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

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, MARCH 11
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MIN at TB 01:05 PM
MIN +100
O 8.5

STL at WAS 01:05 PM
STL +125
U 8.5

ATL at DET 01:05 PM
ATL +105

NYY at MIA 01:05 PM
MIA +150

PIT at TOR 01:07 PM
PIT +140

HOU at NYM 01:10 PM
NYM +110

ARI at CHW 04:05 PM
ARI -105

CHC at OAK 04:05 PM
OAK +100

LAD at COL 04:10 PM
COL +100
U 9.5

CIN at SEA 04:10 PM
CIN +110
U 9.5

TEX at LAA 04:10 PM
TEX +115

SD at SF 06:05 PM
SD +125
O 9.5

[StarDust Bum]

TOP ROOKIES TO WATCH IN THE 2018 MLB SEASON


The 2017 MLB season was memorable for a number of reasons. At or near the top of the list was the impact that Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger had. The two rookies took the baseball world by storm. With spring training now right around the corner, it’s only fair to wonder. Who might do that in the 2018 MLB season?


Looking at the pool, there are some strong candidates. The Chicago Cubs have dominated baseball in the Windy City over the last three season. But their crosstown rivals have two rookies that we expect will make a huge impact in the 2018 season.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have already great teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees. Those teams all have a rookie that we think should be watched closely. Heck, one of them has two such rookies. Of course, no talk of rookies in the 2018 season would be complete without the guy who could be the most unique player MLB has seen in decades.

The pool of first-year players is vast. From that vast pool, these are the rookies that need to be watched during the 2018 MLB season.

Shohei Ohtani, pitcher/outfielder, Los Angeles Angels

In recent years, we’ve seen Japanese pitchers like Yu Darvish, Masahiro Tanaka and Kenta Maeda come to MLB and make a fairly large impact early on. Ohtani posted a 2.52 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and struck out 10.3 hitters per nine innings during his Japanese career. That alone is enough to make us excited to see what he can bring the Halos in 2018.

Of course, we’re also excited to see what he can do at the plate. In Japan, Ohtani hit .286/.358/.500 with 48 home runs in 1,035 at-bats. By comparison, Madison Bumgarner — one of the best hitting pitchers we’ve seen in a while — has a career .185/.232/.322 slash line with 17 home runs in 487 at-bats.

The Angels have a solid outfield Albert Pujols mans the DH position. As such, don’t expect Ohtani to get a full season’s worth of at-bats. But when he does step into the box, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do, much like it will be when he toes the rubber.

Lewis Brinson, centerfielder, Miami Marlins

Not only was Brinson the best player that Miami received when it traded Christian Yelich, but he’s likely the star acquisition of the Marlins’ entire controversial offseason.

We saw him in limited playing time for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017. But Brinson struggled to a .106/.236/.277 line with two homers at the Major League level. The thing is, though, that that came in only 47 at-bats. That works out to about two weeks worth of games, which isn’t much at the MLB level. In AAA, Brinson hit .331/.400/.562 with 13 home runs and 11 steals in 299 at-bats. That’s a much greater sample size. But it’s also small enough to wonder how much better it could have been over 500 a-bats.

Miami is going to be terrible. That’s a given. It would be quite surprising to see the Marlins even get to 70-92. For Miami’s fans, that’s unfortunate. But one of the positives is that it should net Brinson a full season of at-bats.

Gleyber Torres, third baseman, New York Yankees

While Torres has played shortstop throughout his Minor League career, we figure that he’ll play third in the Bronx. New York isn’t exactly looking to trade Didi Gregorius and the hot corner job is there to be had. Torres has been one of the best prospects in baseball in recent seasons. Now is the time to see what he can do in pinstripes.

With a lineup featuring players like Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez, Yankees games figure to feature a lot of home runs, walks, and strikeouts. Torres will be a bit of a break from that. In 1,349 MiLB at-bats, he hit .282/.360/.416 with 23 home runs and stole 60 bases. That stat line opens many doors for where Torres might fit in the lineup.

If he’s a table setter, the steals are going to be irrelevant. The Yankees simply aren’t going to risk running into outs on the bases with the power in the middle of the order coming up. But he will score a lot of runs batting that high. Additionally, the power numbers might increase as pitchers will challenge Torres, not wanting to walk him with the thunder coming up. If Torres bats at the bottom of the order, he’ll be a nice lengthening the lineup guy. Then, he may be inclined to run a little more as well. Either way, we like the potential that Torres has heading into 2018.

Ronald Acuna, outfielder, Atlanta Braves

Let’s take a look at what Acuna did in 2017, as a 19-year-old.

In Advanced-A ball, Acuna hit .287/.336/.478 with three homers and 14 steals. In AA, he hit .326/.374/.520 with nine home runs and 19 stolen bases. Finally, he hit .344/.393/.548 with nine homers and 11 steals in AAA. That translates to an impressive stat line of .325/.374/.522, 21 home run, and 44 steals. But better yet, Acuna didn’t simply avoid a drop at each level of the minors, he got better. That’s rare for anyone. For a 19-year-old, it’s essentially unheard of.

At 20, Acuna is young enough that he may not make the Opening Day roster. But realistically speaking, the Braves just don’t have the outfield to justify keeping this kid in the minors for long. We’re not necessarily going to say that Acuna will keep improving his overall stats when he gets to the majors. But he has enough of an overall game for us to think that he’ll make a big impact on the field.

Walker Buehler, pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

At the Minor League level, he has a career 3.17 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and has struck out 12.6 hitters per nine innings. He has a blazing fastball, backed up with a solid curve and slider. Many relief pitchers have only two good pitches. So, if Buehler is used out of the bullpen, he’ll already be ahead of the curve.

His changeup is also steadily improving. Should that continue, we’d be looking at a guy with one great pitch, two good ones, and another decent one (at worst). That would make him a slam dunk starter. As a right hander, he’d provide balance to a rotation that’s a little left-hand heavy.

The Dodgers have the luxury of being able to use him in either role. But whatever is decided, expect Buehler to be a prominent part of Los Angeles’ pitching plans in 2018.

Eloy Jimenez, outfielder, Chicago White Sox

Since the end of the 2016 season, the White Sox have been steadily rebuilding. We’re not exactly expecting Chicago to be competing for a playoff spot in 2018. But we are expecting to see more of those acquired prospects making an impact at the Major League level. With Yoan Moncada already up, the focus now shifts to Michael Kopech (more on him later) and Jimenez — the White Sox main haul in the Jose Quintana deal.

