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

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Kinsler clarifies Latin America comments
March 23, 2017

Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler told ESPN that "everyone should be celebrated" after his two-run homer ignited Team USA to an 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic.

Kinsler's comments on Wednesday came one day after his quote to the New York Times regarding the passionate play of Latin American teams drew criticism over social media.

The 34-year-old was asked about what the American team reaching the title game would do for popularity of the World Baseball Classic in the United States.

"I hope kids watching the WBC can watch the way we play the game and appreciate the way we play the game as opposed to the way Puerto Rico plays or the Dominican plays," Kinsler said. "That's not taking anything away from them. That just wasn't the way we were raised. They were raised differently and to show emotion and passion when you play. We do show emotion; we do show passion. But we just do it in a different way."

Kinsler elaborated on his view Wednesday, admitting that flair and style are positive for the game.

"What I said was that American kids can watch American players play, Puerto Rican kids can watch Puerto Rican players play, Venezuelan kids can watch Venezuelan guys play, and that's who they emulate," Kinsler said. "That's who they watch. That's who they want to be like. There's nothing wrong with an American kid watching a Puerto Rican player and wanting to be like them, or a Puerto Rican kid watching an American player and wanting to play that way.

"You should play the way you want, and the way you feel will put you in the best position to win -- the way you feel the best and perform the best. Everybody is different. I play differently than a lot of my teammates on this team; I play with a little more emotion than most players during the season. Everybody has their own style! That's all I was saying.

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Bonds joins Giants at camp to coach
March 22, 2017

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) The black San Francisco Giants T-shirt that Barry Bonds wore was so new, the fold lines from being wrapped in plastic were easy to spot.

Still, it seemed a natural fit for Bonds, the former slugger who donned a Giants uniform for his first day of work in his new role with the club, a hitting instructor and special adviser to CEO Larry Baer.

The job began Wednesday with a week in Arizona working with major league hitting coach Hensley Meulens and the minor leaguers at spring training. Then Bonds will become an ambassador of sorts for the Giants, representing the team at various community and club events.

''Any role that they want, that's what I'll do,'' Bonds said. ''All I've ever wanted to be is a Giant.''

Bonds spent last season as Miami's hitting coach before being fired, and thanked the Marlins for the opportunity.

The 52-year-old Bonds looked relaxed and had plenty to smile about in talking about reuniting with the Giants, the team with which he set baseball's all-time home run record and won five of his record seven NL Most Valuable Player awards.

Bonds said he wished his father was there to see his return to the Giants - Bobby Bonds died in 2003. He also was hoping to cross paths with his famous godfather, Giants great Willie Mays.

''I want to help our community, our team, San Francisco, the Giants, the younger players, keep the tradition alive,'' Bonds said. ''Same thing my godfather's done, my father's done ... it's the right thing to do. I'm from San Francisco, raised there, and I want to help out our community kids become Giants, and good ones.''

''All I've ever wanted to do is to make my godfather and my dad proud of me,'' he said.

Bonds drew loud applause as he walked onto the field toward the visitors' dugout at Maryvale Baseball Park before the Giants faced the Milwaukee Brewers in an exhibition game. He stopped to sign a few autographs as fans clogged the stairway leading to the field to catch a glimpse or get a signature.

Bonds hit 762 home runs in his 22-year big league career, 15 of those seasons with his hometown team, the Giants. He was a 14-time All-Star whose last game was in 2007.

Bonds joked about the small gathering of reporters around him, recalling when hordes of media types would surround him in his playing days. He won't have an office at AT&T Park, saying his office is only four blocks away in his city center penthouse.

To get around, Bonds said he often rides his bike in San Francisco and is frequently greeted warmly by those who spot him. He called the Giants and the city his family and said that as long as the people of the city are with him, then the Giants go hand in hand with that sentiment.

''The timing's just right. Sometimes you need to get away from the game as a player and just regroup on everything, think about all that's gone on, what's gone on around you, and you need time to mature yourself and realize what's best for you,'' Bonds said. ''I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing.''

Bonds is getting more support for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, as seen in the most recent voting numbers, and his return to the Giants would indicate the pathway is paved to get his number 25 retired. He is expected to be added to the Giants' Wall of Fame in a ceremony this season.

In July 2015, federal prosecutors dropped what was left of their criminal case against Bonds after a nearly decade-long steroids prosecution, another factor that presumably led to Bonds' return to the club in his new capacity.

''I thought I had a great career. There's a lot of great memories that at one point in time, I'll be able to tell it all, but right now, that's in the past. I just see things differently,'' Bonds said. ''I more want to help out and do things like that.''

''Now it's time for us to bring along this generation, so they can have the same feeling we had throughout our career,'' he said. ''That's pretty much what I want to do, is see the (Buster) Poseys and (Joe) Paniks and (Hunter) Pences and them, and they get to retire like I do and ride their bikes or scooters around and have the whole city of San Francisco say, `Hey man, it was great watching you throughout your career.'''

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ALL PICKS ARE OPINIONS ONLY
ONCE THE SEASON STARTS I ONLY PLAY DOGS AND TOTALS.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at MIN 01:05 PM

BOS -161

PIT at PHI 01:05 PM

PIT -116

U 8.5

HOU at WAS 01:05 PM

WAS -147

O 8.5

TB at NYY 01:05 PM

TB +140

MIA at STL 01:05 PM

STL -147

U 8.5

ATL at NYM 01:10 PM

NYM -172

SF at CHW 04:05 PM

SF -105

U 9.5

LAD at TEX 04:05 PM

TEX -111

U 9.5

OAK at MIL 04:05 PM

MIL -125

CLE at ARI 04:10 PM

CLE -111

U 9.5

KC at LAA 04:10 PM

KC +105

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MLB notebook: Rangers' Darvish gets Opening Day nod
March 25, 2017

Right-hander Yu Darvish will be the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers, manager Jeff Banister announced Saturday.

Darvish, 30, will face the Cleveland Indians on April 3 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, becoming the ninth different Opening Day starter for the Rangers in the past nine years.

It will be the first Opening Day start for Darvish with the Rangers, although he did it five times in Japan. He was named the Opening Day starter in 2014 but was sidelined by neck stiffness and started the season on the disabled list.

"We feel he is in a great place," Banister said from spring training in Surprise, Ariz. "We have one of the best pitchers in all of baseball opening the season for us. Physically and mentally, he's just in a tremendous position. He knows what he means to this club. You look at him and see a mentally focused and driven human being to who wants to be the best pitcher on the planet."

Darvish is heading into his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery on March 17, 2015. He was 7-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts last season.

--The Rangers reached an agreement with second baseman Rougned Odor on a six-year, $49.5 million extension, according to multiple media reports.

The deal also includes an option for a seventh year.

Odor, 23, was not eligible for arbitration this offseason. He already agreed to a $563,180 contract for 2017.

Odor, who played for Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic, hit .271 with 33 home runs, 88 RBIs, 89 runs and 14 stolen bases in 150 games last season.

--Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost officially named left-hander Danny Duffy to be his Opening Day starter.

Duffy, 28, will make his first Opening Day start when the Royals travel to Minnesota to face Twins on April 3.

Yost also announced Saturday that the full rotation would be Duffy, right-hander Ian Kennedy, righty Jason Hammel, left-hander Jason Vargas and right-hander Nathan Karns.

Duffy just returned from the World Baseball Classic on Friday with a gold medal for Team USA. He became the ace of the staff in 2016 after starting the season in the bullpen. He was 12-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 42 appearances (26 starts).

--Starting pitcher David Price of the Boston Red Sox reported improved strength in his ailing left arm.

Price, who has not thrown off a mound since experiencing pain and swelling after throwing a simulated game on Feb. 28, played catch on Saturday.

"It felt good, it felt normal," Price told reporters in Fort Myers, Fla. "It was a good day."

Boston manager John Farrell noted that the strength level in Price's arm matched the level at which he arrived at training camp.

"We felt like he was improved to the point of initiating more throwing," Farrell said. "(It's) just to get the arm moving with a ball in flight, and we'll continue in this phase for a period of time."

The 31-year-old Price will begin the season on the disabled list and Farrell acknowledged there is no timetable for ratcheting up the left-hander's throwing program.

--Even though Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus has been playing in spring training games as a designated hitter, he expects to begin the season on the disabled list.

Rasmus told the Tampa Bay Times that he still cannot run well enough to play in the field because he has considerable discomfort as a result of the hip and core muscle repair surgery he underwent.

"We've been trying to progress up to that point, but it's probably looking like I'm going to start on the DL," Rasmus told the newspaper. "It's not nothing major but I don't feel that I'm ready to run something down in the gap for nine innings. I've been doing a lot of outfield work and it feels pretty good, but I don't think I'm quite to that point yet."

Rasmus, 30, signed a one-year deal with the Rays as a free agent in January after hitting .206 with 15 home runs for the Houston Astros last season.

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MLB roundup: Sandoval homers, continues strong spring for Red Sox
March 25, 2017

Pablo Sandoval hit a three-run home run off Blake Snell as a split squad of Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 7-5, in Port Charlotte Fla. Sandoval, who is trying to win the Red Sox third base job, hit his fourth home run of the spring and is batting .353. Snell continued his rocky spring by allowing four runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings to raise his ERA to 6.16.

