Sporting News staff reports
The idea of offering Ryan Howard to the Cardinals for Albert Pujols has been discussed within the Phillies organization, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro denied that such talks have occurred, and it is unclear whether the team has spoken to anyone with the Cardinals, according to the report, which cites anonymous sources.
"Lies," Amaro told Olney in response to the rumor. "That’s a lie. I don’t know who you’re talking to, but that’s a lie."
That said, there would be logic behind the trade proposal.
Widely considered the best player in baseball, Pujols is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season, and he is expected to ask for a contract that approaches Alex Rodriguez’s record-setting 10-year, $275 million deal with the Yankees, according to the report.
Early extension talks between the Cardinals and Pujols have not led to a deal, ESPN.com reports. If the team decided it could not afford the slugger, then it might seek to unload Pujols through a blockbuster trade.
Acquiring Howard might soften the PR hit sure to come if the Cardinals traded their superstar, not only because of Howard’s talents, but also because he grew up in the St. Louis area.
While not at Pujols’ level offensively or in the field, Howard would not be a bad replacement. The 30-year-old lefty is only a couple of months older than Pujols, and in the last four seasons, Howard has hit 198 homers, driven in 572 runs and finished in the top five of the NL MVP race every year. He also becomes a free agent after the 2011 season but could probably be signed for significantly less than Pujols.
Sporting News staff reports
The idea of offering Ryan Howard to the Cardinals for Albert Pujols has been discussed within the Phillies organization, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro denied that such talks have occurred, and it is unclear whether the team has spoken to anyone with the Cardinals, according to the report, which cites anonymous sources.
"Lies," Amaro told Olney in response to the rumor. "That’s a lie. I don’t know who you’re talking to, but that’s a lie."
That said, there would be logic behind the trade proposal.
Widely considered the best player in baseball, Pujols is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season, and he is expected to ask for a contract that approaches Alex Rodriguez’s record-setting 10-year, $275 million deal with the Yankees, according to the report.
Early extension talks between the Cardinals and Pujols have not led to a deal, ESPN.com reports. If the team decided it could not afford the slugger, then it might seek to unload Pujols through a blockbuster trade.
Acquiring Howard might soften the PR hit sure to come if the Cardinals traded their superstar, not only because of Howard’s talents, but also because he grew up in the St. Louis area.
While not at Pujols’ level offensively or in the field, Howard would not be a bad replacement. The 30-year-old lefty is only a couple of months older than Pujols, and in the last four seasons, Howard has hit 198 homers, driven in 572 runs and finished in the top five of the NL MVP race every year. He also becomes a free agent after the 2011 season but could probably be signed for significantly less than Pujols.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros’ spring training opener.
Berkman’s knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is confident the injury won’t be a lingering problem.
"We certainly don’t encourage players to have surgery, but if this is an easy fix, it removes the uncertainty that it could occur again," Wade said. "We think that once it gets addressed, that it’s a dead issue and we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
Wade said the initial bruise ruled out the option of surgery earlier.
"He had a strawberry on that knee, and Dr. Lintner told us that even if surgery had been prescribed, they wouldn’t have been able to do it until that strawberry healed because of the concern for an infection," Wade said. "So we’ll address it now, get him moving in a straight line and, hopefully, not have to worry about it for the rest of the season."
Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in 1999. He missed 18 games last year with a strained left calf and hit .274, a career low for a full season. He is entering the final season of an $85 million, six-year contract extension.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros’ spring training opener.
Berkman’s knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is confident the injury won’t be a lingering problem.
"We certainly don’t encourage players to have surgery, but if this is an easy fix, it removes the uncertainty that it could occur again," Wade said. "We think that once it gets addressed, that it’s a dead issue and we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
Wade said the initial bruise ruled out the option of surgery earlier.
"He had a strawberry on that knee, and Dr. Lintner told us that even if surgery had been prescribed, they wouldn’t have been able to do it until that strawberry healed because of the concern for an infection," Wade said. "So we’ll address it now, get him moving in a straight line and, hopefully, not have to worry about it for the rest of the season."
Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in 1999. He missed 18 games last year with a strained left calf and hit .274, a career low for a full season. He is entering the final season of an $85 million, six-year contract extension.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
From 2005-08, the Astros’ .557 second-half winning percentage was tied for sixth-best in the majors. But instead of making a late-season run and vaulting into postseason contention last season, the Astros went 30-44 (.405) after the All-Star break — a slide that cost manager Cecil Cooper his job in late September. Enter Brad Mills, a managerial rookie who served as Red Sox bench coach the past six seasons. Mills inherits a 74-win squad that finished in fifth place in the NL Central.
Three quesions
Can Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman contribute like they have in the past?
1. Is Roy Oswalt still an ace?
For the first time in his career, Oswalt failed to achieve a double-digit win total in 2009. He finished 8-6 with a career-worst 4.12 ERA in 30 starts. It was the sixth consecutive season he made at least 30 starts, but the first time since 2003 that he failed to pitch at least 200 innings. Oswalt also battled back problems, leading to whispers that the 32-year-old is breaking down as a result of the wear and tear from his years of shouldering a heavy workload.
Because Wandy Rodriguez was the only other Astros starter with an ERA under 4.50 last season, the team needs Oswalt to return to pre-2009 form — or as close to it as possible. Newcomer Brett Myers is a question mark at No. 3, and the final two spots in the rotation are up for grabs, with Brian Moehler, Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino the top candidates.
2. Will this be Lance Berkman’s final season in Houston?
The last remaining Killer B is under contract through the 2011 season, but the Astros hold a $15 million option for next season. Berkman recently said he would be inclined to sign elsewhere if the Astros don’t exercise that option and allow him to become a free agent. His future could depend on whether he is able to bounce back from what statistically was the worst season of his career.
Limited to 136 games because of biceps and calf injuries, Berkman hit .274 with 25 homers and 80 RBIs in 2009. Not terrible numbers, but not up to par with his usual production. In 2006, Berkman hit .315 and established new career highs with 45 homers and 136 RBIs. At one point last season, Berkman had a 33-game homerless drought.
