Looking through the Minor League Transactions BA posted for Feb 12-March 11, 2 moves by the Marlins surprised me to some degree:

XZavion Curry DFA'd from the 40 man roster. Of course, the Guardians did the same last year.
Deyvison DeLosSantos optioned out already. His PLUS power and PLUS strikeouts may or may not balance in favor of a major league career.

Also of note, Oscar Mercado, another one of our 1 year wonder OFs, is still moving around, signed by the Phillies; to a minor league contract

Condon sustains broken wrist, optimistic about recovery timeline

SURPRISE, Ariz. --The Rockies’ top prospects will take the field Sunday for their Spring Breakout game against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch, but the lineup will not include the system's top-ranked position player.

Charlie Condon, selected third overall in last year’s Draft after a record-smashing career at the University of Georgia and signed to a $9.25 million bonus, sustained a left wrist injury on Tuesday while diving to make a catch against the Athletics in his first Minor League game of the spring.

After undergoing tests, Condon -- MLB Pipeline's No. 29 prospect overall and the No. 2 prospect in the Colorado system -- was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his left wrist on Friday. More precisely, it’s a radial styloid process fracture.Charlie Condon, selected third overall in last year’s Draft after a record-smashing career at the University of Georgia and signed to a $9.25 million bonus, sustained a left wrist injury on Tuesday while diving to make a catch against the Athletics in his first Minor League game of the spring.

After undergoing tests, Condon -- MLB Pipeline's No. 29 prospect overall and the No. 2 prospect in the Colorado system -- was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his left wrist on Friday. More precisely, it’s a radial styloid process fracture.

Chris Forbes, the Rockies’ director of player development, said that there is no ligament damage and no surgery will be necessary. The plan is for Condon to wear a splint on the wrist for four weeks, then begin strengthening it, and at the six-week mark, resume baseball activities.

“It’s probably the best-case scenario,” Forbes said, “in the sense that we knew it was a fracture and we were hoping it was a non-displaced fracture, and that was confirmed this morning. The ligament damage was what we were hoping to avoid, and we did.”

Last season, Condon hit .180 with a .518 OPS, one home run, 11 RBIs, and four stolen bases in 25 games with High-A Spokane after being drafted, while dealing with a bone spur on his right ring finger.

The third baseman/outfielder hadn't appeared in a Cactus League game this spring, but took on Major League pitchers in intersquad matchups.

When he received the diagnosis, Condon was relieved.

“I found out that it was fractured the same day,” Condon said. “Hearing that today, that it’s nothing but a small fracture -- honestly, it’s about as good as it gets as far as a broken bone goes. It was a big-time relief.

“It kind of gives me a little bit of a path of where and when I’ll be back.”

Condon is itching to get back on the field, particularly after his struggles at the plate while he played through injury in 2024.

With the type of power numbers he put up at Georgia, launching 37 home runs in 231 at-bats and slugging 1.009 last year, hopes were as high as his draft slot that he would be a monster at the plate, particularly with hitter-friendly Coors Field beckoning.

Although his pro career didn’t begin like he had hoped, and he’s now faced with another injury recovery, Condon said he’s unfazed.

“I feel like I don’t have to prove anything to anyone,” Condon said. “I know who I am, I know what I’ve done and I know what I’m capable of doing in the future.”

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Maybe we'll escape the plague of the injured draft choice with Bazzana. He has not taken Arizona by storm this spring but ready all are positive and he's in good health

Switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje strikes out two

Switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje impresses during his Spring Breakout outing as he strikes out two and only gives up one run across two innings

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Jurrangelo Cijntje knew who’d be waiting for him in the batter’s box when he emerged from the visiting bullpen on Friday evening.

The Mariners’ switch-pitcher had seen Guardians infielder Travis Bazzana recently at a card-signing event, to which they each joked, “I’m going to see you soon,” knowing the likelihood of what eventually took place during MLB Spring Breakout at Goodyear Ballpark.

Pitching in his first true game-like environment since being selected in the first round of last summer’s MLB Draft, Cijntje knew that he’d be called upon Friday after lefty Brandyn Garcia. But he wasn’t quite sure he’d match up against Bazzana, who was taken 14 picks ahead of him at No. 1 overall and was batting in the No. 2 hole.

Sometimes in baseball, the stars align.

Cijntje, who was seen warming in the bullpen with both arms before Garcia worked out of a fourth-inning jam, opted to go left-on-left against Bazzana to start the fifth, inducing a hard-chopping groundout to shortstop Brock Rodden on the first pitch. Cijntje then flipped his glove over and pitched right-handed the rest of the way -- even against seven more left-handed hitters.

