Cnotes MLB 2019 Spring Traning News Notes and Rumors !

[CNOTES]

LH reliever Zach Duke signs 1-year deal with Reds
February 11, 2019
By The Associated Press


GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Zach Duke has signed a $2 million, one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds, who wanted a left-hander for the bullpen.


Duke agreed to the deal last week. It was completed Monday after he passed a physical.


Cincinnati overhauled its rotation and starting lineup in the offseason through a series of trades, hoping to become a contender. The bullpen already was solid with the additions of Jared Hughes and David Hernandez last season to set up closer Raisel Iglesias.


Duke turns 36 in April. He pitched in 14 games for the Reds in 2013. Last season, he went 5-5 with a 4.15 ERA in 72 games with Minnesota and Seattle. Duke also has played for the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Nationals, Brewers, White Sox and Cardinals.


The Reds designated right-hander Jose Lopez for assignment. He went 5-13 for Triple-A Louisville last season.

 

[CNOTES]

Gerrit Cole goes to arbitration with Astros
February 11, 2019
By The Associated Press


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Pitcher Gerrit Cole has gone to arbitration with the Houston Astros, asking to be given $13.5 million rather than the team's offer of $11,425,000.


Cole made $6.75 million last year, when he earned his second All-Star selection and went 15-5 with a 2.88 ERA. He earned $6.75 million.


Arbitrators Gil Vernon, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux heard the case Monday and are expected to decide later this week.


Players and teams have split six decisions, including a victory for Astros shortstop Carlos Correa. The case of Cleveland pitcher Trevor Bauer is pending.


Four more hearings are scheduled this week, for Michael Fulmer of Detroit, Aaron Nola of Philadelphia, Luis Severino of the New York Yankees and Alex Wood of Cincinnati.

 

[CNOTES]

Jeter anxious to see Marlins win
February 11, 2019
By The Associated Press


MIAMI (AP) Derek Jeter stood and chatted a few rows from home plate in Marlins Park on Monday morning. His words were sometimes drowned out by noises coming from construction crews; steel clanging against steel in an area getting built behind the center field wall, or the whirring of engines moving heavy machinery about.


There couldn't have been a more fitting backdrop.


Jeter, entering his second full season as CEO of the Miami Marlins, knows that building - whether it is a new spot for fans to watch games from, to a minor-league system, to a contending big-league club - takes time. That also means Jeter is being tested in ways now that he never was during his playing days as shortstop for the New York Yankees, when winning and competing for titles seemed like an annual occurrence.


''I have no patience,'' Jeter said. ''I have zero patience. I've been preaching it. I don't have it.''


The Marlins had the worst record in the National League and the fourth-worst record in all of Major League Baseball last season, and just traded away the best player from their 2018 club - catcher J.T. Realmuto - to the Philadelphia Phillies. And oddsmakers say the Marlins will be one of the longest shots in baseball this year, which didn't amuse Jeter.


He's clearly not expecting to get his hands on the World Series trophy this year.


That doesn't mean he's accepting another woebegone year as a foregone conclusion, either.


''Patience is something that you have to learn,'' Jeter said. ''But I'm fine with not being patient. It's like I say: When you're at the major-league level, you're here for a reason, because these players have been better than most other players in this country and in other countries as well. And if you're here, you have an opportunity to win. I can't preach that enough.''


Jeter spent his first season observing and learning, often very quietly. He helped craft a plan that the Marlins say they'll stick to: build an organization from the bottom up, stock what was a badly depleted farm system with prospects, give young players who merit a shot a chance at performing in Miami and hold absolutely everyone accountable.


This season, he's hinting that he may be more involved with players. He learned in 2018. He may teach more in 2019.


''Derek's not going to be patient with not playing the game right, not getting after it every day, not competing,'' said Marlins manager Don Mattingly, who played first base in Jeter's Yankee debut game in 1995. ''He knows where we're at. In a sense you have to have some patience. But you don't have patience if a guy's not playing the game right, if he's not trying to get better every day, if he's not working. That's where he's not going to have patience.''


What he's selling, people are buying.


The Marlins signed Neil Walker late last month to be a veteran utilityman presence, after he spent last year with the Yankees. Even after being with the Marlins for only a couple weeks, Hill said the message from Jeter's office on down is already clear to players: ''You're either going to be on board, or you're out.''


''In talking with Derek, talking with (president of baseball operations) Michael Hill, talking with Donnie, they've really sat down as an organization and thought about where they were, where they presently are and where they hope to go,'' Walker said. ''Their enthusiasm and their vision is contagious. And I know just from early talks with all three of them, they believe in the guys in this locker room and they believe in the direction this organization's going.''


The Marlins vow they're going to make the experience at home games - where attendance dipped to franchise-record-low numbers in 2018, partially because the team was bad and partially because the new ownership group began revealing far more accurate ticket numbers than was done under the previous regime - better this year. The team is trying to better embrace the Latin flavor of Miami, and want fans to even feel comfortable bringing instruments to games if so inclined.


Fans spoke. Jeter says their words were heeded.


''Look, I never shied away from the fact that there's a complicated history here with the fan base,'' Jeter said. ''I get it. We weren't here for that. We're taking over an organization that hadn't had much success at all for the last 15, 16 years. So in order to change that, we had to make changes.''


And if Jeter has his way, the refurbishing of the team won't take long.


''We need to see improvement,'' Jeter said. ''We need to see improvement from some of our younger guys that got an opportunity to play last year. That's how you get better. We can sit and talk about minor-league systems all you want, but it gets to a point when you're in Miami that you have to develop and improve year in and year out. That's how you become a great team.''