3. Will there be enough offense?
Houston finished 27th in the majors in runs scored and 25th in OPS last season, and it lost its second-best RBI man from last season when Miguel Tejada signed with the Orioles in the offseason. In addition to Berkman’s down season, Carlos Lee’s homer total dropped for a second consecutive year. As a result, leadoff man Michael Bourn failed to score 100 runs despite his career-best .354 on-base percentage and an NL-leading 61 steals.
Taking over for Tejada at shortstop will be defense-first Tommy Manzella, whose five career major league at-bats came late in 2009. "(Manzella has) done a great job through the minor leagues, and he’s been exceptional on the defensive end," Mills said.
Projected lineup
1. CF Michael Bourn: Must cut down on K’s (140 in ’09).
2. 2B Kaz Matsui: Just a .302 OBP last season.
3. 1B Lance Berkman: Switch hitter hit .231 vs. lefties.
4. LF Carlos Lee: .831 OPS was lowest since ’05.
5. RF Hunter Pence: .298 AVG, 11 HRs before break; .263 AVG, 14 HRs after.
6. 3B Pedro Feliz: .301 AVG, 18 RBIs in 25 career games at Minute Maid Park.
7. SS Tommy Manzella: 52 SBs, 19 triples in 5 minor league season.
8. C J.R. Towles: .188 AVG in 84 MLB games the past 3 seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Roy Oswalt: 4.12 ERA at home and on road in ’09.
2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez: 9-3, 2.08 ERA at home; 5-9, 4.05 on road.
3. RHP Brett Myers: 6.43 ERA as RP after returning from hip surgery last season.
4. RHP Felipe Paulino: 4-12, 5.74 ERA in 20 career starts.
5. RHP Bud Norris: 3-0, 1.57 ERA in final 4 starts of ’09.
PROJECTED CLOSER
RHP Brandon Lyon: 2.86 ERA in setup role with Tigers last season.
Grades
Offense: D. Despite playing in one of the majors’ most hitter-friendly parks, Houston was outscored by every NL team except the Pirates and Padres last season. And Houston finished 25th in homers. At least the Astros make contact; only the Mets finished with fewer strikeouts.
Pitching: D. Only six major league teams had a staff ERA worse than Houston’s 4.54 last season. The back end of the rotation has holes, and the bullpen lost closer Jose Valverde (25 saves, 2.33 ERA last season) and setup man LaTroy Hawkins (2.13 ERA). The bright spot is Rodriguez, an emerging ace.
Bench: C. With the addition of Pedro Feliz, Geoff Blum will return to a reserve role and add a powerful bat to the bench. Jeff Keppinger, who had a career-high seven homers in 2009, will serve as the middle-infield backup. Jason Michaels, a .228 hitter the past two seasons, is the fourth outfielder.
Manager: C. An incomplete might be more accurate, given that Mills’ has yet to manager his first major league game. Although he won’t have the talent he did while serving as Boston’s bench coach, Mills will have plenty of veterans to lean on in Houston. It remains to be seen, however, whether those veterans are in decline.
Sporting News prediction: With lingering questions about both the offense and the pitching staff, Houston is unlikely to improve upon its fifth-place finish from last season.
Coming Monday: Pirates preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
From 2005-08, the Astros’ .557 second-half winning percentage was tied for sixth-best in the majors. But instead of making a late-season run and vaulting into postseason contention last season, the Astros went 30-44 (.405) after the All-Star break — a slide that cost manager Cecil Cooper his job in late September. Enter Brad Mills, a managerial rookie who served as Red Sox bench coach the past six seasons. Mills inherits a 74-win squad that finished in fifth place in the NL Central.
Three quesions
Can Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman contribute like they have in the past?
1. Is Roy Oswalt still an ace?
For the first time in his career, Oswalt failed to achieve a double-digit win total in 2009. He finished 8-6 with a career-worst 4.12 ERA in 30 starts. It was the sixth consecutive season he made at least 30 starts, but the first time since 2003 that he failed to pitch at least 200 innings. Oswalt also battled back problems, leading to whispers that the 32-year-old is breaking down as a result of the wear and tear from his years of shouldering a heavy workload.
Because Wandy Rodriguez was the only other Astros starter with an ERA under 4.50 last season, the team needs Oswalt to return to pre-2009 form — or as close to it as possible. Newcomer Brett Myers is a question mark at No. 3, and the final two spots in the rotation are up for grabs, with Brian Moehler, Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino the top candidates.
2. Will this be Lance Berkman’s final season in Houston?
The last remaining Killer B is under contract through the 2011 season, but the Astros hold a $15 million option for next season. Berkman recently said he would be inclined to sign elsewhere if the Astros don’t exercise that option and allow him to become a free agent. His future could depend on whether he is able to bounce back from what statistically was the worst season of his career.
Limited to 136 games because of biceps and calf injuries, Berkman hit .274 with 25 homers and 80 RBIs in 2009. Not terrible numbers, but not up to par with his usual production. In 2006, Berkman hit .315 and established new career highs with 45 homers and 136 RBIs. At one point last season, Berkman had a 33-game homerless drought.
3. Will there be enough offense?
Houston finished 27th in the majors in runs scored and 25th in OPS last season, and it lost its second-best RBI man from last season when Miguel Tejada signed with the Orioles in the offseason. In addition to Berkman’s down season, Carlos Lee’s homer total dropped for a second consecutive year. As a result, leadoff man Michael Bourn failed to score 100 runs despite his career-best .354 on-base percentage and an NL-leading 61 steals.
Taking over for Tejada at shortstop will be defense-first Tommy Manzella, whose five career major league at-bats came late in 2009. "(Manzella has) done a great job through the minor leagues, and he’s been exceptional on the defensive end," Mills said.
Projected lineup
1. CF Michael Bourn: Must cut down on K’s (140 in ’09).
2. 2B Kaz Matsui: Just a .302 OBP last season.
3. 1B Lance Berkman: Switch hitter hit .231 vs. lefties.
4. LF Carlos Lee: .831 OPS was lowest since ’05.
5. RF Hunter Pence: .298 AVG, 11 HRs before break; .263 AVG, 14 HRs after.
6. 3B Pedro Feliz: .301 AVG, 18 RBIs in 25 career games at Minute Maid Park.
