Pitchers and catchers reported last week, but my spring training begins today. A seven-day stint in Phoenix followed by a long stretch in Florida. In addition to sunshine, easy deadlines and guzzling Publix sweet tea straight from the jug, there’s plenty I can’t wait to see:
Torii Hunter. I want to ask him if the Angels still should be favorites in the AL West. Yes, I already know his answer, too. I also know this: He will be smiling. Any time you talk to Hunter, you walk away feeling better about the game.
Stephen Strasburg pitch. His Grapefruit League debut is set for March 9 against the Tigers in Viera, Fla. A Tuesday game in early March typically does not draw a big crowd unless it involves the Yankees and/or Red Sox. Not much with Strasburg, however, is typical.
Aroldis Chapman has wowed the Reds so far.
Aroldis Chapman pitch. He wowed the Reds during his first session of live batting practice. Too bad there is no chance that Strasburg and Chapman will pitch in the same exhibition now that the Reds have moved to Arizona. Also, too bad for the Nationals that the Reds swooped in and landed the young lefthander. Otherwise, word out of Nationals camp is that Chapman could have been in the same rotation with Strasburg.
A Tigers game at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. An area outside the clubhouses down the right-field line is ideal for hanging out and snagging interviews. On a good day, you can sit at a table with Al Kaline. Last year, Yogi Berra was there, too, when the Yankees visited. First impression: How could someone that small have become so big?
Ken Griffey Jr. hold court in the Mariners’ clubhouse. Last year, Junior brought Ichiro out of a thaw. This year, he will work with Milton Bradley. No wonder the Mariners don’t care if Griffey doesn’t hit .300 anymore.
Braves prospect Jason Heyward take batting practice. Dale Murphy told me that unlike most young players, Heyward doesn’t use batting practice to see how far he can hit the ball. Oh, well. Should be fun, anyway.
Charlie Manuel watch batting practice behind the batting cage. Watch for just a little while and it is obvious that this is what Manuel was meant to do. Vin Scully behind a microphone could not be any more comfortable.
C.J. Wilson try to make the Rangers’ rotation. Not satisfied with being the club’s steadiest reliever, the lefthander has convinced Nolan Ryan and Co. to give him a chance to start. All he has to do is be one of the two best starters in camp to have a chance. If you don’t follow Wilson, you should — as much for his Tweets (str8edgeracer) as his twirling.
Neftali Feliz try to make the Rangers’ rotation.. If the 21-year-old isn’t their best pitcher today, he will be this time next year. If Wilson and Feliz have big springs, the Texas brain trust will have some interesting discussions in Surprise, Ariz.
Bobby Cox kick back in the dugout at Disney. In his spikes, as always.
Mark McGwire talk hitting. He has been in Cardinals’ camp only a week and perception already is changing. Maybe he can coach, after all. We should have figured. Tony La Russa would not set up McGwire to fail.
Jose Reyes at 100 percent. Baseball needs his smile. The Mets need his game.
Joe Maddon always has something interesting to say.
All the weight changes. Nowadays, more guys show up lighter than heavier. Russell Martin, however, has added 25 pounds, according to the Los Angeles Times. All muscle, of course. Among the reported losers: Andruw Jones (25 pounds), Aaron Cook (20), Anibal Sanchez (15), Aaron Rowand (10), Geovany Soto (a lot). Maybe the losers will inspire me.
A Joe Maddon session with reporters. You usually learn something, and not just about the Rays.
CC Sabathia shoot 3-pointers at an Orlando Magic game. Hey, it happened last year. Joba Chamberlain and Chien-Ming Wang took the court, too. I don’t remember if it was before or after the game, but I do remember they looked like big kids at the playground. I also remember thinking the backboard might need replacing after being hit by so many bricks.
The A’s work out at Papago Park. Talk about the way it should be. Nowhere can fans get closer to the action, plus an area between the fields and the clubhouses makes it easy for fans to walk right up to players. That doesn’t happen in Tampa.
The media lunch spread at a Braves game. You knew a baseball writer couldn’t do one of these columns without mentioning food.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Pitchers and catchers reported last week, but my spring training begins today. A seven-day stint in Phoenix followed by a long stretch in Florida. In addition to sunshine, easy deadlines and guzzling Publix sweet tea straight from the jug, there’s plenty I can’t wait to see:
Torii Hunter. I want to ask him if the Angels still should be favorites in the AL West. Yes, I already know his answer, too. I also know this: He will be smiling. Any time you talk to Hunter, you walk away feeling better about the game.
Stephen Strasburg pitch. His Grapefruit League debut is set for March 9 against the Tigers in Viera, Fla. A Tuesday game in early March typically does not draw a big crowd unless it involves the Yankees and/or Red Sox. Not much with Strasburg, however, is typical.
Aroldis Chapman has wowed the Reds so far.
Aroldis Chapman pitch. He wowed the Reds during his first session of live batting practice. Too bad there is no chance that Strasburg and Chapman will pitch in the same exhibition now that the Reds have moved to Arizona. Also, too bad for the Nationals that the Reds swooped in and landed the young lefthander. Otherwise, word out of Nationals camp is that Chapman could have been in the same rotation with Strasburg.
A Tigers game at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. An area outside the clubhouses down the right-field line is ideal for hanging out and snagging interviews. On a good day, you can sit at a table with Al Kaline. Last year, Yogi Berra was there, too, when the Yankees visited. First impression: How could someone that small have become so big?
