Fantasy Baseball: Sunday’s Spring Training Roundup

Here are my thoughts after reviewing Sunday’s spring training boxscores:

The Twins finally signed catcher Joe Mauer to a long term contract extension. How about 8 years for $184 million. For a catcher. Albert Pujols must be licking his chops today. It would not surprise me in the least that by mid-season the Cardinals are fielding offers for Albert Pujols.

Phillies starter Jamie Moyer threw 5 quality innings, giving up one run on 5 hits and 6 strikeouts. He will probably win the 5th starter spot in the Phillies rotation.
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon got knocked around for 6 runs, 5 earned, on 5 hits and a walk in 1/3rd of an inning on Sunday. U.G.L.Y.

Twins starter Scott Baker threw 5 shutout innings on Sunday, giving up 1 hit, 1 walk and striking out 3. He lowered his spring ERA to 0.64.

Rays starter Wade Davis gave up 7 runs, 5 earned, on 9 hits and a walk in 2 innings vs. the Twins.

Nat’s shortstop prospect Ian Desmond batted 3rd and played SS and right field on Sunday, going 2-4, with a walk and two runs scored. He also made two fielding errors. Is it possible the Nats use him in RF instead if Justin Maxwell, who is hitting below the Mendoza line at .191.

Marlins outfield prospect Mike Stanton is still in camp. He went 1-2 and is hitting .333 this spring. I don’t see them Marlins keeping him in the 25 man roster, but the fact that he is still in camp says they are taking their time with that decision.

Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and is hitting .323 this spring. I wonder what he could do if he stayed healthy all year hitting in front of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. 20-20??

Rockies second base prospect Eric Young is heating up of late as he went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base. Young is probably headed to AAA Colorado Springs to play everyday, but could be a solid source of SBs should he get the call up due to an injury to Clint Barmes.

Indians outfielder Austin Kearns went 2-3 with 2 HRs and 5 RBI vs the Dodgers on Sunday. Kearns is trying to make it as a backup outfielder in Cleveland. Remember when he was a top prospect in Cincinnatti?

Mariners new second baseman Chone Figgins went 3-4 with 3 runs scored and a stolen base. It was announced this weekend that Figgins would be the starting second baseman for the Mariners on opening day, with 2009 second baseman Jose Lopez moving over to third base.

Rangers starter Rich Harden gave up 6 runs on 7 hits, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts in 3+ innings on Sunday. Harden’s ERA is over 11 now this spring. Will the Rangers regret signing him this offseason?