And the pollyanna in me says "Oh well now that he's made the roster & rotation, he can spend the rest of the spring 'working on stuff' and 'trying things out' to get ready for the regular season rather than having to perform at the very best every time out."
I'd like to think that there is room for that sort of thing in the universe of spring training arcs.
Re: GameTime!™
10367Indians 4, Giants 3
March 17, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - The largest crowd in the five-year history of Goodyear Ballpark watched fireworks during and after the Indians' 4-3 win.
Asdrubal Cabrera and Jason Giambi each homered to lead Cleveland to a 4-3 win over a Giants split squad on Saturday night.
Cabrera, recently returned from the World Baseball Classic, hit his first spring home run off Double-A pitcher Chris Heston. Giambi, a non-roster invitee, hit his second home run off Jake Dunning.
The Indians held a 2-1 lead going into the ninth.
Carlos Carrasco, one of three Cleveland pitchers competing for the last spot in the rotation, pitched five innings. The right-hander allowed one run and two hits, striking out five before a Goodyear Ballpark record crowd of 11,023.
"I feel really good. It was the first time I've pitched five innings in a year and a half," said Carrasco, who rehabbed the entire 2012 season after reconstructive elbow surgery in September 2011. "I threw just fastballs and sliders and tried to keep the ball down. I am more aggressive now than in the beginning of spring training. I'm finding my delivery."
Cleveland manager Terry Francona saw a lot to like in Carrasco's outing.
"That was by far his best outing," Francona said. "He had six strikeouts and he still only threw 55 pitches. He was efficient. He attacked the strike zone, especially with his fastball. That was impressive tonight."
Roger Kieschnick doubled twice and scored two runs for the Giants, including the game-tying run in the ninth. Kieschnick hopes to put together a full season at Fresno this season. He is making an impression on Giants' manager Bruce Bochy.
"It was a good game for him. It was a big double there in the ninth," Bochy said. "We just have to keep him healthy. That's the key for him. He has a lot of talent and worked hard this spring."
Brock Bond greeted Matt Albers with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Ricky Oropesa.
Delvi Cid's two-out triple capped a game-winning, two-run rally for Cleveland. Giants reliever Mitch Lively walked Quincy Latimore with two outs. Omir Santos singled and they both scored on Cid's triple.
"It's fun to win," Francona said. "Putting a kid (Cid) up there in a situation like that, I'm sure he had a good heartbeat. It's probably terrific for his development, let alone it kind of gave us a little bit of fun to watch.
Heston pitched four innings, allowing Cabrera's home run. He walked one and struck out one.
Left-handed pitcher Dan Runzler, trying to win a spot in the Giants' bullpen, pitched one inning. He allowed one hit and struck out one. Runzler has allowed one run in seven innings this spring, dropping his ERA to 1.29.
Lou Marson returned to the Indians after suffering flulike symptoms early in the week.
NOTES: The Giants have two players and a coach still participating in the World Baseball Classic. Angel Pagan is hitting .391 with two doubles, a triple and two RBIs for Puerto Rico. RHP Santiago Casilla is with the Dominican Republic. Hitting coach Hensley Meulens is managing the Netherlands. ... The Giants other squad lost to Aroldis Chapman and the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon, 7-6. Marco Scutaro hit a single and walked in three plate appearances. Scutaro returned from Team Italy of the WBC. Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings, allowing one run. ... Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched in a Triple-A minor league game this afternoon. The right-handed pitcher is competing to be the Indians' fifth starter. Scott Kazmir also is competing for the spot and is expected to pitch four innings in a Triple-A game against Texas on Sunday. Carrasco is also being considered. ... The sellout at Goodyear Ballpark was the first for the Indians since 2009.
March 17, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - The largest crowd in the five-year history of Goodyear Ballpark watched fireworks during and after the Indians' 4-3 win.
Asdrubal Cabrera and Jason Giambi each homered to lead Cleveland to a 4-3 win over a Giants split squad on Saturday night.
Cabrera, recently returned from the World Baseball Classic, hit his first spring home run off Double-A pitcher Chris Heston. Giambi, a non-roster invitee, hit his second home run off Jake Dunning.
The Indians held a 2-1 lead going into the ninth.
Carlos Carrasco, one of three Cleveland pitchers competing for the last spot in the rotation, pitched five innings. The right-hander allowed one run and two hits, striking out five before a Goodyear Ballpark record crowd of 11,023.
"I feel really good. It was the first time I've pitched five innings in a year and a half," said Carrasco, who rehabbed the entire 2012 season after reconstructive elbow surgery in September 2011. "I threw just fastballs and sliders and tried to keep the ball down. I am more aggressive now than in the beginning of spring training. I'm finding my delivery."
Cleveland manager Terry Francona saw a lot to like in Carrasco's outing.
"That was by far his best outing," Francona said. "He had six strikeouts and he still only threw 55 pitches. He was efficient. He attacked the strike zone, especially with his fastball. That was impressive tonight."
Roger Kieschnick doubled twice and scored two runs for the Giants, including the game-tying run in the ninth. Kieschnick hopes to put together a full season at Fresno this season. He is making an impression on Giants' manager Bruce Bochy.
"It was a good game for him. It was a big double there in the ninth," Bochy said. "We just have to keep him healthy. That's the key for him. He has a lot of talent and worked hard this spring."
