Cnotes MLB 2019 Spring Traning News Notes and Rumors !

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Verlander, Syndergaard sharp early
February 25, 2019
By The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) A brief high velocity matchup between Houston's Justin Verlander and the New York Mets' Noah Syndergaard overshadowed Jose Altuve's first spring training appearance for the Astros.

Verlander pitched two perfect innings on a cloudy and blustery afternoon, striking out one and getting five fly-ball outs. Reaching 96 mph, Verlander threw 20 of 25 pitches for strikes Monday, concentrating on his changeup and pitching inside to right-handed batters. The 2011 AL MVP was happy with four of his seven changeups.

''That's a pitch that I am trying to throw more,'' the 2011 AL MVP said.

Syndergaard opened with three consecutive 98 mph fastballs and allowed first-inning hits to George Springer and Josh Reddick. Syndergaard struck out the final two hitters of his two-inning outing, including Robinson Chirinos on a 99 mph fastball.

''It felt really good,'' said Syndergaard, who's missed significant time during the past two seasons because of injuries. ''It felt like my arm strength was free and easy. It's encouraging to see some swing and misses on my four-seam fastball up in the zone.''

Syndergaard mixed change-ups and sliders with four-seam fastballs, throwing 18 of 23 pitches for strikes. He purposely elected not to throw a curveball, saving it for later games.

He's concentrating more on his four-seam fastball than his two-seamer, which often was too much over the plate last season.

''I just kind of fell in love with it because it's an artsy pitch,'' Syndergaard said of the two-seamer. ''It's cool to throw, especially when you can harness it and throw it the right way.''

Altuve flied out and popped up. Struggling through a late-season knee injury that required offseason surgery, the 2017 MVP only hit .316 last season, recording 169 hits - the first time in five years he didn't lead the American League in that category.

''It was good to get back on the field,'' Altuve said. ''Not pretty good results for me today, but I'm happy to have my first two at-bats for the spring.''

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Rockies, Arenado agree to $260M deal
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

DENVER (AP) Nolan Arenado likes where he's at and the direction the Colorado Rockies are headed.

So he's staying put. For possibly a long, long time. And for a chance to finish what this team has been brewing.

The All-Star third baseman and Rockies agreed to an eight-year contract on Tuesday, and a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the deal is worth $260 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the dollar value hasn't been publicly announced.

Arenado's agreement includes a provision that allows him to opt out after three years and become a free agent.

Arenado's $32.5 million average annual value is the second-highest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado's deal replaces a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.

Arenado, who turns 28 on April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. But there's comfort in remaining at Coors Field, especially in these uncertain days of free agency that have seen Manny Machado unsigned until last week and Bryce Harper still searching for a team with exhibition games underway.

That hasn't been lost on Arenado, who recently said: ''There are some really good baseball players out there, and it is crazy to think some of these teams don't need them. They need them.''

The Rockies are trending up after making the postseason in back-to-back seasons, a franchise first. Even more, they nearly captured the team's first NL West title before losing in a tiebreaker at Los Angeles in Game No. 163. The Rockies advanced by beating the Chicago Cubs in the NL wild-card game. They were swept by Milwaukee in the Division Series after hitting .146 against the Brewers and scoring in just one of 28 innings.

New season. A new chapter for a team that's been to the World Series just once - in 2007, when the Rockies were swept by Boston.

Known for his big bat and his highlight-reel plays at third, Arenado has been the face of the franchise for years. He's earned a Gold Glove in each of his six major league seasons. A second-round pick by the Rockies in the 2009 amateur draft, Arenado is a career .291 hitter with 186 home runs, 616 RBIs and an .886 OPS.

In 2018, Arenado batted .297 with an NL-leading 38 homers last season, finishing third in MVP voting.

''Obviously, they wanted to keep a homegrown player with them,'' Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. ''It's a nice deal for him and a nice deal for the team. So it is good for the game and it makes our job a lot tougher.''

This marked the second deal worked out by the front office this week. The team also announced a three-year contract extension for manager Bud Black through 2022.

Over the offseason, the Rockies gave their offense a boost by bringing in Daniel Murphy to play first base. That means Ian Desmond will head to the outfield. They'll rely heavily on youngsters such as Garrett Hampson, Ryan McMahon or Brendan Rodgers at second base after the departure of DJ LeMahieu to the New York Yankees. Colorado boasts a young rotation led by Kyle Freeland and German Marquez that's filled with promise.

Arenado, though, will be the driving force.

