Roster Notes - NL WEST (March 31, 2010)

posted 5:41 PM PST
by Jason Martinez


ARI – Still a lot to be settled in Arizona. The Diamondbacks have already set their four-man rotation and will likely not promote another starting pitcher until April 17th. Billy Buckner and Kevin Mulvey were optioned to the minors after failing to impress this spring. Along with Buckner and Mulvey, Kris Benson will also be considered for the spot when the time comes. For now, the team might go with an eight-man bullpen with six pitchers (Blaine Boyer, Zach Kroenke, Jordan Norberto, Leo Rosales, Esmerling Vasquez, Clay Zavada) still in the mix for the final four spots. The starting lineup is also set but there is a four-man race (Tony Abreu, Augie Ojeda, Rusty Ryal, Ryan Roberts) for the final bench job.


COL – Things are just about settled in Colorado where the starting lineup, bench, and rotation are pretty much set in stone. There are still four relievers (Joe Beimel, Juan Rincon, Greg Smith, Justin Speier) fighting for one bullpen spot but the rookie left-hander Smith appears to have separated himself from the pack due to his versatility, combined with an excellent spring (18 IP, 3 ER, 14 H, 6 BB, 18 K).

LAD – While the starting four in the rotation are set, the Dodgers have yet to name a #5 starter and half of their six-man bullpen with Charlie Haeger (2.38 ERA), Justin Miller (3.38 ERA), Carlos Monasterios (1.93 ERA), Ramon Ortiz (1.15 ERA), Russ Ortiz (2.50 ERA), Josh Towers (4.09 ERA), and Jeff Weaver (4.00 ERA) all still competing for a spot. The lineup appears set, although Manager Joe Torre has yet to name a starting second baseman (Blake DeWitt (.358 BA, 2 HR, 7 RBI) is the favorite, Ronnie Belliard (.194 BA) has struggled) and Nick Green appears to have the edge for the final bench job.

SD – Once the team places lefty reliever Joe Thatcher on the DL, the roster is set. If he can somehow make a quick recovery from his shoulder soreness, then they’ll have to make a decision on which ‘out of options and likely to be lost if exposed to waivers’ pitcher they’d rather keep on their team, Tim Stauffer or Ed Mujica. Clayton Richard and Mat Latos have been officially named the team’s #4 and 5 starters. The only other business to deal with before opening day is clearing a 40-man roster spot for Matt Stairs.

SF – Right field is up for grabs with Nate Schierholtz (14-for-58; 5 2B, 3 3B, HR, 7 RBI), the early favorite, and John Bowker (21-for-69; 4 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 20 RBI) still competing for the job. Fred Lewis (8-for-36; 3B, 3 HR, 6 RBI) was also in the mix but is now a DL-candidate because of sore ribs. The rest of the lineup is set while the bench is far from settled. Matt Downs (16-for-41; 4 2B, 3B, RBI), Travis Ishiwaka (6-for-29; 2 RBI), and either Bowker or Schierholtz are fighting for two roster spots. The rotation is set but there is still at least one decision to be made in the bullpen. Alex Hinshaw (7.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 8 K), Waldis Joaquin (12.2 IP, 3 ER, 12 H, BB, 3 K), Guillermo Mota (9.1 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 4 BB, 13 K), and Henry Sosa (11 IP, 0 R, 7 H, 5 BB, 5 K) appear to be competing for one available spot.


AL WEST Roster Notes - March 31, 2010