Cnotes MLB 2019 Spring Traning News Notes and Rumors !

[StarDust Bum]

Reds open camp with new manager, rotation and hope
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) A new manager and coaching staff. Three new starting pitchers. The Reds begin their season with a whole new look and hopes that their run of last-place finishes could be coming to an end.

There's a very different vibe as Cincinnati opens camp with its first workout by pitchers and catchers on Wednesday. Offseason trades remade the rotation and the everyday lineup, sparking hope after four straight 90-loss seasons.

''There is a lot more expecting to win and a lot less hoping to win,'' pitcher Michael Lorenzen said Tuesday.

The change started at the top. The Reds fired manager Bryan Price after a 3-15 start last season and decided not to keep interim Jim Riggleman. David Bell was hired as manager, a move that resonated with Reds fans. His grandfather, Gus, and father, Buddy, played for the Reds.

The 46-year-old Bell inherited a roster that lacked proven starters, the main thread in the losing seasons. Three trades brought starters Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Alex Wood, who will join Anthony DeSclafani and Luis Castillo in the rotation. Gray agreed to a $38 million, four-year contract as part of the trade from the Yankees. Roark and Wood can become free agents after this season.

Bell hasn't yet decided how he'll slot the starters as spring training opens.

''The very first step is building relationships,'' Bell said. ''We haven't set a schedule yet, but we will set up a rotation very soon.''

The Reds also acquired outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp from the Dodgers. Both of them are free agents after the season as well.

Cincinnati's attendance slipped to 1.6 million last season, the Reds' smallest since 1984 at Riverfront Stadium. They hired Bell and made the trades hoping to show fans that they were working to become competitive again in the NL Central.

''There is new energy in the organization and in the city,'' Bell said Tuesday. ''We can't underestimate the importance of that. We want people excited about our team.

''There is a difference, I think, about being excited and feeling that there is something special. I think we are in the early stages of that. Things are moving in the right direction.''

Bell's main challenges will be figuring out the rotation and deciding how to fill the hole in center field, where Billy Hamilton used to play. Lorenzen is in a group of pitchers being considered for various roles, including long relief. Bell also plans to try him in the outfield during spring training.

Lorenzen he was 4-2 with a 3.11 ERA and one save in 42 relief appearances and three starts last season. He batted .290 and led major league pitchers with four homers - including one grand slam - and 10 RBIs in 31 at-bats.

As a pinch-hitter, he went 3 for 13 with two homers. From June 24-30, he homered in three straight at-bats, including the grand slam. He became the first major league pitcher to homer in three straight at-bats since Colorado's Mike Hampton in 2001.

''You could see him in the outfield the second half of camp,'' Bell said. ''He's preparing to help our team any way he can.''

Lorenzen worked out in the outfield in the offseason. He pitched and played outfield at Cal State-Fullerton, batting .335 his final season there.

''I love that they understand that I've played both my whole life,'' Lorenzen said. ''They don't have to put me in bubble wrap. Playing center field is the best thing I do on the field. Defense has been my strength since I was 9 or 10.''

Notes: San Francisco claimed RHP Jose Lopez off waivers. The Reds waived him a day earlier to open a spot for left-hander Zach Duke, who agreed to a $2 million, one-year deal. Lopez went 5-13 for Triple-A Louisville last season.

[StarDust Bum]

Bumgarner, Posey would love to see Harper join Giants
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey would love to see Bryce Harper join them in the San Francisco Giants clubhouse.

''I think it'd be a huge addition for us,'' Bumgarner said Tuesday as the Giants opened spring training. ''He's obviously a superstar in the game, a young player. I think everybody in here would be pretty damn excited to have him.''

Harper and the Giants met in the free agent slugger's hometown of Las Vegas last week, and new San Francisco baseball operations chief Farhan Zaidi said the sides had mutual interest.

''I think anybody who plays Major League Baseball would love to have him on their team and that's no exception here,'' Posey said. ''The type of player he brings and the passion he brings to the game, if we were lucky enough for it to work out, it'd be great.

''What is he, 26? He's won an MVP,'' Posey said. ''That's pretty much all you need to know.''

San Francisco opens camp with Steven Duggar, Mac Williamson, Austin Slater and Drew Ferguson as outfield candidates.

''I've been part of teams that we won when we probably weren't supposed to. We've seen plenty of other teams do it. Obviously, some guys, like Harper, that's going to make any team betterm: Bumgarner said. ''That's not to say we couldn't do it without him. We've got the guys and we could do it. It's all a mentality.''

During the Giants' fan fest this past weekend, manager Bruce Bochy shared a text message he received from Bumgarner regarding possibly using an ''opener'' before one of the lefty's start.