7. SS Tommy Manzella: 52 SBs, 19 triples in 5 minor league season.
8. C J.R. Towles: .188 AVG in 84 MLB games the past 3 seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Roy Oswalt: 4.12 ERA at home and on road in ’09.
2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez: 9-3, 2.08 ERA at home; 5-9, 4.05 on road.
3. RHP Brett Myers: 6.43 ERA as RP after returning from hip surgery last season.
4. RHP Felipe Paulino: 4-12, 5.74 ERA in 20 career starts.
5. RHP Bud Norris: 3-0, 1.57 ERA in final 4 starts of ’09.
PROJECTED CLOSER
RHP Brandon Lyon: 2.86 ERA in setup role with Tigers last season.
Grades
Offense: D. Despite playing in one of the majors’ most hitter-friendly parks, Houston was outscored by every NL team except the Pirates and Padres last season. And Houston finished 25th in homers. At least the Astros make contact; only the Mets finished with fewer strikeouts.
Pitching: D. Only six major league teams had a staff ERA worse than Houston’s 4.54 last season. The back end of the rotation has holes, and the bullpen lost closer Jose Valverde (25 saves, 2.33 ERA last season) and setup man LaTroy Hawkins (2.13 ERA). The bright spot is Rodriguez, an emerging ace.
Bench: C. With the addition of Pedro Feliz, Geoff Blum will return to a reserve role and add a powerful bat to the bench. Jeff Keppinger, who had a career-high seven homers in 2009, will serve as the middle-infield backup. Jason Michaels, a .228 hitter the past two seasons, is the fourth outfielder.
Manager: C. An incomplete might be more accurate, given that Mills’ has yet to manager his first major league game. Although he won’t have the talent he did while serving as Boston’s bench coach, Mills will have plenty of veterans to lean on in Houston. It remains to be seen, however, whether those veterans are in decline.
Sporting News prediction: With lingering questions about both the offense and the pitching staff, Houston is unlikely to improve upon its fifth-place finish from last season.
Coming Monday: Pirates preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team, according to The Denver Post.
The newspaper speculated the contract will allow Helton to retire with the organization that drafted him eighth overall in 1995.
Helton, a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner and the 2000 N.L. batting champion, hit .325 with 15 homers, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage in 151 games with Colorado last season.
In his 13-season major league career, Helton has a .328 batting average, 325 homers and 1,202 RBIs. His career .427 on-base percentage is the best among active players.
Sporting News staff reports
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team, according to The Denver Post.
The newspaper speculated the contract will allow Helton to retire with the organization that drafted him eighth overall in 1995.
Helton, a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner and the 2000 N.L. batting champion, hit .325 with 15 homers, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage in 151 games with Colorado last season.
In his 13-season major league career, Helton has a .328 batting average, 325 homers and 1,202 RBIs. His career .427 on-base percentage is the best among active players.
Cincinnati’s 27-13 finish in 2009 provided some hope. But will Joey Votto have his breakout season? Can Scott Rolen stay healthy? Will Aaron Harang bounce back in a contract year? Will Homer Bailey’s strong second half carry over? How good is Aroldis Chapman, and when will he arrive?
And the biggest question: Can the Reds be surprise contenders in the NL Central? If they get positive results to even half of their questions, the answer is yes.
Joey Votto has power, but can he stay healthy?
Three questions
1. What happened in the offseason?
General manager Walt Jocketty didn’t make a lot of moves, but the ones he made bode well for the future. For the long term: The Reds pulled off the surprise of the offseason by outbidding the big-money clubs for 22-year-old Aroldis Chapman. The Reds could feature a rotation of Chapman, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez as soon as next season. For the short-term: Jocketty dumped Willy Taveras and his contract on the A’s, which allowed the Reds to sign shortstop Orlando Cabrera to a one-year deal. Cincinnati also brought back Johnny Gomes — an underrated move because of his power.
As a result, the Reds are better. They will replace Taveras, who disappointed in his only season in Cincinnati, with Drew Stubbs. And Cabrera provides an upgrade over Paul Janish at shortstop. The rest of the lineup returns intact.
2. Where’s the offense?
The Reds play in a hitter-friendly park and have a potentially strong middle of the lineup. However, health is a concern. Votto, Rolen and Jay Bruce all have the power to hit 25 homers, but they need to stay in the lineup for more than 131 games. None of the three did so last season. Neither did Ramon Hernandez, another player capable of reaching double figures in homers.
The Reds need their thumpers to thump because they don’t have a lot of speed. Their cleanup hitter, Brandon Phillips, tied Taveras for the team lead in steals with 25 last season.
Will Aroldis Chapman earn a spot on the Reds’ opening day roster?
3. Is Chapman ready?
Most scouts seem to favor Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg over the Reds’ Chapman. But Chapman signed the bigger contract and could reach the majors first. He has done little but impress all who have watched him since he began working out with pitching coach Bryan Price in January. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Royals in his debut Monday, which didn’t hurt his chances of leaving spring training as part of the Reds’ rotation. Those chances seem to be improving almost daily.
Manager Dusty Baker said Chapman throws his fastball with such ease that it is difficult to tell how fast it is (it has touched triple digits). "He’s a tremendous athlete with a great arm, great pitching body and great aptitude for baseball," Baker said. If he proves as capable at adapting to a new country, Chapman could be starting in the majors next month.
Projected lineup
CF Drew Stubbs: Team-best 8 HRs after Aug. 19 call-up.
SS Orlando Cabrera: Led AL SSs with 77 RBIs in ’09 with A’s/Twins.
1B Joey Votto: .981 OPS was third in NL last season.
2B Brandon Phillips: Only NL 2B projected to hit cleanup.
3B Scott Rolen: .305 AVG, .368 OBP in 128 games in ’09.
RF Jay Bruce: Lowest AVG (.223) among 20-plus-HR hitters in NL.
C Ramon Hernandez: Knee limited him to 81 games in ’09.
LF Chris Dickerson: .383 OBP in 2 seasons could make him leadoff option.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Aaron Harang: 12-31, 4.52 ERA over past 2 seasons.