“There was a lot of adrenaline," said Cijntje, who is the Mariners’ No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. “I couldn’t even control my body, but I fought through it.”

Fate brought Bazzana back to the batter’s box for Cijntje’s final at-bat of the night, which was even more fascinating.

Cijntje took off his glove between batters as if he was going to go lefty to Bazzana, as he did the first time, but he surprised most when he instead remained righty. Cijntje then blew a 97 mph elevated four-seam fastball by Bazzana for a swinging strike three in a punctuating conclusion to his night.

“That's something special,” said Bazzana, Cleveland’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 10 overall prospect in the game. “You don't really see that ever. I think he's got a bright future, and it was cool to battle.”

So, Cijntje’s first pitch of the outing was also his final from the left side, given that Bazzana swung and made contact right away, while his 39 other pitches over two innings were thrown right-handed. In total, he surrendered one unearned run on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts.

“I was already in a rhythm, and I was like, ‘I'm going to keep throwing from my right side,” Cijntje said.

There was also awe from his teammates.

“Dude, stop it,” said Mariners No. 12 prospect Tai Peete, who went 3-for-3 with a 422-foot homer and a stolen base while playing center field. “I thought it was funny when he switched on the mound and everyone started cheering.”

The decision-making calculus for Cijntje to go right vs. left on Friday hinted at how the Mariners will leverage his ambidextrous skill set as he embarks on his player-development path.

Seattle intends to develop Cijntje as a right-handed starter, which is his better pitching arm and possesses a denser arsenal that features a higher-velocity four-seamer, slider, cutter and changeup. But the Mariners also don’t want to sacrifice his lefty skill, because there is plus potential from that side, where he’s up to 93 mph with a sinker/slider combo.

“It's going to be development-based more than matchup-based,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said. “Obviously, you want to put him in positions to succeed, and I don't think we want to put him in positions where he's pitching to a lot of right-handed hitters left-handed. But I do think we're all in alignment that he needs to develop right-handed to work against the platoon matchup. It can't be every left-handed hitter that comes up.”

There will be expected fluidity to Cijntje’s routine.

The early plan is for him to start righty, and he may pitch left-on-left within that start but probably not all of them. Then in his in-between side session, which would come three days later, he’d do so right-handed, then pitch an inning in relief while left-handed in whatever game falls on that same day.

“There is not a blueprint here at all,” Hollander said. “We want to be honest. We don't want to talk confidently about how we definitely know the right answer here, because we definitely don't know the right answer. And I'm sure we'll have to make adjustments along the way.”

he Mariners have an idea of which Minor League affiliate that Cijntje will begin the season with, but they haven’t yet told him. His goal is to reach Double-A Arkansas by season’s end.

There will certainly be learning curves along the way, but his fascinating path to the Majors got started in a Breakout way on Friday night.

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Meet the 14 women who run Minor League Baseball teams

From California to Massachusetts, from Arkansas to Iowa, leadership in professional baseball is evolving. Coming into the 2025 season, there are 14 women in general manager positions across Minor League Baseball. The role of the GM in the Minors requires -- in addition to the obvious qualities of intelligence, determination and commitment -- an ability to balance dozens of demands at once, an inexhaustibly personable demeanor and oodles of creativity.

As Minor League Baseball celebrates Women's History Month, take a moment to get to know the women who are demonstrating integrity, intelligence, creativity and genuine care for their communities while managing Minor League front offices across the country.

Katie Beekman, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A NYY)

The RailRiders' GM since 2019, Beekman has spent her entire career in Minor League sports while working across multiple departments, building experience in community relations, marketing, game-night operations and more.

"I have a great passion for sports and for teamwork and doing what I do every day," Beekman said.

Kristin Call, Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A CHC)

Call started her path to the GM role while she was still in college, interning in the South Atlantic League. After eight years, she joined the Pelicans in the marketing department in 2013 and was named GM in December of 2021.

"A spot opened up at the end of the [college internship], was able to land that job and then, quite honestly, I feel like I woke up five or six years later and had a career," she said.

Brooke Cooper, Worcester Red Sox (Triple-A BOS)

A native of Rhode Island, Cooper began her career as an intern with the WooSox when they were the PawSox -- based in Pawtucket. She gradually worked her way up to becoming the club's director of marketing and ultimately ascended to executive vice president and GM before the 2024 season.

