The Bum's MLB 2017 Spring Training News-Exhibition Picks-Trades-Gossips Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

Mets hope to keep rotation healthy
February 13, 2017

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Terry Collins has his projected top five starting pitchers together in spring training for the first time in two years. Now the New York Mets manager hopes they stay healthy.

''You see them feeding off one another. They're sitting there, five lockers next to one another. You keep those guys healthy and run them out there as much as we can and they're going to get people out and we're going to win baseball games,'' Collins said Monday as pitchers and catchers reported. ''If you can get 30 starts (each) out of those five guys, I'll take my chances.''

Likely opening day starter Noah Syndergaard, the only one of the quintet who has avoided surgery, spoke Sunday after arriving, and Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler gave medical updates Monday.

Collins and pitching coach Dan Warthen have cut back on their workload early in camp.

''When you're talking about the injuries that occur to pitchers, a lot of has to with the fact that perhaps we throw too much too early. We're not going to do that this year,'' Collins said. ''You'll see tomorrow. There will be no throwing in drills. Dan and I sat down and figured out we can save a hundred throws a day by not having them throw in drills.''

Harvey missed 2014 following Tommy John surgery, was a dominant presence as the Mets won the NL pennant in 2015, then struggled to a 4-10 record last season before surgery in July to repair a thoracic outlet syndrome injury.

''I was able to (get into) my normal offseason program. That made a difference rather than when I had the Tommy John surgery and had the whole offseason off,'' Harvey said.

He threw early Monday morning.

''I saw the fire I've seen in the past,'' Collins said. ''He wants to be back on top. He likes to be the No. 1.''

The lone lefty, Matz is on a normal scheduled after he had bone spurs removed from his pitching elbow and a platelet-rich plasma injection in his left shoulder.`

''Not pushing it too soon is kind of the idea, but I don't think anything's different,'' Matz said. ''I'm coming into the spring, in my mind, like it's a normal spring training.''

DeGrom was hurt in camp last spring training and struggled to get his velocity back. Wheeler had Tommy John surgery in March 2015 and his minor league injury rehabilitation assignment last summer was cut short after one inning.

''I'm not getting my hopes up for one second. I hope I'm good; I hope I'm ready. I've done everything I've could,'' Wheeler said. ''It hasn't been fun, I tell you that, down here watching these guys play on TV every day.''

Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo are also candidates for the No. 5 rotation spot. Collins knows he will have Wheeler for a limited number of innings; the manager said he would rather have Wheeler, who may appear in the bullpen, at the season's end rather than the beginning.

''We're going to get him ready to start,'' Collins said. ''We certainly think we're going to make a good run, and we'd like to have those innings late in the season when they're going to mean so much.''

[StarDust Bum]

Syndergaard prepared to start opener
February 12, 2017

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) New York Mets manager Terry Collins has not officially revealed his opening day starter yet, waiting instead for a spring training announcement.

The worst-kept secret around the Mets is that it will be Noah Syndergaard taking the mound in the top of the first inning at Citi Field when New York opens the season against the Atlanta Braves.

That doesn't mean the right-hander considers himself the staff ace.

''I really wouldn't say I'm the leader of the staff. I think we're all leaders in our own way and we're all pulling for one another,'' Syndergaard said at the club's spring training home on Sunday, the day before pitchers and catchers report. ''It's like a brotherhood within the team. It's really something cool to be a part of.''

However, Syndergaard has major factors that play in his favor to be the Mets' first starting pitcher this year.

For starters, he's young, strong, reliable and durable.

In a clubhouse that featured a rotation that ranked among the most oft-injured last year, Syndergaard was the Last Pitcher Standing as the long season unfolded.

Righties Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey had problems from the start, with both being injured in the spring and seeing their seasons cut short by surgeries.

Lefty Steven Matz had a nagging bone spur and saw his season end because of a shoulder issue that developed.

Prized right-hander Zack Wheeler had Tommy John surgery in March 2015, made one appearance in a Florida State League game for High A St. Lucie and was shut down.

Syndergaard, whose nickname is Thor, ultimately could have had another moniker: The Healthy One.

''As far as Terry mentioning (the opening day starter nod), that's just a huge honor to me. I'm here to answer the call,'' said Syndergaard, who is recovering from offseason bronchitis and flu. ''Whatever the team needs, I'm here to fill that job.''

When Collins needed a starter for the win-or-go-home NL wild-card game against the San Francisco Giants, the manager turned to his workhorse.

Syndergaard, 24, more than held his own in a classic pitchers' duel with southpaw Madison Bumgarner.

He didn't allow a San Francisco hit until the sixth and worked seven scoreless, striking out 10 in an overpowering outing New York has grown accustomed to.

The Mets ultimately lost 3-0 in Bumgarner's second consecutive shutout in the winner-take-all game.

Syndergaard has bulked up some in the offseason, training at a new facility, monitoring his diet more closely and consuming more protein.

He said the new workouts are more tailored to what he is trying to accomplish, which is to improve on his 14-9 mark, 2.60 ERA and 218 strikeouts last season.

Almost inconceivably, he also wants to throw harder.

Last season he routinely reached 100 mph on his fastball, which averaged 97.9 for the season.

That number was tops in the majors among qualified starting pitchers.

''I always want to throw harder and make the game easier,'' he said. ''I felt my velocity jumped up last year from my rookie season. I'll try to raise that bar.''

However, he realizes pitching isn't always about raring back and firing it as hard as he can.

He said his offseason work and preparation should help make him more comfortable in this third season.

''Hopefully, it allows me to go deeper into games with more ease, but also focusing on and maintaining my flexibility,'' he said. ''Pitching's not just max effort; it's all about being fluid.'

[StarDust Bum]

Pirates acquire Gosselin from D-backs
February 10, 2017

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates bolstered their infield depth on Friday, acquiring Phil Gosselin from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league pitcher Frank Duncan.

The 28-year-old Gosselin hit .277 with 12 doubles, two home runs and 13 RBI in 122 games for Arizona in 2016. He led the majors in both pinch hit appearances (83) and pinch hits (20) last season. Both numbers set new club records.

Gosselin can move around defensively, an asset the Pirates need after versatile Sean Rodriguez left for Atlanta in free agency. Gosselin made 35 appearances at second base, 10 at third base, six at first and three more in the outfield.

Gosselin is a career .283 hitter across four seasons with Atlanta and Arizona.

The 25-year-old Duncan, a right-handed starter, went 9-6 with a 2.33 ERA for Triple-A Indianapolis last season.

[StarDust Bum]

Bautista back for the retooled Jays
February 10, 2017

Only one of the two sluggers who helped turn the Toronto Blue Jays into a contender will still be playing ball north of the border this season.

Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, it's not the one they wanted the most.

Edwin Encarnacion, whose 11th-inning home run beat Baltimore in last year's AL wild-card game, called Toronto his ''first choice'' in free agency following a Championship Series loss to Cleveland. Later, he turned down a four-year, $80 million offer from the Blue Jays, expecting to hit it big on the open market. In the end, he signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Indians that includes a team option for a fourth season.

