[Shortstop]

Spring Training RBI Leaders...

1.		Bryant, K	CHC	15
2.		Morse, M	MIA	14
2.		Ramirez, A	CWS	14
4.		Trout, M	LAA	13
5.		Simmons, A	ATL	12

[EmpireMaker]

Spring Training RBI Leaders...

1.		Bryant, K	CHC	15
2.		Morse, M	MIA	14
2.		Ramirez, A	CWS	14
4.		Trout, M	LAA	13
5.		Simmons, A	ATL	12

Fans are going to scream bloody murder if they send him to AAA to start the season.

[MexicanStallion]

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that Hector Olivera's physical with the Dodgers revealed a slight tear in his UCL.

It won't require immediate fixing and isn't expected to hinder his performance. The Dodgers did use the information to include a clause in Olivera's six-year, $62.5 million contract that adds a seventh season onto the deal at $1 million if the infielder does eventually require Tommy John surgery. He's expected to begin the season in the minor leagues, but should rise up the ranks quickly. Olivera played second base in Cuba, but his best position in Los Angeles is probably third.

[Chi_archie]

Fans are going to scream bloody murder if they send him to AAA to start the season.

this has been talked about so much the last few weeks in Chicago, that more than half of the informed fans understand the reason and are okay with it at this point

but yeah there might be some loud uninformed unintelligent fans making alot of noise

[koz-man]

Nationals cautious with sore Rendon

JUPITER, Fla. -- Third baseman Anthony Rendon's availability for the Washington Nationals' season opener is in doubt after a second MRI on his injured left knee failed to reveal the progress that he or the team had hoped for, manager Matt Williams told reporters Wednesday.


"Opening Day is in jeopardy at this point, because he simply hasn't had the baseball activity to get ready,'' Williams said. "Does that mean he's not ready for Opening Day, but ready four days later? Potentially. We just don't know at this point.

[EmpireMaker]

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles ace Chris Tillman and the team began to talk about a possible long-term contract within the past day or two, though talks thus far are said only to be about "concepts" and not hard numbers, say people familiar with the discussions.
Tillman, the Orioles' presumed Opening Day starter, will talk with the team throughout the remainder of spring training, with the opener viewed as the deadline to get a deal done.
Tillman will earn $4.315 million this year, his first year of arbitration eligibility, if nothing new can be worked out before the season. He has three more arbitration years and is due to become a free agent following the 2017 season.
The big right-hander has emerged as a star in Baltimore, going 38-14 the past three years, including 13-6 last year, when he had a career-best 3.36 ERA. Tillman was 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA in 2013, when he made the All-Star team. He has exceeded 200 innings each of the past two seasons, and last year he tied for the league lead with 34 starts.

[Shortstop]

Spring Training Batting Average Leaders...

1.		Navarro, E	LAA	.472
2.		Trout, M	LAA	.462
3.		Kozma, P	STL	.452
4.		Abreu, J	CWS	.450
5.		Valbuena, L	HOU	.429

[Chi_archie]

can't believe Andrew McCutchen got Cut.....

[BigSpoon]

can't believe Andrew McCutchen got Cut.....]

Hopefully his baseball powers are still intact after cutting his locks.

[koz-man]

Jarred Cosart cooperating with MLB


JUPITER, Fla. -- Miami Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart said Thursday that he was "caught off guard" by the firestorm surrounding his alleged sports gambling activities and is cooperating fully with a Major League Baseball investigation.

Cosart spoke to reporters for about a minute at the Marlins' complex before heading to a back field at Roger Dean Stadium. Cosart and Michael Hill, the Marlins' president of baseball operations, both said they have been given no timetable for a conclusion to MLB's investigation.

"Obviously, I was caught off guard by the whole situation," Cosart said. "I'm following the MLB protocol and talking with MLB security, and they're taking care of it. I'm putting everything in their hands, and when we know something else, we'll let everybody know."
[+] EnlargeJerry Crasnick/ESPN.com Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart says he is cooperating fully with an MLB investigation into allegations of his sports betting.

