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

[StarDust Bum]

Dodgers' Seager looks for even better '17
February 23, 2017

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Corey Seager, the unanimous pick for NL Rookie of the Year in 2016, begins his second season as the Dodgers' shortstop confronted by one daunting question.

What can he do for an encore?

There is no simple answer. Perhaps, there's no answer at all. Great rookie seasons are often followed by the so-called sophomore slump. But Seager isn't listening to the clamor for an encore, or suggestions that he will struggle in 2017.

''He eliminates the noise,'' said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who sees a young player not easily distracted from the immediate task.

At spring training, that amounts to detail. One in particular. Seager told Roberts that he didn't have his best swing last season, despite a .308 batting average and 26 home runs.

''It wasn't exactly what I wanted,'' Seager said Thursday. ''Mechanically, I could have been better. I wasn't uncomfortable. I just wasn't 100 percent.''

Seager at his optimum best is something Roberts calls ''scary'' - as in scary good. But Roberts foresees Seager improving, year to year, at a steady and almost deliberate pace.

''I think that he is always trying to get better as a player,'' Roberts said. ''That's what any player's goal is, of course. For me, what he did was exceptional. Whether a player doesn't have his `A' swing or doesn't feel great, Corey still goes out and competes. That's the thing that separates Corey from a lot of players. He goes out there and tries to put his best bat out there every night and every time he steps in the box. That's why he is productive.''

Seager said he continues to learn from veteran infielder Chase Utley, whom the Dodgers signed to a one-year deal on Feb. 18. Utley has become Seager's mentor.

''Just his presence brings a lot into the clubhouse,'' said Seager, whose locker is next to Utley's at the Dodgers' Camelback Ranch complex. ''He's been there. He's done it all. Just having that kind of presence is definitely a positive.''

After just a couple of weeks of camp, it's evident that Seager is becoming a presence in his own right. He looms as a key to the Dodgers' pursuit of a World Series.

In the wake of last year's loss to the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series, the World Series might be the only goal.

''Yeah, it has to be,'' he said. ''That's always got be the mindset. The goal at the beginning of a season is always to win a World Series. If you don't, it's a disappointment. Last year was a disappointment. It was a good year, but still a disappointment to lose. You never want a season to end that way.''

NOTES: Julio Urias was impressive in pitching two innings of batting practice Thursday to Justin Turner, Joc Pederson, Yasmani Grandal and Seager, The 20-year-old left-hander from Mexico limited them to grounders and pop-ups. ... Clayton Kershaw, who will make his seventh successive Opening Day start on April 3, will start the exhibition opener Saturday against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Roberts said he would work one inning.

[StarDust Bum]

Ortiz could land in Red Sox TV booth
February 23, 2017

Former slugger David Ortiz will not be suiting up for the Boston Red Sox this season, although he could be behind the microphone on occasion.

Red Sox president Sam Kennedy confirmed to Boston Herald Radio on Tuesday that the team and the retired Ortiz have discussed the 10-time All-Star becoming part of NESN's broadcasting team.

"It'll be fun to watch the next stage of his career," Kennedy said. "He's got a lot of different interests. Broadcasting is certainly one. It'd be interesting to see if he goes into national broadcasting. We'd certainly love to have him (as) part of our local broadcast team on a limited basis. He wanted to dip his toe into that water."

Ortiz is no stranger to a microphone, with both positive and negative results. He was recently a part of the FOX's coverage of the 2014 World Series, but he also used colorful language after the Boston Marathon bombings.

The Red Sox will retire Ortiz's No. 34 jersey at Fenway Park on June 23. Ortiz's number will be the 11th on the right field facade of Fenway Park, joining Bobby Doerr (No. 1), Joe Croin (No. 4), Johnny Pesky (No. 6), Carl Yastrzemski (No. 8), Ted Williams (No. 9), Jim Rice (No. 14), Wade Boggs (No. 26), Carlton Fisk (No. 27), Pedro Martinez (No. 45), and Jackie Robinson (No. 42), which is retired throughout Major League Baseball.

Ortiz belted 483 career homers with the Red Sox, a total that trails only Williams (521) on the franchise's all-time list. He also ranks third with the club in RBIs (1,530), sixth in hits (2,079), third in doubles (524), third in extra-base hits (1,023) and fifth in runs scored (1,204).

[StarDust Bum]

Mets happy to have Cespedes back
February 23, 2017

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) When the Mets and Yoenis Cespedes agreed just after Thanksgiving to a $110 million, four-year contract, Mets fans rejoiced that the Cuban slugger was returning to Citi Field.

''He's a very friendly human being, easily approachable,'' said pitcher Jerry Blevins, who will play his fifth season with Cespedes. ''That's rare for a guy with his talent to kind of have a personality as friendly as that. It would be easy for him to be an unapproachable guy, and I wouldn't hold it against him if he were because there's a lot of expectations on his shoulders. He carries it with pride. He's a fun guy, and I like to say that I know him and call him a friend.''

