http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/players/lance_zawadzki/125306 Recent articles about Lance Zawadzki en-us After beating the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 yesterday, the Boston Red Sox will play two games today. One of the split squads will head to Dunedin to take on the Toronto Blue Jays while the other will make the short trip up to Port Charlotte to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. While there is no radio or television for the game, according to the MLB At-Bat app, MLB.com will have radio coverage of both games. If you have a Red Sox Nation membership for 2013, you get free MLB.tv audio so you should be able to listen to the game. 1. Brock Holt 2B 1. Jose Reyes SS 2. Jackie Bradley, Jr. CF 2. Melky Cabrera LF 3. Will Middlebrooks 3B 3. Jose Bautista DH 4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C 4. Edwin Encarnacion 1B ... Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:07:54 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/red_sox_spring_training_delight_225/12987253 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/red_sox_spring_training_delight_225/12987253 Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 2/25 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/red_sox_spring_training_delight_225/12987253 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png LAKELAND, Fla. On the surface, a 10-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays would not seem to have been very entertaining for Tigers fans. However, they got much of what they came to see in the Grapefruit League home opener at Marchant Stadium. Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder both hit tape-measure home runs. Torii Hunter, the newest Tiger, ripped a double in his first at-bat. Plus they got to see two scoreless innings from starter Anibal Sanchez and the debut of rookie wunderkind reliever Bruce Rondon. Fielder launched a two-run homer in the first inning off Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow that landed on the roof of the indoor batting cages beyond the row of palm trees that line the outfield wall. In the third inning, Cabrera crushed a Steve Delabar offering that went about as high as the top of the flagpole atop the berm in left-center field. The ball nearly carried over the grass berm, landing no more than 20 feet from a tiki hut refreshment center. We put on a show, Fielder said with a smile. Hunter sai Sat, 23 Feb 2013 19:16:47 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/fielder_cabrera_go_deep_in_tigertown_opener/13005403 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/fielder_cabrera_go_deep_in_tigertown_opener/13005403 Fielder, Cabrera go deep in TigerTown opener http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/fielder_cabrera_go_deep_in_tigertown_opener/13005403 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/308ee06fb30f5130139060c44a3ea5928ae44d32/mini/6701800.jpg AL BEast Notebook – Feb 23 Here’s a quick rundown of the relevant information from the teams’ first Spring look this afternoon. - Yankees vs. Braves = David Phelps pitched two scoreless innings. Robinson Cano homered off lefty Yohan Flande. Zoilo Almonte hit a home run and had an outfield assist at third base. Yankees win 8-3 - Orioles vs. Twins = Tommy Hunter gave up a double and home run for two runs; not a good start for him as Britton, Arrieta Steve Johnson and Dylan Bundy each pitched scoreless innings. Orioles win 5-3 - Rays vs. Pirates = Hernandez, Niemann (contending for the final spot in the rotation) and Rodney pitched 3 perfect innings. Few hits for the Rays’ regulars. Rays lose 3-2 - Red Sox vs. Rays = John Lackey started with a walk, single, hit batter. Backup shortstop Jose Iglesias homered for the Sox. Rays win 4-3 - Blue Jays vs. Tigers = Brandon Morrow allowed a double to Torii Hunter and a homer to Prince Fielder for two runs. Lance Zawadzki hit a pinch hit grand s... Sat, 23 Feb 2013 17:00:03 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/grapefruit_opener_recaps/12978217 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/grapefruit_opener_recaps/12978217 Grapefruit Opener Recaps http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/grapefruit_opener_recaps/12978217 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Dan Szymborski’s ZiPS projections, which have typically appeared in the pages of Baseball Think Factory, will be released at FanGraphs this year. Below are the projections for the maybe-AL-East-favorite Toronto Blue Jays. Szymborski can be found on Twitter at @DSzymborski. Other 2013 Projections: Angels / Astros / Athletics / Cubs / Giants / Nationals / Phillies / Rangers. Batters In 2012, Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie combined for just 217 total games played and 935 plate appearances, posting a 3.2 and 2.9 WAR, respectively. Were each to have produced at similar rates over 650 plate appearances instead (which probably isn’t a responsible thing to assume, actually, but that’s what’s happening right now), that would have been worth about another two or three wins to the Blue Jays — and likely even more, on account of how the Jays’ main replacements at right field (Moises Sierra) and third base (Adeiny Hechavarria) were worth less than replacement level. For 2013, even with just ca. ... Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:00:05 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/2013_zips_projections_toronto_blue_jays/12613525 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/2013_zips_projections_toronto_blue_jays/12613525 2013 ZiPS Projections – Toronto Blue Jays http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/2013_zips_projections_toronto_blue_jays/12613525 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The only way I’d sing any of these guys is if The Price is Right!   