Around NL West Spring Training, 3/15: Wellemeyer Rises, Gagne Falls

Diamondbacks Nick Piecoro reports that Arizona watched “highly touted” Dominican outfielder Wagner Mateo work out in Tucson today. A $3.1m deal for the 16-year old Mateo with St. Louis fell through last September over alleged problems with his vision. Piecoro suggest it’s evidence the team are more open to working with Latin American prospects, an area from which they have previously largely stayed away.

Dodgers It seems like the end of an era in Los Angeles, as one-time invulnerable closer, Eric Gagne, was assigned to minor-league camp today, having been singularly unimpressive in three spring training appearances. Scott Elbert was similarly dispatched, while Rule 5 draft pick Armando Zerpa found himself being sent back to the Red Sox. Luckily, the Dodgers kept the receipt…

Giants Todd Wellemeyer is making his case for the #5 spot in the San Francisco rotation. Manager Bruce Bochy said, “He looked like it was midseason.” His ability to start or relieve may give him an advantage over other contenders: “He wants to start, I’m sure, but he knows the situation. He’s a pro. You can tell that he knows what he’s doing out there,” Bochy added.

Padres The San Diego payroll is expected to be about $42 million on Opening Day. Pitcher Chris Young and Adrian Gonzalez ($6.75m + $4.75 million respectively) will be the highest-paid players, with the majority of the expected 25-man roster at below $430K. The number is not much changed from last season, but will rank 29th, ahead only of the Marlins.

Rockies “You have to put it behind. If you continue to feel sorry for yourself, it’s wasted energy. It’s counterproductive.” That’s Colorado closer Huston Street, talking about his stumble in last season’s playoffs. Since then, he’s been signed by the Rockies to a $22.5 million contract, but inflammation in his pitching shoulder has kept him out of spring training contests so far. It’s hoped he’ll get into Cactus League action later this week.