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Joe Nathan (P - MIN)
3/9/10 - Buster Olney from ESPN is reporting that Nathan has a torn elbow ligament. He will wait a week or two to decide on surgery, but this could end his season.
3/9/10 - Buster Olney from ESPN is reporting that Nathan has a torn elbow ligament. He will wait a week or two to decide on surgery, but this could end his season.
Kyle Kendrick (P - PHI)
3/9/10 - Kyle Kendrick looked good yesterday versus the Yankees in another spring outing. Kendrick pitched 3 solid innings and allowed only 1 hit while striking out 1. Kendrick is paying close attention to new staff ace Roy Halladay and the results are encouraging. Kendrick is battling Jamie Moyer and Jose Contreras for the 5th starter spot.
3/9/10 - Kyle Kendrick looked good yesterday versus the Yankees in another spring outing. Kendrick pitched 3 solid innings and allowed only 1 hit while striking out 1. Kendrick is paying close attention to new staff ace Roy Halladay and the results are encouraging. Kendrick is battling Jamie Moyer and Jose Contreras for the 5th starter spot.
Jayson Werth (OF - PHI)
3/9/10 - Jayson Werth is looking for his first hit of the spring. Werth batted 6th and was the DH versus the Yankess but went 0-3 with a run scored on the day. Werth is in the final year of his contract and hopefully won't press too much this year...looking for the big payday next year.
3/9/10 - Jayson Werth is looking for his first hit of the spring. Werth batted 6th and was the DH versus the Yankess but went 0-3 with a run scored on the day. Werth is in the final year of his contract and hopefully won't press too much this year...looking for the big payday next year.
Ryan Howard (1B - PHI)
3/9/10 - Ryan Howard had his first two hits of the spring. Howard went 2-4 with a couple singles and only one strikeout in the game. With the 2 hits, Howard is batting .167 on the spring.
3/9/10 - Ryan Howard had his first two hits of the spring. Howard went 2-4 with a couple singles and only one strikeout in the game. With the 2 hits, Howard is batting .167 on the spring.
Chase Utley (2B - PHI)
3/9/10 - Chase Utley is quietly having a very nice start to spring games. Utley went 2-3 with a couple of singles and is now batting .500 on the spring. Can the season start already?
3/9/10 - Chase Utley is quietly having a very nice start to spring games. Utley went 2-3 with a couple of singles and is now batting .500 on the spring. Can the season start already?
Jimmy Rollins (SS - PHI)
3/9/10 - Jimmy Rollins now looks to be getting into form for the season. Rollins went 2-4 with a leadoff HR and a bunt single versus the Yankees. Rollins is now batting .231 on the spring.
3/9/10 - Jimmy Rollins now looks to be getting into form for the season. Rollins went 2-4 with a leadoff HR and a bunt single versus the Yankees. Rollins is now batting .231 on the spring.
Josh Hamilton (OF - TEX)
3/9/10 - Hamilton made his first spring appearance Monday and went 2-3. He had been sidelined with a sore shoulder.
3/9/10 - Hamilton made his first spring appearance Monday and went 2-3. He had been sidelined with a sore shoulder.
Brian Roberts (2B - BAL)
3/9/10 - GM Andy MacPhail stated Monday that Roberts will miss at least another week of exhibition games with his sore back. MacPhail also stated that he expects Roberts to be ready for the start of the season.
3/9/10 - GM Andy MacPhail stated Monday that Roberts will miss at least another week of exhibition games with his sore back. MacPhail also stated that he expects Roberts to be ready for the start of the season.
Brad Bergesen (P - BAL)
3/9/10 - Bergesen is expected to make his spring training debut Wednesday. His debut had been delayed by a sore shoulder that occured while filming a TV commercial.
3/9/10 - Bergesen is expected to make his spring training debut Wednesday. His debut had been delayed by a sore shoulder that occured while filming a TV commercial.