''It's pretty safe to say he makes every team he's on even better,'' outfielder Charlie Blackmon said in the offseason of Arenado's presence. ''I really hope that's with the Rockies for years and years to come.''

That sentiment became a reality.

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Cubs' Darvish excited by spring debut
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

MESA, Ariz. (AP) After dealing with various arm injuries and trying to adjust to a new team, Yu Darvish was pleased with his spring debut. Pumped, in fact.

Darvish may have walked four and lasted only 1 1/3 innings Tuesday for the Chicago Cubs, but it was an important start for him.

''This is like my first outing in my life,'' Darvish said. ''I haven't thrown the last seven months. I was so excited.''

Darvish faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in his first game since a minor league rehab start last August for Class A South Bend. He had signed a six-year, $126 million contract with the Cubs last February, but battled injuries and was limited to eight starts before he was shut down. He was sidelined with right triceps tendinitis and then diagnosed in August with a stress reaction in his right elbow, which led to arthroscopic surgery in September.

So by that measure, this spring performance was a success.

''I felt pretty good physically. No pain, that was a huge part,'' Darvish said.

Another change - now he's joking in English, opting not to use a translator this season.

''Interpreters are expensive for the organization, right? That's why,'' Darvish said. ''It's good for me, too. I have experience with you guys and I can use more English.''

Said Cubs manager Joe Maddon: ''He appears to be much more relaxed and definitely into the flow of things.''

''He's been throwing really well. Conversationally, he's much more at ease,'' Maddon said.

Darvish threw 19 pitches against five D-backs hitters in the first inning at Sloan Park, and got only one swing and miss, then had to wait while the Cubs sent nine batters to the plate in a four-run first.

In the second, Darvish threw 17 pitches to three batters before he was lifted. He walked four in 1 1/3 innings.

When Darvish made that rehab outing in South Bend, his fastball registered at 86-89 mph. On Tuesday, his fastballs were between 94-96 mph.

''Yeah, it was a great day for me,'' he said.

His teammates have noticed Darvish seems happier.

''I feel I'm smiling more than the last seven years,'' Darvish said.

NOTES: Cubs INF David Bote, hit in the helmet by a pitch from Giants ace Madison Bumgarner on Sunday, was expected to return to action on Wednesday. Bumgarner called Bote after the game and also sent him a text message the next day. ''He definitely did not have to do that but he did and it means a lot,'' Bote said. ... LHP Mike Montgomery, who has yet to appear in a game, threw a bullpen on Tuesday. The Cubs will wait two days to see the next step for Montgomery, who is going through a ''dead arm'' phase. ... Chicago OF Jason Heyward was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup for personal reasons. ... An MRI revealed that Arizona outfielder Jarrod Dyson has a left oblique strain.

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Cards, Mikolas agree to 4-year extension
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Three days after being announced as the Cardinals opening-day starter, Miles Mikolas agreed to stay in St. Louis much longer.

St. Louis and the All-Star right-hander agreed to a $68 million, four-year contract covering 2020-23, a deal announced Tuesday that raises his pay to $75.5 million over the next five seasons.

''Going forward in my baseball career there isn't a team that I can see myself as a better fit and no team that I'd rather see myself playing for than the St. Louis Cardinals,'' Mikolas said.

St. Louis made the announcement at the Cardinals spring training facility, a few miles from where Mikolas played his high school baseball. Growing up he attended many St. Louis spring training games.

The 30-year-old is getting $7.5 million this year as part of a contract he signed before the 2018 season. He would have been eligible for free agency after this year's World Series.

He gets a $5 million signing bonus, of which $1 million is payable within 30 days of the contact's approval by the commissioner's office and $1 million each Jan. 15 from 2020-23. He gets $15.75 million salaries annually from 2020-23, and if he pitches 200 innings this year his pay under the new deal would increase by $500,000 each season.

Mikolas returned from three seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Central League and tied for the NL lead in wins, going 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA.

''Clearly, how Miles pitched last year, he ended up being the anchor of our rotation,'' St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. ''I think when you combine his skill with his leadership and really his ability to help mentor young players it just seemed like as we looked to the future he was that natural person to take that next step to carry that for the St. Louis Cardinals.''

If Mikolas' 2019 performance is similar to what he did last year, he likely would have received far more as a free agent next offseason. Free agent pitcher Patrick Corbin received a $140 million, six-year contract from Washington as a free agent this offseason.