Ken Griffey Jr. hold court in the Mariners’ clubhouse. Last year, Junior brought Ichiro out of a thaw. This year, he will work with Milton Bradley. No wonder the Mariners don’t care if Griffey doesn’t hit .300 anymore.
Braves prospect Jason Heyward take batting practice. Dale Murphy told me that unlike most young players, Heyward doesn’t use batting practice to see how far he can hit the ball. Oh, well. Should be fun, anyway.
Charlie Manuel watch batting practice behind the batting cage. Watch for just a little while and it is obvious that this is what Manuel was meant to do. Vin Scully behind a microphone could not be any more comfortable.
C.J. Wilson try to make the Rangers’ rotation. Not satisfied with being the club’s steadiest reliever, the lefthander has convinced Nolan Ryan and Co. to give him a chance to start. All he has to do is be one of the two best starters in camp to have a chance. If you don’t follow Wilson, you should — as much for his Tweets (str8edgeracer) as his twirling.
Neftali Feliz try to make the Rangers’ rotation.. If the 21-year-old isn’t their best pitcher today, he will be this time next year. If Wilson and Feliz have big springs, the Texas brain trust will have some interesting discussions in Surprise, Ariz.
Bobby Cox kick back in the dugout at Disney. In his spikes, as always.
Mark McGwire talk hitting. He has been in Cardinals’ camp only a week and perception already is changing. Maybe he can coach, after all. We should have figured. Tony La Russa would not set up McGwire to fail.
Jose Reyes at 100 percent. Baseball needs his smile. The Mets need his game.
Joe Maddon always has something interesting to say.
All the weight changes. Nowadays, more guys show up lighter than heavier. Russell Martin, however, has added 25 pounds, according to the Los Angeles Times. All muscle, of course. Among the reported losers: Andruw Jones (25 pounds), Aaron Cook (20), Anibal Sanchez (15), Aaron Rowand (10), Geovany Soto (a lot). Maybe the losers will inspire me.
A Joe Maddon session with reporters. You usually learn something, and not just about the Rays.
CC Sabathia shoot 3-pointers at an Orlando Magic game. Hey, it happened last year. Joba Chamberlain and Chien-Ming Wang took the court, too. I don’t remember if it was before or after the game, but I do remember they looked like big kids at the playground. I also remember thinking the backboard might need replacing after being hit by so many bricks.
The A’s work out at Papago Park. Talk about the way it should be. Nowhere can fans get closer to the action, plus an area between the fields and the clubhouses makes it easy for fans to walk right up to players. That doesn’t happen in Tampa.
The media lunch spread at a Braves game. You knew a baseball writer couldn’t do one of these columns without mentioning food.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Signed as a free agent this offseason, new Mets left fielder Jason Bay recently spoke with Sporting News’ Stan McNeal about his new team:
‘If I get out there 150-plus times, my numbers will be there,’ Jason Bay says.
Having played in Boston will help me a ton moving to New York.
When I was traded from Pittsburgh to Boston, the difference was like, boom. There’s always an electricity at Fenway — every game matters so much. Like everyone who hasn’t had that opportunity, I wondered if I could handle it. After having that experience, it would be tough to go back to the old situation.
My expectations are the same as always. I will try to play as many games as I can. If I get out there 150-plus times, my numbers will be there. I can’t do that without having good guys around me. On this team, there’s not one or two guys expected to carry the team every day, and that helps us all.
People are hesitant to keep bringing up how many injuries this team had last year because it sounds like an excuse. As an outsider coming in, I can tell you it’s the truth. Talentwise, this team stacks up against anybody. It’s the same team that many people picked to go far in the playoffs before last year.
Everybody realizes we need to pitch better. We have arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana, and behind him, there’s a lot of talent. Maybe they underachieved last year, but that stuff happens. What you hope is that it happened all at once for everybody and now it’s out of their system.
This story first appeared in the February 15 edition of 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.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Signed as a free agent this offseason, new Mets left fielder Jason Bay recently spoke with Sporting News’ Stan McNeal about his new team:
‘If I get out there 150-plus times, my numbers will be there,’ Jason Bay says.
Having played in Boston will help me a ton moving to New York.
When I was traded from Pittsburgh to Boston, the difference was like, boom. There’s always an electricity at Fenway — every game matters so much. Like everyone who hasn’t had that opportunity, I wondered if I could handle it. After having that experience, it would be tough to go back to the old situation.
My expectations are the same as always. I will try to play as many games as I can. If I get out there 150-plus times, my numbers will be there. I can’t do that without having good guys around me. On this team, there’s not one or two guys expected to carry the team every day, and that helps us all.
People are hesitant to keep bringing up how many injuries this team had last year because it sounds like an excuse. As an outsider coming in, I can tell you it’s the truth. Talentwise, this team stacks up against anybody. It’s the same team that many people picked to go far in the playoffs before last year.
Everybody realizes we need to pitch better. We have arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana, and behind him, there’s a lot of talent. Maybe they underachieved last year, but that stuff happens. What you hope is that it happened all at once for everybody and now it’s out of their system.
This story first appeared in the February 15 edition of 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.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
What was the best moment of the Mets’ 2009 campaign? Probably the last moment — the final out of a season in which so many things went wrong that it would have been comical if it weren’t so sad. But that is over, and the Mets have reason for optimism in 2010. Jason Bay signed a four-year deal with the club, and Jose Reyes, arguably baseball’s most exciting player before he landed on the disabled list, is healthy and ready to go.
