Cnotes MLB 2019 Spring Traning News Notes and Rumors !

[Cnotes53]

This time, Red Sox 2B Pedroia is cautious on injury return
February 21, 2019
By The Associated Press

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Dustin Pedroia's goal isn't merely to come back from his knee injury.

He's done that before.

The challenge for the Boston second baseman this time is to return at the right time, to stick around longer than three games, and to help the Red Sox get back to the World Series with his play, instead of by cheering them on from the dugout.

''The human body is on its own program, man,'' Pedroia said after working out with the other infielders on Thursday, a day before the defending champions open their exhibition schedule against Northeastern University.

''I'm trying to come back. Whenever it is, it is,'' he said. ''Obviously, I want to play and get back in there. But I've played in a lot of games. I understand the speed of the game and what it takes to play. We want to make sure my knee is OK.''

A four-time All-Star and the 2008 AL MVP, Pedroia had surgery on his left knee after the 2017 season and started last year on the disabled list. He came back in May, but played just three games before going back on the DL and spending the rest of the season there.

''My knee couldn't handle the load,'' he said on Thursday. ''When you so something too soon, your body will say `Stop.' That's what happened.''

Pedroia was with the team for its World Series run - the third championship of his career - and manager Alex Cora praised him for the leadership he provided from the bench. Pedroia talked about being able to enjoy the Series it more than when he was so focused on playing.

But during the offseason he turned his attention back to rehabbing his knee.

Cora would update reporters over the winter about texts he received from Pedroia - videos of him working out, and other progress updates that painted a picture of a guy who was eager to prove he would be ready. The Red Sox manager said if Pedroia can make it back, he would bat leadoff on opening day.

But if Cora's goal was to get the 35-year-old motivated, he didn't need to bother.

''I know he always asked for more. He'll try to get five more (practice repetitions), and 10 more. And `I can sprint here and go there,''' Cora said. ''There's something about me telling him `no' - he gets it.''

Instead, the team is trying to control the comeback and avoid a repeat of last year's false start. Cora said the question isn't whether Pedroia can make it through a workout like Thursday's, but how his knee responds on Friday.

''I don't try to get too excited,'' Pedroia said. ''I was really happy after the first game I played last year and three days later it was pretty bad.''

Cora said Pedroia wasn't expected to play in Friday's exhibition game against Northeastern or in the Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees on Saturday. (Nor are many other veterans and everyday players who don't need the spring at-bats to get into shape or try to earn a spot on the team.)

''We're taking care of him,'' Cora said. ''You asked me how he feels - well, I'll tell you tomorrow. Because he can run around and do everything. Tomorrow's a big day. If he's able to show up tomorrow and there's no pain no soreness, that's a win for him and obviously it's a win for us.''

Also Thursday, reliever Ryan Brasier returned to Florida after having his infected right pinkie toe checked out in Boston. Although Brasier is a candidate for the closer role that has been open since Craig Kimbrel left as a free agent, Cora said the infection hasn't yet interfered with his timetable to get ready for the season.

 

[Cnotes53]

Angels sign left-hander Jennings to minor-league deal
February 21, 2019
By The Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels have signed pitcher Dan Jennings to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

The left-hander appeared in 72 games last season for the Milwaukee Brewers and had a 4-5 record with a 3.22 earned run average. Jennings signed with the Brewers after being released by Tampa Bay prior to opening day.

Jennings has made at least 50 appearances the past four seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay and Milwaukee.

 

[Cnotes53]

Marlins begin rollout of OF Mesa
February 21, 2019
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) For a franchise that has been a perennial loser, Victor Victor Mesa sounds like a winner.

The Miami Marlins can't be sure, however, because they they've never seen Mesa play. They agreed to a $5.25 million signing bonus last October with the highly touted Cuban defector and can begin to assess the investment Saturday when their spring training season starts.

It has been more than two years since Mesa's most recent game. The Marlins based their evaluation of him on videotape of his play in Cuba.

''That was the only opportunity we had, and every other major league team had,'' said Gary Denbo, vice president of player development and scouting. ''But I have a lot of confidence what we're going to see is going to be exciting.''

Mesa, 22, left Cuba nearly a year ago to pursue a major league career and was considered the top international free agent last fall. Miami signed him and his 17-year-old brother, Victor Jr., after both tried out at Marlins Park for scouts from all 30 major league teams.

The session stoked the Marlins' enthusiasm for the elder Mesa.

''He took a batting practice that would rival any of our major league players, hitting head-high line drives all around the field,'' Denbo said Thursday.

The Marlins don't necessarily expect Mesa to do that in spring training, at least not right away. But he'll play a lot, working off the rust before heading to the minor leagues to start the regular season.

''We'll get him as many at-bats as we can and see him in different situations,'' manager Don Mattingly said. ''There's going to be a process, with him not playing games in a while and getting him up to speed.''

That's something he has in abundance - speed - and he's regarded as an excellent defensive player. But the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Mesa didn't show much power in Cuba, and it's uncertain how quickly he'll adjust to big league pitching.

Mesa has gone about his business quietly since full-squad workouts began Monday.

''I'm happy just to be back on the field,'' he said through an interpreter. ''I was out of the game for a long time.''