A seventh-round selection by San Diego in the 2009 amateur draft, Mikolas pitched in relief for the Padres in parts of the 2012 and 2013 before being traded to Pittsburgh and then Texas. When the Rangers released Mikolas following the 2014 seasons he headed to Japan.

''That was a leap saying, hey, I'm going to go there and I'm going to be the best Japanese baseball player I can be and see where that leads me.'' Mikolas said.

He went 31-13 record with a 2.18 ERA for the Giants, then signed a two-year deal with St. Louis that guaranteed $15.5 million and includes an escalator for innings that boosted this year's salary by $1 million.

''He fits in so well with our team,'' St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainwright said. ''His mentality is perfect for starting pitching, perfect for the grind of an entire long season. Keeps things light in the clubhouse, very focused on the mound. He's all you can ask for from a teammate.''

Mikolas only walked 29 in 200 2/3 innings last season while striking out 146.

''I think he hasn't really learned how to be a strikeout pitcher yet,'' Wainwright said. ''He's such a strike thrower that it's almost hard for him to get it out of the zone. What a great problem that is to have, right?''

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Nevada declines MLB betting request
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) A request from Major League Baseball to gambling regulators to ban betting on spring training games was quickly rejected in Nevada and is under consideration in at least three other states that recently legalized sports betting.

The league asked for the ban on Wednesday last week - the day before the first scheduled spring training game - arguing in letters to regulators that the exhibition games are ''more vulnerable to manipulation'' because teams are focused on getting players ready for the season, not on winning. MLB said its concerns have grown because of the spread of legal sports gambling after a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court last year opened the possibility of new American markets.

The games have historically attracted little to no betting action in Nevada, where casinos in Las Vegas and elsewhere have taken bets on spring training games for decades.

MLB's deputy general counsel Bryan Seeley argued the risk is ''particularly acute'' during spring training because many players are not on the roster and don't make much money.

''Spring Training games provide greater opportunity for the misuse of inside information,'' he wrote in his request. ''The outcome of games sometimes depends heavily on non-public managerial decisions that are made in advance and are independent of Club or player performance, such as how many innings a pitcher will throw or in which inning Minor League players will replace Major League players.''

The Nevada Gaming Control Board responded the following day, saying sportsbooks across the state have controls in place to minimize concerns about players potentially fixing bets and haven't had any problems with spring training.

Board chairwoman Sandra Morgan said Nevada's sportsbooks have served as the ''alarm bell'' when something was amiss with sporting events and related wagers.

Nevada's effective monopoly on sports betting ended last spring with the Supreme Court backing a challenge from New Jersey to a ban in most of the country. Casinos in seven other states now accept wagers on sports, and the list is expected to grow with at least 22 states considering bills this year.

Pennsylvania received a similar request from Major League Baseball and quickly called a timeout.

''We acknowledge the concerns they raised concerning sports wagering on spring training games and we are examining these concerns,'' said Doug Harbach, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. ''While we do this, we have requested Pennsylvania sports wagering operators to refrain from offering wagers on spring training games.''

Sportsbooks in Mississippi are accepting bets on the games. The executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, Allen Godfrey, said he has not responded to MLB.

New Jersey is reviewing the league's request.

The Westgate Las Vegas Superbook had 10 spring training games on the board Tuesday. Jay Kornegay, vice president of race and sports book operations, said of the 20 teams, only two had more than $200 wagered and none had more than $300 in total action. Some teams didn't have a single bet by early afternoon, when most games begin.

No team had more than two tickets written for straight bets. In parlays, no team had more than 10 tickets.

The limits for bets on spring training games at the Westgate are $1,000 on the side and $500 on the total. The sportsbook does not take wagers on split-squad games.

Kornegay said the betting action in the games is traditionally so low that it would be very easy to detect unusual patterns.

''It's grocery dollars on these games because it is very minimal,'' he said. ''If there was any suspicious activity on these games, it would stick out like snow in Vegas.''

Veteran oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro said spring training wagers usually are only offered to ''appease'' some patrons and give them other options. But action is ''basically none.''

''I don't think they wake up in the morning and go to the sportsbook just to bet on the Seattle Mariners' exhibition game,'' said Vaccaro, now the director of sports relations for Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

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Hosmer feels different vibe with Padres
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Eric Hosmer has been able to focus strictly on baseball this offseason and he likes what he sees with the suddenly dynamic San Diego Padres.