Brock Bond greeted Matt Albers with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Ricky Oropesa.
Delvi Cid's two-out triple capped a game-winning, two-run rally for Cleveland. Giants reliever Mitch Lively walked Quincy Latimore with two outs. Omir Santos singled and they both scored on Cid's triple.
"It's fun to win," Francona said. "Putting a kid (Cid) up there in a situation like that, I'm sure he had a good heartbeat. It's probably terrific for his development, let alone it kind of gave us a little bit of fun to watch.
Heston pitched four innings, allowing Cabrera's home run. He walked one and struck out one.
Left-handed pitcher Dan Runzler, trying to win a spot in the Giants' bullpen, pitched one inning. He allowed one hit and struck out one. Runzler has allowed one run in seven innings this spring, dropping his ERA to 1.29.
Lou Marson returned to the Indians after suffering flulike symptoms early in the week.
NOTES: The Giants have two players and a coach still participating in the World Baseball Classic. Angel Pagan is hitting .391 with two doubles, a triple and two RBIs for Puerto Rico. RHP Santiago Casilla is with the Dominican Republic. Hitting coach Hensley Meulens is managing the Netherlands. ... The Giants other squad lost to Aroldis Chapman and the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon, 7-6. Marco Scutaro hit a single and walked in three plate appearances. Scutaro returned from Team Italy of the WBC. Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings, allowing one run. ... Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched in a Triple-A minor league game this afternoon. The right-handed pitcher is competing to be the Indians' fifth starter. Scott Kazmir also is competing for the spot and is expected to pitch four innings in a Triple-A game against Texas on Sunday. Carrasco is also being considered. ... The sellout at Goodyear Ballpark was the first for the Indians since 2009.
Code: Select all
SAN FRANCISCO (3) AT CLEVELAND (4)
SAN FRANCISCO AB R H BI CLEVELAND AB R H BI
G Blanco lf 4 0 0 0 J Kipnis 2b 3 0 0 0
N Noonan 2b 3 0 0 0 C Phelps 2b 1 0 0 0
J Arias ss 4 0 1 0 A Cabrera ss 3 1 1 1
R Kieschnick rf 4 2 2 0 L Hernandez ss 1 0 0 0
B Bond dh 4 1 1 1 L Chisenhall 3b 3 0 1 0
J Perez cf 3 0 0 0 C Hunter lf-cf 1 0 0 0
R Lollis cf 1 0 0 0 M Reynolds 1b 2 0 0 0
R Oropesa 1b 2 0 1 2 C McGuiness pr-1b 1 0 0 0
W Valdez 3b 2 0 0 0 J Giambi dh 3 1 1 1
C Dominguez 3b 2 0 1 0 J Diaz ph-dh 1 0 0 0
J Williams c 4 0 1 0 R Raburn lf-3b 2 0 0 0
R Rohlinger 3b 1 0 0 0
M Carson cf 2 0 0 0
Q Latimore lf 0 1 0 0
L Marson c 2 0 0 0
O Santos c 2 1 2 0
E Carrera rf 3 0 2 0
D Cid rf 1 0 1 2
TOTALS 33 3 7 3 TOTALS 32 4 8 4
SAN FRANCISCO 010 000 002 -- 3
CLEVELAND 100 010 002 -- 4
TWO OUTS WHEN WINNING RUN SCORED
DP--SAN FRANCISCO 1. LOB--SAN FRANCISCO 6,
CLEVELAND 6. 2B--R Kieschnick 2, C Dominguez, E
Carrera. 3B--B Bond, D Cid. HR--A Cabrera 1 (1)
(off C Heston), J Giambi 1 (2) (off J Dunning).
CS--E Carrera. SF--R Oropesa.
IP H R ER BB SO HR
SAN FRANCISCO
C Heston 4 1 1 1 1 1 1
J Dunning 1 2 1 1 1 0 1
D Runzler 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
D Otero 1 2 0 0 0 1 0
J Machi 1 0 0 0 0 2 0
M Lively (L,0-1) 2-3 2 2 2 1 0 0
CLEVELAND
C Carrasco 5 2 1 1 0 5 0
N Hagadone 1 2 0 0 1 2 0
R Hill 1 0 0 0 1 2 0
M Albers 1 1 1 1 0 1 0
J Martinez (W,1-0) 1 2 1 1 0 2 0
ALBERS PITCHED TO 1 BATTER IN THE 9TH
HBP--M Reynolds by D Runzler. SO--SF: G Blanco 3,
J Perez 3, R Kieschnick 2, R Oropesa, C Dominguez,
R Lollis, J Williams. CLE: R Raburn, A Cabrera, C
McGuiness, C Hunter, L Marson. BB--SF: R Oropesa,
N Noonan. CLE: R Raburn, Q Latimore, M Carson.
T--2:32. A--11,023.Re: GameTime!™
10368Carrasco shines, as Tribe beats Giants
By Sheldon Ocker Published: March 17, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz.: Carlos Carrasco isn't ceding the fifth spot in the Indians' rotation to Scott Kazmir without a fight.
In a 4-3 win over the Giants Saturday night at Goodyear Ballpark, Carrasco gave up one run, two hits and no walks in five innings. He also struck out five in his most efficient outing of exhibition season.