The Mesa signings were part of a push by the Marlins to be more active on the international market under CEO Derek Jeter. He wants the Marlins to mirror their diverse city.

A Cuban star outfielder would be good business for the attendance-challenged franchise, and Victor Victor is already accustomed to being asked when he'll reach the majors. The question was raised at a news conference after he signed, and he addressed it again after reporting for spring training.

''I believe the moment will come,'' he said. ''All I have to do is work hard.''

The Marlins are rebuilding under Jeter and likely at least a couple of years from ending a playoff drought that dates to 2003. They anticipate their climb into contention will include Mesa, but have no reason to fast-track him.

''It will great to see how he mixes in this spring,'' president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. ''''We just want to get him on the field and get him playing, get him with our coaching staff and start that process toward getting him to the big leagues.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Clark believes mean system is working
February 21, 2019
By The Associated Press

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Players' union head Tony Clark says Adam Wainwright's comments about a possible strike were in line with widespread concern he hears from his members about a free-agent market they claim has become dysfunctional.

Starting his tour of spring training camps, Clark said he isn't drawing conclusions about the market based on Manny Machado's $300 million, 10-year contract with the San Diego Padres, the second-highest contract in baseball history. Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel are among dozens of free agents still looking for a deal.

''We're glad Manny found a home. We're curious as to why it took as long as it did,'' Clark said Thursday. ''And we're also still concerned about the players that are out there that their phone isn't ringing and that they haven't had an opportunity and camps are opened up and the season's opened up and we're in a position where fans and players alike are asking `Where are we held up and what's going on?'''

The former All-Star first baseman, who will visit all 30 teams, said the union has heard from players who have been contacted by multiple teams in a small window of time after going a long period without hearing from any clubs.

''The idea that there is radio silence for as long as it is and then suddenly the phone rings, all in on one day and that rings from multiple teams, is something we're interested in looking into,'' Clark said.

Major league front offices are using analytics and models to determine the worth of free agents more than ever before, but that hasn't stopped some of baseball's biggest names from criticizing the decision-making process that left some players out in the cold at the start of spring training.

Washington ace Max Scherzer said there are too many teams trying not to win, and all the rebuilding ''poisons the game.'' Houston right-hander Justin Verlander thinks the current economic approach pursued by some teams will continue to drive away fans.

''I mean there's things that look kind of weird that teams are doing, but I mean I guess that's stuff we're trying to straighten out,'' Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons said. ''We come here trying to win every game, so I'm just hoping everybody does the same.''

Baseball's labor contract runs until December 2021. The union has proposed major economic changes, such as expanding the designated hitter to the National League and adding rules to the amateur draft to discourage rebuilding. Management appears willing to discuss changes as part of an extension to the collective bargaining agreement.

Wainwright said a strike is coming if nothing changes, and the St. Louis right-hander wondered aloud to InsideSTL.com about the possibility of players walking out in the middle of the upcoming season. Clark said players will honor the current contract, but he understood Wainwright's perspective.

''The comment that Adam offered suggests the seriousness of what we're seeing and the concern that guys have about where the industry is and where it's going,'' Clark said.

The union is having ongoing talks with MLB about its concerns. Management wants to install a pitch clock this year and proposed limits on the use of relief pitchers.

''There's dialogue about a pitch clock, but it's not at the forefront of the conversation because guys wholeheartedly believe that that's not the issue that we have,'' Clark said. ''The issues that we have go far beyond saving a few seconds on any one night in any one game.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Howard joins ESPN's 'Baseball Tonight'
February 21, 2019
By The Associated Press

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) Former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard has joined ESPN as an analyst on ''Baseball Tonight.''

The network said Thursday that Howard will start in early March. He also will appear on other television and radio formats at ESPN.

Howard was a three-time All-Star and the 2006 NL MVP. The first baseman spent his entire career with the Phillies, helped them win the 2008 World Series and played his last big league game in 2016.

The 39-year-old Howard was the NL Rookie of the Year and hit 382 home runs in 13 seasons.

 

[Cnotes53]

Saturday?s 6-pack

Hitters who knocked in highest %age of runners in from 2nd base LY (min, 200 PA)

1) Escobar, Min 26-94 (26.7%)

2) L. Garcia, CWS 14-51 (27.5%)

3) Peralta, Az 24-92 (26.1%)

4) Cave, Minn 15-58 (25.9%)

5) Prado, Mia 8-31 (25.8%)

6) White, Hous 13-51 (25.5%)

Quote of the Day
?Nothing?s certainly changed on our end. We?ve moved on. As I said back then and we had to. There was no way we could wait around. Bryce, I?m sure he will make his decision hopefully in the next few days, but we?ve filled out our roster and like I said, we wish him nothing but the best.?
Washington Nationals? owner Mark Lerner

Saturday?s quiz
If you?re watching a college basketball game in the Galen Center, which college campus are you on?

Friday?s quiz
Gene Bartow replaced John Wooden as the basketball coach at UCLA; his son Murry is the interim coach at UCLA this season.

Thursday?s quiz
Whit Merrifield led the major leagues in stolen bases last year, with 45.


********************************

Saturday?s List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind??

