Around NL West Spring Training, 3/10: Andre Ethier Is Out Of Order

Diamondbacks First-base prospect Brandon Allen has adjusted his stance, becoming more upright, and it seems to have had a positive effect. And pity poor Bob Howry, who gave up a home-run Wednesday afternoon to the Dodgers’ Andre Ethier…even though it wasn’t Ethier’s turn to bat.

Dodgers The club announced that Eric Stults, Josh Towers and Charlie Haeger will pitch for LA during their upcoming weekend series in Taiwan – the bulk of the squad left Wednesday for the Far East. Manager Joe Torre also said the team would name a starting second-baseman next week, after their return. Blake Dewitt seems to be the front-runner for the position. Details on both topics, and more, at True Blue LA.

Giants Over at McCovey Chronicles, and inspired by the retiral of Garrett Broshius, Grant muses over The Personal Side of Baseball. Does knowing more about the players enhance enjoyment of the game? As the piece says, “It’s easier not to know anything about the players we root for, but it’s also a hell of a lot less interesting.”

Padres San Diego catcher Yorvit Torrealba still fears for his family’s safety. Nine months ago, Torrealba’s son was kidnapped – though released unhurt, the player still has a number of relations living in Venezuela. Happily, his kid shows no signs of having been affected by the ordeal, and is at school in Miami with the sons of Manny Ramirez and Magglio Ordonez.

Rockies On Purple Row, Jeff Aberle is boldly “guaranteeing a NL West crown for the Rockies this year,” stating they are “the best team in the division… without caveat or qualification.” At time of writing, the accompanying poll shows more than 90% expect that or better for Colorado. Even given usual spring optimism, this is an impressive degree of confidence, a month before the first game of the season.