For the first time since 2004 and just the second time since 1999, the Rangers finished with a winning record last season. But despite being in first place as late as July 10, they still finished 10 games behind the first-place Angels. As is usually the case, pitching, namely the starters, will make or break this team’s chances. After a down year offensively and the loss of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, Texas can’t rely on its bats to deliver 10-8 wins.
Josh Hamilton’s health will be a key question for the Rangers.
Three questions
1. Can Josh Hamilton stay healthy?
In his breakout season in 2008, Hamilton hit .304 with 32 homers and an AL-best 130 RBIs in 156 games. Plagued by back, rib and abdominal injuries last season, Hamilton was limited to 89 games and finished with a .268-10-54 stat line. Though not entirely because of Hamilton’s absence, the Rangers went from being the majors’ highest-scoring team in ’08 (901 runs) to the 10th highest-scoring team (784 runs) in ’09.
This spring, Hamilton missed a good chunk of time because of a shoulder injury. Shortly after returning from that injury Monday, he was hit on the left hand by a pitch. The move from center field to left field should mean less wear and tear, but there is an outfield wall to crash into in left field, too. With an unproven rotation, the Rangers need more production from their offense — something that won’t be possible if their best hitter spends more time on the disabled list than at the plate.
2. Will the rotation be good enough?
Team president Nolan Ryan followed through on his promise to toughen up his starters last season. In 2008, the Rangers’ rotation finished 29th in the majors with a 5.51 ERA and last with 869 1/3 innings pitched. Last season, they improved to 18th in ERA (4.61) and 17th in innings pitched. However, No. 1 starter and workhorse Kevin Millwood, who led the group with 198 2/3 innings pitched last season, was traded to Baltimore.
What’s left is a young and unproven bunch. Seventeen-game winner Scott Feldman broke through in ’09 but had only seven career wins before last season. Offseason acquisition Rich Harden is a veteran No. 2, but he hardly displays the durability Ryan desires. Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter, both 23, were rookies last season, and Colby Lewis pitched in Japan the past two seasons. Among the other candidates is C.J. Wilson, who is hoping to move from the bullpen to the rotation. "If I (struggle) as a starter, then I go right back to doing what I did," he said.
3. How much does Vladimir Guerrero have left?
After years of being abused by Vlad, the Rangers are relieved to have him on their side. In 50 career games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Guerrero has a .394 average, 14 homers and 33 RBIs. Against the Rangers, he hit .396 with 24 homers and 68 RBIs in 102 games. However, much of that production came before he began to break down physically. Because he should serve exclusively as a DH, Guerrero’s chances of staying healthy improve. In a strong lineup and hitter-friendly park, he should approach his numbers from 2008 (.303-27-91).
Projected lineup
1. CF Julio Borbon: 19 SBs, 30 runs, 20 RBIs in 46 games in ’09.
2. 3B Michael Young: .411 OBP at home last season; .337 on road.
3. LF Josh Hamilton: .239 AVG vs. righthanders in ’09; .327 vs. lefties.
4. DH Vladimir Guerrero: Failed to hit 25 HRs for first time since ’97.
5. 2B Ian Kinsler: Career-best 31 HRs last season; career-worst .253 AVG.
6. RF Nelson Cruz: 53 RBIs in first half; 23 after break.
7. 1B Chris Davis: 150 K’s, 24 BBs in 391 at-bats in ’09.
8. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Shoulder concerns linger.
9. SS Elvis Andrus: .791 OPS at home as rookie; .620 on road.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Scott Feldman: 5-4, 4.71 ERA at home last season; 12-4, 3.56 on road.
2. RHP Rich Harden: Has reached 150 IP just once (’04).
3. RHP Colby Lewis: 6.83 ERA with Texas from 2002-04.
4. RHP Tommy Hunter: 2.95 ERA in first 12 starts; 6.28 ERA in final seven.
5. RHP Derek Holland: Allowed 26 HRs in 138 1/3 IP in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Frank Francisco: 2.28 ERA in first half; 5.82 in second half.
Grades
Offense: B. Despite the drop-off in production last season and the loss to top RBI man Marlon Byrd to free agency this past offseason, the Rangers’ lineup has the potential to be among the majors’ best. Texas must improve its on-base percentage (24th last season) and cut down on its strikeouts (third most in 2009).
Pitching: C. The rotation is young and lacks a veteran No. 1, and much will depend on Harden’s durability. However, the bullpen should be strong and deep after the addition of lefthander Darren Oliver and with the continued emergence of Neftali Feliz.
Bench: C. The arrival of Pedro Borbon and the addition of Guerrero left David Murphy without a starting gig. Murphy, who hit a career-high 17 homers last season, can play all three outfield spots. Light-hitting Esteban German is the primary reserve infield, and Taylor Teagarden is 1A at catcher. But he hit just .217 in 2009.
Manager: C. The team’s 87 wins in 2009 were its most since 2004, and it was Ron Washington’s first winning season since taking over in 2007. Washington, who prides himself on fundamentals, must coax more improvement defensively. The Rangers improved to 25th in fielding percentage from 30th in 2008 and committed 26 fewer errors, after leading the majors with 132 miscues in ’08.
Sporting News prediction: In what should be a tight race in the AL West, the Rangers should come close to their 2009 win total — but still finish third.