13) Wrestling icon Ric Flair had a surprise 70th birthday thrown for him in Atlanta last night; guests included Charles Barkley, Todd Gurley, Evander Holyfield, Dennis Rodman and Brad Nessler, as well as the expected stars from the world of pro wrestling. Flair has overcome some physical issues in the last year. Great to see that he is doing well now.

12) UCLA 68, Oregon State 67? I had no dog in this fight Thursday night, but the boxscore made me laugh. I?m guessing Beavers? coach Wayne Tinkle wasn?t amused:

Foul shots: Oregon State 1-3, UCLA 16-28. In a one-point game.

11) Texas Longhorns have suspended their leading scorer, Kerwin Roach, indefinitely. The senior guard is averaging 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

10) Congrats to Belmont coach Rick Byrd, who won his 800th career game Thursday night when his Bruins spanked Eastern Illinois 99-58.

9) North Carolina?s win over Duke Wednesday had a Nielsen-reported audience of 4,343,000 viewers, making it the most-viewed weeknight college hoop game in ESPN?s history.

8) Zion Williamson isn?t expected to play Saturday night in Syracuse.

7) XFL starts play next spring; they?re trying to create interest by dragging out their announcements of who will be coaching in which cities.

Bob Stoops is going to coach the Dallas team; Pep Hamilton the Washington DC team, and now comes word that former Seahawks QB Jim Zorn will coach the Seattle team. Zorn coached the Redskins for two years, in 2008-09.

6) Utility guy Marwin Gonzalez signed with the Minnesota Twins on a two-year, $21M deal.

5) Big week in San Diego; Manny Machado, the Aztecs beat Nevada and now this. Santa Clara grad transfer KJ Feagin cancelled all his other visits and has committed to San Diego State. Good get for Jim Dutcher.

4) Over the length of his 10-year contract, Manny Machado will pay around $39.9M in income taxes to the state of California, $158M total in federal, state and payroll taxes.

3) Iowa men?s basketball play-by-play announcer Gary Dolphin was suspended for the rest of the Hawkeyes? season after referring to Maryland?s Bruno Fernando as ?King Kong? during Tuesday?s game.

Fernando, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the game, was born in Angola, a Southern African nation bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

2) Remember when the Bears missed the field goal at end of their playoff loss to the Eagles? When the new league year starts next month, Chicago will cut that kicker, Cody Parkey.

1) Friday would?ve been my father?s 93rd birthday; he passed away in May of 2015, leaving behind the perfect example of how to be a good person.

Happy birthday, dad. We miss you.

 

[Cnotes53]

Suzuki starts likely last spring opener
February 22, 2019
By The Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Ichiro Suzuki still felt the nerves of competition at age 45.

Suzuki started what may be his final spring training with a two-run, two-out single in the third inning Friday of the Seattle Mariners' opening 8-1 win over the Oakland Athletics.

Batting seventh and playing left field, Suzuki fouled out in the second inning against Liam Hendriks and singled in the third off left-hander Ryan Buchter. Suzuki then was replaced by a pinch runner. He did not have any chances in the field.

''Of course you have nerves, but this was one I hadn't experienced before, the nerves that I had today,'' Suzuki said through an interpreter. ''I'm just glad the first day's out of the way.''

The Cactus League opener, delayed a day by Thursday's rainout, was between the teams that meet in the season's opening series on March 20-21 in Tokyo.

A 10-time All-Star who won the AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 2001, Suzuki spent his first 12 major league seasons in Seattle, went on to play for the New York Yankees and Miami. then returned last season. He hit .205 in 44 at-bats before moving to a front-office role in early May.

It long appeared Suzuki's goal was to play in the opening series in Japan, where he won seven Pacific League batting titles with Orix. He had a .311 career average in the North American major leagues with 3,089 hits in 18 seasons.

 

[Cnotes53]

Reds begin quest to fill center field
February 22, 2019
By The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Cincinnati Reds begin their search for a center fielder this weekend when they open spring training play. They have some intriguing options to replace Billy Hamilton, including the rare combination of a reliever who also plays the outfield.

Hamilton, who was among the NL's top defensive center fielders, struggled to hit and has signed with the Royals. Right fielder Scott Schebler is the leading candidate to move to center, where he played 16 games last season, but first-year manager David Bell is exploring some other options. He could try rookie Nick Senzel at the spot, or let newcomers Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp get some time there.

He's also getting reliever Michael Lorenzen ready to both pitch and play center field during spring training games, an unusual arrangement that has required changing his daily workout routine.

Lorenzen was accustomed to it at Cal State Fullerton, where he played center and sometimes closed games. The Reds drafted him as a pitcher in 2013. He has lobbied for a dual role in the major leagues.

''Just pitching doesn't seem natural to me,'' Lorenzen said.

Bell wants Lorenzen to get ready to pitch during the first half of camp, then will use him in the outfield in the later games and see what happens.

''We will have him pitch an inning and stay in the game (in the outfield),'' Bell said. ''It's exciting. I have to slow myself down. I think it's cool that he's preparing himself the way he is.''

Instead of doing conditioning work with the other pitchers, Lorenzen will be working out with the outfielders more often.

''We've come up with a pretty good plan,'' Lorenzen said. ''It's them trusting that I'm a good enough athlete to maybe not do all the (pitchers') conditioning. Running down balls in the outfield is conditioning.''