He and Kazmir are the primary competitors for the final berth in the rotation, and Kazmir has been close to flawless in three spring starts.
The only run off Carrasco came in the second, when Roger Kieshnick led off with a double and scored on Ricky Oropesa's two-out single.
Asdrubal Cabrera hit his first home run of the spring with nobody on in the first inning, and Jason Giambi hit his second leading off the fifth inning. Ezequiel Carrera doubled and singled.
Nick Hagadone and Rich HIll each threw one scoreless inning.
The Giants scored twice in the ninth off Matt Albers and Joe Martinez to take the lead. But Delvi Cid, brought over from the minor-league complex, delivered a two-run triple in the ninth to win it.
The popularity of the Giants and a postgame fireworks display led to the first Tribe sellout at Goodyear Ballpark since 2009. It took until the end of the fifth inning for all 11,023 fans to get through the turnstiles.
By Sheldon Ocker Published: March 17, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz.: Carlos Carrasco isn't ceding the fifth spot in the Indians' rotation to Scott Kazmir without a fight.
In a 4-3 win over the Giants Saturday night at Goodyear Ballpark, Carrasco gave up one run, two hits and no walks in five innings. He also struck out five in his most efficient outing of exhibition season.
He and Kazmir are the primary competitors for the final berth in the rotation, and Kazmir has been close to flawless in three spring starts.
The only run off Carrasco came in the second, when Roger Kieshnick led off with a double and scored on Ricky Oropesa's two-out single.
Asdrubal Cabrera hit his first home run of the spring with nobody on in the first inning, and Jason Giambi hit his second leading off the fifth inning. Ezequiel Carrera doubled and singled.
Nick Hagadone and Rich HIll each threw one scoreless inning.
The Giants scored twice in the ninth off Matt Albers and Joe Martinez to take the lead. But Delvi Cid, brought over from the minor-league complex, delivered a two-run triple in the ninth to win it.
The popularity of the Giants and a postgame fireworks display led to the first Tribe sellout at Goodyear Ballpark since 2009. It took until the end of the fifth inning for all 11,023 fans to get through the turnstiles.
Re: GameTime!™
10369I liked Carrasco before he got hurt and I would be happy to have him in the rotation. Of course Kazmir also has earned himself a job. Myers might be better in the bullpen, but I doubt he'd be moved back to the pen before opening day. Carrasco probably starts in Columbus but I expect him back soon.
Re: GameTime!™
10370Carrasco has to serve a 6 (day or game ) suspension before he can play in the majors. Lot of speculation that the Indians will start the season with him on the 25 and once his suspension is over he will be sent down.
Re: GameTime!™
10371Indians 7, Reds 7
March 17, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - After hitting four home runs to build a comfortable lead, the Cincinnati Reds made four errors and let it slip away.
Xavier Paul and Todd Frazier homered in Cincinnati's five-run first inning against Cleveland opening-day starter Justin Masterson before the Reds and Indians tied 7-7 in a game called after nine innings Sunday.
Paul connected after singles by Zack Cozart and Joey Votto. Frazier's shot followed a walk to Jay Bruce. It was the second home run of the spring for both players.
"It was an odd game, really," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We jumped them early, then didn't get any more for a while. They jumped us. Then we jumped them again. We made four errors that gave them four extra outs. They hurt. They made a couple errors, too."
Masterson got through the rocky first and pitched shutout ball from there. He went four innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out six. The right-hander whiffed four of his last six batters.
He was able to adjust his delivery on the fly to finish his outing.
"I walked Xavier Paul throwing sliders," Masterson said, referring to a sequence in the third inning. "I was pulling my pitches. I closed my hips a little bit and sure enough my pitches had more depth to them. I got some quick innings after that."
First-year manager Terry Francona envisions Masterson playing an important role.
"Masterson has embraced being the leader of this staff," Francona said.
Reds starter Mat Latos, who struggled early in his previous two starts, retired his first four batters. He gave up an unearned run in the third and two runs in the fourth.
Latos went five innings, yielding six hits and striking out three. Cord Phelps and Chris McGuiness doubled off him in the fourth.
The 25-year-old right-hander, acquired from San Diego in a big trade before last season, is a notoriously slow starter but is working on a changeup that he used to his advantage against Cleveland.
"I felt comfortable in the first inning," Latos said. "It was like spring training all over again. Everything felt real good today. My curveball felt real good coming out of my hand. The changeup I've been working on was good. I've had a (poor) changeup my whole career. I've been working on it with Mario Soto. I'm starting to get a feel for it. I got a lot of swings and misses and some groundballs."
Latos was 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA in five April starts last season but went 13-2 the rest of the way.
"There was some pressure when a team trades four players to get you," he said. "Maybe I should have pitched in the WBC and got April out of the way."
Chris Heisey and Denis Phipps hit back-to-back home runs off Cody Allen, who was told he will open the season in Cleveland's bullpen. Heisey's second spring homer and Phipps' first gave the Reds a 7-4 lead going into the ninth.
Non-roster player Omir Santos hit a solo home run and minor leaguer Carlos Moncrief added a two-run shot off Reds minor leaguer Daniel Wolford to tie it.