Coming Thursday: Mariners preview
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
For the first time since 2004 and just the second time since 1999, the Rangers finished with a winning record last season. But despite being in first place as late as July 10, they still finished 10 games behind the first-place Angels. As is usually the case, pitching, namely the starters, will make or break this team’s chances. After a down year offensively and the loss of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, Texas can’t rely on its bats to deliver 10-8 wins.
Josh Hamilton’s health will be a key question for the Rangers.
Three questions
1. Can Josh Hamilton stay healthy?
In his breakout season in 2008, Hamilton hit .304 with 32 homers and an AL-best 130 RBIs in 156 games. Plagued by back, rib and abdominal injuries last season, Hamilton was limited to 89 games and finished with a .268-10-54 stat line. Though not entirely because of Hamilton’s absence, the Rangers went from being the majors’ highest-scoring team in ’08 (901 runs) to the 10th highest-scoring team (784 runs) in ’09.
This spring, Hamilton missed a good chunk of time because of a shoulder injury. Shortly after returning from that injury Monday, he was hit on the left hand by a pitch. The move from center field to left field should mean less wear and tear, but there is an outfield wall to crash into in left field, too. With an unproven rotation, the Rangers need more production from their offense — something that won’t be possible if their best hitter spends more time on the disabled list than at the plate.
2. Will the rotation be good enough?
Team president Nolan Ryan followed through on his promise to toughen up his starters last season. In 2008, the Rangers’ rotation finished 29th in the majors with a 5.51 ERA and last with 869 1/3 innings pitched. Last season, they improved to 18th in ERA (4.61) and 17th in innings pitched. However, No. 1 starter and workhorse Kevin Millwood, who led the group with 198 2/3 innings pitched last season, was traded to Baltimore.
What’s left is a young and unproven bunch. Seventeen-game winner Scott Feldman broke through in ’09 but had only seven career wins before last season. Offseason acquisition Rich Harden is a veteran No. 2, but he hardly displays the durability Ryan desires. Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter, both 23, were rookies last season, and Colby Lewis pitched in Japan the past two seasons. Among the other candidates is C.J. Wilson, who is hoping to move from the bullpen to the rotation. "If I (struggle) as a starter, then I go right back to doing what I did," he said.
3. How much does Vladimir Guerrero have left?
After years of being abused by Vlad, the Rangers are relieved to have him on their side. In 50 career games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Guerrero has a .394 average, 14 homers and 33 RBIs. Against the Rangers, he hit .396 with 24 homers and 68 RBIs in 102 games. However, much of that production came before he began to break down physically. Because he should serve exclusively as a DH, Guerrero’s chances of staying healthy improve. In a strong lineup and hitter-friendly park, he should approach his numbers from 2008 (.303-27-91).
Projected lineup
1. CF Julio Borbon: 19 SBs, 30 runs, 20 RBIs in 46 games in ’09.
2. 3B Michael Young: .411 OBP at home last season; .337 on road.
3. LF Josh Hamilton: .239 AVG vs. righthanders in ’09; .327 vs. lefties.
4. DH Vladimir Guerrero: Failed to hit 25 HRs for first time since ’97.
5. 2B Ian Kinsler: Career-best 31 HRs last season; career-worst .253 AVG.
6. RF Nelson Cruz: 53 RBIs in first half; 23 after break.
7. 1B Chris Davis: 150 K’s, 24 BBs in 391 at-bats in ’09.
8. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Shoulder concerns linger.
9. SS Elvis Andrus: .791 OPS at home as rookie; .620 on road.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Scott Feldman: 5-4, 4.71 ERA at home last season; 12-4, 3.56 on road.
2. RHP Rich Harden: Has reached 150 IP just once (’04).
3. RHP Colby Lewis: 6.83 ERA with Texas from 2002-04.
4. RHP Tommy Hunter: 2.95 ERA in first 12 starts; 6.28 ERA in final seven.
5. RHP Derek Holland: Allowed 26 HRs in 138 1/3 IP in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Frank Francisco: 2.28 ERA in first half; 5.82 in second half.
Grades
Offense: B. Despite the drop-off in production last season and the loss to top RBI man Marlon Byrd to free agency this past offseason, the Rangers’ lineup has the potential to be among the majors’ best. Texas must improve its on-base percentage (24th last season) and cut down on its strikeouts (third most in 2009).
Pitching: C. The rotation is young and lacks a veteran No. 1, and much will depend on Harden’s durability. However, the bullpen should be strong and deep after the addition of lefthander Darren Oliver and with the continued emergence of Neftali Feliz.
Bench: C. The arrival of Pedro Borbon and the addition of Guerrero left David Murphy without a starting gig. Murphy, who hit a career-high 17 homers last season, can play all three outfield spots. Light-hitting Esteban German is the primary reserve infield, and Taylor Teagarden is 1A at catcher. But he hit just .217 in 2009.
Manager: C. The team’s 87 wins in 2009 were its most since 2004, and it was Ron Washington’s first winning season since taking over in 2007. Washington, who prides himself on fundamentals, must coax more improvement defensively. The Rangers improved to 25th in fielding percentage from 30th in 2008 and committed 26 fewer errors, after leading the majors with 132 miscues in ’08.