Hank Blalock (1B/DH - TB)
3/9/10 - Blalock signed a minor league deal with the Rays. Blalock will provide insurance at DH and first base. His contract includes an opt-out if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.
3/9/10 - Blalock signed a minor league deal with the Rays. Blalock will provide insurance at DH and first base. His contract includes an opt-out if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.
Casey Blake (3B - LAD)
3/9/10 - Casey Blake came out of Monday's exhibition game against the Giants with a strained rib-cage muscle. Blake felt something playing pregame catch, but it didn't hurt him swinging so he started and singled in the top of the second inning. But while fielding Kevin Frandsen's sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the second, Blake barehanded the ball and threw sidearm to first base and felt it again. The muscle is on the right side of his rib cage.
3/9/10 - Casey Blake came out of Monday's exhibition game against the Giants with a strained rib-cage muscle. Blake felt something playing pregame catch, but it didn't hurt him swinging so he started and singled in the top of the second inning. But while fielding Kevin Frandsen's sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the second, Blake barehanded the ball and threw sidearm to first base and felt it again. The muscle is on the right side of his rib cage.
Brandon Lyon (P - HOU)
3/8/10 - For the second time this Spring Lyon threw off the mound. "We'll see how my arm reacts again [Tuesday], but everything went well and the ball was coming out of my arm pretty good," Lyon said. "I'm comfortable where I'm at right now. We'll just come in [Tuesday] and see how it feels and kind of work from there. I don't know when I'm going to get on the mound again, but if I feel good maybe do a light thing [Tuesday]." At this point the Astros are not worried about Lyon missing the start of the season.
3/8/10 - For the second time this Spring Lyon threw off the mound. "We'll see how my arm reacts again [Tuesday], but everything went well and the ball was coming out of my arm pretty good," Lyon said. "I'm comfortable where I'm at right now. We'll just come in [Tuesday] and see how it feels and kind of work from there. I don't know when I'm going to get on the mound again, but if I feel good maybe do a light thing [Tuesday]." At this point the Astros are not worried about Lyon missing the start of the season.
Kevin Cash (C - HOU)
3/8/10 - Kevin Cash is realistic about his shot at making the team. "Any time you read and you talk to people you know that nothing is set in stone, and I think there's an opportunity for any of the six catchers here in camp," Cash said. "You're not going to uproot a Posada or Varitek, but it's going to be [the Astros'] decision on which route they're going to take. It seems like all the guys here are good players and be can very capable. "I just want to come in with a mind to have a good spring and see where it takes you. Obviously, I want to be in the big leagues and you have to wait for your opportunity. I'm the new guy here, and the other guys have been in the organization for a while and they're going to get opportunities a little earlier, but that's no big deal."
3/8/10 - Kevin Cash is realistic about his shot at making the team. "Any time you read and you talk to people you know that nothing is set in stone, and I think there's an opportunity for any of the six catchers here in camp," Cash said. "You're not going to uproot a Posada or Varitek, but it's going to be [the Astros'] decision on which route they're going to take. It seems like all the guys here are good players and be can very capable. "I just want to come in with a mind to have a good spring and see where it takes you. Obviously, I want to be in the big leagues and you have to wait for your opportunity. I'm the new guy here, and the other guys have been in the organization for a while and they're going to get opportunities a little earlier, but that's no big deal."
Bud Norris (P - HOU)
3/8/10 - Bud Norris is trying to lock down a rotation spot for 2010. "I have to go out there and earn my spot in the rotation, and that's what I want to prove," Norris said. "Results are going to be helpful, but at the same time, working on things is going to be more important. I had one bad pitch to a good hitter, but I have to keep working on strides to make sure I earn that spot."
3/8/10 - Bud Norris is trying to lock down a rotation spot for 2010. "I have to go out there and earn my spot in the rotation, and that's what I want to prove," Norris said. "Results are going to be helpful, but at the same time, working on things is going to be more important. I had one bad pitch to a good hitter, but I have to keep working on strides to make sure I earn that spot."
