2018 MLB Spring Training Look At All Teams-Trades-Rumours-Injuries ETC. !

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Guerrero Jr has 4 hits in Blue Jays' spring training debut
March 8, 2018

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had four singles in his spring training debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, a 9-3 win at the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.

The 18-year-old third baseman, whose father Vladimir will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, signed with Toronto in July 2015 for a $3.9 million bonus.

He was the designated hitter and had hits in the second inning off Nestor Cortes Jr., in the sixth and seventh against Tim Melville and in the ninth versus Asher Wojciechowski. He also flied out in the fourth against Darren O'Day. He hit .323 with 13 homers and 76 RBIs at a pair of Class A teams last year with a .910 OPS.

''Good looking hitter,'' Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. ''He looks like he has fun playing.''

Bo Bichette, a son of former major leaguer Dante Bichette, had two hits and drove in two runs for Toronto. The Blue Jays' Anthony Alford had two doubles and his second triple. Aaron Sanchez allowed one run in three innings and struck out five.

ELSEWHERE AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUES

NATIONALS 8, METS 5

Noah Syndergaard struck out his last seven batters, allowing two hits over 3 1/3 scoreless innings in his third start for New York. He struck out the side in consecutive innings, including Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in the third. Stephen Strasburg gave up two runs, three hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings, striking out five. Turner doubled in a run, Harper had an RBI single and Matt Adams hit a two-run home run in a four-run fifth against Jeurys Familia. Brandon Nimmo had three hits leading off for the Mets, including a triple and a double.

PHILLIES 7, YANKEES 6

Luis Severino allowed an unearned run over 3 1/3 innings in his first start, Didi Gregorius hit a two-run homer and Giancarlo Stanton had a two-run single. Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman struck out two in the fourth. Aaron Altherr doubled in a run for Philadelphia.

CARDINALS 5, MARLINS 4

St. Louis ace Carlos Martinez made his second start, allowing one run and five hits in four innings while striking out four. Miami No. 2 starter Jose Urena made his second start, giving up one run and two hits in three innings. Derek Dietrich had two hits and an RBI for the Marlins. Yadier Molina doubled in a run for the Cardinals.

RAYS 6, RED SOX 6

Boston's J.D. Martinez had three hits, including an RBI double, while Xander Bogaerts added two hits and also had a run-scoring double. Adeiny Hechavarria singled twice and drove in a run for the Rays. Tampa Bay ace Chris Archer allowed two runs and five hits in three innings.

PIRATES 8, TIGERS 3

Jordan Zimmermann gave up three runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings, striking out five. David Freese hit his first home run, a two-run drive off Zimmermann. Francisco Cervelli had two hits for the Pirates.

ASTROS 6, BRAVES 4

Scott Kazmir made his third start for the Braves, giving up two runs and four hits in three innings. Ender Inciarte had two hits and walked leading off for Atlanta, while Dansby Swanson went 0 for 2, dropping his average to .182.

CUBS 10, PADRES 4

Ben Zobrist had his first hit after a late spring training start and scored a run for Chicago. Ian Happ, batting .429, had an RBI triple and scored. Addison Russell had two hits and two RBIs, Javier Baez added a two-run double and Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward both drove in runs for the Cubs. Tyler Chatwood, hoping to earn the fifth spot in Chicago's rotation, allowed one run, two hits and two walks in three innings. Freddy Galvis hit his first home run for San Diego.

RANGERS 5, WHITE SOX (SS) 4

Chicago ace James Shields allowed one run and three hits over four innings in his spring training debut. Texas ace Cole Hamels gave up one run and four hits over 3 2/3 innings in his second start. White Sox prospect Ryan Cordell batted third and had a pair of doubles and drove in two runs, raising his average to .389. Yolmer Sanchez tripled twice off Hamels.

ROYALS 12, WHITE SOX (SS) 0

Whit Merrifield tripled and doubled, driving in two runs for Kansas City, while Jorge Soler hit his fourth home run, a solo shot. Royals ace Danny Duffy gave up two hits in three scoreless innings. Chicago pitching prospect Michael Kopech was tagged for five runs, four hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings.

DIAMONDBACKS 11, BREWERS 6

Manny Pina hit his first two home runs and had three hits and four RBIs for Milwaukee. Steven Souza Jr. had his first two hits and drove in three runs for the Diamondbacks. Jake Lamb and Souza had back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning. Lorenzo Cain had two hits, including his third double, raising his average to .409.

ATHLETICS 7, ANGELS 3

Oakland ace Kendall Graveman allowed three hits, three hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings, leaving his ERA at 12.00. Khris Davis had a two-run triple. Mike Trout, batting just .071, walked and scored a run for Los Angeles. Justin Upton, Albert Pujols and Kole Calhoun all drove in runs for the Angels.

ROCKIES 3, REDS 2

Billy Hamilton was hitless in two at-bats and is 0 for 16. Kyle Freeland, hoping to earn a rotation slot, allowed one run, three hits and two walks in three innings. Rockies prospect Sam Hilliard had two hits, including a game-ending single. Reds starter Luis Castillo yielded two runs, five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.

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AP source: Moustakas, Royals agree to $6.5M, 1-year contract
March 8, 2018

Mike Moustakas is staying with the Kansas City Royals in a surprising turn dictated by a historically slow free-agent market.

Kansas City agreed Thursday to a one-year contract that guarantees the third baseman $6.5 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The deal could be worth up to $22.7 million over two seasons, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.

Moustakas gets a $5.5 million salary this year and has the chance to earn $2.2 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances. The agreement, reached exactly three weeks before opening day, includes a $15 million mutual option for 2019 with a $1 million buyout.

The 29-year-old infielder turned down a $17.4 million, one-year qualifying offer from the Royals in November. But he found the interest of many other teams dimmed because a deal would have required compensation such as a loss of draft picks and/or international signing bonus allotment.