Hosmer arrived at spring training last year after signing a $144 million, eight-year contract as a free agent. The buzz generated by his signing didn't last long as he struggled in his first season with the Padres, who lost 96 games and finished last in the NL West.

Now the first baseman is energized by being around new teammate Manny Machado, who last week signed a $300 million, 10-year contract, and top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr., who is expected to make his big league debut at some point in 2019.

Hosmer's deal had been the biggest in team history until Machado signed the biggest deal for any free agent.

''It's a tremendous leap for this organization,'' Hosmer said. ''It shows everybody what we are all about. It's something we aren't trying to preach or talk about. They went out, signed a player and got a guy that's going to help us win a championship one day.''

Last spring training, Hosmer had to get acquainted with new teammates and a new league. He signed his deal shortly after pitchers and catchers reported to camp. He said he didn't get an offer from a team until mid-January and made sure he was making the right decision before deciding on San Diego.

''I didn't know much about the organization until I did my homework when I was a free agent,'' he said. ''Just reading about all the talent and getting to see all of that. Especially this year, with these guys getting to see what Tatis did in the winter, what Franmil (Reyes) did over here last year, there's a lot of upside where this organization is going.''

Hosmer was able to shift his priories this offseason to getting his mind and body ready for baseball.

''It's definitely a different vibe for me to walk in here and be able to know a lot of the faces,'' he said. ''I just got to focus on baseball all offseason and that was probably the best part about it. I didn't have to be a lawyer or agent this offseason. I can just worry about training and getting my body into the position and place it needs to be to take on 162 games and I feel like I did a really good job with that.''

Hosmer hit only.253 last year, down 65 points. His 18 homers, 65 RBIs and .322 on-base percentage were his lowest in four seasons. He struck out a career-high 142 times.

''I don't really know what happened. It didn't go the way I planned,'' Hosmer said. ''There's really no excuse for that. It came down to not performing the way I wanted to perform. I took that very seriously this offseason and got everything going.''

Once again, there's a buzz in Padres camp.

''I think we are at a point in time now where everybody knows we want to win and we are serious about it,'' Hosmer said. ''It's not just talking. It's not us trying to sell you guys something. It's actions and going out and doing something.''

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McCann catches for Braves again
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Brian McCann left Atlanta five years ago as a full-time catcher.

After three years with the New York Yankees and two with the Houston Astros, the 35-year-old McCann was back behind the plate for the Braves on Tuesday as a platoon player.

''Nothing's changed,'' McCann said. ''The clocks on the wall are the exact same. It's funny. But it's good to be back.''

McCann, who missed two months in the middle of last season after surgery on his right knee, is one of several Braves veterans whose spring training debuts have been delayed slightly by injury considerations.

Shortstop Dansby Swanson and third baseman Josh Donaldson will probably play for the first time Friday.

Veteran reliever Darren O'Day, who missed the second half of last season after having surgery on his right hamstring, threw a bullpen session on Monday.

''We've got more time than we need to get him ready,'' manager Brian Snitker said.

Mike Soroka, a 21-year-old right-hander whose bid for a spot in the starting rotation has been set back by a tender shoulder, will probably resume throwing on Thursday.

McCann caught four innings of Tuesday's 4-3 exhibition win over a split squad of New York Mets. He went 0 for 2 and felt the normal rust of playing in a game for the first time in four months.

''From Day One, calling a sign is weird. Setting up is different,'' he said. ''You're retraining your body where to go, what to do. No matter how much work you put in a back field, when you get into game speed it's another ballgame.''

McCann caught all seven games for the Astros in their World Series victory 16 months ago. The veteran who has caught 1,494 major league games expects to go into the season as the left-handed part of a catching platoon with Tyler Flowers.

A seven-time All-Star, McCann hit .212 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs for Houston last season.

''Back in the day you wouldn't want Brian McCann platooning with anybody because you wanted him in there,'' Snitker said. ''The last three years we've gone with two guys (Flowers and A.J. Pierzyski in 2016, Flowers and Kurt Suzuki in 2017-18) and got good results. We hope to do the same thing this year. We've got two catchers who aren't everyday guys at this stage of their careers. We've shown that we can make this thing work.''

Swanson, who last played on Sept. 25 and then had surgery to repair a partially torn ligament in his left wrist, has been practicing all baseball activities including hitting, which he did in Atlanta before coming to spring training.

''He feels good and it's just a matter of getting strength back on a daily basis,'' Snitker said. ''But physically - legs, arms, things like that, he could play today.''