Jake Westbrook (P - CLE)
3/8/10 - Westbrook allowed a run and three walks against AZ in 1/2-3 IP in his first game against major-league hitters since May 2008. He said that he felt strong and was encouraged by his first outing since undergoing Tommy John surgery. He allowed a single, hit a batter and struck out one batter in today's exhibition game.
3/8/10 - Westbrook allowed a run and three walks against AZ in 1/2-3 IP in his first game against major-league hitters since May 2008. He said that he felt strong and was encouraged by his first outing since undergoing Tommy John surgery. He allowed a single, hit a batter and struck out one batter in today's exhibition game.
Brendan Ryan (SS - STL)
3/8/10 - Brendan Ryan's timetable may be accelerated somewhat following a successful workout on Monday. The Cardinals' shortstop is recuperating from February right wrist surgery, and he hopes to be available to play for the team on Opening Day, April 5, in Cincinnati. Monday brought a step forward in Ryan's rehabilitation. He took soft toss for the first time since the operation. Soft toss is a kind of batting practice where a coach or teammate stands very close to the player and tosses a ball up in the air. The player swings, hitting a ball into a net. Ryan took 15 swings in soft toss as part of his Monday workout. He'll increase that to 30 on Tuesday and 45 on Wednesday. After a day off on Thursday, he hopes to take actual batting practice on Friday, which is three days earlier than he had expected.
3/8/10 - Brendan Ryan's timetable may be accelerated somewhat following a successful workout on Monday. The Cardinals' shortstop is recuperating from February right wrist surgery, and he hopes to be available to play for the team on Opening Day, April 5, in Cincinnati. Monday brought a step forward in Ryan's rehabilitation. He took soft toss for the first time since the operation. Soft toss is a kind of batting practice where a coach or teammate stands very close to the player and tosses a ball up in the air. The player swings, hitting a ball into a net. Ryan took 15 swings in soft toss as part of his Monday workout. He'll increase that to 30 on Tuesday and 45 on Wednesday. After a day off on Thursday, he hopes to take actual batting practice on Friday, which is three days earlier than he had expected.
Jair Jurrjens (P - ATL)
3/8/10 - Jurrjens will throw live batting practice again on Tuesday and is tentatively scheduled start on Saturday.
3/8/10 - Jurrjens will throw live batting practice again on Tuesday and is tentatively scheduled start on Saturday.
Brendan Ryan (SS - STL)
3/8/10 - Every day brings a small step forward for Brendan Ryan in his recovery from right wrist surgery. Mondays, though, bring the promise of large steps. Ryan believes that he will take soft toss this coming Monday after a week of hitting off a tee. Ideally, it would be one more week after that before he begins taking actual batting practice. "I've got tomorrow and then Sunday off, and then Monday, we're shooting for soft toss," Ryan said. "As long as I don't go backwards, we'll work soft toss to front toss into batting practice."
3/8/10 - Every day brings a small step forward for Brendan Ryan in his recovery from right wrist surgery. Mondays, though, bring the promise of large steps. Ryan believes that he will take soft toss this coming Monday after a week of hitting off a tee. Ideally, it would be one more week after that before he begins taking actual batting practice. "I've got tomorrow and then Sunday off, and then Monday, we're shooting for soft toss," Ryan said. "As long as I don't go backwards, we'll work soft toss to front toss into batting practice."
Daisuke Matsuzaka (P - BOS)
3/8/10 - Matsuzaka threw a 65-pitch bullpen session on Sunday. He will pitch two live batting practice sessions and then will pitch a live game in about 10 days.
3/8/10 - Matsuzaka threw a 65-pitch bullpen session on Sunday. He will pitch two live batting practice sessions and then will pitch a live game in about 10 days.
Kelvim Escobar (P - NYM)
3/8/10 - Escobar was not able to play catch on flat ground last week and will most likely start the season on the disabled list.