NOTES: Reds CF Shin-Soo Choo is getting treatment for back spasms. ... Indians catcher Yan Gomes sat out with a tight right hamstring. ... Reds 2B Brandon Phillips returned from the World Baseball Classic but was given the day off by Baker. ... Indians RHP Chris Perez will throw a bullpen on Monday. He is recovering from a strained right shoulder. "The intensity of this bullpen will be monitored," Francona said. "After that his side sessions will be normal." ... Indians OF-1B Nick Swisher left camp for personal reasons. ... Scott Kazmir pitched in a minor league game against the Texas Rangers. Kazmir, in the mix to be the No. 5 starter for the Indians, pitched five innings. He allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out five.
March 17, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - After hitting four home runs to build a comfortable lead, the Cincinnati Reds made four errors and let it slip away.
Xavier Paul and Todd Frazier homered in Cincinnati's five-run first inning against Cleveland opening-day starter Justin Masterson before the Reds and Indians tied 7-7 in a game called after nine innings Sunday.
Paul connected after singles by Zack Cozart and Joey Votto. Frazier's shot followed a walk to Jay Bruce. It was the second home run of the spring for both players.
"It was an odd game, really," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We jumped them early, then didn't get any more for a while. They jumped us. Then we jumped them again. We made four errors that gave them four extra outs. They hurt. They made a couple errors, too."
Masterson got through the rocky first and pitched shutout ball from there. He went four innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out six. The right-hander whiffed four of his last six batters.
He was able to adjust his delivery on the fly to finish his outing.
"I walked Xavier Paul throwing sliders," Masterson said, referring to a sequence in the third inning. "I was pulling my pitches. I closed my hips a little bit and sure enough my pitches had more depth to them. I got some quick innings after that."
First-year manager Terry Francona envisions Masterson playing an important role.
"Masterson has embraced being the leader of this staff," Francona said.
Reds starter Mat Latos, who struggled early in his previous two starts, retired his first four batters. He gave up an unearned run in the third and two runs in the fourth.
Latos went five innings, yielding six hits and striking out three. Cord Phelps and Chris McGuiness doubled off him in the fourth.
The 25-year-old right-hander, acquired from San Diego in a big trade before last season, is a notoriously slow starter but is working on a changeup that he used to his advantage against Cleveland.
"I felt comfortable in the first inning," Latos said. "It was like spring training all over again. Everything felt real good today. My curveball felt real good coming out of my hand. The changeup I've been working on was good. I've had a (poor) changeup my whole career. I've been working on it with Mario Soto. I'm starting to get a feel for it. I got a lot of swings and misses and some groundballs."
Latos was 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA in five April starts last season but went 13-2 the rest of the way.
"There was some pressure when a team trades four players to get you," he said. "Maybe I should have pitched in the WBC and got April out of the way."
Chris Heisey and Denis Phipps hit back-to-back home runs off Cody Allen, who was told he will open the season in Cleveland's bullpen. Heisey's second spring homer and Phipps' first gave the Reds a 7-4 lead going into the ninth.
Non-roster player Omir Santos hit a solo home run and minor leaguer Carlos Moncrief added a two-run shot off Reds minor leaguer Daniel Wolford to tie it.
NOTES: Reds CF Shin-Soo Choo is getting treatment for back spasms. ... Indians catcher Yan Gomes sat out with a tight right hamstring. ... Reds 2B Brandon Phillips returned from the World Baseball Classic but was given the day off by Baker. ... Indians RHP Chris Perez will throw a bullpen on Monday. He is recovering from a strained right shoulder. "The intensity of this bullpen will be monitored," Francona said. "After that his side sessions will be normal." ... Indians OF-1B Nick Swisher left camp for personal reasons. ... Scott Kazmir pitched in a minor league game against the Texas Rangers. Kazmir, in the mix to be the No. 5 starter for the Indians, pitched five innings. He allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out five.
Re: GameTime!™
10373Indians 4, Brewers 2
March 18, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Daisuke Matsuzaka will not make the Cleveland Indians' opening-day roster but plans to remain with Cleveland.
Trying to make a comeback after pitching in just 11 games last season with Boston following elbow reconstruction surgery, Matsuzaka may accept an offer to stay in the club's minor league camp. The 32-year-old Japanese right-hander was trying to win a spot in Cleveland's rotation.
Indians general manager Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona met with Dice-K and reliever Matt Capps on Monday before Ubaldo Jimenez struck out five in 5 1-3 innings Monday, helping the Indians beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2, and told both they will not break camp with the club.
"We would like to keep both guys in the organization," Antonetti said. "Neither guy was set to make the opening day roster. We thought we would inform them now and let them know we want to keep them in camp to help them get back to full strength. If and when they do we think they both can help us.
Matsuzaka expressed an interest in staying with Cleveland. He will be paid $18,000 a month if he stays in the organization at the minor league level. Details will need to be worked out with Matsuzaka's agent, Scott Boras.
"This is the first time, I've been in this situation. I did not know what to expect," Masuzaka said through his interpretor. "The teammates have been great; the staff has been great, taking care of me and helping me get better. I really appreciate what the organization has done for me."
Capps hasn't decided whether he'll stay in camp, Antonetti said. Capps began last season as Minnesota's closer but shoulder problems limited him to 30 games.
"We should have more information in the next day or two," Antonetti said.
Eager to bounce back from two subpar seasons, Jimenez, allowed two runs, seven hits and a walk.