Mets 3, Braves 0

Rafael Montero continued strong spring by allowing four hits in five innings as New York blanked Atlanta in Kissimmee, Fla. Montero lowered his spring ERA to 1.96 while Michael Conforto homered for the Mets. Atlanta's R.A. Dickey allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings.

Yankees 6, Blue Jays 5

Pete Kozma hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning as New York capitalized on four Toronto errors in Tampa Fla. Greg Bird hit his seventh home run of the spring for New York. Ryan Goins and Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit home runs off Yankees' starter Adam Warren.

Pirates 5, Tigers 4

Adam Frazier and Austin Meadows hit solo home runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and Pittsburgh edged Detroit in Bradenton, Fla. Tyler Collins hit a three-run home run for Detroit. Anibal Sanchez pitched six hitless innings before Jose Osuna ended Detroit's no-hit bid with a single in the seventh.

Phillies 3, Red Sox 3 (ss)

Chris Coghlan hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth and Philadelphia tied a split Boston squad in Fort Myers, Fla. Jackie Bradley Jr. homered for Boston, while Coghlan also added another sacrifice fly. Boston's Kyle Kendrick continued his case to be the fifth starter spot by allowing two runs and eight hits in six innings.

Marlins 1, Cardinals 0

Derek Dietrich's RBI double in the fourth inning accounted for the run in Miami's victory over St. Louis in Jupiter, Fla. St. Louis used six pitchers as Lance Lynn pitched a hitless first inning. Miami's Justin Nicolino allowed three hits in five innings.

Nationals 4, Astros 1

Tanner Roark returned from the World Baseball Classic and pitched 5 1/3 innings in Washington's victory over Houston in West Palm Beach, Fla. Roark allowed one run and three hits while striking out five. Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. allowed four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Royals 1, Brewers 0 (10 innings)

Raul Mondesi Jr. homered with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift Kansas City by Milwaukee at Surprise, Ariz. Mondesi hit his third spring home run when he sent a full-count offering from Rob Scahill over the center field wall. Five Kansas City pitchers combined on a three-hitter, including starter Ian Kennedy, who fanned seven in six innings. Milwaukee's Wily Peralta allowed three hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Angels 7, Diamondbacks 4

Albert Pujols and Carlos Perez hit two-run home runs off Taijuan Walker and Los Angeles beat Arizona at Tempe, Ariz. Angels starter Tyler Skaggs allowed one run and four hits in four innings. Walker was tagged for six runs (three earned) and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

White Sox 10, Indians 7

Danny Hayes hit a grand slam with two outs in the top of the ninth inning and Chicago rallied past Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz. Jacob May, Cody Asche, Jose Abreu, Everth Cabrera and Nicky Delmonico hit the other home runs for Chicago. Carlos Santana hit a two-run home run and Bradley Zimmer had a two-run triple for the Indians.

Rockies 7, Cubs 4 (ss)

Mark Reynolds and Dustin Garneau drove in two runs apiece and Colorado beat a split Chicago squad at Scottsdale, Ariz. Carlos Gonzalez had two hits and Trevor Story had an RBI for the Rockies. Jason Hayward, who is batting .152, hit a two-run home run for Chicago.

Cubs 11 (ss), Reds 7

Kris Bryant hit one of four home runs for a split Chicago squad in a victory over a split Cincinnati squad at Las Vegas, Nev. Prospect Ian Happ, Chesny Young and Victor Caratini also homered for the defending world champions. Arismendy Alcantara and Joe Hudson homered for Cincinnati.

Reds 11 (ss), Athletics 6 (ss)

Ryan Raburn capped a six-run second inning as a split Cincinnati squad beat a split Oakland squad in Mesa, Ariz. Jose Peraza and Zack Cozart also drove in runs for Cincinnati, which totaled 15 hits. Rajai Davis homered off Reds starter Amir Garrett, who allowed six runs and seven hits in five innings.

Dodgers 11, Athletics 6 (ss)

Andrew Toles continued his strong spring with a fourth-inning grand slam and Los Angeles knocked of a split Oakland squad at Glendale, Ariz. Justin Turner had three hits, including a solo home run for the Dodgers. Matt Chapman and Josh Rodriguez homered for Oakland.

Mariners 3, Rangers 1

Ben Gamel drove in two runs and Seattle edged Texas at Peoria, Ariz. Taylor Motter homered for Seattle while starter Dillon Overton allowed a run and four hits in six innings. Ryan Rua homered for Texas.

Orioles 6, Twins 3

Chris Davis homered and Baltimore beat Minnesota at Sarasota, Fla. J.J. Hardy and Jonathan Schoop also hit home runs for the Orioles. Tommy Field and Niko Goodrum homered for Minnesota.

Giants 8, Padres 7

Jae-gyun Hwang hit the game-winning single with one out in the bottom of the ninth to lift San Francisco past San Diego at Scottsdale, Ariz. Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford hit their first home runs of the spring for the Giants. Cory Spangenberg, Erick Aybar and Jamie Romak homered for San Diego.

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Yankees release LHP Jonathon Niese
March 26, 2017

The New York Yankees on Sunday released Jonathon Niese, ending the left-hander's bid to secure a position in the bullpen.

Niese, who signed a minor-league contract with the club on Feb. 20, was attempting to return from season-ending surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee in August.

The 30-year-old allowed three runs on five hits in six innings for a 4.50 ERA in six Grapefruit League appearances.

Niese spent the first eight seasons of his career with the New York Mets before he was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates in December 2015 in exchange for second baseman Neil Walker.

His time in Pittsburgh was a disappointment. Niese went 8-6 with a 4.91 ERA in 23 games (18 starts), losing his spot in the rotation at midseason in 2016.

Niese was dealt back to the Mets on Aug. 1 in exchange for reliever Antonio Bastardo and cash. He went 0-1 with an 11.45 ERA in six games (two starts) for New York, then underwent season-ending left knee surgery on Aug. 25.

In 211 career games (197 starts), Niese has a 69-68 record with a 4.07 ERA.

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MONDAY, MARCH 27

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at BAL 01:05 PM

BOS -147

O 8.5

CIN at SF 04:05 PM

SF -172

CHW at LAD 04:05 PM

CHW +145

U 9.5

COL at TEX 04:05 PM

TEX -132

KC at OAK 04:05 PM

KC +110

LAA at ARI 04:10 PM

LAA -105

O 9.5

SEA at SD 04:10 PM

SD +105

U 9.5

MIN at PIT 06:05 PM

MIN +135

U 8.5

STL at HOU 06:05 PM

HOU +105

O 8.5

DET at ATL 06:05 PM

ATL -120

U 8.5

PHI at TOR 06:07 PM

PHI +135

CHC at CLE 09:10 PM

CLE +110

U 9.5

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Nationals' Harper, Strasburg have zero playoff series wins
March 27, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg will forever be linked as consecutive No. 1 overall draft picks who were supposed to become the superstars that would lead the Washington Nationals to a World Series championship.

Well, the club in the nation's capital is still waiting to win one postseason series with that pair.

If Washington is going to avoid its recent pattern of missing the playoffs a year after making them, the defending NL East champs could use big contributions from Harper and Strasburg in 2017. The slugging right fielder is coming off a real step back from his MVP performance of two years ago; the power pitcher missed the end of last season because of a right elbow problem.

''It's, `What have you done for me lately?' Everybody knows that,'' Harper said.

He was speaking about himself - going from batting .330 with 42 homers and 99 RBIs in 2015, to .243, 24 and 86 a year ago - but he could been speaking about his entire team. Three division titles in the past five years is an accomplishment, to be sure, but the failure each time to get beyond the NL Division Series is what plenty of folks remember.

With Dusty Baker entering his second season as Washington's manager, and standouts such as Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, MVP runner-up Daniel Murphy and Rookie of the Year runner-up Trea Turner on the roster, the expectations - internal and external - are high, once again, for the Nationals.

''It's good, long, steady capable lineup. ... We've improved ourselves and upgraded,'' general manager Mike Rizzo said. ''We're going to be a more efficient team, a more dangerous team and a team that's going to be harder to prepare for and pitch to.''

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Here are some things to know about the 2017 Washington Nationals:

NEW LOOK: The biggest changes are up the middle. Washington traded away a package that included its top two pitching prospects to acquire CF Adam Eaton, a move that allows Turner to shift back to his natural position of shortstop (the incumbent there, Danny Espinosa, was traded away). And C Matt Wieters was a late free-agent signing. The biggest loss? Without a doubt, closer Mark Melancon, who left as a free agent and wasn't really replaced.

YOUNGSTERS TO WATCH: RHP Koda Glover was still in the mix, late in spring training, for a shot at the closing job. He's only 23, with 19 2/3 innings of major league experience and zero saves, but appears to have the stuff and the demeanor. Another player to keep an eye on: RHP Erik Fedde, 24, will start the season in the minors but could get a chance when Washington needs a starter. A 2014 first-rounder, Fedde allowed zero earned runs in five of six spring training outings.

TIME TO CLOSE: Baker doesn't like the idea of a closer-by-committee, so someone will get the job outright, but the Nationals were unable to get an established, experienced closer this offseason. Candidates include RHPs Shawn Kelley, Blake Treinen and Glover. ''Somebody always emerges,'' Baker said.