2. RHP Bronson Arroyo: Team-best 30 W’s and 420 1/3 IP over past 2 seasons.
3. RHP Homer Bailey: 7.53 ERA first 11 starts; 1.70 in final 9.
4. RHP Johnny Cueto: 61 career starts; has lasted 8 IP only once.
5. RHP Justin Lehr: One of the candidates to hold the spot for Chapman.
Projected closer
RHP Francisco Cordero: 2.16 ERA was third-best among NL closers.
Grades
Offense: C. For the team’s power production to improve, Votto and Bruce must stay on the field. The Reds play in one of the NL’s most hitter-friendly parks, but they finished eighth in the NL in homers and 15th in average (.247).
Pitching: C. The continued development of Bailey and Cueto, plus the expected arrival of Chapman, bodes well for the future. For the present, however, the Reds need Harang to return to his 2007 form. They will be without Volquez (elbow) for most, if not all, of the season.
Bench: C. Gomes brings power and depth to an outfield that needs both. Rookie Chris Heisey should help, too, but he could start the season in the minors. Janish is a plus defender at shortstop but isn’t a proven hitter. Aaron Miles brings a veteran presence to infield but hit only .185 last season with the Cubs.
Manager: B. In his third season with the Reds, Baker has yet to reach the postseason — something he did with the Giants and Cubs in his pervious managerial stops. He is in the final season of his three-year contract and still is looking for his first winning season in Cincinnati.
Sporting News prediction: The Reds have the makings to surprise in the mediocre NL Central if some of their under-25 core — Bruce, Bailey, Cueto — step up. But their lack of power should keep them in the lower half of the division.
Coming Friday: Astros preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Cincinnati’s 27-13 finish in 2009 provided some hope. But will Joey Votto have his breakout season? Can Scott Rolen stay healthy? Will Aaron Harang bounce back in a contract year? Will Homer Bailey’s strong second half carry over? How good is Aroldis Chapman, and when will he arrive?
And the biggest question: Can the Reds be surprise contenders in the NL Central? If they get positive results to even half of their questions, the answer is yes.
Joey Votto has power, but can he stay healthy?
Three questions
1. What happened in the offseason?
General manager Walt Jocketty didn’t make a lot of moves, but the ones he made bode well for the future. For the long term: The Reds pulled off the surprise of the offseason by outbidding the big-money clubs for 22-year-old Aroldis Chapman. The Reds could feature a rotation of Chapman, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez as soon as next season. For the short-term: Jocketty dumped Willy Taveras and his contract on the A’s, which allowed the Reds to sign shortstop Orlando Cabrera to a one-year deal. Cincinnati also brought back Johnny Gomes — an underrated move because of his power.
As a result, the Reds are better. They will replace Taveras, who disappointed in his only season in Cincinnati, with Drew Stubbs. And Cabrera provides an upgrade over Paul Janish at shortstop. The rest of the lineup returns intact.
2. Where’s the offense?
The Reds play in a hitter-friendly park and have a potentially strong middle of the lineup. However, health is a concern. Votto, Rolen and Jay Bruce all have the power to hit 25 homers, but they need to stay in the lineup for more than 131 games. None of the three did so last season. Neither did Ramon Hernandez, another player capable of reaching double figures in homers.
The Reds need their thumpers to thump because they don’t have a lot of speed. Their cleanup hitter, Brandon Phillips, tied Taveras for the team lead in steals with 25 last season.
Will Aroldis Chapman earn a spot on the Reds’ opening day roster?
3. Is Chapman ready?
Most scouts seem to favor Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg over the Reds’ Chapman. But Chapman signed the bigger contract and could reach the majors first. He has done little but impress all who have watched him since he began working out with pitching coach Bryan Price in January. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Royals in his debut Monday, which didn’t hurt his chances of leaving spring training as part of the Reds’ rotation. Those chances seem to be improving almost daily.
Manager Dusty Baker said Chapman throws his fastball with such ease that it is difficult to tell how fast it is (it has touched triple digits). "He’s a tremendous athlete with a great arm, great pitching body and great aptitude for baseball," Baker said. If he proves as capable at adapting to a new country, Chapman could be starting in the majors next month.
Projected lineup
CF Drew Stubbs: Team-best 8 HRs after Aug. 19 call-up.
SS Orlando Cabrera: Led AL SSs with 77 RBIs in ’09 with A’s/Twins.
1B Joey Votto: .981 OPS was third in NL last season.
2B Brandon Phillips: Only NL 2B projected to hit cleanup.
3B Scott Rolen: .305 AVG, .368 OBP in 128 games in ’09.
RF Jay Bruce: Lowest AVG (.223) among 20-plus-HR hitters in NL.
C Ramon Hernandez: Knee limited him to 81 games in ’09.
LF Chris Dickerson: .383 OBP in 2 seasons could make him leadoff option.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Aaron Harang: 12-31, 4.52 ERA over past 2 seasons.
2. RHP Bronson Arroyo: Team-best 30 W’s and 420 1/3 IP over past 2 seasons.
3. RHP Homer Bailey: 7.53 ERA first 11 starts; 1.70 in final 9.
4. RHP Johnny Cueto: 61 career starts; has lasted 8 IP only once.
5. RHP Justin Lehr: One of the candidates to hold the spot for Chapman.
Projected closer
RHP Francisco Cordero: 2.16 ERA was third-best among NL closers.
Grades
Offense: C. For the team’s power production to improve, Votto and Bruce must stay on the field. The Reds play in one of the NL’s most hitter-friendly parks, but they finished eighth in the NL in homers and 15th in average (.247).
Pitching: C. The continued development of Bailey and Cueto, plus the expected arrival of Chapman, bodes well for the future. For the present, however, the Reds need Harang to return to his 2007 form. They will be without Volquez (elbow) for most, if not all, of the season.
Bench: C. Gomes brings power and depth to an outfield that needs both. Rookie Chris Heisey should help, too, but he could start the season in the minors. Janish is a plus defender at shortstop but isn’t a proven hitter. Aaron Miles brings a veteran presence to infield but hit only .185 last season with the Cubs.
Manager: B. In his third season with the Reds, Baker has yet to reach the postseason — something he did with the Giants and Cubs in his pervious managerial stops. He is in the final season of his three-year contract and still is looking for his first winning season in Cincinnati.