''If you're using an opener in my game, I'm walking right out of the ballpark,'' Bumgarner told Bochy.

''That was more lighthearted,'' Bumgarner said Tuesday. ''Me and Boch have a good relationship.''

Asked how he would feel if Bochy tried it, Bumgarner responded: ''I didn't see the Red Sox doing it.''

Boston used its starters in a more traditional way en route to its fourth title in 15 seasons, although they did use Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi out of the bullpen in the postseason. Posey joked that he would be willing to tell Bumgarner that someone else would be starting his game - Bumgarner came out of the bullpen to pitch the final five innings of World Series Game 7 against Kansas City in 2014 as the Giants won their third title in five seasons.

''I think a lot of the new age thinking, if you want to call it that, analytics, you have to be open to it,'' Posey said. ''As time goes by, as players we have to continually evolve. I don't think anybody expects you to say, `OK, I'm going to give up what I've done for the last 30 years in baseball and switch to something completely different.' At the same time, we have to be aware of a lot of variables. What gives us the best chance to win, No. 1. You have to look around and see what is our competition doing - is it working for them. I'm all about winning.''

[StarDust Bum]

Nola, Phillies agree to $45M deal
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Pitcher Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $45 million, four-year contract, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for this week.

The 25-year-old right-hander set career bests last year when he was a first-time All-Star, going 17-6 with a 2.37 ERA. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2021 season..

''I think Aaron Nola brings a preparation we can all look up to and our other players can emulate,'' Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday. ''I think his between-the-lines competitiveness is off the charts. He's such a fighter, he's such a grinder, he's such a battler.''

Under a deal announced Wednesday, Nola gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million this year, $8 million in 2020, $11.75 million in 2021 and $15 million in 2022. Philadelphia has a $16 million team option for 2023 with a $4.25 million buyout.

''He doesn't want any of the attention, he doesn't want the spotlight on him,'' Kapler said. ''He just wants to compete, compete, compete. That's what he's done and that's why he's one of the two or three best pitchers in the National League over the course of the last couple of years.''

Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Nola had asked for a raise from $573,000 to $6.75 million and the Phillies had offered $4.5 million. Nola is to discuss the deal Thursday.

Among the more than 175 players who were eligible for arbitration this year, Nola is the first to get a deal of more than one guaranteed season. Arizona left-hander T.J. MacFarland and Milwaukee catcher Manny Pina agreed to contracts that included 2020 club options.

ARRIETA

Right-hander Jake Arrieta had left knee surgery last month. Kapler described the surgery as minor and said it was a meniscus cleanup with no structural issues.

Kapler said Arrieta already has pitched off a mound and the team expects him to be ready for the regular season.

''We're just going to be smart about his running and cutting progression,'' Kapler said.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Right-hander Jerad Eickhoff had carpal tunnel surgery on Oct. 1 and recently had a follow-up visit where it was determined he was not a candidate for further surgery. Kapler said Eickhoff will throw a bullpen session next week and be re-evaluated.

''I think he's had so much adversity over the last 12-18 months,'' Kapler said. ''He just wants to feel 100 percent so he continues to strive toward that goal.''

Outfielder Aaron Altherr had surgery on his right foot at the end of the season and was immobilized for six weeks. Kapler said Altherr is gradually building toward running and he is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

SEEING BOTH SIDES

Kapler says he doesn't have any strong feeling either way on the proposed rule change that will would force a pitcher to face three batters in an inning or get the final out.

''It's fun to be able to mix and match and use one reliever to come in and get a guy out,'' he said. "But if the rule was the same for everybody there are things that would work well for our roster.''

Kapler said that David Robertson and Tommy Hunter are two relievers he thinks can have equal success against righties or lefties.

THIRD BASE BATTLE

Kapler said Maikel Franco and Sean Kingery could be competing to start at third.

''There is some competition at third base,'' Kapler said. ''And that's a conversation I'll have with Maikel and Scott.''

[StarDust Bum]

Bauer, Cole, Wood win in arbitration
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole and Alex Wood won their salary arbitration cases on Wednesday, giving players a 6-3 advantage over teams to ensure a winning record in consecutive years for the first time since 1989-90.

Bauer won his hearing for the second straight year and was awarded $13 million by James Darby, James Oldham and Sylvia Skratek instead of the Cleveland Indians' $11 million offer.

Cole was given a $13.5 million salary by Gil Vernon, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux rather than the Houston Astros' offer of $11,425,000.

Wood will get $9.65 million instead of the Cincinnati Reds' $8.7 million offer, Dan Brent, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte decided.

Bauer and Cole topped the previous high for a salary awarded in an arbitration hearing, $10.5 million won last year by Boston outfielder Mookie Betts.

