Spring Training News & Notes, 3/17: Catching Up With Everyone

Astros: Wandy Rodriguez was ninth in the NL with a 3.02

in 2009, but he’s not letting that stop him from working on improving his arsenal this spring. Rodriguez is working on a changeup, and used it a fair amount in Wednesday’s appearance against the Nationals. Rodriguez has been mainly a fastball-curve guy in the past.

Brewers: Prince Fielder doesn’t take time off often, but the team is hoping to find someone who can fill his position on the off chance he’ll take a day off or leave a game at some point in 2010. Jim Edmonds got a shot at it Wednesday, but wore his outfield glove at first base and was charged with an error on a dropped pop up.

Mets: IF Anderson Hernandez was claimed off waivers by Cleveland, thus ending his second sting in New York. He was out of options and unlikely to make the Opening-Day roster…the Mets and Marlins will play a June series in San Juan…Mike Pelfrey tested his offspeed pitchers today against the Red Sox, saying, “I think one day I’d like to become an actual pitcher.”

Braves: Still just 23, Tommy Hanson has already added a fourth game-ready pitch to his repertoire, a changeup…Craig Kimbrell, the 21-year-old “closer of the future,” is already in the mix for a bullpen spot.

Blue Jays: The Jays may not know exactly what the future holds for their starting rotation, but right now it looks good on the end of Brian Tallet. He allowed just one hit over four innings today. ... Sure, the Jays might finish in the cellar this season of the AL East, but you know what? There are reasons to watch this team in 2010. In fact, there are at least 10. ... Happy birthdays to a couple of key Jays.

Orioles: The Orioles will need offense in 2010 -- it’s just too bad it didn’t show up on Wednesday. ... Camden Chat asks five questions to MASN’s Steve Melewski.

Diamondbacks Bad news for the rest of the NL West – Brandon Webb feels “really good” after his latest throwing session. “I was letting it go almost all the way,” said the former Cy Young winner. “I felt like I had more left in the tank even.” He’s aiming for a return sometime in late April: “I think a couple weeks late, three weeks late, is something that’s more reachable.”

Dodgers James McDonald, initially thought likely to be the #5 starter for LA, seems to be heading for a relief spot instead. Manager Joe Torre said, “I’m probably leaning at this point to keeping him in the bullpen,” after McDonald threw two innings in a simulated game earlier this week. The right-hander has struggled this spring, and seems to have been passed on the depth chart by the likes of Russ Ortiz and Eric Stultz.

Mariners: Nothing at all going on in Mariner camp, as they had Monday off. Only bit of news worth noting: righty starter Yusmeiro Petit has been released. Petit has put up good minor league numbers, but his finesse repertoire hasn’t translated to the bigs, and he fell victim to a roster crunch.

Angels: Not a lot going on in Angel camp, either - although Jered Weaver is looking to improve a new two-seam fastball. The two-seamer - or sinker - could come in handy for Weaver, as he is among the most extreme flyball pitchers in baseball...long-time prospect Brandon Wood will finally get an extended chance to stick this year, playing third base.

Indians: The Cleveland Brass like young infielder Jason Donald, considering him a real grinder. They also like possible third baseman of the future, Lonnie Chisenhall, who is either too talented to be a grinder, or in possession of too serious a criminal history. The Diatribe, meanwhile, looks at Cleveland’s current pitching staff in the context of the past decade.

Tigers: The Motor City Kitties get bombed by the Phillies. Take 75 North breaks down the minor league roster moves, while Old English D talks about Daniel Schlereth. Finally, the Free Press writes, “ask Damon a cheeky question, get a cheeky answer.” Noted.

Follow along with this stream as we check out what’s going on in every camp for every team in baseball. Updates will be provided on a division-by-division basis.