There’s not a lot left for Jimenez to do at the Minor League level. He hit .329/.369/.532 with 14 home runs in 2016. He backed that up in 2017 with a .312/.379/.568, and added to his power with 19 home runs.

Jimenez is 21, so there isn’t a huge hurry to bring him up. But much like Acuna in Atlanta, the White Sox outfield just doesn’t have the players to justify keeping him down. Financial reasons may force Chicago to wait on activating Jimenez. But at some point in the first half of the season, we expect to see him in the South Siders lineup. Once there, Jimenez is not going anywhere.

J.P. Crawford, shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies

In Crawford, we have something of a unique rookie. Even before spring training has begun, there’s absolutely no reason to think that he won’t start on Opening Day.

Crawford grades as a solid defender at a premium position. That, alone, makes him someone to watch very closely. But Crawford’s bat is also worth mentioning. He hit .243/.351/.405 with 15 home runs while in Triple-A in 2017. If he can bring those numbers to the majors, Crawford will definitely be an above-average hitting shortstop.

When we look at Crawford’s position and the potential of his overall game, he’s definitely a rookie worthy of our attention in 2017.

Alex Verdugo, outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers just missed winning the World Series in 2017, and it would surprise absolutely nobody if they won it all in 2018. One problem that Los Angeles had was that it was a bit too dependent on the home run ball. With that in mind, Verdugo can provide something of a different look in the lineup.

Verdugo has some pop. But his Minor League career has shown that he fits into the “good hitter who can occasionally take you deep” mold. Verdugo has a .305/.362/.438 career slash line in the minors and hit .314/.389/.436 in AAA in 2017. Also, while he’s never topped 13 home runs in a single Minor League season, Verdugo has struck out only 200 times in 1,612 MiLB at-bats. By contrast, Cody Bellinger struck out 146 times in only 480 at-bats for the Dodgers in 2016.

It’s important to have guys like Bellinger, who can change a game with one swing. But it’s also important to have guys like Verdugo. While maybe not as spectacular, they will be more solid. With that in mind, we expect to see a lot of Verdugo in the Los Angeles outfield in 2018.

Forrest Whitley, pitcher, Houston Astros

Whitley is similar to the aforementioned Buehler in that we’re not sure if he’ll be a starter or reliever. But either way, he should spend much of 2018 with he Astros. If that does happen, he’ll make Houston’s pitching better.

Whitley pitched in three separate levels on Minor League ball in 2017, posting a 2.83 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. If we’re being really picky, we could point out that the WHIP is a touch high for a 20-year-old vying for a roster spot on the reigning World Series champions. But we can’t say that without mentioning that it was 1.36 in Single-A, 1.18 in Advanced-A, and 0.82 in AA. He got better as the season progressed and as he climbed the ladder.

His control got much better as the season progressed. But if he’s struggling with his secondary pitches in spring training, he can start in the bullpen while refining those. As soon as those pitches are ready, though, he can join the starting rotation. That would put two of Lance McCullers Jr., Charlie Morton, Brad Peacock, and Collin McHugh in the bullpen. Either way, Whitley’s presence will go a long way in solidifying the bullpen, which was really the only weakness of 2017’s championship squad.

Ryan McMahon, first baseman, Colorado Rockies

In truth, McMahon can play first, second, or third base. But with DJ LeMahieu at second and Nolan Arenado at third, first base is where McMahon will likely see the most playing time.

Minor League pitchers are certainly hoping that McMahon gets the call. He hit .355/.403/.583 with 20 home runs between AA and AAA in 2017. Mind you, he did all of that without the benefit of Coors Field. Imagine how good this guy will be once he steps into that hitter’s paradise.

With McMahon essentially already Major League ready and Brendan Rodgers not that far behind him, the future is quite bright in Colorado.

Victor Robles, outfielder, Washington Nationals

Like Verdugo, Robles certainly has pop. But also like Verdugo with Los Angeles, Robles’ value to Washington will come more from the fact that his game is a little different than the rest of the guys on his team.

Robles hit .300/.382/.493 in the minors in 2017, hitting 10 home runs. He also stole 27 bases, although much like Torres with the Yankees, that will be largely kept in check if he’s hitting in front of Bryce Harper.

Robles certainly can compete for the NL Rookie of the Year. But in terms of potential numbers, we like some of the other players on this list a little more. But Robles plays for a team that’s won back-to-back National League East crowns. So, even if he’s not winning the Rookie of the Year, he’ll be a rookie playing in some meaningful games down the stretch.

Brent Honeywell, pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays

Honeywell posted a 3.49 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 172 strikeouts in 136.2 innings between AA and AAA a season ago. The numbers are certainly good, even if they’re not quite as eye-popping as some of the other pitchers that we’ve gone over.

Where Honeywell really gets our attention is with what he throws. He features five pitches, which is rare enough. Making matters even better is that one of those pitches is a screwball, something Major League hitters just don’t see a lot of. The pitchers that do throw screwballs usually don’t back them up with a fastball that can touch 95.

We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what kind of impact he’ll make at the Major League level.

Scott Kingery, second baseman, Philadelphia Phillies

We’ve already looked at Philadelphia’s shortstop of the future. Now, we look at the keystone.

Unlike Crawford, Kingery isn’t quite assured of a spot on the Opening Day roster. But he’s coming off a season in which he hit .304/.359/.530 with 26 home runs and 29 steals. Even better, he did that between AA and AAA, so he’s not just dominating the lower levels of the minors.

César Hernández is not a bad player by any means. We certainly can see him holding Kingery off through spring training and the early season. But Kingery has just shown too much promise to be kept down in the minors for a long time. If he stays healthy, he’ll be up with the Phillies before July 4. Once he’s up, don’t expect him to go anywhere.

Francisco Mejia, catcher, Cleveland Indians

Catching is still, by and large, a defensive position. There are exceptions now and throughout MLB history. But for the most part, the offense you get from the backstop is a bonus. Mejia is the kind of player who can provide that bonus and then some.

He hit .297/.346/.490 in the minors a season ago, adding 14 home runs and even seven steals. Additionally, while his overall fielding still needs some work, Mejia has a rocket arm behind the dish. So, we’re going to be really intrigued when the Indians face the league’s best base stealers.

Good, young catchers are always exciting. We’re especially excited to see what kind of an impact Mejia can make on one of baseball’s best teams.