 

[CNOTES]

deGrom sets deadline for contract talks
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom wants to hear the New York Mets' best pitch on a multiyear contract by opening day - and the team thinks that's a good call, too.


New general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, who was deGrom's agent before switching sides at the bargaining table last fall, told reporters Tuesday at spring training there's ''no reason for a distraction to carry into the regular season.''


He said the club will continue discussions with deGrom this spring and see where they lead. That leaves about six weeks to get a deal done before the Mets' season opener March 28 at Washington.


However, the 30-year-old deGrom cannot become a free agent until after the 2020 season, so the sides could always reopen negotiations next offseason.


Last month, the Mets and deGrom agreed to a $17 million, one-year contract to avoid arbitration - a raise of $9.6 million over his 2018 salary.


Van Wagenen clarified Tuesday that he will indeed be involved in any talks with deGrom about a long-term deal. The rookie GM said he recused himself from the pitcher's arbitration negotiations to avoid a potential conflict of interest.


Mets pitchers and catchers will hold their first formal workout Thursday. Van Wagenen and deGrom are both scheduled to be available to reporters that day.


''Jacob clearly is a guy that we value. He's clearly a player that we hope will be with us for a long period of time and we have ongoing dialogue with him and his representatives on a variety of things, including his status with us going forward,'' Van Wagenen said last month.


Last summer, when he was deGrom's agent, Van Wagenen suggested the Mets should consider trading deGrom if they weren't planning to commit to him long-term.


After leading the majors with a 1.70 ERA in 217 innings last year, deGrom was a runaway winner in NL Cy Young Award balloting. The two-time All-Star went just 10-9 with 269 strikeouts in 32 starts, receiving little support from a fourth-place team that finished 77-85.

 

[CNOTES]

Angels hope Ohtani ready to DH by May
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels hope Shohei Ohtani recovers from Tommy John surgery in time to join their batting order by May.


The AL Rookie of the Year had Tommy John surgery Oct. 1 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The first player to hit 20 homers and make 10 pitching appearances in the same season since Babe Ruth, Ohtani is not expected to pitch this year but the Angels would like to have his bat in the lineup.


''We're thinking May, sometime in May, but that's assuming everything goes well,'' new manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday. ''This is new territory. We're dealing with a guy who DH's on a regular basis and is a starting pitcher. It's new territory in rehabbing a Tommy John surgery, and we want to protect him long-term being able to do both. If we have to push it back, we'll push it back.''


Ohtani has been swinging without hitting a ball. He has yet to hit off a batting tee, Ausmus said.


''He's going to want to get on the field quickly because he wants to compete,'' Ausmus said.


NOTES: The Angels also are monitoring Albert Pujols' return from left knee surgery on Aug. 29. The first baseman had a debridement, during which damaged tissue was removed.


''Albert is doing everything right now,'' Ausmus said. ''We'll have discussions with him on how he's feeling regularly.''

 

[CNOTES]

Tanaka no fan of DH, wants to hit and run
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Masahiro Tanaka wants to keep on hitting and running the bases at NL ballparks, hoping use of the designated hitter does not spread to the National League.


The New York Yankees pitcher missed a month last season after hurting both hamstrings while running the bases during a June 8 game at the New York Mets.


The players' association has proposed extending the DH to the NL, a plan baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says is too complex to consider for this year.


''I did get injured, but when you look at it I grew up where baseball was played by nine guys, meaning basically the pitcher would hit also, and I really enjoyed that baseball,'' Tanaka said Tuesday through a translator at New York's spring training complex.


Despite winning 100 games last season, the Yankees still wound up second in the AL East behind Boston. The Red Sox beat the Yankees in the Division Series and went on to their fourth title in 15 seasons.


''Boston had the upper hand last season but, hopefully, we'll get together as a team and then we'll take that spot this year,'' Tanaka said.


New York added starting pitcher James Paxton, reliever Adam Ottavino, infielder DJ LeMahieu and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki during the offseason.


''It's obviously a better team now,'' Tanaka said. ''The additions, it's definitely going to help us out as a team. We have this good team now and I think that we have a real good chance of getting to where we want to be this year.''


New York pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report Wednesday, a day before workouts start.

 

[CNOTES]

Marlins adding Posada to front office
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


MIAMI (AP) Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter are teammates again.


Posada will be joining the Miami Marlins' front office as a special adviser to Jeter, said to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke Tuesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Posada's hiring has not been publicly announced.


Jeter is entering his second season as the Marlins' CEO.


Like Jeter, Posada spent his entire playing career with the Yankees. Posada has also primarily been a South Florida resident since retiring after the 2011 season.


Posada batted .273 with 275 home runs and 1,065 RBIs in parts of 17 seasons with the Yankees. He also was the batter when the Marlins recorded their final out to beat the Yankees in the 2003 World Series, hitting a soft grounder toward first base and being tagged out by pitcher Josh Beckett to end the game and give then-Florida its second world championship.


The Marlins have not played a postseason game since.


Jeter inherited a team that had a former Yankees star in Don Mattingly as its manager, and has since added plenty of other people with Yankees ties - including vice president of player development Gary Denbo, director of player personnel Dan Greenlee, director of amateur scouting DJ Svihlik and now, Posada.


Miami has its first official spring training workout for pitchers and catchers on Wednesday in Jupiter, Florida.

 

[CNOTES]

Eric Young Jr. agrees to deal with O's
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) Outfielder Eric Young Jr. has agreed to a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles and will report to major league spring training.


The 33-year-old hit .202 with one home run and eight RBIs in 41 games for the Los Angeles Angels last year.


