|
 Free
agent: Wolf, Randy LHP Randy Wolf went from landing a spot in the Mariners' rotation
to asking for his release — all in one day. After the 37-year-old
veteran learned that he won a starting spot with the Mariners on
March 25, he was asked to sign a contract that essentially gave the
team an option of releasing him within 45 days without paying him
the full-season salary of $1 million.
Wolfe balked at signing the advanced-consent contract, and the
Mariners granted him his release. He came to camp with a minor
league contract after missing last season while recovering from
Tommy John surgery. He posted a 4.26 ERA with nine strikeouts and
seven walks in 19 Cactus League innings.
Free agent: Baker, Scott
RHP Scott Baker was in talks with the Rangers about signing as a
free agent, the Dallas Morning News reported. He was released by the
Mariners on March 24 after going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four starts
this spring. He missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy
John surgery.
New York Mets: d'Arnaud, Travis
C Travis d'Arnaud is still technically a rookie, and the Mets are
expecting big things out of him. D'Arnaud drew rave reviews for his
pitch-framing abilities behind the plate last season, but now the
Mets need him to step up the offensive portion of his game. He hit
just .202 in 112 plate appearances last year.
New York Mets: Syndergaard, Noah
RHP Noah Syndergaard is the organization's latest top pitching
prospect, and he should follow in the footsteps of RHPs Matt Harvey
and zack Wheeler. That means a midseason call-up to the big leagues,
assuming he handles his first taste of Triple-A Las Vegas without
any real issues.
New York Mets: Davis, Ike
1B Ike Davis spent most of last season mired in a massive slump,
prompting the Mets to demote him to Triple-A Las Vegas midway
through the summer. Just when he felt he was hitting his stride,
Davis strained his oblique and missed the final month of his season.
Now he is back with something to prove, after the Mets spent most of
the winter unsuccessfully trying to trade him.
New York Mets: Hefner, Jeremy
RHP Jeremy Hefner (Tommy John surgery in August 2013) was throwing
off flat ground in Port St. Lucie, Fla., during spring training. He
hopes to return to the majors by late August or early September.
Atlanta Braves: Freeman, Freddie
1B Freddie Freeman, who signed an eight-year, $135 million contract
extension, had a red-hot spring. Still, it would be hard to top
2013, when he hit .319 with 23 homers and 109 RBIs. "That was a
pretty darn good season he had last year," manager Fredi Gonzalez
said. "If he can keep duplicating it year after year, that contract
is going to be cheap."
Atlanta Braves: Upton, B.J.
CF B.J. Upton, who hit a dismal .184 last season after being signed
a Braves-record free agent deal, showed some positive signs this
spring. He returned more to his previous stance and was no longer
trying to pull everything. "I'm not reading too much into the
(number of) hits in spring training, but it's the location of the
hits," he said. "That's a pretty good sign, man."
Atlanta Braves: Teheran, Julio
RHP Julio Teheran got the starting assignment for Opening Day almost
by default with the Braves' injury issues, but he still was excited.
"I'm very happy. It's a great honor to pitch on Opening Day," he
said. "Hopefully next year and in a couple of years I'll still be
the Opening Day starter." The 23-year-old from Colombia was 14-8
with a 3.20 ERA last season.
Atlanta Braves: Harang, Aaron
RHP Aaron Harang, signed as a veteran rotation option after RHP
Freddy Garcia was released, is slated to start the third game of the
season at Milwaukee. "Our reports on him late last season and this
spring were good," Braves GM Frank Wren said. "We felt he was a good
fit for us. We didn't want to go into the season with all young guys
in the rotation." Harang, who had been in camp with Cleveland, made
26 starts for Seattle and the New York Mets last year.
Atlanta Braves: Floyd, Gavin
RHP Gavin Floyd, who had Tommy John surgery last May while with the
White Sox, potentially is on pace to join the Braves rotation in
late April after a minor league rehab stint. That is a return in
less than 12 months, but Floyd was ahead of schedule all spring. He
was to pitch in a minor league spring game March 28.
Atlanta Braves: Uggla, Dan
2B Dan Uggla had four homers and a triple over a stretch of 24
spring at-bats, giving hope for a bounce-back season after he hit
.179 last year. "When he came in here (this spring), you could see
the difference," hitting coach Greg Walker said. "Everything was
flowing. He looked like Dan Uggla again."
Atlanta Braves: Hale, David
RHP David Hale, 26, allowed just one run and struck out 14 over 11
innings in his first two major league games last September, and he
is expected to start the season in the Braves' depleted rotation. He
had an up-and-down spring, though, posting a 6.62 Grapefruit League
ERA through March 25.