Sporting News prediction: In what should be a tight race in the AL West, the Rangers should come close to their 2009 win total — but still finish third.
Coming Thursday: Mariners preview
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
An AL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Q: Which pitcher (if any) will emerge as the Angels’ ace?
Scout says: "I think Joe Saunders has a chance to really solidify himself as one of the premier lefthanded pitchers in the game. He’s a tremendous makeup guy, works extremely hard, has a very strong aptitude for the game. He’s probably the most durable guy in that rotation. To me, Saunders is a complete package and could put himself in that category as one of the top five to 10 lefties in the game."
Q: Which team in the division is the best defensively?
Scout says: "Texas is strong, but their catching is going to be a question mark. Seattle is good; Oakland doesn’t really have a premier guy. But it’s gotta be the Angels, with their pitching and how they play up the middle with Torii Hunter and Erick Aybar. The Angels have got to be considered the best defensive club."
Q: New Rangers DH Vladimir Guerrero has great numbers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington during his career. Will that continue?
Scout says: "Absolutely. One, because he likes to hit in that park. And two, because he’s a tremendous presence in the batter’s box and has a tremendous supporting cast around him. Even if he doesn’t produce exactly what he did for L.A., he’s in a hitter-friendly ballpark geared to the right-center field gap. I think he’s going to be very impactful for that lineup."
This story first appeared in Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
An AL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Q: Which pitcher (if any) will emerge as the Angels’ ace?
Scout says: "I think Joe Saunders has a chance to really solidify himself as one of the premier lefthanded pitchers in the game. He’s a tremendous makeup guy, works extremely hard, has a very strong aptitude for the game. He’s probably the most durable guy in that rotation. To me, Saunders is a complete package and could put himself in that category as one of the top five to 10 lefties in the game."
Q: Which team in the division is the best defensively?
Scout says: "Texas is strong, but their catching is going to be a question mark. Seattle is good; Oakland doesn’t really have a premier guy. But it’s gotta be the Angels, with their pitching and how they play up the middle with Torii Hunter and Erick Aybar. The Angels have got to be considered the best defensive club."
Q: New Rangers DH Vladimir Guerrero has great numbers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington during his career. Will that continue?
Scout says: "Absolutely. One, because he likes to hit in that park. And two, because he’s a tremendous presence in the batter’s box and has a tremendous supporting cast around him. Even if he doesn’t produce exactly what he did for L.A., he’s in a hitter-friendly ballpark geared to the right-center field gap. I think he’s going to be very impactful for that lineup."
This story first appeared in Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
The Angels lost four mainstays while the rest of the division was adding players who figure to improve their new teams. But don’t count out the Angels yet. They still have the division’s deepest rotation, a fast-break offense and manager Mike Scioscia. They also have won three consecutive division titles. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said, "You can make a legitimate case for all four teams." But he knows the Angels remain the team to beat.
The Angels added Joel Pineiro in part to make up for the loss of John Lackey.
Three questions
1. Who will replace Chone Figgins?
The Angels lost Figgins, John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver in free agency. Figgins, their All-Star third baseman, will be the most difficult to replace. Figgins said he was ready to return to L.A. but thought the club had other ideas all along. "Brandon Wood has been in their eyes for a while now," Figgins said. "He’s one of those guys who’ve been in the organization awhile."
Wood will take over Figgins’ position in the field, but Erick Aybar will inherit the more difficult task of replacing Figgins in the leadoff role. Aybar, 26, is a speedy switch hitter like Figgins but strikes out less often. However, Aybar will need to walk more to boost his .353 on-base percentage into the neighborhood of Figgins’ .395. The Angels should give Maicer Izturis opportunities in the top spot, too.
2. Who will replace Lackey?
The Angels wanted no part of awarding their No. 1 starter a five-year deal after he spent time on the disabled list with arm trouble in each of the past two seasons. Instead, they signed 31-year-old righthander Joel Pineiro for two years and a lot less money. Pineiro, heeding the advice of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, relied on a sinker to have his best season (214 innings, 3.49 ERA) in 2009.
Although Pineiro will take Lackey’s spot in the rotation, it is uncertain whether someone will assume his ace status. Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders could become 1 and 1A. Weaver, a first-round pick in 2004, is coming off his best season, having finished in the top 10 in the AL in wins (16), innings (211) and ERA (3.75). Saunders went 16-7 but allowed the second-most homers (29) of any AL starter.
3. Who will replace Guerrero?
Guerrero spent six highly productive seasons in Anaheim, hitting .319 and averaging more than least 28 homers per season. He was limited by injuries in 2009 and the Angels — with a new focus on plate discipline — opted not to bring him back.
Instead, they signed World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, who fits their new, disciplined approach. About all Matsui has in common with Guerrero are declining skills in the outfield. Matsui, 35, is almost eight months older than Guerrero and knee injuries have limited him to DH duty. He still can hit, though. He has a career .370 on-base percentage and blasted 28 homers last season.
Projected lineup
1. SS Erick Aybar: Career bests in ’09: .312 AVG, .353 OBP.
2. RF Bobby Abreu: 96 runs were his fewest since ’98.
3. CF Torii Hunter: .299 AVG, .873 OPS were career bests.
4. 1B Kendry Morales: Led team with 34 HRs, 108 RBIs.
