Birthdate: 1/2/87
Drafted: 9th Round (269th Pick) - 2008
College: Coastal Carolina University
Acquired: Trade (CIN) - December 2011
Major League Debut: 8/7/2011
Bats: R
Throws: R
Height: 5-9
Weight: 195
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12/23/11 - acquired from Reds
08/07/11 - contract purchased from minors (CIN)
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2011 Baseball-Intellect #12
Injury Updates to Key Players
last updated 4/1/11 9:57 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
With Opening Day just around the corner, there are quite a few players that might have to start the season on the disabled list or stay back in extended Spring Training. I'm going to list the players below with the latest updates. Let me know if I'm forgetting anyone and let me know if there is a newer update for any of the listed players.
ARI Geoff Blum, IF (knee inflammation): Will start season on DL. Blum was shut down early last week because of swelling in his right knee. He has been slow to return to the field and now looks like he'll start the season on the DL.
ARI Stephen Drew, SS (strained lower abdominal): Day-to-Day. Drew has been dealing with abdominal soreness throughout camp and is now awaiting for MRI results (3/29). With so little time before the start of the season, he is a strong candidate for the DL. UPDATE 3/29 - MRI came back negative and Drew is day-to-day. UPDATE 4/1 - Drew looks like he'll avoid the DL but he's not in the Opening Day lineup for the D-Backs.
ARI Zach Duke, LHP (broken bones in left hand): Will start season on DL: The lefty is out 6-8 weeks with two broken bones in his pitching hand after he was struck with a line drive on Saturday (3/12). Expect him to join the D-Backs' rotation sometime in May.
BAL Justin Duchscherer, RHP (hip soreness): Will start season on DL. The 33 year-old's surgically-repaired hip has now flared up twice since the start of camp, putting the start of the season in serious doubt. He tossed two scoreless innings in his spring debut last Tuesday (3/8) but was scratched from today's (3/13) intrasquad game. UPDATE 3/15 - His MRI showed nothing concerning so Duchscherer should resume throwing soon. The Orioles won't need a 5th starter until April 10th so he still has more than three weeks to prepare for a return without missing a start. UPDATE 3/25 - He'll definitely start on the DL with a target return date of April 21st.
CIN Homer Bailey, RHP (shoulder impingement): Will start season on DL. Bailey could miss his first two starts of the season because of a shoulder impingement. He missed more than two months in 2010 with a shoulder injury.
CIN Johnny Cueto, RHP (shoulder inflammation): Will start season on DL. After being shut down previously because of forearm tightness, Cueto left today's start (3/19) after just one inning and is headed to Cincinnati to get checked out on Monday. With so little time before the start of the season, even the best-case scenario leaves little hope that he avoids the DL. UPDATE 3/21 - Cueto has shoulder inflammation and won't throw for at least a week.
CLE Trevor Crowe, OF (shoulder soreness): Will start season on DL. Crowe, who has been dealing with shoulder soreness since early in camp, has yet to play in a game this spring and appears to be very doubtful for the start of the season.
CLE Grady Sizemore, CF (recovery from microfracture surgery on left knee in June): Will start season on DL. Indians GM Chris Antonetti has recently said that Sizemore would be ready 'shortly thereafter', if not by Opening Day. He is likely to begin playing in exhibition games sometime in mid-March. If healthy, Sizemore could be one of the biggest name on the trade market this season. UPDATE 2/24 - ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted that a more realistic timetable for a return date is April 15th. UPDATE 3/19 - Sizemore has been officially ruled out for Opening Day by manager Manny Acta.
CLE Joe Smith, RHP (strained upper abdominal): Will start season on DL. Time is running out for Smith, who won't return to the mound for at least another 4-5 days, and hasn't pitched for nearly two weeks because of an abdominal strain. Expect him to start the season on the DL.
CWS Jake Peavy, RHP (recovery from July surgery to repair detached lat muscle/rotator cuff tendinitis): Will start season on DL. Peavy is a gamer and will do everything in his power to be ready when the season starts but the team will be smart to hold him back. Peavy will target Opening Day. The doctors will say June. I'll say sometime in between. UPDATE 3/1 - Peavy said that, barring any setbacks, he is on target to start the fifth game of the season. UPDATE 3/20 - Peavy has rotator cuff tendinitis, which is reportedly unrelated to his lat injury, but will likely put him on the DL to start the season. UPDATE 3/26 - Peavy isn't expected back before May.
CWS Dayan Viciedo, IF/OF (fractured right thumb): Will start season on DL. Viciedo, who is likely to miss 3-4 weeks, was in the mix for the third base job and also playing in the outfield this spring to increase his versatility. My guess is that he'll start the season in the minors and eventually join the White Sox bench later in the season.
COL Aaron Cook, RHP (shoulder soreness): Will start season on DL. It's looking more and more likely that Cook will start the season on the DL because of the shoulder soreness he's been battling this spring. It's doubtful that he can return soon enough to prepare himself for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/11 - If it wasn't going to be the shoulder, it's definitely going to be a broken finger that sidelines Cook for Opening Day. The 32 year-old is expected to miss at least a month after breaking his right ring finger in a door.DET Carlos Guillen, 2B (recovery from microfracture surgery on left knee in September): Will start season on DL. Manager Jim Leyland said he didn't think Guillen would be ready for Opening Day. The Tigers have plenty of roster depth so there's no need for him to rush back. Without any available AB's at the DH spot, the 35 year-old will need to make sure his knee is strong enough to handle the wear and tear that will occur at second base, where he's expected to play when he returns. UPDATE 3/15 - Leyland official ruled Guillen out for the start of the season.
DET Joel Zumaya, RHP (recovery from fractured elbow in June): Will start season on DL. Zumaya thinks he'll be ready but there's a screw in his throwing elbow that has a lot of people wondering if he'll be able to hold up. As of now, I've placed him on my projected 25-man roster but I'll be keeping a close eye on his progress this spring. UPDATE 2/28 - Zumaya is throwing in the upper-90's and appears to be healthy. Because of his injury history, he's not a sure thing to make it through spring healthy but things are looking good so far. UPDATE 3/7 - Zumaya will undergo an MRI after experiencing elbow discomfort. More information will follow. UPDATE 3/8 - MRI results showed no structural damage but Zumaya won't throw for at least another week. Chances are looking slim for Opening Day. UPDATE 3/14 - Zumaya says he's feeling better but Leyland also ruled him out for Opening Day.
FLA John Baker, C (recovery from Septermber Tommy John surgery): Will start season on DL. There was talk of Baker starting the season with the team as a left-handed bat off the bench, but it's more likely he'll join the team later in the season when he's ready to catch on a semi-regular basis. UPDATE 3/18 - Baker is 5-for-18 this spring and is still fighting for a spot to be a left-handed bat off the bench to start the season. UPDATE 3/30 - Baker was placed on the 60-Day DL.
HOU Clint Barmes, SS (broken hand): Will start season on DL. Barmes will be out 4-6 weeks after fracturing the fifth metacarpal bone on his right hand. He sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch in yesterdays game (3/25).
HOU Jason Castro, C (torn medial meniscus and ACL): Will start season on DL. Castro is likely out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a medial meniscus and ACL tear in his right knee. He might be able to return late in the season but it's more likely we won't see the 23 year-old on the field until 2012.
HOU J.A. Happ, LHP (strained oblique): Day-to-Day. Happ left today's start (3/29) with a strained right oblique. Severity is unknown but I'm guessing that a pitcher can't heal fast enough to pitch sometime in the next week. UPDATE 4/1 - Happ is still scheduled to make his first start of the year in two days but they can always push him a few days or skip his turn in the rotation to make sure he's ready.
HOU Jeff Keppinger, IF (recovery from left foot surgery in January): Will start season on DL. Recovery time is 3-4 months so count Keppinger out for early in the season. He appeared to have lost his starting job anyways with the acquisition of Clint Barmes and signing of Bill Hall but now his trade value is gone until he can return to the field and prove he's healthy.
KC Jason Kendall, C (recovery from September shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Kendall is ahead of his schedule in what was expected to be an 8-10 month recovery period. Opening Day is a bit optimistic, although Kendall says he might be ready, but it would be more realistic for him to be activated sometime in May. UPDATE 3/15 - Kendall continues to make quick progress and there is talk that he may be ready for limited action by Opening Day. The two catchers expected to start the season with the team, Brayan Peña and Lucas May, are both out of options so I am guessing the Royals might not want Kendall to hurry back since they would risk losing whoever is the odd man out. UPDATE 3/21 - Looks like a mid-April return is more likely for Kendall.