Bell's other intriguing option is Senzel, who played third base at Tennessee. The Reds had him work out in the outfield in the offseason, getting the 23-year-old ready to try a new position.

''It is a challenging position,'' Senzel said ''You're covering a lot of ground. You have to cover the gaps.''

Bell thinks that Senzel's speed will give him good range in the outfield. The challenge will be learning the nuances of the position. One of Senzel's biggest challenges will be learning to communicate with the other outfielders when the ball's in the air, something he's never done in his career.

''I'm going to be learning it in the big leagues,'' he said. ''I think that puts a more challenging aspect on it.''

GRAY SCRATCHED

Sonny Gray was scratched from his planned start against the Indians on Saturday because of a sore pitching elbow. He expects to resume throwing next week and Tanner Roark, acquired from Washington, will start in his place.

''It is nothing I'm overly worried about. I've dealt with this in the past,'' Gray said Friday. ''I'll start throwing in a couple of days. I wanted to go out there and throw the first game of spring but it was everyone's decision not to push it.''

Gray, a 29-year-old right-hander, was acquired from the New York Yankees last month and agreed to a $38 million, four-year contract with the Reds.

 

[Cnotes53]

Cards' Fowler hopes to increase production
February 22, 2019
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Dexter Fowler is taking the best piece of hitting advice he has ever received and applying it to his entire spring training approach.

''Have a short memory,'' Fowler said.

Fowler had a 2018 worth forgetting.

A career .262 hitter with an on-base percentage of .360, Fowler hit only .180 with an on-base percentage below .300 while battling nagging injuries much of the year. A foul ball that broke his foot ended Fowler's season in early August, limiting him to 90 games - his lowest single-season total since the year he broke into the big leagues.

''You learn from it and move on,'' Fowler said.

Now 32, Fowler is entering the third season of a five-year, $82 million contract. An All-Star with Chicago in 2016 when he posted a .393 on-base percentage to help lead the Cubs to their first World Series title in more than a century, Fowler scored 186 runs during a two-year stint with Chicago prior to joining St. Louis.

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt is seeing a rejuvenated, more upbeat Fowler compared to the player who struggled last season.

''With Dexter, I want that million-dollar smile to be more consistent,'' Shildt said. ''I want him to appreciate and enjoy what he's doing and get back to a place that he's coming from, that he has a lot of records from, and that's a place of success - not only individually but in team settings.''

Jose Martinez, not Fowler, will start in right field on Saturday when the Cardinals open preseason play against the Miami Marlins. Left fielder Marcel Ozuna, working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery, will be the designated hitter in the opener and isn't expected to play the field for the first couple of weeks.

Fowler will make his Grapefruit League debut on Sunday, and Shildt has already announced that Fowler will hit second in the lineup, between Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt.

''From an on-base standpoint he's one of the elite on-base guys in the league,'' Carpenter said of Fowler. ''Obviously he's a great base runner. If you can put what I do and what he does in front of guys like Paul Goldshmidt and Marcel Ozuna it's a recipe, potentially, for a ton of runs.''

Carpenter has reached base at no less than a .374 clip in five of the past six seasons. Goldshmidt has driven in at least 110 runs three times during his career. Ozuna drove in 124 runs in 2017 with the Marlins.

Unlike previous seasons, Fowler most frequently hit in the sixth or seventh spot last season.

''I'm accustomed to being in the top of the lineup,'' Fowler said. ''I've always been a guy who's tried to get on base.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Ace Kershaw shut down by Dodgers
February 22, 2019
By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has been shut down indefinitely after telling manager Dave Roberts that he ''didn't feel right'' after two discouraging outings on the mound.

Kershaw worked out indoors at Camelback Ranch on Friday, but didn't play catch. Roberts wouldn't speculate on the left-hander's next bullpen session.

"Just going to take a few days. It's just best if I do that," Kershaw told reporters. ''I'm not going to get another chance to do this during the season. It feels like it's a good time. Hopefully be playing catch, if not this weekend, by the first of next week.''

Kershaw told Roberts he wasn't feeling right after throwing live batting practice Monday and a bullpen session on Wednesday.

Roberts was unclear as to what exactly is going on with the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, but the manager told reporters in Arizona "no one is alarmed or worried about it."

Kershaw has dealt with back injuries the last three seasons and a left shoulder injury last year.

Roberts said Kershaw could be going through a so-called ''dead-arm stage,'' which can affect pitchers in spring training.

''There's plenty of time for him to get his `pens in and build up,'' the manager said. ''He holds himself to a high standard. He really wasn't pleased with how he felt. It's sort of a day-to-day thing.''

Kershaw signed a $93 million, three-year contract in November and was named the opening day starter for the ninth consecutive year earlier this week. He turns 31 next month.

He had a 2.73 ERA last year.

Notes: LHP Rich Hill will start the Dodgers' Cactus League opener on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Last year, Hill was 11-5 with a 3.66 ERA. At 38, he is the fourth-oldest active player in the majors. ... RHP Walker Buehler tossed his second official bullpen on Friday. ... RHP Joe Kelly tossed live batting practice to non-roster invitees Gavin Lux and Cameron Perkins. ... Tom Lasorda, the 91-year-old Hall of Fame manager, arrived at camp on Friday.

