Fantasy Baseball: Tuesday’s Spring Training Roundup And One Of My Favorite Dodgers Passes Away

Tuesday afternoon brought a lot of baseball news, but none more stunning than the passing of one of my all-time favorite Dodgers, Willie Davis. When I was growing up, collecting baseball cards, Willie Davis was my “first” favorite Dodger. One of many for sure, but he will never be forgotten. Phil Gurnee over at True Bue LA posted a nice tribute article this evening. Be sure to go read it.

We received more stunning news this morning when we learned that the Twins closer Joe Nathan could miss the 2010 season with a torn UCL ligament in his right elbow which might require Tommy John surgery. We will find out soon enough who the Twins closer will be once the TJS decision is made. They could have an in-house candidate that no one is talking about.

Tuesday’s spring training action was highlighted by Stephen Strasburg’s first professional start, which saw his pitch two scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing two hits. Strasburg will be the first pick in the UBA league’s minor league draft, but I am wondering how long the owner will keep him in this keeper league. Check out what Ed Chigliak has to say about his outing over at Federal Baseball, SB Nation’s Wsashington Nationals site.

Tiger’s prospect Austin Jackson is trying to show he belongs in the majors after hitting his first spring HR to go along with his .538 BA.

Another prospect fighting for a job is Nationals SS Ian Desmond, Desmond had a hit and 2 RBI on Tuesday and he is hitting .500. His competition at SS, Christian Guzman, is hitting .200 so far.

Lost in the hype surrounding outfield prospect Jason Heyward, newly signed first baseman Troy Glaus just keeps hitting. He had 3 more hits on Tuesday, and is now hitting .750 this spring. Glaus has lots of power, but can’t stay healthy. He is a late round selection in mixed leagues if he can stay healthy.

The Mets Johan Santana came out of his first spring training start healthy, but he got hit around, giving up 4 runs, on 6 hits and a walk in 1 2/3rd innings on Tuesday. Mets fans will breath a sigh of relief if he can make his next start as scheduled.

Yankees ace starting pitcher CC Sabathia didn’t fare much better than Santana, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits, one a HR, and a walk in 2 1/3rd innings. Sabathia is a notorious slow starter, so don’t be alarmed if April produces similar results.

Yankees DH quieted his critics by smacking 2 HRs in the loss to the Pirates. Johnson is an on base machine who should provide Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez with plenty of RBI opportunities this season.

Another ace pitcher got hit around on Tuesday, and that was the Cardinals Adam Wainwright. He threw 2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks and no strikeouts. He’s the third possible Opening Day starter to get hit around on Tuesday,.

Orioles first baseman Garrett Atkins was 0-3 on Tuesday, but he is hitting .444 in early action this spring training. Could he bounce back after a few bad seasons in Colorado?

Newly signed outfielder Rick Ankiel went 2-3 with a HR and 4 RBI on Tuesday. Ankiel is another former NL hitter looking to bounce back in 2010.