP | Jered Weaver | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy,
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SP Jered Weaver is working on a new pitch, a cutter, during the spring. Angels SP Dan Haren has one of the best cutters in the league, and the two have been playing catch in recent weeks, with Weaver trying to learn from his teammate. "I'd like to create a cutter, but it's not coming along too good right now.
SP | Colby Lewis | Texas Rangers | Fantasy,
Texas Rangers SP Colby Lewis is not concerned about his contract. The team picked up his $3.25 million option for this season, but he is eligible for free agency after the season. "We had very small, limited talks right after the season," Lewis said. "They wanted to know how I felt. Nothing came of it this offseason. If something comes up, it will come up, but I'm not too concerned about it. I've got to take care of the daily stuff."
SP | Roy Oswalt | free agent | Free Agents,
Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels reiterated Tuesday, Feb. 21, that the team has no plans to sign free-agent SP Roy Oswalt (Phillies). "Nothing has changed," Daniels said.
SP | Dustin Moseley | San Diego Padres | Injury, Fantasy,
San Diego Padres SP Dustin Moseley (shoulder) has been cleared to throw this spring and is focused on changing his batting swing in hopes of avoiding an injury similar to the one he suffered while swinging last year. "There are some things we can help Dustin with to take the risk out," said hitting coach Phil Plantier after the session off the tee. "The priority is to get him confident that he can take a swing without there being a problem." Moseley has dislocated his shoulder a total of three times from swinging a bat in his career.
SP | Derek Lowe | Cleveland Indians | Fantasy,
The Cleveland Indians want SP Derek Lowe to use his fastball more this season after struggling in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves. He used his sinker half the time last year, which was actually down from the two previous seasons. But he used his slider 25.3 percent of the time compared to 16.1 percent in 2010. He has also used his cutter more over the last three seasons. Manager Manny Acta has also pointed out some mechanical flaws that he thinks Lowe can correct.
SP | Daisuke Matsuzaka | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy,
Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine criticized the Red Sox for not letting SP Daisuke Matsuzaka use his full arsenal of pitches last season, instead refining him to just a fastball and slider type of pitcher. Valentine would like to see Matsuzaka use his changeup some more when he returns to action this year.
SP | Chien-Ming Wang | Washington Nationals | Injury, Fantasy,
Washington Nationals SP Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder, hand) threw without issues Tuesday, Feb. 21.
SP | Juan Nicasio | Colorado Rockies | Injury, Fantasy,
Colorado Rockies SP Juan Nicasio (neck), who threw his first bullpen session of the spring Tuesday, Feb. 21, has been approaching top-end velocity in the last few weeks.
SP | Nick Blackburn | Minnesota Twins | Fantasy,
Minnesota Twins SP Nick Blackburn is the favorite for the No. 5 starting rotation spot, according to manager Ron Gardenhire. P Brian Duensing, who struggled in 2011, is slated to open in the bullpen.
SP | Yu Darvish | Texas Rangers | Fantasy,
Texas Rangers skipper Ron Washington was impressed with SP Yu Darvish, who threw his first bullpen session of the spring Tuesday, Feb. 21. "I was anxious to see him, too," Washington said. "What I got was that he is a power arm with finesse stuff. I didn't see him have any trouble gripping the ball, but that's why we're in spring training, to let him get used to a lot of that stuff."
SP | Jonathan Sanchez | Kansas City Royals | Injury, Fantasy,
Kansas City Royals SP Jonathan Sanchez (ankle) and RP Jonathan Broxton (elbow) are likely to be held back a bit in camp after both pitchers are coming back from injuries last season. "The whole focus is to have them ready to pitch April 6," manager Ned Yost said, referring to the season opener against the Angels. "We've got plenty of time to do it right."
SP | Zack Greinke | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy,
The Milwaukee Brewers will continue as planned and try to sign SP Zack Greinke to a contract extension despite the fact that he hasn't hired an agent.
SP | Lucas Harrell | Houston Astros | Injury, Fantasy,
Houston Astros P Lucas Harrell (forearm) suffered a bruised forearm after being hit with a ground ball during pitchers' fielding drills. The injury is not serious.