Atlanta Braves: Bethancourt, Christian
C Christian Bethancourt, 22, is being groomed to take over regular
duty in 2015. He will continue to work on his hitting this year as
he moves up to Triple-A. Defensively, he is already major league
ready. Last year, he hit .277 with a .305 on-base percentage, a .436
slugging percentage, 12 homers and 45 RBIs in 90 games for Double-A
Mississippi.
Atlanta Braves: Gearrin, Cory
RHP Cory Gearrin (sprained right elbow) left the March 23 game. He
likely will go on the disabled list. In 12 appearances (11 1/3
innings) this spring, he had a 6.35 ERA.
Miami Marlins: Johnson, Reed
OF Reed Johnson, a non-invitee to camp, won a roster spot, he
learned March 25. Johnson had a clause in his contract requiring
Miami to let him know the team's intentions by noon March 25. He hit
.410 through 14 spring games. "It still was kind of big to come in
and hit from start to finish and let them know I still have a lot of
gas in the tank and I have a lot of baseball left in me," he said.
Miami Marlins: Hechavarria, Adeiny
SS Adeiny Hechavarria left in the fifth inning March 24 because of a
mild groin strain. It is not considered serious, but the team likely
will rest him until March 27 as a precaution. Hechavarria said he
aggravated the groin while running to second base. "He should be
fine. We'll give a day or two to make sure everything is all right,"
manager Mike Redmond said. Hechavarria was batting .319 through 47
at-bats this spring.
New York Mets: Niese, Jon
LHP Jon Niese underwent two MRI exams this spring, one on his left
shoulder and one on his left elbow. Both revealed nothing more than
inflammation, but the issues cost Niese enough time that he will
open the season on the disabled list. Niese, who otherwise would
have been the Mets' Opening Day starter, plans to return as soon as
he is eligible and start April 6 against the Reds.
New York Mets: Murphy, Daniel
2B Daniel Murphy missed a week's worth of games late in camp with a
sore right calf, but he returned in late March and is ready for
Opening Day. Murphy is coming off a season in which he set career
highs in plate appearances, home runs and stolen bases, but the Mets
want him to improve his on-base percentage, which decreased each of
the past three seasons.
New York Mets: Flores, Wilmer
INF Wilmer Flores did not make the team, but he opened eyes in
spring training for his work at shortstop. A natural middle
infielder, Flores converted to third base several years ago due to
his size, then went back to second base more recently. This winter,
he attended a fitness camp in Michigan to work on his range and
flexibility, and he lost approximately seven pounds. The Mets
consider him an option at shortstop should Ruben Tejada falter.
New York Mets: Harvey, Matt
RHP Matt Harvey will rehab from Tommy John surgery in New York
instead of Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Mets wanted Harvey to rehab in
Florida, where nearly all of their players with long-term injuries
spend their summers. However, Harvey wanted to stay home in New
York, and he had the collective-bargaining agreement on his side. It
stipulates that the Mets cannot force him to work in Florida for
more than 20 days without his written consent.
New York Mets: Mejia, Jenrry
RHP Jenrry Mejia is officially a starter. After coming through the
Mets' system as a starting pitcher, converting to relief, suffering
through years' worth of injuries and organizational indecision and
finally returning to the majors last year as a starter, Mejia
finally convinced the Mets to keep him in the rotation. That could
mean spending a chunk of this year at Triple-A Las Vegas, but no
matter what, the Mets will not use Mejia early in the year out of
the bullpen.
New York Mets: Parnell, Bobby
RHP Bobby Parnell did not show his usual velocity this spring as he
worked his way back from last September's neck surgery. However, he
is fully healthy, and the Mets believe he can be an elite closer
after he saved 22 games in 26 chances last season and posted a 2.16
ERA.
Washington Nationals: Barrett, Aaron
RHP Aaron Barrett had 26 saves in 51 games last season, a 1-1 record
and a 2.15 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg. He impressed the Nationals
with 9 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in spring training making the
team out of spring training. Barrett has closer stuff which will
help improve their bullpen faceoff against the Braves.
Washington Nationals: Giolito, Lucas
RHP Lucas Giolito is listed in the top three in the Nationals'
strength tests pound-for-pound during their offseason conditioning
camp. He can hit mid-90's mph on his fastball and has an advanced
breaking ball for a 19-year-old. Giolito is in his second season
after Tommy John surgery recovery, and is expected to begin season
and log a lot of innings at low Class-A Hagerstown.
Washington Nationals: LaRoche, Adam
1B Adam LaRoche would be the first to tell you that 2013 was a
disappointing season. His .237 batting average was the lowest in his
major league career when playing 50 or more games in a season.