Cespedes' arm strength and home runs bring out the baseball fan in Blevins, who played three years with the 31-year-old outfielder in Oakland.

''It's fun coming to the ballpark every day and watching a guy like Cespedes play,'' the left-handed reliever said. ''Whether it's offensively or defensively, you have a chance to see a highlight play every single day.''

Pitcher Noah Syndergaard is close with Cespedes and thought his friend would be back in a Mets uniform.

''He's one of my favorite guys on the team and just an all-around awesome person to be around,'' Syndergaard said. ''You can't say no to New York.''

New York was 52-50 when it acquired Cespedes from Detroit at the trade deadline in 2015, finished 90-72 and reached the World Series for the first time since 2000. He became a free agent and signed a $75 million, three-year contract that allowed him to opt out after one season and $27.5 million, and the Mets were 47-38 when he injured his right quadriceps last July 8.

New York went 13-23 as he hobbled and spent time on the disabled list. After he returned, the Mets closed with a 27-14 surge to finish 87-75 and made the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the second time in team history, but they lost to San Francisco in the NL wild-card game.

Cespedes began his workouts earlier this offseason, training at the fitness facility adjacent to the Mets' spring training stadium.

''He spent the winter getting himself in tremendous shape,'' Mets manager Terry Collins said. ''After he signed he started going to the Barwis facility three days a week. I heard raves from our strength and conditioning people on how hard he was working. He looks absolutely fabulous.''

A handful of positon players arrived early to camp with pitchers and catchers. Curtis Granderson and David Wright set up in their side-by-side lockers nearest the coaches' offices, while Wilmer Flores and T.J. Rivera sat near one another along the wall that backs up to the home dugout.

On the corner of the row by the steps leading to the dugout sat Cespedes.

''I think for the first time as a major leaguer he knows where he's going to be next year. There's nothing hanging over his head,'' Collins said. ''He's going to be here. He's the guy. He's getting in great shape, and we hope he can be out there 155 games.''

Notes: The Mets announced a 10-year marketing partnership with First Data for the spring complex's naming rights. First Data Field replaces Tradition Field as the ballpark name. ... 1B Lucas Duda felt stiff and did not hit outside with team. . RHP Seth Lugo is to start for the Mets in their exhibition opener against Boston in Fort Myers on Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

Indians shortstop Lindor in high demand
February 23, 2017

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Just this week, Francisco Lindor has given a hitting lesson on national television, modeled for commercial shoots and magazine cover, even worn a uniform outfitted with electrical sensors as the subject of a sports science experiment.

No player has been more in demand at Cleveland's camp.

No surprise there.

Only 23, Lindor has become a star among stars, the smiling face and young soul of the AL champion Indians. But while baseball fans have fallen head over spikes for him, and although the Indians' young shortstop's profile swells with every sensational, backhanded stop in the hole, Lindor has stayed grounded.

''I'm me,'' he said Thursday following practice during a brief lull in his crammed schedule.

Lindor has been so coveted during spring training that the Indians' media relations director sent him an itinerary outlining his many obligations. The email's subject line read: ''Next Week (BUSY!!)''

Actually, Lindor's life has been a whirlwind since last fall, when he helped the Indians advance to the World Series for the first time since 1997. They lost in seven games to the Chicago Cubs and are favored to make a return trip this season.

After batting .301, leading the league with 15 sacrifice flies and winning his first Gold Glove in his first full major league season, Lindor hit .310 in the postseason, which was also the first extended look many people had at the kid known as ''Frankie'' to his teammates.

''Absolutely dynamic player,'' Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. ''I mean he's really good now, but he's still scratching the surface. As he continues to gain confidence and understanding of the league and what people are trying to do versus him, woof, it's going to keep getting better.''

As Cleveland's players went through fielding drills on a cloudless morning with the Arizona sky providing a challenging background, Lindor charged a popup and called off his teammates by screaming, ''I got it! I got it!''

He's got it, all right. In bunches.

Lindor is ultra-talented, charismatic and humble. A first-round pick in 2011, he blazed through Cleveland's minor league system and in less than two years has established himself as one of the game's best middle infielders. He's already Cleveland's most popular player, quickly moving ahead of All-Stars Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber and newly signed Edwin Encarnacion.

But don't think any of it has gone to Lindor's head, which currently sports a curled haircut with highlights as golden as his glove. While stardom beckons, he hasn't changed outwardly, approaching his job with the same boyish enthusiasm he always has.

While he's being pulled in numerous directions, Lindor is fixated on his profession.

''At the end of the day, I've still got a job to do and I've got to separate my job from the other stuff,'' he said. ''What I do on the field comes first because that is my job. That's my pride. I don't get that stuff if I don't perform. So I just focus on the daily basis on my job and I work as hard as I can and then after that is done, then I'll go and do whatever I've got to do - whether it's for the shoes or the signings or whatever it is.''

The trappings of stardom can be intoxicating, and Indians manager Terry Francona has seen players succumb to their pull.

However, he's not worried about Lindor falling.