A.J. Puk, pitcher, Oakland Athletics

If you’re in a fantasy dynasty league or a regular league with a deep bench, do yourself a favor and give Puk a close look.

Puk finished 2017 with a 4.03 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 184 strikeouts in 125 innings. The strikeout total is staggering. Even still, you can certainly look at those numbers and say that they can be a lot be a lot better. And you’d be right. But consider that he put up those numbers working primarily as a starter, with only a fastball and slider that can really be depended on. Imagine how good Puk can be when his curveball and changeup are developed.

Now, just for fun, let’s say that that won’t happen. That would leave Puk essentially as a pitcher with a strong fastball and slider, but little else. That sounds like a bad thing. But that’s essentially the exact kind of pitcher that Andrew Miller is. Like Miller, Puk is also six-foot-seven. We’re not saying that Puk will be that good. But even if starting doesn’t work out, he does have essentially all of the chops needed to be an elite reliever. All things considered, that’s not a bad fallback option.

Willie Calhoun, outfielder, Texas Rangers

If you’re thinking about placing a friendly wager for American League Rookie of the Year, you can do a lot worse than Calhoun.

Barring an absolutely disastrous spring, we’re expecting to see him in the Texas outfield on opening day. So, the playing time will be there. It’s hard to predict numbers but based on 2017, there’s a lot to be optimistic about. Calhoun hit 31 home runs in the minors a season ago, and backed it up with a .300/.355/.572 slash line. Even better is that he had only 61 strikeouts in 482 at-bats. So, this isn’t exactly a power hungry prospect with big holes in the swing. Calhoun is just a good hitter.

Remembering that, as well as the fact that Globe Life Park in Arlington is a great place to hit, and we’re pretty intrigued to see what Calhoun can do in 2018.

Nick Senzel, third baseman, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati’s defense could be something of a puzzle in 2018. Senzel should end up as Cincinnati’s third baseman. That said, we could justify him playing somewhere else on the diamond as other battles fall into place. But one way or another, Senzel has to be in the majors in 2018.

He hit .321/.391/.514 in 2017, adding 14 home runs and 14 steals. Quite frankly, the Reds are just not a good enough team to keep him in the minors beyond maybe the early portions of the 2018 season. It’s also worth mentioning that he grades out as a plus defender, although that could change if he moves away from the hot corner.

Senzel definitely belongs in the majors. And when we factor in how hitter-friendly The Great American Ballpark is, Senzel will be primed to put up some solid numbers once he gets to the show.

Michael Kopech, pitcher, Chicago White Sox

Remember everything that we already said about Puk. Kopech is, more or less, the right-handed equivalent of that. He has an even better fastball than Puk and backs it up with a solid slider. His change needs to be developed a little more and we certainly wouldn’t mind seeing a curve added to the repertoire. But as things presently stand, he’s got more than enough to at least make it as a Major League reliever.

Kopech posted a 2.88 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 2017, backing it up with 172 strikeouts in only 134.1 innings. He did walk 4.4 hitters per nine. While that’s a big total, he got significantly better in that regard as the season went along, dropping to a respectable 2.8 per nine in the second half.

We should absolutely expect to see Kopech with the White Sox in 2018. Really, we should expect to see that sooner rather than later.

[StarDust Bum]

Jake Arrieta gets a deal he likes, ace set to join Phillies
March 11, 2018

Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.

The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 + weeks before opening day.

The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.

Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.

The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could show considerable improvement.

AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUES

ASTROS 5, METS 2

Jacob deGrom made his spring debut for New York, pitching 2 2/3 innings and allowing two hits and a walk. DeGrom, who has been bothered by back stiffness since the start of camp, had his fastball reach 98 mph and struck out the side in the first. Yoenis Cespedes hit his third home run for the Mets.

Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. went 3 2/3 innings and gave up one run on four hits and a walk while striking out five.

MARLINS 7, YANKEES 5

Aaron Judge homered for the first time this spring and Didi Gregorius hit his second for New York. Both home runs came against Miami prospect Sandy Alcantara, who pitched the last four innings in relief.

Jordan Montgomery got the start for the Yankees, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing four runs on five hits and two walks. Brian Anderson hit a three-run homer for the Marlins and Cameron Maybin added a two-run shot.

CARDINALS 4, NATIONALS 3

Luke Weaver pitched four perfect innings and struck out four in his third start for St. Louis. Jose Martinez had two hits for the Cardinals, driving in a pair with a home run.

Anthony Rendon doubled and scored for Washington, while Matt Reynolds homered for the first time. Tanner Roark started for the Nationals, pitching four innings and allowing three runs on five hits and two walks.

ORIOLES (SS) 7, RED SOX 3

Colby Rasmus and Chance Sisco drove in first-inning runs against Boston starter Rick Porcello, who pitched four innings, allowing four runs and seven hits.

Mookie Betts homered for the first time this spring and walked twice for the Red Sox and Hanley Ramirez had two hits and an RBI.

TWINS 6, RAYS 5

Three-time batting champion Joe Mauer doubled, drew a bases-loaded walk and scored while leading off for Minnesota.

Jake Faria, slotted as the No. 3 starter as Tampa Bay experiments with a four-man rotation, struggled in his third outing. His ERA climbed to 16.62 after retiring just five batters and surrendering five runs - four earned - on seven hits and two walks.

TIGERS 6, BRAVES 3

Miguel Cabrera had two hits, including a three-run double, and Victor Martinez had his fourth homer for Detroit. Francisco Liriano, in the mix for a back-of-the-rotation spot, started for the Tigers and pitched three shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out four.

Ender Inciarte doubled and singled for Atlanta.

PIRATES 5, BLUE JAYS 0

Gregory Polanco and Adam Frazier homered for Pittsburgh. Toronto starter Joe Biagini gave up five runs on four hits and two walks in 1 2/3 innings.

REDS 6, MARINERS 5

Ichiro Suzuki went 0 for 3, striking out twice while leading off for Seattle in his first spring appearance. Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano exited early with tightness in his left hamstring. Reds starter Brandon Finnegan left after two batters with a forearm spasm. Billy Hamilton singled to snap a 0-for-18 start for Cincinnati.

The Reds said pitcher Anthony DeSclafani has an oblique injury. No timetable has been set for his return.

ATHLETICS 7, CUBS 2

Yu Darvish breezed through the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth. He left after Jed Lowrie doubled and scored on Matt Olson's single.

Kyle Schwarber and Chris Gimenez hit back-to-back home runs off Oakland starter Sean Manea.