Donaldson, who signed a one-year contract in November, played in just 52 games with Toronto and Cleveland last season due to a strained left calf muscle.

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Four vie for last spot in Bucs' rotation
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates believe Jameson Taillon, Trevor Williams, Joe Musgrove and Chris Archer give them a good start to their rotation.

The next move is figuring out who will take the fifth slot after Ivan Nova was traded to the Chicago White Sox in the offseason. Four pitchers are contending for the job: left-hander Steven Brault and right-handers Nick Kingham, Jordan Lyles and Rookie Davis.

Brault and Kingham both pitched two scoreless innings in their first starts of the exhibition season while Lyles allowed one run in two innings. Davis has yet to pitch as he signed a minor league contract Feb. 18, a week after pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.

Brault had made 16 starts and 48 relief appearances for the Pirates over the last three seasons, going 7-6 with a 4.68 ERA. He was the International League Pitcher of the Year in 2016 at Triple-A Indianapolis but has yet to gain a foothold in the major leagues.

During the offseason, Brault overhauled his pitching mechanics and altered his throwing program. He then threw 19 of his 23 pitches for strikes against the Philadelphia Phillies last Saturday.

''You take all that time in the offseason and you obviously want to do well,'' Brault said. ''It doesn't mean everything was perfect or anything like that. It's just one outing. But it's nice to get the results I want. It's a step in the right direction.''

Kingham's career started off in the right direction when he made his major league debut last April 29 and retired the first 20 batters on his way to beating the St. Louis Cardinals. He faded as the season wore on, however, and finished with a 5-7 record and 5.21 ERA in 18 games, including 15 starts.

What could help Kingham's cause is that he is out of minor league options. The Pirates would need to expose him to waivers if they try to send him down.

Kingham, 27, realizes it is too early to get too excited about one start but was pleased to begin the exhibition season with a solid effort against the Miami Marlins.

''I think any impression you make is going to stand on its own until your next one,'' Kingham said. ''Anytime you go out to the mound, you want to make a good impression. It might be the last one you get, so you always want to be good and you always want to leave a good impression in the coaches' minds, and the decision-makers'.''

Signed to a $2.05 million, one-year contract as a free agent in the offseason, Lyles is the most experienced of the four candidates. The 28-year-old has pitched for the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers in his eight-year career, compiling a 31-52 record and 5.28 ERA.

''You just continue to do what you think is best to get major league hitters out,'' Lyles said. ''Obviously, you're trying to get outs. Nobody is going to stand out there on the mound and say, `Here's the ball, hit it.' Not giving up runs is the No. 1 goal obviously, but I'm also looking to work on things and find the right spots to work on them.''

The Pirates have yet to schedule Davis' first game appearance, though he pitched two innings in a simulated game Tuesday. The 25-year-old made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 2017 by making six starts but spent last season in the Reds' farm system after recovering from hip surgery.

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Kershaw to play catch again Thursday
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Clayton Kershaw is not expected to play catch again until Thursday as the Dodgers address his throwing discomfort.

The three-time NL Cy Young winner will not undergo an MRI, manager Dave Roberts said.

''Nothing new, nothing new, we're going to wait and see how it feels,'' Roberts said Tuesday, affirming that at this point Kershaw remains the opening day starter, a status he's held the past eight seasons.

The ace left-hander was shut down late last week with discomfort in the shoulder. When asked his level of concern, Roberts said, ''I am not trying to get too much into overthinking it. Once he picks up the ball on Thursday, then we'll reassess.''

Roberts said Kershaw is dealing as well as possible with the setback.

''He's as tough mentally of a player that I've ever been around,'' Roberts said.

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Dodgers' Seager looks strong during drills
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) With each ground ball hit his way, Corey Seager smoothly worked low to the ground, scooped the ball up and made accurate throws across the diamond to first base.

Later on Tuesday morning during double play drills, he made quick tosses to second base, changing the angle on his throws and looking comfortable among the Dodgers' top infielders at Camelback Ranch.

For the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year, this is hopefully the final month of a long rehabilitation process. Seager underwent Tommy John reconstruction surgery on May 4 because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament and then had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip on Aug. 7.

The 6-foot-4 shortstop lost weight while rehabilitating, in part because he altered his diet, including giving up dairy, and also because he spent extensive time working on strength, conditioning and flexibility. His weight is distributed differently, though he remains lithe and lanky.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is thrilled with Seager's appearance and his progress

''Corey is in a really good place,'' Roberts said. ''Obviously, you see the body. This is as good as I've seen him look, and yesterday watching him run the bases, his gait looks really good. Building him out, as far as his arm strength, he's in a really good place.''

