Spring training is meaningless for veterans, but the Indians couldn't have been happy to see closer Joe Borowski give-up four hits and three runs in his inning of work today. Let the calls for Rafael Betancourt To Close begin!
Rick Porcello pitched 1.2 innings today and allowed three hits and two walks without striking out a batter. In his two appearances spanning 3.2 innings, he has struck out just one batter. Geez, I think I have to cut the kid a break.
Rule V pick, Brian Barton, went 4-5 with a HR while hitting lead-off and starting in CF for the Cardinals.
The Nationals sent 16 players to minor league camp. With a shorter roster, Lastings Milledge hit in the two-hole with Brett Boone at DH in the three-hole. This signals to me that Milledge is going to hit 2nd, which should be good for his plate appearances and all other stats that build off those.
Johan Santana struck out four Dodgers in three innings of work. Does it matter that the Dodgers fielded a split squad?
Joba Chamberlain allowed a HR to the Twins' Garrett Jones. What I saw were pitches consistently clocked in the 95+ MPH range. As long as Mike Mussina continues to cooperate, no one need worry about Joba spending all season in the bullpen.
Rockies' 2B Jayson Nix went 0-4 today and remains hitless on the Spring. I sense the team wants Jeff Baker to win the job, and Nix's slow sart can't do anything but strengthen that sensation.
Moises Alou will miss four to six weeks following hernia surgery. This is an opportunity for Angel Pagan to get more ABs. As a switch-hitter, he can platoon in LF with Endy Chavez or in RF with Ryan Church. I expect the Mets to get an OF/1B if they can. Marcus Thames' name has popped up. Kevin Millar in Baltimore could also fit that bill.