BAKER'S FUTURE: Baker is not shy about expressing himself, whether in regards to his hope to be in the Hall of Fame one day or his desire to get a contract extension. ''It's not going to be a distraction. Dusty Baker's got a reputation and an aura that precedes any length of contracts,'' Rizzo said. ''He's our manager. He's a great manager. One of the best in the game. And with his energy and the way he's feeling, he's capable of managing well beyond this season.''

[StarDust Bum]

Reds release OF Ryan Raburn, who competed for bench role
March 27, 2017

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Cincinnati Reds have released outfielder Ryan Raburn after he struggled in a bid to win a bench role.

Raburn signed a minor league deal last month. He hit .219 during spring training with seven hits, three home runs and seven strikeouts in 32 at-bats.

Raburn played seven years for Detroit and three for Cleveland before moving to the National League last season. He batted only .220 with Colorado last year, when he made $1.6 million. He played in left field, right field and first base for the Rockies. Raburn turns 36 next month.

The Reds still have competition for the final spots on the bench with opening day a week away. They host the Philadelphia Phillies next Monday.

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With likely better health, Dodgers favorites to win NL West
March 27, 2017

LOS ANGELES (AP) Clayton Kershaw was lost for 10 weeks in the second half of the season, they had a record 28 players go on the disabled list, and the Los Angeles Dodgers still won 91 games and their fourth consecutive NL West title last season.

Dave Roberts survived plenty of adversity in his first year as manager while having his optimism regularly tested.

With likely better health this season, the Dodgers have to be considered favorites to repeat as division champions.

Their farm system is deep - witness Corey Seager's rise to prominence - and they have enough veteran talent to withstand the ups and downs.

The team re-signed closer Kenley Jansen as the bullpen anchor, kept third baseman Justin Turner as a leader in the clubhouse and re-signed lefty Rich Hill as No. 2 in the rotation.

Here are some things to watch for this season:

NEW LOOK: The Dodgers fulfilled a need at second base to upgrade their hitting against left-handed pitching by acquiring Logan Forsythe from Tampa Bay in exchange for pitcher Jose De Leon. Forsythe hit .264 with 20 homers, 52 RBIs and 76 runs scored last season for the Rays. Leading off the Dodgers' lineup, he has potential to score 90 runs despite having three injections in his arthritic right knee during spring training.

HEALTHY ROTATION: Kershaw is set to make his seventh consecutive opening day start against San Diego on April 3. The left-hander is healthy after missing 2 + months last year with a herniated disk. That's welcome news to a team that endured a parade of pitchers on the disabled list last season. Kershaw was 12-4 with a 1.69 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 149 innings, the best ERA of his nine-year career. Rich Hill will have his first full season in the Dodgers' rotation as the No. 2 starter with Kenta Maeda slotted in at No. 3. The fourth and fifth spots will be up for grabs among Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Alex Wood and Hyun-Jin Ryu, all of whom were injured last year. Julio Urias, the 20-year-old who made an exciting big-league debut last year, figures to be held back in extended spring training as the front office carefully manages his arm with September and October in mind.

SUPER SEAGER: SS Seager exceeded the front office timeline in becoming the franchise's best young player, hitting .308 with 26 home runs to win NL Rookie of the Year. He led NL shortstops in batting average, slugging, runs, total bases and hits. Veteran 2B Chase Utley mentored him and was re-signed to maintain the improved clubhouse culture. Seager has been sidelined by a strained oblique since early March, but he expects to be ready by opening day. With another year of maturity for the 22-year-old, it's a matter of whether he can top his performance.

OUTFIELD LOGJAM: A deep outfield corps will force the Dodgers to platoon heavily, using a mix-and-match approach that means no one is likely to get more than 450 at-bats. The choices among right-handed hitters include Yasiel Puig, Trayce Thompson, Scott Van Slyke and Kike Hernandez; left-handed hitters include Andre Ethier, Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles. Ethier could miss his second straight opening day because of mild disk herniation in his lower back, similar to the injury that derailed Kershaw last year. The 34-year-old Ethier missed most of last season with a broken leg. Puig hasn't consistently performed to the level he showed as an All-Star during his first two seasons, which could relegate him to role player status in the crowded outfield if the team doesn't try to trade him.

YOUNGSTERS TO WATCH: 1B-OF Cody Bellinger hit 56 home runs in his last two pro seasons after reaching Triple-A at age 21. The son of Clay Bellinger, who won two World Series titles with the Yankees, possesses a smooth left-handed stroke and patient approach at the plate. Defensively, Bellinger moves and throws well, and he's played all three outfield positions, giving him versatility and No. 1 status among Dodgers prospects. He could land on the big-league roster this season, and is already regarded as the heir apparent to 34-year-old All-Star 1B Adrian Gonzalez. RHP Yadier Alvarez had a 2.12 ERA in Class A during his pro debut last season. The Dodgers spent $16 million to sign the 21-year-old Cuban during their international binge two years ago. His fastball has topped 100 mph.

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Outlook shaky as usual as Marlins try to end playoff drought
March 27, 2017

MIAMI (AP) The Miami Marlins begin their 25th season without their late ace, his legacy tarnished by recently disclosed details of his death, which somehow makes the shadow over the franchise even heavier.

And then there's the for-sale sign posted by unpopular owner Jeffrey Loria, weary of being scorned while his team gets ignored.

With the Marlins, it never seems to be just about baseball.

''We've had some seasons that were great,'' team president David Samson said, ''and some seasons that felt like we were in the middle of an earthquake.''

The end of last season pinned the needle on the Richter scale. Charismatic ace Jose Fernandez and two others died when his boat crashed a week before the final game. A recent state report determined that had the Marlins pitcher survived, he could have been charged with multiple crimes, including boating under the influence manslaughter.

Now the Marlins embrace a new season as they brace for the next earthquake.

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Here are things to know about the shaky outlook for 2017:

LINEUP INTACT: The Marlins haven't reached the playoffs since 2003, the longest drought in the National League, and haven't finished above .500 since 2009. Even so, their starting lineup is unchanged for the third year in a row. Time to deliver. The group can no longer blame youth and inexperience if the season go badly. ''You've either got to start to win, or things have to change,'' left fielder Christian Yelich said. ''We realize that.''

HITTING IN THE CLUTCH: The Marlins ranked fourth in the majors last year in batting but 27th in runs, which is a big reason they won only 79 games. Manager Don Mattingly blamed so-so situational hitting. ''Part of struggling is that young guys get anxious trying to drive in a run,'' Mattingly said. ''You hope to gain some ground with experience. There should be a vision toward winning instead of a vision toward individual stuff, and all of that is part of maturity. We have to help them take that next step and get to that next level, because there is another level.''

The lineup is again anchored by slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who won the Home Run Derby in 2016 but batted a career-low .240. Returning as a reserve is 43-year-old reserve outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, now a member of the 3,000-hit club.

NO JOSE: Six months later the Marlins are still coping with the emotions of losing a popular teammate, along with the practical challenges of replacing their best pitcher. Miami acquired three established relievers in the offseason, and with a 13-man pitching staff will join baseball's trend of relying less on the rotation and more on the bullpen. That might be wise, because Miami doesn't have a No. 1 starter. Dan Straily and Edinson Volquez were obtained to join rotation holdovers Wei-Yin Chen, Adam Conley and Tom Koehler.

''Yes, there's a glaring hole,'' said Koehler, 35-48 in five years with Miami. ''We're missing our ace. Nobody's going to take that and fill in. But it's the deepest rotation we've had since I've been here.''

BULLPEN BUILDUP: All-Star closer A.J. Ramos returns to anchor a relief corps that includes newcomers Brad Ziegler, Junichi Tazawa and Jeff Locke. The bullpen is the deepest part of the roster. ''We've got options down there,'' reliever David Phelps said. ''We've got depth. The guys we brought in are talented, and they add to what we already had, which was a strength to begin with.''

FOR SALE: Loria, who bought the team in 2002, is entertaining offers from multiple groups, according to Samson. The Kushner family, which has close ties to the White House, put the brakes on its negotiations to buy the team after news surfaced that Loria was under consideration by President Donald Trump to become ambassador to France. Long criticized for his frugal ways, Loria approved increasing team payroll by one-third this season to about $100 million, stirring speculation he wanted a competitive team to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Will the team be more appealing to fans? The Marlins have finished last in the NL in attendance 11 of the past 12 years.

[StarDust Bum]

Optimistic Braves believe rebuilding is finally behind them
March 27, 2017

ATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Braves hardly sound like a team coming off a last-place finish.

These guys are talking playoffs.

''We've said it the last couple of years. We mean it this year,'' slugging first baseman Freddie Freeman said, his voice teeming with optimism. ''We feel like we can win the National League East.''

Atlanta was once one of baseball's most successful franchises, most notably setting a big league record with 14 straight division titles.

But the Braves fell on hard times after their last postseason appearance in 2013, going through a painful rebuilding process and three straight losing seasons.

A year ago, they lost 93 games and sank to the bottom of the standings for the first time since 1990. But a revamped roster and strong finish under interim manager Brian Snitker gives the team a surge of optimism heading into the first season at its new home, SunTrust Park.

''No one wanted to play us in September,'' Freeman said. ''We were just picking teams off at the end.''