The 24-year-old Seager didn't have to make any high-velocity throws Tuesday since there were no base runners, but he did test his hip with a slide to his left to stop a sharply hit grounder up the middle, popping up to his feet immediately afterward.

In another sign of progress, Seager swung at live pitches for the first time in a 10-pitch session with Dodgers right-hander Pedro Baez.

''He swung the bat actually really well,'' Roberts said, noting Seager got a hit off Baez.

Between hitting, fielding, throwing and conditioning, Roberts said, ''I thought it was a productive day for Corey.''

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Angels' Bobby Knoop retires after 53 years
February 26, 2019
By The Associated Press

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Longtime Angels player and coach Bobby Knoop has announced his retirement after 53 years in baseball.

Los Angeles shared the news in a release Tuesday.

The 80-year-old Knoop was one of the Angels' first recognizable figures, earning the club's MVP award four times in its inaugural decade. The second baseman played for the Angels from 1964-69, making an All-Star team and winning three Gold Glove Awards as part of a double-play duo with Jim Fregosi.

Knoop later worked for Los Angeles as a minor league manager, big league base coach and an interim manager for two games in 1994.

He has been an infield instructor with the Angels since 2013. He also played for the White Sox and Royals, worked as a major league coach for the White Sox and Blue Jays and was briefly a scout with the Rockies.

NOTES: Two-time MVP and noted weather enthusiast Mike Trout got his first hit of spring training Tuesday, an infield single against Oakland. Trout was back in the batter's box after spending part of last week chasing a rare lower-elevation Arizona snowstorm, driving 80 miles north of Phoenix to Payson. He chronicled the adventure on social media.

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Wednesday’s 6-pack

College basketball ref David Hall’s itinerary the last week:

Feb 19: Texas A&M Int’l @ New Mexico State

Feb 20: Nevada @ San Diego State

Feb 21: Saint Mary’s @ Pacific

Feb 23: Wyoming @ Colorado State

Feb 24: California @ Arizona State

Feb 25: Northern Colorado @ Montana

There are guys in the NBA who don’t play back/back nights, but college refs who are 20+ years older than them ref six games in seven nights in six different cities. Go figure.

Quote of the Day
“It’s hard to focus on your profession when you don’t even know how to focus on the everyday skills that are required for life.”
Mark Cuban, talking about 18-year olds potentially playing in the NBA

Wednesday’s quiz
Buzz Williams is the basketball coach at Virginia Tech; which Big East program did he leave to coach in Blacksburg?

Tuesday’s quiz
Max Scherzer broke into the major leagues with the Diamondbacks.

Monday’s quiz
Of the eight head coaches in the AAF, five have also been NFL head coaches.


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Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings……

13) Clippers’ coach Doc Rivers is a classy guy; with 0:09.4 left in the Clippers’ win over Dallas late Monday night, Rivers grabs the PA mike at Staples Center and asks the crowd to thank Dirk Nowitzki for his great career- that was Dirk’s last game against the Clippers at Staples. The crowd responded and gave him a warm ovation. Very cool moment.

12) NBA has a problem; Pelicans lost 111-110 at home to Philly Monday night, but their star did not play in the 4th quarter. New Orleans is only playing Anthony Davis so the league doesn’t fine them, but they’ve capped his minutes and he often doesn’t play in the 4th quarter.

Why would you pay to see a New Orleans home game if they’re not trying to win? If Davis sits the whole 4th quarter in a one-point game, it is obvious they’re not trying to win.

11) Nolan Arenado inked an 8-year, $260M extension with the Colorado Rockies, which is great news for Colorado fans and people who have Arenado on their fantasy team.

10) MLB Network should have a weekly window to show a game from the Japanese leagues; you don’t need announcers over there, just good graphics and an analyst in the MLB Network studio talking us through the game. Would be interesting to see how good the play is in Japan.

9) Headline in a newspaper last week: “Arizona psychic hit by a car, says he never saw it coming” Ummm, this is not America’s finest psychic.

8) Timberwolves’ star Karl-Anthony Towns dodged a bullet over the weekend after a semi truck rear-ended the car he and the Wolves’ assistant strength coach were riding in. Towns had played in 303 consecutive games before that- he returned to the lineup Tuesday and scored 34 points with 21 rebounds in Minnesota’s win over the Kings.