Bauer, a 28-year-old right-hander, was a first-time All-Star last year and finished sixth in AL Cy Young Award voting after going 12-6 with a 2.21 ERA, second behind Tampa Bay's Nate Snell. Bauer's right leg was broken Aug. 11 when hit by a line drive, and he did not return to the mound for the Indians until Sept. 21.

Bauer won a $6,525,000 salary last year in a case decided by Strongin, Wolf and Robert Herzog, who ruled against Cleveland's $5.3 million offer.

Minnesota's Kyle Lohse (2005, `06), Houston's Collin McHugh (2017, `18) and Tampa Bay's Jake Odorizzi (2017, `18) also won in consecutive years.

Cole, also a 28-year-right-hander, received his second All-Star selection last year and went 15-5 with a 2.88 ERA. He made $6.75 million.

Wood, a 28-year-old left-hander, was 9-7 with a 3.68 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 27 starts and six relief appearances last year, when he made $6 million. He was acquired by the Reds on Dec. 21 along with outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp.

Cole and Wood are eligible for free agency after this season, and Bauer is eligible after the 2020 season.

Players will finish with a winning record for the third time in four years but just the fifth time since 1996 and 11th time since arbitration started in 1974.

Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, Oakland closer Blake Treinen and Tampa Bay outfielder Tommy Pham also won their cases this year, while Washington outfielder Michael A. Taylor, Nationals reliever Kyle Barraclough and Toronto reliever Ryan Tepera lost.

Detroit pitcher Michael Fulmer asked for a raise from $575,200 to $3.4 million on Wednesday, and the Tigers argued for $2.8 million. A decision by Matt Goldberg, Robert Herzog and Elizabeth Neumeier is expected Thursday.

Fulmer was the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2017. A right-hander who turns 26 on March 15, Fulmer was 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA in 132 1/3 innings last year. He didn't pitch for the Tigers between July 14 and Aug. 24 because of a left oblique strain, then didn't pitch after Sept. 15 because of a torn right lateral meniscus.

New York Yankees right-hander Luis Severino is the only player still scheduled for a hearing.

Pitcher Aaron Nola avoided a hearing by agreeing to a $45 million, four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 25-year-old right-hander set career bests last year when he was a first-time All-Star, going 17-6 with a 2.37 ERA. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.

Nola gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million this year, $8 million in 2020, $11.75 million in 2021 and $15 million in 2022. Philadelphia has a $16 million team option for 2023 with a $4.25 million buyout.

Eligible for arbitration for the first time, he had asked for a raise from $573,000 to $6.75 million. The Phillies had offered $4.5 million.

Among the more than 175 players who were eligible for arbitration this year, Nola is the first to get a deal of more than one guaranteed season. Arizona left-hander T.J. MacFarland and Milwaukee catcher Manny Pina agreed to contracts that included 2020 club options.

[StarDust Bum]

Nationals trade reliever Gott to SF
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals have traded right-handed reliever Trevor Gott to the San Francisco Giants for cash.

Wednesday's move comes after Washington designated the 26-year-old Gott for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.

Gott went 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in 20 appearances totaling 19 innings for the Nationals in 2018, with 15 strikeouts, 10 walks and four home runs allowed.

He is 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 81 games, all in relief, since making his major league debut in 2015 with the Los Angeles Angels.


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Diamondbacks sign C Joseph to deal
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) Catcher Caleb Joseph and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year contract that calls for a $1.1 million salary in the major leagues and a $250,000 salary in the minors.

Arizona opened a roster spot by placing right-hander Taijuan Walker on the 60-day injured list on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Joseph played five seasons with Baltimore and is ninth among active catchers with a caught-stealing percentage of 29.4. He threw out 32.2 percent of attempted base stealers last season and tied for the major league lead among catchers with 11 double plays, but he hit just .219 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 280 plate appearances. He became a free agent when the Orioles failed to offer a contract by the Nov. 30 deadline.

Joseph is a career .224 hitter with 31 homers and 122 RBIs.

Walker is recovering from Tommy John surgery after tearing his right ulnar collateral ligament last April against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

[StarDust Bum]

Boone hopes Yankees 'get to the top
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Aaron Boone kept tuning into postseason games, even after his New York Yankees were eliminated by Boston, and he watched the Red Sox win the World Series.

''I don't know if it was to torture myself or what,'' the New York manager said Wednesday as pitchers and catchers reported for spring training. ''You put this hat on and this uniform on, to get to wear a big league uniform, you shouldn't need much motivation, but to watch a team that you know so well that's certainly one of your rivals celebrate where you want to be, I think that adds a little fuel to the fire, certainly.''