Moustakas would make $200,000 each for 225, 250, 275, 300, 325 and 350 plate appearances, and $250,000 apiece for 375, 400, 425 and 450. If he earns those bonuses and the option is declined, the total value of the deal would match the $8.7 million he earned in 2017.

His agreement was first reported by Yahoo.

The 29-year-old could not be given a qualifying offer again after this season. One of the changes in the collective-bargaining agreement reached in November 2016 is a provision preventing a player from being given more than one qualifying offer in his career.

Among the players who in 2015 led the Royals to their first World Series title in 30 years, Moustakas will find a changed clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium. First baseman Eric Hosmer left as a free agent for a $144 million, seven-year contract with San Diego, and center fielder Lorenzo Cain departed for an $80 million, five-year deal with Milwaukee.

But a languid market that left dozens of free agents unsigned when spring training began last month allowed the Royals to reach an agreement with Moustakas and keep shortstop Alcides Escobar for a $2.5 million, one-year contract. Kansas City added first baseman Lucas Duda for $3.5 million and outfielder Jon Jay for $3 million. Jay will compete for playing time with Jorge Bonifacio, Paulo Orlando and Jorge Soler in the outfield.

Cheslor Cuthbert had been expected to get the majority of playing time at third base, and Ramon Torres has also played the position. But in Moustakas, the Royals were able to keep a left-handed power bat in the lineup, not to mention a veteran who helped to establish the current clubhouse culture.

Moustakas was an All-Star for the second time last season, when he hit .272 and set a Royals season record with 38 homers. He also drove in 85 runs in what was by far the most productive season of his career.

Ultimately, his track record - he's a career .251 hitter and had never hit more than 22 homers before - and some injuries that have sidelined him over the years may have kept clubs reticent from making big-money long-term offers.

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At 34, Braves' Kazmir compensating for diminished fastball
March 8, 2018

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Scott Kazmir hopes that if his second major league comeback is slowed by an injury, it would be an arm ailment.

''It's not good to go through pains in other parts of your body,'' Kazmir said Thursday after his third spring training start for the Atlanta Braves. ''You tend to compensate and you get into bad habits.''

The 34-year-old Atlanta left-hander reached 89 mph Thursday, when he allowed two runs and four hits in three innings of a 6-4 loss to Houston.

''It's crazy to even say it, but from experience it seems like you'd almost want it to be your arm that goes down,'' Kazmir said. ''You're probably going to shut it down when there's something wrong with your arm, as opposed to some little thing you've got going on somewhere else. You figure `I'll compensate, I'll figure something out.' But it doesn't always work out that way.''

Kazmir is in the final season of a $48 million, three-year contract he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His left hip started to bother him in September 2016, and his only games last year were four appearances at Class A during an injury rehabilitation assignment. The Braves acquired him in a December trade that sent Matt Kemp to the Dodgers.

Kazmir hopes to earn a spot in a young rotation projected to include Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Brandon McCarthy, Sean Newcomb and Luiz Gohara - who has yet to pitch because of a groin injury.

At this stage of his career, Kazmir does not have the velocity that helped him lead the AL in strikeouts in 2007 and earn the start for Tampa Bay in the 2008 World Series opener.

''There have been glimpses of it that were a little more than I actually expected,'' Braves manager Brian Snitker said. ''He's gone through everything that was drawn up for him to do up to this point, so that's a good thing.''

As recently as 2016, Kazmir's fastball averaged 92 mph.

''It just doesn't come overnight apparently,'' he said. ''It definitely feels like there's a lot more in the tank. It's not like I'm trying to force something through a certain pain or restriction. Historically in spring training I really don't throw hard at all, especially the first couple out there.''

He thought his cutter was flat Thursday, and he allowed a home run to Derek Fisher.

''You definitely have to find a way to compensate and get the job done,'' Kazmir said. ''I know the velo is going to be there once I'm synched up.''

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Nunez likely to start Red Sox opener at 2B as Pedroia heals
March 8, 2018

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Eduardo Nunez is likely to be the opening-day second baseman for the Boston Red Sox while Dustin Pedroia recovers from offseason knee surgery.

''He's a guy that he can play a lot of positions, but we know the situation we're in and we know where Dustin is,'' manager Alex Cora said Thursday. ''It looks that way.''

Nunez would be the first player other than Pedroia to start a Boston opener at second since Mark Loretta in 2006. Pedroia made his major league debut Aug. 22 that year.

Pedroia had left knee surgery on Oct. 25 in which Dr. Riley Williams III restored cartilage, and the Red Sox said then he was expected to miss more than the first month of the season.

The 30-year-old Nunez was an All-Star with San Francisco in 2016 and was acquired by the Red Sox last July 26 for a pair of minor leaguers. He hit .321 with eight homers, 23 runs and 27 RBIs in 38 games for Boston but was slowed when he bruised his right knee on Sept. 9.

His only regular season appearance after that was on Sept. 25, when he aggravated the injury and was removed in the third inning. He started the Division Series opener against Houston but re-injured the knee while running out a ground ball. He also was on the disabled list from June 20-July 13 with a right hamstring strain.

A veteran of eight major league seasons that also included time with the New York Yankees and Minnesota, Nunez became a free agent after the World Series and stayed with the Red Sox for a deal that pays him $4 million this year and includes a $4 million player option in 2019.

Nunez made his exhibition season debut Thursday, going 0 for 2 against Tampa Bay and playing four innings of defense. He is expected to play second base Saturday against the Twins and be the designated hitter Sunday against Baltimore.

''He's a full go now,'' Cora said.

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Right shoulder tendinitis could limit Cardinals' Carpenter
March 8, 2018

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Right shoulder tendinitis could limit the versatility this year of the St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter.

He has not played in any exhibition games because of back tightness.

''The shoulder is always something we're concerned about,'' manager Mike Matheny said Thursday. ''That probably hasn't been talked about much during all of this.''