Sporting News prediction: The Reds have the makings to surprise in the mediocre NL Central if some of their under-25 core — Bruce, Bailey, Cueto — step up. But their lack of power should keep them in the lower half of the division.
Coming Friday: Astros preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman aren’t the only youngsters drawing rave reviews early in spring training.
The way Jason Heyward has impressed, he could be a star before he plays his first regular season game. He is just one of a handful of young hitters hoping to use March as a springboard into a major role:
Jason Heyward has impressed the Braves with his overall game.
Jason Heyward, RF, Braves
Heyward came to camp with a chance to win the right field job. After a week of game action, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t begin the season in the Braves’ outfield. The 20-year-old has impressed the Braves with his hitting, plate discipline, fielding, baserunning and humility. The 6-4, 245-pounder had six hits — one a thunderous homer — six walks and only one strikeout in his first 21 plate appearances.
"He does a lot of stuff right," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "It’s amazing to me. We’ll see what happens."
"The way he carries himself on and off the field, he’s different from any other young kid I’ve ever seen," hitting coach Terry Pendleton said.
For example, Heyward remains unfazed by the media attention.
"I’ve been asked a lot of questions this spring," he said. "They will ask, ‘What about the hype around you?’ I say, ‘Well you guys are the hype around me. You guys are asking the questions every day, you guys are bringing it to me.’ I’m not feeling any hype because I’m just playing baseball. I’m doing the same thing I’ve been doing, the same thing I set out to do. That’s what I’m prepared to do."
Austin Jackson, CF, Tigers
The Tigers named the 23-year-old their starting center fielder upon his arrival in the Curtis Granderson trade, and he hasn’t disappointed. Thrust into the leadoff spot, Jackson, 23, had a homer, a stolen base and a .667 on-base percentage in his first six games this spring. "It’s a good feeling to know that you have a good opportunity," said Jackson.
Sean Rodriguez, 2B, Rays
With three homers in his first 14 at-bats, Rodriguez made his statement in a battle among three Rays for one starting job. Rodriguez, 24, acquired from the Angels in last August’s Scott Kazmir deal, is competing with Reid Brignac, 24, for the second base job. The competition has brought out the best in Brignac, too. He had seven hits in his first 14 at-bats. Right fielder Matt Joyce also is off to a strong start and remains in the picture, too. The Rays plan to use Ben Zobrist in right or second, depending on the play of the three youngsters.
Julio Borbon hit well down the 2009 stretch for the Rangers.
Julio Borbon, CF, Rangers
After his call-up last August, Borbon played well enough that Texas moved Josh Hamilton out of center to make a home for the speedster. He hit .312 and stole 19 bases in 46 games last season and was with the Rangers down the stretch.
"Having a taste from last year is a big step for me," said Borbon, 24. "I will go into this year knowing I can perform."
Borbon, a lefthanded hitter, didn’t play much against lefthanders last season (2-for-16) but won’t be babied this season.
"Julio doesn’t need to look over his shoulder," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He’s going to get a chance. There will be no leash on him."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman aren’t the only youngsters drawing rave reviews early in spring training.
The way Jason Heyward has impressed, he could be a star before he plays his first regular season game. He is just one of a handful of young hitters hoping to use March as a springboard into a major role:
Jason Heyward has impressed the Braves with his overall game.
Jason Heyward, RF, Braves
Heyward came to camp with a chance to win the right field job. After a week of game action, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t begin the season in the Braves’ outfield. The 20-year-old has impressed the Braves with his hitting, plate discipline, fielding, baserunning and humility. The 6-4, 245-pounder had six hits — one a thunderous homer — six walks and only one strikeout in his first 21 plate appearances.
"He does a lot of stuff right," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "It’s amazing to me. We’ll see what happens."
"The way he carries himself on and off the field, he’s different from any other young kid I’ve ever seen," hitting coach Terry Pendleton said.
For example, Heyward remains unfazed by the media attention.
"I’ve been asked a lot of questions this spring," he said. "They will ask, ‘What about the hype around you?’ I say, ‘Well you guys are the hype around me. You guys are asking the questions every day, you guys are bringing it to me.’ I’m not feeling any hype because I’m just playing baseball. I’m doing the same thing I’ve been doing, the same thing I set out to do. That’s what I’m prepared to do."
Austin Jackson, CF, Tigers
The Tigers named the 23-year-old their starting center fielder upon his arrival in the Curtis Granderson trade, and he hasn’t disappointed. Thrust into the leadoff spot, Jackson, 23, had a homer, a stolen base and a .667 on-base percentage in his first six games this spring. "It’s a good feeling to know that you have a good opportunity," said Jackson.
Sean Rodriguez, 2B, Rays
With three homers in his first 14 at-bats, Rodriguez made his statement in a battle among three Rays for one starting job. Rodriguez, 24, acquired from the Angels in last August’s Scott Kazmir deal, is competing with Reid Brignac, 24, for the second base job. The competition has brought out the best in Brignac, too. He had seven hits in his first 14 at-bats. Right fielder Matt Joyce also is off to a strong start and remains in the picture, too. The Rays plan to use Ben Zobrist in right or second, depending on the play of the three youngsters.
Julio Borbon hit well down the 2009 stretch for the Rangers.
Julio Borbon, CF, Rangers
After his call-up last August, Borbon played well enough that Texas moved Josh Hamilton out of center to make a home for the speedster. He hit .312 and stole 19 bases in 46 games last season and was with the Rangers down the stretch.
"Having a taste from last year is a big step for me," said Borbon, 24. "I will go into this year knowing I can perform."
Borbon, a lefthanded hitter, didn’t play much against lefthanders last season (2-for-16) but won’t be babied this season.
"Julio doesn’t need to look over his shoulder," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He’s going to get a chance. There will be no leash on him."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Expectations have changed in Milwaukee. The Brewers finished 80-82 last season, a disappointment after making the playoffs in 2008. However, it was the Brewers’ third consecutive season with at least 80 wins (that hadn’t happened since 1987-89). With sluggers Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in the middle of the lineup and burgeoning ace Yovani Gallardo in the rotation, expectations remain high for 2010. Beyond those three young stars, however, there are questions.
New Brewer Randy Wolf will be atop the rotation.