LAA Scott Downs, LHP (Broken toe): Will start season on DL. The lefty is likely be out until at least mid-April. He broke his big left toe while playing with his kids at home. Hisanori Takahashi is the lone left-hander remaining in the Angels' bullpen.
LAA Kendrys Morales, 1B (recovery from June surgery to repair broken leg/foot soreness): Will start season on DL. Morales said today (2/14) that he is running at 50% and didn't know if he would be ready for the start of the season. Mark Trumbo could be a temporary replacement or Howie Kendrick could slide over from second base, if necessary. UPDATE 2/24 - There is a chance Morales starts the season as the team's primary DH until his knee is at full strength. UPDATE 3/15 - Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times says it's looking more and more likely that Morales won't be ready for the start of the season. If he can't get into an exhibition game by this weekend, look for him to start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/20 - Manager Mike Scioscia says Morales will start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/22 - Morales is now experiencing soreness to the ball of his foot, which will extend his stay on the DL. It is unrelated to his other injury.
LAA Joel Pineiro, RHP (tightness in back of shoulder): Will start season on DL. If he does start the season on the DL, Pineiro is expected to be activated for his first start of the season on April 8th.
LAD Casey Blake, 3B (lower back inflammation): Will start season on DL. Blake has dealing with the back soreness since last weekend and underwent a cortisone shot two days ago (3/16). The 37 year-old is still experiencing pain, however, making him a major question mark just two weeks away from the start of the season. UPDATE 3/26 - Blake is making progress but isn't expected back until mid-April.
LAD Jon Garland, RHP (strained oblique on 3/9): Will start season on DL. Garland will reportedly miss 30-32 days and has an outside chance to make the start on the Dodgers' fifth game of the season.
LAD Dioner Navarro, C (torn oblique): Will start season on DL. Navarro tore his right oblique and is certain to begin the season on the DL.
LAD Vicente Padilla, RHP (elbow surgery on 2/26): Will start season on DL. Padilla says he can resume throwing in 3-4 weeks but then he'll need some time to get his arm back into game shape. The Dodgers hope he can return before the All-Star break. Of course, Padilla thinks he can return much sooner.
MIL Zack Greinke, RHP (broken rib): Will start season on DL. Greinke has been placed on the 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 22nd, but isn't expected back until late-April. He fractured the rib playing in a pickup basketball game this offseason. UPDATE 3/30 - Newest timetable has him likely missing the entire month of April.
MIL Corey Hart, OF (strained oblique on 2/28): Will start season on DL. Originally expected to miss two weeks, Hart had a recent setback and will be out longer. His manager, Ron Roenicke, is still confident that his right fielder will be ready for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/25 - It looks like he'll have to start the season on the DL as he's yet to return to action.
MIL Latroy Hawkins, RHP (recovery from August shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Hawkins tweeted yesterday (3/9) that he threw a pain-free bullpen session and will throw again on Saturday. Not sure if he has enough time to get ready for the start of the season but it appears he will be close. UPDATE 3/20 - Hawkins pitched well in a minor league game but it is still not known whether he's expected to be ready for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/25 - Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy tweeted that Hawkins would 'probably' start the season on the DL.
MIL Jonathan Lucroy, C (recovery from fractured right pinkie sustained on 2/23): Will start season on DL. Lucroy is expected to return to action in four weeks, prior to Opening Day, but he would have missed most of Spring Training and thus could start the season on the DL while he gets caught up. UPDATE 3/25 - Lucroy still hasn't returned, making it almost certain he'll start the season on the DL.
MIL Manny Parra, LHP (lower back stiffness): Will start season on DL. Out since early in camp with lower back stiffness, Parra has yet to return to game action (3/25) and appears to be headed for the DL to start the season.
NYM Jason Bay, OF (strained intercostal): Will start season on DL. Bay is out of the lineup today (3/29) with a strained intercostal muscle. It's too early to say whether he will start the season on the DL but these types of injuries usually don't go away in a couple of days. UPDATE 3/30 - Bay flew back to New York for tests. This is not a good sign, according to David Lennon of Newsday.
NYM Johan Santana, LHP (recovery from September shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Santana had not yet begun a throwing program as of a few days ago and isn't expected back until June, at the earliest.
NYY Pedro Feliciano, LHP (left triceps soreness): Will start season on DL. Feliciano isn't expected to be out for long but with the start of the season less than a week away, the team will have to make a decision on whether to place him on the DL to start the season. UPDATE 3/28 - Feliciano will start the season on the DL.
OAK Andrew Bailey, RHP (strained forearm): Will start season on DL. It looked like it could've been a lot worse but the A's closer has been diagnosed with a strained forearm. There is no timetable for a return but the team has the bullpen depth to survive without him if he does start the season on the DL. It would have been a huge blow if he was lost for an extended period of time.
OAK Adam Rosales, IF (recovery from right foot surgery in December): Will start season on DL. Rosales is expected to miss most of Spring Training so he'll likely rehab in the minors and could return to the big leagues shortly after the start of the season. UPDATE 3/19 - Rosales is expected to return sometime in May.
OAK Rich Harden, RHP (sore latissimus dorsi muscle): Will start season on DL. Yet to pitch this spring, Harden experienced a setback (3/14) and has been shut down indefinitely. Unless he makes a quick recovery, he'll start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/15 - Harden says he will start throwing tomorrow and that he didn't experience a setback. He just wasn't ready to throw off the mound. Still not much time to get ready for Opening Day.
PHI Brad Lidge, RHP (posterior rotator cuff strain): Will start season on DL. Lidge, who was dealing with a case of biceps tendinitis earlier in camp, has now been shut down with shoulder discomfort. He hopes to return in mid-April, although it's too early to know the severity of the injury. UPDATE 3/29 - Lidge is expected to miss 3-6 weeks.
PHI Chase Utley, 2B (knee tendinitis): Will start season on DL. While Utley's knee has not appeared to be a big concern since camp opened, the fact that he hasn't played in a game and the team doesn't know when he will play is reason enough for him to be included on this list. He received a cortisone shot on March 5th and took batting practice today (3/8) but has yet to participate in agility drills to test his lateral movement. UPDATE 3/9 - Utley has been diagnosed with tendinitis, chondromalacia, and bone inflammation. There is still no information on recovery time and what the next step will be but it's looking more like the team is not expecting him to be ready on Opening Day.
PIT Joe Beimel, LHP (elbow soreness): Will start season in extended spring training. After an MRI revealed no structural damage, Beimel could not make his scheduled appearance in today's game (3/19) due to more elbow discomfort. The 33 year-old has been experiencing elbow discomfort since the beginning of camp. UPDATE 3/25 - As a non-roster player (minor league deal), Beimel doesn't have to be placed on the DL. He can stay behind in what is called 'extended spring training' and could join the team once he's ready.
PIT Scott Olsen, LHP (strained hamstring): Will start season on DL. Olsen, who was ruled out of the rotation competition earlier today (3/21), tells Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review that he'll start the season on the DL because of his injured hamstring.
PIT Chris Snyder, C (back soreness): Will start season on DL. Snyder has dealing with back soreness for the last couple of weeks and has yet to return. The team has a surplus of catching (Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo) so it could choose to be cautious and place him on the DL.
SD Kyle Blanks, 1B/OF (recovery from July Tommy John surgery): Will start season on DL. Not only is he unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, the Padres don't have room on their 25-man roster anyways. Once he is ready, he will report to the minors. His return to the big leagues will have more to do with his performance on the field rather than his health. UPDATE 3/21 - Blanks, who would've likely been optioned to the minors to start the season if he was healthy, will reportedly be placed on the DL.
SD Mat Latos, RHP (right shoulder bursitis): Will start season on DL. Latos will miss his next scheduled start (3/26) but the team is not looking ahead and has not set a timetable for his return. At this point, there is a good chance he starts the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/28 - GM Jed Hoyer said that Latos would start the season on the DL.
SD Joe Thatcher, LHP (strained shoulder) Will start season on DL. Thatcher appeared close to returning but he was shut down after experiencing more shoulder discomfort today (3/18). The team did sign lefty Randy Flores to a minor league deal so they have some depth if Thatcher starts on the DL. UPDATE 3/19 - An MRI revealed no structural damage so he will have a cortisone shot and possibly resume throwing soon after.
SEA David Aardsma, RHP (recovery from January hip surgery): Will start season on DL. Aardsma is expected to return to action during the second week of the regular season. Brandon League is a capable fill-in. The problem for the M's is that there might not be a capable reliever to step in for League as the go-to guy in the 8th inning.
SEA Franklin Gutierrez, OF (stomach issue): Will start season on DL. Gutierrez has been out of the lineup today (3/24) for the fourth straight game because of a stomach issue (slow digestive tract) that has been bothering him since early in camp. If he doesn't improve in the next few days, he is a candidate to start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/27 - Gutierrez has yet to return to game action, making him very doubtful for the start of the season.