''He's a very intelligent kid,'' Francona said. ''I think he knows what comes first and when you do your job on the field, and you do it like Frankie is doing it, there's probably going to be things that happen because of it. Good things. But they don't happen unless you take care of your job on the field. Even at a young age, he's very aware of that. I've never felt the need to say anything to him about that. And if I did, I would.''

One of Lindor's offseason highlights was a trip to New York to receive a ''Rising Star'' award at a Sports Illustrated gala. Surrounded by some of the most well-known names in sports and entertainment, Lindor was in awe and at ease alongside LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Peyton Manning and Jay-Z.

''I'm the little kid,'' he said. ''I'm looking around like, `This is crazy.' It was just awesome.''

But he wasn't star struck.

''I've never been that type of person,'' Lindor said. ''I'm not shy. I'll just go up to you and say, `Hey, what's up? My name is Francisco.'''

Soon, he won't need any introduction.

[StarDust Bum]

Braves have plenty of hope with lineup
February 23, 2017

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) After two dismal seasons, there's hope for the Atlanta Braves.

It starts with offense.

A lineup that was downright embarrassing at the beginning of last season looks a whole lot more imposing, bolstered by slugger Matt Kemp, top prospect Danby Swanson and three-time All-Star Brandon Phillips.

''It's going to be an exciting year for us,'' said Freddie Freeman, another key part of the batting order.

That's a far cry from last April, when the Braves started 0-9 and were held to fewer than four runs in 13 of their first 23 contests.

During that inept display, they went 15 games without a homer - the big leagues' longest power drought in a quarter-century.

The Braves began to turn things around when they acquired Kemp from the San Diego Padres just ahead of the trade deadline, a move that essentially came down to taking on a contract that pays the outfielder $21.5 million annually through 2019.

In 56 games with the Braves, Kemp contributed 12 homers and 39 RBIs to finish with 35 homers and 108 RBIs overall. More importantly, the presence of a big right-handed bat in the middle of the battle order had a huge impact on those around him - especially Freeman.

With Kemp batting behind him, the lefty hitting first baseman saw a lot more good pitches. Freeman put together a 30-game hitting streak - longest in the big leagues last season - and finished with 34 homers, 91 RBIs and a .302 average.

Only three other National League teams had two 30-homer players.

How important is Kemp? The Braves averaged nearly 5.2 runs per game with him, compared to 3.4 before the trade.

''It was the first move that you could just see that we're trying to win,'' Freeman said.

But this is far more than a two-man lineup.

Swanson, a former No. 1 overall pick acquired from Arizona in what increasingly looks like one of the most lopsided trades in years, was called up from the minors in August and fit right in. The 23-year-old shortstop batted .302 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 38 games, adding another reliable bat to the order.

With Sean Rodriguez likely out for the year following a car accident, the Braves acquired Phillips in a low-risk trade with Cincinnati heading into spring training. While the 35-year-old is on the downside of his career and probably will be in Atlanta only one season, he provides a more reliable offensive threat than anyone the team had, coming off season in which he batted .291 with 11 homers, 64 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.

With Gold Glove-winning centerfielder Ender Inciarte (.291, 16 stolen bases) at the top of the order and the other spots filled by right fielder Nick Markakis (.269, 13 homers, 89 RBIs), third baseman Adonis Garcia (.273, 14, 65) and catcher Tyler Flowers (.270, 8, 41), the Braves don't have any easy outs.

There's also a favorable mix from both sides of the plate, giving manager Brian Snitker a chance to go lefty-righty-lefty-righty-lefty-righty through the first six spots in the order.

Markakis doled out props to general manager John Coppolella, who came under fire early on for a massive overhaul that resulted in two straight 90-plus-loss seasons.

Now, the GM is being widely praised for several of his moves - most notably, the deal that landed both Swanson and Inciarte from the Diamondbacks in exchange for pitcher Shelby Miller , who went 3-12 with a 6.15 ERA last season.

True, the Braves had to take on Kemp's enormous contract, but both the Padres and the Dodgers are paying a good chunk of his salary and Atlanta also was able to dump a very expensive bust, Hector Olivera.

To acquire Phillips, Atlanta gave up two players who weren't in their plans. Cincinnati is paying Atlanta $10.75 million this year to cover nearly all of the $11.75 million in 2017 salary that Phillips is due this year. In addition, the $2.25 million in deferred 2017 salary that Phillips was due on Nov. 1, 2018, was converted to an assignment bonus that is payable by the Reds on that date.

''You've got to give Coppy some credit for pulling off these trades,'' Markakis said.

Just like that, there's hope in Atlanta.

NOTES: The Braves open exhibition season Saturday by hosting Toronto. Forty-three-year-old Bartolo Colon will get the start, followed in the next four spring games by Julio Teheran, 42-year-old R.A. Dickey, Mike Foltynewicz and Jaime Garcia. That could very well be the rotation when the season begins, with Teheran and Foltynewicz the only holdovers from a starting group that didn't have anyone with double-figure wins in 2016.