3/8/10 - Escobar was not able to play catch on flat ground last week and will most likely start the season on the disabled list.
Chien-Ming Wang (P - WSH)
3/8/10 - Wang will throw off flat ground from 120 feet on Monday. He is expected to miss the first few months of the regular season.
3/8/10 - Wang will throw off flat ground from 120 feet on Monday. He is expected to miss the first few months of the regular season.
Nick Evans (OF - NYM)
3/8/10 - Evans will be sidelined for about a week with a strained right forearm.
3/8/10 - Evans will be sidelined for about a week with a strained right forearm.
Fernando Tatis (1B/3B/OF - NYM)
3/8/10 - Tatis will miss the next couple of games with a sore left knee.
3/8/10 - Tatis will miss the next couple of games with a sore left knee.
Jeff Bianchi (2B - KC)
3/8/10 - Manager Trey Hillman announced shortstop Jeff Bianchi, one of the Royals' top infield prospects, will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery and be out for the season.
3/8/10 - Manager Trey Hillman announced shortstop Jeff Bianchi, one of the Royals' top infield prospects, will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery and be out for the season.
Phillippe Aumont (P - PHI)
3/8/10 - Phillippe Aumont bounced back from his shaky outing last week. Aumont allowed 2 hits and 1 walk in 2.2 innings of work Sunday. Aumont looked better and the results were better but there is still work to do.
3/8/10 - Phillippe Aumont bounced back from his shaky outing last week. Aumont allowed 2 hits and 1 walk in 2.2 innings of work Sunday. Aumont looked better and the results were better but there is still work to do.
J.A. Happ (P - PHI)
3/8/10 - J.A. Happ had his second outing of the spring Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Rays. Happ allowed 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 in 2.1 innings of work. Happ will probably go 3 innings in his next outing to continue to stretch out for the regular season. Happ is the #4 starter and should be drafted in all NL only leagues.
3/8/10 - J.A. Happ had his second outing of the spring Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Rays. Happ allowed 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 in 2.1 innings of work. Happ will probably go 3 innings in his next outing to continue to stretch out for the regular season. Happ is the #4 starter and should be drafted in all NL only leagues.
Domonic Brown (OF - PHI)
3/8/10 - Domonic Brown is putting on a show early on in spring camp. Brown went 3-5 Sunday with a 2-run double to tie the game. Brown is batting .538 on the spring with 4 rbi's and is making a case for more playing time.
3/8/10 - Domonic Brown is putting on a show early on in spring camp. Brown went 3-5 Sunday with a 2-run double to tie the game. Brown is batting .538 on the spring with 4 rbi's and is making a case for more playing time.
Ryan Howard (1B - PHI)
3/8/10 - Ryan Howard went hitless Sunday and continues to struggle at the plate. Howard was 0-3 while leaving 2 men on base and remains hitless on the spring. Howard continues to chase too many breaking balls that are down and away but will hopefully get it corrected by Opening Day.
3/8/10 - Ryan Howard went hitless Sunday and continues to struggle at the plate. Howard was 0-3 while leaving 2 men on base and remains hitless on the spring. Howard continues to chase too many breaking balls that are down and away but will hopefully get it corrected by Opening Day.
Jimmy Rollins (SS - PHI)
3/8/10 - Jimmy Rollins finally got his first hit of the spring. Rollins went 1-3 on the day and smacked a HR in the 5th inning for his first hit. Rollins is 1-9 and batting .111 on the spring.
3/8/10 - Jimmy Rollins finally got his first hit of the spring. Rollins went 1-3 on the day and smacked a HR in the 5th inning for his first hit. Rollins is 1-9 and batting .111 on the spring.
A.J. Ellis (C - LAD)
3/8/10 - With Russell Martin sidelined for 4-6 weeks, Torre said rookie A.J. Ellis would "get the bulk of the playing time here," with 40-year-old Brad Ausmus remaining as the backup.