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Here are some things to watch for this season:

GERIATRIC ROTATION: The Braves' hopes will depend largely on a pair of pitchers who are long past the usual baseball retirement age . Forty-three-year-old Bartolo Colon and 42-year-old R.A. Dickey make Atlanta the first team since the 1990 Texas Rangers (Nolan Ryan and Charlie Hough) to have two 40-something pitchers in the starting rotation. Colon is coming off an All-Star season with the New York Mets, while Dickey looked a lot shakier down the stretch for Toronto. The Braves are hoping to get at least one more season out of both, figuring they can't be much worse than what they sent out in 2016. Atlanta went through 16 starting pitchers and didn't have anyone with more than nine wins.

SLUGGING LINEUP: The Braves got a huge offensive boost when Matt Kemp was acquired just before the trade deadline in a salary dump by the San Diego Padres. Kemp gave Atlanta a much-needed right-handed slugger to take the heat off first baseman Freddie Freeman, who bounced back from a slow start to bat .302 with 34 homers, 91 RBIs and a 30-game hitting streak that was longest in the majors. Kemp finished with 35 homers and 108 RBIs, giving the Braves one of the best 1-2 punches in the majors. ''It was the first move that you could just see we're trying to win,'' Freeman said. ''We were finally done trading people away. We were trading for people.'' The acquisition of second baseman Brandon Phillips adds even more pop to a href(equals)'https://apnews.com/29973a514d3945cd9f2fda6160f4ec5f/Revamped-lineup-gives-Braves-plenty-of-hope-heading-into-'17'a lineup that now looks dangerous from top to bottom/a.

SNITKER'S CHANCE: Snitker had pretty much given up on his hopes of becoming a big league manager. Then, at age 60, he became a href(equals)'https://apnews.com/01c29385eb424730afed5f7d622038c7/At-61,-'late-bloomer'-Snitker-savors-shot-as-Braves-manager'one of the oldest first-time skippers in big league history/a. Taking over on an interim basis after Fredi Gonzalez was fired, Snitker guided the Braves to a winning record over their final 97 games and earned a full-time job for 2017. It will be interesting to see how he and the team handle much-higher expectations.

NEW DIGS: After only two decades at Turner Field, the Braves are a href(equals)'https://apnews.com/9637da07bd4c455086d86b5663bfe498/Only-finishing-touches-remain-at-Braves'-SunTrust-Park'moving to the suburbs/a. Even though the decision to leave the heart of the city has been much debated in sprawling metro Atlanta, the team can expect at least a short-term boost in attendance and excitement at SunTrust Park. Just as important as the stadium is a ****-like development around it, complete with retail shops, restaurants, an office tower, apartments and a hotel. All that will surely improve the team's bottom line and clear the way for Atlanta to again become one of baseball's big-spending franchises.

ROOKIES TO WATCH: Dansby Swanson might go down as the key player in one of most lopsided trades in baseball history, a deal with Arizona that also landed outfielder Ender Inciarte in exchange for disappointing pitcher Shelby Miller. Swanson, a former No. 1 overall pick, was called up late last season and hit .302 with three homers and 17 RBIs. The shortstop goes into 2017 as the overwhelming favorite for NL rookie of the year after barely hanging on to his first-year status with 129 at-bats. Down on the much-improved farm, the Braves have a bunch of players poised to make an impact in the majors, including second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Rio Ruiz and pitchers Sean Newcomb and Max Fried.

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A's season preview: Little change from 93-loss club
March 27, 2017

The Athletics have a new slogan this season: "Rooted in Oakland."

Note the absence of the letter "u" -- as in "Routed in Oakland."

That would be last year's mantra.

Actually, the A's were pretty much routed everywhere last season. They lost 93 games, just the second time in the past 19 years the fell more than 88 times -- topped only by the 94 defeats they took in 2015.

They fielded sloppily (third worst in the American League), pitched poorly (second worst) and hit worst of all (dead last) last season.

And how did they respond? By jettisoning their most potent hitter, Danny Valencia, to the Seattle Mariners for -- you guessed it -- a minor league prospect.

In fact, you might actually recognize the A's this season, which often isn't the case on Opening Day.

However, for a team coming off a 93-loss season, familiarity is not necessarily a good thing.

The projected rotation of Kendall Graveman, Sean Manaea, Jharel Cotton, Andrew Triggs and Raul Alcantara did a majority of the pitching before tens of thousands of empty seats in meaningless August and September games at the Coliseum last season.

And the most recognizable A's pitcher of all, ace Sonny Gray, returns ... well, when his lat strain will allow.

Meanwhile, a majority of the batting order -- Stephen Vogt, Ryon Healy, Khris Davis, Marcus Semien and Yonder Alonso -- won't need an introduction to A's fans this season, either.

So, a last-place team is banking its improvement on a glorified DH/pinch hitter in right field (Matt Joyce), a one-hit World Series wonder (Rajai Davis), a third baseman no longer good enough to play for the Minnesota Twins (Trevor Plouffe) and a banished relief pitcher from across the San Francisco Bay (Santiago Casilla).

Things are so bleak in Oakland this spring, manager Bob Melvin admitted during camp that the club's primary goal this season was to escape last place.

With Gray already hurt, Valencia gone and arguably the worst defense in baseball, that is mighty pie-in-the-sky stuff.

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Angels season preview: Bounce-back anticipated
March 27, 2017

An enterprising screenwriter could find abundant material for an old-fashioned soap opera by studying the Los Angeles Angels' past three seasons.

Act One found the Angels compiling the major league's best record in 2014, only to be swept in the American League Division Series by the eventual World Series winners, the Kansas City Royals.

In Act Two, the club recovered from the unceremonious dismissal of outfielder Josh Hamilton before the 2015 season because of a drug and alcohol relapse, the midseason firing of general manager Jerry Dipoto and a summer collapse to miss a playoff spot by one game.

The drama intensified in Act Three, with season-ending injuries claiming five starting pitchers and two closers before the Angels won nine of their final 11 games last year to avoid finishing last in the AL West.

However, the upcoming episode of As The Halo Turns promises to be the most intriguing yet.

General manager Billy Eppler navigated owner Arte Moreno's financial restrictions during the offseason to fill significant holes without relinquishing significant talent. Eppler acquired outfielders Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere, second baseman Danny Espinosa, catcher Martin Maldonado and infielder Luis Valbuena while collecting pitchers off waivers.

Maybin will become the 20th Angel to start in left field since Opening Day 2015, with Revere in reserve. Espinosa replaces the dedicated, yet overmatched, Johnny Giavotella. Maldonado brings a reputation as a superior pitch-framer. Valbuena provides missing left-handed power.

Fangraphs.com was so impressed that it projected the Angels as a wild-card contender. Eppler agreed.

"We have the potential to be in the playoffs," he told the Los Angeles Times.

Eppler explained the rationale for his acquisitions.

"In a perfect world, you have elite defense up the middle," he told Fangraphs.com. "I think everybody has noticed that the position players who have walked in the door have all been solid average, or better, defensively. That's something that is important to us."

Espinoza and Maldonado join center fielder Mike Trout and shortstop Andrelton Simmons up the middle. Complementing Trout and Simmons on offense are designated hitter Albert Pujols, right fielder Kole Calhoun and third baseman Yunel Escobar.

But one plot complication already has developed. Valbuena, projected to be the starting first baseman, will be out four to six weeks with a strained right hamstring. Valbuena had season-ending surgery on that muscle last August.

Nevertheless, for Eppler's view of the club's potential to become reality, the Angels must get solid pitching.

Indications from the starters this spring appear positive. Right-handers Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker are impressing after recovering from serious injuries. Richards relied on injections of stem cells and platelet-rich plasma to avoid Tommy John surgery. Shoemaker sustained a fractured skull and cranial bleeding after a batted ball hit him in the head in September, but he has been dominant in spring training.

However, the bullpen remains a work in progress, especially after closer Huston Street strained his back March 3. Right-handers Cam Bedrosian and Andrew Bailey are competing to fill Street's role, while competition elsewhere remains wide open.

[StarDust Bum]

Astros season preview: Key newcomers join young nucleus
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

Before the Astros stepped foot in their new spring training facility at West Palm Beach, Fla., virtually all the decisions regarding their 25-man roster were made, rendering the notion of Grapefruit League competition futile.

There were evaluations set to impact the fringes of the roster, but the series of offseason maneuvers executed by general manager Jeff Luhnow essentially eliminated the need for manager A.J. Hinch to stringently analyze every player in his clubhouse. The Astros knew what they were before they arrived by design.

"This is what a team that's going into the season that's profiled to be good, that has a lot of depth, is supposed to feel like," Hinch said. "It should be hard to crack our team."

The additions of Nori Aoki, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Josh Reddick put Hinch in position to construct his batting order and defensive alignment before the club went through the paces of actually preparing for the season. The protracted, painful rebuild to contention manifested in a postseason appearance in 2015, and after a small regression last season, the Astros have made the leap to championship contender. They did so by blending the aforementioned veterans with their core of young stars who are in the throes of individual ascension.

By letting free agents Jason Castro (Minnesota Twins), Colby Rasmus (Tampa Bay Rays) and Luis Valbuena (Los Angeles Angels) walk, the Astros showed that what they acquired instead is sufficient, and that they are eager to approach the next organizational hurdle.

