Dispatches From Spring Training*

*From someone not anywhere near Spring Training

• John Lackey claims to be in the ‘best shape of his life,’ but officials are concerned he may have gone TOO far…

• Fred Wilpon says the Mets’ money troubles are over (ESPN), they will, however, still be very, very bad.
• Trevor Bauer has asked Indians to give him time on the side to pursue his other love, rapping

95% real picture, 100% really raps

• The Diamondbacks have internet access at their Spring Training facilities:

• The Dodgers have unveiled their new Mascot for 2013:

• Yoenis Cespedes would like to now be referred to by his given name, Michael Bolton.
• Sadly, the Houston Astros have reported to camp.

this was not planned.

Stay tuned for more updates!

-v

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The all-contract year team

Every year there are a few guys who are in a contract year that put up crazy numbers that land them a large contract (Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson come to mind). Sometimes, they are just guys who already produce while others are coming off poor seasons (or careers) and need to rebound (badly). But no matter what they did last year, everything they do this year will be watched and scrutinized, giving them extra incentive to have a huge year. Keep an eye out for these guys:

C: Dionar Navarro

Once the one of the top prospects in the Yankees system, Navarro has fallen on hard times and had a terrible season in 2010. However, he is poised to become the Dodgers starting catcher and may finally tap his talent to prove he can stay in LA for the long haul. He is playing for his major league life and might respond well to the pressure.

1B: Prince Fielder

This is an obvious choice in early rounds but he could put up even bigger numbers this year than he did last year. He has a lot of pressure on him after signing a record arbitration contract, but also has a lot to prove. He is out to prove that he is not an after thought in the 2012 first baseman free agent class which could include Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez. Pujols and A-Gon are primed for huge seasons (and contracts) no matter what but Fielder is the real wildcard. He needs to show constant improvement especially after his down year last year in order to get the 7-10 year deal Scott Boras will be looking for.

2B: Rickie Weeks

Looking to build on his solid fantasy season last year, Weeks is in a great position to land a pretty big contract in the offseason. Weeks needs to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke and that he can be an elite second baseman in the league. He played more games that he has in any other season with the Brewers and his durability will be a factor. Rickie will want to put to bed any doubt that he is a soft player who can put up mediocre stats. If last year is any indication, he will rise to the occasion.

SS: Jose Reyes

Remember when this guy was a one of the top players in all of fantasy? I do too and it wasn’t that long ago. Like Weeks, Reyes put up solid fantasy numbers after a year plagued by injuries. At 27, Reyes is entering his “prime” and will want a contract that will reflect that. Look for him to be a bright spot on an otherwise pretty bad Mets team.

3B: Aramis Ramirez

Yes, he is 32. Yes, he had a bad year last year. But the contract he signs next offseason could be his last professional contract and he will want to make it count. The Cubs should be improved this year which will help him, and the addition of Carlos Pena to the line up will also do wonders. I am not saying you should draft him early (or at all), but look for him to put together a streaky season and pick him up while he is on a hot-streak. As I said before, he is 32 and he knows he has an expiration date, he needs to show teams he hasn’t already past his. This should motivate him to a better season than last year.

OF: Jose Bautista

Another guy who will go early in drafts but also another guy who has a lot to prove. Can he put up the same numbers he did last year or will come back down to earth. (Also, just a note, he is recovering form offseason hernia surgery so keep an eye out for his recovery from that.)

OF: Grady Sizemore

The Indians have an option for Sizemore for $8.5 million or a buyout of $500,000 in 2012. Sizemore needs to prove his worth to the Indians or he might be facing free agency a year early. Especially after two down seasons (including one almost completely lost last year) Sizemore has to come up big. He was once the next can’t-miss superstar, but now he is looking like almost the exact opposite of that. This is a make or break year for him, and he knows it.

OF: Josh Willingham

This should be an interesting season for Willingham who will have to adjust to a new league and a new coast. Other than Navarro, he has to most to lose this season. If he puts up big numbers, he will get a large contract. A real boom-bust guy.

SP: Edwin Jackson

Another guy who is entering his “prime” Jackson has a lot more questions than answers. He can throw the ball nice and fast but can he improve his ERA and WHIP?  There have been other pitchers who had control problems who put together a solid contract year season (see Wright, Jaret) and Jackson could be poised to do just that.

CL: Jonathan Papelbon

Talk about a guy who is pitching with a chip on his shoulder. Pap has more than enough motivation to rebound after last season’s subpar performance and especially after it was reported he would have been non-tendered had the Red Sox signed Mariano Rivera this off-season. This guy is really pitching for his contract because it looks like Daniel Bard (or Bobby Jenks) is poised to take over the Sox  closer role after next season. Paps will come out on fire and put together an extremely impressive fantasy season.

You Can Ring my BELL-ELLL-ELLLLL

 

 

 

….ring my bell.  imagine if that song blasted every time he hit a homer?

 

Josh Bell is quietly making himself comfortable (2 homers last night) this year getting ready for a solid 2011.  I’m saying thias as fact.  If you miss out on Mike Stanton next year, this kid is worth your prospect flyer.  I was shocked at the rashness of the Dodgers when they traded Bell for…. wait for it… George Sherrill.  The kid can mash.  From his minor league numbers, a 40 double, 20 homer, .370 OBP is very realistic- if you’re willing to deal with the 3:1 K:BB ratio, which isn’t un-usable. I mean, people draft Reynolds as a top 30 player despite the K’s, and all you’ll be doing is taking a late round flyer on some kid for Baltimore.  I love doubles as a telling sign that someone can hit, and it appears the O’s have found another sweet swinging doubles hitter with some pop.  I say mark him down for your next year’s draft.  As in sooner, rather than later.

 

Sermon over, remember Bell draft time next year,

enjoy Anita Ward.

 

-w

 

Player Watch: Jhoulys Chacin

This guy could pick you up a key win down the stretch

For those of you looking for deep, deep sleepers, look no further than Jhoulys Chacin a RHP for the Rockies. Last night in his season debut, he went 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB and 7 k. Pretty solid. Although he has a relatively small sample size (1-1, 11 GP (2 GS), 19.0 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 14 BB, 22 K, 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP), his strike out numbers are pretty good. He does have the tendency to walk some guys, but if he can harness his control he could be gem on the waiver-wire.

He makes his next start against the Dodgers.

For video of Chacin, click here.

Dodgers not Immune to Swine Flu

Yes. It appears the dreaded H1N1 virus has hit the LA Dodger clubhouse.  The announcement was made that Vicente Padilla will be the Opening Day starter.  Any thoughts as to why they would pass up much better arms in Billingsley (the supposed ace), Kershaw (ace of the future), and Kuroda (uninfected veteran)?