Cosart, 24, allegedly exchanged multiple direct messages with a gambling authority on his Twitter account at an undetermined time, and the interaction became public when it was shared on the social media site by a third party. Cosart deleted his official Twitter account after screen shots of the exchange began appearing on the Internet on Tuesday night.

Cosart told reporters Thursday that any Twitter accounts that have appeared subsequent to his deleted original account are fraudulent, and that MLB security has "confiscated" all real or bogus Twitter accounts in his name.

It's unclear whether Cosart's alleged gambling ties revolve around baseball betting or sports betting in general. MLB Rule 21 clearly prohibits gambling on baseball.

[EmpireMaker]

(3/26/2015) Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo (triceps) returned to the lineup Thursday, going 0 for 4 while serving as the designated hitter in his team's 6-3 win over the Rockies. Choo had been sidelined since March 15 due to a triceps injury and was reported to be targeting a return Saturday, but he was able to remain in for the entire game Thursday, picking up four at-bats in his role as DH. He's managed just four hits in 22 at-bats this spring.

[Shortstop]

can't believe Andrew McCutchen got Cut.....

Hopefully his baseball powers are still intact after cutting his locks.

I saw this on the news today. Heard a dread of his is going for up to $300!

[MexicanStallion]

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Thursday that he could shorten Kevin Gausman's appearances in the final two weeks of camp to prepare him to possibly be used as a reliever.

This seems like a waste in favor of using Ubaldo Jimenez.

[Chi_archie]

I saw this on the news today. Heard a dread of his is going for up to $300!

that is kind of weird

[koz-man]

Rotation looks settled with Maholm tabbed for relief

Reds manager Bryan Price revealed on Wednesday morning that left-hander Paul Maholm will be used out of the bullpen, so -- barring injury or any significant late-spring meltdowns --

Jason Marquis, Anthony DeSclafani and Raisel Iglesias are the three pitchers who will join Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake to round out the rotation until Homer Bailey comes back, which is expected sometime in mid-April.


=============

Here's to the Reds batters scoring some runs to support them...

[Andy117]

Fans are going to scream bloody murder if they send him to AAA to start the season.

The Cubs would be crazy to start him in the majors. 2 weeks is worth an extra year of control.

[EmpireMaker]

Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters that infielder Alex Rodriguez will make his first base debut on Sunday, per MLB.com. He will play five innings against the Astros in Kissimmee.
Rodriguez has seen time at third base and as the team's designated hitter this spring. Earlier in the week, general manager Brian Cashman said that Rodriguez has shown enough to be trusted as the full-time DH. The 39-year-old is hitting .290 (9 for 31) with two homers and three RBI in his first 13 spring games back from suspension.

[Chi_archie]

I can see him doing well at third

[Shortstop]

that is kind of weird

No doubt! I hope it at least comes with some sort of proof of authenticity and an autograph?

[Shortstop]

Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters that infielder Alex Rodriguez will make his first base debut on Sunday, per MLB.com. He will play five innings against the Astros in Kissimmee.
Rodriguez has seen time at third base and as the team's designated hitter this spring. Earlier in the week, general manager Brian Cashman said that Rodriguez has shown enough to be trusted as the full-time DH. The 39-year-old is hitting .290 (9 for 31) with two homers and three RBI in his first 13 spring games back from suspension.

I have a feeling A-Rod is going to have a solid year for the Yankees...

[Shortstop]

Rotation looks settled with Maholm tabbed for relief

Reds manager Bryan Price revealed on Wednesday morning that left-hander Paul Maholm will be used out of the bullpen, so -- barring injury or any significant late-spring meltdowns --

Jason Marquis, Anthony DeSclafani and Raisel Iglesias are the three pitchers who will join Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake to round out the rotation until Homer Bailey comes back, which is expected sometime in mid-April.


