Here are some thoughts are reviewing Monday’s spring training boxscores:
Fantasy Baseball: Monday’s Spring Training Roundup
Am I the only fan who couldn’t care less who the Opening Day starter is for my favorite team. Is it that big a deal that the Dodgers selected Vicente Padilla as their opening day starter? I mean the guy did win two big playoff games last year, baggage or no baggage. Clayton Kershaw will get his fair share of opening day starts very soon.
Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was hit in the elbow with a pitch and was diagnosed with a contusion. If it is anything more than that, Yankee fans could see Jesus Montero DH’ing earlier than expected.
Phillies fans may be flyuing high after their second straight World Series appearance in 2009, but if their bullpen doesn’t improve during the regular season, they will incur the wrath of the Philly fan. Ryan Madson served up a game winning HR to Eric Hinke, but did strike out the side in the 9th inning.
Nate McLouth batted 7th and went 0-2 with 2 walks. He is hitting just .122 this spring. Braves fans may see Melky Cabrera play more than expected this summer if McLouth doesn’t heat up.
Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez struck out 11 in 6 innings of work on Monday. He allowed 3 hits, 2 walks and one run, a HR by Rickie Weeks. Sanchez could be a breakout pitcher in 2010.
Orioles catcher Matt Wieters was 1-2 with a walk and an RBI on Monday, but is only hitting .225 this spring. Yes, its only spring training, he will be fine.
The Pirates have decided to bat the pitcher in the 8 hole ahead of Ronny Cedeno this season. They are also going to let Akinori Iwamura to leadoff with Andrew McCutchen batting second. Does McCutchen still steal 30+ bases this year? I think so, but he could drive in a few more runs as well.
Angels new starting baseman Brandon Wood was 2-2 with a walk, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI with a triple, a double and a SB on Monday. He is batting .289 this spring and is a sleeper in mixed leagues, as he has plenty of power.
Mets third baseman David Wright was 0-4 with 3 strikeouts on Monday. He has struck out in 12 of his 45 spring at bats, but has hit for a good BA and power as well. I am not sold yet and will not be drafting him in my 30 round draft on Wednesday night.
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