Veterans on the bubble
Several players with All-Star experience are in danger of losing jobs to a younger set
By Jason A. Churchill & Doug Mittler
ESPN Insider
American League
Kevin Slowey, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Slowey has yielded just three earned runs on seven hits over four appearances this spring, but that hasn't done much to convince the Twins to lean away from left-hander Brian Duensing and right-hander Nick Blackburn for the final two spots in the rotation. Scott Baker, a question mark coming into the Grapefruit League schedule, appears to have pitched well enough to earn his job back, leaving Slowey the likely odd man out. The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly expressed interest in Slowey, and a number of other clubs could call between now and the end of spring training.
Hunch: With prospect Kyle Gibson not far off, the Twins appear well prepared to move a starter in order to fill a need elsewhere. Slowey should attract enough interest to get a deal done. Don't count out the New York Yankees and both Los Angeles clubs.
<OFFER>
Bartolo Colon/Freddy Garcia, RHPs, New York Yankees
Garcia came into camp as a slight favorite but has struggled in each of his past two starts. That said, both he and Colon have missed bats this spring and avoided the walks, creating a potential dead heat entering the final stretch. There is still a chance that both make the club, but one of them would have to start the year in the bullpen with Ivan Nova's strong spring likely locking up the No. 4 spot. Barring a trade, one of the two right-handers will be the choice, even if the club decides that Kevin Millwood is a better option, since he'd need a few weeks to stretch out and get ready for such a role.
Hunch: Garcia wins out and Colon hangs around in the bullpen waiting for his chance to fill in for a struggling starter, potentially including Garcia, Nova or even A.J. Burnett.
Justin Masterson, RHP, Cleveland Indians
Masterson went 6-13 with a 4.70 ERA and 73 BBs in 180 frames a year ago and hasn't fared any better this spring, suggesting that perhaps the Cleveland Indians may soon look to slide the right-hander into a bullpen role and extend the rotation opportunity to David Huff, Anthony Reyes or Jeanmar Gomez, or even prospect Alex White. Lefty Drew Pomeranz could be ready by next season, too, so the Tribe -- who are building for 2012 and beyond with no realistic chance to win this season -- could decide to make Masterson a late-inning option sooner rather than later.
Hunch: Masterson will get one last lengthy look as a starter before the club moves in another direction.
Marco Scutaro, SS, Boston Red Sox
Scutaro is having a great spring statistically, batting .303/.410/.455 in 13 games, and perhaps re-establishing his hold on the starting gig at shortstop over Jed Lowrie. But it's also possible that the Red Sox take the opportunity and move Scutaro while clubs can see he's still a productive middle infield option, and clear the way for Lowrie and prospect Jose Iglesias, who will start the 2011 season in Double-A. Lowrie hasn't hit much this spring, but is set to serve as the utility infielder and will get his at-bats to show he can take over if and when GM Theo Epstein pulls the trigger.
Hunch: Scutaro's recent history says that when he performs in spring training he does so during the regular season, too, so the Red Sox probably play that out and make sure Lowrie shows he can stay healthy and hit consistently before sending the reliable Scutaro out of town.
Scott Kazmir, LHP, Los Angeles Angels Kazmir has not pitched well over a long stretch since 2008 with Tampa Bay and the six starts he made for L.A. late in 2009, and he's not inspiring a lot of confidence this spring, either. With the Halos looking to chase down the Texas Rangers and hold off the Oakland Athletics out West, Kazmir may not have much time to prove he's worthy of a spot in the rotation. If the Angels had a young arm ready for the show right now, Kazmir may be getting his walking papers about now, or possibly receive a banishment to the bullpen, where he might actually have some value in the absence of Scott Downs.
Hunch: Since the lefty is guaranteed $12 million this season, he's likely to get a decent shot to turn things around. But unless the Angels build a large lead in the division, he may not last beyond May.
National League
Carlos Silva, RHP, Chicago Cubs
Silva showed up at camp seemingly miffed that he would have to compete for a rotation spot. "I don't have to prove or show them," the right-hander said in mid-February. Cubs brass may be thinking otherwise. According to several reports, Silva has fallen far behind Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner in the race for the final two spots. Silva's ERA is a whopping 15.88 after allowing eight runs (five earned) in three innings Friday. Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reported last week that the Nats and Yankees were scouting Silva, who is on the hook for $11.5 million.
Hunch: The Cubs feel they can compete in the NL Central and won't keep Silva and his $11.5 million in the rotation just for financial reasons. Silva is traded at a deep discount by Opening Day, perhaps for a second baseman.
Nyjer Morgan, CF, Washington Nationals
Morgan, known for having an occasional temper tantrum, may have his anger management skills tested in the next week or so. He is locked in a three-way race for the center field job with Roger Bernadina and Rick Ankiel and may be forced to deal with a demotion to Triple-A.
Morgan is far from an elite defensive player and a .233 average this spring isn't helping his case. Ankiel (.186) isn't hitting much better, but Jim Riggleman loves his defense and he appears to be the favorite. Riggleman may have dropped a hint when Ian Desmond was tried in the leadoff spot last week. Ankiel is accustomed to hitting second and would likely stay there if he wins the job, leaving the leadoff slot for Desmond.