Since the offseason just started and free agency is just getting underway today, we figure it would be a good idea to brush up on our alphabet and pick one free agent from every letter of the alphabet that the Mets should at least consider signing at some point this offseason. Do I expect all of these guys to sign with the Mets? No chance, if they sign one or two on the following list I’d be shocked myself, it’s the offseason and I was just having some fun with this crazy idea that came into my head, and hope you enjoy too! A: Rick Ankiel -He was released by the Nationals for some guy named Harper, but I still feel Ankiel has something left in the tank. Do the Mets need a lefty bat with the likes of Lucas Duda and Kirk Nieuwenhuis? No, but a more consistent hitter in the outfield would be a nice addition. Is Bill Bray the next Tim Byrdak? B: Bill Bray - Lefty reliever, who only picked up 8.2 innings in 14 outings. Clearly a guy I would Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:00:22 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/free_agents_a_to_z/12171733 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/free_agents_a_to_z/12171733 Free Agents: A to Z http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/free_agents_a_to_z/12171733 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png With the 2012-2013 off-season now underway, it is time for another refresh of the St. Louis Cardinals system roster matrix. This version will reflect the changes made from the end of the 2012 regular season until 2013 spring training. The previous matrix reflects the rosters as they evolved from short-season ball through the conclusion of the 2012 season. If you are new to the blog and not familiar with the Cardinals organization roster matrix, here is quick summary: As the 2012 regular season ended, the St. Louis Cardinals had 294 players under contract from top to bottom, including a full 40-man roster. The matrix places each one at his end-of-season assigned level in the system as well as by position. It is kept updated daily or as transactions occur. Nowhere else will you find this current and comprehensive single-page view of the entire Cardinals organization. Don’t be concerned about the order of the players’ names within a team. It doesn’t signify anything. The 25-man roster ... Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:50:03 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cardinals_organization_roster_matrix_2012_2013_off_season/12102046 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cardinals_organization_roster_matrix_2012_2013_off_season/12102046 Cardinals organization roster matrix: 2012-2013 off-season http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cardinals_organization_roster_matrix_2012_2013_off_season/12102046 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Washington Nationals' prized pitcher Stephen Strasburg won't pitch more than 180 innings this season, general manager Mike Rizzo told YahooSports.com. "We feel that we do know this is going to work," Rizzo told Yahoo's Jeff Passan. "We've done research. We feel like there's evidence. We're not saying we're smarter than anyone else. But we're going to do it the way I want to because I'm in charge. That's the answer I have to all the critics and all the ex-players. They're welcome to it. They're very astute. But the majority didn't make their bones in player development." Strasburg, 24, is currently on pace to throw 184 1/3 innings, so Washington will need to get creative to keep the right-hander available for the entire season, especially with the Nationals potentially headed for the postseason.---The St. Louis Cardinals purchased the contract of infielder Ryan Jackson from Triple-A Memphis. The 24-year-old b... Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:51:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mlb_strasburg_likely_wont_exceed_180_innings/11427724 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mlb_strasburg_likely_wont_exceed_180_innings/11427724 MLB: Strasburg likely won't exceed 180 innings http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_strasburg_likely_wont_exceed_180_innings/11427724 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/d/5ddc2eeaefef5e8f23e41b43322f77032128ce0d/mini/97608882.jpg The NL East Report is published every Friday and takes a look at the other teams in the division. The reports covers the latest news and notes, injuries and transactions, divisional records versus the Mets, and updated NL East Standings. News And Notes Atlanta Braves: On Monday, May 21, Drew Sutton was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash. They also signed Ian Thomas and Lance Zawadzki. The Braves own the division’s best run differential, by a decent margin, at plus-32. The Nationals are plus-19, second best. The Braves have scored 4.87 runs per game, second-best in the National League and up from 3.96 last season. Martin Prado is on a hot streak for Atlanta. In his last 16 games, Prado has hit .429 with eight doubles, a triple, a home run, nine runs scored and five RBIs. With just 11 more RBIs, Chipper Jones will reach 1,596 and tie Hall of Famer George Brett for the all-time lead among third basemen. Miami Marlins: Mike Dunn was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans and is expect... Fri, 25 May 2012 12:13:28 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nl_east_report_nationals_and_braves_in_first_place_showdown_this_weekend/10872758 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/nl_east_report_nationals_and_braves_in_first_place_showdown_this_weekend/10872758 NL East Report: Nationals and Braves In First Place Showdown This Weekend http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/nl_east_report_nationals_and_braves_in_first_place_showdown_this_weekend/10872758 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Dodgers