"I had trouble with everything last year. I couldn't do anything right," Jimenez said. "Last year I asked myself if I could throw strikes and thought maybe yes, maybe no. I feel good about my mechanics now. I can trust myself that I can throw strikes. Also it's about my mind. I can trust my mechanics. The catcher's target looks big now."
Marco Estrada, returning to the Brewers from the World Baseball Classic, gave up one run, three hits and three walks in 2 1-3 innings. He walked Mark Reynolds with the bases loaded in the first.
"He was getting the ball up in the first inning," manager Ron Roenicke said. "His change ups were all up," Roenicke said. "That's unusual for him. He keeps the ball down pretty good. The second and third innings were pretty good."
The Indians have until March 26 before Matsuzaka would be owed a $100,000 payment under baseball's collective bargaining agreement.
"We figured it made sense to address the issue sooner," Antonetti said. "In our minds, we had clarity at this point that neither guy would be in position to make the opening-day roster. As a courtesy to them we informed them early."
Antonetti thinks a deal to keep the players can be worked out before the deadline.
"My goal was to make it to the big leagues but I wasn't able to survive that competition," Matsuzaka said. "It is not the end The organization has given me an opportunity to pitch in the minor leagues. I take that for what it is. I will do what I can to improve so I can contribute to the big league team somewhere down the line. In speaking to Tito and Chris, they see me as someone who can help them."
Matsuzaka was competing with Carlos Carrasco and Scott Kazmir, another non-roster pitcher, for the fifth and final opening in the starting rotation. Matsuzaka pitched in four games this spring training, allowing two runs and 10 hits in eight innings.
"Daisuke was a little behind coming in. He hadn't thrown any bullpens," Francona said. "Then he had the calf (injury) and was only out for three innings, so it's not realistic that he is ready innings wise, nor are we seeing what we want to see as a pitcher, or what he thinks he can show as a pitcher. I think we're on the same page."
Daisuke appears to be relatively healthy to Antonetti, and Francona but performance is the main issue.
"I think physically other than the calf thing he had, he's actually felt pretty good in camp," Antonetti said. "It's just getting back to the level of pitching where he can get major league hitters out."
Matsuzaka knows what he needs to work on.
"My breaking pitches need to improve," Matsuzaka said. "More important, my velocity can improve. It is not what I know it can be. That is probably one of the reasons the front office decided to make this decision. The calf injury that happened along the way was a big setback. My arm feels good. Other than my velocity, I think I'm all set."
Capps allowed two runs and four hits in four innings.
"Matt is feeling good and feeling healthy. He is just working back to where he has full strength in his shoulder to be able to pitch the way is capable," Antonetti said. "We feel he's heading in the right direction. There are just other guys ahead of him."
NOTES: The Indians optioned INF Juan Diaz to Triple-A Columbus. RHP Preston Guilmet, Matt Langwell and Joe Martinez were re-assigned to minor league camp along with OF Cedric Hunter...Non-roster players, C Omir Santos, C Brian Jeroloman, OF Matt Carson and INF Luis Hernandez were informed by Francona and Antonetti that they will not make the Indians opening day roster but will remain in the major league camp. "We just didn't want to create any unrealistic expectations," Francona said. ... Brewers OF Carlos Gomez leads the team with a .458 average this spring. ... The Brewers released INF Bobby Crosby. "He needs to play and get a lot of at-bats to get his swing. I don't know if I could give him enough at-bats. He duplicates a lot of positions. Sometimes you make the decision to help him. If you wait to the end of spring, he's in limbo. This gives him a chance to find another team," Roenicke said.
March 18, 2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Daisuke Matsuzaka will not make the Cleveland Indians' opening-day roster but plans to remain with Cleveland.
Trying to make a comeback after pitching in just 11 games last season with Boston following elbow reconstruction surgery, Matsuzaka may accept an offer to stay in the club's minor league camp. The 32-year-old Japanese right-hander was trying to win a spot in Cleveland's rotation.
Indians general manager Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona met with Dice-K and reliever Matt Capps on Monday before Ubaldo Jimenez struck out five in 5 1-3 innings Monday, helping the Indians beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2, and told both they will not break camp with the club.
"We would like to keep both guys in the organization," Antonetti said. "Neither guy was set to make the opening day roster. We thought we would inform them now and let them know we want to keep them in camp to help them get back to full strength. If and when they do we think they both can help us.
Matsuzaka expressed an interest in staying with Cleveland. He will be paid $18,000 a month if he stays in the organization at the minor league level. Details will need to be worked out with Matsuzaka's agent, Scott Boras.
"This is the first time, I've been in this situation. I did not know what to expect," Masuzaka said through his interpretor. "The teammates have been great; the staff has been great, taking care of me and helping me get better. I really appreciate what the organization has done for me."
Capps hasn't decided whether he'll stay in camp, Antonetti said. Capps began last season as Minnesota's closer but shoulder problems limited him to 30 games.
"We should have more information in the next day or two," Antonetti said.
Eager to bounce back from two subpar seasons, Jimenez, allowed two runs, seven hits and a walk.
"I had trouble with everything last year. I couldn't do anything right," Jimenez said. "Last year I asked myself if I could throw strikes and thought maybe yes, maybe no. I feel good about my mechanics now. I can trust myself that I can throw strikes. Also it's about my mind. I can trust my mechanics. The catcher's target looks big now."