Fellow free agent Jose Bautista, whose memorable three-run homer and resulting bat flip propelled Toronto past Texas and into the 2015 ALCS, languished on the market for months before signing a one-year, $18.5 million deal to return to the Blue Jays. His deal includes a mutual option for 2018, and vesting options for 2019.

Few expected a Toronto return for Bautista, whose offensive production dipped badly during an injury-plagued 2016 season. Still, if Bautista's bat bounces back and he succeeds on a short-term deal, the surprise reunion could pay big dividends for player and team alike.

NEW LOOK

Wary of missing out on their preferred alternatives after Encarnacion turned them down, the Blue Jays acted swiftly to sign DH Kendrys Morales to a three-year, $33 million contract, then gave 1B/OF Steve Pearce a two-year, $12.5 million deal. Toronto targeted the switch-hitting Morales to help balance a lineup that was right-handed heavy in 2016, while also hoping his power will play up at Rogers Centre and other hitter-friendly AL East ballparks.

ROOKIES TO WATCH

Toronto's most intriguing offseason move was the signing of Cuban prospect Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a seven-year, $22 million contract. The younger brother of Astros infielder Yulieski Gurriel and the son of a Cuban baseball great, the 23-year-old will likely start the season at Double-A. Gurriel Jr. played both infield and outfield in Cuba, but is expected to get regular time at shortstop as he adjusts to a higher caliber of pitching.

THEY'RE SET

While the offense is still stacked, starting pitching is Toronto's top asset. Boston's offseason addition of ace left-hander Chris Sale may have made the Red Sox early favorites to repeat as AL East champions, but it's the Blue Jays who boast arguably the league's best rotation. The staff is led by reigning AL ERA champion Aaron Sanchez and 20-game winner J.A. Happ, with Marcus Stroman, Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano rounding out a strong starting five.

THEY'RE NOT

Middle relief and left-handed options could be sore spots for fifth-year Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. Toronto lost two veteran relievers over the winter, with left-hander Brett Cecil leaving for a four-year, $30.5 million deal with St. Louis and right-hander Joaquin Benoit getting a one-year, $7.5 million deal from Philadelphia. Shortly before spring training, the Blue Jays beefed up their bullpen by signing left-hander J.P. Howell and right-hander Joe Smith to handle the innings ahead of veteran setup man Jason Grilli and dependable closer Roberto Osuna.

ON DECK

With few position battles in play, the Blue Jays will spend spring training sorting out bullpen roles and settling on a backup to catcher Russell Martin, with minor league signing Jarrod Saltalamacchia the most likely candidate. Gibbons and his staff will also have to decide who to bat in the leadoff spot. After walking 87 times in 517 plate appearances during the regular season last year, Bautista moved up from third to hit leadoff in Toronto's final three playoff games. If Bautista doesn't get the job, it could go to second baseman Devon Travis.

[StarDust Bum]

Mets traded Ynoa to Orioles for Cash, opening spot for Salas
February 10, 2017

The Mets traded pitcher Gabriel Ynoa to the Baltimore Orioles for cash, clearing a roster spot for New York to finalize its contract with reliever Fernando Salas.

A 23-year-old right-hander, Ynoa made his big league debut last Aug. 13 and was 1-0 with a 6.38 ERA in three starts and seven relief appearances covering 18 1/3 innings. He was 12-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 25 starts with Triple-A Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League and is 59-30 with a 3.36 ERA in 128 minor league starters and eight relief appearances.

To open a roster spot Friday, Baltimore designated catcher Francisco Pena for assignment. He hit .200 with one homer and three RBIs in 14 games and 40 at-bats for the Orioles last year.

[StarDust Bum]

NL West teams at the start of spring training
February 10, 2017

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:

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Los Angeles Dodgers

Manager: Dave Roberts (second season).

2016: 91-71, first place, lost to Cubs in NLCS.

Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.

Park: Camelback Ranch.

First Workout: Feb. 16/21.

He's Here: 2B Logan Forsythe, 1B-OF Darin Ruf, OF Brett Eibner, LHP Vidal Nuno.

He's Outta Here: INF-OF Howie Kendrick, C Carlos Ruiz, 2B Chase Utley, RHP Louis Coleman, RHP Jose De Leon, RHP Carlos Frias.

Going campin': The Dodgers are coming off their fourth consecutive NL West title and making the NL Championship Series, so they have to be considered favorites to repeat as division champions. SS Corey Seager hit .308 with 26 home runs to become the franchise's 17th NL Rookie of the Year. LHP Clayton Kershaw will lead a deep rotation, with fellow lefty Rich Hill re-signed as the No. 2 starter. Prized rookie LHP Jose Urias made a splash in limited innings last season and will push to join the rotation on a regular basis. They re-signed closer Kenley Jansen as the bullpen anchor and kept 3B Justin Turner as a leader in the clubhouse. OF Yasiel Puig will be in the spotlight again after nearly being traded at the midseason deadline. He could be relegated to a platoon role in the deep outfield corps unless he consistently plays at the level he showed in his first two seasons.

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San Francisco Giants

Manager: Bruce Bochy (11th season).

2016: 87-75, second place, wild card, lost to Cubs in NLDS.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park: Scottsdale Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He's Here: RHP Mark Melancon, C Nick Hundley, 3B Jae-gyun Hwang, RHP Josh Johnson, RF Justin Ruggiano, LHP Alberto Rodriguez.

He's Outta Here: RHP Santiago Casilla, RHP Sergio Romo, LHP Javier Lopez, LF Angel Pagan, RHP Jake Peavy, RF Gregor Blanco, INF Ehire Adrianza, RHP Joe Nathan.

Going campin': San Francisco's run of even-year championships ended when the Giants were beaten in the Division Series by the eventual champion Cubs. The Game 4 elimination loss went the way much of the season did, with Bochy using five relievers in the ninth inning in search of any success. Instead, Chicago scored four runs to win 6-5 and end San Francisco's season. The Giants blew 32 saves during the season, including nine in September, leading to the departures of stalwarts Casilla, Romo and Lopez, who played key roles in the titles in 2010, `12 and `14. Melancon will try to solidify the closer role after converting 47 of 51 save chances last season with Pittsburgh and Washington. With a rotation headed by Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Matt Moore and Jeff Samardzija, and a lineup featuring Buster Posey, Hunter Pence and Brandon Crawford, Melancon should have plenty of opportunities for more saves.

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Colorado Rockies

Manager: Bud Black (first season).

2016: 75-87, third place.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park: Salt River Field at Talking Stick.

First Workout: Feb. 14/20.

He's Here: 1B Ian Desmond, LHP Mike Dunn, RHP Greg Holland, INF Alexi Amarista.

He's Outta Here: Manager Walt Weiss, LHP Jorge De La Rosa, C Nick Hundley, LHP Boone Logan, 1B-OF Ben Paulsen, OF Ryan Raburn, INF Daniel Descalso, RHP Eddie Butler.

