Joe Mauer's press conference

This has been the week of extensions. First came the signing of catcher Joe Mauer, who signed an 8-year extension with the Minnesota Twins. The hometown kid was the number one pick in 2001 (and the Twins were criticized for going the cheap way instead of drafting college pitcher Mark Prior). The hometown kid has rewarded the Twins since he reached the Majors in 2004 and he won the American League batting title, American League MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger last season. So the Twins rewarded him with a $184 million extension with a full no-trade clause. It is a great deal in that it shows that small market teams can keep their best players (they also signed outfielder Denard Span and pitcher Nick Blackburn to extensions this spring). However I am curious to see if this deal hamstrings the Twins in the long haul. Sure they have a new ballpark (Target Field) so they now have extra money flowing in. But if the Twins struggle, will they have the money to make improvements? Say God forbid Mauer gets hurt or begins to deteriorate offensively and defensively. With a full no-trade clause and a huge contract, it would be tough for the Twins to move him (like the Toronto Blue Jays and Vernon Wells when at the time of that signing it was seen as a great move).

Matt Cain

The SF Giants, looking to contend in the National League West for the next few years, signed three major parts of their pitching staff through 2012. With CY Young award winner and ace Tim Lincecum signed long term, the Giants added rotation-mate Matt Cain to the list. Cain was in CY Young contention last year and gives the Giants a 1-2 punch that rivals the St. Louis Cardinals. MLB Network’s Joe Magrane has Cain as his sleeper pick for this year’s CY Young.

They also signed their 1-2 punch in the backend of the bullpen. Lefty setup man Jeremy Affeldt was one of the best in 2009. He had a 1.74 ERA in 74 appearances. He also induced 18 double-play grounders (which was tops in the Majors). Opponents hit just .197 against him. Because he pitches on the West Coast, he rarely receives recognition. Closer Brian Wilson is usually in the top five in saves each season, though sometimes his ERA tends to be elevated. Last year, he kept his ERA down (2.74) while converting 38 out of 45 save opportunities. He struck out 83 in 68 appearances while opponents hit just .223 against him. If you are a Giants fan, these extensions should have you looking forward to a postseason appearance soon.

Now there is rumor in Red Sox camp that Josh Beckett is close to agreeing to a four-year extension worth $65-70 million. An agreement is supposed to come in the next few weeks. Beckett has been a workhorse since joining Boston, but has also had health issues. Last year he struggled in the second half of the season. Everyone knows that for the Red Sox to make it to the World Series, they will need Beckett to pitch like he did in the 2003 playoffs with the Florida Marlins.

Tags:

Boston Red Sox, Brian Wilson, Jeremy Affeldt, Joe Mauer, Josh Beckett, Matt Cain, Minnesota Twins, SF Giants

James Shields

The plan for the 2010 Tampa Bay Rays is for the starting rotation to accumulate 200 innings each. With all five pitchers 28 years old and under, the team plans to rely heavily on the rotation to carry them into the postseason. In the past three seasons, ace James Shields has reached the 200 innings plateau. Last year, Matt Garza joined him. Second year pitchers Jeff Niemann and David Price are workhorses. Rookie Wade Davis is unlike other rookies as he is stretched out enough to reach the 200 inning mark. Manager Joe Maddon does not believe that any other team can make the claim to have five pitchers 28 years old or younger that can consistently pitch 200 innings.

“I think for me, it’s consistency in your routine,” Shields said. “If you stay consistent in your routine in between starts and you’re working out, I think you’re going to be more consistent on the mound, mentally and physically. So I think the consistency and staying healthy, if you stay healthy and do the right things, it’s within reach.” Both Shields and Niemann believe it is realistic for the rotation to pitch over 1,000 innings.

“We’re all pushing each other already in the right direction,” Niemann said. “We’re up for the challenge and we’re ready to take it on.” Niemann believes that the pitchers feed off each other. The goal is to limit the walks so that it becomes easier to go at least five innings in every start, which Shields says is his goal every start.

Even before the 200 innings from every starter statement, All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria made the bold statement early in spring training. “Our starting five pitchers are the best starting five anybody could put together.” Maddon agrees that the Rays starting rotation has the opportunity to be the best. And the Rays team on paper has the best young talent of any team in baseball and they know how to win and be successful.

Shields reached his highest total in innings in 2009 (219.2) as he averaged about 215 innings the previous two seasons. As the Opening Day starter, the Rays will be looking towards him to set the tone. Garza has progressed nicely since coming over from the Minnesota Twins. He reached 203 innings in 2009. He also walks a lot (79) though opponents hit just .233 against him. Niemann threw 180.2 innings, which was a lot considering he struggled early in the season to even reach five innings. If he continues to limit the walks, he could easily reach 200 innings (especially with a good start). The only concern I would have is that Niemann has had arm problems in the past.