Young has a .245 average in 10 big league seasons with Colorado, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Atlanta and the Angels and Atlanta. He led the NL with 46 stolen bases in 2013.


Young has played mostly left and center field, though he has played some in right - where the Orioles have an opening. Trey Mancini is slated to start in left field and Cedric Mullins is the likely starter in right.


Young's deal was announced Tuesday.

 

[CNOTES]

New Baltimore leadership hoping
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) When pitchers and catchers reported to the Baltimore Orioles camp on Tuesday, they met a new administration.


There is a manager in the dugout other than Buck Showalter for the first time in nine years, and a new general manager replacing Dan Duquette, who spent seven years with the Orioles.


Mike Elias, who was hired in November as Baltimore's new GM, hired Brandon Hyde a month later to succeed Showalter - and the difference was obvious Tuesday. There are few recognizable names, and only a handful of roster spots are accounted for.


A year ago, the Orioles lost a franchise-record 115 games, and the team used 56 players, also a record.


Elias isn't making any promises for what will likely be a lengthy and challenging rebuild.


''It was a tough last year for the team,'' Elias said. ''It was a lot of losses. It was a hard season, a lot of disappointing individual performances.''


Hyde, who spent last year as Joe Maddon's bench coach with the Chicago Cubs, wasn't hired until after December's Winter Meetings.


''I think he's more than ready for it,'' Elias said ''He's not coming from obscurity. He's been the bench coach in Chicago and running their camps really with a veteran manager who put a lot on Brandon's plate, so he knows the ropes when it comes to spring training.''


Elias dismissed Baltimore's farm and scouting director, but he's added just five new players to the 40-man roster.


''I don't know it was a plan,'' Elias said. ''If we were making a move on the roster, we want to feel like we're making some incremental improvement. I don'want to get guys off the roster just because we're trying to change things.


''There are good players here. We want to try and help the players that are here. We see things in these guys that we like.''


Hyde has 60 players to judge between now and March 25 when the Orioles play their final Grapefruit League game.


''These next six weeks are going to be really, really important and we're going to dive into every single guy,'' Hyde said. ''Obviously, our roster's not set and I think that we're going to go on past history. Past history is really, really important.''


Three starting pitchers, Dylan Bundy, Andrew Cashner and Alex Cobb have spots secured, and so do first baseman Chris Davis and left fielder Trey Mancini. Jonathan Villar will play either second base or shortstop, and Cedric Mullins, who played creditably in center field late last year, should start there again. Mychal Givens and Richard Bleier are established bullpen pieces.


That leaves many roster spots to be filled.


''There's a lot of optimism in terms of a fresh start and a big opportunity,'' Elias said. ''We're going to be taking a fresh look at really every position on the diamond. There are a lot of competitors for each spot, and this camp's going to be essentially an open competition wherever you look and so it's excited for a lot of the young guys and the new guys here because they know they've got a chance to win a job.''

 

[CNOTES]

Wood, Reds go to salary arbitration
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Left-hander Alex Wood asked an arbitration panel for a $9.65 million salary on Tuesday and the Cincinnati Reds argued the newly acquired pitcher should be paid $8.7 million.


A decision by Dan Brent, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte is expected Wednesday, when rulings also are likely for pitchers Trevor Bauer and Gerrit Cole.


Wood was 9-7 with a 3.68 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 27 starts and six relief appearances last year, when he made $6 million. Now 28, he was acquired by the Reds on Dec. 21 along with outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp.


Cole asked Gil Vernon, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux for $13.5 million rather than the Houston Astros' offer of $11,425,000. Cole made $6.75 million last year, when he received his second All-Star selection and went 15-5 with a 2.88 ERA.


After winning last year's hearing, Bauer requested James Darby, James Oldham and Sylvia Skratek award him $13 million instead of the Cleveland Indians' $11 million offer. The 28-year-old was a first-time All-Star last year and finished sixth in AL Cy Young Award voting after going 12-6 with a 2.21 ERA, second behind Tampa Bay's Nate Snell.


Cole and Wood are eligible for free agency after this season, and Bauer is eligible after the 2020 season.


Bauer won a $6,525,000 salary last year in a case decided by Strongin, Wolf and Robert Herzog, who ruled against Cleveland's $5.3 million offer.


Players and teams have split six decisions. Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, Oakland closer Blake Treinen and Tampa Bay outfielder Tommy Pham won while Washington outfielder Michael A. Taylor, Nationals reliever Kyle Barraclough and Toronto reliever Ryan Tepera lost.


Three players remain scheduled for hearings this week, all starting pitchers: Detroit's Michael Fulmer, Philadelphia's Aaron Nola and the New York Yankees' Luis Severino.

 

[CNOTES]

Seager is running at nearly 100 percent
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) With Corey Seager's expected return by opening day and the acquisition of right-handed hitting center fielder A.J. Pollock, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not expected to be platooning.


Seager was limited to 26 games last season and did not play after April 29. He had Tommy John surgery on May 4 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament and had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip on Aug. 7.


''There is a certain narrative on us platooning last year, and I think that was kind of for survival,'' manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday during his first spring training availability.


The two-time NL champions traded Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp to the Cincinnati Reds and allowed Manny Machado and Yasmani Grandal to leave as free agents. The Dodgers' major addition was to sign Pollock as a free agent.


''I think that we're not as susceptible against left-handed pitching,'' Roberts said. ''Offensively, we're much more balanced, one through eight. Whoever those eight might be on a particular night will conduct consistently better at-bats. And I think the bullpen depth is better than it was last year.''