5. DH Hideki Matsui: 28 HRs were most since ’04.
6. LF Juan Rivera: Career bests in ’09: 25 HRs, 88 RBIs.
7. 2B Howie Kendrick: Team-best .358 AVG after break.
8. C Mike Napoli: 20 HRs in platoon with Jeff Mathis.
9. 3B Brandon Wood: .192 AVG in parts of 3 MLB seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Jered Weaver: Surpassed 200 IP for first time in ’09.
2. LHP Joe Saunders: 33 wins over past 2 seasons (2nd in AL).
3. RHP Ervin Santana: 5.00-plus ERA in 2 of past 3 seasons.
4. LHP Scott Kazmir: 1.73 ERA in 6 starts after trade to Angels. 5. RHP Joel Pineiro: Led MLB in fewest walks, most grounders per 9 IP.
Projected closer
LHP Brian Fuentes: Career-high 48 saves in ’09; 3.93 ERA was highest since ’04.
Grades
Offense: A. The addition of Abreu last season resulted in a much more patient approach at the plate. After finishing 11th in the AL with a .330 on-base percentage in 2008, Los Angeles was third last season at .350. The Angels led the AL with a .285 batting average and finished second in runs (883). Expect more of the same this season with the continued development of Morales and Aybar.
Pitching: B. The return to health of Scot Shields and the arrival of Fernando Rodney should go a long way in offsetting Oliver’s loss in the bullpen. Kevin Jepsen also brings plenty of heat in relief. The rotation lacks a proven ace, but it is the deepest in the division.
Bench: B. The Angels want Wood to be the regular at third base so they can use Izturis at second, short and third. They are two deep at catcher, and Reggie Willits provides speed as the fourth outfielder.
Manager: A. There are plenty of reasons why Scioscia is the AL’s longest tenured manager. Two of them: The Angels are as well-trained in the fundamentals as any team in the majors, and his players have no doubt about who is in charge.
Sporting News prediction: The rest of the West is catching up, but the Angels’ advantage in starting pitching will be the difference. They will win their sixth division title in the past seven seasons.
Coming Wednesday: Rangers preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
The Angels lost four mainstays while the rest of the division was adding players who figure to improve their new teams. But don’t count out the Angels yet. They still have the division’s deepest rotation, a fast-break offense and manager Mike Scioscia. They also have won three consecutive division titles. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said, "You can make a legitimate case for all four teams." But he knows the Angels remain the team to beat.
The Angels added Joel Pineiro in part to make up for the loss of John Lackey.
Three questions
1. Who will replace Chone Figgins?
The Angels lost Figgins, John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver in free agency. Figgins, their All-Star third baseman, will be the most difficult to replace. Figgins said he was ready to return to L.A. but thought the club had other ideas all along. "Brandon Wood has been in their eyes for a while now," Figgins said. "He’s one of those guys who’ve been in the organization awhile."
Wood will take over Figgins’ position in the field, but Erick Aybar will inherit the more difficult task of replacing Figgins in the leadoff role. Aybar, 26, is a speedy switch hitter like Figgins but strikes out less often. However, Aybar will need to walk more to boost his .353 on-base percentage into the neighborhood of Figgins’ .395. The Angels should give Maicer Izturis opportunities in the top spot, too.
2. Who will replace Lackey?
The Angels wanted no part of awarding their No. 1 starter a five-year deal after he spent time on the disabled list with arm trouble in each of the past two seasons. Instead, they signed 31-year-old righthander Joel Pineiro for two years and a lot less money. Pineiro, heeding the advice of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, relied on a sinker to have his best season (214 innings, 3.49 ERA) in 2009.
Although Pineiro will take Lackey’s spot in the rotation, it is uncertain whether someone will assume his ace status. Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders could become 1 and 1A. Weaver, a first-round pick in 2004, is coming off his best season, having finished in the top 10 in the AL in wins (16), innings (211) and ERA (3.75). Saunders went 16-7 but allowed the second-most homers (29) of any AL starter.
3. Who will replace Guerrero?
Guerrero spent six highly productive seasons in Anaheim, hitting .319 and averaging more than least 28 homers per season. He was limited by injuries in 2009 and the Angels — with a new focus on plate discipline — opted not to bring him back.
Instead, they signed World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, who fits their new, disciplined approach. About all Matsui has in common with Guerrero are declining skills in the outfield. Matsui, 35, is almost eight months older than Guerrero and knee injuries have limited him to DH duty. He still can hit, though. He has a career .370 on-base percentage and blasted 28 homers last season.
Projected lineup
1. SS Erick Aybar: Career bests in ’09: .312 AVG, .353 OBP.
2. RF Bobby Abreu: 96 runs were his fewest since ’98.
3. CF Torii Hunter: .299 AVG, .873 OPS were career bests.
4. 1B Kendry Morales: Led team with 34 HRs, 108 RBIs.
5. DH Hideki Matsui: 28 HRs were most since ’04.
6. LF Juan Rivera: Career bests in ’09: 25 HRs, 88 RBIs.
7. 2B Howie Kendrick: Team-best .358 AVG after break.
8. C Mike Napoli: 20 HRs in platoon with Jeff Mathis.
9. 3B Brandon Wood: .192 AVG in parts of 3 MLB seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Jered Weaver: Surpassed 200 IP for first time in ’09.
