Spring Training News & Notes, 3/17: Catching Up With Everyone

Astros: Wandy Rodriguez was ninth in the NL with a 3.02 ERA in 2009, but he’s not letting that stop him from working on improving his arsenal this spring. Rodriguez is working on a changeup, and used it a fair amount in Wednesday’s appearance against the Nationals. Rodriguez has been mainly a fastball-curve guy in the past.

Brewers: Prince Fielder doesn’t take time off often, but the team is hoping to find someone who can fill his position on the off chance he’ll take a day off or leave a game at some point in 2010. Jim Edmonds got a shot at it Wednesday, but wore his outfield glove at first base and was charged with an error on a dropped pop up.

Reds: After he posted a 11.37 ERA in his first three Cactus League starts, the Reds have decided to move Mike Lincoln back to the bullpen. Lincoln hasn’t started a regular season game since posting a 10.89 ERA in four starts for the 2000 Twins.

Pirates: Kevin Hart may be pitching his way out of the mix for the Pirates’ rotation this spring. In his latest outing on Wednesday, he faced twelve batters and issued six walks and an HBP. Hart has now walked 13 batters and recorded just 18 outs.

Cubs: Wednesday was an off day for the Cubs, so the remaining contestants had a bit more time to work on their routines for the next round of Cubs Idol. Hopefully they can come up with something that will impress Ryan Dempster.

Cardinals: The Cardinals also had an off day Wednesday, but Mark McGwire was in camp anyway, working with David Freese and Ruben Gotay.

Nationals: The big news of the day is the Nationals released 25-year-old rightfielder, and presumptive starter, Elijah Dukes. Nationals’ management gave a slew of underwhelming explanations for the strange move, including their faith in his back-ups, Dukes’ popularity in the clubhouse, and adjustments in his swing to offspeed pitches. Whatever the real reason, Mike Rizzo and company have released one of their best young hitters and a huge talent for seemingly minor reasons…The Nats have a team 7.92 ERA so far this spring, which wouldn’t worry most teams, but the Nats have fielding some pretty awful staffs in recent years…Adam Dunn is out with lower back spasms but hopes to return to game action by the end of the week.

Mets: IF Anderson Hernandez was claimed off waivers by Cleveland, thus ending his second sting in New York. He was out of options and unlikely to make the Opening-Day roster…the Mets and Marlins will play a June series in San Juan…Mike Pelfrey tested his offspeed pitchers today against the Red Sox, saying, “I think one day I’d like to become an actual pitcher.”

Braves: Still just 23, Tommy Hanson has already added a fourth game-ready pitch to his repertoire, a changeup…Craig Kimbrell, the 21-year-old “closer of the future,” is already in the mix for a bullpen spot.

Marlins: The Marlins released Derrick Turnbow, who will now likely need surgery on his pitching shoulder…10 players were optioned to the minors or sent to minor league camp…The Fish may not be that interested in brining back Mike Lowell after all.

Phillies: Placido Polanco (knee) expects to avoid the DL…J.C. Romero is throwing to hitters now, but is still a long shot for Opening Day.

Blue Jays: The Jays may not know exactly what the future holds for their starting rotation, but right now it looks good on the end of Brian Tallet. He allowed just one hit over four innings today. ... Sure, the Jays might finish in the cellar this season of the AL East, but you know what? There are reasons to watch this team in 2010. In fact, there are at least 10. ... Happy birthdays to a couple of key Jays.

Orioles: The Orioles will need offense in 2010 -- it's just too bad it didn't show up on Wednesday. ... Camden Chat asks five questions to MASN's Steve Melewski.

Rays: Opening Day starter James Shields is looking impressive as the season approaches. Shields allowed one run in five innings of work Wednesday. ... Ben Zobrist is an All-Star on and off the field. Perhaps he is too good to be true? ... A look at reliable bullpen arm Dan Wheeler. 

Red Sox: Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched a bullpen session on Wednesday and it reportedly went well.He had no restriction during the BP session. ... After John Lackey's start on Wednesday, he has pitched nine innings without allowing a run. ... Jed Lowrie has mono. So please, no one kiss him.

Yankees: Joba Chamberlain pitched well Wednesday. Still no word on his role for the upcoming season, although some assumed today's start was critical for Joba going forward. ... The Yankees have a close eye on Joe Mauer. Don't you think otherwise.

