A few weeks ago, it didn’t look like Andruw Jones would make it with the Texas Rangers. He was struggling in spring training and the Rangers’ roster appeared to be completely filled at the outfield position. However, on Wednesday the Rangers released Frank Catalanotto to make room for Jones.
Catalanotto was having a good spring training but he’s a left-handed hitter and the Rangers have plenty of lefties in their lineup. Jones also has a much more potential both at the plate and in the field.
Even though Jones is only 31, his career has totally derailed. In 2005 and 2006, Jones …read more

After incumbent closer Kerry Wood left the Chicago Cubs in free agency, many baseball insiders believed that the team would simply hand over the closer role to Carlos Marmol. Marmol spent 2008 as the Cubs setup man and he did a fine job in that role. However, after a shaky spring, manager Lou Piniella has decided to give the closer job to Kevin Gregg.
Last year with the Florida Marlins, Gregg racked up 29 saves along with a 3.41 ERA. Acquired via trade in the offseason, Gregg hasn’t given up a run during spring training. That fact, along with Piniella being …read more

Alexei Ramirez is one of the latest Cuban defectors to land in a big-league organization. He played second base in the game I saw, and didn’t do much to distinguish himself one way or the other, but some folks think he’ll end up in the outfield. As you can see, Ramirez has quite the uppercut swing.

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, one of the great things about attending spring training is that you have the opportunity to watch players hone their craft. This includes prospects getting their first taste of pro ball as well as future first-ballot Hall of Famers.
For reasons I won’t get into here, we missed Greg Maddux’s start while we were out in Peoria. But to me — and I can’t stress this enough — the games aren’t nearly as interesting as the practices. Fortunately, we did get to watch Maddux practice.
In the photo above, you can’t see it, but Maddux is standing on …read more

One of the stories of 2008 I’m most looking forward to is that of St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel. You know the story: Ankiel was a pitching phenom who reached the big leagues at 19 before losing the strike zone and then blowing out his arm.
After a long and improbable journey, he returned to the Cardinals last summer as an outfielder and played himself into a material role with this year’s club. There’s even talk that he might bat cleanup, although manager Tony LaRussa is quick to deflect any such discussion at this point. Still, even LaRussa can’t contain …read more

We’re taking a break from the “Who Am I?” segment that normally runs on Mondays. Don’t worry, it’ll be back, but with the season fast approaching and memories of my recent trip to the Cactus League still reasonably fresh, I thought I’d share some photos this week.
You can see all my spring training photos at Flickr, but I understand that you’re busy and may not have time to go clicking all over the place. With that in mind, here’s a shot of Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton:

Upton, for those who may have been living in a cave, is one of …read more

Photo by Geoff Young
Headed to spring training? If you’re thinking of going to the games only, think again. My latest article at Baseball Digest Daily provides a glimpse of what you’re missing if you don’t get out the ballpark early:
At the next field, pitchers are fielding bunts. And one field over from that, they’re practicing pickoff moves. Runners are stationed at first and second base. A batter stands at the plate. The pitcher throws to first and then runs to cover the bag as the first baseman chases the breaking runner.
After the pitchers are done, the catchers take their turn. …read more

I got out to my first game of the spring on Friday. San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks at Peoria Stadium. Even managed to catch a foul ball (first time ever, thanks for asking).
Anywho, I took a bunch of photos. Enjoy!
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
See full photo set at Flickr.

Hey, look, more audience participation:
{democracy:36}
I’ll be in Arizona the weekend of March 7 & 8. I am so ready…

So, is it just me or is anyone else ready for spring training to end and the regular season to begin?
{democracy:13}
I shouldn’t be so cynical. I’m actually headed out to Arizona at the end of the week, and I’m very psyched. Still, I’m jonesin’ for some real games.