Carpenter mainly played first base last season but had started prior seasons as the primary third or second baseman. During the offseason the Cardinals discussed the possibility of moving Carpenter around the diamond defensively.

Carpenter's primary position in 2018 always figured to be first base, but he could also spell Jedd Gyorko at third base and Kolton Wong at second.

''Trying to get his back right, he's also been trying to get his shoulder into a really good place,'' Matheny said. ''We'll see how that looks once he gets out here.''

Carpenter began hitting off a tee Wednesday and fielded ground balls Thursday.

''We'll get a better read on his shoulder,'' Matheny said. ''There might be something that would push him more toward first base than third.''

A three-time All-Star, Carpenter has a .277 career average with 97 home runs. He hit a career-low .241 last season after a back injury caused him to skip the World Baseball Classic but had 23 homers and 96 RBIs. He played 120 games at first base, 16 at third and 13 at second.

Using Carpenter to spell Gyorko or Wong would afford St. Louis the opportunity to give r first baseman Jose Martinez extra at-bats. Martinez hit .309 with 14 homers and 46 RBI in 307 plate appearances last season.

A candidate to make the opening day roster should Carpenter's back issues force a DL stint, Luke Voit played first against Miami and was hitless in three at-bats.

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Right shoulder tendinitis could limit Cardinals' Carpenter
March 8, 2018

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Right shoulder tendinitis could limit the versatility this year of the St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter.

He has not played in any exhibition games because of back tightness.

''The shoulder is always something we're concerned about,'' manager Mike Matheny said Thursday. ''That probably hasn't been talked about much during all of this.''

Carpenter mainly played first base last season but had started prior seasons as the primary third or second baseman. During the offseason the Cardinals discussed the possibility of moving Carpenter around the diamond defensively.

Carpenter's primary position in 2018 always figured to be first base, but he could also spell Jedd Gyorko at third base and Kolton Wong at second.

''Trying to get his back right, he's also been trying to get his shoulder into a really good place,'' Matheny said. ''We'll see how that looks once he gets out here.''

Carpenter began hitting off a tee Wednesday and fielded ground balls Thursday.

''We'll get a better read on his shoulder,'' Matheny said. ''There might be something that would push him more toward first base than third.''

A three-time All-Star, Carpenter has a .277 career average with 97 home runs. He hit a career-low .241 last season after a back injury caused him to skip the World Baseball Classic but had 23 homers and 96 RBIs. He played 120 games at first base, 16 at third and 13 at second.

Using Carpenter to spell Gyorko or Wong would afford St. Louis the opportunity to give r first baseman Jose Martinez extra at-bats. Martinez hit .309 with 14 homers and 46 RBI in 307 plate appearances last season.

A candidate to make the opening day roster should Carpenter's back issues force a DL stint, Luke Voit played first against Miami and was hitless in three at-bats.

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Correa, Bregman have contracts renewed by Astros
March 8, 2018

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) The Houston Astros have renewed the contract of shortstop Carlos Correa for the second straight year and also renewed third baseman Alex Bregman.

Correa was given a $1 million salary while in the major leagues by the World Series champions. In the unlikely event he is sent to the minors, his salary would drop to $267,500.

Correa earned the $535,000 major league minimum last year, when he was a first-time All-Star and hit .315 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs in 109 games. His salary in the minors would have been $258,350.

Bregman was renewed at $599,000 in the major leagues and $269,700 in the minors, up from $539,400/$97,063 last year. He hit .284 with 19 homers and 71 RBIs.

Houston has not yet announced the renewals.

Correa will be eligible for salary arbitration after next season and Bregman after the 2019 season.

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March MLB Record: ( Opinions Only )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +14.90
03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +14.90
03/06/2018 7-4-1 63.64% +14.25
03/05/2018 4-8-1 33.33% -21.80
03/04/2018 7-10-0 41.18% -20.90
03/03/2018 7-8-0 46.67% -7.85
03/02/2018 13-5-0 72.22% +40.50
03/01/2018 9-8-2 52.94% -1.45


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Friday’s 6-pack

— Pitt fired basketball coach Kevin Stallings after only two seasons.

— Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is worth $112B; he is the richest guy in the world.

— Houston Rockets are 51-13, only 15-10 if either Harden or Paul sit out

— Aaron Judge hit .228 after the All-Star break LY; no more HR Derbies for him.

— Tampa Bay Rays will use a 4-man rotation early this season; when a 5th starter is needed, they’ll just have a bullpen game.

— Dodgers starting pitchers threw 100+ pitches only 24 times last year. Surprising.

Quote of the Day
“Kids kept on talking to our guys. You know, we pushed our guys away, man. It’s not right. You know, I’m really proud of our group because everybody’s been telling us, including some guys on FS1 last night, that with our attention to detail and not being ready to play, I thought our guys were ready.”
Xavier coach Chris Mack, about a brief ruckus after Xavier-St John’s game Thursday

Friday’s quiz
Last time the Mountain West basketball tournament wasn’t held in Las Vegas, where was it held?

Thursday’s quiz
Jimmy Carter is the US President who was once the governor of Georgia.

Wednesday’s quiz
Phillies have their spring training in Clearwater, FL.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

PIT at PHI 01:05 PM
PHI -147
U 9.5

NYM at DET 01:05 PM
DET -132

MIN at TB 01:05 PM
MIN -105

BOS at MIA 01:05 PM
BOS -147

BAL at TOR 01:07 PM
BAL +140

LAA at CHC 03:05 PM
LAA +120
O 10.5

OAK at MIL 03:05 PM
OAK +110
O 11.5

SEA at SF 03:05 PM
SF -132

CLE at COL 03:10 PM
CLE +105

CHW at SD 03:10 PM
CHW +100
O 11.5

NYY at ATL 06:05 PM
ATL +110

STL at HOU 06:05 PM
HOU -175

TEX at CIN 08:05 PM
TEX +105

[StarDust Bum]

Angels' Ohtani struggles in exhibition start
March 9, 2018

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Los Angeles Angels rookie Shohei Ohtani allowed six runs while pitching three innings in an exhibition game against the Mexican League's Tijuana Toros on Friday.