7) Great news for the LA Rams; LT Andrew Whitworth will return in 2019, for his 14th season in the NFL. Signing Whitworth as a free agent two years ago is a huge reason why the Rams have been so good under Sean McVay.

6) Two of my favorite players to watch in the NBA: Montrezl Harrell of the Clippers and Stephen Adams of the Thunder. Not the most skilled players, but they play so hard and give great effort- they help their teams win.

5) NHL’s Colorado Avalanche is 1-11 in OT/SO this season, 0-4 this month. Colorado’s only OT win this season was November 18, 4-3 over Anaheim.

4) Good idea by the NBA; the best players in the G-League will join top college prospects at the NBA Combine every spring. Lets face it, lot of the best guys in the G-League should probably still be playing in college anyway.

3) Alabama and Clemson each have 11 players at the NFL Scouting Combine this week; schools like Tennessee, Arizona and Purdue don’t have any.

2) Eight members of the Portland Trailblazers were trapped in an elevator Tuesday for a half hour at their team hotel in Boston. Everyone eventually got out unscathed.

1) Conference tournaments start Monday, when the Atlantic Sun tourney starts; on Tuesday, the Patriot, Big South and Horizon events kick off. Two fun weeks every year, heading into Selection Sunday, and then two more weeks of fun.

[StarDust Bum]

Managers, coaches adjust to get most out of millennials
February 27, 2019
By The Associated Press

MESA, Ariz. (AP) In the aftermath of Chicago's collapse last season, Cubs manager Joe Maddon went looking for a deeper understanding of the players who dominate the major leagues these days.

Maddon's search took him to ''Managing Millennials for Dummies,'' and the book reinforced what he already felt about the people he worked with every day.

''The big takeaway is that they're no different than anybody else,'' a chuckling Maddon said. ''When you break it down and you go back to your own childhood we all had inefficiencies as young people. The biggest takeaway I think are two things; that the propensity to be inclined to utilize technology, which is wonderful because I've done that anyway, and then, they as a group like wanting to know why.''

Millennials make up the vast majority of the majors today, and their influence is felt all over the sport.

They were the earliest adopters of the advanced statistics that have become commonplace throughout baseball, and they inform much of what they do on the mound or at the plate. They want to know the reasoning behind what their coaches want them to do.

''I've learned this generation is nothing like the generation I grew up in,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said. ''Nothing like it. You have to learn and have an open mind to find out what makes these kids tick, how they grew up. They're so diverse and their way of communicating is different in Southern California, kids in the South, kids in the East. It's just taking the time to get to know them and how to communicate.''

The millennial generation became a hot topic in Chicago when the Cubs fired hitting coach Chili Davis after they struggled to score in the final few days of last season, culminating in their 2-1, 13-inning loss to Colorado in the NL Wild Card Game.

Davis told the Chicago Sun-Times that he needed to make some adjustments to how he delivers his message to millennials, and he planned to know more about his potential players before he accepted another job. He was hired as hitting coach for the New York Mets in December.

''You learn from every place you go,'' Davis said during spring training. ''You know, there's a lot of different personalities to try to connect with. And sometimes you connect with most of them, you hope you connect with all of `em - that's a rarity. But you know, I had great kids in Boston, I thought I had some really good kids over in Chicago last year and I'm really enjoying the guys I'm around this year.''

Defining a generation ''is an art and a science,'' said Kate Turkcan, who is the head of youth insights for Kantar Consulting. Turkcan said millennials were born between 1979 and 1996, and centennials - the next major generation for baseball - began in 1997 and ended between four and eight years ago.

Turkcan, who has worked with universities and companies like Samsung, Coca-Cola and Target, said the millennial stereotype of entitled young person is misguided.

''They're not asking why to be difficult. They're asking why because they've grown up in a generation or in a world where you need proof for everything, you need back up,'' she said.

''They're taught critical thinking skills ... they've been taught you don't take anything at face value and I think even coming from someone who's experienced, like a coach or like a manager, it's not that they're doubting, but it is that they've always been taught like you don't just take anything. You ask why. ... You want to get really to the root of the issue.''

Maddon, who turned 65 on Feb. 8, is the oldest manager in baseball, followed by the 64-year-old Yost and San Francisco skipper Bruce Bochy, 63. Maddon is nearly 30 years older than Rocco Baldelli, who became the game's youngest manager when he was hired by Minnesota in October.