Three questions
1. Are the veteran lefthanders the solution for the rotation?
Massive upgrades were needed for a Milwaukee rotation that finished last in the majors with a 5.37 ERA in 2009. The Brewers aggressively pursued Randy Wolf and signed him to a three-year deal. Wolf was very efficient for the Dodgers last year, though his 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP resulted in only 11 wins. He fits in nicely with Gallardo, the rotation’s lone bright spot last year. Milwaukee also signed Doug Davis, a former Brewer who went 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA for Arizona last season. That trio is solid, though not overwhelming.
The three starters battling for the final two spots are big question marks. Manny Parra was an enigma last season. In five starts against the Cardinals, Parra had a 2.33 ERA. In his 22 starts against everyone else, he posted a 7.33 ERA. Jeff Suppan is in the final season of his four-year deal; the $12.5 million he will earn this season is a more compelling reason to keep him in the rotation than his 5.29 ERA from 2009. Dave Bush had a career 4.45 ERA heading into last season, then stumbled to a 6.38 ERA.
"We need to commit to be more effective pitching to the bottom of the strike zone," new pitching coach Rick Peterson said, detailing his plan for improvement.
2. Will Corey Hart, Carlos Gomez and Rickie Weeks bounce back?
If those three — who disappointed for different reasons last season — play to their abilities, the Brewers should have a very good offense. Even with down/injury-plagued seasons from Hart and Weeks, the Brewers managed to win 80 games with an awful rotation.
Gomez can impact the game with his speed, but getting on base has been his biggest problem — and the primary reason the Twins gave up on him. His on-base percentages by month last season: .250, .303, .286, .323, .295, .231. Gomez will hit toward the bottom of the Brewers’ lineup, which should relieve some of the pressure he might have felt leading off in Minnesota.
3. Is Milwaukee wasting the Braun-Fielder combo?
It isn’t as if the Brewers aren’t trying to win. General manager Doug Melvin has been aggressive when it comes to adding impact players — the trade for CC Sabathia and subsequent $100 million offer to retain him proved that — but the Brewers don’t enter 2010 as favorites to participate in the postseason. Braun is signed through 2015, but Fielder is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Another disappointing season in 2010 won’t convince him to pass up free agency.
Projected lineup
1. SS Alcides Escobar: .298 AVG at Class AAA last season, .304 in MLB.
2. 2B Rickie Weeks: Staying healthy is priority No. 1.
3. LF Ryan Braun: Elite bat: 32 HRs, 114 RBIs in ’09.
4. 1B Prince Fielder: Career bests in ’09: 141 RBIs, 1.014 OPS.
5. 3B Casey McGehee: 16 HRs, .301 AVG in surprising ’09.
6. RF Corey Hart: New goggles could improve batting eye.
7. CF Carlos Gomez: .229 AVG, 14 SBs for Twins in ’09.
8. C Gregg Zaun: 1 season with more than 110 GP in 15-year career.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Randy Wolf: 3.23 ERA, career-high 34 starts for Dodgers in ’09.
2. RHP Yovani Gallardo: 3.73 ERA, 1.31 WHIP led rotation in ’09.
3. LHP Doug Davis: Also started NL-best 34 games last season.
4. RHP Jeff Suppan: 29 wins, 4.93 ERA in three seasons with Brewers.
5. LHP Manny Parra: 10 wins, 4.39 ERA in ’08; 11 wins, 6.36 ERA in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Trevor Hoffman: 1.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP as 41-year-old last season.
Grades
Offense: B. The 3-4 combo of Braun and Fielder matches up with any in baseball. But there are issues. Will Hart and Weeks bounce back? Can Casey McGehee repeat his ’09 production? Can Zaun handle an increased workload? Can Gomez boost his on-base percentage above .300?
Pitching: C. The staff is improved from last season, when Gallardo and Hoffman were the only things keeping it from an F. Parra has the ability to become a No. 2 or 3 starter; if he finds that type of consistency, it really would improve the rotation. Trevor Hoffman is solid, as always, in the ninth inning.
Bench: C. Jody Gerut can play all three outfield positions but is better as a regular than as a spot starter. Craig Counsell hit .285 in 130 games last season and had a .542 on-base percentage as a pinch hitter. Mat Gamel has a good bat but is a defensive liability at third.
Manager: B. In his previous four seasons as manager, all with the A’s, Ken Macha’s teams had finished at least 14 games above .500. Last season, the Brewers finished two games under .500, though it is hard to place blame on Macha for the demise of his rotation.
Sporting News prediction: The Brewers have the look and balance of a .500 squad again. That should result in another third-place finish in the NL Central — unless the young Reds overtake them.
Coming Thursday: Reds preview.
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
Expectations have changed in Milwaukee. The Brewers finished 80-82 last season, a disappointment after making the playoffs in 2008. However, it was the Brewers’ third consecutive season with at least 80 wins (that hadn’t happened since 1987-89). With sluggers Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in the middle of the lineup and burgeoning ace Yovani Gallardo in the rotation, expectations remain high for 2010. Beyond those three young stars, however, there are questions.
New Brewer Randy Wolf will be atop the rotation.
Three questions
1. Are the veteran lefthanders the solution for the rotation?
Massive upgrades were needed for a Milwaukee rotation that finished last in the majors with a 5.37 ERA in 2009. The Brewers aggressively pursued Randy Wolf and signed him to a three-year deal. Wolf was very efficient for the Dodgers last year, though his 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP resulted in only 11 wins. He fits in nicely with Gallardo, the rotation’s lone bright spot last year. Milwaukee also signed Doug Davis, a former Brewer who went 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA for Arizona last season. That trio is solid, though not overwhelming.
The three starters battling for the final two spots are big question marks. Manny Parra was an enigma last season. In five starts against the Cardinals, Parra had a 2.33 ERA. In his 22 starts against everyone else, he posted a 7.33 ERA. Jeff Suppan is in the final season of his four-year deal; the $12.5 million he will earn this season is a more compelling reason to keep him in the rotation than his 5.29 ERA from 2009. Dave Bush had a career 4.45 ERA heading into last season, then stumbled to a 6.38 ERA.