[StarDust Bum]

Almora, Jay take their friendship to CF
February 23, 2017

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Jon Jay and Albert Almora Jr. are Miami guys, born and raised. Jay played his college ball for Miami, and Almora committed to the Hurricanes before he signed with the Chicago Cubs out of high school.

Magic City, right in the middle of Wrigley Field.

The Cubs are hoping Jay and Almora can fill their hole in center field after Dexter Fowler became a free agent and signed with rival St. Louis. Jason Heyward also could slide over from right, but the No. 1 option for the defending World Series champions is a Miami duo who struck up a friendship during offseason training sessions.

''We've had a great relationship since,'' Jay said before the Cubs worked out Thursday. ''We texted last year during the playoffs and we keep tabs on each other, so it's nice to be able to see him every day and have a familiar face that I have a good relationship with.''

Almora was selected by Chicago with the No. 6 pick in the 2012 amateur draft and made his major league debut last year, hitting .277 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 47 games. He played sparingly in the postseason but grabbed his own World Series moment with one daring dash in Cleveland.

Pinch-running for Kyle Schwarber in Game 7, Almora tagged up and took second when Kris Bryant flied to deep center for the first out of the 10th inning. After Anthony Rizzo was intentionally walked, Almora scored the go-ahead run on Ben Zobrist's double.

Almora's athleticism and smart baserunning helped set up the inning for Chicago, which won its first championship since 1908.

''I'm a student of the game. I love learning,'' he said, ''so I always listen to everybody and I pick what I feel like that would help me personally.''

The next challenge for the 22-year-old Almora is becoming more disciplined at the plate. He had 20 strikeouts and five walks during his short time in the majors last year.

''Let him play, remind him about certain things, but I don't think a guy like that you're ever going to get that level of plate discipline that everybody talks about,'' manager Joe Maddon said. ''I think it's going to get better, but he has a knack to put the ball in play, he doesn't swing and miss a lot. So you got to pretty much ride his strengths if you like him, which I do.''

Jay, who turns 32 next month, finalized an $8 million, one-year contract with Chicago last November. He might have found more playing time with another team, but the lure of the Cubs' success was too great to ignore.

''I like to win,'' Jay said with a grin. ''It's all about winning. It's all about fighting for that ring, getting to October. Last year was the first year I missed that and it was kind of hard watching it on TV.''

Jay made his major league debut with St. Louis in 2010 and spent six years with the Cardinals before he was traded to San Diego in December 2015. He batted .291 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 90 games in his only season with the Padres.

Jay gives Chicago another veteran presence and more championship experience, winning the World Series in 2011. He can play each of the outfield spots and hits from the left side, making for an ideal platoon possibility with the righty-batting Almora.

''He is a perfect fit. He is a perfect complement to Albert also,'' Maddon said, ''and then beyond that, just him. I'm getting to know him better. ... Kind of a baseball gym rat kind of a thing.''

Maddon said he heard nice things about Jay from some of his former teammates and coaches, including praise for his baseball IQ - sounding a bit like another Miami guy on the Cubs.

''He's been an established big league player for a long time,'' said Almora, a Hialeah native. ''He knows what it takes to win in the playoffs and that's what we want, not just for myself but that's what we want as a team. ... It's going to be a lot of fun this year.''"

[StarDust Bum]

Orioles' Jones wants deep playoff run
February 23, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones has been to the postseason three times in five years without reaching the World Series.

''For us to be a very contending team and to get out of that first round and past that wild card, we need to improve,'' the five-time All-Star said.

Baltimore hasn't played in the World Series since winning the 1983 title. In the Orioles' only League Championship Series appearance since then, they were swept by Kansas City in 2014.

Last month, Jones said Baltimore needed to improve its outfield defense. While the four-time Gold Glove winner admires left fielder Hyun Soo Kim and thought the acquisition of Seth Smith and re-signing of major league home run king Mark Trumbo were wise moves, Jones wanted more. The Orioles added Craig Gentry and Michael Bourn, both superior defenders.

''Those are two guys who have great track records of catching the ball. I'm thrilled to have them in camp, but what you have to understand is that the everyday players are probably going to be Trumbo and Kim or Seth and Kim,'' Jones said. ''You see that they're here so that means that the team is - not necessarily listening to me - but they've been watching the game. It's reality. You watch the game and you see what we're lacking. And it's not any jabs against any other person.Some people just excel at different things.''

When spring training began on Feb. 13, Baltimore Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette suggested one way the team could better its outfield defense would be for Jones to play a deeper center field. Four days later, Jones answered Duquette in the team's first workout by jokingly playing in the deepest part of center field.

Jones denied that he was sending a message. ''We're all entitled to an opinion, correct?''

He'll be leaving the team on March 6 to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Jones is scheduled to make his exhibition debut on Saturday against Pittsburgh in Bradenton.

''The WBC's important, very important, but the most important thing is playing for the Orioles and playing from April to hopefully October,'' Jones said. ''I understand that's most important, but I'm going to go out there and give my all for Team USA because it is very, very important for me to go out there and represent my family.''