The 23-year-old Ohtani struck out six and walked one.

Ohtani spent five seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters before signing with the Angels as an international free agent on Dec. 10. He is trying to become the first player in nearly 100 years to play regularly as a pitcher and hitter, but he has had mixed results so far this spring.

AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUES

DODGERS 6, ROYALS (SS) 4

Los Angeles closer Kenley Jansen was held out of what was supposed to be his first big league spring training game this year due to an injured upper right hamstring.

''When he was getting ready today, his pregame stuff and kind of getting his legs loose, it tightened up on him,'' Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. ''We had the trainers look at him and it just made sense to just not throw him out there.''

Roberts said he expects Jansen will pitch in a minor league game on Monday, then hopefully work in his first big league spring game next Thursday against the Royals.

Kansas City's Whit Merrifield had two hits, including his second home run, and is batting .520. Kenta Maeda allowed one run and three hits in three innings for Los Angeles.

MARLINS 5, RED SOX 4

Boston ace Chris Sale struck out five in his spring training debut, allowing one run and two hits in four innings. Christian Vazquez had two hits and Sam Travis hit his third homer for Boston, a two-run drive.

Miami's Dan Straily gave up two runs and six hits in four innings.

BRAVES 3, YANKEES 1

Julio Teheran pitched four crisp innings for Atlanta. Teheran allowed two hits, struck out two and walked none.

Gary Sanchez homered for New York, and Sonny Gray pitched 3 2/3 innings of one-hit ball.

ASTROS 4, CARDINALS 2

Houston right-hander Justin Verlander struck out eight in five innings. He allowed one run on Paul DeJong's second-inning homer.

Miles Mikolas pitched four scoreless innings for St. Louis.

REDS 6, RANGERS 3

Eugenio Suarez homered twice and drove in three runs for the Reds. Tucker Barnhart also connected, and Anthony DeSclafani pitched three scoreless innings.

Texas right-hander Matt Bush allowed two runs and two hits in two innings. Luis Marte hit a two-run homer for the Rangers.

METS 4, TIGERS 4

New York's Steven Matz pitched four shutout innings after giving up 10 runs over 1 2/3 innings during his first two appearances. Kevin Plawecki and Wilmer Flores hit their first spring-training homers for the Mets.

Detroit ace Michael Fulmer, allowed by right elbow swelling, made his first start in 12 days and allowing one run and three hits in three innings.

PIRATES 5, PHILLIES 4

Jerad Eickhoff struggled in his third start for Philadelphia, giving up four runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings. Rhys Hoskins had two hits and two RBIs for the Phillies, and Odubel Herrera had two hits following a 1-for-17 start.

Adam Frazier had two hits for Pittsburgh, including a double, and Josh Bell added an RBI double.

TWINS 4, RAYS 3

Miguel Sano hit his first two home runs for the Twins, both solo shots, and Byron Buxton had two hits, scored a run and stole two bases. Jose Berrios gave up one run and three hits over four innings in his third start.

C.J. Cron drove in a run with his third double for Tampa Bay, while Denard Span singled in a run and stole a base.

BLUE JAYS 8, ORIOLES 5

Toronto's Marco Estrada allowed one run and four hits over four innings following a pair of scoreless outings. Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna pitched a scoreless seventh. Kendrys Morales had two hits, including his first home run, and two RBIs.

Caleb Joseph, in a battle for Baltimore's starting job at catcher, singled in a run and is batting .438.

GIANTS 10, MARINERS 7

Dee Gordon, Nelson Cruz and Dan Vogelbach connected for third-inning homers against San Francisco's Jeff Samardzija, and Gordon also homered against Sam Dyson leading off the fifth. Cruz, who had been 0 for 14, also singled and walked twice.

Samardzija allowed five runs and six hits in four innings. Buster Posey had three hits, including two doubles. Brandon Belt hit a two-run homer off Seattle's James Paxton, who allowed four runs and five hits in three innings. Pablo Sandoval had three hits and two RBIs.

INDIANS 8, ROCKIES 5

Cleveland ace Corey Kluber struck out seven in 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run and two hits. Colorado's Jon Gray gave six runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Indians prospect Francisco Mejia hit a three-run homer and Yan Gomes added a two-run drive off Gray. Jason Kipnis, who has six homers, singled and doubled.

CUBS 6, ANGELS 1

Cubs ace Jon Lester allowed three hits in five scoreless innings during his third start. Anthony Rizzo singled and scored on Kyle Schwarber's second home run of spring training. Chicago closer Brandon Morrow made his second appearance and gave up a sacrifice fly in a hitless sixth.

The Angels' Matt Shoemaker was knocked around for six runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.

DIAMONDBACKS 7, ROYALS (SS) 2

Arizona's Robbie Ray struck out six of 10 batters he retired, allowing one run, two hits and two walks. Nick Ahmed had two hits and is batting .353.

Paulo Orlando homered for the Royals. Ian Kennedy gave up three hits in three shutout innings.

PADRES 2, WHITE SOX 0

San Diego ace Clayton Richard allowed two hits in four innings and Corey Spangenberg had three hits. Chicago's Carson Fulmer gave up two runs and four hits in three innings.

ATHLETICS 2, BREWERS 0

Oakland prospect A.J. Puk gave up three hits in three innings and extended his scoreless streak to eight innings in three appearances. Khris Davis hit his third homer, a two-run drive off Yovani Gallardo, who allowed two runs and three hits in three innings.

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Zimmer makes Royals' spring debut against Dodgers
March 9, 2018

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Kyle Zimmer is healthy again, and that's enough for the Kansas City Royals right now.

Zimmer made his spring training debut Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and got two outs in the fifth inning. He was charged with a run and one hit with two walks in Kansas City's 6-4 loss.

