Fantasy Baseball: Wednesday’s Spring Training Roundup

Some thoughts after reviewing Wednesday’s spring training boxscores:

Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain may be making the 5th starter decision real easy for manager Joe Girardi. Joba gave up 6 runs on 5 hits, 3 walks, a grand slam and only 1 strikeouts in 2 1/3rd innings. Phil Hughes followed Joba and gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 2 2/3rd innings.

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore went 2-2 with his first spring HR and 4 RBI. Fantasy owners are hoping he can return to his years of going 20-30 or 30-30.

Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee threw 3 innings giving up one run on 5 hits, a walk and one strikeout. I am curious if all the innings Lee threw last year and in the playoffs and World Series will catch up to him like it did to Cole Hamels in 2009.

Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez went 2-4 with 3 runs scored, and is now hitting .400 in early action. Sanchez is fighting for the first base job with prospect Logan Morrison. Morrison is not helping his cause as he is hitting only .071 at this point.

A’s starting pitcher Ben Sheets had a tough outing on Wednesday giving up 6 runs, 5 earned, on 5 hits and a walk in 2 2/3rd innings. The A’s are looking for Sheets to have a bounce back season after missing all of 2009 recovering from surgery.

Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin got hit around on Wednesday giving up 3 runs on 5 hits in 1 1/3rd innings. I don’t see Franklin repeating his success as a closer in 2010. This situation bears watching.

Padres pitching prospect Mat Latos gave up an unearned run on 3 hits in 3 innings, lowering his ERA to 1.80. Latos is fighting for the 5th starter spot in the Padres rotation, but could be the team’s ace by the end of the year. Latos dominated each minor league level he pitched at in 2009.

Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez threw 3 shutout innings giving up 3 hits and striking out 5. Sanchez may be ready for a breakout season in 2010, and should reach the 200 strikeout plateua for those of you in 5 x 5 leagues