Wade Davis

Price threw 128.1 innings for Tampa Bay in 2009 with another 34.1 coming in Triple-A Durham. It would be expected for Price to comfortably increase his workload to 200 innings. Davis pitched 36.1 innings for Tampa Bay with another 158.2 innings for Triple-A Durham. Davis could also accumulate 200 innings without any concern to an overload.

“They’re all able to throw 200 innings comfortably without really stretching anybody in a big way from their previous years,” Maddon said. “They all have good stuff. They all have good fastballs. They all have good fastball command.” The American League East, thought to be a division of the NY Yankees and the Boston Red Sox and everybody else, will have to deal with the young dynamic Rays for years to come.

Tags:

David Price, James Shields, Jeff Niemann, Joe Maddon, Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays, Wade Davis

In 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays surprised the baseball world by winning the American League title. That team had a closer by committee and manager Joe Maddon mainly chose his closer based on situations and who was coming to bat (and who had the hot hand). The closer by committee works when those in the bullpen understand that their job is to get hitters out whether it is in the fifth inning or the ninth inning. Some say that a bullpen does not become great until each reliever knows what his role is. Maybe so because baseball players are all about the routine.

The Minnesota Twins will begin the year with a closer by committee with All-Star closer Joe Nathan set to miss the entire 2010 season due to Tommy John surgery. This could work but look for manager Ron Gardenhire to find a closer by midseason, mainly determining who does the job best and who bounces back best from a blown save.

“I’ve seen committees work,” Gardenhire said. “It’s not always the easiest thing in the world, but you just have to ad lib. When you lose your closer, it’s a little different. That’s how we’re going to start, and we’ll go from there.”

Jon Rauch

The candidates are Matt Guerrier, Jon Rauch, Jesse Crain, and left-hander Jose Mijares. Guerrier is coming off a career year, with a 2.36 ERA in 79 games. Rauch is the only candidate with significant end-game experience, when he closed out games for the Nationals in 2008. However Rauch has never been able to keep hitters off base which has led to blown saves. The 6-foot-11 right-hander has the ability to strike hitters out and is a dominating (and looming) force on the mound. Crain was once considered the Twins’ closer of the future. Crain has huge strikeout numbers, though he also gives up his share of hits. Some like to have a lefty close because of the potential of power left-handed bats coming off the bench. Guerrier and Mijares are coming off career years but relievers have been known to be unpredictable. The Twins were considering starter Francisco Liriano, but he has stated that he wants to start and has pitched extremely well this spring (and has possibly won the fifth spot in the rotation).

Injured closer Joe Nathan, who had surgery on Friday, offered some advice to the bullpen and the potential closer. “You better be ready,” Nathan said. “You definitely can’t ease into the role. If you’re going to be doing this, you’ve got to jump in with two feet.”

Pat Neshek

Those four have the potential to be the Twins closer, with the bullpen being filled out by Clay Condrey (who excelled with the Philadelphia Phillies the last two seasons in a variety of bullpen roles) and whoever does not win the fifth starter’s spot (either Liriano or Brian Duensing). That leaves one final spot in the bullpen for newly signed left-hander Ron Mahay (who signed a minor league deal), Pat Neshek, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, or Glen Perkins. Mahay could start the season in the minors if the Twins do not feel he is ready for big league duty (he spent most of spring training before his signing throwing to high schoolers). Neshek, with his funky delivery, would be a solid choice for closer but the Twins do not want to push him and put too much pressure on him because of the surgery. In 2007, Neshek went 7-2 in 74 appearances with a 2.94 ERA. Opponents hit just .183 against him and struck out 74 times. Perkins has fallen out of grace with the Twins due to his DL stint last year, though he says that his issues with the Twins are in the past.

Tags:

Clay Condrey, Francisco Liriano, Glen Perkins, Jesse Crain, Joe Nathan, Jon Rauch, Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, Minnesota Twins, Pat Neshek, Ron Gardenhire, Ron Mahay

Gaby Sanchez

The Florida Marlins rely on their young talent that they keep infusing into their big league club. There is a battle for the starting first base spot with veteran Jorge Cantu moving back to third base now that his wrist is healthy. Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison are battling it out. Based on the numbers and experience, Sanchez has the edge. Sanchez is hitting .405 in 42 spring at-bats with five doubles and 4 RBIs. Morrison is hitting just .209 in 43 spring at-bats with three doubles and six RBIs. Morrison has been working on getting his swing back. “Spring Training is a small sample size,” Morrison said. “…I’ve never been a Spring Training hitter, anyway.”

In five Minor League seasons, the Miami native (Sanchez) has 62 homers and 308 RBIs. His career batting average is .302. Sanchez is a power hit that could give the Marlins 15-20 homeruns in his rookie season batting towards the bottom of the order. The Marlins could have a very powerful lineup that rivals the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has said that the decision should come at the end of camp. Whoever wins the battle would be a legit preseason candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.