''I felt pretty good,'' Zimmer said. ''I got a little bit tired. It was great out there to see a batter in the box and be able to compete again. I'm not too worried about results right now, but just getting back in the game was great.

''I wouldn't say nervous, more just see how it goes. It's a spring training game. I've been out there before in the past. Just get the first one out of the way. It was fun to get back out there for sure.''

Zimmer was selected by Kansas City with the fifth pick in the 2012 draft. The right-hander had a big fastball and a knee-buckling curve in his front-of-the-rotation stuff.

Then there was a rash of health issues. He had an elbow procedure, shoulder surgery, a latissimus dorsi strain and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

The outing against Los Angeles was his first time in a game since Aug. 15 with Triple-A Omaha. He threw 36 2/3 innings in 21 appearances last year in the minors. That was up from 2016, when he pitched just 5 2/3 innings.

The 26-year-old Zimmer acknowledged he was ''a little bit'' curious how he would fare.

''In the live BPs, I was throwing with really good intensity, treating it like a game,'' he said. ''It felt good to get through those. Those were great tests going into a game, but a game with fans in the stands was going to be a little bit different.

''I'm happy with where we're at. I've got some things to work on and clean up and we're going to move forward.''

Zimmer's fastball was clocked in the low 90s against his first couple of hitters, but dropped to the upper 80s.

''I wasn't really trying to put much on it, just sort of cruising, fill the zone and go after them,'' he said. ''I'm sure the velocity will continue to go up as I build up arm strength and getting adjusted.''

Zimmer's future could be in the bullpen instead of starting.

''I don't know yet,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said. ''He's never been healthy enough to determine what he is. He feels really, really good now. After the thoraric thing and removing some sutures that were grabbing at him, now he's feeling great and he looks great, very healthy, a picture of health.''

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B]Red Sox LHP Sale pitches 4 innings in spring debut
March 9, 2018[/B]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) The Boston Red Sox want Chris Sale to go slowly this spring. The ace left-hander is getting used to the plan.

Sale pitched four innings of one-run ball in his first spring training game Friday against Miami. He allowed two hits, struck out five and walked none in Boston's 5-4 loss.

The Red Sox are monitoring Sale's workload this spring, so he began his preparations for the season in minor league games on the backfields of the team's training complex. He got into the upper 90s in the first inning against the Marlins, and manager Alex Cora and pitching coach Dana LeVangie suggested it might be a good idea to dial it down.

''Had to change it up after that,'' Sale said. ''I'm still working on that build up. You get out there the first time in front of a crowd and you want to go out there and compete. But you have to understand the end goal. We kind of came to that together. It's not easy to dial it back and trust the process.

''I have 100 percent trust in our coaching staff, medical staff, strength staff. These guys know what they're doing. I trust them. They have information and hard facts to back up what it is. We're all pulling from the same rope.''

But it's a slightly different approach.

''Game management, tempo, rhythm and keeping my head on my shoulders,'' Sale said while addressing what he is working on. ''When things go south, I tend to rear back and try to throw harder. We're trying to eliminate waste pitches and maybe things between starts.''

Sale threw 58 pitches. He allowed his only run on Justin Bour's sacrifice fly in his final inning.

For the most part, Cora liked what he saw in Sale's first Grapefruit League start.

''I saw a few things that I talked to him about and a few adjustments I think he should make, but at the end of the day his stuff is unreal,'' Cora said. ''Wow, this is 96 mph and the slider. He gets the ball and he doesn't let you breath. He's on that elite level. The fact he's accepted what we wanted to do is great because he understands it's 162 games and that we might have to pitch him until November.''

Cora has not named an opening-day starter, but Sale is on schedule to start March 29 against Tampa Bay. And after his performance in his first season in Boston, Sale is the logical choice.

Sale, who was acquired in a December 2016 trade with the White Sox, went 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA in 32 starts last year, leading the majors with 214 1/3 innings and 308 strikeouts. He started for the American League in the All-Star Game and finished second in the AL Cy Young Award race.

But Sale, who turns 29 on March 30, struggled late in the season. In 11 August and September starts, he went 7-4 with a 4.09 ERA, averaging six innings. The Red Sox want to make sure he is strong for the stretch run and possibly another postseason.

[StarDust Bum]

Boone already making strong impression
March 9, 2018

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner is impressed with Aaron Boone without seeing him manage a regular-season game.

Boone was hired to replace the fired Joe Girardi on Dec. 4. He went to the broadcast booth after his career ended in 2009 and has no major league managing or coaching experience.

Steinbrenner likes what he has seen from Boone during spring training.

''Calm, cool, collect, got a good sense of humor,'' Steinbrenner said. ''Has a really good rapport in a group setting or individual setting with the players.''

Boone is part of the first family to produce three generations of major league players. His father, Bob, had a 19-year career and his grandfather, Ray, spent 13 years playing. His older brother, Bret, was on the field for 14 years.

Bob Boone also managed Kansas City (1995-97) and Cincinnati (2001-03).

''He's a knowledgeable guy,'' Steinbrenner said. ''He's had a lot of help along the way from grandfathers, fathers and his own experience. I think he's going to be great.''

Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia had no doubt that Boone had what it takes to manage when they were teammates with Cleveland in 2005-06.

Boone, who celebrated his 45th birthday on Friday, dissected the game like a manager while sitting on the bench.

''He was serious with it,'' Sabathia said. ''He was really good at it. I'm just happy people are going to get to know his personality like I do. I think we just hit it off right away.''

Sabathia's leadership will play a key role in the clubhouse as the Yankees look to reach the World Series one year after losing Game 7 of the ALCS to Houston.

''Just now being here with him and as the elder statesman, as the veteran that he is, his impact in our room is enormous,'' Boone said. ''I think he touches a lot of guys in there with his professionalism and his willingness to be a mentor. I think it's important you have guys in a clubhouse where messages don't always have to come from me or my coaching staff.''

