Around NL West Spring Training, 3/22: Aces Move Down For Giants And Rockies

Diamondbacks Arizona used LF/1B Conor Jackson at leadoff on Sunday – the first time in his life he had played there. However, it’s something you might see a lot more of. Said manager AJ Hinch, "It makes our lineup pretty interesting. As much as (Jackson) gets on base, if I have a left-hander hitting behind him, he’s got the hole open. Conor will run. Even though he doesn’t have blazing speed he’s a very good baserunner." Seems particularly likely against lefties: Jackson’s career OBP is .396 vs. LHP.

Dodgers Eric Gagne was formally released by the Dodgers. Said GM Ned Colleti, "Both sides thought at this juncture it was in Eric’s best interest to see if he can find another opportunity." Gagne has struggled with injury, on a number of teams, pitching only 113.2 major-league innings in total over the past five seasons, after making three straight All-Star teams and winning the NL Cy Young in 2003.

Giants Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum opted to start against the Giants Double-A team on Sunday, rather than travel to Tucson to face division rivals Arizona. He threw 5.2 shutout frames, but did walk five batters in the outing. Said Lincecum, "I feel my stride is where it needs to be. It comes back to leg strength and flexibility. The more I throw, the more my body will get used to that motion again." He added that his unique delivery does take more time to get back under full control.

Padres Starter Jon Garland was skipped on Sunday, his outing spot going instead to Sean Gallagher. "We’re going to give (Garland) a few days just as a precaution," said manager Bud Black. Meanwhile, Adrian Gonzalez is trying to ignore all the talk about his long-term location.

Rockies Colorado’s struggling ace did better over the weekend. Aaron Cook threw five scoreless innings in a minor-league game down in Tucson on Sunday. Cook reckons the 20 pounds he lost in the off-season could be responsible, affecting the timing of Cook’s release. He said afterwards, "It is a relief. You can throw as good as you want in the bullpen or as bad as you want in the bullpen, but when you go out on the mound, that’s when you need to have it."