SEA Shawn Kelley, RHP (recovery from September 'partial' Tommy John surgery): Will start season on DL. Kelley was able to avoid a complete elbow reconstruction, which would have kept him out much longer, but he's still not expected back until early June.
SF Cody Ross, OF (strained calf): Will start season on DL. Ross is likely to miss at least three weeks after straining his calf yesterday (3/23). An MRI taken today revealed a tear.
SF Brian Wilson, RHP (strained oblique): Will start season on DL. The strain (3/19) has been called 'minor' but with less than two weeks until the start of the season, he is no sure thing to be ready for the start of the season. He had also been dealing with back discomfort since the beginning of camp. UPDATE 3/23 - After today's throwing session, in which Wilson felt discomfort, it is more likely that Wilson starts the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/28 - Manager Bruce Bochy said today, "Chances are he will not start with us." It makes sense not to rush the All-Star closer back from his injury.
TB J.P. Howell, LHP (recovery from May shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. The team anticipates an early-May return for the lefty. Earlier this spring, Howell was a bit more optimistic, saying he expected to be ready by Opening Day or shortly after. If he can regain his 2009 pre-injury form, he could regain the closer job by mid-season.
TEX Tommy Hunter, RHP (strained groin): Will start season on DL. Hunter could miss up to six weeks after straining his groin during yesterday's game (3/24). UPDATE 3/26 - Hunter could miss six weeks recovering from his injury.
TEX Brandon Webb, RHP (recovery from August '09 shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Webb hopes to be ready to go when the season starts and will enter Spring Training without any restrictions. UPDATE 2/28 - Webb acknowledged that it's unrealistic that he'll be ready for Opening Day.
TOR Octavio Dotel, RHP (strained hamstring): Will start season on DL. Dotel pitched in a minor league game today (3/22) but it is still not known whether he will be ready for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/25 - It looks like he'll have to start the season on the DL along with Francisco.
TOR Frank Francisco, RHP (pectoral/shoulder discomfort) Will start season on DL. Francisco has been dealing with shoulder soreness since the beginning of camp and experienced pectoral discomfort during today's bullpen session (3/19). He has made two scoreless appearances this spring but has been shut down in recent days. UPDATE 3/22 - Francisco will start the season on the DL with biceps tendinitis and pectoral tightness.
TOR Scott Podsednik, OF (Plantar Fascitis) Will start season in extended spring training? Podsednik will be in a walking boot for 10 days (beginning 3/15), making him very unlikely for Opening Day. Since he is on a minor league deal, the team is likely to purchase his contract and place him on the 15-Day DL. UPDATE 3/30 - no confirmation on if he will go to extended spring training once he is ready but he's definitely not going to be on the Opening Day roster and can't be placed on the DL as a non-roster player.
TOR Brandon Morrow, RHP (strained forearm): Will start season on DL. Morrow will likely miss just one start after he is placed on the DL, retroactive to March 22nd.
WAS Stephen Strasburg, RHP (September 2010 Tommy John surgery). Will start season on DL. Strasburg is expected to miss the entire season recovering and should be ready to go by Opening Day 2012.
WAS Chien-Ming Wang, RHP (recovery from shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Wang said earlier this month that he expected to return in May but the latest reports say he'll be competing for the #5 spot in the Nationals' rotation once Spring Training starts. He'll have some good competition, mainly from Tom Gorzelanny and Yuneski Maya, so it's more likely he gets some innings in the minors before he returns to the big leagues. UPDATE 3/13 - There is 'now way' Wang will be ready for the start of the season, according to manager Jim Riggleman.
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by Jason Martinez
With Opening Day just around the corner, there are quite a few players that might have to start the season on the disabled list or stay back in extended Spring Training. I'm going to list the players below with the latest updates. Let me know if I'm forgetting anyone and let me know if there is a newer update for any of the listed players.
ARI Geoff Blum, IF (knee inflammation): Will start season on DL. Blum was shut down early last week because of swelling in his right knee. He has been slow to return to the field and now looks like he'll start the season on the DL.
ARI Stephen Drew, SS (strained lower abdominal): Day-to-Day. Drew has been dealing with abdominal soreness throughout camp and is now awaiting for MRI results (3/29). With so little time before the start of the season, he is a strong candidate for the DL. UPDATE 3/29 - MRI came back negative and Drew is day-to-day. UPDATE 4/1 - Drew looks like he'll avoid the DL but he's not in the Opening Day lineup for the D-Backs.
ARI Zach Duke, LHP (broken bones in left hand): Will start season on DL: The lefty is out 6-8 weeks with two broken bones in his pitching hand after he was struck with a line drive on Saturday (3/12). Expect him to join the D-Backs' rotation sometime in May.
BAL Justin Duchscherer, RHP (hip soreness): Will start season on DL. The 33 year-old's surgically-repaired hip has now flared up twice since the start of camp, putting the start of the season in serious doubt. He tossed two scoreless innings in his spring debut last Tuesday (3/8) but was scratched from today's (3/13) intrasquad game. UPDATE 3/15 - His MRI showed nothing concerning so Duchscherer should resume throwing soon. The Orioles won't need a 5th starter until April 10th so he still has more than three weeks to prepare for a return without missing a start. UPDATE 3/25 - He'll definitely start on the DL with a target return date of April 21st.
CIN Homer Bailey, RHP (shoulder impingement): Will start season on DL. Bailey could miss his first two starts of the season because of a shoulder impingement. He missed more than two months in 2010 with a shoulder injury.
CIN Johnny Cueto, RHP (shoulder inflammation): Will start season on DL. After being shut down previously because of forearm tightness, Cueto left today's start (3/19) after just one inning and is headed to Cincinnati to get checked out on Monday. With so little time before the start of the season, even the best-case scenario leaves little hope that he avoids the DL. UPDATE 3/21 - Cueto has shoulder inflammation and won't throw for at least a week.
CLE Trevor Crowe, OF (shoulder soreness): Will start season on DL. Crowe, who has been dealing with shoulder soreness since early in camp, has yet to play in a game this spring and appears to be very doubtful for the start of the season.
CLE Grady Sizemore, CF (recovery from microfracture surgery on left knee in June): Will start season on DL. Indians GM Chris Antonetti has recently said that Sizemore would be ready 'shortly thereafter', if not by Opening Day. He is likely to begin playing in exhibition games sometime in mid-March. If healthy, Sizemore could be one of the biggest name on the trade market this season. UPDATE 2/24 - ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted that a more realistic timetable for a return date is April 15th. UPDATE 3/19 - Sizemore has been officially ruled out for Opening Day by manager Manny Acta.
CLE Joe Smith, RHP (strained upper abdominal): Will start season on DL. Time is running out for Smith, who won't return to the mound for at least another 4-5 days, and hasn't pitched for nearly two weeks because of an abdominal strain. Expect him to start the season on the DL.
CWS Jake Peavy, RHP (recovery from July surgery to repair detached lat muscle/rotator cuff tendinitis): Will start season on DL. Peavy is a gamer and will do everything in his power to be ready when the season starts but the team will be smart to hold him back. Peavy will target Opening Day. The doctors will say June. I'll say sometime in between. UPDATE 3/1 - Peavy said that, barring any setbacks, he is on target to start the fifth game of the season. UPDATE 3/20 - Peavy has rotator cuff tendinitis, which is reportedly unrelated to his lat injury, but will likely put him on the DL to start the season. UPDATE 3/26 - Peavy isn't expected back before May.
CWS Dayan Viciedo, IF/OF (fractured right thumb): Will start season on DL. Viciedo, who is likely to miss 3-4 weeks, was in the mix for the third base job and also playing in the outfield this spring to increase his versatility. My guess is that he'll start the season in the minors and eventually join the White Sox bench later in the season.
COL Aaron Cook, RHP (shoulder soreness): Will start season on DL. It's looking more and more likely that Cook will start the season on the DL because of the shoulder soreness he's been battling this spring. It's doubtful that he can return soon enough to prepare himself for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/11 - If it wasn't going to be the shoulder, it's definitely going to be a broken finger that sidelines Cook for Opening Day. The 32 year-old is expected to miss at least a month after breaking his right ring finger in a door.DET Carlos Guillen, 2B (recovery from microfracture surgery on left knee in September): Will start season on DL. Manager Jim Leyland said he didn't think Guillen would be ready for Opening Day. The Tigers have plenty of roster depth so there's no need for him to rush back. Without any available AB's at the DH spot, the 35 year-old will need to make sure his knee is strong enough to handle the wear and tear that will occur at second base, where he's expected to play when he returns. UPDATE 3/15 - Leyland official ruled Guillen out for the start of the season.