2. LHP Joe Saunders: 33 wins over past 2 seasons (2nd in AL).
3. RHP Ervin Santana: 5.00-plus ERA in 2 of past 3 seasons.
4. LHP Scott Kazmir: 1.73 ERA in 6 starts after trade to Angels. 5. RHP Joel Pineiro: Led MLB in fewest walks, most grounders per 9 IP.
Projected closer
LHP Brian Fuentes: Career-high 48 saves in ’09; 3.93 ERA was highest since ’04.
Grades
Offense: A. The addition of Abreu last season resulted in a much more patient approach at the plate. After finishing 11th in the AL with a .330 on-base percentage in 2008, Los Angeles was third last season at .350. The Angels led the AL with a .285 batting average and finished second in runs (883). Expect more of the same this season with the continued development of Morales and Aybar.
Pitching: B. The return to health of Scot Shields and the arrival of Fernando Rodney should go a long way in offsetting Oliver’s loss in the bullpen. Kevin Jepsen also brings plenty of heat in relief. The rotation lacks a proven ace, but it is the deepest in the division.
Bench: B. The Angels want Wood to be the regular at third base so they can use Izturis at second, short and third. They are two deep at catcher, and Reggie Willits provides speed as the fourth outfielder.
Manager: A. There are plenty of reasons why Scioscia is the AL’s longest tenured manager. Two of them: The Angels are as well-trained in the fundamentals as any team in the majors, and his players have no doubt about who is in charge.
Sporting News prediction: The rest of the West is catching up, but the Angels’ advantage in starting pitching will be the difference. They will win their sixth division title in the past seven seasons.
Coming Wednesday: Rangers preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Scouts from the Marlins and other teams watched Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell make his spring training debut Monday, The Miami Herald reports.
Lowell played first base Monday and went 1-for-2 at the plate against the Orioles.
The Herald reports the Marlins may be in the market for a corner infielder, given their uncertainty at first and third base. Rookies Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez are competing at first, but if neither one seizes the opportunity, Florida might shift third baseman Jorge Cantu to first. That would leave a hole at third, which the 36-year-old Lowell could fill.
Any trade would have to include Boston paying most of Lowell’s $12 million salary for 2010. Boston reportedly was prepared to give the Rangers $9 million as part of a Lowell deal.
Lowell, whom the Marlins traded to the Red Sox in 2005 as part of the Josh Beckett deal, star underwent offseason surgery on his thumb and has been hobbled in recent years with a hip ailment. The thumb injury scuttled an offseason trade to the Rangers.
Sporting News staff reports
Scouts from the Marlins and other teams watched Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell make his spring training debut Monday, The Miami Herald reports.
Lowell played first base Monday and went 1-for-2 at the plate against the Orioles.
The Herald reports the Marlins may be in the market for a corner infielder, given their uncertainty at first and third base. Rookies Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez are competing at first, but if neither one seizes the opportunity, Florida might shift third baseman Jorge Cantu to first. That would leave a hole at third, which the 36-year-old Lowell could fill.
Any trade would have to include Boston paying most of Lowell’s $12 million salary for 2010. Boston reportedly was prepared to give the Rangers $9 million as part of a Lowell deal.
Lowell, whom the Marlins traded to the Red Sox in 2005 as part of the Josh Beckett deal, star underwent offseason surgery on his thumb and has been hobbled in recent years with a hip ailment. The thumb injury scuttled an offseason trade to the Rangers.
Sporting News staff reports
Twins closer Joe Nathan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he plans to play catch on Saturday to test the torn ligament in his right elbow—and determine whether he will need season-ending surgery.
"When I feel loose—if I do get loose—I definitely want to test this thing as much as I can for Day 1 and see how it feels," Nathan told the newspaper. "This is going to be something where there shouldn’t be a gray area. It’s going to be, ‘I feel great,’ or, ‘This just isn’t me, this doesn’t feel right.’"
Sporting News staff reports
Twins closer Joe Nathan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he plans to play catch on Saturday to test the torn ligament in his right elbow—and determine whether he will need season-ending surgery.
"When I feel loose—if I do get loose—I definitely want to test this thing as much as I can for Day 1 and see how it feels," Nathan told the newspaper. "This is going to be something where there shouldn’t be a gray area. It’s going to be, ‘I feel great,’ or, ‘This just isn’t me, this doesn’t feel right.’"
Sporting News staff reports
New Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez told the Baltimore Sun that questions about his health and pitch velocity are unwarranted and his arm feels just fine. Gonzalez, who has pitched only twice so far this spring, left Saturday’s "B" game against the Marlins because of soreness in his lower back, not his arm.
"My arm feels great and everything else," Gonzalez told the newspaper. "I just had a little tightness in my lower back. It’s just one of those couple-of-day things. I just have to stay on top of it. It’s not a big deal at all. I’ve felt it before. It’s just one of those things where you take a couple of days and you’re fine."
And his velocity, which has been in the mid-80s instead the low-to-mid-90s that scouts are accustomed to seeing? "I really don’t look at velocity. I never have," Gonzalez said. "It was the same thing last year at spring training. They were questioning my velocity. I was anywhere from 86 to 89. Then I come out opening day and I’m 93 to 95. That’s just how it is, man."