It's a role Sabathia accepts.

''I think that's what I'm here to do,'' Sabathia said. ''Obviously perform and try to pitch well, but to also try to be that presence and be here for guys. I can't say I was the leader when Derek (Jeter) and Andy (Pettitte) and those guys were here, but I felt like I was one. But it naturally happened when those guys starting retiring.''

[StarDust Bum]

Saltalamacchia, Tigers agree to deal
March 9, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia agreed to a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers and will report to big league spring training.

Detroit's move Friday adds depth behind James McCann and John Hicks. If added to the 40-man roster Saltalamacchia would receive a one-year contract with salaries of $650,000 while in the major leagues and $150,000 while in the minors.

Saltalamacchia has hit .233 with 110 homers and 381 RBIs over an 11-year big league career. He played in 10 games last season for Toronto and had one hit in 25 at-bats.

The 32-year-old played in 93 games with the Tigers in 2016, hitting .171 with 38 RBIs. He began his career in 2007 with Atlanta and has also played for Boston, Miami and Arizona.

**************

Clark faults Marlins for breaking up team
March 9, 2018

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Baseball players' union head Tony Clark claims the Marlins' rebuilding decision is different from the ones that led to World Series titles for the Chicago Cubs and Houston because Miami broke up a competitive club.

''Those teams didn't tear themselves down,'' Clark said Friday. ''Those teams went through rough stretches. And then they added, too. When you start with a team that has a number of talented players and you tear that down, it's a different conversation than starting from scratch and building up.''

The union filed a grievance two weeks ago against Miami, Pittsburgh, Oakland and Tampa Bay, accusing them of not properly using money received in revenue sharing to improve their team's ability to win.

After the Marlins were sold in October to Bruce Sherman's ownership group, the management team headed by former New York Yankees star Derek Jeter traded NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon for prospects.

Clark said those decisions impacted the free agent market and ''can be a detriment to the industry as a whole.''

Miami went 77-85 last season with payroll of about $117 million for its 40-man roster. The Marlins last had a winning season in 2009 and have not reached the playoffs since winning the 2003 World Series.

Miami's home attendance of 1.65 million last season was 28th among the 30 teams, ahead of only Oakland and Tampa Bay.

Clark played 15 major league seasons, including a 2004 stint with the New York Yankees when he was a teammate of Jeter, who says the low-drawing Marlins have been losing money at an unsustainable level.

''Do I respect the fact that Derek wore a uniform and accomplished what he accomplished on the field? Without question,'' Clark said. ''My concern are those players in those locker rooms and the 1,160 that are in the other 29.''

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March MLB Record: ( Opinions Only )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/09/2018 7-9-1 43.75% -14.95
03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +14.90
03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +14.90
03/06/2018 7-4-1 63.64% +14.25
03/05/2018 4-8-1 33.33% -21.80
03/04/2018 7-10-0 41.18% -20.90
03/03/2018 7-8-0 46.67% -7.85
03/02/2018 13-5-0 72.22% +40.50
03/01/2018 9-8-2 52.94% -1.45

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, MARCH 10
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at MIN 01:05 PM
MIN +105

TB at PHI 01:05 PM
TB +100

WAS at HOU 01:05 PM
HOU -147

NYM at NYY 01:05 PM
NYM +150
U 9.5

MIA at STL 01:05 PM
STL -152

DET at TOR 01:07 PM
DET +130
O 10.5

COL at MIL 03:05 PM
COL +110
O 11.0

OAK at TEX 03:05 PM
TEX -125

CLE at SD 03:10 PM
CLE -132
U 11.5

KC at ARI 03:10 PM
KC +120
U 11.0

SEA at CIN 08:06 PM
SEA +110
O 10.5

[StarDust Bum]

March MLB Record: ( Opinions Only )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/10/2018 4-10-3 28.57% -34.60
03/09/2018 7-9-1 43.75% -14.95
03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +14.90
03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +14.90
03/06/2018 7-4-1 63.64% +14.25
03/05/2018 4-8-1 33.33% -21.80
03/04/2018 7-10-0 41.18% -20.90
03/03/2018 7-8-0 46.67% -7.85
03/02/2018 13-5-0 72.22% +40.50
03/01/2018 9-8-2 52.94% -1.45


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Moustakas rejoins Royals, Bonifacio draws drug suspension
March 10, 2018

On the day the Kansas City Royals welcomed back Mike Moustakas, they found out Jorge Bonifacio will miss half the season.

Bonifacio was suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball on Saturday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The outfielder was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The ban will begin on opening day.

''It really kind of made me sick to my stomach,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said.

The 24-year-old Bonifacio made his major league debut last season, hitting .255 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 113 games.

Bonifacio's suspension cleared a roster spot for Moustakas, who re-signed with the Royals this week after becoming a free agent last fall.

Moustakas set a Royals record with 38 home runs last season, then rejected a $17.4 million offer from the team. But the third baseman never received the multiyear, mega-million dollar contract he and his agent Scott Boras anticipated.

The Royals signed Moustakas to a one-year $6.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2019. He can make another $2.2 million in incentives this year based on plate appearances.

''It feels like I never left,'' he said. ''It feels great to be back home. I'm excited to be back with the organization I grew up with. I got to see some familiar faces.''

''It's always great to come into a clubhouse and everybody give you a hug. To have an opportunity to come back to Kansas City and play baseball again, it was a no-doubter, a no-brainer for me,'' he said.

ASTROS 2, NATIONALS 2, 9 INNINGS

Houston starter Dallas Keuchel allowed one hit in 3 2/3 innings, striking out five. Jose Altuve went 0 for 3 but stole his first base. Washington managed only two hits - singles by Bryce Harper and Ryan Raburn - until the ninth.

Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy moved along in his recovery from offseason knee surgery, taking batting practice on the field for the first time this spring.