The recovery of Seager, the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year, is critical.


''He looks really good,'' Roberts said.


Roberts hopes his shortstop, who is throwing at 90 feet, can get 50 to 60 at-bats during spring training.


Beginning his fourth season as manager, Roberts said left-hander Clayton Kershaw would like to regain some velocity. Kershaw's average fastball velocity dropped from 93 mph in 2017 to 91 mph last season, when he dealt with a back injury.


''He feels strong,'' Roberts said.


Closer Kenley Jansen is expected to have a more aggressive spring training routine following surgery Nov. 26 to correct an irregular heartbeat.


''I think with Kenley, it will be more towards `17 spring, and I say that where we were a little bit more active,'' Roberts said. ''Last year with the workload . we kind of slow-played him and he had a couple little hiccups with the body and it kind of put him back a little bit. He's in great shape right now.''


Roberts also says he expects reacquired catcher Russell Martin and Austin Barnes will compete for time behind the plate.


''To get a guy like Russell Martin, whose been in the postseason 10, 11 years in his big year career, he's a winning player,'' Roberts said. ''He's been a Dodger, he couldn't be happier to come back home, so to kind of pair with Austin I think is a very good duo. And I think that time will tell. So they are going to split time, and we'll see who gets the lion's share.''


The revamped roster, minus Puig and Matt Kemp who were traded to the Cincinnati Reds, and subtracting free agents Manny Machado and Yasmani Grandal, is more balanced, said Roberts.

 

[CNOTES]

Toussaint up for spot in Braves rotation
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


ATLANTA (AP) Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino has help for anyone confused by the team's long list of young starting pitchers, including several who had Atlanta auditions in 2018.


As Atlanta's pitchers and catchers prepare to report to spring training this week, there are many highly regarded candidates for at least one open spot in the rotation. The list includes Mike Soroka, Touki Toussaint, Kyle Wright, Kolby Allard, Max Fried, Bryse Wilson and Luiz Gohara.


Vizcaino sees one starter emerging from the crowd.


''Touki. Touki,'' Vizcaino said last month. ''He's very good. He impressed me a lot.''


Vizcaino wouldn't be swayed. Nor would he seek a diplomatic way out when asked about Soroka.


''I like Touki more,'' Vizcaino said.


And that was that.


Vizcaino isn't the only Braves player with high expectations for Toussaint, 22, who was acquired from Arizona in 2015. The Braves agreed to take on Bronson Arroyo's $10 million contract with Toussaint for third baseman Phil Gosselin.


Toussaint could make that $10 million price tag look like a bargain. First, though, the 6-foot-3 right-hander with the big curveball must win a job.


Mike Foltynewicz, who was last season's breakout starter while landing an All-Star spot, is expected to lead a rotation that also includes Sean Newcomb, Kevin Gausman and Julio Teheran.


The competition for the fifth spot could be the highlight of the Braves' spring. The first workout for pitchers and catchers is Saturday. The full squad reports next week.


''There are so many talented arms,'' said catcher Tyler Flowers. '' ... Of course everybody wants to get a (Justin) Verlander or a (Max) Scherzer or somebody like that, but not every team can bring those guys in. Sometimes you've got to grow them yourself and I think we have a lot of guys who can grow into those types of pitchers.''


The wealth of young starting candidates kept Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos from entering a bidding war to keep right-hander Anibal Sanchez, who instead signed with division rival Washington.


''Knowing we have guys internally we think are ready to take a step, the bar is high for us,'' Anthopoulos said.


Manager Brian Snitker believes the depth will allow Atlanta to bring up a sixth starter from Triple-A Gwinnett when needed to keep the rotation fresh.


Snitker said the depth was ''real important'' to the Braves' NL East title last season.


''The extra day's rest is big now with what we're doing and we have numbers you can bring up here and stretch guys out,'' Snitker said.


The Braves used 13 starting pitchers in 2018. Toussaint, Soroka, Wright, Allard and Wilson made their major league debuts. Toussaint's debut came after he was selected to pitch in the Futures Game on All-Star weekend.


Toussaint was impressive in his first start, allowing only two hits and one run in six innings in a win over Miami on Aug. 13. He was 2-1 with a 4.03 ERA in seven games, including five starts.


In what could be an indicator of the team's 2019 plans, Toussaint was placed on the postseason roster. Pitching in relief, he earned the decision in Atlanta's only win in the NL division series loss to the Dodgers.


Toussaint said his 2018 experience helped him believe he belongs in the major leagues.


''I'd say very confident,'' he said when asked about his mindset. ''I know what I have. I've seen it. I've watched it. I'm ready to get after it.''


Soroka also was impressive when healthy. He could be watched carefully in his return from a sore shoulder that put an early end to his 2018 season. He said he began throwing in November and feels strong.


Many of the young pitchers moved through the organization together after they were on the same Class A Rome staff in 2016.


''It's pretty incredible to be with those guys,'' Soroka said. ''Healthy competition is always good. It brings out the best in everyone.''

 

[CNOTES]

Reds open camp with new manager, rotation and hope
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) A new manager and coaching staff. Three new starting pitchers. The Reds begin their season with a whole new look and hopes that their run of last-place finishes could be coming to an end.


There's a very different vibe as Cincinnati opens camp with its first workout by pitchers and catchers on Wednesday. Offseason trades remade the rotation and the everyday lineup, sparking hope after four straight 90-loss seasons.


''There is a lot more expecting to win and a lot less hoping to win,'' pitcher Michael Lorenzen said Tuesday.


