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It's Monday so that means another MLB Weekly post.
Here is the latest news broken down by team:
Yankees:
Chien Ming Wang is working on some new pitches this spring, which might explain why he has an ERA over 8 in spring training. He is working on a change-up and a slider. If he can master one of these two pitches that could really help him get to the next level of starting pitchers.
It looks like Joba Chamberlain will be starting the season in the bullpen, this is an obvious one because he needs to stay within his inning limit.
Here's an article on the Yankees chances of winning a championship while having two rookies start more than 25 games.
The Yankees think Robinson Cano could have a breakout season this year and I tend to agree with that line of thinking.
Here's a analysis of who will win the available spots in the Yankees bullpen.
Red Sox:
It looks like Josh Beckett will not be going to Japan for the season opening series for the Red Sox. This is a good move because there is no reason to risk further injury to their ace.
The A's are interested in Coco Crisp again.
Tim Wakefield was shocked that the Red Sox cut his personal catcher Doug Mirabelli. Apparently his new catcher will be Kevin Cash. This could be something to watch as the season unfolds because catching a knuckleball is not the easiest thing to do.
Reds:
Edinson Volquez has been impressive in spring training. I read about this guy on Baseball America last year and I think he could have a breakout year. I'm not sure why Texas would trade away pitching though but I'm sure the Reds are glad they did.
Here are some more Red's prospects. The Reds could be a tough team to play this year with all their young talent, I'm not sure it will translate to wins though
Cubs:
Good article here about Lou Pinella's lineup choices and some amalysis on whether Alfonso Soriano hits better with nobody on base.
Also, looks like Kerry Wood is throwing well and is projected to be the Cubs closer. I had no idea that Wood was even healthy so this comes as a surprise to me.
Mets:
Here's an article that projects the Mets pitching staff but doesn't factor in that Pedro looked impressive in his first start this spring. The Mets could be the team to beat in the NL if Pedro can still healthy and be effective this season.
Rays:
Rocco Baldelli is on the DL again and it looks like they will try to fill that void through a trade rather than going after Kenny Lofton.
Dodgers:
Looks like Juan Pierre will be the odd man out in the Dodgers outfield. I thought for sure that Torre would play Pierre but it looks like that won't be the case. I still think he'll get some playing time if he's not traded.
Diamondbacks:
Randy Johnson has been effective in the spring but I'm not sure he will get the 16 wins this year that he needs to get to 300 for his career.
Angels:
John Lackey, the Angels ace, is out 3-4 weeks and he joins Kelvim Escobar on the shelf. The Angels are going to have to dip into their pitching depth early on it looks. Here are some options for the Angels until Lackey and Escobar come back.
Mariners:
The Angels pitching injuries leaves the Mariners as the favorites according to some of Seattle's local media. I could see the Mariners winning the division based on their pitching strength with Felix Hernandez and Eric Berdard. Plus, the Angels are an old team so if they get hit by some more injuries they could be in trouble. I still don't think Seattle is a legitimate contender in the AL though.
Here is the latest news broken down by team:
Yankees:
Chien Ming Wang is working on some new pitches this spring, which might explain why he has an ERA over 8 in spring training. He is working on a change-up and a slider. If he can master one of these two pitches that could really help him get to the next level of starting pitchers.
It looks like Joba Chamberlain will be starting the season in the bullpen, this is an obvious one because he needs to stay within his inning limit.
Here's an article on the Yankees chances of winning a championship while having two rookies start more than 25 games.
The Yankees think Robinson Cano could have a breakout season this year and I tend to agree with that line of thinking.
Here's a analysis of who will win the available spots in the Yankees bullpen.
Red Sox:
It looks like Josh Beckett will not be going to Japan for the season opening series for the Red Sox. This is a good move because there is no reason to risk further injury to their ace.
The A's are interested in Coco Crisp again.
Tim Wakefield was shocked that the Red Sox cut his personal catcher Doug Mirabelli. Apparently his new catcher will be Kevin Cash. This could be something to watch as the season unfolds because catching a knuckleball is not the easiest thing to do.
Reds:
Edinson Volquez has been impressive in spring training. I read about this guy on Baseball America last year and I think he could have a breakout year. I'm not sure why Texas would trade away pitching though but I'm sure the Reds are glad they did.
Here are some more Red's prospects. The Reds could be a tough team to play this year with all their young talent, I'm not sure it will translate to wins though
Cubs:
Good article here about Lou Pinella's lineup choices and some amalysis on whether Alfonso Soriano hits better with nobody on base.
Also, looks like Kerry Wood is throwing well and is projected to be the Cubs closer. I had no idea that Wood was even healthy so this comes as a surprise to me.
Mets:
Here's an article that projects the Mets pitching staff but doesn't factor in that Pedro looked impressive in his first start this spring. The Mets could be the team to beat in the NL if Pedro can still healthy and be effective this season.
Rays:
Rocco Baldelli is on the DL again and it looks like they will try to fill that void through a trade rather than going after Kenny Lofton.
Dodgers:
Looks like Juan Pierre will be the odd man out in the Dodgers outfield. I thought for sure that Torre would play Pierre but it looks like that won't be the case. I still think he'll get some playing time if he's not traded.
Diamondbacks:
Randy Johnson has been effective in the spring but I'm not sure he will get the 16 wins this year that he needs to get to 300 for his career.
Angels:
John Lackey, the Angels ace, is out 3-4 weeks and he joins Kelvim Escobar on the shelf. The Angels are going to have to dip into their pitching depth early on it looks. Here are some options for the Angels until Lackey and Escobar come back.
Mariners:
The Angels pitching injuries leaves the Mariners as the favorites according to some of Seattle's local media. I could see the Mariners winning the division based on their pitching strength with Felix Hernandez and Eric Berdard. Plus, the Angels are an old team so if they get hit by some more injuries they could be in trouble. I still don't think Seattle is a legitimate contender in the AL though.
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