DET Joel Zumaya, RHP (recovery from fractured elbow in June): Will start season on DL. Zumaya thinks he'll be ready but there's a screw in his throwing elbow that has a lot of people wondering if he'll be able to hold up. As of now, I've placed him on my projected 25-man roster but I'll be keeping a close eye on his progress this spring. UPDATE 2/28 - Zumaya is throwing in the upper-90's and appears to be healthy. Because of his injury history, he's not a sure thing to make it through spring healthy but things are looking good so far. UPDATE 3/7 - Zumaya will undergo an MRI after experiencing elbow discomfort. More information will follow. UPDATE 3/8 - MRI results showed no structural damage but Zumaya won't throw for at least another week. Chances are looking slim for Opening Day. UPDATE 3/14 - Zumaya says he's feeling better but Leyland also ruled him out for Opening Day.
FLA John Baker, C (recovery from Septermber Tommy John surgery): Will start season on DL. There was talk of Baker starting the season with the team as a left-handed bat off the bench, but it's more likely he'll join the team later in the season when he's ready to catch on a semi-regular basis. UPDATE 3/18 - Baker is 5-for-18 this spring and is still fighting for a spot to be a left-handed bat off the bench to start the season. UPDATE 3/30 - Baker was placed on the 60-Day DL.
HOU Clint Barmes, SS (broken hand): Will start season on DL. Barmes will be out 4-6 weeks after fracturing the fifth metacarpal bone on his right hand. He sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch in yesterdays game (3/25).
HOU Jason Castro, C (torn medial meniscus and ACL): Will start season on DL. Castro is likely out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a medial meniscus and ACL tear in his right knee. He might be able to return late in the season but it's more likely we won't see the 23 year-old on the field until 2012.
HOU J.A. Happ, LHP (strained oblique): Day-to-Day. Happ left today's start (3/29) with a strained right oblique. Severity is unknown but I'm guessing that a pitcher can't heal fast enough to pitch sometime in the next week. UPDATE 4/1 - Happ is still scheduled to make his first start of the year in two days but they can always push him a few days or skip his turn in the rotation to make sure he's ready.
HOU Jeff Keppinger, IF (recovery from left foot surgery in January): Will start season on DL. Recovery time is 3-4 months so count Keppinger out for early in the season. He appeared to have lost his starting job anyways with the acquisition of Clint Barmes and signing of Bill Hall but now his trade value is gone until he can return to the field and prove he's healthy.
KC Jason Kendall, C (recovery from September shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Kendall is ahead of his schedule in what was expected to be an 8-10 month recovery period. Opening Day is a bit optimistic, although Kendall says he might be ready, but it would be more realistic for him to be activated sometime in May. UPDATE 3/15 - Kendall continues to make quick progress and there is talk that he may be ready for limited action by Opening Day. The two catchers expected to start the season with the team, Brayan Peña and Lucas May, are both out of options so I am guessing the Royals might not want Kendall to hurry back since they would risk losing whoever is the odd man out. UPDATE 3/21 - Looks like a mid-April return is more likely for Kendall.
LAA Scott Downs, LHP (Broken toe): Will start season on DL. The lefty is likely be out until at least mid-April. He broke his big left toe while playing with his kids at home. Hisanori Takahashi is the lone left-hander remaining in the Angels' bullpen.
LAA Kendrys Morales, 1B (recovery from June surgery to repair broken leg/foot soreness): Will start season on DL. Morales said today (2/14) that he is running at 50% and didn't know if he would be ready for the start of the season. Mark Trumbo could be a temporary replacement or Howie Kendrick could slide over from second base, if necessary. UPDATE 2/24 - There is a chance Morales starts the season as the team's primary DH until his knee is at full strength. UPDATE 3/15 - Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times says it's looking more and more likely that Morales won't be ready for the start of the season. If he can't get into an exhibition game by this weekend, look for him to start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/20 - Manager Mike Scioscia says Morales will start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/22 - Morales is now experiencing soreness to the ball of his foot, which will extend his stay on the DL. It is unrelated to his other injury.
LAA Joel Pineiro, RHP (tightness in back of shoulder): Will start season on DL. If he does start the season on the DL, Pineiro is expected to be activated for his first start of the season on April 8th.
LAD Casey Blake, 3B (lower back inflammation): Will start season on DL. Blake has dealing with the back soreness since last weekend and underwent a cortisone shot two days ago (3/16). The 37 year-old is still experiencing pain, however, making him a major question mark just two weeks away from the start of the season. UPDATE 3/26 - Blake is making progress but isn't expected back until mid-April.
LAD Jon Garland, RHP (strained oblique on 3/9): Will start season on DL. Garland will reportedly miss 30-32 days and has an outside chance to make the start on the Dodgers' fifth game of the season.
LAD Dioner Navarro, C (torn oblique): Will start season on DL. Navarro tore his right oblique and is certain to begin the season on the DL.
LAD Vicente Padilla, RHP (elbow surgery on 2/26): Will start season on DL. Padilla says he can resume throwing in 3-4 weeks but then he'll need some time to get his arm back into game shape. The Dodgers hope he can return before the All-Star break. Of course, Padilla thinks he can return much sooner.
MIL Zack Greinke, RHP (broken rib): Will start season on DL. Greinke has been placed on the 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 22nd, but isn't expected back until late-April. He fractured the rib playing in a pickup basketball game this offseason. UPDATE 3/30 - Newest timetable has him likely missing the entire month of April.
MIL Corey Hart, OF (strained oblique on 2/28): Will start season on DL. Originally expected to miss two weeks, Hart had a recent setback and will be out longer. His manager, Ron Roenicke, is still confident that his right fielder will be ready for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/25 - It looks like he'll have to start the season on the DL as he's yet to return to action.
MIL Latroy Hawkins, RHP (recovery from August shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Hawkins tweeted yesterday (3/9) that he threw a pain-free bullpen session and will throw again on Saturday. Not sure if he has enough time to get ready for the start of the season but it appears he will be close. UPDATE 3/20 - Hawkins pitched well in a minor league game but it is still not known whether he's expected to be ready for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/25 - Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy tweeted that Hawkins would 'probably' start the season on the DL.
MIL Jonathan Lucroy, C (recovery from fractured right pinkie sustained on 2/23): Will start season on DL. Lucroy is expected to return to action in four weeks, prior to Opening Day, but he would have missed most of Spring Training and thus could start the season on the DL while he gets caught up. UPDATE 3/25 - Lucroy still hasn't returned, making it almost certain he'll start the season on the DL.
MIL Manny Parra, LHP (lower back stiffness): Will start season on DL. Out since early in camp with lower back stiffness, Parra has yet to return to game action (3/25) and appears to be headed for the DL to start the season.
NYM Jason Bay, OF (strained intercostal): Will start season on DL. Bay is out of the lineup today (3/29) with a strained intercostal muscle. It's too early to say whether he will start the season on the DL but these types of injuries usually don't go away in a couple of days. UPDATE 3/30 - Bay flew back to New York for tests. This is not a good sign, according to David Lennon of Newsday.
NYM Johan Santana, LHP (recovery from September shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Santana had not yet begun a throwing program as of a few days ago and isn't expected back until June, at the earliest.
NYY Pedro Feliciano, LHP (left triceps soreness): Will start season on DL. Feliciano isn't expected to be out for long but with the start of the season less than a week away, the team will have to make a decision on whether to place him on the DL to start the season. UPDATE 3/28 - Feliciano will start the season on the DL.
OAK Andrew Bailey, RHP (strained forearm): Will start season on DL. It looked like it could've been a lot worse but the A's closer has been diagnosed with a strained forearm. There is no timetable for a return but the team has the bullpen depth to survive without him if he does start the season on the DL. It would have been a huge blow if he was lost for an extended period of time.
OAK Adam Rosales, IF (recovery from right foot surgery in December): Will start season on DL. Rosales is expected to miss most of Spring Training so he'll likely rehab in the minors and could return to the big leagues shortly after the start of the season. UPDATE 3/19 - Rosales is expected to return sometime in May.
OAK Rich Harden, RHP (sore latissimus dorsi muscle): Will start season on DL. Yet to pitch this spring, Harden experienced a setback (3/14) and has been shut down indefinitely. Unless he makes a quick recovery, he'll start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/15 - Harden says he will start throwing tomorrow and that he didn't experience a setback. He just wasn't ready to throw off the mound. Still not much time to get ready for Opening Day.