Even though Jones has often made his suggestions public, he remains confident in the Orioles.

''I'm not concerned about who we have in here right now,'' he said. ''I just know that at the All-Star break when we're at the trade deadline and we're in extreme competition, I know that the front office will get us the help that we need.''

Notes: RHP Chris Tillman (shoulder) said he is on schedule to make his exhibition debut on March 17. . LHP Zach Britton (oblique) feels improved but won't pitch in a game until his soreness is completely gone. . Manager Buck Showalter said that SS J.J. Hardy (back) received a cortisone shot.

[StarDust Bum]

Park looks to rebound after rough year
February 23, 2017

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Byung Ho Park reported to Minnesota a year ago with a $12 million, four-year contract after the Twins agreed to pay $12.85 million to his South Korean club.

After hitting .191 with 12 homers, 24 RBIs and 80 strikeouts in 62 games as a rookie and getting demoted to Triple-A on July 1, he is not even on the 40-man roster at spring training this year.

''Simply said, there's no excuse,'' the 30-year-old slugger through a translator. ''I didn't play well. That's why I struggled, but I'm ready for the season.''

Park had 210 home runs and 604 RBIs over 868 games during nine seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization for the LG Twins and Nexen Heroes. But his 2016 struggles extended even to the minor leaguers: He hit .224 with 10 homers and 19 RBIs in 31 at Triple-A Rochester before surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his right wrist. He was sent outright to Rochester during the offseason.

''I think the newness last year was tough,'' Twins manager Paul Molitor said. ''I think it's going to be fun to see how much change there is and his ability to play the game and trust what he does. There were times last year he was trying to hit pitches he couldn't hit. We have to get him to trust, to go back to his strengths.''

Park's struggles were followed heavily in his native country, where he faced inquiries from people during the offseason.

''When I went back to Korea, I tried to be quiet, but a lot of people still asked,'' he said.

Despite being shipped to minors, he's determined to show he's ready to rebound.

''It's the team's decision how they're going to make the roster, but I'm going to try my best to get back on the roster and play a better game,'' he said.

Feeling more relaxed this spring training, he knows he has to have a very good camp to have any shot at making the opening-day roster.

''Last year, because it was the first year, I didn't have any idea of what was going on,'' he said. ''This year, I'm more comfortable and I'm preparing for the season in my own way.''

Notes: Molitor said 1B Joe Mauer wouldn't play his first game until Wednesday. ''I'm not in a hurry to get him out there, seeing March 1 still gives him 33 days,'' Molitor said. ''It's trying to do the right thing with a long spring.'' . The manager also said 3B Miguel Sano ''seems comfortable'' in his full-time move to the position after the team experimented with him in right field last year. . Retired Twins star Torii Hunter was still working with a pair of young hitters in a cage nearly an hour after workouts ended.

[StarDust Bum]

Royals hope Soria has a rebound season
February 23, 2017

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Joakim Soria shouldn't have any issue with confidence, not with 202 career saves.

Yet when he returned to Kansas City last season, given a $25 million, three-year deal to serve as the primary setup man for closer Wade Davis, his confidence appeared to be precisely the problem.

He converted one save in eight chances. Only two relievers, Nate Jones of the White Sox and Tyler Thornburg of the Red Sox, had more blown saves in the American League. And by the time the Royals were out of contention in September, Soria had become the scapegoat for many fans.

''When he was pitching good, he was down in the zone and his timing was on and the confidence was there,'' Royals bullpen coach Doug Henry said as the club prepared for its spring training opener Saturday against Texas. ''To me it was a little bit of a confidence issue. You'd look at him and he just wasn't sure.

''As a pitcher we all struggle with confidence every once in a while,'' Henry said. ''It's a new year. That's behind him. We're looking for good things out of him this year.''

The Royals traded Davis to the Cubs for outfielder Jorge Soler in the offseason, part of a bid to get younger and address other needs. So with former setup man Kelvin Herrera taking on the closer role, the Royals need Soria to be the pitcher he was earlier in his career.

Not the pitcher he was last season.

''There's no reason why he can't be,'' Henry said. ''There's no reason why he shouldn't be. He's been there before. He knows what it takes to do it. We've all got faith it's going to happen this year. And we're going to need it to happen. He's going to be a big part of our bullpen.''

Soria had 42 saves for the Royals in 2008 and 43 more in 2010. He compiled 160 over a five-year stretch before needing a second Tommy John surgery in 2012. He left the Royals and collected 44 additional saves in four years with Texas, Detroit and Pittsburgh before returning last season.

His first appearance foreshadowed the rest of the season. Soria was brought in to start the eighth inning of the season opener with the Royals leading the New York Mets 4-0, and he retired three of the seven batters he faced, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks.

By the end of the year, he'd gone 5-8 with a career-worst 4.05 ERA. He surrendered a career-high 10 home runs in 66 2/3 innings. And he had become the focus of fan discontent.

''You just have to move on,'' said Soria, who still has a career 2.76 ERA. ''It was just one of those years. It happens. You put that away and move forward.''