"We're going to miss the free agents that we lost, but we responded by bringing in some guys that have done some things in this game," Hinch said. "Reddick has played a lot of playoff games (21). McCann has played in some huge markets (Atlanta and New York) in some really big games. Aoki has played in the World Series (with the Royals). You can't substitute that type of experience easily."

The Astros remain defined by their core of standout position players: second baseman Jose Altuve, center fielder George Springer and shortstop Carlos Correa. Third baseman Alex Bregman appears set to join that mix. Add Evan Gattis and Yulieski Gurriel to the fray, and Houston comes equipped with a dangerous lineup.

The rotation isn't as intimidating. The Astros need ace left-hander Dallas Keuchel and promising right-hander Lance McCullers to rebound from injuries. The team toyed with pursuing an ace in the offseason, but offers for Rays right-hander Chris Archer and Chicago White Sox lefty Jose Quintana were ineffective. The Astros have enough talent in the minors to muster another pursuit of a frontline starter at the trade deadline should things not play out according to plan.

That was by design, too. The team payroll is just shy of $120 million this season, the highest it has been since Luhnow arrived prior to the 2012 season. However, the Astros still have the chips necessary to acquire more veteran talent should they need it, and that is a direct reflection of how well Luhnow has managed his duties.

"The fact that we were able to make the investments in the free agents and through the trades without giving up a lot of our farm system is a position that a lot of general managers wish they could be in, but because we started with relatively low payroll and (are) increasing every year, we've had the luxury of being able to follow that approach," Luhnow said.

"It can't go on indefinitely. At some point, we're going to have to essentially rely on other resources to acquire players. But right now, we're in a good spot."

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Dodgers season preview: Loaded, but ailing, roster
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

Spring training, a time associated with hopeful optimism, began with ominous familiarity for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The team that set a major league record by putting 28 players on the disabled list last year watched injuries interrupt several key contributors' development.

Right-handers Pedro Baez, Josh Ravin and Sergio Romo dealt with thumb, groin and back injuries, respectively. A tight left hip deprived left-hander Scott Kazmir of velocity. Outfielder Trayce Thompson missed the first 10 days while recovering from back surgery.

Shortstop Corey Seager, the National League Rookie of the Year last season, returned after missing three weeks because of a strained oblique muscle, and he expects to be ready Opening Day. Outfielder Andre Ethier, however, will join Ravin on the disabled list with his second major spring training injury in two years, a herniated disc.

Last year, Ethier broke his right leg by fouling a ball off his shin, and he played just 16 games.

"I've been stuck in spring training for 18 months now," Ethier told the Orange County Register. "It feels like 'Groundhog Day' all over again."

Yet Ethier's allusion to the comedic movie bodes well for the Dodgers.

Despite the numerous injuries last year, Los Angeles won its fourth successive National League West championship. Despite the Dodgers' physical problems so far, they should contend for a fifth.

Seager, left-hander Clayton Kershaw, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, third baseman Justin Turner, catcher Yasmani Grandal and closer Kenley Jansen lead a talented, deep squad. Supplementing that foundation is second baseman Logan Forsythe, who replaces Chase Utley at the position and as the leadoff hitter. Forsythe, the Dodgers' only major offseason acquisition, batted .264 with 24 doubles and a .333 on-base percentage for the Tampa Bay Rays last year.

Andrew Toles exemplifies the Dodgers' depth. Expected to be part of a platoon in left field, Toles laid outright claim to the position this spring by batting .340 and not making an error in the field through Sunday. The 24-year-old continued his success from last year, when he played at three minor league levels and hit .314 in 48 games for the Dodgers after being promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

"He's having a really good camp," manager Dave Roberts told the team's website. "For him, the at-bat quality continues to be there. He's a really good athlete, he's dynamic, and he does a lot of things to help you win a baseball game."

Los Angeles also could receive help for the rotation from left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, who pitched just one game in the previous two seasons because of shoulder, elbow and leg injuries. In three outings through the weekend, Ryu conceded only five hits, one run and one walk in nine innings while striking out eight and holding opponents to a .167 average.

However, outfielder Yasiel Puig continues to pose the biggest question: Can a player whom Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully nicknamed "the Wild Horse" harness his talent? A revelation in his first two seasons, Puig's performance and attitude deteriorated so much that the Dodgers tried to trade their former All-Star before optioning him to Oklahoma City in August.

This spring, Puig had three home runs but a .233 average through Sunday. The Dodgers scratched him from the Friday game against the Arizona Diamondbacks so he could work on his swing.

Roberts emphasized Puig's talent while issuing an iron challenge delivered in velvet.

"If Yasiel is going to get 600 at-bats, then the Dodgers are in a pretty good place," Roberts told the Los Angeles Times. "With the skill set of Yasiel, if he's performing and warrants being out there every night, then we're in a good place."

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Mariners season preview: Vets provide spring stability
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

Unlike recent years, when the Mariners spent a good part of spring training auditioning young players and trying to find the right mix, the 2017 spring provided very few answers. This year's veteran-laden team will answer most of its biggest question marks as the season wears on.

Will Felix Hernandez get back to being a Cy Young contender? Will Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano continue to produce as age takes its toll? Is Yovani Gallardo ready to bounce back from the worst season of his career? Is Jarrod Dyson the answer in the leadoff spot?

They are all legitimate questions, and only time will tell whether Seattle's most important conundrums will lead to success on the field.

What Seattle did learn from spring training was that two of its youngest cornerstones -- first baseman Daniel Vogelbach and outfielder Mitch Haniger -- are on different timelines. Haniger was one of the hitting stars of the spring, while Vogelbach struggled enough that he was sent to Triple-A.

"(Vogelbach) put in a lot of work," general manager Jerry Dipoto said, "but as we get closer to Opening Day, it became apparent we weren't seeing a product that is finished enough to feel great about starting the season."

It was a markedly question-free spring, which says a lot about where this franchise is. Dipoto worked the phones all winter to make a series of under-the-radar trades that helped shore up the bullpen, add some veteran presence to the rotation and give the lineup a jolt of speed. The Mariners are expecting to play a different brand of baseball, thanks to the additions of Haniger and leadoff hitter Jarrod Dyson, but the offense is still going to revolve around Cano, Cruz and third baseman Kyle Seager.

Cano and Cruz spent a good part of the spring playing at the World Baseball Classic, and the goal for them this spring was a clean bill of health. Seattle got that, so now the question is whether Cano (34) and Cruz (36) are still in their prime and capable of playing at an elite level for the entire season.

"Obviously, they're a huge part of our team -- our offensive club, our leadership and all that stuff," manager Scott Servais said this spring.

Hernandez has done what he can to answer all the questions that swirled after a frustrating 2016 season, but his solid spring won't matter if he can't get off to a good start when the real games begin. Hernandez is part of a leaky rotation that could easily fall apart if brittle starters such as Hisashi Iwakuma and James Paxton don't hold up.

Year 2 of the Servais era brings fewer question marks, and the biggest ones involve the players with the best track records. On paper, there is plenty to like about this year's Mariners.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamondbacks season preview: Pitching, defense emphasized
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

PHOENIX -- It was all about pitching when the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired right-handers Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller before the 2016 season, and it was all about pitching when the team faltered.

Some of the starting pitching concerns have been assuaged by performances this spring, although the entire staff will have to take a step forward if the team is to be a contender in the rugged NL West after posting the highest ERA in the majors last year.

Miller and left-hander Patrick Corbin look to be returning to form, and new right-hander Taijuan Walker is showing signs that he might be ready to become a season-long rotation contributor, a step left-hander Robbie Ray took a year ago. Greinke's velocity was a touch under his normal early in the spring, but that seemed a minor issue for a veteran who uses spring training to round into form.

The D-backs' 2016 struggles led to a front-office overhaul over the winter, and new general manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo are doing things a little differently, with more of an emphasis on an analytics.

"There is an overall excitement," Lovullo said. "We want to start a new business and see how it runs. The track record speaks for itself. Mike Hazen comes from a winning organization (in Boston)."

Second baseman Jean Segura was traded to Seattle for Walker, and power-hitting catcher Welington Castillo was permitted to leave via free agency as the D-backs turned their focus to the pitch-framing side of that position.

Segura was the only NL player with 200 hits a year ago, and Castillo set career highs in homers in 2015 and RBIs in 2016, so will be interesting to see if those losses can be offset by the return of center fielder A.J. Pollock and the position switch by Brandon Drury, who will replace Segura at second.

Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Lamb, Yasmany Tomas and a healthy Pollock -- he fractured his right elbow last spring and played only 12 games -- are a good starting point. Advanced metrics graded Pollock as the best center fielder in the NL in 2015, and his absence was crushing. He nursed a groin injury this spring, but it was not serious.

Drury had a strong rookie season when playing out of position in the corner outfield spots, and one major league talent evaluator has compared him to Jeff Kent at second. Right fielder David Peralta has played well this spring, his 2016 injuries a thing of the past.

Hazen's offseason objectives were to improve the bullpen and the defense, and veterans Fernando Rodney and non-roster invitees Tom Wilhelmsen and J.J. Hoover have pitched well this spring, Rodney while with the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Defense was addressed when Drury was moved to second and the decided to go glove-first behind the plate.