Sporting News staff reports
New Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez told the Baltimore Sun that questions about his health and pitch velocity are unwarranted and his arm feels just fine. Gonzalez, who has pitched only twice so far this spring, left Saturday’s "B" game against the Marlins because of soreness in his lower back, not his arm.
"My arm feels great and everything else," Gonzalez told the newspaper. "I just had a little tightness in my lower back. It’s just one of those couple-of-day things. I just have to stay on top of it. It’s not a big deal at all. I’ve felt it before. It’s just one of those things where you take a couple of days and you’re fine."
And his velocity, which has been in the mid-80s instead the low-to-mid-90s that scouts are accustomed to seeing? "I really don’t look at velocity. I never have," Gonzalez said. "It was the same thing last year at spring training. They were questioning my velocity. I was anywhere from 86 to 89. Then I come out opening day and I’m 93 to 95. That’s just how it is, man."
Sporting News staff reports
A source told the Boston Herald on Monday that Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie checked out fine after undergoing tests for a rapid heartbeat and exhaustion and should be back on the field soon.
When asked Sunday why Lowrie had been missing from camp the previous three days, manager Terry Francona said, "He had a thing the other day when we were over in Port St. Lucie. He wasn’t feeling really good, so we had him checked out with the doctor."
The quick reaction to Lowrie’s discomfort probably was prompted by the recent news that Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland has a rare brain condition that will require surgery.
"We wanted to run him through some tests before we get him back on the field," Francona told the newspaper. "We’ve been doing that the last couple of days but with the weekend it kind of slowed things down a bit. They’re all precautionary.
"He just came in and said, ‘I kind of feel like I got hit by a car.’ He just got run down and he said he has had this feeling during the winter, so we just want to get him kind of back on his feet and eliminate anything it could ever be. So the safest way to go about it is to run a bunch of tests. We’re probably being overly cautious, but I’m not sure you can be."
Sporting News staff reports
A source told the Boston Herald on Monday that Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie checked out fine after undergoing tests for a rapid heartbeat and exhaustion and should be back on the field soon.
When asked Sunday why Lowrie had been missing from camp the previous three days, manager Terry Francona said, "He had a thing the other day when we were over in Port St. Lucie. He wasn’t feeling really good, so we had him checked out with the doctor."
The quick reaction to Lowrie’s discomfort probably was prompted by the recent news that Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland has a rare brain condition that will require surgery.
"We wanted to run him through some tests before we get him back on the field," Francona told the newspaper. "We’ve been doing that the last couple of days but with the weekend it kind of slowed things down a bit. They’re all precautionary.
"He just came in and said, ‘I kind of feel like I got hit by a car.’ He just got run down and he said he has had this feeling during the winter, so we just want to get him kind of back on his feet and eliminate anything it could ever be. So the safest way to go about it is to run a bunch of tests. We’re probably being overly cautious, but I’m not sure you can be."
NCAA Tournament: Good thing Duke has such an easy road to the Final Four: Geno Auriemma is about to pass Mike Krzyzewski in number of NCAA Tournament wins.
NFL: With Shaun Hill’s arrival in Motown, Fly’s pal Tom Kowalski (SN’s Lions correspondent) wants to be the first to tell you there’s a quarterback controversy in Detroit.
| Here comes the Lions’ QB controversy |
|
MLB: White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen says of 24-year-old 2B prospect C.J. Retherford: "I love that kid a lot. He’s a sleeper, but he has started waking people up." Too bad the ChiSox are keeping a digital muzzle on Guillen.
• Still displaying an inability to shut up, Johnny Damon says he sees his year with the Tigers (which he pretty much said is just one year) is sort of a vacation from the AL East, where he would still like to play — with the Rays.
Golf: If you’re still watching Tiger Woods’ life off the links, Radaronline reports that Elin has not moved home as some sites reported last week.
NCAA Tournament: Good thing Duke has such an easy road to the Final Four: Geno Auriemma is about to pass Mike Krzyzewski in number of NCAA Tournament wins.
NFL: With Shaun Hill’s arrival in Motown, Fly’s pal Tom Kowalski (SN’s Lions correspondent) wants to be the first to tell you there’s a quarterback controversy in Detroit.
| Here comes the Lions’ QB controversy |
|
MLB: White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen says of 24-year-old 2B prospect C.J. Retherford: "I love that kid a lot. He’s a sleeper, but he has started waking people up." Too bad the ChiSox are keeping a digital muzzle on Guillen.
• Still displaying an inability to shut up, Johnny Damon says he sees his year with the Tigers (which he pretty much said is just one year) is sort of a vacation from the AL East, where he would still like to play — with the Rays.
Golf: If you’re still watching Tiger Woods’ life off the links, Radaronline reports that Elin has not moved home as some sites reported last week.
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
Joey Votto is quickly moving up draft boards this spring as fantasy owners see a potential first-round talent that can be drafted in the third round. To show you the progression, it wasn’t long ago that Votto could have been selected in the fourth or fifth rounds. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sneak into the second round as we get closer to opening day.
What’s all the fuss? The stat that really stands out with Votto is his OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) from last season. Among qualified batters, Votto ranked fourth in that category with a .981 rating. That put him behind only Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Joe Mauer, and all three of them are projected to be first-round picks in standard fantasy leagues.