The change started at the top. The Reds fired manager Bryan Price after a 3-15 start last season and decided not to keep interim Jim Riggleman. David Bell was hired as manager, a move that resonated with Reds fans. His grandfather, Gus, and father, Buddy, played for the Reds.


The 46-year-old Bell inherited a roster that lacked proven starters, the main thread in the losing seasons. Three trades brought starters Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Alex Wood, who will join Anthony DeSclafani and Luis Castillo in the rotation. Gray agreed to a $38 million, four-year contract as part of the trade from the Yankees. Roark and Wood can become free agents after this season.


Bell hasn't yet decided how he'll slot the starters as spring training opens.


''The very first step is building relationships,'' Bell said. ''We haven't set a schedule yet, but we will set up a rotation very soon.''


The Reds also acquired outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp from the Dodgers. Both of them are free agents after the season as well.


Cincinnati's attendance slipped to 1.6 million last season, the Reds' smallest since 1984 at Riverfront Stadium. They hired Bell and made the trades hoping to show fans that they were working to become competitive again in the NL Central.


''There is new energy in the organization and in the city,'' Bell said Tuesday. ''We can't underestimate the importance of that. We want people excited about our team.


''There is a difference, I think, about being excited and feeling that there is something special. I think we are in the early stages of that. Things are moving in the right direction.''


Bell's main challenges will be figuring out the rotation and deciding how to fill the hole in center field, where Billy Hamilton used to play. Lorenzen is in a group of pitchers being considered for various roles, including long relief. Bell also plans to try him in the outfield during spring training.


Lorenzen he was 4-2 with a 3.11 ERA and one save in 42 relief appearances and three starts last season. He batted .290 and led major league pitchers with four homers - including one grand slam - and 10 RBIs in 31 at-bats.


As a pinch-hitter, he went 3 for 13 with two homers. From June 24-30, he homered in three straight at-bats, including the grand slam. He became the first major league pitcher to homer in three straight at-bats since Colorado's Mike Hampton in 2001.


''You could see him in the outfield the second half of camp,'' Bell said. ''He's preparing to help our team any way he can.''


Lorenzen worked out in the outfield in the offseason. He pitched and played outfield at Cal State-Fullerton, batting .335 his final season there.


''I love that they understand that I've played both my whole life,'' Lorenzen said. ''They don't have to put me in bubble wrap. Playing center field is the best thing I do on the field. Defense has been my strength since I was 9 or 10.''


Notes: San Francisco claimed RHP Jose Lopez off waivers. The Reds waived him a day earlier to open a spot for left-hander Zach Duke, who agreed to a $2 million, one-year deal. Lopez went 5-13 for Triple-A Louisville last season.

 

[CNOTES]

Bumgarner, Posey would love to see Harper join Giants
February 12, 2019
By The Associated Press


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey would love to see Bryce Harper join them in the San Francisco Giants clubhouse.


''I think it'd be a huge addition for us,'' Bumgarner said Tuesday as the Giants opened spring training. ''He's obviously a superstar in the game, a young player. I think everybody in here would be pretty damn excited to have him.''


Harper and the Giants met in the free agent slugger's hometown of Las Vegas last week, and new San Francisco baseball operations chief Farhan Zaidi said the sides had mutual interest.


''I think anybody who plays Major League Baseball would love to have him on their team and that's no exception here,'' Posey said. ''The type of player he brings and the passion he brings to the game, if we were lucky enough for it to work out, it'd be great.


''What is he, 26? He's won an MVP,'' Posey said. ''That's pretty much all you need to know.''


San Francisco opens camp with Steven Duggar, Mac Williamson, Austin Slater and Drew Ferguson as outfield candidates.


''I've been part of teams that we won when we probably weren't supposed to. We've seen plenty of other teams do it. Obviously, some guys, like Harper, that's going to make any team betterm: Bumgarner said. ''That's not to say we couldn't do it without him. We've got the guys and we could do it. It's all a mentality.''


During the Giants' fan fest this past weekend, manager Bruce Bochy shared a text message he received from Bumgarner regarding possibly using an ''opener'' before one of the lefty's start.


''If you're using an opener in my game, I'm walking right out of the ballpark,'' Bumgarner told Bochy.


''That was more lighthearted,'' Bumgarner said Tuesday. ''Me and Boch have a good relationship.''


Asked how he would feel if Bochy tried it, Bumgarner responded: ''I didn't see the Red Sox doing it.''


Boston used its starters in a more traditional way en route to its fourth title in 15 seasons, although they did use Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi out of the bullpen in the postseason. Posey joked that he would be willing to tell Bumgarner that someone else would be starting his game - Bumgarner came out of the bullpen to pitch the final five innings of World Series Game 7 against Kansas City in 2014 as the Giants won their third title in five seasons.


''I think a lot of the new age thinking, if you want to call it that, analytics, you have to be open to it,'' Posey said. ''As time goes by, as players we have to continually evolve. I don't think anybody expects you to say, `OK, I'm going to give up what I've done for the last 30 years in baseball and switch to something completely different.' At the same time, we have to be aware of a lot of variables. What gives us the best chance to win, No. 1. You have to look around and see what is our competition doing - is it working for them. I'm all about winning.''

 

[CNOTES]

Nola, Phillies agree to $45M deal
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press


CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Pitcher Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $45 million, four-year contract, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for this week.


The 25-year-old right-hander set career bests last year when he was a first-time All-Star, going 17-6 with a 2.37 ERA. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2021 season..


''I think Aaron Nola brings a preparation we can all look up to and our other players can emulate,'' Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday. ''I think his between-the-lines competitiveness is off the charts. He's such a fighter, he's such a grinder, he's such a battler.''