YANKEES 10, METS 3

Giancarlo Stanton hit his first home run of the spring - a two-run drive off Mets starter Matt Harvey - and Aaron Judge doubled, singled and scored twice. Harvey gave up five runs on six hits and a walk, pitching 4 2/3 innings. Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman struck out two in a scoreless inning and setup man Dellin Betances allowed one run on two hits in an inning.

Jose Reyes had two hits and stole two bases for the Mets, while Tim Tebow struck out twice in a 0-for-3 day and saw his average drop to .071.

BRAVES 15, PIRATES (SS) 1

Atlanta top prospect Ronald Acuna Jr. had two hits to raise his average to .433, walked and scored a run while Dansby Swanson homered for the second time. Starter Mike Foltynewicz pitched four shutout innings.

Jordy Mercer hit his first home run for Pittsburgh's split squad. Starter Trevor Williams gave up three runs in four innings. Felipe Rivero pitched the fifth and allowed two runs on two hits and a walk.

MARLINS 7, CARDINALS 3

Starlin Castro hit his first home run for Miami. Michael Wacha started for St. Louis, pitching four innings and allowing four runs on six hits and a walk. Projected starter Odrisamer Despaigne pitched the final three innings for the Marlins, allowing one run on two hits and a walk.

RAYS 5, PHILLIES 3

Philadelphia starter Vince Velasquez threw four scoreless innings and Odubel Herrera got two hits for the second straight day. Nathan Eovaldi started for Tampa Bay, pitching three innings and allowing one run on four hits. David Olmedo-Barrera homered twice for the Rays.

ORIOLES 13, PIRATES (SS) 5

Manny Machado and Trey Mancini both homered for the third time and Jonathan Schoop added his second for Baltimore. Colby Rasmus had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice.

Chad Kuhl was knocked around in a start for Pittsburgh's split squad, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing eight runs on seven hits and three walks. Starling Marte had two hits, including an RBI triple, to raise his average to .526.

BLUE JAYS 6, TIGERS 3

Curtis Granderson hit his fourth home run and tripled for the second time this spring for Toronto. Teoscar Hernandez capped a five-run first inning with a grand slam off Detroit starter Mike Fiers. Jaime Garcia started for the Blue Jays, pitching three scoreless innings and striking out two. Miguel Cabrera doubled and walked for Detroit.

RED SOX-TWINS, PPD.

Brian Dozier singled and scored, then hit a two-run homer during Minnesota's nine-run first inning against Boston in a game that started late before being rained out.

GIANTS (SS) 9, ANGELS (SS) 8

Mike Trout homered, doubled and singled for Los Angeles, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Albert Pujols and Kole Calhoun both added two-run singles the Angels' split-squad team.

Pablo Sandoval drove in two runs for a second straight day for San Francisco's split squad.

GIANTS (SS) 11, ANGELS (SS) 7

Brandon Belt hit a solo home run and an RBI double and Jarrett Parker and Nick Hundley also homered for San Francisco. Luis Valbuena had two hits, including a three-run homer, and Eric Young Jr. added two hits and a stolen base for Los Angeles' split squad.

WHITE SOX 4, CUBS (SS) 4, 9 INNINGS

Lucas Giolito struck out eight in four innings for the White Sox, allowing one run and two hits. Top prospect Eloy Jimenez hit a two-run homer.

Kyle Schwarber doubled and scored for the Cubs' split squad. Kyle Hendricks started, pitching four innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven.

INDIANS 8, PADRES 8, 9 INNINGS

Jose Ramirez got his first home run for Cleveland, finishing with two hits and two RBIs. Yandy Diaz added a grand slam in the seventh inning. Francisco Lindor had two hits and swiped his first base for the Indians.

Jose Pirela had three hits for San Diego, including his first spring homer, and is batting .458. Travis Jankowski hit a three-run homer.

BREWERS 9, ROCKIES 2

Lorenzo Cain had two hits for Milwaukee, raising his average to .458, and scored a run on Ryan Braun's first-inning double. Eric Thames and Jonathan Villar drove in runs and Domingo Santana hit his first home run for the Brewers. Tyler Anderson started for Colorado, pitching three innings and allowing four runs - one earned - on five hits and a walk. David Dahl had a two-run triple.

RANGERS 8, ATHLETICS 2

Elvis Andrus had his first home run and finished with two hits and three RBIs for Texas. Joey Gallo had a two-run single for the Rangers and starter Mike Minor allowed just one hit, pitching four shutout innings. Paul Blackburn started for Oakland, pitching three innings and allowing two runs on two hits and two walks. Jake Smolinski hit his third home run for the Athletics.

DIAMONDBACKS 10, ROYALS 3

David Peralta and Ketel Marte both had three hits for Arizona. Taijuan Walker started for the Diamondbacks, pitching two innings and allowing two runs on three hits and two walks. Jason Hammel also lasted just two innings in his second start for Kansas City, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. Paulo Orlando drove in a run with his fifth double of the spring for the Royals.

[StarDust Bum]

B]Braun slowly getting used to 1st base, concerned about move
March 10, 2018[/B]

PHOENIX (AP) Ryan Braun is willing to play first base if that helps the Milwaukee Brewers strengthen their lineup.

That doesn't mean he thinks it will be an easy transition after playing the outfield for the past decade - and Braun expressed some serious reservations about the move on Saturday.

The slugger started in left field for the first time this spring when the Brewers faced the Colorado Rockies. He made his first four Cactus League starts at first base.

''It's enjoyable,'' Braun said, ''taking ground balls for the first time in a long time. But it's also stressful. I've never done it at all. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.''

Braun is getting time at first base after the Brewers acquired outfielders Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain during the offseason. If the transition goes well, Braun would likely split time between left field and first.

Assignments on bunt plays and shifts are among the tasks that Braun is trying to master.