Hunch: Ankiel is the Opening Day center fielder. The Nats don't publicly discard Morgan the way they did with Elijah Dukes, but allow him to work things out in Triple-A.
Xavier Nady, LF, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks made a $1.75 million commitment to Nady, penciling him in as the starting left fielder and as a possible backup at first base. With Opening Day a little more than a week away, Nady is hitting just .196 and The Arizona Republic quoted scouts that say Nady "is showing neither bat speed nor arm strength from left field." Nady hit .330 in 89 games in 2008, but dipped to .256 last season with limited power. Meanwhile, Gerardo Parra is having a huge spring and is drawing the praise of manager Kirk Gibson. Parra, however, saw his average plummet 29 points to .261 last season, so he likely needs to keep up the hot bat.
Hunch: GM Kevin Towers has hinted that finances won't be a factor in the final roster decisions, so Nady starts the year as an expensive bench player. If he does well in that role, he ends up as a reserve and is traded in July.
Aaron Cook, P, Colorado Rockies
The 2008 All-Star season for Aaron Cook is in the distant past after his ERA rose to 4.16 in 2009 and 5.08 last year. Cook still appeared to have a roster spot when he came to camp, but a shoulder issue and a broken finger started a series of events that have changed things. With Cook out until May, Esmil Rogers has emerged as the leader in the fifth starter race. The Rockies also like what they see in John Maine and Greg Reynolds, and both could be key contributors at some point this season. Reynolds, a former first-round pick, has become the feel-good story of the spring and the Rockies would love to find a way to promote their home-grown talent. The Rockies could be looking to deal Cook once he is healthy, but a $9.25 million salary makes it a tough sell.
Hunch: Cook becomes an expensive middle reliever.
Aaron Rowand, CF, San Francisco Giants
The Giants are pondering what to do with top prospect Brandon Belt, and the decision will have a direct bearing on Rowand, whose .257 BA over three seasons in San Francisco is 20 points below his career average.
If Belt gets the first base job, Aubrey Huff would move to left field -- an alignment Bruce Bochy used Sunday for the first time this spring. Unless a position player finds his way to the disabled list, Belt, Rowand, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa are competing for two roster spots. The Giants would love to find Rowand and his $24 million contract a new home, but a San Francisco Chronicle report says there is little interest from other teams.
Hunch: With Ishikawa and Schierholtz out of options, Rowand, a .194 hitter this spring, becomes the Giants' answer to Luis Castillo and is released.
Several players with All-Star experience are in danger of losing jobs to a younger set
By Jason A. Churchill & Doug Mittler
ESPN Insider
American League
Kevin Slowey, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Slowey has yielded just three earned runs on seven hits over four appearances this spring, but that hasn't done much to convince the Twins to lean away from left-hander Brian Duensing and right-hander Nick Blackburn for the final two spots in the rotation. Scott Baker, a question mark coming into the Grapefruit League schedule, appears to have pitched well enough to earn his job back, leaving Slowey the likely odd man out. The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly expressed interest in Slowey, and a number of other clubs could call between now and the end of spring training.
Hunch: With prospect Kyle Gibson not far off, the Twins appear well prepared to move a starter in order to fill a need elsewhere. Slowey should attract enough interest to get a deal done. Don't count out the New York Yankees and both Los Angeles clubs.
<OFFER>
Bartolo Colon/Freddy Garcia, RHPs, New York Yankees
Garcia came into camp as a slight favorite but has struggled in each of his past two starts. That said, both he and Colon have missed bats this spring and avoided the walks, creating a potential dead heat entering the final stretch. There is still a chance that both make the club, but one of them would have to start the year in the bullpen with Ivan Nova's strong spring likely locking up the No. 4 spot. Barring a trade, one of the two right-handers will be the choice, even if the club decides that Kevin Millwood is a better option, since he'd need a few weeks to stretch out and get ready for such a role.
Hunch: Garcia wins out and Colon hangs around in the bullpen waiting for his chance to fill in for a struggling starter, potentially including Garcia, Nova or even A.J. Burnett.
Justin Masterson, RHP, Cleveland Indians
Masterson went 6-13 with a 4.70 ERA and 73 BBs in 180 frames a year ago and hasn't fared any better this spring, suggesting that perhaps the Cleveland Indians may soon look to slide the right-hander into a bullpen role and extend the rotation opportunity to David Huff, Anthony Reyes or Jeanmar Gomez, or even prospect Alex White. Lefty Drew Pomeranz could be ready by next season, too, so the Tribe -- who are building for 2012 and beyond with no realistic chance to win this season -- could decide to make Masterson a late-inning option sooner rather than later.
Hunch: Masterson will get one last lengthy look as a starter before the club moves in another direction.