 

[Cnotes53]

Santana, White Sox agree to minor deal
February 22, 2019
By The Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) The Chicago White Sox have added another option to their competition for an opening in their rotation, agreeing to a minor league contract with veteran right-hander Ervin Santana on Friday.

A person familiar with the situation confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement is pending a successful physical. If added to the 40-man roster, Santana would get a one-year contract paying $4.3 million while in the major leagues.

Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez, Ivan Nova, and Lucas Giolito are projected for Chicago's rotation, and Santana joins a group competing for the fifth spot that also includes Manny Banuelos and Dylan Covey.

Santana made just five appearances with Minnesota last season after he had surgery on his right middle finger two weeks before spring training. The Twins declined Santana's $14 million option in October and paid him a $1 million buyout.

Over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Santana went 23-19 in 63 starts with a 3.32 ERA, seven complete games and four shutouts.

The 36-year-old Santana broke into the majors in 2005 with the Los Angeles Angels. The two-time All-Star is 149-125 with a 4.06 ERA in 384 career games with the Angels, Royals, Braves and Twins.

 

[Cnotes53]

Indians sign veteran RHP Clippard
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Indians officially signed former All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard, who brings experience and durability to their revamped bullpen.

Clippard received a minor league contract and roster invitation from the Indians. If he makes the 40-man roster, Clippard would receive a $2.5 million salary while in the majors. The sides reached agreement earlier in the week and finalized the deal Saturday.

The 34-year-old right-hander spent last season with Toronto. He finished fourth in the AL with 73 appearances and posted a 3.67 ERA.

Clippard enters 2019 ranked sixth among current relievers with 698 career games. Clippard has also pitched for both New York teams, Houston, the White Sox, Arizona, Oakland and Washington.

He's 52-46 with a 3.16 ERA since 2007. Clippard has also never been on the injured list in 12 years.

The Indians are reconfiguring their bullpen this season after choosing not to re-sign career saves leader Cody Allen or elite lefty Andrew Miller.

 

[Cnotes53]

Kershaw to resume throwing next week
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers say ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw is expected to resume his regular throwing program next week.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Kershaw was feeling better.

Roberts gave Kershaw a chance to ''reset'' after two spring outings on the mound. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said he ''just didn't feel right'' after a live batting practice session on Monday and a bullpen on Wednesday.

''Right now, we're going to stick with the same program and see how he feels,'' Roberts said. ''I know talking to him, he feels better physically. When the training staff decides that we can ramp things back up, we will do so.''

Kershaw has dealt with back injuries the past three seasons and a shoulder injury last year. This week, Roberts announced Kershaw his opening day starter to face Arizona on March 28 at Dodger Stadium.

''Just in talking to him and seeing his disposition, he's encouraged by how his body is responding,'' Roberts said.

The 30-year-old Kershaw signed a three-year, $93 million contract in November after going 9-5 with a 2.73 ERA in 26 starts last season.

Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, who's been rehabbing from back surgery, he could only watch video of Kershaw's live batting practice session and could tell something wasn't right.

''I actually had a premonition after his throwing live,'' Honeycutt said Saturday, his first day in Dodgers camp. ''He didn't sound great that day. I know it's a very frustrating time for him right now.''

Honeycutt was glad to be back at work for the first time since undergoing back surgery on Feb. 12. Bullpen coach Mark Prior has been overseeing the pitchers while Honeycutt was sidelined and provided updates.

''Kersh is going to power through whatever,'' Honeycutt said. ''It wasn't like you saw anything that jumped out of the video that would say, `Whoa, something's not right.' What he's going through I think is a feel, it's a feeling of the throws being proper and it's not that you see something mechanical that's the issue. It's more just what's going on inside the joint right now.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Cashner and Cobb looking to rebound
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) In the new world of the Baltimore Orioles where youth and inexperience are the rule, there are two veteran pitchers hoping to prove they still have some skills.

Last spring training, the Orioles added two free agent pitchers, Andrew Cashner and Alex Cobb, and both had substandard years.

Cashner, who signed a two-year $16 million contract, was 4-15 with a 5.29 ERA. Cobb, who late in spring training agreed to a four-year, $57 million deal, had the worst season of his career, going 5-15 with a 4.90 ERA.

''I don't want to touch too much on what we had going on last year,'' Cobb said. ''I felt like there were a lot of times where we were going into competition without a full arsenal, far behind the competition we were facing, and that's frustrating.''

Baltimore was derided in the past because they lagged far behind what had become industry standard in the information age.

''It's tough to go in there with a lot of confidence because you know how much more information is being given to the other side because I've been on the other side,'' Cobb said. ''I feel like it's an even playing field now.''

Under new general manager Mike Elias and new manager Brandon Hyde, the Orioles are not only more analytically oriented, but they're a lot looser. Even better for the 32-year-old Cashner, they added pitching coach Doug Brocail to the staff last month.

In 2017, Brocail was the Texas Rangers' pitching coach, and Cashner had one of his best seasons under him with an 11-11 record and 3.40 ERA. Brocail is a hard-nosed coach, but he and Hyde, who was the Chicago Cubs' bench coach last year, have brought a different tone to camp, adopting some of Joe Maddon's practices.