The Yankees went 100-62 in Boone's first season as manager, their best record since winning the 2009 World Series, and Boone thinks this team could be better following the additions of left-hander James Paxton, reliever Adam Ottavino, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and infielder DJ LeMahieu.

''I feel like as we sit in here in early February on paper we probably look a little bit strong,'' he said. ''Hopefully this year get to the top of the mountain.''

Expectations are always high with the Yankees.

There's no question, we'll embrace those,'' Boone said. ''I think everyone that's been here a while and certainly the new guys coming in I think understand what goes along with having the kind of club we potentially have and being within this organization that the expectations are great. We welcome that.''

In other news from Boone's 30-minute media session:

- He went to the Dominican Republic during the offseason visit catcher Gary Sanchez, who hit .186 and struggled with passed balls last year. Sanchez also had left shoulder surgery on Nov. 8. ''I'm really excited about his frame of mind,'' Boone said. ''A guy that's frankly very hungry to go and show the world how good a player he is.''

-- Boone thinks CC Sabathia could be ready for the start of the regular season after having a stent inserted on Dec. 11 after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart. The left-hander, who says he plans to retire after this season, probably won't throw his first bullpen for a couple more weeks.

- Boome expects Luis Severino will be the opening day starter March 28 against Baltimore.

FARQUHAR MOVING FORWARD

Reliever Danny Farquhar's comeback from a brain hemorrhage stemming from a ruptured aneurysm last April 20 is progressing well.

In camp with a minor league contract, the right-hander says he is feeling great and will be getting his customized pitching helmet Thursday - three days before his 32nd birthday. He had a bullpen session Tuesday and plans another for Friday.

ELLSBURY EXCUSED

Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who didn't play last season due to a number of injuries, will not report for at least the next couple weeks after experiencing plantar fasciitis during his rehab program following hip surgery.

''It's really slowed him in his ability to really break through and get to where he needs to be,'' Boone said. So, he hasn't been able to start the baseball activity stuff.''

STAR POWER

Spring training instructors include new Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, Reggie Jackson, Ron Guidry, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, Hideki Matsui, Tino Martinez, Willie Randolph, Carlos Beltran, Nick Swisher, Lee Mazzilli, Alfonso Soriano and Stump Merrill.

TRAINER'S ROOM

SS Didi Gregorius (Tommy John surgery Oct. 17) will start hitting with both hands in three to four weeks. ... LHP Jordan Montgomery (Tommy John surgery last June 7) is making 50 throws at 90 feet on level ground. He hopes to pitch in a game after the All-Star break break.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamondbacks open spring with questions
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks will spend spring training trying to find a way to fill the void left after slugging first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was traded to St. Louis this offseason.

Filling Goldschmidt's cleats was not the only question the Diamondbacks faced as they opened spring training Wednesday.

Arizona has two starting rotation spots to fill and must close in on a closer, decisions that will likely last well into spring.

''The best players perform the best when it's needed,'' Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. ''I think when you put a little added pressure there and guys are nipping at your heels, it creates a competition and should enhance your ability to get the job done.''

The Diamondbacks entered their third spring training under Lovullo with a hole at the back end of their bullpen after they non-tendered Brad Boxberger's contract, allowing him to become a free agent.

With Boxberger now in Kansas City, Arizona has three main candidates to fill the closer's role: Archie Bradley, Yoshihisa Hirano and recently signed Greg Holland.

Bradley could be a good fit after serving in the eighth-inning set-up role ahead of Boxberger. He has an upper-90s fastball, pitches aggressively and has the type of confidence managers like to see in a closer.

Bradley had a few rough patches last season while dealing with a cracked fingernail, nearly doubling his ERA from the 1.73 he posted in 2017, but has proven he can be dominant when healthy.

''He learned a lot through the course of last year that to get by on blood and guts and one pitch, it's OK, he can do it, but I know Archie has a burning desire to be great,'' Lovullo said. ''That motivates him every day.''

Holland was one of baseball's best closers in Kansas City, where he earned a World Series ring in 2015. The 33-year-old was released by St. Louis after going 0-2 with a 7.92 ERA in 32 games last season, but was 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in 24 games after signing with Washington.

''I don't think of it in terms of an age,'' Holland said. ''I feel good and healthy, and that's the most important thing.''

Hirano pitched well for the Diamondbacks last season, his first after 12 seasons in Japan's Pacific League. Despite the cultural and language differences, the right-hander went 4-3 with a 2.44 ERA and three saves in 75 games with Arizona.

''I saw very early on he was beyond, not his years, but his experience here,'' Lovullo said. ''There's so much newness to what was going on around him, he was able to slow it down and stay with who he was, and that didn't change over the course of the year.''