INDIANS (SS) 3, ROYALS 1

Roberto Perez and Brandon Barnes homered for Cleveland's split squad. Nathan Karns started for Kansas City, pitching three innings and allowing two runs on three hits while striking out five. Alex Gordon and newly signed Jon Jay combined to go 0-for-6 with three strikeouts at the top of the Royals' lineup.

BREWERS 5, INDIANS (SS) 4

Jason Kipnis tripled and singled for a Cleveland split squad, raising his batting average to .520. Carlos Carrasco got the start for the Indians, giving up just one hit in three shutout innings while striking out six.

Keon Broxton singled and scored and swiped his fifth base for Milwaukee. Wade Miley started for the Brewers, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on three hits and three walks.

ANGELS 4, RANGERS 3

Bartolo Colon, trying to earn a rotation spot with Texas at 44, allowed one unearned run in four innings, giving up two hits and striking out three. Justin Upton hit a three-run homer for Los Angeles. JC Ramirez started for the Angels, pitching 4 1/3 innings and giving up one hit - Nomar Mazara's home run - while striking out six.

DODGERS 13, ROCKIES 7

Chris Taylor drove in three runs with two hits and Matt Kemp and Yasmani Grandal homered for Los Angeles. Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu didn't fare well in his first start, pitching 2 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on two hits and two walks.

Trevor Story had a two-run double for Colorado and Chris Iannetta hit his third home run. Rockies starter German Marquez was roughed up in 2 2/3 innings, tagged for eight runs on nine hits and two walks.

WHITE SOX 6, DIAMONDBACKS 5

Chicago top prospect Eloy Jimenez had two more hits, giving him two home runs and a triple in his first four at-bats of the spring. Jose Abreu homered for the second time and Yoan Moncada hit his first for the White Sox. Chicago starter Reynaldo Lopez pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings. Patrick Corbin allowed three runs on five hits and two walks, going four innings in a start for Arizona.

[StarDust Bum]

DeGrom sharp in spring debut, uncertain about opening day
March 11, 2018

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) The question whether or not Jacob deGrom will be the New York Mets' starting pitcher on opening day wasn't resolved on Sunday. But if he isn't, it likely won't be because of his stuff.

Making his spring debut after being sidelined with back stiffness and leaving camp for his daughter's birth, deGrom overpowered the Houston Astros at times in his two-plus innings of work. He struck out the side in the top of the first, and hit 98 mph during his 47-pitch outing.

Overall, he allowed two runs on two hits and one walk in 2 2/3 innings, fanning four in a 5-2 loss.

DeGrom worked two innings Tuesday in a simulated game. The right-hander said facing opposing hitters other than his teammates or prospects resulted in a rush that had him ramping up his fastball.

''You go face your own hitters and live BP and sim games, whatever, you want to get them out. But when you go face another team and you're actually in a game game, then it's definitely different,'' deGrom said.

DeGrom fanned Jake Marisnick and Tony Kemp looking before finishing Alex Bregman with a swing-and-miss fastball. Many fans stood as deGrom walked to the dugout.

''I had some nerves, some adrenaline,'' he said, smiling.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway was impressed with the start.

''He looked fine. He came out of it healthy. We know who Jacob deGrom is,'' Callaway said.

''You saw the stuff, the velo. He wasn't holding anything back. He was letting it go, and it was good to see. And he pitched a good amount of pitches for his first time out in a real game,'' he said.

DeGrom said it felt a little strange making his first start this late in camp, and the time spent in bullpens and sim games resulted in one big problem - working from the stretch.

The Astros loaded the bases with no outs in the second inning on a pair of singles and a walk. Having to work from the stretch was a first-time encounter this spring, much like taking the mound.

''I think in that second inning I think I just got quick, my arm wasn't catching up and I was missing a lot high,'' he said. ''I feel like it was when I got to the stretch - that was my first time in the stretch with a runner on. In live BP, no one was running and in the sim game no one was running.''

The big question in camp has been whether deGrom will get enough work in time to be ready for opening day at Citi Field against St. Louis in 2 + weeks.

Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland feel the honor of starting the first game should go to deGrom, who was 15-10 with a 3.53 ERA over a career-high 31 starts last season for the Mets.

But at a point in spring training when starting pitchers are going four innings - lefty starter Jason Vargas relieved and worked four -- Callaway wouldn't speculate on the opening day fate of deGrom.

''We're just taking it day-by-day and going from there,'' Callaway said.

The 29-year-old deGrom isn't worried about when he makes his first start in the regular season.

''I haven't even thought about it, really. The goal is to get in a game here first and go from there. That'll be a discussion between Mickey, Dave and probably myself,'' said deGrom, who added he was in line for his next start in five days.

''We don't want to do anything dumb and push it. Today was a big step and everything went fine,'' he said.

NOTES: LF Yoenis Cespedes homered in the second spot in the order, a position Callaway has had him in often this spring. Cespedes says he has no preference on where he bats. Callaway added he isn't worried about Cespedes' shoulder strength when it comes to throwing, saying, ''He made some pretty good throws today.'' . SS Amed Rosario may go seven or eight innings in his next start.

[StarDust Bum]

Reds' Anthony DeSclafani has another strained oblique
March 11, 2018

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Anthony DeSclafani has a strained left oblique, the third year in a row that the Cincinnati Reds starter has been hurt during spring training.

Manager Bryan Price said DeScalfani felt discomfort during his last spring appearance and an exam found the problem. It's unclear how long he might be sidelined. The Reds open the season in a little over two weeks.

''I say that with nothing but frustration for Anthony and our club,'' Price said Sunday. ''I feel bad for the kid. He worked his tail off to get ready. He did everything we asked of him and more.''

DeSclafani also suffered a strained left oblique before the 2016 season and was sidelined until June. The right-hander finished that season with a 9-5 record with a 3.28 ERA. He missed all of last season with a sprained elbow.

The Reds were counting on him, Homer Bailey and left-hander Brandon Finnegan to recover from injuries and anchor a rotation that struggled without them last year. Instead, they're heading toward opening day with questions about two of them.

Finnegan was removed from his appearance on Sunday after only two batters because of a sore forearm. It's unclear how long he'll be limited. Finnegan was limited to four starts last season because of back and shoulder injuries.

DeSclafani won't be allowed to do any baseball activities until the injured muscle is healed, making it unlikely he'll be ready to start the season.