PHI Brad Lidge, RHP (posterior rotator cuff strain): Will start season on DL. Lidge, who was dealing with a case of biceps tendinitis earlier in camp, has now been shut down with shoulder discomfort. He hopes to return in mid-April, although it's too early to know the severity of the injury. UPDATE 3/29 - Lidge is expected to miss 3-6 weeks.
PHI Chase Utley, 2B (knee tendinitis): Will start season on DL. While Utley's knee has not appeared to be a big concern since camp opened, the fact that he hasn't played in a game and the team doesn't know when he will play is reason enough for him to be included on this list. He received a cortisone shot on March 5th and took batting practice today (3/8) but has yet to participate in agility drills to test his lateral movement. UPDATE 3/9 - Utley has been diagnosed with tendinitis, chondromalacia, and bone inflammation. There is still no information on recovery time and what the next step will be but it's looking more like the team is not expecting him to be ready on Opening Day.
PIT Joe Beimel, LHP (elbow soreness): Will start season in extended spring training. After an MRI revealed no structural damage, Beimel could not make his scheduled appearance in today's game (3/19) due to more elbow discomfort. The 33 year-old has been experiencing elbow discomfort since the beginning of camp. UPDATE 3/25 - As a non-roster player (minor league deal), Beimel doesn't have to be placed on the DL. He can stay behind in what is called 'extended spring training' and could join the team once he's ready.
PIT Scott Olsen, LHP (strained hamstring): Will start season on DL. Olsen, who was ruled out of the rotation competition earlier today (3/21), tells Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review that he'll start the season on the DL because of his injured hamstring.
PIT Chris Snyder, C (back soreness): Will start season on DL. Snyder has dealing with back soreness for the last couple of weeks and has yet to return. The team has a surplus of catching (Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo) so it could choose to be cautious and place him on the DL.
SD Kyle Blanks, 1B/OF (recovery from July Tommy John surgery): Will start season on DL. Not only is he unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, the Padres don't have room on their 25-man roster anyways. Once he is ready, he will report to the minors. His return to the big leagues will have more to do with his performance on the field rather than his health. UPDATE 3/21 - Blanks, who would've likely been optioned to the minors to start the season if he was healthy, will reportedly be placed on the DL.
SD Mat Latos, RHP (right shoulder bursitis): Will start season on DL. Latos will miss his next scheduled start (3/26) but the team is not looking ahead and has not set a timetable for his return. At this point, there is a good chance he starts the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/28 - GM Jed Hoyer said that Latos would start the season on the DL.
SD Joe Thatcher, LHP (strained shoulder) Will start season on DL. Thatcher appeared close to returning but he was shut down after experiencing more shoulder discomfort today (3/18). The team did sign lefty Randy Flores to a minor league deal so they have some depth if Thatcher starts on the DL. UPDATE 3/19 - An MRI revealed no structural damage so he will have a cortisone shot and possibly resume throwing soon after.
SEA David Aardsma, RHP (recovery from January hip surgery): Will start season on DL. Aardsma is expected to return to action during the second week of the regular season. Brandon League is a capable fill-in. The problem for the M's is that there might not be a capable reliever to step in for League as the go-to guy in the 8th inning.
SEA Franklin Gutierrez, OF (stomach issue): Will start season on DL. Gutierrez has been out of the lineup today (3/24) for the fourth straight game because of a stomach issue (slow digestive tract) that has been bothering him since early in camp. If he doesn't improve in the next few days, he is a candidate to start the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/27 - Gutierrez has yet to return to game action, making him very doubtful for the start of the season.
SEA Shawn Kelley, RHP (recovery from September 'partial' Tommy John surgery): Will start season on DL. Kelley was able to avoid a complete elbow reconstruction, which would have kept him out much longer, but he's still not expected back until early June.
SF Cody Ross, OF (strained calf): Will start season on DL. Ross is likely to miss at least three weeks after straining his calf yesterday (3/23). An MRI taken today revealed a tear.
SF Brian Wilson, RHP (strained oblique): Will start season on DL. The strain (3/19) has been called 'minor' but with less than two weeks until the start of the season, he is no sure thing to be ready for the start of the season. He had also been dealing with back discomfort since the beginning of camp. UPDATE 3/23 - After today's throwing session, in which Wilson felt discomfort, it is more likely that Wilson starts the season on the DL. UPDATE 3/28 - Manager Bruce Bochy said today, "Chances are he will not start with us." It makes sense not to rush the All-Star closer back from his injury.
TB J.P. Howell, LHP (recovery from May shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. The team anticipates an early-May return for the lefty. Earlier this spring, Howell was a bit more optimistic, saying he expected to be ready by Opening Day or shortly after. If he can regain his 2009 pre-injury form, he could regain the closer job by mid-season.
TEX Tommy Hunter, RHP (strained groin): Will start season on DL. Hunter could miss up to six weeks after straining his groin during yesterday's game (3/24). UPDATE 3/26 - Hunter could miss six weeks recovering from his injury.
TEX Brandon Webb, RHP (recovery from August '09 shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Webb hopes to be ready to go when the season starts and will enter Spring Training without any restrictions. UPDATE 2/28 - Webb acknowledged that it's unrealistic that he'll be ready for Opening Day.
TOR Octavio Dotel, RHP (strained hamstring): Will start season on DL. Dotel pitched in a minor league game today (3/22) but it is still not known whether he will be ready for the start of the season. UPDATE 3/25 - It looks like he'll have to start the season on the DL along with Francisco.
TOR Frank Francisco, RHP (pectoral/shoulder discomfort) Will start season on DL. Francisco has been dealing with shoulder soreness since the beginning of camp and experienced pectoral discomfort during today's bullpen session (3/19). He has made two scoreless appearances this spring but has been shut down in recent days. UPDATE 3/22 - Francisco will start the season on the DL with biceps tendinitis and pectoral tightness.
TOR Scott Podsednik, OF (Plantar Fascitis) Will start season in extended spring training? Podsednik will be in a walking boot for 10 days (beginning 3/15), making him very unlikely for Opening Day. Since he is on a minor league deal, the team is likely to purchase his contract and place him on the 15-Day DL. UPDATE 3/30 - no confirmation on if he will go to extended spring training once he is ready but he's definitely not going to be on the Opening Day roster and can't be placed on the DL as a non-roster player.
TOR Brandon Morrow, RHP (strained forearm): Will start season on DL. Morrow will likely miss just one start after he is placed on the DL, retroactive to March 22nd.
WAS Stephen Strasburg, RHP (September 2010 Tommy John surgery). Will start season on DL. Strasburg is expected to miss the entire season recovering and should be ready to go by Opening Day 2012.
WAS Chien-Ming Wang, RHP (recovery from shoulder surgery): Will start season on DL. Wang said earlier this month that he expected to return in May but the latest reports say he'll be competing for the #5 spot in the Nationals' rotation once Spring Training starts. He'll have some good competition, mainly from Tom Gorzelanny and Yuneski Maya, so it's more likely he gets some innings in the minors before he returns to the big leagues. UPDATE 3/13 - There is 'now way' Wang will be ready for the start of the season, according to manager Jim Riggleman.
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Transactions (January 17, 2011 - January 25, 2011)
In case you missed anything over the past week, here is a list of roster transactions over that time.
1/25: SEA - RHP C. Ray signed to minor league deal
1/25: NYM - OF J. Pridie and RHP T. Stoner outrighted to minors
1/25: BAL - LHP C. Rapada signed to minor league deal
1/25: TOR - OF J. Lane signed to minor league deal
1/25: SEA - RHP C. Ray signed to minor league deal
1/25: NYM - OF J. Pridie and RHP T. Stoner outrighted to minors
1/25: BAL - LHP C. Rapada signed to minor league deal
1/25: TOR - OF J. Lane signed to minor league deal
Odd Man Out: Tampa Bay Rays
posted 1/21/11 6:44 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
Now that the Rays have agreed on one-year deals with Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, who is the odd man out in the starting lineup? Many would insist that Damon should be limited to DH but Ramirez' inclusion in the lineup means that he'll be out in left field.
The versatile Ben Zobrist can play right field and second base, but it might make the most sense for him to move over to first base. In this scenario, Matt Joyce and Desmond Jennings will be fighting it out for the starting right field job and first baseman Dan Johnson is out of a starting job. Any thoughts?
by Jason Martinez
Now that the Rays have agreed on one-year deals with Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, who is the odd man out in the starting lineup? Many would insist that Damon should be limited to DH but Ramirez' inclusion in the lineup means that he'll be out in left field.
The versatile Ben Zobrist can play right field and second base, but it might make the most sense for him to move over to first base. In this scenario, Matt Joyce and Desmond Jennings will be fighting it out for the starting right field job and first baseman Dan Johnson is out of a starting job. Any thoughts?