in 2012 are a team that can compete for the National League West, but they need a lot of breaks to fall their way in order to contend. The team finished the 2011 season with 25 wins in their last 35 games, and hopes to carry that momentum into this season. The offense is pretty much the same one that last season averaged 4.41 runs per game after the All-Star break last season, coinciding with the acquisition of Juan Rivera and the second half improvement of James Loney, who hit .320 with 18 doubles and eight home runs after the midsummer classic in 2011. Loney is one of the keys for the offense in 2012, whether he can continue his second half performance. Manager Don Mattingly thinks Loney can, thanks to finally finding a consistent swing. "What I do see is good timing from James. In the past you'd see all kind of different triggers. He'd step back one day, then would be wide. He would try to sit (in his stance) one day then he'd be tall. His hands would be up, his hands would Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:26:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/dodgers_have_potential_to_be_division_contenders/10406704 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/dodgers_have_potential_to_be_division_contenders/10406704 Dodgers have potential to be division contenders http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_have_potential_to_be_division_contenders/10406704 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png But first he has to get on base. Gordon is batting .250 (seven for 28) with four walks this spring after going hitless in two at-bats Sunday and one for five in Saturday's game. The 23-year-old shortstop is aware that his first priority is getting aboard, but said he doesn't feel undue pressure at the plate. "Not at all," Gordon said. "You try to put up a good at-bat and see what happens. That's everybody's job." There's also the recurring question of whether Gordon, 5 feet 11 and 150 pounds, can withstand the rigors of a 162-game schedule. Asked what he would like to see from Gordon this year, Manager Don Mattingly replied, "To stay healthy, that's the biggest thing, basically keeping him on the field." Added Mattingly: "We don't really plan on him playing 120 games, I'm looking at him more like 150. He's going to get some days off, but he's pretty much the guy." Ivan De Jesus is injured Infielder Ivan De Jesus strained an Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:43:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/gordon_has_speed_but_can_he_get_on_base/10349584 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/gordon_has_speed_but_can_he_get_on_base/10349584 Gordon has speed, but can he get on base? http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/gordon_has_speed_but_can_he_get_on_base/10349584 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On a wet, chilly day that even included some hail, the Angels' Dan Haren and the Dodgers' Chris Capuano managed to get their work in. ''That was uncomfortable for everybody, but it was the same for both teams,'' Haren said after Sunday's 5 1/2-inning, 1-1 tie between the Los Angeles rivals. Haren was perfect through three innings before giving up a run in the fourth on Adam Kennedy's double and Juan Uribe's single. Haren struck out five and walked none. The storm, which included high winds and lightning, chased both teams into their clubhouses and an announced crowd of 13,648 fans racing to the parking lot. ''The most important thing (is) the starting pitchers getting their work in,'' Haren said. ''Otherwise, things get pushed back and things get messed up at this point.'' Capuano gave up one run and two hits in four innings with three strikeouts and one walk. ''He was really good,'' Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:18:45 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/angels_1_dodgers_16/10343602 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/angels_1_dodgers_16/10343602 Angels 1, Dodgers 1(6) http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_1_dodgers_16/10343602 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/a/2a97c544a1eb6f07a61b352a1aa8d58c0bc18f40/mini/arizona-diamondbacks-louis.jpg The Dodgers have signed 26-year old switch-hitting shortstop Lance Zawadzki to a minor league deal. Zawadzki played in 91 games in AAA-ball for the Royals last year and he was 76 for 326 (.233 avg, .671 OPS) with 44 runs scored, 8 homers, 40 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. He did get some experience in the majors back in 2010 with the Padres. He has played in 20 games in his major league career so far and he is 7 for 35 (.200 avg,.557 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base. He will likely begin the 2012 season in AAA for the Dodgers. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:27:49 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_los_angeles_dodgers_sign_ss_lance_zawadzki/8724814 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_los_angeles_dodgers_sign_ss_lance_zawadzki/8724814 The Los Angeles Dodgers sign SS Lance Zawadzki http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/the_los_angeles_dodgers_sign_ss_lance_zawadzki/8724814 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Utility infielder Lance Zawadzki, one of the final cuts by the Royals prior to the season, was among 13 minor-league players released Wednesday afternoon. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:49:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/royals_release_13_minor_league_players/7239904 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/royals_release_13_minor_league_players/7239904 Royals release 13 minor-league players http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/royals_release_13_minor_league_players/7239904 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png