Going campin': Black signed a three-year deal to take over for Weiss, who stepped down when his contract expired after four years in charge of the Rockies. They finished 75-87 last season, their best record since 2010. Black is respected for his pitching acumen, which will come in handy at Coors Field. This team has the offense and starting pitching to stay in contention for a playoff spot late into the season. The lineup includes baseball's RBI leader from a year ago, Nolan Arenado, as well as Carlos Gonzalez, Trevor Story, NL batting champion DJ LeMahieu and Desmond, the All-Star outfielder/shortstop who's learning to play first base this season. The starting rotation is anchored by Chad Bettis, who underwent surgery for testicular cancer three months ago and was recently pronounced cancer-free. One of Colorado's deficiencies last season was its bullpen, which blew 28 saves. The team shored it up with the additions of Dunn and Holland, the lights-out Kansas City closer who missed last season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery.

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Arizona Diamondbacks

Manager: Torey Lovullo (first season).

2016: 69-93, fourth place.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park: Salt River Fields.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: RHP Taijuan Walker, RHP Fernando Rodney, C Chris Iannetta, C Jeff Mathis, SS Ketel Marte, INF Daniel Descalso, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker, OF Gregor Blanco, RHP Tyler Jones.

He's Outta Here: Manager Chip Hale, 2B-SS Jean Segura, C Welington Castillo, RHP Daniel Hudson, OF Rickie Weeks, OF Mitch Haniger, OF Peter O'Brien.

Going Campin': The cast of players isn't much different, but there's a new regime running things this spring. With the expensive acquisition of Zack Greinke (six years, $206 million), the Diamondbacks thought they had the makings of a contender last year, but the team faltered badly as one of the season's major disappointments, leading to the firing of Hale and general manager Dave Stewart, and the reassignment of Tony La Russa from chief baseball officer to chief baseball analyst. The Diamondbacks went to Boston for new leadership, luring GM Mike Hazen to fill the general manager's job and Red Sox bench coach Lovullo to serve as manager. The new men in charge did only minor tinkering with the roster, though, believing the team's core had the talent to compete. The rotation is shaky behind Greinke, although young Robbie Ray, who had 218 strikeouts last season, is promising and the Diamondbacks hope Walker can show the form he flashed two years ago in Seattle. The big questions are whether Shelby Miller can recover from his awful season, and can lefty Patrick Corbin build on his improved pitching after he was demoted to the bullpen last year? The top position battle is at shortstop between Chris Owings, Nick Ahmed and Marte. Expect Brandon Drury to make his permanent move to second base. There are a couple of spots up for grabs in the bullpen, although Enrique Burgos, Randall Delgado, Jake Barrett and Rodney, the team's new closer at age 39, appear locks.

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San Diego Padres

Manager: Andy Green (second season).

2016: 68-94, fifth place.

Training Town: Peoria, Arizona.

Park: Peoria Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Trevor Cahill, C Luis Torrens.

He's Outta Here: CF Jon Jay, C Derek Norris, RHP Tyson Ross, INF-OF Alexi Amarista, RHP Edwin Jackson, RHP Carlos Villanueva, 3B Adam Rosales, RHP Brandon Morrow.

Going campin': The Padres are in a deep rebuilding mode and executive chairman Ron Fowler doesn't expect them to be competitive for at least two seasons. A glaring example of the rebuild is the starting rotation, where all five starters on the 2016 opening day roster are gone. The most experienced guys in the rotation are Chacin, a free agent acquisition, and Clayton Richard, who at 33 is the oldest player on the team. The most promising pitcher returning is Luis Perdomo, who made the jump from Class A to the majors as a Rule 5 draftee and led the team's starters in victories with nine. Perdomo began the season in the bullpen before being moved into the rotation, finishing 9-10 with a 5.71 ERA. Others expected to be in the mix for rotation spots are Jarred Cosart, left-hander Christian Friedrich and Paul Clemens. Besides sorting out the rotation, the Padres will continue the experiment of using Christian Bethancourt as a catcher, pitcher and outfielder.

[StarDust Bum]

NL Central teams at the start of spring training
February 10, 2017

A team-by-team look at the National League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:



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Chicago Cubs

Manager: Joe Maddon (third season).

2016: 103-58, first place, World Series champions.

Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.

Park: Sloan Park.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: RHP Wade Davis, OF Jon Jay, RHP Koji Uehara, LHP Brett Anderson, RHP Eddie Butler, LHP Brian Duensing.

He's Outta Here: CF Dexter Fowler, OF Jorge Soler, LHP Aroldis Chapman, RHP Jason Hammel, LHP Travis Wood, C David Ross, RHP Trevor Cahill, OF Chris Coghlan, RHP Joe Smith.

Going campin': There are a couple of intriguing questions, but the Cubs are a legitimate threat for baseball's first repeat World Series winner since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000. NL MVP Kris Bryant leads a deep lineup that could be even better if Kyle Schwarber can put together a full season. The rotation also is in good shape, led by Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks, just 24 years old and coming off a breakout season. Chapman left in free agency, but the Cubs bolstered the back end of their bullpen by trading for Davis and signing Uehara to a $6 million, one-year contract. There is an opening in center field, where Jay and Albert Almora Jr. could split time after Fowler signed with St. Louis. Mike Montgomery is the favorite to jump into Hammel's slot in the rotation. The leadoff spot in the lineup also is worth watching, but the Cubs begin spring training in great shape for their title defense.

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St. Louis Cardinals

Manager: Mike Matheny (sixth season).

2016: 86-76, second place.

Training Town: Jupiter, Florida.

Park: Roger Dean Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He's Here: CF Dexter Fowler, LHP Brett Cecil.

He's Outta Here: OF Matt Holliday, OF-1B Brandon Moss, LHP Jaime Garcia, RHP Seth Maness, RHP Jerome Williams, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker.

Going campin': The Cardinals missed the postseason for the first time since 2010 last year, the first time that's happened under Matheny. Seeking a return to October, St. Louis signed Fowler to an $82.5 million, five-year contract - weakening NL Central rival Chicago in the process. Fowler's arrival is expected to provide stability at the top of the order and in the outfield, as well as bring some much-needed athleticism to a lineup that was last in the National League in stolen bases last season. With Matt Carpenter expected to move to first base in the spring, and St. Louis committed to Kolten Wong at second, expect a competition for playing time at third base between veterans Jedd Gyorko and Jhonny Peralta. Right-handed starter Lance Lynn returns after missing last season following elbow surgery. Lynn and hard-throwing rookie Alex Reyes are expected to bolster a staff that saw its ERA rise from an NL-best 2.94 in 2015 to 4.08 last season. Cecil joins the bullpen from Toronto after signing a $30.5 million, four-year contract in the offseason.

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Pittsburgh Pirates

Manager: Clint Hurdle (seventh season).

2016: 78-83, third place.

Training Town: Bradenton, Florida.

Park: McKechnie Field.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He's Here: RHP Daniel Hudson, RHP Pat Light.

He's Outta Here: LHP Jeff Locke, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, RHP Neftali Feliz, INF-OF Sean Rodriguez, OF Matt Joyce, INF Jason Rogers, C Eric Fryer.