Marco Estrada, returning to the Brewers from the World Baseball Classic, gave up one run, three hits and three walks in 2 1-3 innings. He walked Mark Reynolds with the bases loaded in the first.
"He was getting the ball up in the first inning," manager Ron Roenicke said. "His change ups were all up," Roenicke said. "That's unusual for him. He keeps the ball down pretty good. The second and third innings were pretty good."
The Indians have until March 26 before Matsuzaka would be owed a $100,000 payment under baseball's collective bargaining agreement.
"We figured it made sense to address the issue sooner," Antonetti said. "In our minds, we had clarity at this point that neither guy would be in position to make the opening-day roster. As a courtesy to them we informed them early."
Antonetti thinks a deal to keep the players can be worked out before the deadline.
"My goal was to make it to the big leagues but I wasn't able to survive that competition," Matsuzaka said. "It is not the end The organization has given me an opportunity to pitch in the minor leagues. I take that for what it is. I will do what I can to improve so I can contribute to the big league team somewhere down the line. In speaking to Tito and Chris, they see me as someone who can help them."
Matsuzaka was competing with Carlos Carrasco and Scott Kazmir, another non-roster pitcher, for the fifth and final opening in the starting rotation. Matsuzaka pitched in four games this spring training, allowing two runs and 10 hits in eight innings.
"Daisuke was a little behind coming in. He hadn't thrown any bullpens," Francona said. "Then he had the calf (injury) and was only out for three innings, so it's not realistic that he is ready innings wise, nor are we seeing what we want to see as a pitcher, or what he thinks he can show as a pitcher. I think we're on the same page."
Daisuke appears to be relatively healthy to Antonetti, and Francona but performance is the main issue.
"I think physically other than the calf thing he had, he's actually felt pretty good in camp," Antonetti said. "It's just getting back to the level of pitching where he can get major league hitters out."
Matsuzaka knows what he needs to work on.
"My breaking pitches need to improve," Matsuzaka said. "More important, my velocity can improve. It is not what I know it can be. That is probably one of the reasons the front office decided to make this decision. The calf injury that happened along the way was a big setback. My arm feels good. Other than my velocity, I think I'm all set."
Capps allowed two runs and four hits in four innings.
"Matt is feeling good and feeling healthy. He is just working back to where he has full strength in his shoulder to be able to pitch the way is capable," Antonetti said. "We feel he's heading in the right direction. There are just other guys ahead of him."
NOTES: The Indians optioned INF Juan Diaz to Triple-A Columbus. RHP Preston Guilmet, Matt Langwell and Joe Martinez were re-assigned to minor league camp along with OF Cedric Hunter...Non-roster players, C Omir Santos, C Brian Jeroloman, OF Matt Carson and INF Luis Hernandez were informed by Francona and Antonetti that they will not make the Indians opening day roster but will remain in the major league camp. "We just didn't want to create any unrealistic expectations," Francona said. ... Brewers OF Carlos Gomez leads the team with a .458 average this spring. ... The Brewers released INF Bobby Crosby. "He needs to play and get a lot of at-bats to get his swing. I don't know if I could give him enough at-bats. He duplicates a lot of positions. Sometimes you make the decision to help him. If you wait to the end of spring, he's in limbo. This gives him a chance to find another team," Roenicke said.
Code: Select all
MILWAUKEE (2) AT CLEVELAND (4)
MILWAUKEE AB R H BI CLEVELAND AB R H BI
N Aoki RF 3 0 1 0 M Bourn CF 3 0 1 0
C Gindl RF 2 0 0 0 E Carrera CF 1 1 1 1
C Gomez CF 3 0 0 0 A Cabrera SS 3 0 1 0
B Macias 3B 1 0 0 0 L Hernandez SS 2 0 0 0
R Weeks 2B 3 0 1 0 J Kipnis 2B 2 1 0 0
B Davis SS 1 0 0 0 C Phelps 2B 1 0 1 1
A Ramirez 3B 3 0 0 0 N Swisher 1B 2 0 1 0
D Murphy 3B-2B 0 0 0 0 C McGuiness 1B 2 0 0 0
L Schafer LF-CF 4 1 1 0 M Brantley LF 3 0 0 0
J Segura SS 3 0 2 0 R Raburn LF 1 0 0 0
R Tosoni LF 1 0 0 0 M Reynolds DH 2 0 0 1
T Green DH 3 1 1 0 M Carson PH-DH 1 0 0 0
Kh Davis PH-DH 0 0 0 0 L Chisenhall 3B 2 1 0 0
B Lalli 1B 3 0 2 1 M Antonelli 3B 0 0 0 0
S Halton PH 1 0 0 0 D Stubbs RF 3 0 2 0
D Buller C 0 0 0 0 T Holt PR-RF 1 1 0 0
R Diaz C 2 0 1 0 L Marson C 3 0 2 1
O Santos C 1 0 0 0
TOTALS 33 2 9 1 TOTALS 33 4 9 4
MILWAUKEE 010 100 000 -- 2
CLEVELAND 100 002 01x -- 4
E--J Segura. DP--MILWAUKEE 1, CLEVELAND 1.
LOB--MILWAUKEE 8, CLEVELAND 12. 2B--R Weeks, B
Lalli, D Stubbs. 3B--C Phelps. SB--N Aoki 1 (1), J
Segura 1 (2), E Carrera 1 (9).