3/8/10 - With Russell Martin sidelined for 4-6 weeks, Torre said rookie A.J. Ellis would "get the bulk of the playing time here," with 40-year-old Brad Ausmus remaining as the backup.
Russell Martin (C - LAD)
3/8/10 - Dodgers catcher Russell Martin has a pulled groin muscle and will be sidelined four to six weeks, missing the rest of Spring Training and Opening Day, manager Joe Torre said on Sunday. Martin will be sent to Los Angeles for further medical exams to confirm the initial diagnosis Dr. Neal ElAttrache made after a Saturday MRI.
3/8/10 - Dodgers catcher Russell Martin has a pulled groin muscle and will be sidelined four to six weeks, missing the rest of Spring Training and Opening Day, manager Joe Torre said on Sunday. Martin will be sent to Los Angeles for further medical exams to confirm the initial diagnosis Dr. Neal ElAttrache made after a Saturday MRI.
Angel Guzman (P - CHC)
3/8/10 - Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman said on Sunday he hasn't given up trying to pitch in the big leagues and is considering surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn ligament rather than take a more conservative approach. An MRI revealed a severe tear in a ligament in Guzman's shoulder, near his armpit. The righty said he will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews.
3/8/10 - Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman said on Sunday he hasn't given up trying to pitch in the big leagues and is considering surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn ligament rather than take a more conservative approach. An MRI revealed a severe tear in a ligament in Guzman's shoulder, near his armpit. The righty said he will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews.
Andres Blanco (2B - CHC)
3/8/10 - Cubs infielder Andres Blanco will be sidelined 10 to 14 days because of a mild to moderate sprain of his right knee suffered Saturday when his foot got locked in the infield dirt at HoHoKam Park.
3/8/10 - Cubs infielder Andres Blanco will be sidelined 10 to 14 days because of a mild to moderate sprain of his right knee suffered Saturday when his foot got locked in the infield dirt at HoHoKam Park.
Xavier Nady (OF - CHC)
3/8/10 - Cubs outfielder Xavier Nady, rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, is still at least three days away from getting into a game. He's been throwing three days per week and was being held back from hitting so he could give his arm time to rest and recover.
3/8/10 - Cubs outfielder Xavier Nady, rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, is still at least three days away from getting into a game. He's been throwing three days per week and was being held back from hitting so he could give his arm time to rest and recover.
Mark DeRosa (3B/OF - SF)
3/8/10 - Mark DeRosa swung at live pitching for the first time since October during a simulated game in a downpour and said his wrist felt so good he believes he can make his Cactus League debut as early as Tuesday. "Everything felt good, even in these conditions," DeRosa said. "I'm happy with that." DeRosa had a few "hits" in the simulated game thrown by prospects Clayton Tanner and Craig Clark. More important, he felt no pain in his surgically repaired wrist when he swung through pitches or checked his swing. The latter he had to do when Clark went offspeed with the count full.
3/8/10 - Mark DeRosa swung at live pitching for the first time since October during a simulated game in a downpour and said his wrist felt so good he believes he can make his Cactus League debut as early as Tuesday. "Everything felt good, even in these conditions," DeRosa said. "I'm happy with that." DeRosa had a few "hits" in the simulated game thrown by prospects Clayton Tanner and Craig Clark. More important, he felt no pain in his surgically repaired wrist when he swung through pitches or checked his swing. The latter he had to do when Clark went offspeed with the count full.
Brett Tomko (P - OAK)
3/8/10 - Tomko is not expected to be ready until mid-May at the earliest due to an irritated nerve in his pitching arm.
3/8/10 - Tomko is not expected to be ready until mid-May at the earliest due to an irritated nerve in his pitching arm.
Kendry Morales (1B - LAA)
3/8/10 - Morales, who got a late start due to work-permit issues, will see exhibition game action this week.
3/8/10 - Morales, who got a late start due to work-permit issues, will see exhibition game action this week.