"I want these guys to be able to tell a really good story at the end of the year, and what that story is we're not sure," Lovullo said. "To be competitive means to focus, to be mentally tough and earn everything they get on the field. That's my expectation."

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Rockies season preview: Expectations are elevated
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

The Colorado Rockies are a talented team that now must turn into a good team, general manager Jeff Bridich said. It is a realistic expectation, as new manager Bud Black is taking over a club on the rise.

Black's hiring was the most notable move of an offseason that included three key free agent signings. The Rockies gave Ian Desmond a five-year, $70 million contract -- the largest they have ever handed a free agent position player -- with the intent of having him play first base, a position he has never played in his 1,083 career games.

The Rockies also took steps to shore up their dreadful bullpen.

They signed left-hander Mike Dunn to a three-year, $19 million contract -- the largest the Rockies have ever given a reliever. Colorado also signed Greg Holland, who didn't pitch last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery but whom the Rockies believe can regain his status as an elite closer. Colorado guaranteed him $7 million in a deal that includes a 2018 option.

The Rockies enter their 25th season against a backdrop of uninspiring franchise history. Although they improved by seven wins to 75 last season, they have endured a franchise-record-tying six straight losing seasons.

Colorado has made the postseason three times, always as a wild card, and is the only National League West club never to win the division. The Rockies also have experienced just seven winning seasons, three coming in the first five years of the franchise's existence.

Black is the team's seventh manager and the first former pitcher. He says he looks at the game through a pitcher's eyes, which can only help the Rockies, given the pitching perils inherent in Coors Field and the fact they will have a young rotation.

The Rockies went to spring training with four starters set and several prospects vying for the fifth spot. Chad Bettis was expected to be an anchor in the rotation, its oldest member at 27 and the team leader last year in wins (14) and innings (186). But Bettis has begun chemotherapy after a recurrence of testicular cancer. There is no timetable for his return, but he will miss at least half the season.

In his absence, Jon Gray, 25; left-hander Tyler Anderson, 27; and Tyler Chatwood, 27; will start in a rotation where left-hander Kyle Freeland, German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela and to a lesser degree left-hander Harrison Musgrave are competing for the final two spots. Marquez pitched for the Rockies in September; the other three await their major league debuts. They have impressed Black with their talent, which he knows is fine up to a point.

"The only thing we have to be cautious about is that it takes time for these guys to really become major league pitchers," Black said. "It happens fast for some guys, but for most it takes longer."

The success of their rotation will go a long way toward determining whether the Rockies can make the sizeable leap needed to contend for the postseason.

The Rockies had to deal with injuries in spring training. They will be without Desmond (broken left hand), outfielder David Dahl (rib, stress reaction) and catcher Tom Murphy (broken right forearm) for a portion of April. Left-hander Chris Rusin (right oblique strain) isn't expected to be ready on Opening Day but should return soon thereafter.

Dahl, who was slated to start in left field after making his major league debut in late July and hitting .315 with an .859 OPS in 63 games, summed up his idle spring with an outlook the Rockies share when they contemplate the returns of him, Desmond, Murphy and Rusin before too long.

"It's tough to sit, for sure," Dahl said, "but I suppose it's better for it to happen now instead of at midseason."

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Rangers season preview: Expectations are high
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

The Texas Rangers didn't open spring training as the team expected to win the American League West for a third straight year. No, despite the Rangers' pedigree, that honor goes to the Houston Astros or the Seattle Mariners.

However, the Rangers got out of spring training exactly what they wanted. With the exception of a sore right biceps to expected starter Andrew Cashner, a deep Texas team will open the season healthy and with what it thinks is enough depth to win the West again.

"It's been a unique spring, with the (World Baseball Classic) and a handful of smaller injuries keeping us from seeing everyone on the field together," Texas general manager Jon Daniels said. "That makes for a little bit of a challenge in evaluating the club, as well as giving the group time to play as a unit. That said, we feel our roster is strong. The division is going to be very competitive -- every club has a case to be improved from last year. It's going to be a fun season. We've got high expectations of ourselves."

Those expectations are helped by the fact the Rangers have arguably the best front three of any rotation in the West. Yu Darvish, who is a free agent after the season, will make his first Opening Day start in his free-agent season. Veteran Cole Hamels is also healthy and lefty Martin Perez is primed for a breakout season after winning 10 games last season and making a career-high 33 starts.

As good as the top of the rotation is, the Rangers need Cashner and Tyson Ross to help soon. Cashner, who signed a one-year deal, could join the rotation in mid-April. Ross made just one start for San Diego last year before going down with a shoulder injury. He had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and the club hopes he can make an impact in May.

While there may be concerns about the rotation, there are none about a bullpen filled with power arms and a deep lineup. Right-hander Sam Dyson starred in the World Baseball Classic and is coming off 38 saves in his first year as closer. There are power arms setting him up in righties Keone Kela and Matt Bush. The club could use more from the left side, with Alex Claudio the only proven commodity.

The Rangers added to their offense by bringing back first baseman Mike Napoli for a third-straight year. He'll give Texas four players in the infield with 30-homer ability in Napoli, second baseman Rougned Odor, third baseman Adrian Beltre and catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Texas needs Shin-Soo Choo to stay healthy after he played in just 48 games last season. He will spend time at DH to try to stay healthy. Outfielder Nomar Mazara is poised for a breakout season after hitting 20 homers and driving in 64 as a 21-year-old rookie.

The good thing for Texas in its bid to win the West once again is the depth it has. Jurickson Profar, Ryan Rua and Delino DeShields give the club options in the infield and outfield and all had huge springs. They just need their opportunity.

Regardless, Daniels feels like his club once again will be in the mix.

"There's very good balance on this team," he said. "No one unit has to carry it -- we've got a good catching tandem, a strong infield, and a number of athletic outfielders that each brings a little something different. And our pitching staff may be as talented as any we've had, top to bottom."

[StarDust Bum]

Padres season review: Team in transition
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

The San Diego Padres are in transition.

Changes started last season as they traded off such talent as outfielders Matt Kemp and Melvin Upton Jr. and pitchers Andrew Cashner, Drew Pomeranz and Fernando Rodney for prospects and then invested more than $80 million in the draft and the international signing period.

The Padres added a ton of prospects, and their farm system improved measurably.

However, the future is a ways away, even if three of their top position-playing prospects -- catcher Austin Hedges, right fielder Hunter Renfroe and center fielder Manuel Margot -- are arriving permanently this season.

Most of their young pitching prospects -- led by 2016 first-round draft picks Cal Quantrill and Eric Lauer -- will be starting the season at high Class A and below. Some of them won't be making their professional debuts until later this summer when the Padres field two teams in the rookie-level Arizona League.

Help is on the way, and the Padres are optimistic. They are hoping to contend in the deep and talented National League West by 2019.

But 2017?

The Padres have some plusses.

First baseman Wil Myers stayed healthy in 2016 and had a break-out season (.259 with a .336 on-base percentage; 29 doubles, 28 homers, 28 steals, 94 RBIs and 99 runs scored). Infielder Yangervis Solarte overcame personal tragedy (his wife passed away to cancer last September) and hit .286 with 15 homers and 71 RBIs in 109 games. And infielder Ryan Schimpf hit 20 homers with a .336 on-base percentage in 89 games.

The Padres will be counting heavily on rookie Renfroe and Hedges.

But the starting rotation was patched together with free agent signees Jhoulys Chacin, Clayton Richard, Jered Weaver and Trevor Cahill. They will join right-hander Luis Perdomo, who was a Rule 5 rookie with the Padres in 2016.

If the Padres take a lead into the late innings, they should be in great shape. The bullpen looks to be the strongest part of the team, particularly if Carter Capps has recovered from Tommy John surgery and is able to move into the closer's role.

"I'm liking the way the bullpen is shaping up," manager Andy Green said. "Brandon Maurer, Brad Hand and Ryan Buchter all look like they're ready to pick up where they were at the end of last season. And Craig Stammen has had a great spring.

Getting a lead to the bullpen could be problematic.

The Padres could be doing some things this season that typically do not signal success.

They have been experimenting with Christian Bethancourt as a hybrid catcher-pitcher-outfielder. They have talked about carrying three Rule 5 players -- right-handed reliever Miguel Diaz, catcher Luis Torrens and infielder Allen Cordoba. And they might carry four catchers -- Hedges, Bethancourt, Torrens and Hector Sanchez.

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Giants season preview: Counting on Melancon
March 27, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

The San Francisco Giants ended the 2016 season totally unconvinced they weren't a better team than the Chicago Cubs.

One player away, they almost unanimously agreed.

And now they believe they have him: closer Mark Melancon.

That explains, in a nutshell, why the Giants took a relatively low profile to the 2017 offseason. Unlike many teams, they don't believe the race is for second place in the National League this season.

History tells us there's potentially some logic to the belief. Recent history, in fact.

If it were Melancon strolling to the mound with a 5-2 lead last Oct. 11 in Game 4 of the NL Division Series, chances are All-Star Game starter Johnny Cueto would have been pitching two days later at Wrigley Field with a chance to eliminate the Cubs for a 108th straight year.

Instead, five members of the shaky San Francisco bullpen blew a 5-2 lead as the Cubs rallied for a 6-5 win.