Under a deal announced Wednesday, Nola gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million this year, $8 million in 2020, $11.75 million in 2021 and $15 million in 2022. Philadelphia has a $16 million team option for 2023 with a $4.25 million buyout.


''He doesn't want any of the attention, he doesn't want the spotlight on him,'' Kapler said. ''He just wants to compete, compete, compete. That's what he's done and that's why he's one of the two or three best pitchers in the National League over the course of the last couple of years.''


Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Nola had asked for a raise from $573,000 to $6.75 million and the Phillies had offered $4.5 million. Nola is to discuss the deal Thursday.


Among the more than 175 players who were eligible for arbitration this year, Nola is the first to get a deal of more than one guaranteed season. Arizona left-hander T.J. MacFarland and Milwaukee catcher Manny Pina agreed to contracts that included 2020 club options.


ARRIETA


Right-hander Jake Arrieta had left knee surgery last month. Kapler described the surgery as minor and said it was a meniscus cleanup with no structural issues.


Kapler said Arrieta already has pitched off a mound and the team expects him to be ready for the regular season.


''We're just going to be smart about his running and cutting progression,'' Kapler said.


TRAINER'S ROOM


Right-hander Jerad Eickhoff had carpal tunnel surgery on Oct. 1 and recently had a follow-up visit where it was determined he was not a candidate for further surgery. Kapler said Eickhoff will throw a bullpen session next week and be re-evaluated.


''I think he's had so much adversity over the last 12-18 months,'' Kapler said. ''He just wants to feel 100 percent so he continues to strive toward that goal.''


Outfielder Aaron Altherr had surgery on his right foot at the end of the season and was immobilized for six weeks. Kapler said Altherr is gradually building toward running and he is expected to be ready for the start of the season.


SEEING BOTH SIDES


Kapler says he doesn't have any strong feeling either way on the proposed rule change that will would force a pitcher to face three batters in an inning or get the final out.


''It's fun to be able to mix and match and use one reliever to come in and get a guy out,'' he said. "But if the rule was the same for everybody there are things that would work well for our roster.''


Kapler said that David Robertson and Tommy Hunter are two relievers he thinks can have equal success against righties or lefties.


THIRD BASE BATTLE


Kapler said Maikel Franco and Sean Kingery could be competing to start at third.


''There is some competition at third base,'' Kapler said. ''And that's a conversation I'll have with Maikel and Scott.''

 

[CNOTES]

Bauer, Cole, Wood win in arbitration
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole and Alex Wood won their salary arbitration cases on Wednesday, giving players a 6-3 advantage over teams to ensure a winning record in consecutive years for the first time since 1989-90.


Bauer won his hearing for the second straight year and was awarded $13 million by James Darby, James Oldham and Sylvia Skratek instead of the Cleveland Indians' $11 million offer.


Cole was given a $13.5 million salary by Gil Vernon, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux rather than the Houston Astros' offer of $11,425,000.


Wood will get $9.65 million instead of the Cincinnati Reds' $8.7 million offer, Dan Brent, Andrew Strongin and Phillip LaPorte decided.


Bauer and Cole topped the previous high for a salary awarded in an arbitration hearing, $10.5 million won last year by Boston outfielder Mookie Betts.


Bauer, a 28-year-old right-hander, was a first-time All-Star last year and finished sixth in AL Cy Young Award voting after going 12-6 with a 2.21 ERA, second behind Tampa Bay's Nate Snell. Bauer's right leg was broken Aug. 11 when hit by a line drive, and he did not return to the mound for the Indians until Sept. 21.


Bauer won a $6,525,000 salary last year in a case decided by Strongin, Wolf and Robert Herzog, who ruled against Cleveland's $5.3 million offer.


Minnesota's Kyle Lohse (2005, `06), Houston's Collin McHugh (2017, `18) and Tampa Bay's Jake Odorizzi (2017, `18) also won in consecutive years.


Cole, also a 28-year-right-hander, received his second All-Star selection last year and went 15-5 with a 2.88 ERA. He made $6.75 million.


Wood, a 28-year-old left-hander, was 9-7 with a 3.68 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 27 starts and six relief appearances last year, when he made $6 million. He was acquired by the Reds on Dec. 21 along with outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp.


Cole and Wood are eligible for free agency after this season, and Bauer is eligible after the 2020 season.


Players will finish with a winning record for the third time in four years but just the fifth time since 1996 and 11th time since arbitration started in 1974.


Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, Oakland closer Blake Treinen and Tampa Bay outfielder Tommy Pham also won their cases this year, while Washington outfielder Michael A. Taylor, Nationals reliever Kyle Barraclough and Toronto reliever Ryan Tepera lost.


Detroit pitcher Michael Fulmer asked for a raise from $575,200 to $3.4 million on Wednesday, and the Tigers argued for $2.8 million. A decision by Matt Goldberg, Robert Herzog and Elizabeth Neumeier is expected Thursday.


Fulmer was the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2017. A right-hander who turns 26 on March 15, Fulmer was 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA in 132 1/3 innings last year. He didn't pitch for the Tigers between July 14 and Aug. 24 because of a left oblique strain, then didn't pitch after Sept. 15 because of a torn right lateral meniscus.


New York Yankees right-hander Luis Severino is the only player still scheduled for a hearing.


Pitcher Aaron Nola avoided a hearing by agreeing to a $45 million, four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.


The 25-year-old right-hander set career bests last year when he was a first-time All-Star, going 17-6 with a 2.37 ERA. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.


Nola gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million this year, $8 million in 2020, $11.75 million in 2021 and $15 million in 2022. Philadelphia has a $16 million team option for 2023 with a $4.25 million buyout.


