Around AL West Spring Training, 3/11: The Arrival Of Lee

Mariners: Cliff Lee made his Cactus League debut on Wednesday and felt good, throwing a lot of strikes...Jack Wilson made his return to action in the same game, without incident...Luke French threw a couple scoreless innings as he continues to battle for a rotation or bullpen spot...according to Jack Zduriencik, Erik Bedard - who is currently playing long toss - should begin throwing off a mound “pretty soon”...Mike Sweeney is currently 10-13 as he fights to win a roster spot, whether it be with Seattle or anyone...Jack Hannahan remains out of action with a sore groin.

Athletics: Despite poor results, Ben Sheets looked pretty good on Wednesday, flashing an improving changeup...Eric Chavez hit a pair of home runs in the same game as he looks to re-establish himself as a productive regular player...Justin Duchscherer will face live hitters on Friday...Jon Meloan, who complained of soreless, has been diagnosed with minor elbow irritation...Joey Devine says he’s feeling better...Coco Crisp’s hamstring injury is not considered serious.

Angels: The Angels signed reliever Chad Orvella to a minor league contract. Orvella is a one-time top reliever prospect in statistical circles, but he has failed to build on his success in the lower levels. Shoulder surgery cost him his entire 2008...Scott Kazmir looked good in a simulated game on Wednesday and appears set to make his Cactus League debut shortly...the Angels, who have won the West five times in six years, are predicted to finish third by a math professor in New Jersey, although the more reasonable conclusion is that the projections have the West as being too close to call. This is the consensus among all legitimate 2010 projections, as there exists neither a standout team, nor a hopeless team.

Rangers: C.J. Wilson threw three decent innings against the Mariners on Wednesday, while fellow rotation longshot Neftali Feliz struggled once again, increasing the likelihood that he’s returned to the bullpen...Nelson Cruz has tight hamstrings, but should be fine...negotiations related to the sale of the Rangers have reached an impasse, but Lone Star Ball remains optimistic that something will be worked out...Ben Rogers thinks the fifth rotation spot will go to either Wilson or Matt Harrison...Eric Hurley, coming off rotator cuff surgery, is throwing bullpen sessions every third day, and is nearing the point at which he can face live batters.