Going campin': The Pirates fell off the pace in 2016 following three straight playoff appearances but did little in free agency to try to close the gap on St. Louis or the World Series champion Chicago Cubs. Pittsburgh re-signed pitcher Ivan Nova to a three-year contract and brought in Hudson to work near the back of the bullpen, but otherwise the group that arrives in Bradenton will look an awful lot like the one that finished a distant third in the NL Central last fall. The team's most notable move was one it didn't make - holding onto star center fielder Andrew McCutchen after exploring trade options in December. McCutchen tried to brush off the prospect of leaving and even agreed to slide over to right field this season, part of a retooled outfield that puts Gold Glove winner Starling Marte in center and Gregory Polanco in left. The outfield, however, is the least of Pittsburgh's concerns heading into camp. The starting rotation behind Nova, Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon is wide open, with five pitchers competing for two spots. There's still a chance the Pirates bring in another arm or two before opening day, but it's more likely the last two spots will emerge from the group of Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault, Drew Hutchison, Tyler Glasnow and Trevor Williams. Tony Watson was solid but not spectacular after taking over the closer role when Mark Melancon was sent to Washington at the trade deadline. The job is Watson's for now, though Hudson and Felipe Rivero are contingency plans. Pittsburgh expects third baseman Jung Ho Kang to be in camp following his offseason arrest in Korea on DUI charges, the latest off-the-field issue for Kang, who remains under investigation for an alleged sexual assault in Chicago last summer. The rest of the infield returns intact, though promising first baseman Josh Bell's status early in camp is uncertain after he underwent knee surgery on Feb. 1. Bell's development will be vital, particularly if Pittsburgh ends up finding a trade partner for McCutchen.

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Milwaukee Brewers

Manager: Craig Counsell (third season).

2016: 73-89, fourth place.

Training Town: Phoenix.

Park: Maryvale Baseball Park.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: 1B Eric Thames, 3B Travis Shaw, RHP Neftali Feliz, C Jett Bandy, LHP Tommy Milone.

He's Outta Here: 1B Chris Carter, RHP Tyler Thornburg, C Martin Maldonado, RHP Blaine Boyer.

Going campin': The rebuilding project appears to be moving along on schedule entering the second full season under general manager David Stearns. Ryan Braun has the largest veteran contract left to move, though the slugger making $20 million this season is also content in Milwaukee. He's says he's looking forward to working with the next generation of Brewers. Slick-fielding Orlando Arcia, the first key piece to arrive in the majors, enters his first full season as the starting shorstop. A new-look infield will also feature Thames at first and Shaw at third, two left-handed hitters who provide balance to the lineup. The bullpen needs a closer with Thornburg shipped to the Red Sox in the offseason for Shaw. Feliz and holdover Corey Knebel are the likely top candidates. In the rotation, Wily Peralta hopes the improvement he showed over the final 10 starts of 2016 carries over to this season, while Junior Guerra and Zach Davies look to build off solid rookie campaigns.

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Cincinnati Reds

Manager: Bryan Price (fourth season).

2016: 68-94, last place.

Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.

Park: Goodyear Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He's Here: RHP Scott Feldman, RHP Drew Storen, RHP Austin Brice, OF Desmond Jennings.

He's Outta Here: RHP Dan Straily, C Ramon Cabrera, RHP J.J. Hoover, OF Steve Selsky, RHP Alfredo Simon, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Keyvius Sampson.

Going campin': The Reds have stabilized after two years of trading away core players as part of a massive rebuild. They opened last season with five starters on the disabled list, and their decision not to sign an experienced closer turned out to be ruinous. Once their starters got healthy, they became competitive, going 36-37 after the All-Star break. The bullpen was one of the worst in major league history, so the Reds signed Storen in the offseason to bring in an experienced closer. They traded their top starter in Straily to the Marlins for prospects and replaced him in the rotation with Feldman. There will be an open competition for the fifth spot. The Reds think they can be competitive this season if starters Anthony DeSclafani and Homer Bailey are healthy and the bullpen becomes respectable - there's plenty of competition for relief roles. Bailey, however, just had surgery to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow and is expected to start the season on the disabled list. Former All-Star catcher Devin Mesoraco is expected back from his second hip operation, and the everyday lineup is anchored by Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton. After losing 98 and 94 games in the last two years, the Reds are hoping they've bottomed out.

[StarDust Bum]

NL East teams at the start of spring training
February 10, 2017

A team-by-team look at the National League East entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:

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Washington Nationals

Manager: Dusty Baker (second season).

2016: 95-67, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLDS.

Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.

Park: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

First Workout: Feb. 16/19.

He's Here: CF Adam Eaton, C Derek Norris, LHP Enny Romero.

He's Outta Here: RHP Mark Melancon, C Wilson Ramos, INF Danny Espinosa, CF Ben Revere, LHP Marc Rzepczynski.

Going campin': After winning the NL East for the third time in five years, and once again losing their opening playoff series, the Nationals made just a couple of significant offseason additions. Instead, GM Mike Rizzo brings his team to its new spring training facility (shared with the Houston Astros) counting on the returning core to be productive, including RHPs Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg (who is coming off an elbow injury), RF Bryce Harper (coming off a disappointing season), and INFs Daniel Murphy and Anthony Rendon. Of particular concern at the start of camp is the bullpen, where closer Melancon left as a free agent and has not been replaced. As of now, while Washington could still be looking for an additional piece, it could wind up giving the ninth-inning job to an in-house candidate such as Shawn Kelley or Blake Treinen. Another key question is whether, at age 32, first baseman Ryan Zimmerman can bounce back from a season in which he hit .218 with a .272 on-base percentage and .370 slugging percentage.

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New York Mets

Manager: Terry Collins (seventh season).

2016: 87-75, second place, lost to San Francisco in wild-card game.

Training Town: Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Park: Tradition Field.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He's Here: LHP Tom Gorzelanny, LHP Adam Wilk, RHP Ben Rowen, 3B coach Glenn Sherlock.

He's Outta Here: RHP Bartolo Colon, 1B James Loney, OF Alejandro De Aza, RHP Jim Henderson, LHP Jonathon Niese, INF-OF Kelly Johnson, RHP Logan Verrett, RHP Gabriel Ynoa, CF Justin Ruggiano, 3B coach Tim Teufel.

Going campin': There aren't many new faces in the clubhouse as the Mets, 2015 NL champs, set out to make three straight playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history. New York quickly re-signed slugger Yoenis Cespedes for $110 million over four years and barely touched last season's injury-riddled squad during the winter. That could change this spring, with GM Sandy Alderson still looking to clear space in a crowded outfield by trading Jay Bruce. But the team's No. 1 concern is the overall health of a talented young rotation led by ace Noah Syndergaard. Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler are all coming off surgery and will be watched very closely. Wheeler is yet to return from Tommy John surgery in March 2015. To start, he might need to beat out Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo - the surprising rookies who saved a depleted staff down the stretch last year. First baseman Lucas Duda (back), second baseman Neil Walker (back surgery) and third baseman David Wright (neck surgery) hope to be healthy and productive. Catcher is another question mark after oft-injured Travis d'Arnaud (.629 OPS, 15 RBIs) slumped badly and lost playing time. Veteran defensive standout Rene Rivera was brought back as insurance. But there is plenty of desirable depth on the roster in Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores, Michael Conforto, Juan Lagares and more. In the bullpen, All-Star closer Jeurys Familia faces a possible suspension under MLB's domestic violence policy. Steady setup man Addison Reed, with 106 career saves, could slide into the ninth-inning role for a while. Familia, Reyes and Rivera are among at least 13 Mets slated to participate in the World Baseball Classic next month. Then there's former star quarterback Tim Tebow, ticketed for minor league camp. Meanwhile, the Mets will gear up and try to chase down Washington in the NL East with this number on their side: a 106-74 record the past two seasons with Cespedes in the lineup.