Three questions
A healthy and productive Oliver Perez is key to the Mets’ postseason hopes.
1. Is Bay the solution to the great power outage of 2009?
Daniel Murphy led the Mets with 12 homers last season. Every other major league team had at least two players with 12 or more homers, and 27 of the 30 teams had at least four players with 12 or more homers. There were a number of factors that contributed to the Mets’ MLB-worst 95 homers: the new ballpark, injuries to Reyes and Carlos Beltran and an unexplained drop in power from David Wright. The third baseman went from 33 homers in 2008 to 10 in 2009 despite playing in 144 games.
Bay certainly will help the offensive production — he clubbed 36 homers and drove in 119 runs for the Red Sox last season — but he isn’t a savior. To get back into the playoff conversation, the Mets need Reyes, Beltran and Wright to stay healthy and produce at their historical levels.
2. What should they expect from Oliver Perez?
If you don’t expect anything, you can’t be disappointed, right? That is the ideal way for Mets fans — and the front office — to approach Perez in 2010, but it isn’t realistic. Mets fans know that a healthy and productive Perez is key to any sort of playoff push. Members of the team’s front office will agree with that sentiment, and they owe Perez $24 million over the next two seasons. Therefore, the Mets have pulled out all the stops to get him back on track, including lining up tutoring sessions with the great Sandy Koufax this spring.
"(Perez is) a back-end-of-the-rotation-type starter," one NL scout said. "He was bothered nearly all season by his right knee, which required surgery. … That injury hampered his velocity and diminished his already questionable control. Perez had been able to throw strikes early in games, but the tendinitis prevented him from having the delay in his delivery, impacting the control and limiting his velocity."
3. Can they survive Beltran’s absence?
Beltran was hitting .336 with a .952 OPS when he was forced to the disabled list because of a knee injury in late June. He returned in September, long after the Mets were out of contention, and appeared to be healthy. But Beltran will miss at least the first month of the 2010 season after offseason knee surgery.
Manager Jerry Manuel likely will drop Reyes to the No. 3 spot in the batting order, and Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews Jr. will compete for the center field job. With the Phillies favored to win a third consecutive NL East title and the Braves and Marlins expected to contend for the wild card, there isn’t much margin of error for the Mets. One bad month might be too much to overcome.
Projected lineup
1. CF Angel Pagan:.306 AVG in 88 games in ’09.
2. 1B Daniel Murphy: Hit .291 after July.
3. SS Jose Reyes: Hamstring limited him to 36 games.
4. 3B David Wright: Career-low .837 OPS last season.
5. LF Jason Bay: 36 HRs, 119 RBIs were career bests.
6. RF Jeff Francoeur: .311 AVG after trade to Mets.
7. C Rod Barajas: 19 HRs, 71 RBIs for Blue Jays.
8. 2B Luis Castillo: Bounce-back season (.387 OBP) in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Johan Santana: Run support (3.89) was 9th-worst in MLB.
2. RHP Mike Pelfrey: Led team in starts (31), IP (184 1/3).
3. RHP John Maine: 4.01 career ERA with Mets (88 games).
4. LHP Oliver Perez: 6.92 ERA, 1.92 WHIP in 14 starts.
5. RHP Fernando Nieve: 3.12 ERA in seven ’09 starts.
Projected closer
RHP Francisco Rodriguez. Career-worst 3.71 ERA last season.
Grades
Offense: C. It was anemic (671 runs) last season, but the addition of Bay and the return of Reyes — and the eventual return of Beltran — will help. If Reyes and Beltran are healthy and if Wright rediscovers his power stoke, this could be an A-type group.
Pitching: C. The ever-effective Johan Santana leads a rotation that has more questions than certainties. Mike Pelfrey was the only Met to start more than 25 games last season, but the team didn’t upgrade the rotation by acquiring an established starter in the offseason. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was effective — but far from dominant — in his first season with the Mets.
Bench: B. Fernando Tatis and Mike Jacobs will provide some pop. Assuming Pagan wins the temporary center field job, Matthews will give the bench a solid defensive outfielder who can play all three spots. Alex Cora is one of the majors’ best backup middle infielders.
Manager: C. Considering all of the injuries with which his club had to deal, it is hard to accurately judge the job Manuel did in his first full season as Mets manager. And he will have his hands full early this season, juggling the lineup until Beltran returns.
Sporting News prediction: If healthy, the Mets’ offense should improve dramatically. The pitching staff has too many questions, however, to expect anything more than a third-place finish in the NL East.
Coming Friday: Nationals preview.
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
What was the best moment of the Mets’ 2009 campaign? Probably the last moment — the final out of a season in which so many things went wrong that it would have been comical if it weren’t so sad. But that is over, and the Mets have reason for optimism in 2010. Jason Bay signed a four-year deal with the club, and Jose Reyes, arguably baseball’s most exciting player before he landed on the disabled list, is healthy and ready to go.
Three questions
A healthy and productive Oliver Perez is key to the Mets’ postseason hopes.
1. Is Bay the solution to the great power outage of 2009?
Daniel Murphy led the Mets with 12 homers last season. Every other major league team had at least two players with 12 or more homers, and 27 of the 30 teams had at least four players with 12 or more homers. There were a number of factors that contributed to the Mets’ MLB-worst 95 homers: the new ballpark, injuries to Reyes and Carlos Beltran and an unexplained drop in power from David Wright. The third baseman went from 33 homers in 2008 to 10 in 2009 despite playing in 144 games.
