Here are some notes from today's Spring Training boxscores. These are not facts but possible developments to follow over the next month's worth of games.
LA Dodgers 5 Atlanta Braves 4:
Juan Pierre started in left field, but more interesting was RF Matt Kemp hitting 8th. He hit behind 3B Nomar Garciaparra. Has Torre settled on the veterans over youth as the default setting?
Florida Marlins 16 Baltimore Orioles 3:
Speaking of #8 hitters, the O's batted CF Adam Jones in that slot. Hitting clean-up was 1B Kevin Millar followed by AL-Only sleeper Luke Scott.
Cleveland Indians 12 Houston Astros 2:
Ben Francisco started in RF. He has legitmate competition from Franklin Gutierrez, but an injury to either will solve a mini-OF jam in Cleveland.
Wandy Rodgriguez struck out 3 in two innings of work. With 150+ Ks last season and a WHIP a hair above 1.30, Wandy is a good sleeper in 5x5 mixed formats.
St Louis Cardinals 7 New York Mets 0:
The Cardinals starting line-up: Adam Kennedy, Rick Ankiel, Albert Pujols, Troy Glaus, Chris Duncan, Juan Gonzalez, Skip Schumaker, Cesar Izturis and Jason LaRue. Sadly, one of those players is going to be replaced by the pitcher. Am I the only one who thinks Pujols is going to struggle to reach 100 RBIs?
Pittsburgh Pirates 11 Philadelphia Phillies 6:
Ryan Doumit hit clean-up. Jason Bay didn't play, but, in a season when catchers are scarce, knowing the Pirates think enough of Ryan Doumit's bat could be a hint at a strong sleeper at the position.
Texas Rangers 3 LA Angels 3:
The Rangers started the trio of Marlon byrd, Josh Hamilton and David Murphy in the OF. Two games in a row makes a pattern, no?
Brandon Wood played SS for the Angels. He replaced Macier Izturis.