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Miami Marlins

Manager: Don Mattingly (second season).

2016: 79-82, third place.

Training Town: Jupiter, Florida.

Park: Roger Dean Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He's Here: RHP Dan Straily, RHP Edinson Volquez, RHP Brad Ziegler, RHP Junichi Tazawa, LHP Jeff Locke, C A.J. Ellis.

He's Outta Here: LHP Mike Dunn, INF Chris Johnson, C Jeff Mathis, RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Fernando Rodney, OF Jeff Francoeur.

Going campin': The Marlins must move on without ace Jose Fernandez, killed in a boat crash the week before the end of the 2016 season. His career record of 38-17 makes him impossible to replace, and there's no clear No. 1 starter on the roster. The Marlins will try to patch together a rotation, with the most likely combination including newcomers Straily and Volquez, and holdovers Wei-Yin Chen, Tom Koehler and Adam Conley. One key question in spring training is the health of Chen, who battled elbow trouble last year and made only three starts in the final two months. Mattingly will use the spring to assess a deep, talented bullpen that includes several newcomers. The starting lineup returns intact and will be anchored by slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who batted a career-low .240 in 2016. Also back is 43-year-old reserve outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, now a member of the 3,000-hit club. Frugal owner Jeffrey Loria, who has a preliminary agreement to sell the team, has increased the payroll to about $100 million in hopes of ending a 13-season playoff drought.

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Philadelphia Phillies

Manager: Pete Mackanin (third season).

2016: 71-91, fourth place.

Training Town: Clearwater, Fla.

Park: Spectrum Field

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He's Here: LF-INF Howie Kendrick, OF Michael Saunders, RHP Clay Buchholz, RHP Joaquin Benoit, RHP Pat Neshak, OF-INF Chris Coghlan, OF Daniel Nava, C Ryan Hanigan, LHP Sean Burnett.

He's Outta Here: 1B Ryan Howard, OF-3B Cody Asche, OF Peter Bourjos, 1B-OF Darin Ruf, RHP Charlie Morton, RHP David Hernandez.

Going campin': The Phillies are coming off their fourth straight losing season and looking to take another step forward in their rebuilding process after an eight-game improvement last year. They added three veterans - Kendrick, Saunders and Buchholz - who should help them win games while holding down a few spots until some of the youngsters are ready. The team retained RHP Jeremy Hellickson and bolstered the starting rotation by acquiring Buchholz from Boston. Both pitchers could be trade bait in July unless the Phillies are in contention. They have a solid group of starters who showed promise last year, including Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez and Aaron Nola, and several others on the brink of making it to the big leagues. Kendrick and Saunders, a 2016 All-Star with Toronto, give the lineup more balance and allow prospects Roman Quinn, Nick Williams and Dylan Cozens more time to develop. Expectations are modest, with Mackanin already stating his goal is a .500 season.

---

Atlanta Braves

Manager: Brian Snitker (second season).

2016: 68-93, fifth place.

Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.

Park: Champion Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP R.A. Dickey, LHP Jaime Garcia, C Kurt Suzuki, INF Sean Rodriguez, 2B Micah Johnson, LHP John Danks, RHP Kris Medlen, C Tuffy Gosewisch, OF Alex Jackson, OF Emilio Bonifacio, LHP Rex Brothers, LHP Luiz Gohara, RHP Blaine Boyer, RHP Luke Jackson, LHP Jacob Lindgren.

He's Outta Here: OF Mallex Smith, C A.J. Pierzynski, RHP Shae Simmons, RHP Tyrell Jenkins, RHP Williams Perez, RHP Chris Withrow, RHP John Gant, RHP Ryan Weber, RHP Rob Whalen.

Going campin': Rodriguez could push Jace Peterson and possibly Johnson at second base, but otherwise the starting eight appears set. The trade for left fielder Matt Kemp and the promotion of shortstop Dansby Swanson boosted the lineup and led to a strong 2016 finish that earned Snitker the full-time job. Colon and Dickey were signed to one-year deals to solidify the rotation for 2017 while young starting pitchers gain experience. The team also acquired Garcia, while ace Julio Teheran is the only certain holdover in the rotation. That leaves Matt Wisler, Mike Foltynewicz, Aaron Blair and Josh Collmenter to compete for possibly only one starting job. Collmenter could fill a swing role. A rookie to watch is third baseman Rio Ruiz.

[StarDust Bum]

AL West teams at the start of spring training
February 10, 2017

A team-by-team look at the American League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:


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Texas Rangers

Manager: Jeff Banister (third season).

2016: 95-67, first place, lost to Toronto in ALDS.

Training Town: Surprise, Arizona.

Park: Surprise Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/21.

He's Here: RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Tyson Ross, 1B James Loney.

He's Outta Here: LHP Derek Holland, CF Ian Desmond, DH Carlos Beltran, 1B Mitch Moreland, RHP Colby Lewis.

Going campin': The Rangers won an AL-high 95 games last year and have been West champions in both seasons under Banister, but they are five seasons removed from back-to-back World Series appearances (2010-11). They are set at the top of the rotation with Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, while young lefty Martin Perez is coming off 33 starts. New additions Ross and Cashner are former Padres teammates. Moreland, a Gold Glove winner, Desmond and Beltran left in free agency. Mike Napoli is set to rejoin the team for a third stint to play first base. Carlos Gomez will move to center field, where he was a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner in Milwaukee, after hitting eight homers in 33 games for Texas at the end of last season. The DH spot will be flexible, and possible options include 2010 AL MVP and five-time All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton, in camp on a minor league deal and working at first base after missing last season following three operations on his left knee.

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Seattle Mariners

Manager: Scott Servais (second season).

2016: 86-76, second place.

Training Town: Peoria, Arizona.

Park: Peoria Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/19.

He's Here: SS Jean Segura, OF Jarrod Dyson, 1B-3B Danny Valencia, OF Mitch Haniger, RHP Yovani Gallardo, LHP Drew Smyly, C Carlos Ruiz, RHP Shae Simmons, LHP Marc Rzepczynski, RHP Casey Fien.

He's Outta Here: RHP Taijuan Walker, 1B Adam Lind, OF Nori Aoki, 1B Dae-Ho Lee, OF Franklin Gutierrez, LHP Wade Miley, RHP Nathan Karns, LHP Vidal Nuno, RHP Tom Wilhelmsen, RHP Drew Storen, C Jesus Sucre.

Going campin': The Mariners are coming off a surprising 86-win campaign that kept them in the playoff chase until the next-to-last day of the regular season. Servais accomplished his first-year task of changing the culture in the clubhouse, buoyed in part by huge seasons from Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz. But the roster makeover by general manager Jerry Dipoto didn't stop after one season. The Mariners were extremely active in the offseason, completing 12 trades in an attempt to get younger and more athletic. The outfield is completely changed with the additions of Dyson and Haniger, and the starting rotation is deeper thanks to the acquisitions of Gallardo and Smyly. Most of the open jobs in spring training will be rounding out the bullpen and bench. Otherwise, the Mariners appear mostly set.

