In the desperation to find Baseball news, the early days of Spring Training are often over-analyzed. It is, of course, a product of the time as every beat writer and columnist is connected to Twitter and are being pushed to provide immediate information. But, looking at Spring Training results on face value is dangerous, especially early in the spring. Pitchers are just beginning to build their pitch counts. What looks like an ugly line can just be a result of fatigue. But, there are some things that make for relevant Spring Training news such as injured players returning, rookies making an impression, and veterans trying to rebound. Thus far, the Spring has offered a few interesting facts and happenings that can have a great impact on the 2011 season.
Yesterday, Joe Nathan returned to the mound for an inning of work. That is news by itself as Nathan is making his way back from Tommy John Surgery. He worked the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox and got two flyouts and a groundout, while allowing one walk. The result isn’t too important. It’s the fact that Nathan was back on the mound and topped 90 MPH during his one inning. He seems on target to return by Opening Day.
The news isn’t as good for the Indians’ Grady Sizemore. While he has been hitting and participating in light drills, Sizemore isn’t running full speed just yet. Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti stated that he isn’t counting on his centerfielder for Opening Day. Sizemore’s injury and surgery is unique to Baseball. His return will be filled with setbacks along the way. The main thing is that he is doing some baseball activity.
Cliff Lee struggled with his control yesterday during his first start of the spring. There is absolutely nothing to see, hear, or worry about here. As long as Lee comes out healthy, he’ll be fine once the season begins.
Garrett Anderson announced his retirement yesterday. He played for 17 seasons and finished with 2,529 hits and a World Series title. Although he was never a big on base percentage guy, he finished with a career .293/.324/.461 batting line. From 2000 through 2003, Anderson averaged 30 homeruns, 122 RBI, and a slash line of .299/.324/.519.
The general Spring Training overreaction was in full force this week. First, it was Derek Jeter and his batting practice session. There is a perception that Jeter is struggling with his remodeled stance. That perception may be correct, but at this point it doesn’t matter. Jeter can struggle all spring if he likes, but he will enter the season as the shortstop and leadoff hitter—even though he is better suited to hit second—and will have the benefit of time. Spring and the small sample size always lead to overreaction. Throw in Jeter and the headlines fill with words like struggle. No judgment can be made right now.
Chris Carpenter sent most of St. Louis into a panic when he left his start midway through the inning. Obviously, after losing Adam Wainwright the Cardinals can’t afford to lose any of their pitchers. On the surface, this looks like Carpenter was just being careful with a hamstring pull. Early spring injuries are normal and teams are more cautious. Even if he misses a start, he won’t be behind. If he misses two starts, then there is a danger of losing a start or two at the beginning of the regular season.
The most important news to come out of Mets camp that didn’t involve the names Wilpon or Madoff was from now former centerfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran discussed a move to right field with Manager Terry Collins and is now on board with the plan. It benefits the Mets with their best defensive player now patrolling center field and with Beltran more likely to stay healthy in the less demanding corner outfield position. It also gives Beltran a chance to prove he is healthy enough for another multi-year contract next winter. It is a win-win for both parties, one of the few pieces of good news that the Mets have received all year.
One of the Yankees most interesting subplots this spring is their catching situation. Russell Martin will make his spring debut this Friday as a catcher. Martin is recovering from hip surgery and signed a one year deal with the Yankees to be their starting catcher. Martin has stated that he is 100 percent with his hip and knee and ready to go. He better be with prospects Jesus Montero and Austin Romine in camp. As long as Martin can show he is healthy and able to contribute as the number nine hitter, the job is his.
One of the least reported news items of the spring has been the fact that Adrian Gonzalez is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He is taking swings and is said to be making steady progress. Terry Francona even stated that Gonzalez is ahead of schedule, giving an indication that he will make his spring debut shortly. Gonzalez, if healthy, is primed for his best season given his new home.
Sticking with the Red Sox, according to club Josh Beckett is cleared to resume Baseball activities. He was hit in the head during pregame and was showing concussion-like symptoms. The good news is that Beckett is healthy and isn’t set back
The Nationals are getting closer to seeing Chien-Ming Wang on a Major League mound after not getting one inning out of him last season. Wang will pitch a Minor League intersquad game Friday and then should be cleared to pitch in a Spring Training game. Few remember the groundball inducing machine he was at the top of the Yankees rotation just a couple of seasons ago.
Joe Mauer hasn’t played a Spring game yet, but this is just the case of the Twins’ protecting their largest investment. With some knee issues, there is no need to push Mauer in the Spring. Look for him to DH soon before getting behind the plate. There’s nothing to overreact to yet.
Just a hunch, but Russell Branyan will win the first base job over Juan Miranda and Brandon Allen for the Diamondbacks. Branyan fills the power void left with the departure of Mark Reynolds.
- News and Notes: Alex Gordon to begin rehab assignment Thursday with Wilmington
- MLB News and Notes: Orioles and Nationals
- MLB News and Notes: 4/18
- Carlos Beltran Has Surgery
- MLB News and Notes 5/13
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Original Story:
http://fullcountpitch.com/2011/03/02/...