SP | Tom Milone | Oakland Athletics | Fantasy,
Oakland Athletics Ps Tom Milone and Ryan Cook have impressed manager Bob Melvin so far this spring. C Kurt Suzuki has positive things to say about Milone's command and his changeup. Milone could win a spot in the rotation this year.
SP | Tim Hudson | Atlanta Braves | Injury, Fantasy,
Atlanta Braves SP Tim Hudson (back), who had two vertebrae in his lower back fused during surgery in November, is targeting May 1 as his opening day this year.
SP | Matt Moore | Tampa Bay Rays | Fantasy,
Tampa Bay Rays SP Matt Moore is battling for a rotation spot with the team this spring. SPs James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann are the other starting pitching options. Moore would like to approach 200 innings if he lands in the rotation to start the year.
SP | Clayton Kershaw | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy,
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has named SP Clayton Kershaw as the team's opening day starter in 2012.
SP | Tim Lincecum | San Francisco Giants | Injury, Fantasy,
San Francisco Giants SP Tim Lincecum (back) was scratched from his bullpen session Tuesday, Feb. 21, due to a stiff back. His injury isn't considered serious.
SP | Zach Britton | Baltimore Orioles | Injury, Fantasy,
Baltimore Orioles SP Zach Britton (shoulder) said his arm is feeling even better after throwing off flat ground again Tuesday, Feb. 21, and he felt his arm was stronger. He will repeat the process Thursday, Feb. 23, and Friday Feb. 24, and hopes to be on the mound next week.
SP | Ross Ohlendorf | Boston Red Sox | Injury, Fantasy,
Boston Red Sox SP Ross Ohlendorf (back, shoulder) said his right shoulder is fine, and he said he should only be a few days behind the other players.
SP | Aroldis Chapman | Cincinnati Reds | Fantasy,
Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker said the team still plans to stretch P Aroldis Chapman out as a starter this spring. "We're going to stretch him out to see if there's time," Baker said. "If there's not time and there's not quality, you can always back off a guy." It's unknown if Chapman will start in the minors if he doesn't make it as a starter.
SP | Chris Narveson | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy,
Milwaukee Brewers SP Chris Narveson added a cut fastball to his repertoire this winter.
SP | Johan Santana | New York Mets | Injury, Fantasy,
New York Mets SP Johan Santana's (shoulder) first spring start is scheduled to be the Grapefruit League opener March 5 against the Washington Nationals. That would set him up to work every fifth day and start on opening day April 5 versus the Atlanta Braves.
SP | Tommy Hanson | Atlanta Braves | Injury, Fantasy,
Atlanta Braves SP Tommy Hanson (concussion) will miss the first two days of camp and could be back at full strength by within the week after suffering a mild concussion in a car accident Monday, Feb. 20.
Relief Pitcher
RP | Jim Johnson | Baltimore Orioles | Injury
Updating previous reports, Baltimore Orioles P Jim Johnson (back) will throw off a half mound again Thursday, Feb. 23. He should progress to a full mound after that.
RP | Greg Holland | Kansas City Royals | Transaction
The Kansas City Royals signed pre-arbitration RP Greg Holland and P Louis Coleman. Holland signed a one-year, $497,150 deal, and Coleman's one-year deal is worth $497,750.
RP | Kyle Farnsworth | Tampa Bay Rays | Injury, Fantasy,
Tampa Bay Rays RP Kyle Farnsworth (elbow) said the issues in his elbow that sidelined him at the end of last season went away with rest and he feels fine. "I didn't do anything, just let it heal in time," Farnsworth said. He has added additional forearm exercises to his workout routine to try to prevent a similar breakdown.
RP | Rich Hill | Boston Red Sox | Injury, Transaction, Free Agents,
The Boston Red Sox purchased the contract of RP Rich Hill (elbow) from Triple-A Pawtucket Tuesday, Feb. 21. Hill is recovering from Tommy John surgery and came to camp on a minor-league deal. Hill had the option of becoming a free agent if not placed on the major league roster during spring training.