Update: Morrison was sent to the minors, leaving Sanchez as the winner.

The top two spots in their rotation are set with ace Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco. Behind them, the rotation is in flux. Anibal Sanchez, who is healthy, seems to be locked into the third spot. From the start of spring training Gonzalez has preached throwing strikes. With left-hander Andrew Miller being sent to Triple-A New Orleans to work on the control problems that have plagued him his entire career, the last two spots are open. “My plan is to go down there, get as consistent as I can, get on a nice roll and make it tough for them to keep my down there,” Miller said.

Clay Hensley with the Padres

Clay Hensley, a non-roster invitee, has pitched well enough to surprisingly earn one of those spots. Hensley helped his cause in his Saturday start. He allowed three runs in six innings, but only one was earned (the Marlins committed three errors behind him). He allowed just three hits, struck out four and walked one. Chris Volstad, Rick VandenHurk, and Hayden Penn are also competing.

The 23-year-old right-hander Volstad pounded the strike zone with sinkers (80 percent of 71 pitches) in his last start Thursday against the Boston Red Sox. His velocity repeatedly was at 94 mph, his highest this spring. Although he was on the losing end of a 6-4 decision, Volstad gave up four runs (one earned) on eight hits with no walks and three strikeouts. “He still has to go out and pitch, but the way he pitched today was very good,” Gonzalez said. “It was a big improvement. The life on his fastball was the best I’ve seen from him. It was a very good start.” Throwing sinkers and getting ground balls is what got Volstad to the big leagues catcher John Baker said, and that is what he threw in his last start. He has walked 7 in 16.2 innings this spring, which is a concern.

Rick VandenHurk with the Netherlands in the WBC

Penn has struggled this spring (as have all of the Marlins starters except for Hensley and Nolasco). In two starts (5 games) totaling 13 innings, he has allowed 14 hits and 12 runs. He has walked two and struck out two. VandenHurk, the big right-hander from the Netherlands, has made one start (4 games) totaling 10.1 innings. He has allowed 15 hits and 8 runs while walking five and striking out 7.

Update: Penn was just claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. On Tuesday, the Marlins acquired Nate Robertson from the Detroit Tigers. He will most likely fill one of the open rotation spots. VandenHurk was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Hensley was all but handed the fifth starter’s spot but now will be used in long relief. Tough break for their best pitcher in spring.

Tags:

Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad, Clay Hensley, Florida Marlins, Fredi Gonzalez, Hayden Penn, Josh Johnson, Rick Vandenhurk, Ricky Nolasco

Clete Thomas

The Detroit Tigers have a few battles left in the final week of camp. The final position battle is up for grabs. It is a battle between left-handed hitters Clete Thomas, Jeff Larish, and Don Kelly, and right-handed hitter Brent Dlugach. With the Tigers coming north to the possible cold at the beginning of the season, manager Jim Leyland is concerned with starting third baseman Brandon Inge’s surgically repaired knees. Starting centerfielder Austin Jackson is a rookie and a right-handed hitter and the Tigers are concerned about his possible struggles. These two concerns are being considered to see which one is more important to have an immediate back up plan at the big league level.

Thomas and Kelly could spell Jackson in centerfield and also could fill his leadoff spot. Thomas can play all three outfield spots. Larish, a non-roster invitee, can play third base and bat in Inge’s middle of the order spot. He can also play first base and a little outfield (plus he has the most power of the four). Kelly can also play third base (and second base if rookie Scott Sizemore struggles). He has played everywhere but shortstop, left field, catcher and pitcher this spring. He was playing third base everyday while Inge was out, but has moved around since and his hot hitting has cooled off. The Tigers already have a super-utility guy in Ryan Raburn so that could hurt Kelly. Dlugach can play shortstop (his natural position) along with third base and second base. With a shortstop opening in Triple-A Toledo, he seems ticketed for there. Thomas seems to be Leyland’s favorite because of his experience in the Majors.

“All you can do is go out there and play as well as you can,” Kelly said, “and control the things you can control. I think when you’re maybe a little younger, you might get caught up in that stuff, but I’ve done it a few times now, going down to the wire. You just have to stay focused on your approach and stay focused on your preparation and let everything else take care of itself.”

Update: Both Dlugach and Larish were sent back to minor league camp first. Thomas was sent to Triple-A Toledo to get his shoulder healthy and to work on a regular routine. Thus Kelly has won the final roster spot.

The Tigers also have the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation open to follow ace Justin Verlander, one of last year’s top rookies Rick Porcello, and newly acquired Max Scherzer. With Armando Galarraga being sent to Triple-A Toledo last week, the front runners seem to be the $10 million men (Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, and Dontrelle Willis). Bonderman is finally healthy from the blood clot and Robertson and Willis have dominated this spring.