Bay certainly will help the offensive production — he clubbed 36 homers and drove in 119 runs for the Red Sox last season — but he isn’t a savior. To get back into the playoff conversation, the Mets need Reyes, Beltran and Wright to stay healthy and produce at their historical levels.
2. What should they expect from Oliver Perez?
If you don’t expect anything, you can’t be disappointed, right? That is the ideal way for Mets fans — and the front office — to approach Perez in 2010, but it isn’t realistic. Mets fans know that a healthy and productive Perez is key to any sort of playoff push. Members of the team’s front office will agree with that sentiment, and they owe Perez $24 million over the next two seasons. Therefore, the Mets have pulled out all the stops to get him back on track, including lining up tutoring sessions with the great Sandy Koufax this spring.
"(Perez is) a back-end-of-the-rotation-type starter," one NL scout said. "He was bothered nearly all season by his right knee, which required surgery. … That injury hampered his velocity and diminished his already questionable control. Perez had been able to throw strikes early in games, but the tendinitis prevented him from having the delay in his delivery, impacting the control and limiting his velocity."
3. Can they survive Beltran’s absence?
Beltran was hitting .336 with a .952 OPS when he was forced to the disabled list because of a knee injury in late June. He returned in September, long after the Mets were out of contention, and appeared to be healthy. But Beltran will miss at least the first month of the 2010 season after offseason knee surgery.
Manager Jerry Manuel likely will drop Reyes to the No. 3 spot in the batting order, and Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews Jr. will compete for the center field job. With the Phillies favored to win a third consecutive NL East title and the Braves and Marlins expected to contend for the wild card, there isn’t much margin of error for the Mets. One bad month might be too much to overcome.
Projected lineup
1. CF Angel Pagan:.306 AVG in 88 games in ’09.
2. 1B Daniel Murphy: Hit .291 after July.
3. SS Jose Reyes: Hamstring limited him to 36 games.
4. 3B David Wright: Career-low .837 OPS last season.
5. LF Jason Bay: 36 HRs, 119 RBIs were career bests.
6. RF Jeff Francoeur: .311 AVG after trade to Mets.
7. C Rod Barajas: 19 HRs, 71 RBIs for Blue Jays.
8. 2B Luis Castillo: Bounce-back season (.387 OBP) in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Johan Santana: Run support (3.89) was 9th-worst in MLB.
2. RHP Mike Pelfrey: Led team in starts (31), IP (184 1/3).
3. RHP John Maine: 4.01 career ERA with Mets (88 games).
4. LHP Oliver Perez: 6.92 ERA, 1.92 WHIP in 14 starts.
5. RHP Fernando Nieve: 3.12 ERA in seven ’09 starts.
Projected closer
RHP Francisco Rodriguez. Career-worst 3.71 ERA last season.
Grades
Offense: C. It was anemic (671 runs) last season, but the addition of Bay and the return of Reyes — and the eventual return of Beltran — will help. If Reyes and Beltran are healthy and if Wright rediscovers his power stoke, this could be an A-type group.
Pitching: C. The ever-effective Johan Santana leads a rotation that has more questions than certainties. Mike Pelfrey was the only Met to start more than 25 games last season, but the team didn’t upgrade the rotation by acquiring an established starter in the offseason. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was effective — but far from dominant — in his first season with the Mets.
Bench: B. Fernando Tatis and Mike Jacobs will provide some pop. Assuming Pagan wins the temporary center field job, Matthews will give the bench a solid defensive outfielder who can play all three spots. Alex Cora is one of the majors’ best backup middle infielders.
Manager: C. Considering all of the injuries with which his club had to deal, it is hard to accurately judge the job Manuel did in his first full season as Mets manager. And he will have his hands full early this season, juggling the lineup until Beltran returns.
Sporting News prediction: If healthy, the Mets’ offense should improve dramatically. The pitching staff has too many questions, however, to expect anything more than a third-place finish in the NL East.
Coming Friday: Nationals preview.
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Stephen Strasburg will make his first exhibition start March 9; when will the Nationals’ top prospect make his first regular-season start?
Nats president Stan Kasten isn’t ready to put a date on that. He tells MLB.com that Strasburg and fellow phenim Drew Storen will be promoted "as soon as they can make it up here reliably."
"We will not bring them up sooner than they are able, and we will not leave them down (in the minor leagues) longer than they need to be down there," Kasten adds.
Still, Kasten is eagerly anticipating Strasburg’s spring debut against the Tigers in Viera, Fla.
"You can’t help but be exited and intrigued by all the interest that has surrounded him. Having been down this road a lot in the past, I know when to temper my expectations — to give things time and not to get too excited.
"It’s hard not to get too excited. You are not only watching with your eyes, you are also listening to people who have been in baseball for decades making observations that match what you are seeing.
"If Stephen could carry that forward to the Major Leagues, it will be an exciting time for all of us, especially our fans. We have to keep our fingers crossed."
Strasburg, projected to be the Nats’ future ace, was the first overall selection in the 2009 draft; Storen, the team’s closer of the future, was chosen with the 10th pick.
Sporting News staff reports
Stephen Strasburg will make his first exhibition start March 9; when will the Nationals’ top prospect make his first regular-season start?