LaRoche underwent offseason surgery to remove loose bodies from his
left elbow and batting lower in the lineup might help him make
better contact instead of having to worry about run-scoring
opportunities every at-bat.
[to top of second column] |
Washington Nationals: Harper, Bryce
CF Bryce Harper looks completely healthy following offseason left
knee surgery. He played almost every day of spring training and gets
physical therapy twice a week. "I'm excited," Harper said to the
Washington Post. "I haven't felt any pain or any swelling or
anything like that. Of course, you're going to get a little swelling
here or there. But it feels great. I have no complaints with it. I
don't even feel like I had surgery at all."
Washington Nationals: Soriano, Rafael
RHP Rafael Soriano struggled in spring training, allowing 11 hits,
nine runs over 4 2/3 innings, but his slider has been better,
according to pitching coach Steve McCatty."With Sori, I know exactly
what Sori is doing when he goes out there in spring training,"
McCatty said to the Washington Post. "He's getting his work in to
feel good. People say, 'He sucks, he's broken.' Not just Sori, but
any particular guy that's struggling. 'What's wrong with this guy?'
You just have to take that into account. That's the way it is."
Washington
Nationals: Espinosa, Danny
2B Danny Espinosa calmed down his swing this spring with positive
results. He was able to keep his strikeouts down and still hit with
power, evidenced by last Saturday's two homers against the Marlins.
"It's more encouraging, definitely," Espinosa said to the Washington
Post about his approach at the plate. "I feel like I've really been
sticking to what I'm trying to do and just simplify as much as
possible."
Washington Nationals: Storen, Drew
RHP Drew Storen has not had a great spring training, struggling with
some control issues. Storen walked six, allowing eight hits and six
runs over 5 2/3 innings in the spring. But this doesn't concern
pitching coach Steve McCatty. "Drew is Drew," McCatty told the
Washington Post. At times, the ball is going to be elevated. We
always work on getting it down. But I do see a good breaking ball."
Washington Nationals: Fister, Doug
RHP Doug Fister (right elbow inflammation) was scratched from his
scheduled March 7 start. After missing 20 days, Fister pitched well
in his return to the mound and felt no discomfort in his elbow after
the game. He will have a minor league start before being given go
ahead for the opening week of the season.
Miami Marlins: Furcal, Rafael
2B Rafael Furcal, who last played March 15, remained out due to a
left hamstring strain, so the Marlins were looking at other options
in the final week before Opening Day.
Furcal had two hits in four at-bats as a designated hitter in an
intrasquad game March 24, but he did not go all out when he scored
from second on a hit. After the game, he said he thought it might be
best to open the season on the disabled list rather than rush back
too soon.
It appears Furcal won't see any more action this spring; he was
3-for-18 in Grapefruit League action. Once he is ready to play, he
will have to play in minor league games to prepare for joining the
Marlins.
Miami Marlins: Dietrich, Derek
INF Derek Dietrich isn't going to let a broken nose hamper his bid
for a roster spot. Dietrich sustained a non-displaced fracture on
the top of his nose March 20.
"That was a bullet. One-hop right off my noggin," he said, laughing
after the game about the bad-hop grounder hit by St. Louis OF Jon
Jay.
Dietrich was fitted with a clear protective mask, which he wore in a
game March 25.
Miami Marlins: Eovaldi, Nathan
RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who opened the 2013 season on the disabled list
with a sore shoulder, is looking forward to starting the 2014 season
healthy. "I've been feeling good all spring," he said. "No issues.
I'm just ready to get going."
Eovaldi projects to be Miami's No. 2 starter behind RHP Jose
Fernandez. "It's like you're ready for the season," he said. "You're
ready for it to get here. How many more days before it gets here?"
Miami Marlins: Ozuna, Marcell
CF Marcell Ozuna, who left the March 23 game with a leg cramp,
returned to action March 25. He was hitting .180 through 18 spring
games.
Miami Marlins: Heaney, Andrew
LHP Andrew Heaney, who might be the top left-handed prospect in
baseball, could get called up if he gets off to a solid start at
Double-A Jacksonville. Heaney, the ninth overall pick in the 2012
draft, allowed two runs in 7 2/3 innings (2.35 ERA) in Grapefruit
League action. In 2013, he went a combined 9-3 with a 1.60 ERA in 25
games (24 starts) at Class A Jupiter and Jacksonville.
Miami Marlins: Moran, Colin
3B Colin Moran, Miami's top draft pick in 2013, went 0-for-6 with
three walks and three runs in six Grapefruit League games. Moran,
21, hit .299 with four homers and 23 RBI in 2013 for low Class A
Greensboro. He likely will start the season at high Class A Jupiter,
so a major league promotion wouldn't happen until next year at the
earliest.
