Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Tuesday Night Links

Reds closer Francisco Cordero said, "It's not only about me having a good year. It's about getting the team in the playoffs and maybe the World Series.

Meanwhile, his teammate Aroldis Chapman is likely to start the season in the minors.

And Reds manager Dusty Baker says of his bullpen, "You need a good bullpen. We've got a good bullpen."

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle points out that the difference between the "Big 3's" of Atlanta and Oakland in the past and the Giants today is offense.

Phillies reliever J.C. Romero says of his latest outing, "... today was very good and I am very happy about everything that went on today."

With his roster spot secure in 2010, Phillies starter J.A. Happ said, "I obviously don't want to give up hits or runs, but last year I had to go with what I was most confident in. This year, I'm maybe able to try a few different things. I did that."

San Diego's Chase Headley leads the majors in runs batted in (21) this spring.

Cubs outfield prospect Tyler Colvin, who's hitting .455 this spring, could push the starters.

As expected, Yovani Gallardo is the Brewers' Opening Day starter.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera hit a pair of 500-foot homers.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says of outfielder Carlos Quentin's new attitude:''I love it, oh, my God, yes. I think Carlos enjoys the game a little bit more. I don't want him to change, I don't. ... I think he's out there more with the players, and I like that, believe me.''

The Mariners have released pitcher Seth McClung.

Reds starter Aaron Harang said about today's loss and being ready as Opening Day starter: "Yeah, I feel great. This is the best I've felt in spring training. The outcome is not what you want and expect. But it doesn't count. This is about getting ready for the long haul of the season. Overall, I feel very comfortable with the new stuff with my mechanics. I feel like the ball is coming out very well. It's a matter of coming in and stretching it out come Monday."

The Marlins acquired pitcher Nate Robertson from Detroit.

Pitcher Jeff Suppan was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to March 26th, by the Brewers.

Shameless plug of the day: here's the link to the latest post on my football site.

Follow me on Twitter @EDSBaseball.

Lindstrom to close games for 'Stros

The Houston Astros have named Matt Lindstrom as their closer to start the season, according to Bernardo Fallas of the Houston Chronicle.

With the contract (three years, $15 million) given to Brandon Lyon, who was expected to win the job, it wouldn't surprise me to see Lyon ultimately take over the role.

But for now, Lindstrom could be a source of cheap saves for your fantasy team.

Kinsler likely to start season on DL

When the Rangers open the 2010 season, it's likely that second baseman Ian Kinsler won't be on the field.

According to Jeff Miller of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, it's looking more likely that Kinsler will begin the season on the disabled list (DL) as he recovers from his ankle sprain.

"Whatever we decide is going to be in the best interest of Ian," manager Ron Washington said.

Kinsler was baseball's only 30-30 guy in 2009, but he's no stranger to the DL. He's averaged just shy of 130 games per season in his four-year career.

Since several fantasy owners may shy away from Kinsler due to his (lack of) durability, this (potential) brief stint on the DL could cause owners to overreact and create a buying opportunity.

In either case, buyer beware.

Francisco Liriano to start -- not close

Minnesota Twins starter Francisco Liriano will be just that -- a starter.

To be specific, Liriano will be the team's fifth starter, per Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

With closer Joe Nathan out for the season after having Tommy John surgery, there was some talk about the potential for Liriano to close. Instead, the team will employ a closer-by-committee approach to save opportunities.

Liriano, who has pitched well in winter ball and spring training, threw six shutout innings today and is a guy you should target late in mixed-league drafts.

Sanchez beats out Morrison for Marlins' 1B job

Gaby Sanchez, who hit .409 this spring, beat out Logan Morrison to win the starting first baseman job for the Florida Marlins.

"To be able to do it with a team I grew up watching, it's even better,'' Sanchez said, per Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.

Last year, Sanchez pressed too hard last spring, which is something that Morrison was doing this spring.

"[In] Morrison, I see a very good major leaguer, not just an average major leaguer,'' [manager Fredi] Gonzalez said. "This guy's going to hit. Maybe he's going through what Gaby went through last year.''

Morrison, who is 22 years old, ranks 20th on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list (via SI).