Jeremy Bonderman

For Bonderman in his last outing, the progress was additional bite on his slider and some added confidence in his splitter. For Willis in his last outing, the biggest boost might have been the backing of his manager. Bonderman and Willis will pitch again next week while Robertson pitched today (which could be his last start before a decision is made). Robertson allowed two runs on five hits over five innings with a walk and five strikeouts. He retired seven straight NY Yankees today between former Tigers’ Curtis Granderson’s RBI double and Marcus Thames’ home run.

“He’s getting better,” Leyland said of Bonderman. “I thought he had some sink. I thought he threw some good sliders. He continues to throw the split — not all good ones, but he’s throwing them. He looks like he’s getting stronger. I think he’s in as good of shape as he’s ever been.”

“I don’t worry about him bouncing back with his command,” Leyland said of Willis. “His demeanor and everything, he’s been different this spring.” It will be interesting to see what the Tigers do with the pitcher who does not win the spots.

Update: The Tigers were finally getting interest for their $10 million men (something that did not happen in the offseason and cost the team Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson). Today, the Tigers traded Robertson to the Florida Marlins. Thus the two openings in the rotation will most likely go to Willis and Bonderman.

Tags:

Brent Dlugach, Clete Thomas, Detroit Tigers, Don Kelly, Dontrelle Willis, Jeff Larish, Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Ryan Raburn

The Cleveland Indians have two spots in the rotation open with quite a few guys battling. The competition is more complicated then the Indians expected. Left-hander Jeremy Sowers is still dealing with a strained left shoulder so it opens up the competition a little more. The favorites are left-handers David Huff and Aaron Laffey, both of whom pitched in Cleveland in 2009. Sowers is out of options so he most likely will start the season on the disabled list or fight for a spot in the bullpen.

Aaron Laffey

Laffey is not a hard-thrower (usually averages around 87 mph) and he has to rely on command of his pitches. Last year his ERA was below 4.00 until a few late season hiccups. He knows how to get hitters out and will have to prove that he learned from the late season starts to get outs consistently. Laffey is the most experienced of those competing. Laffey just put in a solid four scoreless innings on Thursday to lower his spring ERA to 3.07. He has given up 12 hits in 14.2 innings while walking five (compared to six strikeouts). The walks are a concern.

David Huff

Huff showed improvement over the course of his 23 starts in 2009, going 4-1 with a 2.18 ERA over his last five starts (which lowered his ERA to 5.61). Huff worked on his left-on-left changeup. He sees improvement on his pitch selection to left-handed hitters. Huff has pitched 16.2 innings giving up 22 hits and 10 runs (3 homeruns). He has walked five and struck out 8. The walks and homeruns are a concern.

“They just need to throw more strikes,” pitching coach Tim Belcher said. “They’ve got to pitch to contact. They don’t miss the bat a lot, so they’ve got to stay in counts and have shorter at-bats and use the guys behind them. They can’t walk anybody. And in David’s case, he’s thrown the ball over the fence a couple of times, and that’s hurt him.”

Mitch Talbot with TB

The surprise candidates are Mitch Talbot, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher Kelly Shoppach, and prospect Carlos Carrasco, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies for Cliff Lee. Talbot, like Sowers, is out of options. Talbot has the pitches to move to the bullpen if he does not secure a rotation spot. His changeup and cutter have been working well this spring. Talbot has given up just one run in 11.1 innings while striking out 7 (compared to just one walk). Carrasco is expected to begin the season in Triple-A Columbus but is putting pressure on the Indians to keep him around. In three games (12 innings), he has given up just three runs on eight hits while striking out 8.

“He’s pitched his way right into the conversation,” Belcher said of Carrasco. “Not that he wasn’t before, but he was on the younger end of all those guys, with less experience at Triple-A and less experience at the big league level. Early on, you just figure the best thing for him would be going to [Triple-A] Columbus. But with the way he’s pitched, and with Huff and Laffey struggling a little bit, he’s going to stay right in the mix until the middle of next week.”

Carrasco will pitch again on Sunday (against the LA Angels) and Huff and Laffey will pitch either Tuesday or Wednesday. The Indians hope to make a decision by the middle of next week (with Opening Day looming just a little over a week away). Until these rotation spots are decided, the three spots in the bullpen will not be determined. Laffey could fill a role in the bullpen.

Whoever wins the jobs, there will be a few prospects waiting in the wings. Hector Rondon, who blew through Double-A Akron (as an All-Star) and Triple-A Columbus, should perfect his changeup and slider to go with his devasting fastball. The 6-foot-3, 180 pound 21 year old should be seen sometime in 2010. Jeanmar Gomez, who threw a perfect game for Double-A Akron in 2009, was dominant in his All-Star season which earned him Eastern League Pitcher of the Year.