IP H R ER BB SO HR
MILWAUKEE
M Estrada 2 1-3 3 1 1 3 1 0
M Gonzalez 2-3 0 0 0 0 0 0
T Gorzelanny 2 1-3 2 1 1 1 1 0
A Figaro (L,0-1) 1 2-3 3 1 1 2 2 0
M Olmsted 1 1 1 1 0 1 0
CLEVELAND
U Jimenez 5 1-3 7 2 2 1 5 0
J Gil (W,2-1) 2-3 0 0 0 0 0 0
V Pestano 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
J Smith 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
S Barnes (S,1) 1 0 0 0 1 2 0
WP--U Jimenez. HBP--E Carrera by M Olmsted, D
Buller by U Jimenez, D Murphy by J Smith. PB--O
Santos. SO--MIL: C Gomez 2, A Ramirez 2, T Green,
S Halton, C Gindl. CLE: O Santos, M Bourn, C
McGuiness, T Holt, M Brantley. BB--MIL: Kh Davis,
D Buller. CLE: N Swisher, M Reynolds, J Kipnis, C
Phelps, L Chisenhall, M Antonelli. T--2:48.
A--3,457.Re: GameTime!™
10374Code: Select all
CLEVELAND (5) AT LA ANGELS (6)
CLEVELAND AB R H BI LA ANGELS AB R H BI
M Bourn cf 2 0 0 0 M Trout cf 1 1 0 0
E Carrera ph-lf 2 0 0 0 L Jimenez 3b 1 0 0 0
A Cabrera ss 2 0 0 1 H Kendrick 2b 4 1 2 1
F Lindor pr-ss 2 0 0 0 A Romine pr-2b 0 0 0 0
C Phelps 2b 4 1 2 0 A Pujols dh 4 1 1 1
R Rohlinger 2b 1 0 0 0 J Hamilton rf 3 0 1 1
N Swisher dh 2 1 0 0 S Cousins rf 0 0 0 0
R Raburn ph-dh 2 0 0 0 M Trumbo 1b 4 0 2 1
M Brantley lf 3 1 3 2 A Callaspo 3b 1 1 0 0
T Naquin pr-cf 2 0 1 0 P Bourjos cf 2 0 0 0
M Reynolds 1b 3 0 1 0 V Wells lf 4 0 0 0
C McGuiness pr-1b 1 0 1 0 C Iannetta c 3 1 1 0
L Chisenhall 3b 3 1 2 2 C Snyder c 0 0 0 0
L Hernandez 3b 2 0 1 0 B Harris ss 3 1 2 2
D Stubbs rf 4 1 1 0 E Stamets ss 0 0 0 0
M Carson rf 1 0 0 0
B Jeroloman c 3 0 0 0
R Perez c 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 39 5 12 5 TOTALS 30 6 9 6
CLEVELAND 200 300 000 -- 5
LA ANGELS 004 110 00x -- 6
E--M Bourn. DP--CLEVELAND 2. LOB--CLEVELAND 12,
LA ANGELS 4. 2B--A Pujols, B Harris, C Iannetta, H
Kendrick, M Brantley, C Phelps. HR--L Chisenhall 1
(4) (off S Burnett). SB--M Trumbo 1 (2), A
Callaspo 1 (1), T Naquin 1 (1). CS--J Hamilton.
IP H R ER BB SO HR
CLEVELAND
T Bauer 3 5 4 3 3 0 0
D Huff (L,1-1) 1 1-3 2 2 2 1 1 0
N Hagadone 1 2-3 1 0 0 0 2 0
V Pestano 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
M Albers 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
LA ANGELS
T Hanson 3 3 2 2 1 4 0
S Burnett 1-3 3 3 3 1 1 1
R Chaffee 2-3 0 0 0 2 1 0
E Frieri (W,1-0) 1 3 0 0 0 1 0
N Maronde 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
M Oye 1 2 0 0 0 1 0
C Graham 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
T Kelley (S,2) 1 1 0 0 1 2 0
WP--M Oye, T Kelley, V Pestano, T Bauer. PB--C
Iannetta. SO--CLE: N Swisher 2, M Reynolds 2, B
Jeroloman 2, D Stubbs 2, C Phelps, M Carson, L
Hernandez. LAA: V Wells, A Pujols, P Bourjos, M
Trumbo, C Iannetta. BB--CLE: N Swisher, B
Jeroloman, C McGuiness, A Cabrera, M Bourn. LAA: M
Trout 2, J Hamilton, A Callaspo. T--3:20.
A--8,752.Re: GameTime!™
10375Angels 6, Indians 5
March 20, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Tommy Hanson insisted he was OK and wanted to stay on the mound. The Los Angeles Angels took a different approach with their new starter.
Hanson was pulled because of tightness in his right triceps as he warmed up for the fourth inning in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Cleveland Indians.
"It's fine," Hanson said during the game. "I think they just wanted to take the safe route."
The right-hander allowed three hits and two runs with four strikeouts in his fourth spring start.
"This is the most comfortable I've felt all spring," he said. "I was kind of bummed to come out of the game. I wanted to get back in there."
Hanson went 13-10 with a 4.48 ERA with Atlanta in 2012. He was acquired for reliever Jordan Walden and is one of three new starters in the Angels' revamped rotation.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Hanson threw 45 pitches and was slated to go into the 70s. He added that Hanson has enough time to be ready to make his scheduled start during the regular season.