PLAYER PAGES: Phase 1 Complete
posted 1/21/11 1:24 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
In case you haven't noticed, I've been working this offseason on creating player pages that are accessible by clicking on a player's name. As of now, all players projected to make an Opening Day roster have player pages. That was Phase 1.
Phase 2 is to create player pages for players in the 'On the Outside Looking In' section. Phase 3 will be top prospects and Phase 4 will include everybody else. It's taking longer than I hoped but hopefully the project will be completed sometime during the 2011 season.
by Jason Martinez
In case you haven't noticed, I've been working this offseason on creating player pages that are accessible by clicking on a player's name. As of now, all players projected to make an Opening Day roster have player pages. That was Phase 1.
Phase 2 is to create player pages for players in the 'On the Outside Looking In' section. Phase 3 will be top prospects and Phase 4 will include everybody else. It's taking longer than I hoped but hopefully the project will be completed sometime during the 2011 season.
POLL: Best Rotation in AL CENTRAL?
posted 1/20/11 11:16 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
Let's start by eliminating the Indians and Royals from this conversation since they don't appear to be very good, at least not on paper. The other three rotations in the division are not only talented, but have tremendous depth.
I'll examine these projected rotations and then you can vote on who is the best. Last week, I asked readers to vote on the best projected NL East lineup.
by Jason Martinez
Let's start by eliminating the Indians and Royals from this conversation since they don't appear to be very good, at least not on paper. The other three rotations in the division are not only talented, but have tremendous depth.
I'll examine these projected rotations and then you can vote on who is the best. Last week, I asked readers to vote on the best projected NL East lineup.
Team Sidebar Links
posted 1/19/11 11:41 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
With Spring Training right around the corner and most of the offseason stuff behind us, I've changed the team links on the sidebar. You will now be directed straight to the team's projected 'Major League roster' page as opposed to the team's 'Resources and Info' page.
The 'Resources and Info' page, which includes latest player updates, lists of free agents and players eligible for arbitration, and links to beat writers, blogs, and Minor League sites, is still accessible from the roster page. I'm sure this will make it much easier to browse from this point on. Let me know if you have any questions.
by Jason Martinez
With Spring Training right around the corner and most of the offseason stuff behind us, I've changed the team links on the sidebar. You will now be directed straight to the team's projected 'Major League roster' page as opposed to the team's 'Resources and Info' page.
The 'Resources and Info' page, which includes latest player updates, lists of free agents and players eligible for arbitration, and links to beat writers, blogs, and Minor League sites, is still accessible from the roster page. I'm sure this will make it much easier to browse from this point on. Let me know if you have any questions.
Position Battle Analysis at RotoAuthority
posted 1/17/11 8:01 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
I'll be posting a few articles per week over at RotoAuthority, offering analysis of position battles that I have highlighted here on our Position Battle Trackers. The first two have been posted. Be sure to check them out, especially if you're preparing for your Fantasy Draft. Expect another one later this week.
Position Battles: Diamondbacks First Base/Left Field
Position Battles: Orioles Closer
by Jason Martinez
I'll be posting a few articles per week over at RotoAuthority, offering analysis of position battles that I have highlighted here on our Position Battle Trackers. The first two have been posted. Be sure to check them out, especially if you're preparing for your Fantasy Draft. Expect another one later this week.
Position Battles: Diamondbacks First Base/Left Field
Position Battles: Orioles Closer
Transactions (January 10, 2011 - January 16, 2011)
In case you missed anything over the past week, here is a list of roster transactions over that time.
1/16: OAK - LHP B. Fuentes agreed to two-year deal with option for 2013
1/16: PIT - RHP J. Veras agreed to minor league deal
1/15: COL - RHP J. Miller signed to minor league deal; LHP J. Muecke re-signed to minor league deal
1/15: KC - LHP B. Chen re-signed to one-year deal
1/16: OAK - LHP B. Fuentes agreed to two-year deal with option for 2013
1/16: PIT - RHP J. Veras agreed to minor league deal
1/15: COL - RHP J. Miller signed to minor league deal; LHP J. Muecke re-signed to minor league deal
1/15: KC - LHP B. Chen re-signed to one-year deal
POLL: Best Lineup in the NL EAST?
posted 1/13/11 10:17 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
This is the debut of our newest feature at MLBDepthCharts.com where I will be examining the lineups, rotations, or bullpens in one of the six divisions and then asking readers to vote on which team has the best. In some cases, I will eliminate teams just because they are nowhere close to being the best.
In the case of the NL East lineups, which is where we'll start, I think they're close enough that we can mention all five teams. The stats are Bill James' 2011 Projections taken from the FanGraphs player pages. Don't forget to go to the bottom of the post to vote!
by Jason Martinez
This is the debut of our newest feature at MLBDepthCharts.com where I will be examining the lineups, rotations, or bullpens in one of the six divisions and then asking readers to vote on which team has the best. In some cases, I will eliminate teams just because they are nowhere close to being the best.
In the case of the NL East lineups, which is where we'll start, I think they're close enough that we can mention all five teams. The stats are Bill James' 2011 Projections taken from the FanGraphs player pages. Don't forget to go to the bottom of the post to vote!
Free Agents that can hit LHP's
posted 1/11/11 11:12 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
With the exception of a few DH options (Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome), all of the top free agent position players that are likely to earn a starting job in 2011 are now officially off the board. It doesn't mean that teams are done shopping, though. There are still some good utility infielders and fourth outfielder types on the market.
While some of these players will be relegated to late-inning defensive and pinch-hit duty, some could land starting jobs on a platoon basis versus left-handed pitching. Let's take a look at which players could fit this type of role.
by Jason Martinez
With the exception of a few DH options (Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome), all of the top free agent position players that are likely to earn a starting job in 2011 are now officially off the board. It doesn't mean that teams are done shopping, though. There are still some good utility infielders and fourth outfielder types on the market.
While some of these players will be relegated to late-inning defensive and pinch-hit duty, some could land starting jobs on a platoon basis versus left-handed pitching. Let's take a look at which players could fit this type of role.
Transactions (January 3, 2011 - January 9, 2011)
In case you missed anything over the past week, here is a list of roster transactions over that time.
1/9: CWS - RHP J. Kinney and RHP S. Lindsay signed to minor league deals
1/8: CHC/TB - Cubs acquire LHP Z. Rosscup from Rays to complete the Garza trade
1/8: OAK - RHP P. Humber designated for assignment
1/8: OAK/TEX - Rangers trade RHP G. Moscoso to Athletics for RHP R. Kelly
1/9: CWS - RHP J. Kinney and RHP S. Lindsay signed to minor league deals
1/8: CHC/TB - Cubs acquire LHP Z. Rosscup from Rays to complete the Garza trade
1/8: OAK - RHP P. Humber designated for assignment
1/8: OAK/TEX - Rangers trade RHP G. Moscoso to Athletics for RHP R. Kelly
Top Prospect Busts from 2006
posted 1/04/11 6:14 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
Former #1 prospect for the Marlins, Jeremy Hermida, signed a minor league deal today with the Reds. The soon-to-be 27 year-old will be trying to resurrect his career, which seemed so promising just a few years ago. Knowing that Hermida was one of the top prospects in all of baseball entering the 2006 season, I decided to check on the status of other prospects ranked highly by Baseball America or MiLB.com during the same year. It turns out that he is not alone as a top prospect bust.
by Jason Martinez
Former #1 prospect for the Marlins, Jeremy Hermida, signed a minor league deal today with the Reds. The soon-to-be 27 year-old will be trying to resurrect his career, which seemed so promising just a few years ago. Knowing that Hermida was one of the top prospects in all of baseball entering the 2006 season, I decided to check on the status of other prospects ranked highly by Baseball America or MiLB.com during the same year. It turns out that he is not alone as a top prospect bust.
Position Battle Tracker (AL EAST)
last updated 3/30/11 11:28 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
Baltimore Orioles
Closer
Koji Uehara (even) vs Kevin Gregg (even) Mike Gonzalez (underdog)
Tale of the Tape
Uehara: 36 years old, $3M salary, 1-2, 2.86 ERA, 44 IP, 37 H, 5 BB, 55 K, 13 Sv, 6 holds
Gregg: 32 years old, app. $4-5M salary, 2-6, 3.51 ERA, 59 IP, 52 H, 30 BB, 58 K, 37 Sv
Gonzalez: 32 years old, $6M salary, 1-3, 4.01 ERA, 24.2 IP, 18 H, 14 BB, 31 K, 10 holds
Analysis: This competition was analyzed by me over at RotoAuthority. Click here to read article. UPDATE 3/30 - With Uehara still unable to pitch on consecutive days, the Orioles will use a closer-by-committee to start the season.