RP | Blake Hawksworth | Los Angeles Dodgers | Injury,
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday, Feb. 21, that RP Blake Hawksworth (elbow) is two or three weeks behind schedule. While the team said he won't be ready for opening day, there was no timetable given for when he might be available. Hawksworth had a minor surgery during the offseason to clean scar tissue and shave down a bone spur, and he had a second surgery this week to clean up an infection that resulted from the first procedure.
RP | Jordan Walden | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy,
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim RP Jordan Walden has a blazing fastball which can hit 100 mph at times, but he struggled to consistently trust his secondary pitches, a slider and still-developing changeup. As a result, he blew an American League leading 10 saves in 2011. Walden threw fastballs 81 percent of the time last season, with the rest sliders and just three percent were changeups. Walden will focus on developing his other pitchers in the spring. "You can throw it in the bullpen all day, but there ain't nothing like being in the game - the adrenaline, the batter, the umpire, everything," Walden said. "We'll see. It's good and I have a lot of confidence in it, but we'll see, I guess."
RP | Drew Storen | Washington Nationals | Fantasy,
Washington Nationals RP Drew Storen rotated his hips a few extra degrees during his throwing session Tuesday, Feb. 21, which gives him a more pronounced straight-leg slide step. "Last year I wasn't doing it at all, so now I'm really kind of exaggerating it this year," Storen said. "When you do that, it just lets your arm be free and easy." He is unsure if he will use the new move in spring games. Storen wants to avoid changing too much early on, though.
RP | Juan Carlos Oviedo | Miami Marlins | Fantasy,
Miami Marlins RP Juan Carlos Oviedo remains in the Dominican Republic and is not allowed to travel to the U.S. in order to report to spring training. It's unknown if he will make it for any of the team's spring camp.
RP | Jordan Swagerty | St. Louis Cardinals | Injury,
St. Louis Cardinals SP Jordan Swagerty (arm) is dealing with some arm discomfort and was held off the mound Tuesday, Feb. 21, as a precaution. He took part in other drills designed for pitchers, though.
RP | Brandon Kintzler | Milwaukee Brewers | Transaction,
The Milwaukee Brewers signed P Brandon Kintzler to a deal for the 2012 season.
RP | Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy,
Chicago Cubs RP Carlos Marmol will drop his cut fastball per the suggestion of new pitching coach Chris Bosio. "I threw it a little bit, and it didn't work for me," Marmol acknowledged this week as pitchers and catchers reported for spring training. "Yeah, I got a little lost. My slider got a little lost because I worked on that."
RP | Jose Contreras | Philadelphia Phillies | Injury, Fantasy,
Philadelphia Phillies RP Jose Contreras (elbow) had a successful bullpen session Tuesday, Feb. 21, throwing off a mound for the first time since last summer. Pitching coach Rich Dubee had Contreras work on arm extension and keeping from opening up his front shoulder in his delivery. "We probably won't go as quick with him," Dubee said. "But when he progresses, gets through a couple more bullpens, we'll see where he's at and get him into (throwing) some batting practice."
RP | Mike Adams | Texas Rangers | Injury, Fantasy,
Texas Rangers RP Mike Adams (hernia) said he is "a week or two" behind the other pitchers in camp. Regardless, he threw a 30-pitch bullpen session that included fastballs and changeups Tuesday, Feb. 21, and he felt good. Adams is pain-free when throwing.
RP | Joba Chamberlain | New York Yankees | Injury,
New York Yankees RP Joba Chamberlain (elbow) will throw off a regular mound for the first time Wednesday, Feb. 22, since undergoing surgery.
RP | Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals | Fantasy,
Kansas City Royals RP Joakim Soria said he started his spring training back in November, and he has been diligent in working out for the upcoming season. Soria struggled last season but said that he finished the year on a strong note. "It was a mechanical deal," manager Ned Yost said. "He's back to being Jack."
RP | Bobby Jenks | Boston Red Sox | Injury, Transaction
Boston Red Sox RP Bobby Jenks (back) was placed on the 60-day disabled list.
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