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Houston Astros

Manager: A.J. Hinch (third season).

2016: 84-78, third place.

Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.

Park: The Ballpark of Palm Beaches.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: OF Josh Reddick, C Brian McCann, DH-OF Carlos Beltran, RHP Charlie Morton, OF Norichika Aoki, LHP Ashur Tolliver.

He's Outta Here: C Jason Castro, RHP Pat Neshek, OF Colby Rasmus, 3B Luis Valbuena, RHP Doug Fister.

Going campin': A slow start of 7-17 left the Astros in a deep hole early last season, and despite steady improvement throughout, that proved too much to overcome as they just missed reaching the playoffs for a second consecutive season. They spent significant money to bring in some veterans for the first time in years by adding Beltran, Reddick and McCann to their talented young core. The infield should again be the strength of the team behind the work of AL batting champion Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa. Houston hopes pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers will put last season's struggles and injuries behind them to anchor the rotation. Perhaps the only big question entering camp in their new spring training home is, who will close for the Astros? They manned the job by committee last season following Ken Giles' early struggles during his first season in Houston. If the veterans mesh well with the young core and Keuchel rebounds to lead the rotation, the Astros expect to not only compete for the AL West title, but make a deep postseason run.

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Los Angeles Angels

Manager: Mike Scioscia (18th season).

2016: 74-88, fourth place.

Training Town: Tempe, Arizona.

Park: Tempe Diablo Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: OF Cameron Maybin, 2B Danny Espinosa, INF Luis Valbuena, OF Ben Revere, RHP Jesse Chavez, C Martin Maldonado.

He's Outta Here: RHP Jered Weaver, LHP C.J. Wilson, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Gregorio Petit, C Jett Bandy.

Going campin': The Angels return from their worst season of Scioscia's long tenure with hopes for a quick rebound. Despite the salary constraints caused by owner Arte Moreno's free-spending past, GM Billy Eppler capably addressed the Angels' two biggest lineup problems by putting the well-rounded Maybin in left field and Orange County native Espinosa at second base. Eppler even added veteran depth behind them with Revere and Valbuena, who could also play extensively at first base if Albert Pujols returns slowly from offseason foot surgery. Scioscia must figure out his rotation this spring, and the Angels might still be looking to add starting pitching. They're hoping Garrett Richards reclaims top form after deciding against Tommy John surgery, while Matt Shoemaker is returning from a line drive off his head. The Angels' goal is to capitalize on the prime of two-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who says he still has room to improve.

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Oakland Athletics

Manager: Bob Melvin (seventh season).

2016: 69-93, fifth place.

Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.

Park: Hohokam Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/19.

He's Here: 3B Trevor Plouffe, RHP Santiago Casilla, RF Matt Joyce, CF Rajai Davis, 3B Adam Rosales, RHP Paul Blackburn, LF Alejandro De Aza.

He's Outta Here: 3B Danny Valencia, CF Brett Eibner, LHP Dillon Overton.

Going campin': The A's are coming off a second straight last-place finish and the worst two-year run for the franchise since 1978-79, before Billy Ball, the Bash Brothers or Moneyball. Oakland spent much of last season shedding some of its top players like Josh Reddick, Rich Hill and Coco Crisp before losing them in free agency. New team president Dave Kaval has helped excite the fan base with talk of a potential new stadium in Oakland and more amenities. Improving the product on the field would help even more. It starts with ace Sonny Gray, who won just five games in an injury-plagued season last year. LF Khris Davis (42 homers) and SS Marcus Semien (27 homers) provide the power in a lineup that gets a jolt of speed with Davis' return to Oakland. A bullpen led by Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, John Axford and Casilla also figures to be a strength.

[StarDust Bum]

AL Central teams at the start of spring training
February 10, 2017

A team-by-team look at the American League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:


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Cleveland Indians

Manager: Terry Francona (fifth season).

2016: 94-67, first place, AL champions, lost to Chicago Cubs in World Series.

Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.

Park: Goodyear Ballpark.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He's Here: 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion, OF Austin Jackson, LHP Boone Logan, RHP Carlos Frias, OF Wily Mo Pena, CF Bradley Zimmer, SS Eric Stamets.

He's Outta Here: 1B-DH Mike Napoli, OF Coco Crisp, OF Rajai Davis, C Chris Gimenez, 1B Jesus Aguilar, OF Marlon Byrd, RHP Jeff Manship.

Going campin': The Indians are all in this season. After making the World Series for the first time since 1997, Cleveland intends to get back and finish the job this time. Seizing on that momentum, the Indians were aggressive in free agency and landed one of the biggest prizes on the market, signing Encarnacion to a $60 million, three-year contract - the richest for a free agent in club history. One of baseball's most feared hitters, Encarnacion has averaged 39 homers over the past five seasons and his presence alone will help Francona's lineup. For the second year in a row, left fielder Michael Brantley's right shoulder will be a hot topic during camp. He played just 11 games last season, but following another surgery, there is hope he can return on a full-time basis. Super reliever Andrew Miller intends to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, but the Indians will closely monitor how much he's used.

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Detroit Tigers

Manager: Brad Ausmus (fourth season).

2016: 86-75, second place.

Training Town: Lakeland, Florida.

Park: Publix Field At Joker Marchant Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/18.

He's Here: C Alex Avila, OF Mikie Mahtook.

He's Outta Here: OF Cameron Maybin, SS Erick Aybar, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 3B Casey McGehee.

Going campin': The Tigers said at the beginning of the offseason they'd be open to cutting payroll, but that never really happened. So the same expensive roster is back for another shot at a postseason berth. Now two seasons removed from its four-year run atop the AL Central, Detroit still has enough stars to be a factor, especially after Justin Verlander re-established himself as a legitimate ace in 2016. Verlander and AL Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer will be counted on to headline the rotation, while Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton lead the offense. The biggest questions heading into spring training are in center field and at the back end of the rotation. While Fulmer flourished last year, 23-year-old lefty Daniel Norris dealt with injury problems. His ability to pitch a full season could be crucial to Detroit's hopes in 2017.

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Kansas City Royals

Manager: Ned Yost (eighth season).

2016: 81-81, third place.

Training Town: Surprise, Arizona.

Park: Surprise Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He's Here: OF Jorge Soler, RHP Jason Hammel, RHP Nate Karns, DH Brandon Moss, RHP Al Alburquerque, RHP Bobby Parnell, RHP Brandon League.

He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, DH Kendrys Morales, OF Jarrod Dyson, RHP Luke Hochevar, RHP Peter Moylan, LHP Tim Collins.

Going campin': After back-to-back World Series trips, the Royals dropped back to .500 last season. But they still believe they have the pieces to make another postseason run, even after RHP Yordano Ventura's tragic death in a car accident in the Dominican Republic. That leaves another unexpected spot available in the starting rotation, where the Royals were already anticipating competition for the fifth job. The starting lineup returns largely intact, with the exception of Soler taking over as the everyday right fielder and Moss replacing Morales at DH. The Royals will also get 3B Mike Moustakas back from reconstructive knee surgery, and will have LHP Jason Vargas ready to go after he missed most of last season following Tommy John surgery. The margin for error is slim for Kansas City, but with a bevy of players hitting free agency next year, this could be the last good chance to compete for an AL Central title for a while.