As the pitchers took the field for their first stretch on Feb. 13, suddenly loud music was blaring, a sharp difference from former manager Buck Showalter's tenure.

''It's kind of a lot more fun,'' Cashner said. ''I think it's kind of just trying to let everybody be themselves. It's not so much worrying about certain things as it is showing up and being the best ballplayer you can be. That's kind of the style (Hyde) had under Joe Maddon.''

Last season, Cashner missed time with a back strain, a neck strain and a knee injury that ended his season by mid-September. Good fortune and a new pitching coach could help.

''I think my biggest thing is health, first and foremost,'' Cashner said. ''I feel like I kind of struggled with that last year. Working with Doug is a treat for me, and it's special just because he played for so long and me and him mesh really well together.''

Along with Dylan Bundy, Cashner and Cobb are the most tenured starting pitchers Hyde has.

''I think experience is important,'' Hyde said. ''Especially the right experience, the right type of people, really good veteran guys do make a major impact in how they prepare, just watching them play.''

The 31-year-old Cobb had an awful start to his first season with Baltimore. Before the All-Star break, Cobb was 2-12 with a 6.41 ERA. He improved markedly in the second half with a 3-3 record and 2.56 ERA.

Cobb is confident that with new management, the Orioles are on the right track.

''I feel like we've got the guys that have been around the league, seen championship caliber organizations,'' Cobb said. ''When you have those guys come in and have seen that much success and tell you that your stuff is good, it does play; we need to tweak a few things here and there, it's not a full rebuild, it gives you confidence.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Cardinals sign OF Martinez to new deal
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Jose Martinez's teammates with the St. Louis Cardinals applauded his new contract Saturday, and the deal gave his family reason to cheer, too.

The outfielder/first baseman signed a $3.25 million, two-year contract to remain with the Cardinals, who essentially bought out his first year of arbitration after this season.

Martinez said he would send some of the money to relatives in his native Venezuela, which has been plagued by food and medical shortages and a political crisis.

''It's not even for me, just for my family,'' Martinez said. ''It's a tough situation there. You have a little incentive for sure.''

The deal was announced before the Cardinals' spring training opener against the Miami Marlins. Manager Mike Shildt said the popular Martinez received ''two hearty rounds of applause'' from teammates when they were told the news.

''It was really an honor to be able to say that in the clubhouse,'' Shildt said. ''He's an important part of what we're doing.''

The Cardinals also announced that right-hander Miles Mikolas will start opening day at Milwaukee on March 28. Mikolas returned to the major leagues last year after three seasons in Japan, became a first-time All-Star and went 18-4.

''A year ago, saying Miles would be our opening day starter this year would have been a shock to everyone,'' general manager Mike Girsch said. ''He pitched amazing last year.''

Mikolas will join a list of Cardinals opening day starters that includes Hall of Famers Bob Gibson, Dizzy Dean, Jesse Haines and Grover Cleveland Alexander.

''It's a huge, huge honor,'' Mikolas said. ''I'm very humbled by that.''

Following the announcement, Mikolas pitched two perfect innings against Miami.

''I might have missed a little bit in and out, but the ball was down, which was good,'' he said. ''As long as the fastball is down, good things are going to happen.''

Martinez, 30, led the Cardinals with a .305 average last year and had 17 homers and 83 RBIs. He played 887 games in the minors before reaching the big leagues, and has since hit .309 over parts of three seasons.

''He has had a unique career path and has been a huge part of our team the last couple of years,'' Girsch said. ''We felt the right thing to do was to give him some certainty.''

Martinez said he was surprised by the contract offer, which included incentives.

''If you are a good teammate, good things will happen to you,'' Martinez said. ''I'm just trying to get to that promised land - trying to win the World Series.''

He'll compete with Dexter Fowler and Tyler O'Neill this spring for the right field job. He could also back up Marcell Ozuna in left.

''Jose is going to get at-bats somewhere,'' Girsch said. ''We just don't know how it's going to work out. And I'm sure he'll continue to hit.''

 

[Cnotes53]

McCutchen, Realmuto, Segura debut for Phillies
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) While the Phillies wait to see whether Bryce Harper will sign with them, a trio of other big names took their first swings for Philadelphia.

Catcher J.T. Realmuto, outfielder Andrew McCutchen and shortstop Jean Segura all started Saturday in a 3-2 spring training loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Segura went 1 for 3 while McCutchen and Realmuto each went hitless in two at-bats.

Despite their debuts, Harper remains a focal point of discussion.

''I saw a helicopter circling around here the other day and we were joking like, `Hey, it would be funny if he just landed and got out,''' McCutchen said. ''We all know what he's capable of doing. He changes the team a lot for whatever team that he is on.''

Realmuto (.277, 21 homers, 74 RBIs), Segura (.304, 10, 63, 20 steals) and McCutchen (.255, 20, 65) should improve a lineup that finished last in the majors in batting average (.234), 22nd in runs (4.2 per game) and third in strikeouts (1,520).

The Phillies recently made a big trade to acquire the All-Star Realmuto from Miami. Segura was obtained in December while 2013 NL MVP McCutchen signed as a free agent.