Zack Greinke is back as Arizona's No. 1 starter, though he won't report to training camp until Friday. Greinke asked Lovullo if he could delay his arrival a few days, but has already been throwing in the desert and is a veteran who knows how to get ready for a season.

The Diamondbacks also have Robbie Ray and Zack Godley back to follow Greinke in the rotation, but have two slots to fill with Patrick Corbin and Clay Buchholz gone.

Right-hander Luke Weaver could fill one starting spot after arriving from the Cardinals in the Goldschmidt deal. He struggled with St. Louis last season, going 7-11 with a 4.95 ERA, but the Diamondbacks are hoping he'll have a bounce-back season.

Right-hander Merrill Kelly of Scottsdale will be in the mix, but he's never thrown a big-league pitch after spending the past four seasons pitching in Korea.

Right-hander Matt Koch made 14 big-league starts last season and could make the rotation with a strong spring. The Diamondbacks also have a trio of top prospects in Jon Duplantier, Taylor Widener and Taylor Clarke, though they are untested and could start the season in Triple-A.

''I do like the spirit of competition,'' Lovullo said. ''I do like guys being able to stand on the mound and execute and get the job done when there's a lot of stimulus. I feel like these guys are going to step up to the situation and tell us what the best situation is to use them during the course of the season.''

[StarDust Bum]

Padres expect competition for rotation spots this spring
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Besides figuring out how to fill the glaring hole at third base, San Diego Padres manager Andy Green will have a lot of decisions to make this spring to round out the young, largely inexperienced rotation.

With veterans Clayton Richard, Tyson Ross, Phil Hughes and Jordan Lyles gone, the rotation will be headed by left-handers Joey Lucchesi and Eric Lauer, both of whom made their big league debut last year. There will be plenty competition for the other spots, and long-suffering fans should see some of the team's highly touted prospects reach the big leagues this season.

''You can feel it in the rotation and the guys competing for spots,'' Green said Wednesday. ''It's real competing and talent with some high-ceiling guys that are coming in. There's real excitement about those guys coming in. It's a young group that's very talented.''

Lucchesi started 26 games last season and led the team in strikeouts by a wide margin with 145 in 130 innings. Lauer started 23 games and pitched 112 innings.

Robbie Erlin, Matt Strahm and Bryan Mitchell all started games last year. Luis Perdomo, Jacob Nix and Brett Kennedy all pitched in six or more games in 2018 and are in the running for the open slots.

Among the prospects who will get a look are Chris Paddack, who's on the 40-man roster, and non-roster invitees Logan Allen and Cal Quantrill.

The Padres finished in the bottom third in MLB last year in team wins, saves, ERA and quality starts.?

With All-Star closer Brad Hand traded to Cleveland at the deadline in a deal that brought top catching prospect Francisco Mejia, Craig Stammen, Robert Stock, Jose Castillo and Kirby Yates are among those who will get more prominent roles in the bullpen.

The biggest position need is at third base, with no clear-cut favorite for the job. There's still a chance general manager A.J. Preller will add a free agent veteran there.

The position player who likely will draw the most interest this spring is shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. , the No. 2 prospect overall in baseball.

He broke his left thumb sliding headfirst while with Double-A San Antonio in July but recovered and saw significant time with the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Winter League.

The message from the organization to the 20-year-old Tatis is simple: Be yourself and play the game with energy and passion.

''I don't think we are coming in with some agenda to change anything about him,'' Green said. ''Every minor league coach has thought very highly of him, of what he's done on the field. At the end of every camp, there is a surprise. He's got every opportunity to force our hand with the way he plays.''

Notes: Left-hander Brad Wieck was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the offseason and recently underwent surgery. He will spend the majority of spring training recovering. ... Right-hander Dinelson Lamet, whose elbow injury at the end of spring training last year opened the door for Lucchesi, could return from Tommy John surgery by midsummer, Green said. ... Ian Kinsler, signed to a two-year contract after helping the Boston Red Sox win the World Series, will get a look at third base but the bulk of his time will be at second base, the manager said. ... The Padres open their spring schedule Feb. 23 against the Seattle Mariners, with whom they share the Peoria Sports Complex.

[StarDust Bum]

Even Pirates optimistic as spring training starts
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) Optimism always runs high on the first day of spring training, even for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

''This club has a feel that we can be a postseason team, that we can be a team that can advance deep in the postseason,'' general manager Neal Huntington said Wednesday as workouts started. ''Championship teams are based typically around starting pitching and you win the games you're supposed to win because of your back end. Then you score.''

Pittsburgh hasn't reached the World Series since winning the 1979 title. The Pirates were 82-79 last season, a bit of a surprise after Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole were traded.