"For girls and women interested in a career in baseball, I'd say be consistent," she said. "Anyone can be great once. Anyone can have a positive attitude, work hard and treat people right when they feel up for it. It takes real character to display those traits every day, especially when challenged by the grueling nature of the baseball season."

Shelly Haenggi, Midland RockHounds (Double-A ATH)

Haenggi already had an impressive resume in the world of marketing and advertising -- running agencies in California and Texas and also having worked for the Hearst Corporation and Princess Cruises in advertising and marketing roles. She joined the RockHounds in 2013.

Hollee Haines, Inland Empire 66ers (Single-A LAA)

New to the GM role this year, Haines has worked for the 66ers since 2018 -- most recently as assistant GM -- and has a background in the legal field. In announcing her promotion, the team praised her innovations in improving the gameday experience.

"I picked a career in baseball because it's been a big passion in my life," Haines said. "I played softball in college, and I just love baseball and what it can do for a community."

Veronica Hernandez, Modesto Nuts (Single-A SEA)

Hernandez, who majored in sports media in college, got her start as an intern in the summer wood-bat New England Collegiate Baseball League and thereafter worked for multiple Minor League teams in various roles. She joined the Nuts as director of marketing and promotions in 2018 and worked her way up to GM in 2022.

"I always liked to say baseball found me," she said. "I wasn't picky out of college. I applied everywhere from Nascar to NFL and luckily stumbled upon an opportunity that opened doors for me in baseball, and it's been a snowball effect ever since then."

Christine Kavic, Lake Elsinore Storm (Single-A SD)

The CFO and co-general manager of the Storm, Kavic came to the San Diego affiliate with an extensive background in human resources, accounting and finance. She loves working in the close-knit and collaborative environment she's found with Lake Elsinore, and she's been active in mentoring and developing staff members with the team.

"The advice I have for girls and women who are interested in a career in baseball is to be proactive and take initiative, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, advocate for yourself and be resilient!" Kavic said.

Erin McCormick, Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A ATL)

McCormick has worked for six Minor League clubs in six different Major League organizations, and she became GM of the Stripers in October of 2021. During her tenure as assistant GM leading up to that promotion, she soaked up hands-on experience in just about every aspect of the Stripers' operations.

"I think the best advice I could give is speak up," she said. "Raise your hand. Don't wait for things to come to you. Grab it and run with it."

Julia McNeil, Quad Cities River Bandits (High-A KC)

McNeil was promoted from assistant GM in February, having begun her career as an intern for the collegiate wood-bat Nashua [New Hampshire] Silver Knights of the Futures League in 2014. She moved into the Minor Leagues with a role in ticketing for the Lowell Spinners (then the Short-Season Single-A affiliate of the Red Sox) before joining the River Bandits, where she's worked a number of positions.

"I wanted a career in baseball because I was an athlete my entire childhood and into adulthood, playing college softball," she said. "And while I was growing up, there was a Minor League Baseball team in my hometown. I always enjoyed going there over the summer, and the entertainment aspect really drew me into what Minor League Baseball really is."

Sophie Ozier, Arkansas Travelers (Double-A SEA)

Ozier grew up an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and at a young age had her sights on working for the team. In college, she sought out opportunities that would put her on that path, taking internships with Fox Sports Midwest, the St. Louis Blues hockey team and independent baseball teams. She arrived to the Travelers as a corporate event planner and social media coordinator in 2017 and by 2021 had worked her way up to GM.

Chrystal Rowe, Durham Bulls (Triple-A TB)

Rowe came to the Bulls in 2023, having already amassed extensive experience in ticketing, sales and marketing, including with the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Durham named Rowe interim GM at the end of January.

"My very first job was working for the Hickory Crawdads during the summer," she said. "So, twenty-something years ago, baseball chose me."

Michelle Skinner, Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A HOU)

Skinner began her career in baseball in 2010 with the Tri-City ValleyCats in Troy, N.Y. Then a member of the affiliated short-season New York-Penn League and an affiliate of the Astros, the ValleyCats moved over to the MLB Partner League Frontier League in 2021. By that time, Skinner had worked her way up to assistant GM, and in 2023 she was to work for a club under the Houston umbrella again as she stepped into the Woodpeckers' GM position.

"I actually wasn't a big baseball fan growing up," Skinner admitted, "but I did my internship with the Vermont Lake Monsters and fell in love with the community aspect of the game. I knew from that point on that I wanted to work in baseball."