Soria, who turns 33 in May, said he quickly erased any memory of the abysmal season.

''I did it day-one. I didn't give myself the whole offseason to think about what went right or what went wrong. It was just a (bad) year,'' he said. ''This is what I love to do. It is not that I don't think about it. But you have to move forward. In any job, you have rough years or rough months.''

Soria's decline last year was not because of a velocity drop, which so often is a sign of an aging pitcher breaking down. In fact, his average fastball was 92.45 mph, the highest of his career.

''That kind of goes two-fold,'' Henry explained. ''Your velocity goes up and sometimes you get carried away, try to throw a little harder and the ball elevates. Even though we think we're throwing good pitches sometimes they might be flat and elevated a little bit.''

So what was the culprit for the season-long struggle? Well, confidence may have been part of it. Bad luck, too. But Soria insists the pressure that came with his big contract was not a factor.

''I never tried to impress anyone last year,'' he said. ''I don't have regrets from last year because every time I was out there I was prepared and gave 100-percent effort. The results sometimes weren't there but that's something I can't control.''

[StarDust Bum]

Tanaka prepares for Tuesday start
February 23, 2017

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees scheduled opening-day starter Masahiro Tanaka threw 74 pitches off a bullpen mound and during a simulated game Thursday in preparation for his first spring training appearance next week.

The Japanese right-hander threw 30 pitches over two innings against Chase Headley, Brett Gardner and Chris Carter in the simulated game. He gave up a single to Headley, walked a batter and induced a double play from Carter.

''He looked crisp,'' Headley said.

Tanaka was a concern at the start of spring training last year after arthroscopic surgery in October 2015 to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow.

''Overall I think I feel the condition of my body is better than last year around the same time,'' Tanaka said through a translator. ''Just a little bit ahead. Started training a little bit earlier than the previous year.''

Tanaka went 14-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 31 starts last year.

''The arm speed is good,'' pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. ''Right now he's in a good spot. We just need to make sure it stays that way.''

Tanaka's $155 million, seven-year contract allows him to terminate the deal after this season, give up a $23 million annual salary from 2018-20 and become a free agent. He doesn't plan to think about the matter until after the season.

Tanaka is 39-16 with a 3.12 ERA over 75 starts in three seasons with the Yankees. He was limited to 44 starts over his first two seasons due to injuries.

DELLIN DEALING

Reliever Dellin Betances threw 23 pitches during his first spring training batting practice session, facing the same trio of batters that hit against Tanaka.

''Pretty impressive first day,'' Gardner said.

Betances plans to pitch two or three times with the Yankees before departing March 5 to join the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.

''I got a text from Joe Torre early in the offseason, he invited to play for Team USA,'' Betances said. ''For me, I owe it to my parents. They were born in the Dominican Republic. They're excited. They can't wait.''

TIDBITS

OF Jacoby Ellsbury, who missed a couple days for the birth of his daughter, won't play in Friday's exhibition opener against Philadelphia. ... Luis Sojo has rejoined the organization and will manage the Yankees Gulf Coast League East team this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Hamilton back with Rangers, knee fine
February 23, 2017

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Josh Hamilton was back at Rangers spring training camp in Arizona on Thursday, and feeling confident after an examination in Texas showed no significant structural damage to his surgically repaired left knee.

Hamilton said he was concerned when he felt a sudden pain when doing some running drills Tuesday. He was in the outfield grass simulating running the bases in arcs, not in a straight line or at full speed, when he experienced the knee pain.

''I had already run on the treadmill that morning, felt good, and went out there and started running,'' Hamilton said Thursday while standing at his locker. ''About the fourth one I ran, I had a sharp pain on the outside part of my knee. It was enough to tell me to stop doing what I was doing.''

Hamilton then went to another field and did some throwing. He was later watching teammates go through the team's first full-squad workout when the pain kept getting worse while he was just standing.

The 35-year-old slugger made a rushed trip to Houston to be examined by Dr. Walt Lowe on Wednesday, when Hamilton also had an MRI and a platelet-rich plasma injection in his knee. Lowe did surgery last June, Hamilton's third knee operation in 10 months and the 10th in his career.

When Hamilton spoke with Lowe on Tuesday, the doctor said he was leaving town the next day, and would be gone until Monday, and would be back in Houston for only a day before going to NFL scouting combine.

So Hamilton got on a plane, landed in Houston about 10:30 Tuesday night, and was in Lowe's office at 6 a.m. the next day before the doctor left for his trip.

Lowe got the MRI results back while waiting for his flight.

''He called me, he was sitting in the airport looking at it on the computer, and said everything looked good,'' Hamilton said.

Hamilton said he felt good riding the bike at his rented Arizona home after getting back Wednesday, and would continue riding the bike and getting treatment for a few days before resuming baseball activity. He hopes to start hitting again by Monday.

Hamilton, the 2010 AL MVP, is in camp with a minor league contract after not playing in the majors last season. The five-time All-Star outfielder is working out this spring at first base, and said his confidence hasn't wavered.