The Pirates haven't been to the postseason since winning the first NL wild card for three straight seasons from 2013-15. They have not won a division title since 1992.

However, the Pirates believe they can contend this year because of a rotation that includes Jameson Taillon, Chris Archer, Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove. All-Star closer Felipe Vazquez anchors a bullpen that includes Keone Kela, Kyle Crick and Richard Rodriguez in set-up roles.

''Our intent is to win our division,'' manager Clint Hurdle said. ''If you win your division, that puts you in a pretty good place. I love the fact that there's hunger in there and it's real, for all the right reasons. And I really like our pitching. If you've got good pitching, you put yourself in a really good position.''

Though position players aren't required to report until Sunday, first baseman Josh Bell, second baseman Adam Frazier, left fielder Corey Dickerson and right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall are projected regulars already in camp.

[StarDust Bum]

White Sox still waiting for Manny Machado
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Chicago White Sox opened spring training still waiting for Manny Machado.

''We'll just see when it happens,'' first baseman Yonder Alonso, Machado's brother-in-law, said Wednesday.

Machado, among the offseason's top free agents, still hasn't agreed to a deal. Alonso spoke with the All-Star infielder on Tuesday.

''We didn't talk about baseball,'' Alonso said.

Chicago hasn't had a winning season since 2012 and is coming off a 100-loss season. The White Sox have added Alonso, right-handers Ivan Nova, Kelvin Herrera and Alex Colome, and outfielder Jon Jay.

Dozens of free agents remain on the market.

''It seems that moves drifting into spring training is becoming a bit of the new normal,'' general manager Rick Hahn said. ''We try to be disciplined in terms of our focus. Certainly we don't want to spend any time negotiating through the media or talking about where things sit publicly until there's some finality.''

For now at least, Hahn said, ''The focus is going to be on the guys in the room, and putting them in the best position to win.''

Manager Rick Renteria said young players such as outfielder Eloy Jimenez and pitcher Dylan Cease get closer to their major league debuts.

''We're all excited about all the possibilities as we're moving forward, because now the time has been put in,'' Renteria said.

[StarDust Bum]

Kemp looking for playing time with new Reds team
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) A week after outfielder Matt Kemp was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Cincinnati Reds, he got a sideline pass for Oklahoma basketball game and had a chance meeting with another Oklahoma native: Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.

''It was pretty cool,'' Kemp said. ''It just so happened that I just got traded to Cincinnati. It was only right to sit there and chat with him for a while.''

Kemp learned firsthand about some of the Reds' history after he was included in their biggest offseason trade. Cincinnati acquired Kemp, left-hander Alex Wood, Yasiel Puig and Kyle Farmer for Homer Bailey and minor leaguers Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray on Dec. 21. It was the fourth time the 34-year old outfielder was traded, but this one was unique given that he wasn't alone going to a new team.

''Transitioning every time is different,'' he said, as the Reds opened camp with their first workout by catchers and pitchers. ''I think this time it is easier. I've got a couple guys here who I played with last year. So far so good.''

Kemp joins a Reds team with a changed outfield after center fielder Billy Hamilton was allowed to go free and signed with Kansas City. Left fielder Adam Duvall was traded to Atlanta last year.

Kemp won Gold Gloves in 2009 and 2011. Last season in 149 games, Kemp played the corner outfield positions. He and Puig join incumbent Jesse Winker, who had shoulder surgery midway through 2018, and Scott Schebler and Philip Ervin in competing for playing time.

Kemp batted .290 with 21 home runs and 85 RBIs last season. He was one of seven Dodgers with 20 or more home runs as LA won the National League title but lost to the Boston Red Sox in five games.

He is seven seasons removed from 2011, when he led the NL with 39 home runs and 126 RBIs for the Dodgers. Kemp signed a $160 million, eight-year contract and since has been dealt to San Diego, Atlanta, back to the Dodgers and then to the Reds. He and Puig can become free agents after the season, so their time in Cincinnati could be limited.

Kemp has a .289 average with 10 homers in 36 games at Great American Ball Park. After four straight 90-loss seasons, the Reds are looking to be more competitive in the NL Central with their overhauled roster.

''I think we're going to be pretty good,'' Kemp said.

[StarDust Bum]

Martin reunited with Kershaw, connecting with new teammates
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Before the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled the trigger on their January trade to bring back catcher Russell Martin, they watched enough video to convince themselves he would bounce back from career lows in batting average and slugging percentage.

On the first official day of pitcher and catcher workouts Wednesday, they couldn't be more pleased with the four-time All-Star.

''Bringing Martin back, just him getting up to speed with our guys, the early returns have been unbelievable,'' said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations. ''Not surprising just how much he's already invested into our guys, the questions he's asking. All he wants to do is win and you can see it in everything he does.''