Liz Welch, Wilmington Blue Rocks (High-A WSH

Welch worked for her hometown independent team -- the Lancaster Barnstormers in Pennsylvania -- for 10 seasons, beginning as a gameday employee and tackling various positions before joining the Blue Rocks in 2017, when she began gaining more experience in all aspects of the club's operations.

Wilmington named her GM in 2023, with team owner Dave Heller saying of Welch "Over the past six years, she’s done just about every job there is to do in Minor League Baseball, and accomplished each with alacrity and aplomb."

Jen Yorko, Lake County Captains (High-A CLE)

Yorko came to the Captains right out of college in 2007, and over the years she's worked on overseeing everything from theme nights to the team's charity initiatives to merchandising and ticketing. That collection of experience earned her an assistant GM position in 2016, and she took over the GM role in 2019.

"The advice that I have for girls and women who are interested in a career in baseball would be to take the opportunity," she said. "Find a team that aligns with your passion and know that there's an opportunity in baseball for everybody. Enjoy the ride."

https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/women-gen ... e-coverage

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Power Rankings: Who's No. 1 heading into season?

[ Guards Drop 4 Spots In the Rankings; at 16
Tigers Drop 3 Spots But Overtake the Guards at 14
Royals Drop 1 Spot But Overtake the Guard at 15
Twins No Change at 18
Sox No Change at 30 ]

March 14th, 2025

There are regular-season baseball games next week. Can you believe it? You have made it. You have earned it.

A full two months have passed since our most recent power rankings, and, it’s fair to say, a lot has happened since then. So with the Tokyo Series between the Cubs and Dodgers starting in just three days, it’s time to celebrate the impending start of the season with the final power rankings before first pitch. And once the season gets going, we’ll be back to our regular weekly schedule.

These rankings, as always, are compiled from MLB.com contributors whose names you can find at the bottom of this (and every) piece, but the words are mine. If you dislike the rankings, yell at all of us. But if you dislike the words, feel free to yell at me.

And we’ll see you bright and early Tuesday morning.

1. Dodgers (Previous poll: 1)

The Roki Sasaki show is about to begin. The 23-year-old flashed his sky-high potential during Spring Training, with his splitter in particular looking like an elite weapon. But now comes the real test, with Sasaki expected to take the mound to start Game 2 of the Tokyo Series. Can he rise to the occasion in his home country?

2. Phillies (2)

It’s fair to say that the Taijuan Walker deal hasn’t turned out the way the Phillies had hoped when they signed him for four years and $72 million after the 2022 season. But his performance this spring has been a revelation: Velocity is up, walks are down, everyone’s excited: He could even find his way back into the rotation at some point.

3. Braves (5)

Spencer Strider’s return has been pegged for the end of April for a while now, but he is a rehabbing pitcher, and it’s notoriously difficult to keep those guys on schedule. That’s why it is terrific news that all is going according to plan: “I think it’s been a really seamless process so far,” he said.

4. Mets (4)

The injury to Francisco Alvarez was a bummer, but he should be back by May and is still only 23 years old. There’s no way a broken hamate bone is going to douse all the good vibes in Mets camp this spring.

5. Orioles (7)

Grayson Rodriguez’s right elbow injury, which will keep him out for the beginning of the season after he got a cortisone shot, is the sort of thing that is going to make Orioles fans particularly nervous and frustrated. The rotation, a source of concern already, is now even thinner.

6. Diamondbacks (8)

Fair to say that Jordan Montgomery’s lone Cactus League start this spring didn’t go the way everyone was hoping: He gave up five runs in one-third of an inning on March 8. He is less concerned than everyone else, though, saying his injured finger felt fine and encouraging himself to “take a chill pill and relax.”

7. Red Sox (15)

Take it with it all the salt you want -- and it’s totally fair if any Red Sox fan is skeptical -- but it should be said that Trevor Story has looked healthy and quite solid so far in camp. For a player many have already written off, a comeback tale would be awfully exciting.

8. Yankees (3)

It has, obviously, been a disastrous spring for the Yankees, with the injuries to Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton, and their drop in these rankings reflects that. It should still be noted that everyone was all doom and gloom about the Yankees right before last season started, too, and they reached the World Series. Of course, they had Juan Soto then.

9. Padres (6)

The Padres’ quiet offseason, and some off-field tumult, have many people wondering if their late 2024 run was a blip. In our annual World Series contenders draft, my colleague Mike Petriello and I were obviously concerned: San Diego fell all the way to 17th.

