Diamondbacks Starter Edwin Jackson has been struggling in spring training, and it seems to be a mechanical issue. A scout who watched Jackson pitch on Sunday said, “He just looked totally out of whack, like he had no rhythm and couldn’t repeat his delivery. Didn’t look like his arm was bothering him.” Velocity was down a few clicks on the gun, though not enough to be a major concern. D-backs pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. has also said Jackson is struggling with the mechanics.
Dodgers Former fifth starter candidate James McDonald is “not happy” about his demotion. “I don’t want to be in the Minor Leagues. It’s angry, but focused. Don’t be pouting, there’s work to do. Keep working hard, that’s all I can do…but I feel it can fuel myself to keep going and get better.” McDonald feels issues with his off-speed pitches are the main problem, saying “I’m not a hitter, but if I was, I wouldn’t swing at my off-speed pitches.”
Around NL West Spring Training, 3/24: Headley Rediscovers Third-Base
Giants 20-year old prospect Madison Bumgarner has been sent to the minor leagues, after posting a 6.43 ERA over his three spring appearances. Manager Bruce Bochy commented, “He needs to pitch on a consistent basis. We think a lot of him and he has a bright future. But we think there are still some things he needs to work on.” That appears to narrow the candidates for the fifth spot to veteran Todd Wellemeyer and prospect Kevin Pucetas.
Padres Chase Headley is getting re-acquainted with third-base, after two years spent mostly in the outfield. “It’s pretty much what I thought it would be… But it takes a couple of weeks. The really hard ground ball at you, the backhand play, those take you a little longer.” The off-season move of previous incumbent Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Athletics, opened the spot up for Headley to return to the position at which he was drafted in 2005.
Rockies SI’s Jon Heyman has been very impressed with what he has seen of the Rockies this spring. “The Rockies have depth, youth and talent — all for the relatively low payroll of $80 million — and they appear to have no obvious holes,” he says. Heyman also describes them as having “the look of an annual contender.”