Suffice it to say, the Giants would love to be in the same position this season. They brought back all of their key pieces -- making significant changes only in left field (where the loss of Angel Pagan isn't considered a big deal) and in the bullpen (where a younger group of setup relievers will attempt to set the stage for Melancon).

Oh, there is one other significant change: the year.

It is 2017, an odd-numbered year that just two seasons ago seemed to doom the Giants like a rigged roulette wheel before Madison Bumgarner even toed the slab on Opening Day.

If there was a positive to the four-run blowup in the ninth inning of the NLDS last season, it was that the mystical numbers game of even-year championships/odd-year failures was put to rest. The Giants won it all in 2010, 2012 and 2014, and they missed the playoffs in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

In 2017, the Giants actually have a chance to win it all. Don't think they don't know it.

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Cotton rebounds, ready for A's rotation
March 26, 2017
By The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) Jharel Cotton took a lesson from his previous spring start - it does him no good to sit around during long innings.

Cotton struck out seven and allowed a run over 5 2/3 innings, helping the Oakland Athletics beat the Milwaukee Brewers 11-1 on Sunday.

In his last start, Cotton allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings against Seattle, all after Oakland's six-run third inning.

On Sunday, Oakland scored five runs in the third inning and another four in the fourth, and Cotton changed up his strategy, opting to do some throwing while the A's piled up the runs.

''I didn't want to do what I did last time where I sat the entire time and my arm was just lagging,'' Cotton said. ''Today I was proactive, playing catch to stay loose, and I didn't skip a beat out there on the mound.''

Cotton held the Brewers to four hits and a walk. He walked five Mariners in an 8-5 win last Tuesday.

''I think this was a bounce-back start for me,'' Cotton said. ''I walked one guy compared to last time I walked a bunch. So I felt like today was just to get back into it.

''My confidence is back where it needs to be and I'm ready to go forth. I think I'm where I need to be. I feel good. My arm feels great.''

Cotton has a standout changeup, but he focused on his fastball command against the Brewers.

''I was more on the attack, using my fastball more so I can setup my changeup and offspeed pitches,'' Cotton said. ''I need my fastball to be there, so I can throw that pitch off the fastball. I think we did that today.''

Ryan Braun homered on a 2-0 fastball in the fourth for the only run off Cotton. Cotton struck out Braun in the first and fifth innings.

''I got him twice. He got me once. I think I won that battle today,'' Cotton said.

Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea will start the first two A's games with Cotton slotted for the third game, April 5 against the Los Angeles Angels.

The back of the rotation was solidified Sunday when Jesse Hahn was optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Hahn made 25 starts the past two seasons for Oakland, going 8-10 with a 4.22 ERA. Hahn, however, allowed 14 runs over 6 2/3 innings in his past two spring training starts.

''It's disappointing for sure, because I set a goal this spring, and that was to make the rotation,'' Hahn said. ''I didn't do that, but I can't get down on myself. I have to stay positive. I know these last two outings didn't go the way I wanted them to.''

With Hahn demoted, right-handers Andrew Triggs and Raul Alcantara become the fourth and fifth Oakland starters. Cotton, Triggs and Alcantara have combined for 16 big league starts.

''These guys get an opportunity they've never had before,'' manager Bob Melvin said.

Catcher Bruce Maxwell had two home runs and four RBIs, but the A's optioned him to Nashville after the game.

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Final 2 spots in Yanks' rotation in play
March 26, 2017
By The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has the top of his starting rotation lined up with Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda.

After that, the situation remains muddled.

The Yankees started spring training looking to fill two spots in the rotation, and it's still not clear what they'll end up doing. Bryan Mitchell, Luis Severino, Chad Green, Adam Warren and late entry Jordan Montgomery are in the mix.

''We're narrowing it down,'' Girardi said. ''We haven't made any final decisions yet. We're going to let these guys go through their last turn before we make the decision.''

Mitchell, set to be the fifth starter last year before breaking a bone on his left foot in his final spring training start, went 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA in five late-season starts. He allowed three runs over three-plus innings in the Yankees' 7-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

''I think the results sting a little right now,'' Mitchell said. ''At this point in the game, you can't say we're not putting pressure on ourselves, but all we can control is our game out there. I feel good about the whole spring. I tried to build off what I did last year.''

Severino, a top contender early on, has been inconsistent, while the versatile Warren seems destined for the bullpen.

Montgomery, who has just six starts at Triple-A, emerged after going the final four innings of a combined no-hitter against Detroit on March 11.

Green has the ability to start or relieve.

The Yankees open the season next Sunday at Tampa Bay. The fourth starter will be needed late in the opening week, but a decision on the fifth slot doesn't have to come before the Yankees break camp, because the rotation can be set with that spot not needed until April 16. The eventual choice could make a couple minor league starts in preparation.

RIGHT FIELD

Girardi said Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks are ''taking it down to the wire'' in the starting right field competition.

When asked if a platoon situation was in play, Girardi said: ''There's different things we could talk about.''

MOVING DAY

The Yankees released left-hander Jon Niese. He was signed to a minor league contract on Feb. 20.

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Home runs remain a problem for Chen
March 26, 2017
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) The same issue that plagued Wei-Yin Chen during his first season with the Miami Marlins continues to trouble him.

Chen allowed two more homers in Miami's 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The solo shots for Yadier Molina and Dexter Fowler made it six homers allowed by the left-hander during spring training.

''I think I'm ready for the season but still I've got the same problem of allowing home runs,'' Chen said through an interpreter. ''I missed spots there but other than that I feel that everything is pretty fine.''

A fly-ball pitcher who surrendered 28 homers in 31 starts during his final year with Baltimore, Chen signed with Miami as a free agent prior to the 2016 season. The hope was the more spacious Marlins Ballpark would turn some of those drives into long outs.

Not so much so far.

Chen allowed 22 homers over 22 starts last season on his way to a 5-5 record and a 4.96 ERA. He is 0-3 in Grapefruit League play this year.

''He challenges the strike zone, that's one thing,'' manager Don Mattingly said. ''He's going to come after guys. He's not walking people. He's not really giving up that big hit. The solos? You kind of live with it. If they get to be three-run homers or something, if there's people all over the place, that's something different. But he's been fairly efficient and he's been on the attack so I'm happy with the way he's throwing the ball.''

Two positive takeaways for Chen concerning those spring home runs: They are all solo shots, and they represented the only spring runs he had allowed until St. Louis plated an unearned run in the fifth.

Chen tossed five innings of seven-hit ball against the Cardinals, throwing 58 of his 83 pitches for strikes.

Chen's biggest highlight Sunday might have come at the plate. With two outs and a runner on first in the fifth, he grounded a Mike Leake offering back up the middle. Aledmys Diaz fielded the ball behind second and tried unsuccessfully to get the lead runner with a backhanded flip. The play was ruled a hit.

Chen is 0 for 50 at the plate in his career.

''When I came off the field and got in the dugout, (Miami pitcher Tom Koehler) came over and told me he's got the ball and he's going to put it in my locker,'' Chen said.

Chen expects to make one more exhibition start, against Detroit on Saturday, before starting the fourth game of the regular season at the New York Mets.

''I think (being) healthy is the main thing, him staying healthy and being able to give us his outing every fifth day,'' Mattingly said.

NOTES: The Marlins scratched SS Adeiny Hechavarria because of back tightness. Following Sunday's game, Hechavarria's name was already written on Monday's lineup card. ... St. Louis manager Mike Matheny expects pitcher Lance Lynn to make his scheduled start in the Cardinals' exhibition at Triple-A affiliate Memphis on Thursday. Lynn exited Saturday's game against Miami after only one inning because he felt a kink in his back. Jhonny Peralta is dealing with soreness after fouling a ball off his left knee in Saturday's game and received Sunday off.

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OF Austin Jackson makes Indians' roster
March 26, 2017
By The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Outfielder Austin Jackson took an opportunity with the Cleveland Indians and ran with it.

Jackson was informed on Sunday that he has made Cleveland's opening-day roster, giving the AL champions some outfield depth in case Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley aren't ready for the start of the season.

The 30-year-old Jackson signed a minor league deal with the Indians in January. He missed the early part of training camp as he recovered from left knee surgery, but Jackson has made up for lost time by batting .375 with one homer and five RBIs in Cactus League games.

Jackson played in only 54 games last year with the Chicago White Sox before undergoing knee surgery to repair torn meniscus. He's played in the postseason with Detroit and the Cubs.

Jackson had an out clause in his contract that had to be exercised by Sunday.

He gives manager Terry Francona another option with Brantley and Chisenhall not certain for opening day. Brantley continues to recover from surgery on his right shoulder and biceps while Chisenhall is currently sidelined after crashing into the wall on Friday.

Cleveland's 25-man roster is rounding into shape as the club optioned right-hander Mike Clevinger to Triple-A Columbus and outfielder Bradley Zimmer was reassigned to the minor league camp.

Clevinger went 3-3 and made 10 starts for Cleveland last season, but there's no room for him at this point in the rotation.

The Indians' No. 1 pick in 2014, Zimmer might not spend too much time in the minors. The 24-year-old hit a combined .250 with 15 homers, 62 RBIs and 38 steals at Double- and Triple-A last season.

He had an impressive spring, batting .358 (19 for 53) with three homers, 14 RBIs and four steals.