"We need to commit to be more effective pitching to the bottom of the strike zone," new pitching coach Rick Peterson said, detailing his plan for improvement.
2. Will Corey Hart, Carlos Gomez and Rickie Weeks bounce back?
If those three — who disappointed for different reasons last season — play to their abilities, the Brewers should have a very good offense. Even with down/injury-plagued seasons from Hart and Weeks, the Brewers managed to win 80 games with an awful rotation.
Gomez can impact the game with his speed, but getting on base has been his biggest problem — and the primary reason the Twins gave up on him. His on-base percentages by month last season: .250, .303, .286, .323, .295, .231. Gomez will hit toward the bottom of the Brewers’ lineup, which should relieve some of the pressure he might have felt leading off in Minnesota.
3. Is Milwaukee wasting the Braun-Fielder combo?
It isn’t as if the Brewers aren’t trying to win. General manager Doug Melvin has been aggressive when it comes to adding impact players — the trade for CC Sabathia and subsequent $100 million offer to retain him proved that — but the Brewers don’t enter 2010 as favorites to participate in the postseason. Braun is signed through 2015, but Fielder is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Another disappointing season in 2010 won’t convince him to pass up free agency.
Projected lineup
1. SS Alcides Escobar: .298 AVG at Class AAA last season, .304 in MLB.
2. 2B Rickie Weeks: Staying healthy is priority No. 1.
3. LF Ryan Braun: Elite bat: 32 HRs, 114 RBIs in ’09.
4. 1B Prince Fielder: Career bests in ’09: 141 RBIs, 1.014 OPS.
5. 3B Casey McGehee: 16 HRs, .301 AVG in surprising ’09.
6. RF Corey Hart: New goggles could improve batting eye.
7. CF Carlos Gomez: .229 AVG, 14 SBs for Twins in ’09.
8. C Gregg Zaun: 1 season with more than 110 GP in 15-year career.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Randy Wolf: 3.23 ERA, career-high 34 starts for Dodgers in ’09.
2. RHP Yovani Gallardo: 3.73 ERA, 1.31 WHIP led rotation in ’09.
3. LHP Doug Davis: Also started NL-best 34 games last season.
4. RHP Jeff Suppan: 29 wins, 4.93 ERA in three seasons with Brewers.
5. LHP Manny Parra: 10 wins, 4.39 ERA in ’08; 11 wins, 6.36 ERA in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Trevor Hoffman: 1.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP as 41-year-old last season.
Grades
Offense: B. The 3-4 combo of Braun and Fielder matches up with any in baseball. But there are issues. Will Hart and Weeks bounce back? Can Casey McGehee repeat his ’09 production? Can Zaun handle an increased workload? Can Gomez boost his on-base percentage above .300?
Pitching: C. The staff is improved from last season, when Gallardo and Hoffman were the only things keeping it from an F. Parra has the ability to become a No. 2 or 3 starter; if he finds that type of consistency, it really would improve the rotation. Trevor Hoffman is solid, as always, in the ninth inning.
Bench: C. Jody Gerut can play all three outfield positions but is better as a regular than as a spot starter. Craig Counsell hit .285 in 130 games last season and had a .542 on-base percentage as a pinch hitter. Mat Gamel has a good bat but is a defensive liability at third.
Manager: B. In his previous four seasons as manager, all with the A’s, Ken Macha’s teams had finished at least 14 games above .500. Last season, the Brewers finished two games under .500, though it is hard to place blame on Macha for the demise of his rotation.
Sporting News prediction: The Brewers have the look and balance of a .500 squad again. That should result in another third-place finish in the NL Central — unless the young Reds overtake them.
Coming Thursday: Reds preview.
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and became a beloved player in the city.
The shortstop signed a one-day contract with his former team Wednesday before announcing he’s leaving baseball at 36 to become an ESPN analyst.
"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra said in a statement. "While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."
Garciaparra played parts of nine seasons in Boston. He was a six-time All-Star who captured the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year Award and won batting crowns in 1999 and 2000.
He also has a place in Red Sox lore for being part of a four-team trade in 2004 that helped the club win its first World Series in 86 years.
"I felt like I was there," Garciaparra said, referring to the championship celebration. "In Boston there’s something greater than an individual player winning a World Series. When I was there I realized there’s something bigger than us winning a World Series. It’s winning a World Series for these people."
General manager Theo Epstein, who grew up in the Boston area, was responsible for the trade that dispatched Garciaparra.
"We’ve been fortunate over the years to maintain a relationship after the trade," Epstein said. "I think both of us understood at the time that it wasn’t about Nomar and it wasn’t about me. It was just baseball trades that happen. They’re about what’s going on with the team at the time and certain things that had to happen. But, it didn’t change what Nomar meant to the Red Sox."
Terry Francona, who took over as Red Sox manager in 2004, saw just the last few months of Garciaparra’s time at Fenway Park.
"His last part in Boston was tough," Francona said. "He was kind of Boston-ed out. It had kind of wore on him for whatever reasons. Sometimes it’s time to move on. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. I think the fact he’s come back kind of shows that."
Garciaparra’s teammates – the beneficiaries of his acrobatic defense and clutch hitting – found it appropriate that he retired in a Boston uniform.
"He was a Red Sox for a long time and I think he’ll always be remembered as a Red Sox," said pitcher Tim Wakefield, who was Garciaparra’s teammate for the shortstop’s entire stay in Boston. "For the organization to sign him to a one-day deal and have him retire as a Red Sox is pretty special. I’m really happy for him. I wish he was still playing but sometimes our careers take different paths."
Garciaparra threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Jason Varitek catching. Garciaparra and Varitek were teammates in Boston and at Georgia Tech.
"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform. We are very appreciative that Nomar is ending his career where it began."
Garciaparra spent the past five seasons with the Cubs, Dodgers and A’s. He had a .313 career average with 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.
Garciaparra was in the thick of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry but always earned the respect of his opponents in New York.
"I always enjoyed playing against Boston because of Nomar," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I used to enjoy being mentioned with him."
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
—=
AP Sports Writer Howie Rumberg in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and became a beloved player in the city.
The shortstop signed a one-day contract with his former team Wednesday before announcing he’s leaving baseball at 36 to become an ESPN analyst.