#3, #4 and #5 Starter
Chris Tillman (even) vs Jake Arrieta (even) vs Brad Bergesen (out) vs Zach Britton (out) vs Rick VandenHurk (out)
Boston Red Sox
None
New York Yankees
#5 Starter
Freddy Garcia (named starter) vs Bartolo Colon (out)
Tale of the Tape
Garcia: 34 years old, $1.5M salary, 12-6, 4.64 ERA, 157 IP, 171 H, 45 BB, 89 K in 28 starts
Colon: 37 years old, $900K salary, 3-6, 4.19 ERA, 62.1 IP, 69 H, 21 BB, 38 K in 12 starts (2009)
Analysis: UPDATE 3/13 - Nova (8 IP, 2 ER) and Garcia (5 IP, 0 ER) are both pitching well this spring and seem to be the frontrunners for the last two rotation spots but Colon (9 IP, ER, BB, 12 K) and Mitre (5 IP, 0 ER) are doing everything they can to stay in the race. UPDATE 3/16 - With Mitre out with a strained oblique and Nova all but locking up a spot with six no-hit innings today, I'd say it's down to Garcia vs Colon for the last rotation spot. UPDATE 3/21 - Colon appears to have taken a lead in this race after another strong start. The 37 year-old has 17 Ks while allowing just four runs, 10 hits, and one walk in 15 IP. After a strong start, Garcia has allowed 9 ERs in his last 8.2 IP. UPDATE 3/24 - Despite Colon's impressive spring, it still appears that the Yankees are leaning towards Garcia. Colon could still land a bullpen job, however. UPDATE 3/26 - The team officially named Garcia a starter. Colon will pitch out of the bullpen.
Tampa Bay Rays
First Base/Right Field (*Ben Zobrist will likely fill one of the two spots on a semi-regular basis)
Closer
Kyle Farnsworth (favorite) vs Joel Peralta (underdog) vs Jake McGee (underdog)
Tale of the Tape
Farnsworth: 34 years old, $3.25M salary, 3-2, 3.34 ERA, 64.2 IP, 55 H, 19 BB, 61 K, 9 holds
Peralta: 35 years old, $900K salary, 1-0, 2.02 ERA, 49 IP, 30 H, 9 BB, 49 K, 9 holds
McGee: 24 years old, $414K, 4-8, 3.07 ERA, 105.2 IP, 90 H, 36 BB, 127 K in 30 games (AAA/AA)
Analysis: This competition was analyzed by me over at RotoAuthority. Click here to read article. UPDATE 3/19 - Farnsworth, Peralta, and McGee all have pitched well this spring so nothing much has changed at this point. The team could still go with a closer-by-committee but Farnsworth is likely to get the first shot.
Toronto Blue Jays
#4 and #5 starters
Kyle Drabek (favorite) vs Jesse Litsch (favorite) vs JoJo Reyes (underdog)
Tale of the Tape
Drabek: 23 years old, $414K, 14-9, 2.94 ERA, 162 IP, 126 H, 68 BB, 132 K in 27 starts (AA)
Litsch: 26 years old, arb. eligible (2nd time), 1-5, 5.79 ERA, 46.2 IP, 53 H, 15 BB, 16 K in 9 starts
Reyes: 26 years old, $425K, 2-6, 4.99 ERA, 61.1 IP, 64 H, 19 BB, 60 K in 14 games (AAA/AA)
Analysis: The trade of Marcum gives Rzepczynski and Drabek a good shot of making the rotation. Litsch appears to offer the only serious competition but he underwent season-ending hip surgery in August and won't be ready until Spring Training. Mills, who was recalled on three different occasions last season, is an option for the #5 spot if Rzepczynski or Drabek aren't ready. Reyes had made 37 big league starts with Atlanta since 2007 before he was acquired in July so he'll also be considered. UPDATE 3/11 - Removed Mills from competition after he was optioned to the minors today. UPDATE 3/20 - Rzepczynski has been told he's out of the running for a rotation spot. That means Drabek and Litsch are the favorites. Reyes, who is out of options, will also be considered. UPDATE 3/26 - With Brandon Morrow set to start the season on the DL, it looks like all three will be in the rotation to start the season. They'll each likely have two starts before Morrow returns and one of them is bumped from the rotation.
Closer
RHP Jon Rauch (named closer) vs Octavio Dotel (will start season on DL) vs vs Jason Frasor (out) vs Frank Francisco (will start season on DL)
Tale of the Tape
Rauch: 32 years old, $3.5M salary, 3-1, 3.12 ERA, 57.2P, 61 H, 14 BB, 46 K, 21 Sv
Francisco: 31 years old, est. $4.2M salary, 6-4, 3.76 ERA, 52.2 IP, 49 H, 18 BB, 60 K, 2 Sv, 15 holds
Dotel: 37 years old, $3.5M salary, 3-4, 4.08 ERA, 64 IP, 52 H, 32 BB, 75 K, 22 Sv
Frasor: 33 years old, $3M salary, 3-4, 4.68 ERA, 63.2 IP, 61 H, 27 BB, 65 K, 4 Sv, 14 holds
Analysis: Dotel saved 22 games in '10, his highest total since 2004. Frasor saved 11 games in 2009 but hasn't been a regular closer since his rookie season when he saved 17 games in 2004. Dotel's K/9 and H/9 were slightly better than Frasor last season. Seems like a close race but it appears that Dotel has a slight edge at this point. UPDATE 1/17 - Rauch agreed to a one-year deal similar in guaranteed money to Dotel. After reading comments from GM Alex Anthopolous on the signing, it appears to be a two-man competition between those two with Frasor more likely for setup duty. UPDATE 1/25 - Add Francisco to the mix as it's now a four-man race. Regardless of who closes, the Jays have done a good job of building their 'pen back up after losing Downs and Gregg as free agents. UPDATE 3/19 - Francisco has been battling pectoral/shoulder soreness this spring and is questionable for Opening Day. Rauch will be the closer if Francisco is not ready to start the season. UPDATE 3/22 - Francisco will start the season on the DL and Dotel is still questionable so it appears to be Rauch's job when the season opens.
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by Jason Martinez
Baltimore Orioles
Closer
Koji Uehara (even) vs Kevin Gregg (even) Mike Gonzalez (underdog)
Tale of the Tape
Uehara: 36 years old, $3M salary, 1-2, 2.86 ERA, 44 IP, 37 H, 5 BB, 55 K, 13 Sv, 6 holds
Gregg: 32 years old, app. $4-5M salary, 2-6, 3.51 ERA, 59 IP, 52 H, 30 BB, 58 K, 37 Sv
Gonzalez: 32 years old, $6M salary, 1-3, 4.01 ERA, 24.2 IP, 18 H, 14 BB, 31 K, 10 holds
Analysis: This competition was analyzed by me over at RotoAuthority. Click here to read article. UPDATE 3/30 - With Uehara still unable to pitch on consecutive days, the Orioles will use a closer-by-committee to start the season.
#3, #4 and #5 Starter
Chris Tillman (even) vs Jake Arrieta (even) vs Brad Bergesen (out) vs Zach Britton (out) vs Rick VandenHurk (out)
Tale of the Tape
Tillman: 22 years old, $425K salary, 2-5, 5.87 ERA, 53.2 IP, 51 H, 31 BB, 31 K in 11 starts
Arrieta: 25 years old, $425K salary, 6-6, 4.66 ERA, 100.1 IP, 106 H, 48 BB, 52 K in 18 starts
Britton: 23 years old, $414K salary, 10-7, 2.70 ERA, 153.1 IP, 139 H, 51 BB, 124 K in 27 games (AAA/AA)
VandenHurk: 25 years old, $440K salary, 9-5, 4.25 ERA, 118.2 IP, 115 H, 44 BB, 94 K in 22 starts (AAA)
VandenHurk: 25 years old, $440K salary, 9-5, 4.25 ERA, 118.2 IP, 115 H, 44 BB, 94 K in 22 starts (AAA)
Analysis: Britton has been dominant in the minors but so were Arrieta and Tillman, who have yet to carry that success over to the big leagues. Experience could be the difference in this competition. Arrieta now has 18 big league starts under his belt. Tillman has 23. Britton has made just 12 Triple-A starts. My guess is that Britton would have to clearly outpitch one of the two by a wide margin if he's going to be considered for the Opening Day roster. VandenHurk would be a backup plan in the case that at least two of the three youngsters need some more time in the minors. Adding a veteran starter is also still a possibility at this point. UPDATE 2/2 - The addition of Justin Duchscherer likely means that these four are battling for just one spot. Of course, Duchscherer will need to prove that he's healthy but he's a pretty good pitcher when he is, as evidenced by his two All-Star selections ('05, '08). UPDATE 3/13 - Duchscherer is doubtful for Opening Day, meaning that two of these three pitchers could make the roster. Britton has tossed nine scoreless innings this spring and Arrieta has looked good in his two appearances, while Tillman (8.2 IP, 5 ER) and VanderHurk have been less impressive. UPDATE 3/28 - The team has yet to announce the last three spots in the rotation. Arrieta, Bergesen, Tillman, and Britton are all still in the mix. UPDATE 3/30 - Tillman and Arrieta are in the rotation to start the season and Bergesen will start in the bullpen. He is likely to join the rotation when the team needs a fifth starter. Britton was sent to the minors.