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Chicago White Sox

Manager: Rick Renteria (first season).

2016: 78-84, fourth place.

Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.

Park: Cameback Ranch.

First Workout: Feb. 14/18.

He's Here: RHP Lucas Giolito, INF Yoan Moncada, LHP Derek Holland, RHP Reynaldo Lopez, C Geovany Soto, OF Peter Bourjos.

He's Outta Here: Manager Robin Ventura, LHP Chris Sale, OF Adam Eaton, OF Austin Jackson, DH Justin Morneau, C Alex Avila, RHP Matt Albers.

Going campin': The rebuild is underway. After four straight losing seasons, the White Sox decided it was time for a makeover. That meant trading their ace (Sale) and a quality outfielder (Eaton). In return, they loaded up on prospects. Moncada, acquired from Boston, is considered one of the top young talents in baseball. Chicago also got three young pitchers from Washington in the Eaton deal, including prized prospect Giolito along with the hard-throwing Lopez - who made the team's playoff roster - and 2016 first-round draft pick Dane Dunning. But the White Sox remain open for business. Jose Quintana seems likely to be dealt after winning a personal-best 13 games, posting a career-low 3.20 ERA and making his first All-Star team. Todd Frazier could be on the move coming off a 40-homer season, and closer David Robertson could be an attractive piece for a contender. Renteria, known for his patience and positive outlook, is getting another chance to manage in Chicago after serving as Ventura's bench coach last year. After managing the Cubs in 2014, Renteria was unceremoniously let go so they could hire Joe Maddon. It worked out well for the North Siders, who ended a 108-year championship drought last season following their own major overhaul.

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Minnesota Twins

Manager: Paul Molitor (third season).

2016: 59-103, fifth place.

Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.

Park: Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He's Here: C Jason Castro, RHP Matt Belisle, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, SS Ehire Adrianza, OF Drew Stubbs.

He's Outta Here: 3B Trevor Plouffe, C Kurt Suzuki, LHP Tommy Milone, RHP Pat Light.

Going campin': After the club compiled its most losses since the franchise moved to Minnesota in 1961, the Twins are starting fresh, but they're not starting over. New baseball chief Derek Falvey, with new GM Thad Levine as his top lieutenant, has been using a measured, patient approach with his attempt to turn around a team that hasn't reached the postseason in seven years. With still-budding young talent in the lineup like 3B Miguel Sano, CF Byron Buxton and RF Max Kepler, and the return of 2B Brian Dozier after trade talks didn't yield enough for Falvey and Levine's liking, significant run-scoring potential remains. The Twins ranked a respectable sixth in the AL in total bases and eighth in OPS despite their abysmal record. The focus in Fort Myers will again be on the mound, with a downtrodden rotation seeking candidates to join steady RHP Ervin Santana. RHPs Jose Berrios (8.02 ERA in 14 starts), Tyler Duffey (6.43 ERA in 26 starts), Kyle Gibson (5.07 ERA in 25 starts), Phil Hughes (broken leg, shoulder surgery) and RHP Hector Santiago (5.58 ERA in 11 starts) will get the chance to bounce back. RHP Trevor May will try to convert back to starting after his bullpen assignment contributed to a lingering back injury.

[StarDust Bum]

Cardinals' stud prospect Reyes out for season
February 15, 2017

St. Louis Cardinals rookie right-hander Alex Reyes, whose fastball tops out at 100 mph, is out for the season.

Manager Mike Matheny confirmed Wednesday that Reyes would miss the 2017 season recovering from Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm.

The hard-throwing starter was expected to break camp in the Cardinals' starting rotation. He was ranked as the top pitching prospect in baseball last month.

The Cardinals were counting on Reyes after the 22-year-old put up a 1.57 ERA and struck out 52 in six starts in the final month of the 2016 season.

Because of the possibility of re-injury, many teams are giving pitchers at least 16 months to recover from Tommy John surgery, meaning Reyes might not return until the 2018 All-Star break.

Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, Mike Leake and Michael Wacha are expected to start for the Cardinals but the No. 5 spot in the rotation is up for grabs.

[StarDust Bum]

Reliever Fernando Salas, Mets finalize $3M, 1-year deal
February 15, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) Reliever Fernando Salas and the New York Mets have finalized a $3 million, one-year contract.

The deal had been agreed to Feb. 3 pending a successful physical and was completed Wednesday.

Salas can earn an additional $350,000 in performance bonuses base: $50,000 each for 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 70 and 75 relief appearances.

Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in an Aug. 31 trade last year, Salas solidified the seventh inning for New York down the stretch. The 31-year-old right-hander went 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 17 games with the Mets, striking out 19 and walking none in 17 1/3 innings. He was 3-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 75 games overall, and all six of his saves came with the Angels.

Salas saved 24 games in 2011 for the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.

[StarDust Bum]

Jake Arrieta hopeful of landing extension to stay with Cubs
February 15, 2017

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Jake Arrieta is hopeful of receiving a contract extension with the Chicago Cubs before he becomes eligible for free agency after the 2017 season, yet he also realizes this could be his final year with the club if talks don't materialize.

The ace right-hander and 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner landed a one-year deal for $15,637,500 last month to avoid salary arbitration. As the reigning World Series champions geared up for the first pitchers and catchers workout, Arrieta insisted Wednesday that his future isn't going to be something he allows to be a distraction at the start of spring training.

''I think there's an open dialogue there and I believe we will have talks. It's not my No. 1 priority,'' Arrieta said. ''I just wanted to focus on my health and coming into camp as well rested and in as good of shape as I possibly can. If we have those conversations, we'll sit down and hash some things out and see if we can get something worked out. If it happens, great, if not then I'll continue to move forward and take it day by day.''

He came to the Cubs in a trade from Baltimore in 2013 and helped them end a 108-year championship drought last fall.

The 30-year-old Arrieta followed up his 22-win Cy Young season by going 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts and 197 1/3 innings last season. He won Games 2 and 6 of the World Series as the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in the deciding Game 7.

On Wednesday, Arrieta opened boxes of new shoes and piles of fan mail at his locker before heading into meetings to get started at the Cubs' spring training complex.

''Time flies really quickly. It feels like only a few months ago that I was traded over here and started my career as a Cub in 2013,'' he said. ''I've had some incredible experiences with this organization. I owe a lot to this team and this organization and the ownership. I don't want to see that time come to an end, my time as a Cub. Unfortunately the business side of the game shows its head every once in a while. But I still think there's opportunity and chances that we can have good conversations as far as an extension's concerned.''

During a swarmed session with members of the media, Arrieta didn't go into specifics on what he is looking for in a long-term contract. He noted that once at a certain stage, decisions go beyond just the money.

Though he will certainly command a huge payday.

''Financially it's not a big worry for myself individually,'' Arrieta said. ''The less of a distraction that can play on the team and everyone in this clubhouse the better. I don't typically like to verbalize a lot of the things from an individual contract situation just because it can take some attention away from what we're trying to do here collectively. I don't mind addressing and talking about it if those things do come up. Again, my main focus is going to continue to be trying to help these guys as much as I can to prepare for our season this year.''