Under first-year manager Gabe Kapler, the Phillies were a surprise contender for much of 2018 until falling apart the final two months. They led the NL East with the second-best record in the league one week into August before going 16-33 over the final 49 games to finish with a losing record for the sixth straight year.

''I just want to win a championship and I think this team is capable of that,'' McCutchen said. ''A good first half last year and added some pieces to the puzzle to be an even better team.''

MORE MCCUTCHEN

When asked why he signed with the Phillies, a smiling McCutchen said ''see what they offered me?''

McCutchen agreed to a $50 million, three-year contract. ''There's a lot that went into it, that being one of them,'' McCutchen said. ''It just felt like it was the right thing.'' McCutchen returns to the National League after finishing up last season with the New York Yankees. He spent his first nine seasons in Pittsburgh, joined San Francisco last year and then was traded to the Bronx.

 

[Cnotes53]

Scherzer: Pitch clock messes with 'fabric' of baseball
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) If three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer has his way, Major League Baseball's pitch clock will die in the South Florida humidity.

''I know as players that's something that MLB is trying to negotiate,'' the Washington Nationals ace said Saturday night. ''I don't think there's negotiation here. As players, it just shouldn't be in the game. Having a pitch clock, if you have ball-strike implications, that's messing with the fabric of the game. There's no clock in baseball and there's no clock in baseball for a reason.''

After pushing for an agreement with players last season, management decided on its own to experiment with a 20-second pitch clock during spring training this year, part of the sport's effort to speed the pace of play. Owners have the right to implement the clock for the regular season but would prefer to reach an agreement with the union.

Under the phase-in designed to allow teams to get used to the concept without fear of penalty, pitchers and batters who were taking too long in Saturday's games were merely warned to hurry up.

When the policy, which has been used in some minor leagues since 2015, is phased in, a ball could be charged in certain situations to pitchers who do not begin their motion in time. Batters delaying the game might draw a strike.

Washington played its Grapefruit League opener Saturday night against Houston. Scherzer came close to using the full 20 seconds on a couple of occasions with runners on base, but the clock didn't expire.

The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches features a pitch clock beneath the main outfield scoreboard and two at ground level behind home plate near each dugout.

''Now having to actually throw to it, I think it's more of a distraction than anything,'' Scherzer said. ''I get that there are parts of the game that we can clean up and I think that there can be meaningful changes. I'm fundamentally against this.''

A newly elected member of the Major League Baseball Players Association's executive board, Scherzer felt his first outing dragging a bit, attributing the slow play to a high amount of foul balls. He referenced an article published a few days ago by FiveThirtyEight citing an increase in foul balls as being a major reason for longer games.

''I'm not going to put my name next to this clock,'' he said.

Scherzer allowed one run on Jake Marisnick's homer, one of three hits he gave up in two innings. He struck out three and walked one while throwing 25 of 44 pitches for strikes.

The home run by Marisnick to straightaway center field led off the game and came on a 2-2 fastball.

''It's a fastball right down the middle, that's what it goes back to,'' Scherzer said. ''I've got to get that fastball to the edge.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Mariners' Hernandez gets off to shaky spring start
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

Felix Hernandez says he's all set for a bounce-back season.

Now pitching entirely from the stretch, King Felix made his spring training debut Saturday, giving up four runs in 1 1/3 innings as the Seattle Mariners lost to the San Diego Padres 6-4.

The six-time All-Star allowed four hits, only one of them solid. He didn't walk anyone, but hit a batter and threw just 23 strikes in 42 pitches.

''The most important thing is that my arm and my body feel good,'' Hernandez said. ''The pitches were moving, the curveball was really good.''

Hernandez turns 33 in April and is entering his 15th season in Seattle - and the final year of his seven-year, $175 million contract. The Mariners hold a team option for 2020.

Long the ace of the Seattle staff, he is coming off the worst year of his career, posting a 5.55 ERA in 155 2/3 innings and being removed from the rotation for the first time in his career.

During the offseason, Hernandez decided to work from the set position.

''I feel good from the stretch. I just feel like I'm going straight to the plate,'' he said. ''Not too much movement. From the windup, I got to do a lot of stuff.''

AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUES

RED SOX 8, YANKEES 5

Gleyber Torres hit a solo home run for the Yankees. Rafael Devers had two hits for Boston and top prospect Michael Chavis hit a three-run homer.

METS 4, BRAVES 3

Robinson Cano hit a go-ahead single for the Mets and highly touted Pete Alonso homered on the first pitch he saw this spring. Touki Toussaint started for Atlanta, allowing two runs on two hits.

CARDINALS 11, MARLINS 1

St. Louis ace Miles Mikolas pitched two perfect innings. Sandy Alcantara threw two scoreless innings for Miami.

PIRATES 3, PHILLIES 2

Jean Segura went 1 for 3 in his first game with Philadelphia while fellow newcomers Andrew McCutchen and J.T. Realmuto were both hitless in two trips.

ORIOLES 7, TWINS (SS) 2

Chance Sisco hit a three-run homer for Baltimore and rotation hopeful Yefry Ramirez allowed a run on two hits and two walks in two innings. Jake Cave had two hits for Minnesota's split squad.

TIGERS 4, BLUE JAYS 0

Detroit starter Matt Moore pitched two scoreless innings and Niko Goodrum had a two-run homer. Teoscar Hernandez had two of Toronto's four hits.