''They want to get all the soreness out,'' Price said. ''I'm sure there will be MRIs and ultrasounds to check his progress before he gets back to baseball activity.''


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

Twins drop Sanchez; linked to Lance Lynn
March 11, 2018

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) The Minnesota Twins have unconditionally released right-hander Anibal Sanchez after a three-week stint with the club.

The move was made Sunday, clearing a space on the 40-man roster. The Twins, according to multiple reports Saturday, agreed to terms on a one-year, $12 million contract with free agent right-hander Lance Lynn to further upgrade their rotation. The team has not confirmed the reported deal with the Lynn, who went 11-8 with a 3.43 ERA in 33 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

Sanchez signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Twins in attempt to revitalize his career after struggling through the last three years with the Detroit Tigers. He gave up six runs on five hits in four innings over two Grapefruit League exhibition game appearances for the Twins.


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

AP sources: Free agent ace Arrieta, Phillies reach 3-yr deal
March 11, 2018

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies made their boldest move yet.

Two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press that free-agent ace Jake Arrieta and the Phillies have agreed to a three-year deal.

Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the contract is pending a physical. The deal is reportedly worth $75 million. NBC Sports Philadelphia first reported the agreement.

The 32-year-old righty was among several top free agents who didn't get a deal for six or seven years in a changing offseason market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.

Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. He was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.

Arrieta was 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in five seasons in Chicago after starting his career in Baltimore. He'll join Aaron Nola atop the Phillies' rotation on a team that finished last in the NL East.

The Phillies haven't had a winning season since 2011, but now have added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could show considerable improvement over last season's 66-96 mark.

New manager Gabe Kapler's motto throughout spring training has been: ''Be Bold.'' Players and coaches have been wearing T-shirts with those words on them and they've been using the phrase often in interviews.

Signing Arrieta is a message that management is ready to move past the rebuilding process.

The Phillies already have a lineup that has potential to be dynamic and a bullpen that could be formidable. Now they've added a proven No. 1 starter to a slew of young arms in the rotation.

Arrieta has started at least 30 games in three straight seasons, but he's only pitched more than 200 innings once - 229 in 2015.

Arrieta had a 4.67 ERA in first 16 starts last season, but finished strong, going 7-4 with a 2.26 ERA in his final 14 outings.

[StarDust Bum]

date w-l-t % units record
( all opinions until the season starts & i only play the dog or totals )

03/11/2018 8-9-0 47.06% -50
03/10/2018 3-10-3 23.08% -3960
03/09/2018 7-9-1 43.75% -1495
03/07/2018 6-3-1 66.67% +1490
03/06/2018 7-4-1 63.64% +1425
03/05/2018 4-8-1 33.33% -2180
03/04/2018 7-10-0 41.18% -2090
03/03/2018 7-8-0 46.67% -785
03/02/2018 13-5-0 72.22% +4050
03/01/2018 9-8-2 52.94% -145

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, MARCH 12
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BAL at PIT 01:05 PM
PIT -120
O 8.5

WAS at DET 01:05 PM
DET +110
U 8.5

BOS at TOR 01:07 PM
TOR -132

SF at OAK 04:05 PM
OAK -116
O 9.5

MIL at LAD 04:05 PM
MIL +145

CIN at LAA 04:10 PM
CIN +110
U 9.5

COL at ARI 04:10 PM
COL +100

PHI at ATL 06:05 PM
ATL -125

MIN at NYY 06:35 PM
MIN +160
U 8.5

CHW at SEA 09:40 PM
CHW +110

[StarDust Bum]

Slashed salaries: Walker to Yankees, Lynn starts with Twins
March 12, 2018

Neil Walker became the latest free agent to take a big pay cut as opening day approaches, joining the New York Yankees on Monday with a one-year deal for $4 million.

The veteran infielder made $17.2 million last season while playing for the New York Mets and Milwaukee. He can make $1 million in performance bonuses this year.

The 32-year-old Walker hit .265 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs last season, then became a free agent. He will likely start at second base, giving prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar more time to mature in the minor leagues.

''It's certainly a crazy offseason, but more than anything my hope was that I'd land somewhere that's going to be competitive and have a chance to win,'' Walker said. ''I'm happy to be here, happy to be on a contending team.''

Pitcher Lance Lynn got right to work with Minnesota after finalizing his $12 million, one-year deal. He turned down a $17.4 million offer to stay with St. Louis, and looked for a richer contract in free agency.

Lynn limbered up with the Twins on a practice field, and was set to start Tuesday against Baltimore.

Starter Alex Cobb and reliever Greg Holland are among the free agents still available. All 30 teams open on March 29.

ORIOLES 8, PIRATES 5

Baltimore starter Dylan Bundy gave up one run and struck out five in five innings. Jonathan Schoop hit his third home run of the spring. Starling Marte doubled for Pittsburgh and is batting .478.

NATIONALS 5, TIGERS 4

Edwin Jackson got his third start for the Nationals and gave up three hits in three innings. Detroit designated hitter Victor Martinez had two hits, including a double.

RED SOX 6, BLUE JAYS 4

Sandy Leon hit two home runs for Boston. Blake Swihart also connected and is batting .371 this year. Toronto starter J.A. Happ worked into the fifth inning. Blue Jays reliever Tyler Clippard had a solid inning, striking out two of the three batters he faced. Kevin Pillar got three hits and is batting .520.

BREWERS 7, DODGERS 6

Clayton Kershaw struck out seven over 3 2/3 innings, and Justin Turner and Chase Utley each had two hits for Los Angeles. Ji-Man Choi hit a grand slam for Milwaukee and Christian Bethancourt homered in the ninth.

INDIANS 4, RANGERS (SS) 2

Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer struck out eight in five innings and Bradley Zimmer homered. Texas starter Clayton Blackburn got just one out while giving up three runs and four hits.

ROCKIES 4, DIAMONDBACKS 2

Colorado used just two pitchers to get through nine innings. Chad Bettis worked the first five, allowing two runs and striking out four. Antonio Senzatela finished with one-hit relief. Kris Medlen gave up a hit over two innings in the start for Arizona.

ANGELS 4, REDS 3

Los Angeles starter Garrett Richards struggled with control over 3 2/3 innings, walking five and throwing a pair of wild pitches. Albert Pujols doubled twice and Ian Kinsler homered off Cincinnati starter Homer Bailey. Angels DH Shohei Ohtani went 0 for 4 and is batting .111.