''Everything I've done up to this point, I felt good,'' he said. ''Even groundballs at first base, wearing cleats, going side to side, coming in hard on balls, all that. It's felt great.''

[StarDust Bum]

Wade Davis takes over as closer for the Chicago Cubs
February 24, 2017

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Wade Davis was a promising starting pitcher when he made his major league debut for Joe Maddon and the Tampa Bay Rays almost eight years ago. Then he was a reliever, and then a starter again and then a reliever.

Now he gets the ball from Maddon once again - only this time as the closer for the Chicago Cubs.

Much has changed for Davis over the years, and not much at the same time.

''The only way he's changed is he is a relief pitcher,'' a chuckling Maddon said. ''He was a starter when I first met him. He's the same cat. He's very deliberate in his methods and even conversationally.''

That's just fine with Maddon, who is hoping for more of the same from Davis after a dominant run with Kansas City. While the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees spent big money on closers over the winter, the World Series champions acquired Davis in a trade with the Royals for outfielder Jorge Soler.

So far, the transition looks like one of Davis' relief appearances: smooth and efficient.

''It's been pretty easy,'' said Davis, who will make $10 million this season in the final year of his contract. ''Everybody's been really easy to get along with and get to know and the staff has been really good, so it's been easy to get acclimated to all the stuff.''

Davis, a third-round pick in the 2004 draft, was a starter for his first three seasons in Tampa Bay. The Rays used him as a reliever in 2012, and he went 3-0 with a 2.43 ERA in 54 appearances.

But that was his final year with the Rays, who traded the 6-foot-5 right-hander to Kansas City. The Royals put Davis back in the rotation before returning him to the bullpen late in the 2013 season.

Smart move.

Davis, Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland combined for an overwhelming relief presence as Kansas City made consecutive World Series appearances, winning it all with Davis on the mound in 2015. Davis went 19-4 with 47 saves and 1.18 ERA over his final three seasons with the Royals.

''He's got about three plus-plus pitches in his fastball, his cutter and his curveball,'' Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis said. ''He's that guy. And it's a down angle because he's coming from a tall slot. He's a competitor. It's weird. He's a great mix between never giving in and coming straight at you. He's not going to walk you. ... His ability to literally live on the outer black of the plate makes it very hard to get any good swings off him.''

Davis uses his starter's repertoire to his advantage in the bullpen. He also gained confidence through his experience in multiple roles.

''I think it helps your mind, knowing that no matter what the situation is, you know, if that's what you're asked to do, that's what you've got to do and you've done it before,'' he said. ''So it's not new to you.''

The 31-year-old Davis went 2-1 with a 1.87 ERA and 27 saves last season, but he was limited to 43 1/3 innings because of a forearm injury. The Cubs sent one of their trainers to examine him before the trade with the Royals was completed in December. They also signed Koji Uehara to a $6 million, one-year contract.

With Hector Rondon also in the fold, the Cubs have some options should Davis experience any health issues. But Davis said he feels good.

''Everything has gone really smoothly (in) spring training,'' he said. ''Bullpens been really good, progressing well, so I think those are all good things.''

Davis came back to pitch for Kansas City in September, going 1-0 with six saves and a 1.04 ERA in his final nine appearances. The Royals also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013, giving Davis more time to train.

''I think you make adjustments every year,'' he said. ''Your body changes every year just in general. ... Took advantage of the extra month that I had this winter and got back to where I wanted to be strength-wise and confidence-wise physically, so that's a big deal.''

[StarDust Bum]

Cubs, Strop agree to 2-year contract
February 24, 2017

MESA, Ariz. (AP) The Chicago Cubs and reliever Pedro Strop have agreed to a contract adding $6.35 million in guaranteed money through 2018, a deal that includes a club option for 2019.

Strop agreed earlier this month to a $5.5 million, one-year contract. The new deal calls for a $5.85 million salary in 2018 and a $6.25 million club option for 2019 with a $500,000 buyout. If the option is exercised, he could make $750,000 in performance bonuses in 2019: $250,000 each for 45, 50 and 55 games finished.

Strop went 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA in 54 appearances last year, helping Chicago win the World Series for the first time since 1908. Strop, known for wearing his hat off to the side, and ace right-hander Jake Arrieta were acquired in the same July 2013 trade with Baltimore.

The 31-year-old Strop is 15-20 with a 3.23 ERA in eight seasons with Texas, Baltimore and the Cubs. He will make $5.5 million this season and $5.85 million next year. The club option is for $6.25 million with a $500,000 buyout.

[StarDust Bum]

Reds OF Duvall trying to build on 2016 season.
February 24, 2017

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Adam Duvall is hard at work in the Arizona desert, looking for an encore to his breakout season for the Cincinnati Reds.

For the slugging outfielder, the biggest key is the smallest details.

''You don't try to repeat anything,'' Duvall said. ''You've got to get your work in. You've got to stay focused and try to do the little things right. To go back, that's what gave you success in the first place. You've just got to continue to try to do those things.''