As a replacement for Yasmani Grandal, who signed as a free agent with Milwaukee, Martin is connecting with returning catcher Austin Barnes and eliminating concerns about the possibility of splitting time.

''As far as Barnes, he looks like he's a tremendous athlete, a good catcher, a good teammate,'' Martin said. ''Good teammates have one goal in common, they want the team to win and I think we share that so I am not going to be (complaining) at all about playing time. As long as we win games, and we put ourselves in position to hopefully win a championship, that's all we can do.''

Martin, who will turn 36 on Friday, has made the playoffs nine times in a 13-year career that began with the Dodgers (2006-2010), and continued with the Yankees (2011-12), Pirates (2013-14) and Blue Jays (2015-18).

With Toronto out of the playoffs last season and committed to developing younger players, Martin did not play the last month and was limited to 289 at-bats, a far cry from his more than 500 at-bats in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

''I was horrible last year,'' Martin said. ''Still a tough out, still could work a count, still hit the ball relatively hard, but it was a down year. I wasn't as good as I can be. When you get older, they give an excuse for you, `Well, you're getting old.' But my body felt great. I got zero excuses.''

He's already pleased with the approach from new Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc and his staff, including hitting strategist Brant Brown and assistant hitting coach Aaron Bates. Van Scoyoc came aboard Nov. 28 to replace Turner Ward, who was hired by the Reds, new home of former Dodgers Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp.

From their analysis of Martin's 2018 performance, they recommend change.

''They told me, `We can clean up your lower half. We feel we can synchronize it to where it is working together,''' Martin said.

Manager Dave Roberts expects improvement.

''No. 1, Russell gives you a professional at-bat, the quality of contact is there,'' he said. ''I am sure he understands there was an angle issue there, a negative angle consistently.''

The goal is for the ball to jump off his bat via an effortless swing.

''An effortless swing is a swing you can control, and when you are in control, you typically have better at-bats,'' Martin said. ''I've always been good at pitch recognition; I always draw walks . last season I was not in position (mechanically) to hit the ball.''

Defensively, he is studying an analytics package provided by Friedman, which shows key aspects of each Dodgers pitcher. Plus, he is picking Barnes' brain.

''The biggest part about being a catcher is knowing your pitchers, building that relationship, building that confidence,'' Martin said.

Left-hander Rich Hill appreciates Martin's seasoning.

''One thing you can't teach is experience, so what he brings into this clubhouse of over a decade of playing in the major leagues is going to help immensely,'' Hill said.

Clayton Kershaw is the only Dodgers pitcher to have ever worked with Martin. They reunited on Tuesday for a bullpen session.

''I thought their discussion during the pen session was great,'' Roberts said. ''I know Russell is very excited to catch him.''

NOTES: Roberts said life without Puig ''is going to be different.'' ''It is going to be a quieter camp, whether that is good or bad.'' ... Closer Kenley Jansen threw his first bullpen Wednesday and was pleased with his spin rate, which dipped last season as he struggled to overcome a hamstring injury and dealt with atrial fibrillation. An August episode in Denver led to an ablation procedure on Nov. 26. ''He looks great,'' said Friedman. . Mark Prior will be the primary pitching coach in the absence of Rick Honeycutt, who underwent surgery Tuesday and is expected to be away for a few weeks while recovering.

[StarDust Bum]

Marlins open camp, and Don Mattingly knows decisions await
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) There have been years in his managerial career where Don Mattingly has arrived for the first day of spring training without any mystery regarding who would be on the 25-man roster coming out of camp.

This is not one of those years.

And that's just fine with the manager of the Miami Marlins, who is entering his fourth season - and the last under his current contract - with the club that is entering 2019 in a rebuilding mode that has no end in sight. Most pitchers and catchers took part in their first official workout of the spring on Wednesday, an unseasonably cool and drizzly day in South Florida.

''I like the thought of our competition and the way we're going,'' Mattingly said. ''It's a competitive camp. I think guys react better when they have to compete, fight for things. We find out more about them and hopefully as time continues we just keep stacking up talent where everybody's always fighting to have to show what they can do or there's another guy wanting that spot.''

The jerseys were new, a shade of blue that's part of the team's rebranded scheme. Many of the faces were new, most notably catcher Jorge Alfaro - the presumptive starter behind the plate after the Marlins got him in the trade that sent J.T. Realmuto to Philadelphia. But the approach, Mattingly said, won't be that different than was the case in past spring trainings.

''And if you probably looked at all 30 clubs, they're doing similar things,'' Mattingly said. ''You just ask your guys to go do it better.''