Boston Red Sox
None
New York Yankees
#5 Starter
Freddy Garcia (named starter) vs Bartolo Colon (out)
Tale of the Tape
Garcia: 34 years old, $1.5M salary, 12-6, 4.64 ERA, 157 IP, 171 H, 45 BB, 89 K in 28 starts
Colon: 37 years old, $900K salary, 3-6, 4.19 ERA, 62.1 IP, 69 H, 21 BB, 38 K in 12 starts (2009)
Analysis: UPDATE 3/13 - Nova (8 IP, 2 ER) and Garcia (5 IP, 0 ER) are both pitching well this spring and seem to be the frontrunners for the last two rotation spots but Colon (9 IP, ER, BB, 12 K) and Mitre (5 IP, 0 ER) are doing everything they can to stay in the race. UPDATE 3/16 - With Mitre out with a strained oblique and Nova all but locking up a spot with six no-hit innings today, I'd say it's down to Garcia vs Colon for the last rotation spot. UPDATE 3/21 - Colon appears to have taken a lead in this race after another strong start. The 37 year-old has 17 Ks while allowing just four runs, 10 hits, and one walk in 15 IP. After a strong start, Garcia has allowed 9 ERs in his last 8.2 IP. UPDATE 3/24 - Despite Colon's impressive spring, it still appears that the Yankees are leaning towards Garcia. Colon could still land a bullpen job, however. UPDATE 3/26 - The team officially named Garcia a starter. Colon will pitch out of the bullpen.
Tampa Bay Rays
First Base/Right Field (*Ben Zobrist will likely fill one of the two spots on a semi-regular basis)
Dan Johnson (slight favorite) vs Matt Joyce (slight underdog) vs Casey Kotchman (out)
Tale of the Tape
Johnson: 31 years old, $1M salary, .303/.430/.624 in 340 AB's (AAA)
Joyce: 26 years old, $440K salary, .241/.360/.477 in 216 AB's
Kotchman: 28 years old, $750K salary, .217/.280/.336 in 414 AB's
Analysis: As much as Johnson deserves a shot after another huge Triple-A season (30 HR, 95 RBI, 75 BB), Kotchman will be given every chance to prove that he can bounce back from a disastrous 2010 season. Rated by Baseball America as the #6 prospect in all of baseball prior to the 2005 season, Kotchman is an excellent defender who posted an .840 OPS for the Angels back in 2007 but his career has fizzled since being traded to Boston in July 2009. Joyce is also certain to be in the mix after hitting 10 HRs and knocking in 40 runs in limited playing time last season. Unless Manager Joe Maddon can somehow find Jennings regular playing time in what appears to be a crowded outfield, he'll likely start the season in the minors. UPDATE 3/19 - Jennings was already optioned to the minors so it is likely that the three remaining candidates are fighting for one starting job. One will be on the bench and the other likely in the minors. Kotchman has been the best of the bunch this spring (.395 BA) but he would have to be added to the 40-man roster. Should come down to the next 10 days or so. UPDATE 3/28 - It appears that Johnson, Joyce, and second baseman Sean Rodriguez will all get their share of ABs with Zobrist splitting his time between 1B, 2B, and RF.
Closer
Kyle Farnsworth (favorite) vs Joel Peralta (underdog) vs Jake McGee (underdog)
Tale of the Tape
Farnsworth: 34 years old, $3.25M salary, 3-2, 3.34 ERA, 64.2 IP, 55 H, 19 BB, 61 K, 9 holds
Peralta: 35 years old, $900K salary, 1-0, 2.02 ERA, 49 IP, 30 H, 9 BB, 49 K, 9 holds
McGee: 24 years old, $414K, 4-8, 3.07 ERA, 105.2 IP, 90 H, 36 BB, 127 K in 30 games (AAA/AA)
Analysis: This competition was analyzed by me over at RotoAuthority. Click here to read article. UPDATE 3/19 - Farnsworth, Peralta, and McGee all have pitched well this spring so nothing much has changed at this point. The team could still go with a closer-by-committee but Farnsworth is likely to get the first shot.
Toronto Blue Jays
#4 and #5 starters
Kyle Drabek (favorite) vs Jesse Litsch (favorite) vs JoJo Reyes (underdog)
Tale of the Tape
Drabek: 23 years old, $414K, 14-9, 2.94 ERA, 162 IP, 126 H, 68 BB, 132 K in 27 starts (AA)
Litsch: 26 years old, arb. eligible (2nd time), 1-5, 5.79 ERA, 46.2 IP, 53 H, 15 BB, 16 K in 9 starts
Reyes: 26 years old, $425K, 2-6, 4.99 ERA, 61.1 IP, 64 H, 19 BB, 60 K in 14 games (AAA/AA)
Analysis: The trade of Marcum gives Rzepczynski and Drabek a good shot of making the rotation. Litsch appears to offer the only serious competition but he underwent season-ending hip surgery in August and won't be ready until Spring Training. Mills, who was recalled on three different occasions last season, is an option for the #5 spot if Rzepczynski or Drabek aren't ready. Reyes had made 37 big league starts with Atlanta since 2007 before he was acquired in July so he'll also be considered. UPDATE 3/11 - Removed Mills from competition after he was optioned to the minors today. UPDATE 3/20 - Rzepczynski has been told he's out of the running for a rotation spot. That means Drabek and Litsch are the favorites. Reyes, who is out of options, will also be considered. UPDATE 3/26 - With Brandon Morrow set to start the season on the DL, it looks like all three will be in the rotation to start the season. They'll each likely have two starts before Morrow returns and one of them is bumped from the rotation.
Closer
RHP Jon Rauch (named closer) vs Octavio Dotel (will start season on DL) vs vs Jason Frasor (out) vs Frank Francisco (will start season on DL)
Tale of the Tape
Rauch: 32 years old, $3.5M salary, 3-1, 3.12 ERA, 57.2P, 61 H, 14 BB, 46 K, 21 Sv
Francisco: 31 years old, est. $4.2M salary, 6-4, 3.76 ERA, 52.2 IP, 49 H, 18 BB, 60 K, 2 Sv, 15 holds
Dotel: 37 years old, $3.5M salary, 3-4, 4.08 ERA, 64 IP, 52 H, 32 BB, 75 K, 22 Sv
Frasor: 33 years old, $3M salary, 3-4, 4.68 ERA, 63.2 IP, 61 H, 27 BB, 65 K, 4 Sv, 14 holds
Analysis: Dotel saved 22 games in '10, his highest total since 2004. Frasor saved 11 games in 2009 but hasn't been a regular closer since his rookie season when he saved 17 games in 2004. Dotel's K/9 and H/9 were slightly better than Frasor last season. Seems like a close race but it appears that Dotel has a slight edge at this point. UPDATE 1/17 - Rauch agreed to a one-year deal similar in guaranteed money to Dotel. After reading comments from GM Alex Anthopolous on the signing, it appears to be a two-man competition between those two with Frasor more likely for setup duty. UPDATE 1/25 - Add Francisco to the mix as it's now a four-man race. Regardless of who closes, the Jays have done a good job of building their 'pen back up after losing Downs and Gregg as free agents. UPDATE 3/19 - Francisco has been battling pectoral/shoulder soreness this spring and is questionable for Opening Day. Rauch will be the closer if Francisco is not ready to start the season. UPDATE 3/22 - Francisco will start the season on the DL and Dotel is still questionable so it appears to be Rauch's job when the season opens.
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Transactions (December 20, 2010 - January 2, 2011)
In case you missed anything over the past two weeks, here is a list of roster transactions over that time.
12/31: BOS - LHP H. Okajima agreed to one-year deal
12/31: BAL - 1B D. Lee agreed to one-year deal
12/31: KC - RHP Z. Miner signed to minor league deal
12/31: BOS - LHP H. Okajima agreed to one-year deal
12/31: BAL - 1B D. Lee agreed to one-year deal
12/31: KC - RHP Z. Miner signed to minor league deal
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