Diamondbacks Bad news for the rest of the NL West – Brandon Webb feels “really good” after his latest throwing session. "I was letting it go almost all the way," said the former Cy Young winner. "I felt like I had more left in the tank even." He’s aiming for a return sometime in late April: "I think a couple weeks late, three weeks late, is something that’s more reachable."

Dodgers James McDonald, initially thought likely to be the #5 starter for LA, seems to be heading for a relief spot instead. Manager Joe Torre said, “I’m probably leaning at this point to keeping him in the bullpen,” after McDonald threw two innings in a simulated game earlier this week. The right-hander has struggled this spring, and seems to have been passed on the depth chart by the likes of Russ Ortiz and Eric Stultz.

Giants Grant discusses his first baseball memories over on McCovey Chronicles, involving Bennie Ayala and a garage-sale tambourine. It’ll probably have you thinking about your own earlier experiences of the game. Certainly beats my first baseball memories, but then, I didn’t see a live game until I was 32.

Padres The San Diego rotation appears to be solidifying: it looks likely to be Clayton Richard as the #4, with Mat Latos occupying the fifth spot. Other candidates Tim Stauffer and Sean Gallagher have pitched pretty well, and are out of minor-league options, but one or both could end up working out of the bullpen. It’s also not impossible the Padres could start off pitching with eight relievers.

Rockies Rockies manager Jim Tracy says that Chris Iannetta and Miguel Olivo will share time behind the plate in Denver. Tracy said, “I can tell you this: They are both going to play. I am not using the word ‘platoon.’ But they are both going to play.” Er, wouldn’t that be a ‘platoon’ then, Jim? Still, both have been hitting well in spring, and both were regular starters for at least part of last season.

Mariners: Nothing at all going on in Mariner camp, as they had Monday off. Only bit of news worth noting: righty starter Yusmeiro Petit has been released. Petit has put up good minor league numbers, but his finesse repertoire hasn't translated to the bigs, and he fell victim to a roster crunch.

Angels: Not a lot going on in Angel camp, either - although Jered Weaver is looking to improve a new two-seam fastball. The two-seamer - or sinker - could come in handy for Weaver, as he is among the most extreme flyball pitchers in baseball...long-time prospect Brandon Wood will finally get an extended chance to stick this year, playing third base.

Rangers: Ron Washington held a meeting with his team Wednesday morning and then held a public press conference later on, apologizing for his failed drug test...Josh Hamilton's hand is fine, but now his tooth hurts...Justin Smoak hit his first home run of the spring on Tuesday...C.J. Wilson strengthened his bid for a  rotation spot with four impressive innings on Tuesday, while Neftali Feliz looked all right but still allowed three runs in three innings. Feliz appears to be too far behind in the competition to break camp as a starter in Texas.

Athletics: Ben Sheets insists that he felt "great" on Monday, and that, despite his awful results, his body is doing fine...Andrew Bailey will be out for several days after an MRI revealed tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis...Craig Breslow will also miss a few days with elbow tendinitis...both Michael Wuertz (shoulder) and Joey Devine (elbow) had pitching appearances canceled on Wednesday.

Indians: The Cleveland Brass like young infielder Jason Donald, considering him a real grinder. They also like possible third baseman of the future, Lonnie Chisenhall, who is either too talented to be a grinder, or in possession of too serious a criminal history. The Diatribe, meanwhile, looks at Cleveland's current pitching staff in the context of the past decade.

Tigers: The Motor City Kitties get bombed by the Phillies. Take 75 North breaks down the minor league roster moves, while Old English D talks about Daniel Schlereth. Finally, the Free Press writes, "ask Damon a cheeky question, get a cheeky answer." Noted.

Royals: According to my back of the envelope calculations, the Royals All-Decade team would win around 86 games. Which is why Kansas City fans still get excited talking about guys who are out of options and about to get cut from their current teams. So how good would the Royals do in 2010 if everyone has a career year? Read and find out.

Twins: Have you ever thought Ron Gardenhire might sorta resemble a leprechaun? You will now. In more serious matters, Twinkie Town breaks down Denard Span's game.

White Sox: Bobby Jenks is downplaying his injured calf, while Jayson Nix eyes a roster spot. We know Jayson Stark will be pulling for him.