Update: Laffey was told today that he will pitch out of the bullpen, something he is willing to do as long as he consistently pitches (not in the seldom-used mop-up duty). Talbot was named by manager Manny Acta as one of the starters. Carrasco and Huff will continue to battle for the final spot. Carrasco struggled in his final outing (walking six) and the Indians sent him to Triple-A Columbus. Huff is penciled in as the fifth starter.

Tags:

Aaron Laffey, Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians, David Huff, Hector Rondon, Jeanmar Gomez, Jeremy Sowers, Mitch Talbot, Tim Belcher

Trevor Crowe

The Cleveland Indians have a few battles to settle this spring. First is the starting left fielder. Rookie Michael Brantley, who was acquired with Matt LaPorta for CC Sabathia in 2008, played well out there in a September callup and could take over in centerfield if Grady Sizemore is traded. LaPorta, veteran Austin Kearns, and Trevor Crowe are all competing for that spot. Crowe can play all three outfield spots and has speed. Crowe, who spent parts of 2009 in Cleveland though he struggled, is hitting .296 with three doubles and five RBIs in 8 games. He has walked three times and struck out six times. Kearns, who signed a minor league deal, may be the guy who wins the job because he played for new manager Manny Acta in Washington and is a veteran. Kearns is hitting .300 in 12 games with three doubles, two homeruns, and five RBIs. He has walked six times compared to 10 strikeouts. With new first baseman Russell Branyan dealing with an injury, LaPorta could start the season as the Indians starting first baseman. This position may depend on the health of Branyan because LaPorta could be the starting left fielder or DH. LaPorta, who is recovering from hip and toe surgery, has played in seven games while hitting .400. He has two doubles and six RBIs.

Michael Brantley

“Branyan or no Branyan, it did not matter,” Brantley said. “I just wanted to compete and earn a job and just battle. I try to put up good at-bats, steal a few bases and show the overall aspects of my game.” His sizzling September was a bit surprising considering his average numbers in Triple-A Columbus (minus the 46 stolen bases). Brantley worked this offseason to add bulk (10 pounds) to knock the fact that many believe he is just a singles hitter. He hopes this will help him drive more balls in the gaps.

GM Mark Shapiro feels that sending him back to Triple-A may be best. “He’s 22 years old, he had a solid but not special Triple-A season, and he had 100 good plate appearances up here, whatever that means,” Shapiro said. “He does have an approach on the field that’s above his chronological age. That being said, there’s benefits to him being here, and there’s benefits to him being in the Minor Leagues.” Many believe the main reason that the Indians will send him back to the minors is because they do not want arbitration to kick in too early with him. Brantley would like to make the decision on the Indians as tough as possible. He is hitting .323 so far in spring and has seven walks to just three strikeouts. He has only stolen one base though.

Brantley would be my pick with LaPorta starting at first base. Who cares about saving money? If they wanted to save money, they would not have signed Branyan in the offseason. It is about putting the best team together and to get fans in the seats (which has been tough for the Indians in the last few years). Having Brantley in the outfield with Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo gives the Indians a very athletic outfield with speed and good defense. With an expected shaky pitching staff, the Indians will need all the defense they can get.

Update: Crowe was sent back to Triple-A Columbus. LaPorta will be the starting first baseman with Branyan starting the season on the DL. Brantley has been named the starting left fielder.

Tags:

Austin Kearns, Cleveland Indians, Mark Shapiro, Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, Trevor Crowe

The Cincinnati Reds have quite a few guys (seven) competing for the fifth starter’s spot to fill in behind Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and Homer Bailey. Micah Owings, Matt Maloney, and Justin Lehr are probably the favorites for that spot. Kip Wells is considered a long shot.

Matt Maloney

Maloney seemed to be the front-runner heading into spring training due to his performance at the end of 2009. The up-and-down spring has the Reds trying to figure out if the left-hander is better suited for the bullpen or the rotation. He is scheduled to make a two-inning appearance on Thursday, which makes you wonder why he is not being stretched out. “I told them I’m willing to do whatever it takes to pitch at the big league level,” said Maloney, who hasn’t pitched in a bullpen since he was the closer at Ole Miss in 2005. “I think they know I’m willing to do it.” He has not been as sharp but is considered to be a slow starter. So far he has a 6.14 ERA in 7.1 innings while allowing 10 hits and four walks.