Marco Scutaro, SS, Boston Red Sox
Scutaro is having a great spring statistically, batting .303/.410/.455 in 13 games, and perhaps re-establishing his hold on the starting gig at shortstop over Jed Lowrie. But it's also possible that the Red Sox take the opportunity and move Scutaro while clubs can see he's still a productive middle infield option, and clear the way for Lowrie and prospect Jose Iglesias, who will start the 2011 season in Double-A. Lowrie hasn't hit much this spring, but is set to serve as the utility infielder and will get his at-bats to show he can take over if and when GM Theo Epstein pulls the trigger.
Hunch: Scutaro's recent history says that when he performs in spring training he does so during the regular season, too, so the Red Sox probably play that out and make sure Lowrie shows he can stay healthy and hit consistently before sending the reliable Scutaro out of town.
Scott Kazmir, LHP, Los Angeles Angels Kazmir has not pitched well over a long stretch since 2008 with Tampa Bay and the six starts he made for L.A. late in 2009, and he's not inspiring a lot of confidence this spring, either. With the Halos looking to chase down the Texas Rangers and hold off the Oakland Athletics out West, Kazmir may not have much time to prove he's worthy of a spot in the rotation. If the Angels had a young arm ready for the show right now, Kazmir may be getting his walking papers about now, or possibly receive a banishment to the bullpen, where he might actually have some value in the absence of Scott Downs.
Hunch: Since the lefty is guaranteed $12 million this season, he's likely to get a decent shot to turn things around. But unless the Angels build a large lead in the division, he may not last beyond May.
National League
Carlos Silva, RHP, Chicago Cubs
Silva showed up at camp seemingly miffed that he would have to compete for a rotation spot. "I don't have to prove or show them," the right-hander said in mid-February. Cubs brass may be thinking otherwise. According to several reports, Silva has fallen far behind Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner in the race for the final two spots. Silva's ERA is a whopping 15.88 after allowing eight runs (five earned) in three innings Friday. Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reported last week that the Nats and Yankees were scouting Silva, who is on the hook for $11.5 million.
Hunch: The Cubs feel they can compete in the NL Central and won't keep Silva and his $11.5 million in the rotation just for financial reasons. Silva is traded at a deep discount by Opening Day, perhaps for a second baseman.
Morgan, known for having an occasional temper tantrum, may have his anger management skills tested in the next week or so. He is locked in a three-way race for the center field job with Roger Bernadina and Rick Ankiel and may be forced to deal with a demotion to Triple-A.
Morgan is far from an elite defensive player and a .233 average this spring isn't helping his case. Ankiel (.186) isn't hitting much better, but Jim Riggleman loves his defense and he appears to be the favorite. Riggleman may have dropped a hint when Ian Desmond was tried in the leadoff spot last week. Ankiel is accustomed to hitting second and would likely stay there if he wins the job, leaving the leadoff slot for Desmond.
Hunch: Ankiel is the Opening Day center fielder. The Nats don't publicly discard Morgan the way they did with Elijah Dukes, but allow him to work things out in Triple-A.
The Diamondbacks made a $1.75 million commitment to Nady, penciling him in as the starting left fielder and as a possible backup at first base. With Opening Day a little more than a week away, Nady is hitting just .196 and The Arizona Republic quoted scouts that say Nady "is showing neither bat speed nor arm strength from left field." Nady hit .330 in 89 games in 2008, but dipped to .256 last season with limited power. Meanwhile, Gerardo Parra is having a huge spring and is drawing the praise of manager Kirk Gibson. Parra, however, saw his average plummet 29 points to .261 last season, so he likely needs to keep up the hot bat.
Hunch: GM Kevin Towers has hinted that finances won't be a factor in the final roster decisions, so Nady starts the year as an expensive bench player. If he does well in that role, he ends up as a reserve and is traded in July.
The 2008 All-Star season for Aaron Cook is in the distant past after his ERA rose to 4.16 in 2009 and 5.08 last year. Cook still appeared to have a roster spot when he came to camp, but a shoulder issue and a broken finger started a series of events that have changed things. With Cook out until May, Esmil Rogers has emerged as the leader in the fifth starter race. The Rockies also like what they see in John Maine and Greg Reynolds, and both could be key contributors at some point this season. Reynolds, a former first-round pick, has become the feel-good story of the spring and the Rockies would love to find a way to promote their home-grown talent. The Rockies could be looking to deal Cook once he is healthy, but a $9.25 million salary makes it a tough sell.
Hunch: Cook becomes an expensive middle reliever.
The Giants are pondering what to do with top prospect Brandon Belt, and the decision will have a direct bearing on Rowand, whose .257 BA over three seasons in San Francisco is 20 points below his career average.
If Belt gets the first base job, Aubrey Huff would move to left field -- an alignment Bruce Bochy used Sunday for the first time this spring. Unless a position player finds his way to the disabled list, Belt, Rowand, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa are competing for two roster spots. The Giants would love to find Rowand and his $24 million contract a new home, but a San Francisco Chronicle report says there is little interest from other teams.
Hunch: With Ishikawa and Schierholtz out of options, Rowand, a .194 hitter this spring, becomes the Giants' answer to Luis Castillo and is released.