Nats president Stan Kasten isn’t ready to put a date on that. He tells MLB.com that Strasburg and fellow phenim Drew Storen will be promoted "as soon as they can make it up here reliably."
"We will not bring them up sooner than they are able, and we will not leave them down (in the minor leagues) longer than they need to be down there," Kasten adds.
Still, Kasten is eagerly anticipating Strasburg’s spring debut against the Tigers in Viera, Fla.
"You can’t help but be exited and intrigued by all the interest that has surrounded him. Having been down this road a lot in the past, I know when to temper my expectations — to give things time and not to get too excited.
"It’s hard not to get too excited. You are not only watching with your eyes, you are also listening to people who have been in baseball for decades making observations that match what you are seeing.
"If Stephen could carry that forward to the Major Leagues, it will be an exciting time for all of us, especially our fans. We have to keep our fingers crossed."
Strasburg, projected to be the Nats’ future ace, was the first overall selection in the 2009 draft; Storen, the team’s closer of the future, was chosen with the 10th pick.
Sporting News staff reports
Lance Berkman is preparing himself mentally to leave the Astros after this season.
The slugging first baseman
tells the Houston Chronicle he "may have to" find another team after 2010, "whether I like it or not." The Astros have a $15 million club option for 2011, with a $2 million buyout.
"If they don’t pick up my option, then to me that says they may like me to come back at a discount but they don’t really want me," Berkman tells the newspaper. "If that’s the case, then I’ll just see what else is out there."
He hinted that he might even consider retiring ("If they don’t pick it up, I’ll probably take my ball and go home."), although the Chronicle speculated that it’s more likely Berkman would continue playing. Berkman was drafted by the Astros out of Rice University and he wants to finish his career in Houston. He has full no-trade protection.
Berkman is coming off a down year statistically: a career-low .274 average, 25 home runs and 80 RBIs.
"This will be my 12th year, so, heck, if I had 11 great years, that would be unusual," he tells the Chronicle. "You’re going to have a couple of years when things don’t go well and last year was one of them. I don’t expect it’s going to have a lasting impact."
Sporting News staff reports
Lance Berkman is preparing himself mentally to leave the Astros after this season.
The slugging first baseman
tells the Houston Chronicle he "may have to" find another team after 2010, "whether I like it or not." The Astros have a $15 million club option for 2011, with a $2 million buyout.
"If they don’t pick up my option, then to me that says they may like me to come back at a discount but they don’t really want me," Berkman tells the newspaper. "If that’s the case, then I’ll just see what else is out there."
He hinted that he might even consider retiring ("If they don’t pick it up, I’ll probably take my ball and go home."), although the Chronicle speculated that it’s more likely Berkman would continue playing. Berkman was drafted by the Astros out of Rice University and he wants to finish his career in Houston. He has full no-trade protection.
Berkman is coming off a down year statistically: a career-low .274 average, 25 home runs and 80 RBIs.
"This will be my 12th year, so, heck, if I had 11 great years, that would be unusual," he tells the Chronicle. "You’re going to have a couple of years when things don’t go well and last year was one of them. I don’t expect it’s going to have a lasting impact."
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, there is speculation that Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano could return to the leadoff spot this season. For that to happen, shortstop Ryan Theriot and right fielder Kosuke Fukudome would have to falter in that role this spring.
Manager Lou Piniella told the newspaper that the plan still is for Soriano to hit lower in the order in an RBI spot. After 2 1/2 seasons at leadoff, Soriano moved to sixth last July, partially because of a slump and partially because of injuries. Soriano admitted earlier this week that his surgically repaired left knee still is giving him problems.
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, there is speculation that Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano could return to the leadoff spot this season. For that to happen, shortstop Ryan Theriot and right fielder Kosuke Fukudome would have to falter in that role this spring.
Manager Lou Piniella told the newspaper that the plan still is for Soriano to hit lower in the order in an RBI spot. After 2 1/2 seasons at leadoff, Soriano moved to sixth last July, partially because of a slump and partially because of injuries. Soriano admitted earlier this week that his surgically repaired left knee still is giving him problems.
Sporting News staff reports
A year after reporting to spring training with a slimmed-down look, Dodgers catcher Russell Martin packed on about 25 pounds this offseason, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Martin told the newspaper he’s up to 231 pounds, and he added that he might add a few more pounds during the season.
The decision to bulk back up came after Martin set career lows with a .250 batting average, seven homers and 53 RBIs in 2009. In fact, he didn’t homer until June 20. In 2007, Martin established career highs in homers (19), RBIs (87) and batting average (.293).
The newspaper reported that the 5-foot-10 Martin’s weight gain didn’t come in the form of fat. Instead, he did more power lifting, did some intense training and was less strict with his diet.
"It’s not like I’m eating pizza every day now," he said. "It’s just that if I have a steak, I’m not afraid to eat a potato with that."
Sporting News staff reports
A year after reporting to spring training with a slimmed-down look, Dodgers catcher Russell Martin packed on about 25 pounds this offseason, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Martin told the newspaper he’s up to 231 pounds, and he added that he might add a few more pounds during the season.
The decision to bulk back up came after Martin set career lows with a .250 batting average, seven homers and 53 RBIs in 2009. In fact, he didn’t homer until June 20. In 2007, Martin established career highs in homers (19), RBIs (87) and batting average (.293).