Votto will turn 27 later this season, so he’s considered to be in the prime of his playing career. And if he continues to make progress like he did in his first two seasons, Votto could join that elite first-round group as early as this year.
It’s important to note that Votto missed significant time last season while dealing with an anxiety-related issue. He says that’s an ongoing battle and announced that he has been making progress. Provided he keeps winning that fight, the sky is the limit for Votto’s fantasy value.
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
Joey Votto is quickly moving up draft boards this spring as fantasy owners see a potential first-round talent that can be drafted in the third round. To show you the progression, it wasn’t long ago that Votto could have been selected in the fourth or fifth rounds. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sneak into the second round as we get closer to opening day.
What’s all the fuss? The stat that really stands out with Votto is his OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) from last season. Among qualified batters, Votto ranked fourth in that category with a .981 rating. That put him behind only Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Joe Mauer, and all three of them are projected to be first-round picks in standard fantasy leagues.
Votto will turn 27 later this season, so he’s considered to be in the prime of his playing career. And if he continues to make progress like he did in his first two seasons, Votto could join that elite first-round group as early as this year.
It’s important to note that Votto missed significant time last season while dealing with an anxiety-related issue. He says that’s an ongoing battle and announced that he has been making progress. Provided he keeps winning that fight, the sky is the limit for Votto’s fantasy value.
The goal, as has been the case for more than the past decade, is to finish .500. Pittsburgh’s streak of 17 consecutive losing seasons is a record not only for MLB, but for the NFL, NBA and NHL. The last time the Pirates finished above .500 was 1992 — Barry Bonds’ final season with the team. The 2010 Pirates have a lineup that is good enough to reach .500, but the rotation is a question mark.
Up-and-comer for the 2010 season? Andrew McCutchen.
Three questions
1. How good is center fielder Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen was drafted 11th overall in 2005, just after Cameron Maybin and right before Jay Bruce. The Pirates’ prospect took longer to reach the majors than Maybin or Bruce, but he clearly had the best 2009 season. "The trade of Nate McLouth to the Braves opened the door for the speedy outfielder and he didn’t look back," MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said. "He’s a five-tool player who hit three home runs in one game last season. He could be a 30-30 (player) in the very near future."
In 108 games as a rookie last season, McCutchen had 12 homers, 22 stolen bases and 54 RBIs (second on the team) from the leadoff spot. Although McCutchen wasn’t pleased with the pace of his rise though the minors, the Pirates wanted to make sure he was ready when they brought him up for good. McCutchen is closer to being an All-Star than a minor leaguer again.
2. What about Pedro Alvarez?
If McCutchen is Mr. Right Now, Alvarez is The Next Big Thing. Although he might be ready for the majors offensively, there is little chance the Pirates will break camp with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 draft on their roster.
Between advanced Class A and Class AA last season, Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. "At the end of the day, I don’t think he performed as poorly at Lynchburg or as exceptional at Altoona as it appeared on paper," Pirates director of player development Kyle Stark said. Alvarez should start 2010 at Class AAA, where he will refine his approach at the plate and continue to work on his defense at third base. A midseason call-up is possible.
3. What about the other McCutchen?
Daniel McCutchen — no relation to Andrew — is a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. The 27-year-old came to the Pirates’ organization in the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees in 2008. McCutchen posted a 4.21 ERA in six starts with Pittsburgh last season after going 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA at Class AAA.
His primary competition is Kevin Hart, who was 1-8 with a 6.92 ERA in 10 starts for the Pirates in 2009. Hart, also 27, has a 5.26 ERA in 47 games (14 starts) in his five-season major league career.
Projected lineup
1. CF Andrew McCutchen: Led team with 74 runs, 22 SBs.
2. 2B Akinori Iwamura: Career .354 OBP with Rays.
3. RF Garrett Jones: 21 HRs, .938 OPS in 82 games.
4. C Ryan Doumit: .318 AVG, 15 HRs when healthy in ’08.
5. 3B Andy LaRoche: Only Pirate to play more than 133 games last season.
6. LF Lastings Milledge: .167 AVG with Nats, .291 with Pirates in ’09.
7. 1B Jeff Clement: HRs, 90 RBIs, .850 OPS at Class AAA.
8. SS Ronny Cedeno: .208 AVG with Mariners, Pirates in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Paul Maholm: At least 29 starts past 4 seasons.
2. LHP Zach Duke: One-time All-Star in ’09; led N.L. with 16 losses.<
3. RHP Ross Ohlendorf: 3.92 ERA was rotation’s best in ’09.
4. RHP Charlie Morton: 6.15 ERA for Braves in ’08; 4.55 for Pirates in ’09.
5. RHP Kevin Hart: .60 ERA with Cubs; 6.92 ERA with Pirates in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Octavio Dotel: 22 saves in ’04; 19 since.
Grades
Offense: D. The Pirates’ offense is on an upward trend but finished last in the majors in runs scored in 2009. McCutchen and Garrett Jones brought life to the lineup, and Akinori Iwamura provides an established presence to the top of the order. Having Ryan Doumit healthy in the cleanup spot would be a big boost.
Pitching: D. Although the top three starters combined to win only 30 games last season, they all had an ERA under 4.50. The back end of the rotation has questions, however. Octavio Dotel almost certainly will be better as a closer than Matt Capps was last season; Capps lost eight games and had a 5.80 ERA.