Duvall was a pleasant surprise for lowly Cincinnati last year, leading the last-place Reds with 33 homers and 103 RBIs. He made the All-Star team for the first time and was a finalist for the Gold Glove award in left field, won by Pittsburgh's Starling Marte.

It was Duvall's first full year in the outfield, so the defensive recognition was particularly satisfying.

''I put a lot of emphasis on my defense, so it was gratifying for that to kind of pay off,'' he said.

An 11th-round pick in the 2010 amateur draft, Duvall broke into the majors with San Francisco in 2014. He homered off Mike Leake for his first hit in his first major league game against Cincinnati.

After batting .192 in 28 games with the Giants, Duvall began the next season back in the minors. He hit 26 homers for Triple-A Sacramento before he was shipped to the Reds along with minor league right-hander Keury Mella for Leake.

Duvall, a Louisville native who played his college ball at Western Kentucky, made a quick impression after he was promoted to Cincinnati, belting a two-run homer in his first plate appearance with the Reds. He went deep for each of his first three hits with his new club.

''Adam, he has natural ability and he has a very steady routine that he sticks to and can carry over into the game,'' Reds slugger Joey Votto said, ''and I think that that's kind of an underrated attribute for players, the ability to prepare and see that carry over onto the field.''

It remains to be seen if Duvall's success in 2016 carries over to this year. He had eight homers and 14 RBIs in 55 games before last season.

''He gets it. I mean he's a really bright kid and a tremendous worker,'' manager Bryan Price said. ''I just don't think it's an easy game. It's hard to be really good on a consistent basis. However, my expectation is that he's going to be really good again this year.''

A little more plate discipline could help Duvall continue his level of production. He struck out 164 times last year, compared to 41 walks.

But he grows more comfortable with his surroundings every day, and that also might help this season.

''With last year being a full year up here and getting to know a bunch of the guys, the comfortability level is definitely higher than when I first walked into the locker room,'' said Duvall, who walked and scored in Cincinnati's 6-4 exhibition loss to San Francisco in Scottsdale on Friday.

''It's nice to know the guys and know all the faces and the coaching staff and the front office. It's starting to feel like home.''

[StarDust Bum]

Angels' Shoemaker appears recovered from line drive to head
February 24, 2017

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Matt Shoemaker is the player people are happiest to see this spring in the Los Angeles Angels' camp.

It wasn't clear Shoemaker would make it here.

On Sept. 4 in Seattle, the Mariners' Kyle Seager ripped a line drive up the middle - clocked at 105 mph as it left his bat - that struck Shoemaker above his right ear. Though Shoemaker was able to walk off the field, he had to undergo emergency surgery after tests showed a skull fracture and bleeding in his brain.

His recovery took several weeks, but, otherwise, Shoemaker said he had a quiet, productive offseason.

''The good thing is that it was just a little different, just that first month being home through the recovery from the surgery. Other than that, everything was the same, getting all my work in and preparing for this season,'' he said

The right-hander has joined a group of pitchers to undergo similar experiences, including in recent years Evan Marshall, Brandon McCarthy, Dan Jennings, Carlos Carrasco, Aroldis Chapman, John Danks, Chris Young, Juan Nicasio and Hiroki Kuroda.

Asked if Major League Baseball should do more to mandate pitchers wear some sort of protective gear on the mound, Shoemaker said, ''It's got to be personal preference. You got to be comfortable to be able to perform. At the same time, you want to be safe and protected. ''

Shoemaker said he is in the ''experimentation stage'' of wearing hats that offer some level of protection but hasn't made a final decision.

For now, manager Mike Scioscia said, Shoemaker will wear a piece of composite material in his hat when he pitches.

Shoemaker has been one of the best stories in baseball in recent years. He was undrafted in 2008 after playing at Eastern Michigan then signed with the Angels for $10,000.

He attracted little attention until his breakout season in 2014, when he went 16-4 with a 3.04 ERA. Last year, he went 9-13 with a 3.88 ERA.

Though the Angels have yet to announce a rotation for this season, Shoemaker is expected to be near the top.

''It's a beautiful story,'' reliever Huston Street said of Shoemaker's return. ''As a baseball team, we're very thankful because of what he was able to do for us last year, carrying us for a long period of time. And he's just a great guy to have around. Such a positive guy. Such a nice person.''

Angels players tracked Shoemaker's recovery during the offseason, Street said.

''Everybody was following his progress and praying for him, and now we need him to have a great year. We all think he will.''

Shoemaker said he hasn't talked with any other pitchers who took a line drive to the head, though he said his wife Danielle received messages from the wives of some of those players.

He is thankful for all the support he received.

''The support system was great ... teammates, fans, family friends, you name it, everybody has reached out. I can't put words to it, it's been so great. Especially my teammates. These guys are family. We are with each other a lot, up to eight or nine months,'' he said. ''That support means a lot.''

Shoemaker threw to live hitters for the first time Wednesday with no problems.

''I'm feeling great. I'm ready to go,'' he said.