=============

Here's to the Reds batters scoring some runs to support them...

Here - Here!

[MexicanStallion]

Athletics manager Bob Melvin said Friday that Tyler Clippard will serve as the team's interim closer while Sean Doolittle (shoulder) is sidelined.

Clippard could easily hold onto this job I believe if he Oakland wins a few games and he gets the job done.

[BigSpoon]

I have a feeling A-Rod is going to have a solid year for the Yankees...

I think he'll play well for a couple months then get injured again. Yankees will be 'lucky' to get 100 games out of him this season.

[EmpireMaker]

Kevin Gausman, RHP, Orioles
Gausman was dominant down the stretch last year, posting a 2.87 ERA with a strikeout per inning in his final five starts. He already has mid-90s heat and is just a click away from commanding a wicked slider that will make him a true No. 1 starter.
Springer goes yard twice 3/13/15: George Springer hits his first two home runs of Spring Training, going deep in the 3rd and then in the 5th inning vs. the Nationals
George Springer, OF, Astros
You can knock him for the strikeouts, but Springer makes up for them with mammoth homers and insane athletic ability. He will be one of the most exciting players to watch all season, and for years to come.
Joc Pederson, OF, Dodgers
The 22-year-old was the first 30-30 player in the Pacific Coast League in 80 years, which speaks for itself. Like Springer, Pederson will need to cut down on his strikeouts, but he will soon resemble Grady Sizemore in his prime.
Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles
After two injury-plagued years, the 22-year-old is ready to take his place as one of the elite offensive and defensive players in the game.
Outlook: Carrasco, SP, CLE Carlos Carrasco pitched to a 1.30 ERA from August 2014 forward and he could be poised for a breakout season in '15 after a red-hot finish
Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Indians
Carrasco had a 1.72 ERA after the All-Star break last season that was partially attributable to simplifying his delivery. The 28-year-old already had explosive stuff, and he's ready to carry over that performance for a full season.
Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox
This 22-year-old brings an infectious excitement and positivity to the field every day. Add that to his tremendous hand-eye coordination and short swing, and you have a budding superstar.
Rougned Odor, 2B, Rangers
Odor held his own in the Majors at the age of 20. He's now poised to become one of the better offensive second basemen in the league, one who will hit for a high average and show some pop.
Bryant homers again 3/24/15: Kris Bryant connects for a home run, his ninth of the spring
Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, Cubs
You've probably read a lot about him this spring, and there is not much more to say. Bryant hits for power and average, and he makes adjustments. Once he settles into a position, one of the best players in the game for the next decade will be unleashed.
Daniel Norris, LHP, Blue Jays
This 21-year-old is the complete package. He has a clean delivery, three plus pitches and a calm demeanor that complements a real competitive streak. Norris will emerge by season's end as one of the best young starters in the game.

[EmpireMaker]

I have a feeling A-Rod is going to have a solid year for the Yankees...

It seems like he is ready to play and I also think he will have a good year.

[Shortstop]