The newspaper reported that the 5-foot-10 Martin’s weight gain didn’t come in the form of fat. Instead, he did more power lifting, did some intense training and was less strict with his diet.
"It’s not like I’m eating pizza every day now," he said. "It’s just that if I have a steak, I’m not afraid to eat a potato with that."
The Braves hope to reclaim the NL East title in manager Bobby Cox’s final season.
After a run of 14 consecutive division titles, Bobby Cox’s Braves haven’t been to the postseason since 2005. Atlanta would like nothing more than to make another October run in what will be Cox’s final season. The Braves won 86 games in 2009 and finished with the majors’ sixth-best run differential (+94) but fell six games short of the postseason. Pitching will lead their charge this season, though good health also will be vital.
Three questions
1. Is the pitching staff better?
With a surplus of starting pitchers, the Braves sold high on Javier Vazquez, who had a career year in 2009 (15-10, 2.87 ERA, 238 strikeouts). They also lost their top two relievers, trading Rafael Soriano (27 saves, 2.97 ERA) and allowing Mike Gonzalez (10 saves, 2.42 ERA) to leave via free agency. Signed to take their place: setup man Takashi Saito and closer Billy Wagner, both of whom finished the 2009 season with Boston.
Even without Vazquez, the Braves boast arguably the deepest and best rotation in the National League. Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens finished 2009 with sub-3.00 ERAs, and Tim Hudson will be a year and a half removed from Tommy John surgery. "Their starting rotation, one through five, is going to hold some teams down," Braves TV analyst Brian Jordan said. "The bullpen looks great. I really think they upgraded the bullpen."
2. Can Troy Glaus stay healthy?
The Braves hope a move from third base to first base, where Glaus has played only six games as a major leaguer (he has played thrice that many games at shortstop), will reduce the wear and tear on his shoulder. Because of shoulder surgery, Glaus didn’t play until Sept. 2 last season and hit just .172 with no homers in 32 plate appearances. However, he hit 27 homers in 2008 and is only four years removed from a 38-homer season.
Braves first basemen hit just 19 homers last season — tied for 22nd in the majors — and 12 of those came from late-season acquisition Adam LaRoche. They finished tied for 24th with 86 RBIs, with LaRoche accounting for 40 of those. A healthy and productive Glaus would go a long way toward the Braves’ reaching their goal of more run production.
3. Will Jason Heyward break camp with the team?
As promising as the 20-year-old prospect is and as badly as the Braves need offense, it is important to note that Heyward has played in just 50 games above the Class A level and just three games at the Class AAA level. With Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz and Melky Cabrera as starting options, there is no need to rush Heyward.
Still, a strong spring by Heyward could make it impossible for the Braves to turn to anyone else as their starting right fielder. Heyward can hit for average (.318 in the minors) and power (17 homers last season), can run (26 steals over three seasons) and throw (12 outfield assists last season) and has a career .391 on-base percentage in the minors.
Atlanta’s formidable rotation includes Tommy Hanson, who is coming off a stellar rookie season.
Projected lineup
1. CF Nate McLouth: .208 average at Turner Field in ’09.
2. 2B Martin Prado: Hit .300-plus four of six months.
3. 3B Chipper Jones: Average dropped 100 points in ’09.
4. 1B Troy Glaus: .236 career average as cleanup hitter.
5. C Brian McCann: 57 of 94 RBIs came after break.
6. SS Yunel Escobar: Career highs in ’09: 14 HRs, 76 RBIs.
7. LF Matt Diaz: Hit .412 vs. lefthanders.
8. RF Melky Cabrera: Career-best 13 HRs in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Tim Hudson: 3.61 ERA in seven starts in ’09.
2. RHP Derek Lowe: 3.44 through June 9, 5.59 ERA after.
3. RHP Jair Jurrjens: 16th in MLB with .237 BAA.
4. RHP Tommy Hanson: 33 of 46 BBs were vs. lefthanders.
5. RHP Kenshin Kawakami: Seven home losses, despite 3.65 ERA.
Projected closer
LHP Billy Wagner: 26 K’s in 15 2/3 IP after return.
Grades
Offense: C. Atlanta was 17th in runs and OPS and 22nd in homers in 2009. And it didn’t acquire the big bat — either in free agency or in exchange for Vazquez — that many felt it needed. Glaus could provide the power the Braves desire, and a bounce-back season form Chipper Jones also would be welcome.
Pitching: A. The Braves finished third in the majors with a 3.57 ERA last season and could be even better if Wagner and Hudson are 100 percent. Hanson, 23, and Jurrjens, who just turned 24, have yet to approach their ceiling. Derek Lowe must bounce back after a poor second half.
Bench: B. Good-luck charm Eric Hinske, who has played in the past three World Series, provides some pop and versatility. Omar Infante, who started at six positions in 2009, posted a career-best .361 on-base percentage and .305 batting average. If Heyward starts, the bench would get a boost with the addition of Cabrera/Diaz.
Manager: A. The foundation of Cox’s great Braves teams was pitching, and he certainly has the arms to return to the postseason. Known as a player’s manager, Cox will extract every ounce of effort from his squad as he attempts to add another ring and reach 2,500 career wins (he is 87 short).
Sporting News prediction: Atlanta should close the gap on the Phillies in the NL East, but its main focus will be on a hotly-contested race for the NL wild card.
Coming Thursday: Mets preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
The Braves hope to reclaim the NL East title in manager Bobby Cox’s final season.