Eligible for arbitration for the first time, he had asked for a raise from $573,000 to $6.75 million. The Phillies had offered $4.5 million.


Among the more than 175 players who were eligible for arbitration this year, Nola is the first to get a deal of more than one guaranteed season. Arizona left-hander T.J. MacFarland and Milwaukee catcher Manny Pina agreed to contracts that included 2020 club options.

 

[CNOTES]

Nationals trade reliever Gott to SF
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press


WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals have traded right-handed reliever Trevor Gott to the San Francisco Giants for cash.


Wednesday's move comes after Washington designated the 26-year-old Gott for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.


Gott went 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in 20 appearances totaling 19 innings for the Nationals in 2018, with 15 strikeouts, 10 walks and four home runs allowed.


He is 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 81 games, all in relief, since making his major league debut in 2015 with the Los Angeles Angels.




************************


Diamondbacks sign C Joseph to deal
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) Catcher Caleb Joseph and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year contract that calls for a $1.1 million salary in the major leagues and a $250,000 salary in the minors.


Arizona opened a roster spot by placing right-hander Taijuan Walker on the 60-day injured list on Wednesday.


The 32-year-old Joseph played five seasons with Baltimore and is ninth among active catchers with a caught-stealing percentage of 29.4. He threw out 32.2 percent of attempted base stealers last season and tied for the major league lead among catchers with 11 double plays, but he hit just .219 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 280 plate appearances. He became a free agent when the Orioles failed to offer a contract by the Nov. 30 deadline.


Joseph is a career .224 hitter with 31 homers and 122 RBIs.


Walker is recovering from Tommy John surgery after tearing his right ulnar collateral ligament last April against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

[CNOTES]

Boone hopes Yankees 'get to the top
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Aaron Boone kept tuning into postseason games, even after his New York Yankees were eliminated by Boston, and he watched the Red Sox win the World Series.


''I don't know if it was to torture myself or what,'' the New York manager said Wednesday as pitchers and catchers reported for spring training. ''You put this hat on and this uniform on, to get to wear a big league uniform, you shouldn't need much motivation, but to watch a team that you know so well that's certainly one of your rivals celebrate where you want to be, I think that adds a little fuel to the fire, certainly.''


The Yankees went 100-62 in Boone's first season as manager, their best record since winning the 2009 World Series, and Boone thinks this team could be better following the additions of left-hander James Paxton, reliever Adam Ottavino, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and infielder DJ LeMahieu.


''I feel like as we sit in here in early February on paper we probably look a little bit strong,'' he said. ''Hopefully this year get to the top of the mountain.''


Expectations are always high with the Yankees.


There's no question, we'll embrace those,'' Boone said. ''I think everyone that's been here a while and certainly the new guys coming in I think understand what goes along with having the kind of club we potentially have and being within this organization that the expectations are great. We welcome that.''


In other news from Boone's 30-minute media session:


- He went to the Dominican Republic during the offseason visit catcher Gary Sanchez, who hit .186 and struggled with passed balls last year. Sanchez also had left shoulder surgery on Nov. 8. ''I'm really excited about his frame of mind,'' Boone said. ''A guy that's frankly very hungry to go and show the world how good a player he is.''


-- Boone thinks CC Sabathia could be ready for the start of the regular season after having a stent inserted on Dec. 11 after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart. The left-hander, who says he plans to retire after this season, probably won't throw his first bullpen for a couple more weeks.


- Boome expects Luis Severino will be the opening day starter March 28 against Baltimore.


FARQUHAR MOVING FORWARD


Reliever Danny Farquhar's comeback from a brain hemorrhage stemming from a ruptured aneurysm last April 20 is progressing well.


In camp with a minor league contract, the right-hander says he is feeling great and will be getting his customized pitching helmet Thursday - three days before his 32nd birthday. He had a bullpen session Tuesday and plans another for Friday.


ELLSBURY EXCUSED


Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who didn't play last season due to a number of injuries, will not report for at least the next couple weeks after experiencing plantar fasciitis during his rehab program following hip surgery.


''It's really slowed him in his ability to really break through and get to where he needs to be,'' Boone said. So, he hasn't been able to start the baseball activity stuff.''


STAR POWER

Spring training instructors include new Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, Reggie Jackson, Ron Guidry, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, Hideki Matsui, Tino Martinez, Willie Randolph, Carlos Beltran, Nick Swisher, Lee Mazzilli, Alfonso Soriano and Stump Merrill.


TRAINER'S ROOM


SS Didi Gregorius (Tommy John surgery Oct. 17) will start hitting with both hands in three to four weeks. ... LHP Jordan Montgomery (Tommy John surgery last June 7) is making 50 throws at 90 feet on level ground. He hopes to pitch in a game after the All-Star break break.

 

[CNOTES]

Diamondbacks open spring with questions
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks will spend spring training trying to find a way to fill the void left after slugging first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was traded to St. Louis this offseason.


Filling Goldschmidt's cleats was not the only question the Diamondbacks faced as they opened spring training Wednesday.


Arizona has two starting rotation spots to fill and must close in on a closer, decisions that will likely last well into spring.


''The best players perform the best when it's needed,'' Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. ''I think when you put a little added pressure there and guys are nipping at your heels, it creates a competition and should enhance your ability to get the job done.''


The Diamondbacks entered their third spring training under Lovullo with a hole at the back end of their bullpen after they non-tendered Brad Boxberger's contract, allowing him to become a free agent.