Lehr has a 3.48 ERA in five games (10.1 innings), but has allowed two earned runs over his last 8.1 innings. He has allowed 13 hits and three walks to just two strikeouts. Lehr worked hard this offseason in Goodyear, Arizona and the results have shown in his velocity. “It’s not the end of the world if I don’t break camp as the fifth starter. There will be opportunities. It really matters where I finish and how I do when I get there,” Lehr said. Owings has a 4.50 ERA in three games (6 innings), but worked three scoreless his last time out. He has allowed six hits while walking three and striking out four. “I’m really focusing on what I can do on the mound,” Owings said. “The bat is a plus. It’s still something I work on, but I’m keying on more pitching-wise.”  What hurt Owings the most was his inability to economize pitches, throw strikes, and go deep into games. He is 100 percent focused on pitching, despite the fact that he is a .300 career hitter. “I take the standpoint of whatever I can do to help these guys and the team,” Owings said. “I’m looking long term. I don’t just want to be here one year and the next year. I want to get to a consistency point where I can stick around for 10-15 years.”

Travis Wood with Carolina

The surprise of the fifth-starter competition has been that the top three performers have little to no experience and none are older than 23. Travis Wood has pitched in just eight Triple-A games. Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector, has never pitched in America prior to spring training in Arizona. Chapman’s triple-digit velocity, command and 1.29 ERA with two walks and 10 strikeouts have been the most impressive of the group, though he struggled in his last outing and left with back spasms. The injury could allow the Reds to send him to the minors. Mike Leake, the Reds’ first-round Draft pick in 2009, has never pitched professionally except for the six games in the Arizona Fall League.

“You’re not going to have good days every day. It’s how you respond to them,” Leake said. Leake and Wood both struggled in their last outings as Leake struggled with fastball command but the Reds stuck with him to see him handle adversity. Both had pitched so well that manager Dusty Baker wanted to see how the two would handle trouble on the mound. Wood is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA while allowing seven walks (four came in one outing) and 10 strikeouts in his four games (10 innings). He has allowed five hits total this spring, two of which are homeruns. Leake has a 3.38 ERA in four games with two walks and seven strikeouts. In eight innings he has allowed nine hits (no homeruns). Wood and Leake will pitch again on Friday against the Seattle Mariners, with Leake starting for the first time with Wood coming in behind him.

“It’s going to go down to the wire,” Maloney said. “We have a bunch of good guys competing for it. Whoever gets it is going to be very deserving of it.” The Reds are hard pressed to find innings for all of these guys so it will be interesting to see who wins the job.

Tags:

Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds, Dusty Baker, Justin Lehr, Matt Maloney, Micah Owings, Mike Leake, Travis Wood

Carlos Silva

The Chicago Cubs, like a lot of other teams, have a competition for the fifth starter’s spot. They have four pitchers competing: Jeff Samardzija, Tom Gorzelanny, Sean Marshall, and veteran Carlos Silva. A decision is expected by the end of the week. The left-handed Gorzelanny does not have any options, so he could slide into the bullpen just like Marshall. Marshall (who is another left-hander), if he does not win the job, will slide back into the bullpen as he did last season. Samardzija, Gorzelanny, and Marshall would all prefer to start than relieve. However the Cubs could use a left-hander in the rotation until Ted Lilly returns from injury and Piniella has stated this. Samardzija, the youngest of the group, has options and could get sent to the minors just because of the options left. It is likely that all four will make the club, with two in the rotation and the other two moving into the bullpen.

Many feel that Silva, who was acquired for Milton Bradley in the offseason, will be the one that takes that final rotation spot as long as he stays healthy. Silva has the same agent as ace Carlos Zambrano and those two have been friends since a young age in Venezuela. The self-proclaimed momma’s boy is excited to have his mom with him this year after a three year visa hiatus and he believes missing her was a big reason for his struggles. He also admits that he Seattle Mariners were more interested in his weight and putting him on a scale than how he produced on the mound. He pitched on Sunday and had to come out after two innings because of a tight quad though he feels it was just precautionary as it felt like more of a cramp.

Pitching coach Larry Rothschild and Greg Maddux have had an impact on Silva so far this spring. “It’s amazing that when you fix one little thing, you can come back,” Silva said. “This Spring Training for me is very special. To have Greg Maddux around, he’s my guy. I have his jersey in my house. I’ve been talking to him a lot, too. I was asking him the other day, ‘How can I throw a backdoor sinker to a lefty?’ It’s unbelievable — you ask him something and the way he answers is, wow.” In four games (11 innings) he is 2-1 with a 5.73 ERA. Silva has allowed 14 hits and 7 runs (3 homeruns). He has walked two while striking out seven.

“Obviously, [starting] is my No. 1 goal,” Gorzelanny said. “That’s what I was brought up being and what I’ve always wanted to be, and what I made my somewhat mark in this game is as a starter. That’s all I want to do. If it comes to it, whatever happens happens, as long as I’m part of the team.” Gorzelanny has pitched in three games (8.2 innings) while allowing five hits and three runs (3.12 ERA). He has walked 8 while striking out 10. He will make his final start in the competition on Thursday.