After a run of 14 consecutive division titles, Bobby Cox’s Braves haven’t been to the postseason since 2005. Atlanta would like nothing more than to make another October run in what will be Cox’s final season. The Braves won 86 games in 2009 and finished with the majors’ sixth-best run differential (+94) but fell six games short of the postseason. Pitching will lead their charge this season, though good health also will be vital.
Three questions
1. Is the pitching staff better?
With a surplus of starting pitchers, the Braves sold high on Javier Vazquez, who had a career year in 2009 (15-10, 2.87 ERA, 238 strikeouts). They also lost their top two relievers, trading Rafael Soriano (27 saves, 2.97 ERA) and allowing Mike Gonzalez (10 saves, 2.42 ERA) to leave via free agency. Signed to take their place: setup man Takashi Saito and closer Billy Wagner, both of whom finished the 2009 season with Boston.
Even without Vazquez, the Braves boast arguably the deepest and best rotation in the National League. Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens finished 2009 with sub-3.00 ERAs, and Tim Hudson will be a year and a half removed from Tommy John surgery. "Their starting rotation, one through five, is going to hold some teams down," Braves TV analyst Brian Jordan said. "The bullpen looks great. I really think they upgraded the bullpen."
2. Can Troy Glaus stay healthy?
The Braves hope a move from third base to first base, where Glaus has played only six games as a major leaguer (he has played thrice that many games at shortstop), will reduce the wear and tear on his shoulder. Because of shoulder surgery, Glaus didn’t play until Sept. 2 last season and hit just .172 with no homers in 32 plate appearances. However, he hit 27 homers in 2008 and is only four years removed from a 38-homer season.
Braves first basemen hit just 19 homers last season — tied for 22nd in the majors — and 12 of those came from late-season acquisition Adam LaRoche. They finished tied for 24th with 86 RBIs, with LaRoche accounting for 40 of those. A healthy and productive Glaus would go a long way toward the Braves’ reaching their goal of more run production.
3. Will Jason Heyward break camp with the team?
As promising as the 20-year-old prospect is and as badly as the Braves need offense, it is important to note that Heyward has played in just 50 games above the Class A level and just three games at the Class AAA level. With Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz and Melky Cabrera as starting options, there is no need to rush Heyward.
Still, a strong spring by Heyward could make it impossible for the Braves to turn to anyone else as their starting right fielder. Heyward can hit for average (.318 in the minors) and power (17 homers last season), can run (26 steals over three seasons) and throw (12 outfield assists last season) and has a career .391 on-base percentage in the minors.
Atlanta’s formidable rotation includes Tommy Hanson, who is coming off a stellar rookie season.
Projected lineup
1. CF Nate McLouth: .208 average at Turner Field in ’09.
2. 2B Martin Prado: Hit .300-plus four of six months.
3. 3B Chipper Jones: Average dropped 100 points in ’09.
4. 1B Troy Glaus: .236 career average as cleanup hitter.
5. C Brian McCann: 57 of 94 RBIs came after break.
6. SS Yunel Escobar: Career highs in ’09: 14 HRs, 76 RBIs.
7. LF Matt Diaz: Hit .412 vs. lefthanders.
8. RF Melky Cabrera: Career-best 13 HRs in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Tim Hudson: 3.61 ERA in seven starts in ’09.
2. RHP Derek Lowe: 3.44 through June 9, 5.59 ERA after.
3. RHP Jair Jurrjens: 16th in MLB with .237 BAA.
4. RHP Tommy Hanson: 33 of 46 BBs were vs. lefthanders.
5. RHP Kenshin Kawakami: Seven home losses, despite 3.65 ERA.
Projected closer
LHP Billy Wagner: 26 K’s in 15 2/3 IP after return.
Grades
Offense: C. Atlanta was 17th in runs and OPS and 22nd in homers in 2009. And it didn’t acquire the big bat — either in free agency or in exchange for Vazquez — that many felt it needed. Glaus could provide the power the Braves desire, and a bounce-back season form Chipper Jones also would be welcome.
Pitching: A. The Braves finished third in the majors with a 3.57 ERA last season and could be even better if Wagner and Hudson are 100 percent. Hanson, 23, and Jurrjens, who just turned 24, have yet to approach their ceiling. Derek Lowe must bounce back after a poor second half.
Bench: B. Good-luck charm Eric Hinske, who has played in the past three World Series, provides some pop and versatility. Omar Infante, who started at six positions in 2009, posted a career-best .361 on-base percentage and .305 batting average. If Heyward starts, the bench would get a boost with the addition of Cabrera/Diaz.
Manager: A. The foundation of Cox’s great Braves teams was pitching, and he certainly has the arms to return to the postseason. Known as a player’s manager, Cox will extract every ounce of effort from his squad as he attempts to add another ring and reach 2,500 career wins (he is 87 short).
Sporting News prediction: Atlanta should close the gap on the Phillies in the NL East, but its main focus will be on a hotly-contested race for the NL wild card.
Coming Thursday: Mets preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
An NL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Which Met is more likely to bounce back after a disappointing 2009: David Wright or Oliver Perez?
Scout says: "Wright is more likely to bounce back. Wright has a good compact swing with strong, quick hands. (He) tried to do too much last season with several of their key guys on the disabled list, and he was expanding the strike zone. Perez has a high-maintenance delivery; he can get out of sync fast and continues to be off and on with command of his pitches."