ROYALS (SS) 4, PADRES 0

Salvador Perez homered off San Diego starter Bryan Mitchell and newcomer Michael Saunders doubled and drove in three runs. Kansas City starter Jakob Junis threw four hitless innings and struck out seven.

GIANTS 6, ATHLETICS 5

San Francisco catcher Nick Hundley doubled and drove in three runs. Steven Duggar, a sixth-round draft pick in 2015 from Clemson, homered for the fourth time this spring and raised his batting average to .300. A's starter Jharel Cotton did not give up a hit over four innings, walking three and striking out five. Stephen Piscotty hit his second homer for Oakland.

[StarDust Bum]

Athletics, Lucroy finalize $6.5M contract
March 12, 2018

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Athletics landed a new starting catcher, finalizing a $6.5 million, one-year contract with free agent Jonathan Lucroy.

The team announced the deal Monday and Lucroy was in spring camp at Mesa, Arizona. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star batted .265 with six home runs and 40 RBIs in 123 games last season for Texas and Colorado, which acquired him on July 30.

Bruce Maxwell, the first major leaguer to kneel for the national anthem last year following NFL players' leads, had been the projected starter before the acquisition of Lucroy.

Oakland designated left-hander Jairo Labourt for assignment to create roster space for Lucroy.

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

Hunter helps Phils land Jake Arrieta
March 12, 2018

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Tommy Hunter's biggest pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies came before he even took the mound for his new team.

Since he signed a two-year deal in December, the reliever had been pushing Jake Arrieta to follow him to Philadelphia.

Done deal.

Arrieta and the Phillies finalized a $75 million, three-year contract on Monday, a deal that could be worth up to $135 million over five seasons. Arrieta was to be introduced at spring training during a news conference on Tuesday.

''I've been on the phone with him this whole entire offseason to see if it can work out,'' Hunter said Monday. ''I was coming hard. It's not up to you as a player or a friend. Ultimately it's up to the people in charge to get this done and they did it.''

General manager Matt Klentak called it an ''exciting day for the Phillies organization and our fans.''

''Jake is among the best pitchers in baseball and his list of accomplishments is exceptional,'' Klentak said in a press release. ''He is an elite competitor, a tireless worker and a winner, and I am confident that he will be a great addition to our talented young team and the city of Philadelphia.''

Hunter and Arrieta have been friends since their college days. They spent four years together in Baltimore and have remained close. Hunter said their wives have been texting each other regularly about places to live.

''He's a competitor and he brings it every day and the way he goes about playing baseball is going to teach a lot of guys there's a lot of different ways to being successful and he's an example of that,'' Hunter said. ''He's going to take pressure off the younger guys. He's a guy you can talk to. He's been through the lowest of lows and he's won a Cy Young and he's a guy who players can relate to and strive to be like.''

Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season, going 2-0 in a seven-game series against the Indians. He was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.

Arrieta was 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in five seasons in Chicago after starting his career in Baltimore. He struggled with the Orioles - 20-25, 5.46 ERA - but transformed himself into one of the top pitchers in the majors. Phillies president Andy MacPhail and general manager Matt Klentak worked for the Orioles when Arrieta pitched at Camden Yards.

The Phillies haven't had a winning season since 2011, but have upgraded their roster by adding veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Hunter, 2017 All-Star reliever Pat Neshek and now Arrieta.

''The team could've made a run without him,'' Hunter said. ''I don't want to put that burden or that weight on one person to say one guy is going to transform an organization or a team. If you ask him if there's anybody that can do it, it'd be him. He's a confident guy. You have to be to pitch at the level he's pitched the last few years, to walk around with that swag, and it's going to take a lot of pressure off a lot of people having him in here.''

Arrieta gets $30 million this year, $25 million in 2019 and $20 million in 2020. Arrieta has the right to terminate the deal after the 2019 season and become a free agent again, but the Phillies can void that right if they exercise club options for 2021 and 2022 at $20 million annually.

The price of both options can increase by up to $5 million based on starts in both 2018 and 2019: $1 million for 25 each year, and $500,000 each for 27, 29 and 31.

The option prices would increase to $28 million if he is among the top five in Cy Young Award voting in 2018 or 2019, and to $30 million if he is among the top three in either year.

Arrieta will join Aaron Nola atop the Phillies' rotation on a team that finished last in the NL East. Jerad Eickhoff and Vince Velasquez are expected to be in the rotation and Nick Pivetta is the leading candidate for the fifth spot. The team has a slew of young pitchers who could fill in.

''He makes us a lot better,'' Eickhoff said. ''We want to win now. What a competitor, what a person, what a pitcher to learn from. He's done a lot in the game. It'll be pretty special to interact with him.

Philadelphia will lose its third-highest pick in the June amateur draft, currently 79th, and $500,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation, and the Cubs will get an extra draft pick at the end of the first round. The Phillies forfeited their second-highest selection and $500,000 in international bonus allocation when they signed Santana to a $60 million, three-year contract.

To make room for Arrieta on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated first baseman Tommy Joseph for assignment. Joseph batted .247 with 43 homers in two seasons for Philadelphia.

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

Gonzalez, Rockies agrees to $5M deal
March 12, 2018

The Colorado Rockies added another charismatic leader to their 2018 clubhouse.

They certainly didn't have to look very far.

Colorado finalized a $5 million, one-year contract with three-time All-Star Carlos Gonzalez , the longtime Rockies outfielder who has always been popular with his teammates in part because he rarely loses his sense of humor or perspective.

Not even last season, when he was in the midst of a prolonged slump. His agreement announced Monday includes another $3 million in bonuses based on days on the active roster.

Gonzalez had a $20 million salary last year in the final season of an $80 million, seven-year contract and became a free agent after nine seasons with the Rockies. The three-time Gold Glove winner struggled for most of the year as the Rockies returned to the postseason for the first time since 2009. He showed signs of breaking out of his funk down the stretch, hitting six of his 14 homers in September.

His reawakening bat happened to coincide with his ability to get some restful sleep . CarGo struggled with insomnia last summer and the more he slumped on the field - he was hitting .214 in mid-July - the worse his sleeping habits became. The pattern was all-too-familiar each night - get home from a game, think about it, watch movies or TV until around 3 a.m. and fitfully fall asleep only to wake up tired.

Gonzalez said a touch of insomnia is something that's plagued him for years in large part because of all the travel. Last August, he began talking to a sleep specialist, who recommended such things as keeping his room cool and dark, having his phone out of reach and no movies after games to help his slumber. That helped him get a solid seven hours of sleep each night.