Mattingly averaged 89 wins in his five seasons managing the Los Angeles Dodgers. His three seasons in Miami have resulted in 79, 77 and 63 wins respectively, a downward trend that likely can't continue if he's going to be back with the Marlins in 2020.

Mattingly has repeatedly said he's not worried about it, and reiterated Wednesday that not much really makes him anxious anymore. He understands where the Marlins are, and how this total rebuild of the organization - from Single-A ball to the majors and anything and everything in between - was necessary when the regime led by Derek Jeter took over.

''It's like everyone in this organization, on the baseball side or the business side: Everyone's up for evaluation at the end of the year and we'll see how we're going to move forward,'' said Jeter, the Marlins' CEO. ''Donnie's under contract. I've known Donnie a long time. Played with Donnie ... I've learned a lot from him throughout the years. But like everyone else in the organization, he's under contract and he'll be evaluated at the end of the year.''

The first full-squad workout is set for Monday, but these five days to concentrate on pitchers and catchers is vital in Mattingly's eyes.

Miami had 13 pitchers start a game last year, and as many as seven of them figure to have a real shot at making the rotation coming out of spring. There are also some arms in the minors that Miami will take a long look at this spring.

So decisions will need to be made, and Mattingly will have about six weeks to make the right ones before the games start to count.

''There's hopefully a number of guys that are showing that they're capable,'' Mattingly said. ''Every year you see pitching staffs come out of the blue, a bullpen or something that turns from being something people wouldn't expect (to be good) to one of the best in baseball. I think we've got a number of good arms. We've got a number of guys who we feel have really good stuff.''

[StarDust Bum]

Lefty Brett Anderson back with A's again
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Left-hander Brett Anderson is back with the Oakland Athletics for a third stint 10 years after breaking into the big leagues with the club.

He received a $1.5 million, one-year contract, announced Wednesday at spring training. He can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses for starts: $200,000 each for 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24.

Anderson went 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 17 starts and 80 1/3 innings last season for the A's.

The 31-year-old spent the 2009-13 seasons with Oakland before being traded to the Rockies in December 2013.

Also Wednesday, the A's placed left-hander Sean Manaea on the 60-day injured list to clear roster room for Anderson.

Manaea pitched a no-hitter against Boston on April 21 in a bright start to a season that ended with the ace undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in September. He is expected to be out until around the All-Star break.

[StarDust Bum]

Yu Darvish felt pressure after big deal
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Yu Darvish felt pressure after signing a $126 million, six-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.

''At the time I didn't say anything about that, but I was thinking I should do something for the Cubs. I should win 20 games,'' he said Wednesday. ''This year I want to be myself. I am feeling less pressure.''

Darvish went 1-3 with 4.95 ERA in eight starts during 2018, the last coming on May 20. He was sidelined by triceps and elbow injuries, and his season ended in August when an MRI showed a stress reaction in his arm after one inning of a rehab start.

The 32-year-old right-hander spoke in English, a sign he is feeling more comfortable, after his first bullpen session of spring training.

''I am feeling I am family,'' he said. ''I feel good right now.''

Darvish came to the major leagues from Japan before the 2012 season and became a four-time All-Star with the Texas Rangers. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2017 and struggled in the World Series, losing Games 3 and 7 against Houston.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said the fact that Darvish opened up about last year's struggles is a sign of him maturing.

''It is always impressive when somebody exposes himself, especially on this level,'' Maddon said. ''It is a part of moving forward. Give him credit. I was getting to know about him last year, so I didn't know all of that about him.''

Fellow starter Jon Lester added making the move to another organization can be difficult. After spending his first 8 1/2 years with Boston, Lester was traded to Oakland and then joined the Cubs.

''That first year is a little tough,'' Lester said. ''Everybody handles it a different way. He's unique coming from Japan and Texas and now here and going through with what he went through with the Dodgers. He had a lot on his plate and having to try and pitch through some things he wasn't comfortable pitching through. You want to make a good impression with everybody, and that includes the fans. I'm sure it was tough on him.''

Darvish reported at 230 pounds, down 10 from last year. He said he spent more time in a gym and ate better.

''He looks huge, like jacked,'' reliever Steve Cishek said. ''It's encouraging to see. Obviously, he was disappointed he couldn't be out on the field last year. As a competitor you want to see your teammates fight through that stuff.''

A healthy Darvish would mean more depth for an already strong rotation that helped the Cubs win 95 games last season.

''If you slide him in there that makes our rotation that much deeper, which you need throughout the season,'' Lester said. ''It's a huge boost for us if we get the Darvish we all know he can be. Hopefully everything is behind him as far as his arm. I'm sure it is a piece of mind for him to go out and worry just about pitching.''