Who’s the ace of the division: Roy Halladay, Johan Santana or Josh Johnson?
Scout says: "The ace of the division is Roy Halladay. He had another fantastic season for the Jays (in 2009), including a career-high 208 strikeouts. He’s escaped the AL East, but he landed in a more hitterfriendly home park. I still expect Cy Young-caliber performances from him, and his bids for individual and team hardware will be stronger as he’ll have an excellent chance at winning 20-plus games with a better team behind him in Philadelphia."
Which Cole Hamels will show up this season?
Scout says: "Cole Hamels will be much better than he was in 2009, though it will be very hard to match his 2008 season. He began last year with some arm soreness, and his ERA went from 3.09 in 2008 to 4.32 in 2009. He needs to revive his curveball to get back to his 2008 form."
This story first appeared in the Feb. 15, 2010, edition of 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.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
An NL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Which Met is more likely to bounce back after a disappointing 2009: David Wright or Oliver Perez?
Scout says: "Wright is more likely to bounce back. Wright has a good compact swing with strong, quick hands. (He) tried to do too much last season with several of their key guys on the disabled list, and he was expanding the strike zone. Perez has a high-maintenance delivery; he can get out of sync fast and continues to be off and on with command of his pitches."
Who’s the ace of the division: Roy Halladay, Johan Santana or Josh Johnson?
Scout says: "The ace of the division is Roy Halladay. He had another fantastic season for the Jays (in 2009), including a career-high 208 strikeouts. He’s escaped the AL East, but he landed in a more hitterfriendly home park. I still expect Cy Young-caliber performances from him, and his bids for individual and team hardware will be stronger as he’ll have an excellent chance at winning 20-plus games with a better team behind him in Philadelphia."
Which Cole Hamels will show up this season?
Scout says: "Cole Hamels will be much better than he was in 2009, though it will be very hard to match his 2008 season. He began last year with some arm soreness, and his ERA went from 3.09 in 2008 to 4.32 in 2009. He needs to revive his curveball to get back to his 2008 form."
This story first appeared in the Feb. 15, 2010, edition of 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.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
Hollywood: Isn’t there some kind of law against Boston heroes Ben Affleck and Matt Damon playing Yankees ? Make that wife-swapping Yankees Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich. Here’s hoping the script-killing gods save us from "The Trade." Really, people can’t stomach the idea of sibling skaters, but they want to watch this?
MLB: Speaking of love (and war) and Yankees, there appears to be battery peace in spring training. Jorge Posada and A.J. Burnett are making nice after struggling so much last season that Joe Girardi had to split them up. "I enjoy A.J.," Posada said. "I get up for catching him. I love it. We never had any issues or problems. It happens in baseball, you don’t pitch great all the time." Says Burnett: "I never questioned Jorge and I never will. I questioned myself."
NBA: Joakim Noah proves it’s tough to dunk with plantar fasciitis. "I don’t think the foot is going to be 100 percent for the rest of the season," Noah tells the Chicago Tribune.
NASCAR: In the Jeremy Mayfield saga, the former Cup driver is now trying to get his case moved back to state court and force NASCAR to pay his attorney’s fees related to the venue issue. NASCAR wants to keep the case in the federal court’s hands.
English Premier League: A Tiger-esque episode involving soccer stars is hardly news in the U.K., but when a WAG cheats on her footballer hubby with a Dancing With The Stars star, well, that gets ink on both sides of the Atlantic. Cheryl Cole and Ashley (who plays for Chelsea) Cole are soon to be divorced, and Cheryl has been spotted with DWTS dancer Derek Hough.
Golf: If you haven’t reached the saturation point on Tiger’s tawdry tale yet, Radaronline reports that Elin said no to a family portrait shoot the day before Woods’ televised apology.
Hollywood: Isn’t there some kind of law against Boston heroes Ben Affleck and Matt Damon playing Yankees ? Make that wife-swapping Yankees Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich. Here’s hoping the script-killing gods save us from "The Trade." Really, people can’t stomach the idea of sibling skaters, but they want to watch this?
MLB: Speaking of love (and war) and Yankees, there appears to be battery peace in spring training. Jorge Posada and A.J. Burnett are making nice after struggling so much last season that Joe Girardi had to split them up. "I enjoy A.J.," Posada said. "I get up for catching him. I love it. We never had any issues or problems. It happens in baseball, you don’t pitch great all the time." Says Burnett: "I never questioned Jorge and I never will. I questioned myself."
NBA: Joakim Noah proves it’s tough to dunk with plantar fasciitis. "I don’t think the foot is going to be 100 percent for the rest of the season," Noah tells the Chicago Tribune.
NASCAR: In the Jeremy Mayfield saga, the former Cup driver is now trying to get his case moved back to state court and force NASCAR to pay his attorney’s fees related to the venue issue. NASCAR wants to keep the case in the federal court’s hands.
English Premier League: A Tiger-esque episode involving soccer stars is hardly news in the U.K., but when a WAG cheats on her footballer hubby with a Dancing With The Stars star, well, that gets ink on both sides of the Atlantic. Cheryl Cole and Ashley (who plays for Chelsea) Cole are soon to be divorced, and Cheryl has been spotted with DWTS dancer Derek Hough.
Golf: If you haven’t reached the saturation point on Tiger’s tawdry tale yet, Radaronline reports that Elin said no to a family portrait shoot the day before Woods’ televised apology.