ROCKIES 7, DIAMONDBACKS 3

David Dahl doubled twice for Colorado. Colton Welker, drafted by the Rockies in 2016 out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, hit a home run.

Steven Souza Jr. homered for Arizona.

CUBS 8, BREWERS 4

Kris Bryant hit a home run in his first spring at-bat and also singled for Chicago. The former NL MVP worked over the winter to strengthen the left shoulder that robbed him of his typical power last season.

Corey Ray, Milwaukee's first-round draft pick in 2016, homered and doubled.

INDIANS 3, REDS 3, 9 INNINGS

Matt Kemp hit a two-run homer in his Cincinnati debut. Tyler Naquin homered for Cleveland.

ROYALS 9, RANGERS 1

Alex Gordon doubled and singled for Kansas City and Jorge Soler added an RBI single.

Matt Davidson, signed to a minor league contract by Texas, started at third base and had a hit. He is slotted to work as both an infielder and a pitcher this spring.

DODGERS 7, WHITE SOX (SS) 6

Russell Martin marked his return to the Dodgers with an RBI double. He caught five seasons for LA and returned in a trade with Toronto. Joc Pederson homered for the Dodgers and Rich Hill pitched a fast inning.

D.J. Peterson homered for Chicago.

ANGELS 10, GIANTS 3

Taylor Ward hit a grand slam for the Angels and Peter Bourjos had a two-run single.

ATHLETICS 6, WHITE SOX (SS) 5

Stephen Piscotty homered for Oakland. Yoan Moncada had two hits for Chicago, driving in a run and scoring once.

PADRES 6, MARINERS 4

Jose Pirela doubled and singled for San Diego. Shed Long, a former Reds prospect acquired in a three-team trade with the Yankees, homered for Seattle.

NATIONALS 7, ASTROS 6

Anthony Rendon homered and Spencer Kieboom added a three-run shot for Washington. Jake Marisnick led off with a home run against Nationals ace Max Scherzer, who threw 44 pitches in two innings.

TWINS (SS) 10, RAYS 5

Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer and a two-run single for Minnesota. Nelson Cruz scored twice in his Twins debut.

 

[Cnotes53]

Tigers finalize 1-year deal with INF/OF Josh Harrison
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) The Detroit Tigers have finalized their one-year deal with free agent Josh Harrison.

Harrison, whose base salary will be worth $2 million, hit .250 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs last year. He missed time early in the season with a hand injury and played just 97 games.

Harrison spent his first eight major league seasons with Pittsburgh. He's played second base, third base, shortstop and in the outfield.

Harrison hit a career-high 16 home runs in 2017.

 

[Cnotes53]

Astros' Hinch: Early split squads 'worst possible scenario'
February 23, 2019
By The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) A quirk in Houston's early spring training schedule will force manager A. J. Hinch to use veteran stars such as outfielders George Springer and Michael Brantley earlier than he'd like.

Hinch isn't pleased that his Astros will play split-squad games - at the New York Mets, home vs. Atlanta - on Sunday, the second day of their Grapefruit League play.

''Tomorrow we have a split squad, which is probably the worst possible scenario for the beginning of camp because I don't really love playing guys this early,'' Hinch said. ''As we push the season earlier - into March now - spring training games, now it feels like mid-February, and we're revving guys up. The position players don't need as long a time to get ready for a season.''

The 2017 World Series champion Astros field a veteran team and many of those guys entered camp with injury questions. Using the designated hitter spot as sort of a half day off, one of Hinch's toughest tasks, especially early in spring, will be choosing who gets those at-bats.

Springer, a two-time All-Star and the 2017 World Series MVP who is coming off a thumb injury, will make his debut on Sunday as a designated hitter. Brantley, a three-time All-Star who signed with Houston as a free agent, will DH the other game and won't play the field for at least a week. The 10-year veteran played 141 games last season but only 101 combined games in 2016-17 because of injuries.

Returning from offseason knee surgery, 2017 AL MVP Jose Altuve won't debut until Monday, when he'll DH instead of playing second base.

''We have a predominantly veteran team that's been around,'' Hinch said. ''We have a team where there's few questions and outside of a few health questions and a few decisions we have to make there's not a lot of stress going into this spring as to what we need to implement.''

Saturday night's lineup for the Astros' Grapefruit League opener against Washington wasn't exactly indicative of the team Hinch intends to field when Houston opens the season on March 28 at Tampa Bay, lacking any regulars from last season.

Outfielder Jake Marisnick, the closest thing to a regular in the lineup, led off the game by homering against Max Scherzer. Derek Fisher and Kyle Tucker completed the started outfield while the Astros regulars watched from the dugout.

''I have to play them tomorrow,'' Hinch said. ''Springer will player tomorrow, (Josh) Reddick will play tomorrow. Yuli (Gurriel) will play tomorrow. Everybody that you recognize is on our team will likely play tomorrow, minus the infielders.''

Third baseman Alex Bregman, who underwent offseason elbow surgery, isn't expected to make his Grapefruit League debut until the weekend. Unlike his other teammates, Bregman won't be eased back into Grapefruit League play by starting at DH.

''He'll play third base as soon as he's ready,'' Hinch said.