"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra said in a statement. "While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."
Garciaparra played parts of nine seasons in Boston. He was a six-time All-Star who captured the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year Award and won batting crowns in 1999 and 2000.
He also has a place in Red Sox lore for being part of a four-team trade in 2004 that helped the club win its first World Series in 86 years.
"I felt like I was there," Garciaparra said, referring to the championship celebration. "In Boston there’s something greater than an individual player winning a World Series. When I was there I realized there’s something bigger than us winning a World Series. It’s winning a World Series for these people."
General manager Theo Epstein, who grew up in the Boston area, was responsible for the trade that dispatched Garciaparra.
"We’ve been fortunate over the years to maintain a relationship after the trade," Epstein said. "I think both of us understood at the time that it wasn’t about Nomar and it wasn’t about me. It was just baseball trades that happen. They’re about what’s going on with the team at the time and certain things that had to happen. But, it didn’t change what Nomar meant to the Red Sox."
Terry Francona, who took over as Red Sox manager in 2004, saw just the last few months of Garciaparra’s time at Fenway Park.
"His last part in Boston was tough," Francona said. "He was kind of Boston-ed out. It had kind of wore on him for whatever reasons. Sometimes it’s time to move on. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. I think the fact he’s come back kind of shows that."
Garciaparra’s teammates – the beneficiaries of his acrobatic defense and clutch hitting – found it appropriate that he retired in a Boston uniform.
"He was a Red Sox for a long time and I think he’ll always be remembered as a Red Sox," said pitcher Tim Wakefield, who was Garciaparra’s teammate for the shortstop’s entire stay in Boston. "For the organization to sign him to a one-day deal and have him retire as a Red Sox is pretty special. I’m really happy for him. I wish he was still playing but sometimes our careers take different paths."
Garciaparra threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Jason Varitek catching. Garciaparra and Varitek were teammates in Boston and at Georgia Tech.
"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform. We are very appreciative that Nomar is ending his career where it began."
Garciaparra spent the past five seasons with the Cubs, Dodgers and A’s. He had a .313 career average with 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.
Garciaparra was in the thick of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry but always earned the respect of his opponents in New York.
"I always enjoyed playing against Boston because of Nomar," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I used to enjoy being mentioned with him."
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
—=
AP Sports Writer Howie Rumberg in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
VIERA, Fla. — Stephen Strasburg made that look easy. Facing major league hitters for the first time, the ballyhooed righthander pitched two scoreless innings against the Tigers with little trouble and no 100-mph fastballs.
The phenom had a pretty good idea where his pitches were going Tuesday.
Aside from the overflowing photograph wells and overcrowded press box, this was not unlike a typical Tuesday afternoon spring-training game. Sun Coast Stadium was a little more than half-full, the temperature was in the mid-60s, and any buzz in the park likely was felt only by those enjoying their adult beverages.
Still, he was glad to have his first outing out of the way, even if it was just spring training.
"Absolutely," he said. "There was a lot of anticipation going on. It’s in the books, and now I can worry about my next outing and what I can do to prepare for that."
Strasburg allowed a couple of two-out singles to Tigers backups in the second inning and fell behind the next hitter, Brent Dlugach, 3-0. Then the 21-year-old with the $15.1 million contract got serious. The next three pitches were called strikes — the last two nasty changeups — and Strasburg’s debut was done.
Two innings, two hits, two strikeouts, zero walks. His performance was over in less than half an hour.
According to stadium scoreboard readings, Strasburg’s first pitch was clocked at 97 mph, and he touched 98 a couple of times but didn’t reach triple digits on this day. He threw 15 strikes among his 27 pitches.
His most effective pitch was a 98-mph high fastball that struck out slugger Miguel Cabrera. "He threw me two breaking balls in a row, so I was waiting for the fastball, but when you’re out of balance, it’s tough to hit," Cabrera said. "What you read about him is true. He’s real. You don’t see that kind of pitcher every year."
Starting for the Tigers was Rick Porcello, who actually is younger than Strasburg but already has pitched a full year in the majors. Porcello won 14 games with a 3.96 ERA as a 20-year-old rookie in 2009. Any advice for a fellow phenom?
"It looks like he has a pretty good idea right now," Porcello said.
Good enough to make his debut look routine.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
VIERA, Fla. — Stephen Strasburg made that look easy. Facing major league hitters for the first time, the ballyhooed righthander pitched two scoreless innings against the Tigers with little trouble and no 100-mph fastballs.
The phenom had a pretty good idea where his pitches were going Tuesday.
Aside from the overflowing photograph wells and overcrowded press box, this was not unlike a typical Tuesday afternoon spring-training game. Sun Coast Stadium was a little more than half-full, the temperature was in the mid-60s, and any buzz in the park likely was felt only by those enjoying their adult beverages.
Still, he was glad to have his first outing out of the way, even if it was just spring training.
"Absolutely," he said. "There was a lot of anticipation going on. It’s in the books, and now I can worry about my next outing and what I can do to prepare for that."
Strasburg allowed a couple of two-out singles to Tigers backups in the second inning and fell behind the next hitter, Brent Dlugach, 3-0. Then the 21-year-old with the $15.1 million contract got serious. The next three pitches were called strikes — the last two nasty changeups — and Strasburg’s debut was done.
Two innings, two hits, two strikeouts, zero walks. His performance was over in less than half an hour.
According to stadium scoreboard readings, Strasburg’s first pitch was clocked at 97 mph, and he touched 98 a couple of times but didn’t reach triple digits on this day. He threw 15 strikes among his 27 pitches.
His most effective pitch was a 98-mph high fastball that struck out slugger Miguel Cabrera. "He threw me two breaking balls in a row, so I was waiting for the fastball, but when you’re out of balance, it’s tough to hit," Cabrera said. "What you read about him is true. He’s real. You don’t see that kind of pitcher every year."
Starting for the Tigers was Rick Porcello, who actually is younger than Strasburg but already has pitched a full year in the majors. Porcello won 14 games with a 3.96 ERA as a 20-year-old rookie in 2009. Any advice for a fellow phenom?
"It looks like he has a pretty good idea right now," Porcello said.
Good enough to make his debut look routine.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