Sean Marshall

“My saying is the best pitchers will leave camp, and they’ll be in the right spot when we leave,” said Marshall, who has been effective as a swing man with the Cubs. “I’m shooting to start. I know I can help as a reliever, spot-starter and short guy. Whatever role I get settled into, I’m going to have a lot of success doing it.” Marshall has pitched in three games (7 innings) while allowing four hits (in which two were homeruns) and two walks. He boasts a 2.57 ERA and five strikeouts. Marshall will make his final start in the competition on Wednesday.

Samardzija made his final start of the spring yesterday before Piniella and the Cubs make their decision. He went four innings against the Cleveland Indians allowing four hits and two runs. He walked two and struck out four. He also lowered his ERA to 6.75. In three games, he has allowed two homeruns, but those came in his first two games. “Everyone wants to help this team win, and that’s what it’s all about,” Samardzija said. “Not to beat it into the ground, but I’ve said what I want to do is start. I’ll put my heart into it and we’ll see what happens in the end.”

Update: Silva and Gorzelany were named to the final two spots in the rotation with Samardzija and Marshall going to the bullpen at the start of the season.

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Carlos Silva, Chicago Cubs, Jeff Samardzija, Lou Piniella, Sean Marshall, Ted Lilly, Tom Gorzelanny

Tim Wakefield

The Boston Red Sox fifth starter’s spot is up for grabs. Clay Buchholz and veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield are competing for that spot. So far this spring, Wakefield has pitched in four games (13.2 innings) while allowing 14 hits and five runs (a 3.29 ERA). He has hit two batters, walked two, and struck out two. Two outings ago, Wakefield was lit up by the Baltimore Orioles though he was encouraged by the fact that he felt healthy pitching into the fourth inning. He also worked on his slide-step with runners on base to help improve his time to the plate. While he was working on this, his mechanics were out of whack. “Today, a couple slide steps got away from me, kept the ball up, especially to Luke Scott [who hit a three-run homerun],” Wakefield said. Prior to the Orioles outing, he commanded his knuckleball against the Florida Marlins last week (22 strikes out of 30 pitches). That has been the enigma of Wakefield and any knuckleball pitcher-they can be so up-and-down from one outing to the next depending on how the pitch moves. His last outing was again against the Orioles, except this time he dominated. He pitched five shutout innings while allowing just two hits. Wakefield threw 61 pitches and should make two more starts prior to Opening Day.

Clay Buchholz

With the day off last Thursday, Buchholz went to the minor league fields to stay on the every fifth day and pitch. He went four innings, giving up one hit, while striking out four. He threw 45 pitches, 31 of them for strikes. Buchholz is in a similar situation this spring that he was in last year. He was competing with John Smoltz and Brad Penny and was sent to start the season in Triple-A Pawtucket. There he posted a record of 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA in 16 starts, with a 2.97 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. He was called up to Boston on July 17, going 7-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 16 starts. Buchholz pitched well enough down the stretch to earn a postseason start against the LA Angels, in which he pitched well.

In the offseason Buchholz added a little weight to his thin 6-foot-3 frame though it has not messed with his mechanics. Buchholz noted some of the things he is working on at this point in spring training: “There’s a lot of stuff. … I’m always going to be working on mechanic stuff. There’s times during the game where I feel like I’m doing something wrong and, in my own mind, being able to fix it without having to sit down and talk to [pitching coach] John Farrell about it, saying, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ I can feel it. That’s just from getting better and growing in the game and being a little bit more mature about it.”

So far in “A” games this spring, Buchholz has pitched five innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out three and walking three. With Dice-K behind this spring due to back and neck problems, Buchholz and Wakefield should hold rotation spots until he returns. The real audition for the spot may come in the regular season.

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Boston Red Sox, Clay Buchholz, Tim Wakefield

Chris Tillman

Heading into the Baltimore Orioles first spring training in Sarasota, Florida, the fifth starter’s spot figured to be Chris Tillman’s job to lose. However manager Dave Trembley has said that no one has the lead on that spot. Those fighting for the spot besides Tillman are Jason Berken and Dave Hernandez. Despite the fact that the 21-year old Tillman has the lowest ERA of the group, he will not be handed the job. Berken and Hernandez have pitched mostly out of the bullpen, though they both received starts this week. The decision probably will not come until the final week of camp as the Orioles try to stretch all three out.

“Berken and Hernandez started for us all last year. When they were here last year, I thought it was unfair to just say it’s Tillman’s. That’s no disrespect to Tillman. That’s not slighting him or trying to say anything good or bad about Berken or Hernandez,” said Trembley. Trembley has not ruled out the fact that Berken or Hernandez (or both) could earn spots in the Orioles bullpen on the Opening Day roster if they do not win the fifth starter’s spot. Trembley believes that the pitchers will end up making the decision for the team.