''I definitely don't feel comfortable at all,'' he said. ''I'm doing the best I can with it. Guys have to make sacrifices. I think ultimately if we want to get to where we want to get as a team, based on the roster we've put together, it obviously helps make us a better team if I'm able to play multiple positions.''

Braun came up as a third baseman with the Brewers and played there in 2007 before moving to the outfield in 2008. He has primarily played left field since then, except for a two-year stint in right that ended in 2015.

Braun, who has had back trouble during his career, said he has to bend down and squat more while playing the infield.

''So generally you're putting your back in more vulnerable positions, which for me is a challenge,'' he said. ''My back is the biggest thing health-wise I've focused on for a few years now. ... I think in the long run I have no doubt first base would be easier. But to this point it's definitely been a lot harder on my back than the outfield was, so we'll see.''

Braun went 1 for 3 with a double and scored a run in four innings before leaving the Brewers' 9-2 win. Left-hander Brent Suter, competing for a spot in the rotation, pitched four shutout innings and allowed two hits.

Suter was 3-2 with a 3.42 ERA in 22 appearances with Milwaukee last season, making 14 starts. He hopes the 15 pounds he gained in the offseason will keep him stronger throughout the year.

''There's no fatigue in my legs,'' he said. ''I'm able to stay on top of pitches later in the counts, later in the game. I'm more on top of the ball. So far it feels like it's paying off.''

[StarDust Bum]

Royals OF Bonifacio banned 80 games for positive drug test
March 10, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The commissioner's office made the announcement Saturday.

Bonifacio was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The ban will begin on opening day.

''It really kind of made me sick to my stomach,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said.

The 24-year-old Bonifacio made his major league debut last season, hitting .255 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 113 games.

''He is an incredible person who just made a mistake,'' general manager Dayton Moore said in a statement. ''Jorge will have our full support as he deals with the consequences of this violation.''

Kansas City was reshuffling its outfield this spring after Lorenzo Cain left as a free agent, and Bonifacio was competing for playing time in the field and at designated hitter.

The Royals recently signed free agent outfielder Jon Jay. Paulo Orlando and several others are also trying to earn time.

Bonifacio's suspension cleared a roster spot for third baseman Mike Moustakas, who re-signed with the Royals this week after becoming a free agent last fall.

Bonifacio is the fourth player suspended this year under the major league drug program. Houston pitcher Dean Deetz, Washington catcher Raudy Read and Pittsburgh pitcher Nik Turley previously were penalized.

[StarDust Bum]

D-backs face decisions at closer, middle infield
March 10, 2018

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) With two weeks left of spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks still are grappling with a pair of significant unresolved issues.

One, who is the closer? Two, how to sort out the crowd at middle infield?

There is still plenty of time to work things out, manager Torey Lovullo said.

''I feel like it's still a little bit too early,'' he said, ''but everybody is paying a lot of attention to some very key spots and you hit on a couple of them.''

The closer competition a three-way competition with Archie Bradley, Brad Boxberger and Yoshihisa Hirano.

Bradley, the bearded fan favorite, was one of the game's best setup men last season with a 1.73 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 73 innings pitched. Boxberger had an AL-leading 41 saves in 2015 but battled injuries the past two seasons. Hirano arrived from Japan a 33-year-old seasoned closer.

Bradley insists he doesn't want the job.

''Really not at all, and not in a bad way. I'm not scared of it,'' he said. ''I just want to win. I found so much fun and success in my role last year that it kind of taught me whatever the situation is, let's just role with it. I don't need the title `save' to feel accomplished. I just want to win ballgames.''

But, of course, Bradley will willingly accept the job.

''The role is kind of up in the air,'' he said. ''There's a lot that has to play out on both sides. Guys have to stay healthy, guys have to continue to throw the ball well and hopefully that last week we''ll be able to kind of slide stuff in place and really set up how we're going to pitch for the season.''

Bradley threw two shutout innings and got the win Friday against the Royals. The team has indicated a desire to have him throw more than one inning.

Lovullo likes the open competition.

''I think it's that type of competitive atmosphere that we're watching these guys operate in every single day and they've been successful,'' Lovullo said. ''They're all throwing the ball well. We're doing our jobs offensively and defensively. That creates some tough conversations for the staff to have.''

A vacancy opened at second base, and backup at third, when Arizona sent Brandon Drury to the New York Yankees in a three-tame trade that brought outfielder Steven Souza Jr. from Tampa.

Daniel Descalso played second frequently, especially late last season, and can play any other spot, too. Chris Owings, like Descalso, is being counted on as a do-everything utility infield player. So that could mean regular stints at second base for Ketel Marte to allow slick-fielding Nick Ahmed to play shortstop.

''You see `C.O' (Owings) and myself bounce around a little bit,'' Descalso said. ''Ketel's playing some second. Obviously, Nick is as good a shortstop as there is in the big leagues. So it's probably nice for the manager to be able to plug guys in different spots.''

Marte had a strong season filling in for the injured Ahmed and Owings at shortstop last season and said he has no problem moving to second. He was at shortstop on Saturday but said he'd started three other games at second.

Shortstop, Marte said, is ''the hardest position on the field. If you can play shortstop, you're going to be good anywhere.''

On Friday, Lovullo had Descalso in place of Jake Lamb at third, Ahmed at shortstop and Owings at second.

The crowd up the middle is a plus, not a minus, Lovullo said.

''I feel like we have a very, very deep team that is showing up every single day,'' the manager said. `We're going to have some tough decisions to make down the road. We know that.''

Another lingering question is what to do with Yasmany Tomas. The everyday outfield spots are filled by Souza, A.J. Pollock and David Peralta. Newcomer Jarrod Dyson provides speed and experience as the fourth outfielder. Tomas, the second-highest player on the team behind Zack Greinke, could wind up in the minors.

Tomas doubled and walked in Saturday's spring training game against Kansas City in Scottsdale and is batting .409 this spring.

The Diamondbacks open March 29 at home against Colorado.