[StarDust Bum]

Kansas City Royals sign LHP Travis Wood to 2-year deal
February 15, 2017

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Royals have signed left-handed pitcher Travis Wood to a two-year contract, with a mutual option for the 2019 season.

The deal is worth $12 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity earlier this week.

The 30-year-old Wood made a career-high 77 appearances with the Chicago Cubs last season, posting a 4-0 record and a 2.95 ERA. He held lefties to a .128 average.

A 2013 National League All-Star, Wood spent the last five seasons with the Cubs after arriving in a trade with Cincinnati in 2011. He owns a career record of 43-52 with a 4.00 ERA in 259 games (133 starts). Since transitioning to the bullpen in 2015, he's 7-2 with a 2.95 ERA in 122 appearances.

The Royals also placed pitcher Brian Flynn on the 60-day disabled list with a back injury.

[StarDust Bum]

2017 SuperBook Pitching Props
February 22, 2017

The 2017 Major League Baseball season is upon us as the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook released regular season wins for 30 starting pitchers. Ten hurlers on this list have captured the Cy Young Award at least once in their career but the pitcher predicted to compile the most victories in 2017 did not win this honor last season.

Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw was limited to the fewest starts since his rookie season in 2008 as the southpaw took the hill 21 times last season as a back injury sidelined him in July and August. Kershaw still posted a solid 12-4 record, while owning a 1.69 ERA as the Dodgers won 17 of his 21 starts. The Westgate put out 16 ½ wins on Kershaw for the 2017 campaign, as Kershaw has finished with at least 17 victories only twice in his nine MLB seasons.

Nationals’ star Max Scherzer took home his second career Cy Young Award last season in a 20-7 campaign, becoming the sixth pitcher ever to receive this honor in both leagues. Scherzer rebounded from a 14-12 record in 2015 to reach the 20-win plateau for the second time in his career last season. The right-hander is one of four pitchers to be listed by the Westgate at 15 ½ wins, alongside Boston’s Chris Sale and David Price, and San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner.

Sale is the biggest name pitcher to change teams this past offseason after changing socks from Chicago to Boston. The lanky left-hander tied his career-high with 17 victories in 2016 with the White Sox, which included six complete games. Sale is part of an All-Star pitching staff in Boston alongside Price (17-9) and reigning Cy Young winner Rick Porcello (22-4), as the former Chicago standout has won at least 16 games twice in five full seasons as a starter.

In 2015, Dallas Keuchel came out of nowhere to dominate the American League as the Astros’ southpaw won Cy Young honors with a 20-8 record and 2.48 ERA. Keuchel took a major step back last season by dropping to 9-12, while his ERA exploded to 4.55 and went through a five-start winless stretch in late April through May. Houston is expected to win the AL West (5/4 odds at Westgate), as Keuchel is predicted to propel back into elite status as his number sits at 13 ½.

Best Bets:

OVER – Zack Greinke (13 ½) – The Arizona right-hander was limited to 26 starts last season but finished with a 13-7 record in his first season with the Diamondbacks. Greinke posted 16, 15, 15, 17, and 19 victories in his previous five seasons as his 26 starts in 2016 was his fewest since 2006. As long as Greinke stays healthy, winning 14 games shouldn’t be tough, especially with a handful of starts against the Rockies and Padres.

UNDER – Gerrit Cole (12 ½) – Following a 19-8 campaign in 2015, the Pirates’ righty went backwards in 2016 by making only 21 starts and finishing 7-10. Cole suffered through several injuries, while the Pirates won only two of his final 12 starts dating back to late May. Cole definitely has the talent, but the injuries are a huge question while Pittsburgh finished under .500 for the first time since 2012.

2017 MLB Pitching Props

Clayton Kershaw* (L.A. Dodgers)
Over 16 ½ -110
Under 16 ½ -110
2016 Record - 12-4

Max Scherzer* (Washington)
Over 15 ½ -110
Under 15 ½ -110
2016 Record - 20-7

Corey Kluber* (Cleveland)
Over 14 ½ -110
Under 14 ½ -110
2016 Record - 18-9

Chris Sale* (Boston)
Over 15 ½ -110
Under 15 ½ -110
2016 Record - 17-10

Madison Bumgarner* (San Francisco)
Over 15 ½ -110
Under 15 ½ -110
2016 Record - 15-9

Carlos Carrasco* (Cleveland)
Over 13 ½ EVEN
Under 13 ½ EVEN
2016 Record - 11-8

Jake Arrieta* (Chicago Cubs)
Over 14 ½ -110
Under 14 ½ -110
2016 Record - 18-8

Jon Lester* (Chicago Cubs)
Over 15 -110
Under 15 ½ -110
2016 Record - 19-5

David Price* (Boston)
Over 15 ½ -110
Under UN -110
2016 Record - 17-9

Dallas Keuchel* (Houston)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 9-12

Justin Verlander* (Detroit)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 16-9

Noah Syndergaard* (N.Y. Mets)
Over 13 ½ - 120
Under 13 ½ - 120
2016 Record - 14-9

Johnny Cueto* (San Francisco)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 18-5

Chris Archer* (Tampa Bay)
Over 12 ½ -110
Under 12 ½ -110
2016 Record - 9-19

Yu Darvish* (Texas)
Over 12 ½ -110
Under 12 ½ -110
2016 Record - 11-7

Carlos Martinez* (St. Louis)
Over 12 ½ -110
Under 12 ½ -110
2016 Record - 16-9

Rick Porcello* (Boston)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 22-4

Cole Hamels* (Texas)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 15-5

Masahiro Tanaka* (N.Y. Yankees)
Over 12 ½ -110
Under 12 ½ -110
2016 Record - 14-4

Jacob deGrom* (N.Y. Mets)
Over 11 ½ -110
Under 11 ½ -110
2016 Record - 7-8

Gerrit Cole* (Pittsburgh)
Over 12 ½ -110
Under 12 ½ -110
2016 Record - 7-10

Kyle Hendricks* (Chicago Cubs)
Over 13 -110
Under 13 -110
2016 Record - 16-8

Zack Greinke* (Arizona)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 13-7

Felix Hernandez* (Seattle)
Over 12 ½ -110
Under 12 ½ -110
2016 Record - 11-8

Danny Duffy* (Kansas City)
Over 11 ½ -110
Under 11 ½ -110
2016 Record - 12-3

Marcus Stroman* (Toronto)
Over 10 ½ -110
Under 10 ½ -110
2016 Record - 9-10

Michael Fulmer* (Detroit)
Over 10 ½ -110
Under 10 ½ -110
2016 Record - 11-7

Stephen Strasburg* (Washington)
Over 13 ½ -110
Under 13 ½ -110
2016 Record - 15-4

Aaron Sanchez* (Toronto)
Over 11 ½ -110
Under 11 ½ -110
2016 Record - 15-2

Sonny Gray* (Oakland)
Over 10 ½ -110
Under 10 ½ -110
2016 Record - 10-5

Major League Baseball Season Must Consist of at least 150 Regular Season Games For Action
*Player Must Play In At Least 1 Major League Regular Season Game For Action
All Bets Are Action Despite Player Trade, Retirement, or Suspension