Tillman will not be moving to the bullpen if he does not win the job (he would most likely go to Triple-A Norfolk to start). Tillman is no longer the deer in headlights like he was last year during spring training. Tillman is one of the Orioles most heralded pitchers, coming over from the Seattle Mariners for Erik Bedard. Tillman has been trying to incorporate a cutter. So far this spring, Tillman has pitched in four games (12 innings) while allowing 10 hits and five earned runs (a 3.75 ERA). He has walked five and struck out six.

Dave Hernandez

Hernandez has worked on his delivery this spring and looks more comfortable. With his high strikeout totals throughout his career, many have thought about a move to the bullpen for Hernandez. “I’m just going to go out there and try to put up zeros, and it doesn’t matter if I’m starting or a reliever,” Hernandez said. “I’d definitely like to be a starter, but if they need me in the bullpen, then so be it. I’ll be more than happy and I’ll be ready.” So far this spring, he has pitched in four games (10 innings) while allowing 13 hits, five runs (a 4.50 ERA), and 3 homeruns. Allowing homeruns was a problem for Hernandez in 2009 as he allowed 27. He has walked just one while striking out 14.

Last season, Berken struggled mightily at the Major League level. “I look at it as regardless of what my role is or what my spot is or what I am competing for, I have to go out there and pitch well,” Berken said. “I don’t look at it as, ‘I have to beat so and so,’ or whatever,” he continued on. “I don’t put any extra thought into it. Chris, Dave and I are all good friends. We are all pulling for each other.” So far this spring, Berken has appeared in five games (8.2 innings) while allowing 9 hits and four runs (a 4.15 ERA). He has walked three and struck out four and has not allowed a homerun. Homeruns were also a problem for Berken in 2009 (he allowed 19).

Jason Berken

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Baltimore Orioles, Chris Tillman, Dave Hernandez, Dave Trembley, Jason Berken

Billey Buckner

The Arizona Diamondbacks have a fifth starter’s spot opening with about five or six guys competing for it. Bryan Augenstein and Cesar Valdez were just sent back to minor league camp, so that leaves four guys still battling. However with ace Brandon Webb most likely starting the season on the disabled list, there are two spots open in the rotation behind Dan Haren and newly acquired Edwin Jackson. Many believe that Billy Buckner has the fourth spot so that leaves three guys for the fifth spot: Ian Kennedy, Rodrigo Lopez, and Kevin Mulvey. Buckner in spring was 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in three starts (9 innings). He had struck out 10 while walking three and allowing 8 hits. He was lit up on Friday in his start against the KC Royals (where the Royals won 24-9). Buckner went just two innings while allowing 9 hits and 8 runs.

Kennedy has pitched pretty well this spring though he is not a favorite to win the spot. He has a 4.32 ERA in 3 starts (8.1 innings) allowing 11 hits while striking out two and walking four. After struggling with injuries and inconsistencies with the NY Yankees, Kennedy was traded to the Diamondbacks this offseason in the three-team Curtis Granderson/Edwin Jackson deal. The pressure is off and he is looking to grab the spot.

Lopez, who pitched last season with the Philadelphia Phillies around midseason, is a non-roster invitee. He brings experience and the ability to eat up innings to the competition. In his last outing, he pitched three scoreless innings, throwing just 31 pitches. He has gone eight straight scoreless innings since allowing three runs in his first appearance (a two inning stint). “He had all his pitches,” manager AJ Hinch said. “He was very impressive today with all of his pitches and with how efficient he was. He showed some promise today in how he can attack a Major League lineup.” He has pitched in four games (10 innings) while walking two and striking out seven.

Kevin Mulvey

Mulvey has made three appearances (7.1 innings) while allowing seven hits and carrying a 3.68 ERA. He has walked four and struck out five. The walks may be a concern. “Walks are never good especially piled in front of a home run,” Mulvey said. “I feel like I was down in the zone for most of the outing until the second time in the stretch I felt like I rushed a little bit, got ahead of myself.” He worked this spring with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyer Jr. on staying back during his delivery and remaining behind the ball.

Whoever wins the fifth starter’s spot probably will start the season in the minor leagues as the Diamondbacks will not need a fifth starter until April 17^th. This way they can carry an extra reliever in the bullpen. Hinch admitted that whatever decision they make, it will be a tough one. “We’re keeping an open mind as far as all of the guys vying for the starting rotation,” Hinch said. “It’s been a long evaluation. We want to take the top guys ready to help us win to Phoenix when the season starts. But we have the luxury that that decision doesn’t need to be made for a while.”

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AJ Hinch, Arizona Diamondbacks, Billy Buckner, Ian Kennedy, Kevin Mulvey, Rodrigo Lopez