This also helped: Tweaking his grip on the bat. The left-hander hit .377 in September.

''It's not like we're re-inventing something or trying to change my swing,'' Gonzalez explained in the lead-up to the playoffs. ''I was trying to stay calm, lower my hands, not over-swing. I was trying to put a good swing to the ball. Stay in the zone.''

Gonzalez was a member of the Rockies team that went to the playoffs in 2009. The squad returned to the postseason last season but lost 11-8 at Arizona in the NL wild-card game as Gonzalez went 2 for 5 with an RBI.

The 32-year-old was acquired from Oakland on Nov. 12, 2008, as part of a deal that sent Matt Holliday to the Athletics. Gonzalez could not find a long-term deal in a cool market for free agents and returns to a crowded outfield that includes reigning NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon, good friend Gerardo Parra, Ian Desmond, Raimel Tapia and David Dahl, who missed last season with a rib injury.

Signed by Arizona in 2002, Gonzalez was traded in 2007 to Oakland, where he broke into the big leagues. He's a .288 hitter with 215 homers and 711 RBIs in 1,200 games.

Gonzalez is a magnetic personality in the clubhouse. He's frequently bouncing from one conversation to the next, with manager Bud Black saying last season: ''They really enjoy Carlos as a teammate and respect his tenure.''

In his time with the Rockies, Gonzalez has five seasons with 25 or more homers, won the 2010 NL batting title with a .336 average and hit for the cycle on July 31, 2010, against the Chicago Cubs.

He's struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing time in 2017 with a strained right shoulder. He was hobbled in 2014 after hurting his index finger and later undergoing knee surgery.

His 211 homers with Colorado are the fourth-most in team history, trailing only Todd Helton (369), Larry Walker (258) and Vinny Castilla (239). Gonzalez is fourth all-time among Rockies with 245 doubles and fifth in RBIs with 685.

To make room on the roster, the Rockies placed right-hander Rayan Gonzalez on the 60-day disabled list. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

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

Neil Walker, Yankees agree to $4M, 1-year deal
March 12, 2018

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Joining the New York Yankees caused Neil Walker to smile, despite a hefty drop in salary.

The free agent infielder agreed Monday to a $4 million, one-year contract, a 77 percent pay cut in a deal that allows New York prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar more time to mature in the minor leagues.

Walker earned $17.2 million last season, when he accepted a qualifying offer from the New York Mets.

''It's certainly a crazy offseason, but more than anything my hope was that I'd land somewhere that's going to be competitive and have a chance to win,'' Walker said. ''I'm happy to be here, happy to be on a contending team.''

Walker, a switch-hitter, likely will start at second base and Brandon Drury, acquired from Arizona last month, will play third. Walker can make $500,000 in performance bonuses: $125,000 each for 425, 450, 475 and 500 plate appearances.

''It's just another choice for the manager,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. ''If he takes something from somebody over time, so be it. But again, he's getting a little bit of a late start given the fact that we're probably about two weeks away from leaving Florida.''

The 32-year-old Walker hit .265 with 14 homers and 49 RBIs last year for the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, who acquired him in a trade Aug. 12. The Yankees also pursued Walker last summer but a potential deal with the Mets fell through, according to reports.

Torres, limited to 55 minor league games last year before an injury to his left (non-throwing) elbow that required season-ending Tommy John surgery, has a .130 (3 for 23) batting average in 10 spring training games.

Another second base contender, Tyler Wade, is 9 for 27 (.333) over 12 games.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the second-base competition remains open but added that Walker ''has put himself very much in that conversation.''

''We had a really good player fall into our lap, essentially,'' Boone said. ''His track record speaks for itself. I think physically-speaking, I would expect him to be ready to go opening day.''

Walker could play in his first big league exhibition game with the Yankees on Thursday or Friday.

During a historically slow free-agent market, Walker had been working out at the camp for free agents in Bradenton, which was organized by the players' association.

''I didn't have an offer from anybody until three days ago,'' Walker said. ''I'm excited to be a part of this.''

Walker will wear No. 14 with the Yankees. His deal raised New York's projected luxury tax payroll to approximately $181 million, about $16 million below the luxury tax threshold.

''It's something we couldn't ignore when the opportunity still existed,'' Cashman said.

NOTES: Yankees broadcaster Ken Singleton announced on Twitter that 2018 will be his last year in the booth. ''I've been playing or talking baseball ever since I was 4 years old. It's time for this enjoyable ride to end. Thanks fans for allowing me into your homes & businesses.'' ... Boone said OF Jacoby Ellsbury might not be ready for the start of the regular season. Ellsbury is hitting off a tee and taking soft toss. ... The Yankees released INF Danny Espinosa and sent INF Kyle Holder to minor league camp. OF Jake Cave was designated for assignment. Espinosa hit .160 (4 for 25) in 12 games.

[StarDust Bum]

date w-l-t % units record
( all opinions until the season starts & i only play the dog or totals )

03/12/2018 8-7-0 53.33% +5.60
03/11/2018 8-9-0 47.06% -0.50
03/10/2018 3-10-3 23.08% -39.60
03/09/2018 7-9-1 43.75% -14.95
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]

APNewsBreak: Judge to earn $622,300 after hitting 52 HRs
March 13, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) AL Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge will earn $622,300 in the major leagues as part of his one-year contract with the New York Yankees.

Judge, who led the AL with 52 home runs, is not eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2019 season. He agreed to a split contract in which his salary would drop to $272,250 in the unlikely event he is sent back to the minors.

New York uses a scale based on service time for its players not eligible for arbitration.

Yankees pitcher Luis Severino will make $604,975 after he went 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA. His agreement calls for a minor league salary of $275,488.

New York also reached agreements with first baseman Greg Bird ($582,000/$272,500), pitcher Jordan Montgomery ($580,450/$228,413) and infielder/outfielder Tyler Austin ($558,600/$230,814).

With an influx of young players not yet eligible for arbitration, the Yankees are on track to get their payroll under the luxury tax threshold for the first time since the current tax began in 2003.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, MARCH 13
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DET at NYY 01:05 PM
DET +175
O 8.5

BAL at MIN 01:05 PM
BAL +120

TOR at ATL 01:05 PM
ATL -132

STL at MIA 01:05 PM
MIA -105

TB at PHI 01:05 PM
TB +105
O 8.5

OAK at KC 04:05 PM
OAK +110
O 9.5

TEX at MIL 04:05 PM
TEX +115
O 9.5

SEA at COL 04:10 PM
COL -132
O 9.5

[StarDust Bum]

Cruz latest injury on banged-up Mariners
March 13, 2018

Nelson Cruz joined the Seattle Mariners' growing list of injured players.

