Around NL Central Spring Training, 3/18: Wandy Has A New Weapon

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.