Despite his age, Maddon has been known for his ability to relate to his players. The Cubs declined to offer him an extension after the tough finish last year, so Maddon's ability to get the most of the younger millennials on his roster could help determine his future.

That's just fine with Maddon, who thinks his style works nicely for baseball's most important generation at the moment.

''Quite frankly, when I started doing this in the mid-80s, I thought it was important to tell my players why,'' Maddon said. ''You want to know why, I don't feel offended. I think sometimes it's, when people ask you why there's a defensive component to that that some people don't like. I don't mind it. So when they ask me that, why, I should be prepared to tell them why.''

[StarDust Bum]

Rockies' Arenado says 'my heart was here' after $260M deal
February 27, 2019
By The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Colorado Rockies slugger Nolan Arenado says ''at the end of the day my heart was here'' and he wants to emulate Todd Helton and Derek Jeter by spending his entire career with one team, explaining why he gave up a chance to become a free agent after this season.

The All-Star third baseman's voice quavered when he spoke Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a $260 million, eight-year contract with the Rockies. The deal's $32.5 million average annual value is second behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016.

Arenado says the cold free-agent market the past two seasons wasn't a big factor but ''obviously it's in your head.''

Manny Machado waited until last week before getting a $300 million, 10-year deal with San Diego, and Bryce Harper remains on the market.

Arenado says: ''I don't go off what everyone else is doing. I never have.''

His deal allows him to opt out after the 2021 season and become a free agent.

[StarDust Bum]

Wieters agrees to deal with Cardinals
February 27, 2019
By The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) Catcher Matt Wieters has agreed to a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

If added to the 40-man roster, the 32-year-old would get a one-year contract calling for a $1.5 million salary while in the major leagues. He would have the chance to earn $500,000 in performance bonuses based on games: $100,000 each for 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80.

A four-time All-Star with Baltimore from 2009-16, Wieters will compete with Francisco Pena for the backup job behind Yadier Molina, the only catcher on the Cardinals' 40-man roster.

Wieters spent the past two seasons with Washington. He hit .238 with eight homers and 30 RBIs last year, when he was sidelined between March 31 and April 12 with a strained left oblique muscle and between May 10 and July 9 with a strained left hamstring.

His contract with the Nationals paid $21 million over the two years.

St. Louis announced the deal Wednesday.


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Phillies' Quinn out with oblique strain
February 27, 2019
By The Associated Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Roman Quinn has a right oblique strain and plans to have an MRI exam on Thursday.

''We don't have a lot of long-term concerns but we want to get a better idea once we see the study,'' Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday.

Quinn was hurt while taking batting practice in an indoor cage Tuesday.

''He's very disappointed, and I'm disappointed for him,'' Kapler said.

Outfielder Odubel Herrera remains out with a strained left hamstring.

Right-hander Tommy Hunter is sidelined by a right arm flexor strain and may not start throwing again for 10 days.


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Yanks' Farquhar nearing first outing
February 27, 2019
By The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Danny Farquhar is lined up to pitch in a game for the first time since collapsing in the Chicago White Sox dugout last April 20 because of a ruptured aneurysm and brain hemorrhage.

The 32-year-old right-hander, at spring training with the New York Yankees under a minor league contract, is scheduled to pitch this weekend against Pittsburgh in Bradenton.

''I saw my name on the board for Saturday and I was freaking out this morning when I saw it. I'm so excited,'' he said.

Farquhar pitched his second simulated game of spring training on Wednesday.

''I'm ready for a real game,'' he said.

Farquhar had surgery the day after collapsing and was hospitalized until May 7. His wife, Lexie, and children Madison (7), Landon (3) and Liam (1) have been in attendance for his simulated games at Steinbrenner Field.

''You definitely see everything in rose colored glasses,'' Farquhar said. ''Like, just waking up and seeing the sun, it's exciting. Waking up the kids in the morning and carrying them down the stairs to get into the car to take me to the field at like 6:40 is awesome. I love every part of it.''

Farquhar struck out three, induced a fly and grounder, and gave up a homer to Kellin Deglan.

''Another good day,'' Farquhar said. ''It was a learning experience not to throw 2-0 fastballs right down the middle because they'll get hit very far. But I felt my changeup was excellent today. Fastball was good and curveball was OK.''

Farquhar has pitched in 253 games over seven big league seasons, going 10-15 with a 3.39 ERA and 18 saves for Toronto (2011), Seattle (2013-15), Tampa Bay (2016-17) and the White Sox (2017-18). He was 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA in eight innings over eight games last year, then became a free agent after the season.