Bench: C. There isn’t much power off the bench, but the Pirates have a more experienced group of reserves than they have had in recent seasons. Ryan Church can play all three outfield positions, and Bobby Crosby has learned to become valuable around the infield with his glove
Manager: B. There is more talent on this Pirates team than in the past several years, so the expectation is for Russell, in his third season, to lead the group above the 70-win plateau for the first time.
Sporting News prediction: If the pitching can produce, the offense has the ability to help this team to a .500 finish. However, the Pirates’ best-case scenario is about 75 wins.
Coming Tuesday: Angels preview
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
The goal, as has been the case for more than the past decade, is to finish .500. Pittsburgh’s streak of 17 consecutive losing seasons is a record not only for MLB, but for the NFL, NBA and NHL. The last time the Pirates finished above .500 was 1992 — Barry Bonds’ final season with the team. The 2010 Pirates have a lineup that is good enough to reach .500, but the rotation is a question mark.
Up-and-comer for the 2010 season? Andrew McCutchen.
Three questions
1. How good is center fielder Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen was drafted 11th overall in 2005, just after Cameron Maybin and right before Jay Bruce. The Pirates’ prospect took longer to reach the majors than Maybin or Bruce, but he clearly had the best 2009 season. "The trade of Nate McLouth to the Braves opened the door for the speedy outfielder and he didn’t look back," MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said. "He’s a five-tool player who hit three home runs in one game last season. He could be a 30-30 (player) in the very near future."
In 108 games as a rookie last season, McCutchen had 12 homers, 22 stolen bases and 54 RBIs (second on the team) from the leadoff spot. Although McCutchen wasn’t pleased with the pace of his rise though the minors, the Pirates wanted to make sure he was ready when they brought him up for good. McCutchen is closer to being an All-Star than a minor leaguer again.
2. What about Pedro Alvarez?
If McCutchen is Mr. Right Now, Alvarez is The Next Big Thing. Although he might be ready for the majors offensively, there is little chance the Pirates will break camp with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 draft on their roster.
Between advanced Class A and Class AA last season, Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. "At the end of the day, I don’t think he performed as poorly at Lynchburg or as exceptional at Altoona as it appeared on paper," Pirates director of player development Kyle Stark said. Alvarez should start 2010 at Class AAA, where he will refine his approach at the plate and continue to work on his defense at third base. A midseason call-up is possible.
3. What about the other McCutchen?
Daniel McCutchen — no relation to Andrew — is a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. The 27-year-old came to the Pirates’ organization in the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees in 2008. McCutchen posted a 4.21 ERA in six starts with Pittsburgh last season after going 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA at Class AAA.
His primary competition is Kevin Hart, who was 1-8 with a 6.92 ERA in 10 starts for the Pirates in 2009. Hart, also 27, has a 5.26 ERA in 47 games (14 starts) in his five-season major league career.
Projected lineup
1. CF Andrew McCutchen: Led team with 74 runs, 22 SBs.
2. 2B Akinori Iwamura: Career .354 OBP with Rays.
3. RF Garrett Jones: 21 HRs, .938 OPS in 82 games.
4. C Ryan Doumit: .318 AVG, 15 HRs when healthy in ’08.
5. 3B Andy LaRoche: Only Pirate to play more than 133 games last season.
6. LF Lastings Milledge: .167 AVG with Nats, .291 with Pirates in ’09.
7. 1B Jeff Clement: HRs, 90 RBIs, .850 OPS at Class AAA.
8. SS Ronny Cedeno: .208 AVG with Mariners, Pirates in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Paul Maholm: At least 29 starts past 4 seasons.
2. LHP Zach Duke: One-time All-Star in ’09; led N.L. with 16 losses.<
3. RHP Ross Ohlendorf: 3.92 ERA was rotation’s best in ’09.
4. RHP Charlie Morton: 6.15 ERA for Braves in ’08; 4.55 for Pirates in ’09.
5. RHP Kevin Hart: .60 ERA with Cubs; 6.92 ERA with Pirates in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Octavio Dotel: 22 saves in ’04; 19 since.
Grades
Offense: D. The Pirates’ offense is on an upward trend but finished last in the majors in runs scored in 2009. McCutchen and Garrett Jones brought life to the lineup, and Akinori Iwamura provides an established presence to the top of the order. Having Ryan Doumit healthy in the cleanup spot would be a big boost.
Pitching: D. Although the top three starters combined to win only 30 games last season, they all had an ERA under 4.50. The back end of the rotation has questions, however. Octavio Dotel almost certainly will be better as a closer than Matt Capps was last season; Capps lost eight games and had a 5.80 ERA.
Bench: C. There isn’t much power off the bench, but the Pirates have a more experienced group of reserves than they have had in recent seasons. Ryan Church can play all three outfield positions, and Bobby Crosby has learned to become valuable around the infield with his glove
Manager: B. There is more talent on this Pirates team than in the past several years, so the expectation is for Russell, in his third season, to lead the group above the 70-win plateau for the first time.
Sporting News prediction: If the pitching can produce, the offense has the ability to help this team to a .500 finish. However, the Pirates’ best-case scenario is about 75 wins.
Coming Tuesday: Angels preview
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