Kevin Gausman, RHP, Orioles
Gausman was dominant down the stretch last year, posting a 2.87 ERA with a strikeout per inning in his final five starts. He already has mid-90s heat and is just a click away from commanding a wicked slider that will make him a true No. 1 starter.
Springer goes yard twice 3/13/15: George Springer hits his first two home runs of Spring Training, going deep in the 3rd and then in the 5th inning vs. the Nationals
George Springer, OF, Astros
You can knock him for the strikeouts, but Springer makes up for them with mammoth homers and insane athletic ability. He will be one of the most exciting players to watch all season, and for years to come.
Joc Pederson, OF, Dodgers
The 22-year-old was the first 30-30 player in the Pacific Coast League in 80 years, which speaks for itself. Like Springer, Pederson will need to cut down on his strikeouts, but he will soon resemble Grady Sizemore in his prime.
Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles
After two injury-plagued years, the 22-year-old is ready to take his place as one of the elite offensive and defensive players in the game.
Outlook: Carrasco, SP, CLE Carlos Carrasco pitched to a 1.30 ERA from August 2014 forward and he could be poised for a breakout season in '15 after a red-hot finish
Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Indians
Carrasco had a 1.72 ERA after the All-Star break last season that was partially attributable to simplifying his delivery. The 28-year-old already had explosive stuff, and he's ready to carry over that performance for a full season.
Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox
This 22-year-old brings an infectious excitement and positivity to the field every day. Add that to his tremendous hand-eye coordination and short swing, and you have a budding superstar.
Rougned Odor, 2B, Rangers
Odor held his own in the Majors at the age of 20. He's now poised to become one of the better offensive second basemen in the league, one who will hit for a high average and show some pop.
Bryant homers again 3/24/15: Kris Bryant connects for a home run, his ninth of the spring
Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, Cubs
You've probably read a lot about him this spring, and there is not much more to say. Bryant hits for power and average, and he makes adjustments. Once he settles into a position, one of the best players in the game for the next decade will be unleashed.
Daniel Norris, LHP, Blue Jays
This 21-year-old is the complete package. He has a clean delivery, three plus pitches and a calm demeanor that complements a real competitive streak. Norris will emerge by season's end as one of the best young starters in the game.

Great post! All of the above will be exciting to watch this year.

This is a great bunch of young talent that will have major impacts on MLB for many years to come.

I wouldn't be surprised to see these guys playing in future All-Star games...

[Shortstop]

I think he'll play well for a couple months then get injured again. Yankees will be 'lucky' to get 100 games out of him this season.

Yeah, his health will probably come in to play at some point during the year.

Hard to believe he's 39 years old. I remember watching him play at The U. Time definitely flies...

[Chi_archie]

Yes time does fly

[Andy117]

Yeah, his health will probably come in to play at some point during the year.

Hard to believe he's 39 years old. I remember watching him play at The U. Time definitely flies...

He's not gonna play full time anyway.

[EmpireMaker]

Red Sox pitcher Edward Mujica will start the season in the closer role, manager John Farrell confirmed on Sunday.
With Koji Uehara unlikely to be ready to start the year, Farrell said Mujica would get first shot at closing.
"There's been times where he's thrown a ball down and away to right-handers with good stuff," Farrell said, per WEEI. "Right now, he would be the guy that we turn to in closing situations. I will also say that we would look to matchup in the ninth inning as well. We'll look to exploit the best matchup, and that could be any one of three or four guys down there to finish a game."

[Chi_archie]

Mujica did well for the Cardinals

[MexicanStallion]

Cubs optioned INF Javier Baez to Triple-A Iowa.

Baez batted just .173/.218/.231 with 20 strikeouts in 16 games this spring in the Cactus League, looking like the very same hitter who hit .169/.227/.324 with 95 strikeouts in 52 games last season as a rookie. Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara will see time at second base until the powerful but inconsistent Baez improves his plate discipline.

[Shortstop]

Cubs optioned INF Javier Baez to Triple-A Iowa.

Baez batted just .173/.218/.231 with 20 strikeouts in 16 games this spring in the Cactus League, looking like the very same hitter who hit .169/.227/.324 with 95 strikeouts in 52 games last season as a rookie. Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara will see time at second base until the powerful but inconsistent Baez improves his plate discipline.

I wouldn't be surprised if he spends a majority of the year down there.

Baez is obviously not ready to compete against MLB pitching...

[koz-man]

I wouldn't be surprised if he spends a majority of the year down there.

Baez is obviously not ready to compete against MLB pitching...

I agree. And the Cubbies should not force it either...

[BigSpoon]

Kris Bryant to start the season in the minors so that his free agency is pushed back by one year in 2021.