The Indians also optioned right-hander Joe Colon to Columbus and reassigned Zimmer, catcher Adam Moore and utilityman Richie Shaffer to their minor league camp.

First baseman Chris Colabello, left-hander Tyler Olson, catcher Erik Kratz and outfielder Daniel Robertson were told they will remain in big league camp, but will not be on the opening-day roster.

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Rays RHP Cobb dealing with back issue
March 26, 2017
By STATS LLC Editorial

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Cobb was scratched from his Sunday start due to left lower back tightness.

Cobb was scheduled to pitch in a minor league spring training game at Tampa, Fla.

"Probably won't know anything until (Monday) when Cobb comes in and see how he feels," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said before the Rays played the New York Yankees. "To my knowledge he could have pitched today."

Cash said he does not expect the issue to disrupt the Rays' season-opening pitching plans as Cobb is slated to pitch the third game on April 5 against the New York Yankees.

"I don't think it changes anything," Cash said.

Cobb said via text to the Tampa Bay Times that he "definitely could have pitched today" and "this is really nothing."

The 29-year-old Cobb returned from Tommy John surgery late last season, going 1-2 with a 8.59 ERA over 22 innings in five starts. For his career, all with the Rays, he is 36-25 with a 3.44 ERA in 86 starts.

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Mets' Matz (elbow) questionable for OD
March 26, 2017
By The Associated Press

New York Mets pitcher Steven Matz has been scratched from his next start because of tenderness in his left elbow, putting his status for opening day in doubt.

Matz had been scheduled to throw Monday in a minor league game.

''There's a little irritation, and he's got to work that out,'' Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Sunday. ''We don't think it's anything significant, but it bothers him on extension. He won't pitch tomorrow, and we'll see where that takes him over the next four or five days.''

Alderson said the problem has bothered Matz for ''a period of time.''

While Matz hasn't been sent for an MRI, Alderson said the ailment is troubling because the 25-year-old has often been slowed during his two seasons with the Mets.

''It's worrisome that he continues to be injured off and on. That's the difficulty,'' Alderson said.

Matz was 9-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 22 starts last year, but was shut down in September and had surgery to remove bone spurs from his left elbow.

The Mets open the season April 3 at home against Atlanta.

Matz gave up five runs and eight hits in four innings against Miami on Wednesday. He is 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA in four starts this spring.

Matz said the discomfort flared up before that last start and continued during the game. He said he notified the trainers afterward when more soreness than usual lingered.

''It's just a little tenderness and a little setback,'' said Matz, who will have a lighter workout Monday and long toss.

''I think I'll be fine. I think I'll be good to go. I'll resume throwing and try to jump back in it,'' he said.

Manager Terry Collins said he was ''extremely disappointed'' to hear the news, saying he couldn't imagine Matz would be ready for the start of the season if he misses this week.

''We had a backup plan, and we're going to turn to that backup plan right now. We're just lucky we have some pretty good pitching,'' Collins said.

A prolonged injury to Matz, the lone left-handed starter in the rotation, would create at least one spot for either Robert Gsellman or Seth Lugo. Those righties were already in the mix as potential replacements for Zack Wheeler, also an option in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2015.

YANKEES 7, RAYS 4

Aaron Hicks hit a two-run homer and added an RBI single, and Greg Bird also had an RBI single for New York. Bird, who will start at first base on opening day after being injured all last season, is hitting .447 this spring.

Brad Miller had a two-run single for Tampa Bay.

BLUE JAYS (ss) 4, TIGERS 3

Alex McBroom and Alex Monsalve each homered, and Kendrys Morales added a hit and scored for Toronto.

Nick Castellanos hit his fourth homer and eighth double for Detroit. He is batting .367 with an OPS of 1.202 this spring. Jordan Zimmermann threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run.

ORIOLES 2, BLUE JAYS (ss) 1

Francisco Liriano struck out seven in 4 2/3 innings and has a 1.88 ERA in five spring starts for Toronto.

Chris Johnson had an RBI single for Baltimore.

METS 8, BRAVES 2

Matt Harvey threw six solid innings, allowing two runs, and Jose Reyes tripled, doubled and singled for New York.

Ender Inciarte had an RBI single and a sacrifice fly for Atlanta. Emilio Bonifacio, who played in just 24 games last year, had two hits and scored twice.

ASTROS 5, NATIONALS 1

Joe Musgrove allowed one run and four hits over five innings for Houston. Yuli Gurriel had two hits, and his RBI double highlighted a four-run fourth. Marwin Gonzalez hit a two-run homer and Jake Marisnick had a solo shot. Jose Altuve had a hit and stole two bases.

Gio Gonzalez, who had allowed just two earned runs this spring, gave up five runs and six hits over five innings. Jayson Werth had two hits for Washington.

CARDINALS 3, MARLINS 0

Mike Leake scattered seven hits and one walk over six scoreless innings for St. Louis. Dexter Fowler and Yadier Molina each had two hits, including a home run. Molina's shot came in his first at-bat since returning from the World Baseball Classic. Jedd Gyorko continued his slump, going 0 for 3. He is hitless in his last 13 at-bats.

Wei-Yin Chen gave up two earned runs and seven hits over five innings. Ichiro Suzuki had two hits for Miami.

RED SOX 7, TWINS 2

Chris Sale threw six scoreless innings, giving up six hits and one walk with six strikeouts. Andrew Benintendi, Christian Vasquez and Steve Selsky each homered for Boston, and Pablo Sandoval doubled and singled.

Kyle Gibson gave up four hits and walked none with four strikeouts in six shutout innings for Minnesota. Brian Dozier had two hits and Eddie Rosario added three.

PHILLES 6, PIRATES 3

Philadelphia's Clay Buchholz gave up three runs on five hits and four walks over 3 1/3 innings. Maikel Franco and Andrew Knapp each hit a two-run shot in a five-run first inning. Obudel Herrera went 3 for 4 with an RBI and Howie Kendrick was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Josh Lindblom allowed five runs on eight hits in 1 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh. Pirates prospect Austin Meadows, hitting .326 this spring, went 2 for 4 with a double and scored.

WHITE SOX 4, GIANTS 3

James Shields scattered eight hits over five innings and allowed three runs for Chicago.

Ty Blach threw six innings for San Francisco, allowing two runs and seven hits. Blach is vying for the final slot in the rotation. Jimmy Rollins doubled twice for the Giants. Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP, is trying to win a roster spot.

MARINERS 7, REDS (ss) 6

Taylor Motter, in contention for a utility role off the bench, hit a two-run homer for Seattle. Drew Smyly struggled through four innings, allowing five runs with four walks.

Jose Peraza launched a leadoff homer for Cincinnati and had two hits. Zack Cozart added a double and an RBI.

INDIANS 6, DIAMONDBACKS 5

Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer, his first long ball this spring as he returns from a right shoulder injury that limited him to 11 games last year. Chris Colabello added a three-run shot as part of a five-run first inning for Cleveland.

Yasmany Tomas had a hit, an RBI and scored a run for Arizona.

ROCKIES 4, PADRES (ss) 1

Nolan Arenado, fresh off a World Baseball Classic championship with Team USA, launched a two-run homer for Colorado. Carlos Gonzalez had two hits, including a double, and scored.

Yangervis Solarte doubled and drove in a run for San Diego.

ROYALS 8, ANGELS 7

Mike Trout had two hits, a run and an RBI, while Albert Pujols added a hit and two RBIs for the Angels.

Brandon Moss and Paulo Orlando each homered for Kansas City. Jason Hammel, signed to a $16 million, two-year contract in the offseason, was rocked for seven runs in six innings.

CUBS (ss) 22, REDS (ss) 4

Anthony Rizzo led off Chicago's six-run first inning with a home run and Albert Almora Jr. opened an eight-run sixth with another homer. Almora finished 3 for 4 with two homers and five RBIs. Cubs prospect Victor Caratini was 3 for 4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Eddie Butler went 4 2/3 innings, yielding two runs and seven hits.

Tim Adleman gave up two homers while allowing six runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 innings for Cincinnati. Joey Votto had two hits and is 5 for 11 in his last five games.

RANGERS 3, DODGERS 2

Cole Hamels gave up a run on two hits and two walks over five innings for Texas. Mike Napoli hit a solo homer and Nomar Mazara went 2 for 4. Elvis Andrus and Delino DeShields had two stolen bases apiece.

Scott Kazmir went three innings, giving up three runs on three hits and five walks for Los Angeles.

ATHLETICS 11, BREWERS 1

Prized prospect Jharel Cotton struck out seven over 5 2/3 innings while giving up one run and four hits for Oakland. Bruce Maxwell went 3 for 4 with two homers and four RBIs.

Milwaukee starter Matt Garza was roughed up again, allowing five runs and five hits over 2 1/3 innings. He has an 8.59 ERA in 14 2/3 innings this spring. Ryan Braun hit his first homer.

PADRES (ss) 9, CUBS (ss) 4

San Diego right-hander Trevor Cahill gave up two unearned runs and two hits while striking out eight over five innings. He walked four.

Non-roster invitees Collin Cowgill, Jabari Blash and Brett Wallace each homered while combining for eight RBIs and seven of San Diego's 10 hits.

Cubs prospect Alec Mills allowed four runs and six hits over three innings.