Miami Marlins: McGehee, Casey
3B Casey McGehee belted 27 home runs and had 90 RBIs in Japan last
year. The Marlins signed him in December to a $1.1 million in hopes
he would add much-needed power to one of the worst offensive lineups
in baseball. Miami would be thrilled to get at least 15 homers from
McGehee, 31. Through March 25, he was batting .245 with a homer and
four RBIs this spring, but his swing impressed several scouts.
Miami Marlins: Lucas, Ed
INF Ed Lucas (sore left hamstring) returned to action March 23. He
was injured March 13.
Miami Marlins: Dobbs, Greg
INF Greg Dobbs (sore quadriceps, sore lower back) appeared in a
minor league game March 25. It was his first game action in two
weeks.
Wigginton, Ty
INF Ty Wigginton was released by the Marlins on March 25 after he
failed to make the team on a minor league contract. Wigginton hit
.147 in 24 spring training at-bats. Wigginton was released by the
St. Louis Cardinals last season just 58 plate appearances into a
two-year, $5 million contract. He has played 12 seasons in the
majors.
Texas Rangers: Darvish, Yu
RHP Yu Darvish will miss his first Opening Day start in three years
because of a neck issue. Assistant GM Thad Levine indicated that
Darvish could begin the season on the disabled list, saying there is
no timetable for his return. Darvish was headed to Dallas to be
examined by neck and back specialist Drew Dossett on March 26.
"I knew I wasn't going to be ready for Opening Day, so I made this
decision," Darvish said. "I didn't want to burden the team, so I
made the decision now. If it was a shoulder or elbow, it would be
really different. I don't know what to feel. It is what it is."
Texas Rangers: Feliz, Neftali
RHP Neftali Feliz, a former All-Star closer, was optioned to
Triple-A Round Rock on March 25. Perez was the closer for the
Rangers on their World Series teams in 2010 and 2011, but he
struggled this spring, posting a 4.50 ERA in nine games. RHP Joakim
Soria outdueled Feliz for the closer's job.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Worley, Vance
RHP Vance Worley was traded by the Twins to the Pirates on March 25
for an undisclosed amount of cash. Worley, 26, was outrighted off
Minnesota's 40-man roster on March 21 after appearing in four spring
training games, including three starts, posting an 0-1 record with a
13.50 ERA.
It has been a precipitous decline for Worley, who finished third in
National League Rookie of the Year voting while pitching for
Philadelphia in 2011. He was acquired by the Twins before the 2013
season along with right-hander Trevor May in exchange for outfielder
Ben Revere. Worley was the Twins' Opening Day starter last season,
but he went 1-5 with a 7.21 ERA in 10 starts before being optioned
to Triple-A Rochester.
Minnesota Twins: Kubel, Jason
OF Jason Kubel was informed by the Twins that he made the team and
would be added to the 25-man roster. March 25 was the deadline for
the team to put Kubel on the roster or give him a $100,000 retention
bonus. By making the team, Kubel will earn a $2 million base salary.
The 31-year-old played for the Twins from 2004-11 before signing a
two-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hit just .216 in 97
games while seeing time with the Diamondbacks and Indians last
season, and is expected to see time at designated hitter and in the
outfield this season.
Minnesota Twins: Guerrier, Matt
RHP Matt Guerrier re-signed with the Twins on a minor league deal a
day after being given his unconditional release. Guerrier, who
failed to win a spot in the rotation, will open the season at
Rochester after posting a 6.75 ERA in four innings during spring
training.
"The whole point is that we want him to go down, and the out clause
gives him reasonable time to get a look," Twins assistant GM Rob
Antony said. "If there are other guys ahead of him down there,
there's no reason to keep him down there all year. But if he pitches
well, we'll make the decision whether to bring him up to the big
leagues."
Minnesota Twins: Pinto, Josmil
C Josmil Pinto made the Twins' 25-man roster as the backup to
starting C Kurt Suzuki. Pinto, 24, hit .342 with four home runs and
12 RBIs in 21 games as a September call-up last season. "We're most
comfortable with him as the other catcher," Twins assistant GM Rob
Antony told MLB.com. "He's got offense, I think he's improved some
defensively and I think he can learn a lot from (bench coach Terry)
Steinbach and Suzuki just being around this club and being with the
big league club."
New York Yankees: Pineda, Michael
RHP Michael Pineda will be the Yankees' fifth starter when the
regular season begins. After missing the past two seasons because of
shoulder surgery, Pineda returned this spring and won the job over
David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno, manager Joe Girardi
announced March 25. Through 15 innings in spring training, Pineda
had 16 strikeouts, one walk and a 1.20 ERA.
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