Cruz hit a two-hop RBI single to the right-field wall in the first inning against Colorado, then walked slowly to the Mariners' dugout while rubbing his right thigh and slightly favoring the leg. He was replaced by pinch runner Daniel Vogelbach, and the Mariners said Cruz had soreness in his right quadriceps.

Second baseman Robinson Cano left Sunday's game because of tightness in his left hamstring, and a scan Monday revealed a minor strain, the Mariners said.

Left-hander Marco Gonzales left his start Monday after 1 2/3 innings when he was hit on his right hand by a comebacker off the bat of Leury Garcia of the Chicago White Sox. Gonzales threw to first for the out, then departed. Seattle said he sustained a bruise.

Ace right-hander Felix Hernandez hasn't pitched in a game since he was hit on the right forearm by a line drive off the bat of the Chicago Cubs' Victor Caratini on Feb. 26.

Other injured players include outfielders Ben Gamel (strained oblique), Mitch Haniger (hand) and Guillermo Heredia (shoulder surgery) and right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (lat strain).

ORIOLES 7, TWINS 5

A day after finalizing a $12 million, one-year deal with Minnesota, Lance Lynn struck out five in three hitless against Baltimore. He walked one.

''I wanted to go somewhere where they had a chance to win no matter what,'' Lynn said. ''It seemed like the perfect fit, and I look forward to doing what I have to do, which is take the ball when it is my turn.''

Baltimore's Chris Tillman walked six in two innings, allowing four runs and three hits. Manny Machado had two hits, including a double.

Ryan LaMarre singled and drove in a pair of runs and Miguel Sano doubled.

TIGERS 2, YANKEES 2

Jordan Zimmerman allowed two hits in five scoreless innings and struck out four. Leonys Martin homered in the second off CC Sabathia, and JaCoby Jones had three hits and raised his average to .462. CC Sabathia gave up four hits in four innings. Didi Gregorius homered.

CARDINALS 11, MARLINS 4

Miami starter Jose Urena got just one out, giving up six runs and six hits. Carlos Martinez struck out five in four innings and gave up four hits. Marcel Ozuna had two hits, including his third double of spring training, and raised his batting average to .188. Jose Martinez drove in three runs with a double and a single. Cameron Maybin tripled and drove in two runs.

PHILLIES 6, RAYS 3

Jesmuel Valentin, the 23-year-old son of former major leaguer Jose Valentin, hit his second home run of spring training in the ninth. Drew Hutchison gave up two homers but struck out five in 2 2/3 innings. Maikel Franco connected off Chris Archer for his second homer of spring training. Archer allowed two runs, one hit and three walks in 4 1/3 innings. Daniel Robertson, a first-round draft pick by Oakland in 2012, doubled and homered.

BLUE JAYS 13, BRAVES 6

Blue Jays starter Aaron Sanchez allowed two runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings, including Ronald Acuna Jr.'s home run. Luke Maile hit a three-run home run and Teoscar Hernandez had two hits, including his third home run. Braves starter Scott Kazmir gave up four runs - three earned - and four hits in 3 2/3 innings. Freddie Freeman homered off John Axford in the fifth.

ASTROS 6, METS (SS) 1

Gerrit Cole struck out seven and allowed one run and four hits in four innings. Carlos Correa and J.D. Davis each had two hits. Mets starter Noah Syndergaard allowed two runs - one earned - four hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. Brandon Nimmo homered.

ATHLETICS 9. ROYALS 8

Adalberto Mondesi, a son of Raul Mondesi, had two hits, including a home run, and three RBIs. Kendall Graveman gave up four runs and five hits in three innings. Jorge Mateo had two hits, including a home run, and three RBIs. Mark Canha and Sheldon Neuse each had three hits. Danny Duffy gave up seven runs and seven hits - including three homers - in 3 2/3 innings.

BREWERS 4, RANGERS 3

Lorenzo Cain had two hits, including a double, raising his average to .481, and Cole Hamels gave up one run and three hits in four innings. Brandon Woodruff allowed one run and two hits in four innings and Matt Albers pitched a perfect sixth. Ji-Man Choi doubled, and Jurickson Profar hit his third double.

PADRES 7. CUBS (SS) 5

Carlos Asuaje had three hits, including a double and a home run, and Jordan Lyles gave up four runs and five hits in three innings. Mike Montgomery allowed two runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings. Wilson Contreras hit a two-run homer.

ROCKIES 8, MARINERS 7

Bryan Shaw gave up two hits and struck out two in a scoreless ninth. David Dahl homered and drove in two runs. Charlie Blackmon doubled. Taylor Motter had two hits and stole a pair of bases.

NATIONALS 7, METS 4 (SS)

Washington ace Max Scherzer struck out nine in five scoreless innings for his third win of the spring. Bryce Harper was 2 for 2 with a double, two walks and two runs scored, and Trea Turner's two first-inning steals led to a run.

Mets starter Zack Wheeler allowed five runs and seven hits in three innings, raising his ERA to 6.75. New York didn't have a baserunner until Amed Rosario's double - the only hit Scherzer allowed - in the fourth.

[StarDust Bum]

date w-l-t % units record
( all opinions until the season starts & i only play the dog or totals )

03/13/2018 6-6-1 50.00% -1.35
03/12/2018 8-7-0 53.33% +5.60
03/11/2018 8-9-0 47.06% -0.50
03/10/2018 3-10-3 23.08% -39.60
03/09/2018 7-9-1 43.75% -14.95
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]

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at MIN 01:05 PM
MIN +120

PHI at ATL 01:05 PM
ATL -120

TB at PIT 01:05 PM
TB +100
O 10.0

STL at HOU 01:05 PM
HOU -182

NYY at BAL 01:05 PM
BAL +115
O 10.5

NYM at MIA 01:05 PM
MIA -105

LAA at CLE 04:05 PM
CLE -161
O 9.5

CHW at MIL 04:05 PM
CHW +120
O 10.5

CHC at KC 04:05 PM
CHC -125
O 11.5

CIN at ARI 04:10 PM
CIN +115
U 10.5

SF at SEA 09:40 PM
SF +110
U 9.5

COL at LAD 10:05 PM
COL +135
U 10.5