"He wanted to stay in and pitch," Scioscia said. "But (Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher) said it was the right time (to remove him)."
Hanson gave up two runs in the first after two were out. Cord Phelps singled, Nick Swisher walked and Michael Brantley hit a two-run double. Brantley went 3 for 3 to lift his spring average to .400.
Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer allowed five hits and four runs in three innings of his rockiest appearance of six this spring.
"He showed some good velocity out there and some good changes," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "He's shown some inconsistencies, but that's understandable."
Bauer was acquired over the offseason in a trade with Arizona and is one of several candidates to stick with the big club as a late-rotation starter.
"I had a glimpse of feeling ready to go out there," Bauer said. "Hopefully, next time I'll feel ready to go all the time."
Bauer breezed through two innings but was hit hard in the third.
Chris Iannetta and Brendan Harris hit back-to-back doubles for a run. A walk to Mike Trout, a single by Howie Kendrick, an RBI grounder by Albert Pujols and a single from Josh Hamilton made it a four-run inning.
"I thought I did good," Bauer said. "I was working on my mechanics. I drifted into some bad habits for two innings."
Pujols narrowly missed a homer in the sixth, lining a double off the wall against David Huff. He scored on Mark Trumbo's single for a 6-5 lead.
Lonnie Chisenhall hit his fourth spring homer for the Indians.
NOTES: Angels reliever Sean Burnett allowed three runs and three hits while getting only one out. ... Harris, Trumbo and Kendrick had two hits apiece for Los Angeles. ... Chisenhall and Phelps each had two hits for the Indians.
March 20, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Tommy Hanson insisted he was OK and wanted to stay on the mound. The Los Angeles Angels took a different approach with their new starter.
Hanson was pulled because of tightness in his right triceps as he warmed up for the fourth inning in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Cleveland Indians.
"It's fine," Hanson said during the game. "I think they just wanted to take the safe route."
The right-hander allowed three hits and two runs with four strikeouts in his fourth spring start.
"This is the most comfortable I've felt all spring," he said. "I was kind of bummed to come out of the game. I wanted to get back in there."
Hanson went 13-10 with a 4.48 ERA with Atlanta in 2012. He was acquired for reliever Jordan Walden and is one of three new starters in the Angels' revamped rotation.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Hanson threw 45 pitches and was slated to go into the 70s. He added that Hanson has enough time to be ready to make his scheduled start during the regular season.
"He wanted to stay in and pitch," Scioscia said. "But (Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher) said it was the right time (to remove him)."
Hanson gave up two runs in the first after two were out. Cord Phelps singled, Nick Swisher walked and Michael Brantley hit a two-run double. Brantley went 3 for 3 to lift his spring average to .400.
Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer allowed five hits and four runs in three innings of his rockiest appearance of six this spring.
"He showed some good velocity out there and some good changes," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "He's shown some inconsistencies, but that's understandable."
Bauer was acquired over the offseason in a trade with Arizona and is one of several candidates to stick with the big club as a late-rotation starter.
"I had a glimpse of feeling ready to go out there," Bauer said. "Hopefully, next time I'll feel ready to go all the time."
Bauer breezed through two innings but was hit hard in the third.
Chris Iannetta and Brendan Harris hit back-to-back doubles for a run. A walk to Mike Trout, a single by Howie Kendrick, an RBI grounder by Albert Pujols and a single from Josh Hamilton made it a four-run inning.
"I thought I did good," Bauer said. "I was working on my mechanics. I drifted into some bad habits for two innings."
Pujols narrowly missed a homer in the sixth, lining a double off the wall against David Huff. He scored on Mark Trumbo's single for a 6-5 lead.
Lonnie Chisenhall hit his fourth spring homer for the Indians.
NOTES: Angels reliever Sean Burnett allowed three runs and three hits while getting only one out. ... Harris, Trumbo and Kendrick had two hits apiece for Los Angeles. ... Chisenhall and Phelps each had two hits for the Indians.
Re: GameTime!™
10376Time to break the news to Bauer that he's starting in AAA.
Where's Giambi?
Hasn't been in the last 4 games.
Still hitting below the Mendoza line.
But Tito loves him.
Where's Giambi?
Hasn't been in the last 4 games.
Still hitting below the Mendoza line.
But Tito loves him.
Re: GameTime!™
10377Again if wanted a nice roider as a presence in the clubhouse why didnt we get manny. At least he would have sold a few tickets.
Re: GameTime!™
10379Could not afford the assistant to change Manny's diapers for him !kenm wrote:Again if wanted a nice roider as a presence in the clubhouse why didnt we get manny. At least he would have sold a few tickets.
Not sure what Ken M does not understand about "no" MLB teams that want "Bumirez" near any of their decent players.
Re: GameTime!™
10380seagull wrote:Time to break the news to Bauer that he's starting in AAA.
Where's Giambi?
Hasn't been in the last 4 games.
Still hitting below the Mendoza line.
But Tito loves him.
Finally: Brett Myers pitched six scoreless innings Wednesday against Class AAA Louisville. Myers allowed three hits, no walks and struck out eight. Jason Giambi recorded five plate appearances from Class AAA Columbus and Class AA Akron.