With Boxberger now in Kansas City, Arizona has three main candidates to fill the closer's role: Archie Bradley, Yoshihisa Hirano and recently signed Greg Holland.


Bradley could be a good fit after serving in the eighth-inning set-up role ahead of Boxberger. He has an upper-90s fastball, pitches aggressively and has the type of confidence managers like to see in a closer.


Bradley had a few rough patches last season while dealing with a cracked fingernail, nearly doubling his ERA from the 1.73 he posted in 2017, but has proven he can be dominant when healthy.


''He learned a lot through the course of last year that to get by on blood and guts and one pitch, it's OK, he can do it, but I know Archie has a burning desire to be great,'' Lovullo said. ''That motivates him every day.''


Holland was one of baseball's best closers in Kansas City, where he earned a World Series ring in 2015. The 33-year-old was released by St. Louis after going 0-2 with a 7.92 ERA in 32 games last season, but was 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in 24 games after signing with Washington.


''I don't think of it in terms of an age,'' Holland said. ''I feel good and healthy, and that's the most important thing.''


Hirano pitched well for the Diamondbacks last season, his first after 12 seasons in Japan's Pacific League. Despite the cultural and language differences, the right-hander went 4-3 with a 2.44 ERA and three saves in 75 games with Arizona.


''I saw very early on he was beyond, not his years, but his experience here,'' Lovullo said. ''There's so much newness to what was going on around him, he was able to slow it down and stay with who he was, and that didn't change over the course of the year.''


Zack Greinke is back as Arizona's No. 1 starter, though he won't report to training camp until Friday. Greinke asked Lovullo if he could delay his arrival a few days, but has already been throwing in the desert and is a veteran who knows how to get ready for a season.


The Diamondbacks also have Robbie Ray and Zack Godley back to follow Greinke in the rotation, but have two slots to fill with Patrick Corbin and Clay Buchholz gone.


Right-hander Luke Weaver could fill one starting spot after arriving from the Cardinals in the Goldschmidt deal. He struggled with St. Louis last season, going 7-11 with a 4.95 ERA, but the Diamondbacks are hoping he'll have a bounce-back season.


Right-hander Merrill Kelly of Scottsdale will be in the mix, but he's never thrown a big-league pitch after spending the past four seasons pitching in Korea.


Right-hander Matt Koch made 14 big-league starts last season and could make the rotation with a strong spring. The Diamondbacks also have a trio of top prospects in Jon Duplantier, Taylor Widener and Taylor Clarke, though they are untested and could start the season in Triple-A.


''I do like the spirit of competition,'' Lovullo said. ''I do like guys being able to stand on the mound and execute and get the job done when there's a lot of stimulus. I feel like these guys are going to step up to the situation and tell us what the best situation is to use them during the course of the season.''

 

[CNOTES]

Padres expect competition for rotation spots this spring
February 13, 2019
By The Associated Press


PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Besides figuring out how to fill the glaring hole at third base, San Diego Padres manager Andy Green will have a lot of decisions to make this spring to round out the young, largely inexperienced rotation.


With veterans Clayton Richard, Tyson Ross, Phil Hughes and Jordan Lyles gone, the rotation will be headed by left-handers Joey Lucchesi and Eric Lauer, both of whom made their big league debut last year. There will be plenty competition for the other spots, and long-suffering fans should see some of the team's highly touted prospects reach the big leagues this season.


''You can feel it in the rotation and the guys competing for spots,'' Green said Wednesday. ''It's real competing and talent with some high-ceiling guys that are coming in. There's real excitement about those guys coming in. It's a young group that's very talented.''


Lucchesi started 26 games last season and led the team in strikeouts by a wide margin with 145 in 130 innings. Lauer started 23 games and pitched 112 innings.


Robbie Erlin, Matt Strahm and Bryan Mitchell all started games last year. Luis Perdomo, Jacob Nix and Brett Kennedy all pitched in six or more games in 2018 and are in the running for the open slots.


Among the prospects who will get a look are Chris Paddack, who's on the 40-man roster, and non-roster invitees Logan Allen and Cal Quantrill.


The Padres finished in the bottom third in MLB last year in team wins, saves, ERA and quality starts.?


With All-Star closer Brad Hand traded to Cleveland at the deadline in a deal that brought top catching prospect Francisco Mejia, Craig Stammen, Robert Stock, Jose Castillo and Kirby Yates are among those who will get more prominent roles in the bullpen.


The biggest position need is at third base, with no clear-cut favorite for the job. There's still a chance general manager A.J. Preller will add a free agent veteran there.


The position player who likely will draw the most interest this spring is shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. , the No. 2 prospect overall in baseball.


He broke his left thumb sliding headfirst while with Double-A San Antonio in July but recovered and saw significant time with the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Winter League.


The message from the organization to the 20-year-old Tatis is simple: Be yourself and play the game with energy and passion.


''I don't think we are coming in with some agenda to change anything about him,'' Green said. ''Every minor league coach has thought very highly of him, of what he's done on the field. At the end of every camp, there is a surprise. He's got every opportunity to force our hand with the way he plays.''


Notes: Left-hander Brad Wieck was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the offseason and recently underwent surgery. He will spend the majority of spring training recovering. ... Right-hander Dinelson Lamet, whose elbow injury at the end of spring training last year opened the door for Lucchesi, could return from Tommy John surgery by midsummer, Green said. ... Ian Kinsler, signed to a two-year contract after helping the Boston Red Sox win the World Series, will get a look at third base but the bulk of his time will be at second base, the manager said. ... The Padres open their spring schedule Feb. 23 against the Seattle Mariners, with whom they share the Peoria Sports Complex.