10. Rangers (16)

Kumar Rocker got off to a miserable start this spring, giving up eight runs in two innings over his first two Cactus League outings, but that’s all part of the process. A trip to the Rangers' pitching lab has everybody feeling better. “He's going to be a big part of our team this season,” president of baseball operations Chris Young said.

1. Astros (9)

Christian Walker’s sore left oblique had the Astros sweating, but when they got his MRI results, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Even Walker said his oblique, which cost him a month of last season, felt much better now than it did at any point then. Considering how many other corner infield options the Astros had on the table this offseason, they sure would like to be able to get Walker out there every day.

12. Brewers (10)

Nestor Cortes seems destined to be a popular Brewer, and he has already shown his human side this spring. He’s about to become a father for the first time. “I have to be on high alert,” he says.

13. Cubs (13)

How about some love for the Pete Crow-Armstrong bobblehead the Cubs will be giving away on April 19? Fittingly, the bobblehead has run so fast that his helmet has fallen off. (The helmet is nevertheless included.)

14. Tigers (11)

Is Jackson Jobe going to make the Opening Day rotation? Our Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck sure thinks so. This could end up being one of the more fun early-season stories in baseball.

15. Royals (14)

Jac Caglianone isn’t going to be on the Royals’ Opening Day roster, but let there be no doubt: He may be the guy Royals fans remember most from this camp. Homers that go 444 feet tend to stick in the memory. (So do season-altering injuries to franchise cornerstones, but fortunately, Bobby Witt Jr. seems to have avoided one after taking a 96 mph fastball off his left forearm on Wednesday.)

16. Guardians (12)

All of this team’s success in 2024 came despite persistent issues in the starting rotation, one of which was Gavin Williams’ regression following a highly promising rookie season. But the 25-year-old has dazzled this spring and looks to be on the path toward a significant rebound.

17. Mariners (17)

It was good to see Julio Rodríguez smash a grand slam on Wednesday -- even if he accidentally pointed at the wrong bullpen in celebration. Slow starts to the season have been a theme for J-Rod in his young career -- he’s got a .642 OPS in the opening month and .740 in the first half -- but the Mariners can’t afford another one in 2025.

18. Twins (18)

You may have thought the job of manager was complicated, but you still didn’t realize that part of the job was bringing in llamas, did you? Twins manager Rocco Baldelli organized a petting zoo for players and their families on Monday. "In Spring Training, you like to come up with just a couple of ideas to mix things up for the guys," Baldelli said. Llamas definitely count as “mixing it up.”

19. Reds (21)

Noelvi Marte has, fair to say, had a rough 12-month span, culminating in him being sent back to Triple-A earlier this week. But new manager Terry Francona still believes in him: “He did a really good job. He needs repetition," Francona said. "I thought from a work ethic standpoint, he had a great camp.” We’ll see how long it takes him to get back to Cincinnati.

20. Blue Jays (23)

MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson had a great piece this week on how healthy the Blue Jays have been this spring, which is the sort of thing that makes you want to knock on wood any time you dare say it out loud. The Jays still have depth issues, though, particularly in the bullpen now that Erik Swanson looks like he’ll be out for a while.

21. Giants (19)

You know who’s enjoying himself this spring? Matt Chapman. Armed with that big new contract, Chapman has been raking. “Now I just get to play and be a part of this team and organization for a long time,” Chapman said. “It's the best thing that has ever happened to me in the baseball world.” Sounds like a happy guy to me!

22. Athletics (24)

I’m not sure how optimistic you are about the Athletics in their first season in Sacramento, but you know who is optimistic? Other MLB players. In our survey, the A’s were picked by players as the team most likely to surprise in 2025. “They've got a really good group of young guys and they all seemed to enjoy each other," one player said.

23. Rays (20)

After the Grapefruit League schedule ends, the Rays will have exactly 120 hours to turn George Steinbrenner Field from the Yankees’ Spring Training site into their new home stadium for the regular season. This AP story about how they’re going to do it is absolutely fascinating. “Building the plane while you fly it,” said Rays chief business officer Bill Walsh.

24. Cardinals (26)

The Cardinals were relieved that Jordan Walker wasn’t too banged up when he slipped on a sprinkler head in the outfield of a Spring Training game. He should be back to action soon and ready for Opening Day. There may be no player on the roster who is more important to what the Cardinals are trying to do over the next few years than Walker.

25. Nationals (25)

Spring stats aren’t worth much, but it should be noted: Dylan Crews and James Wood are both hitting the ball with considerable authority this spring. The Nationals’ future revolves around those guys as they look to become a force again in the NL East.

26. Pirates (22)

A day after the Yankees had to deal with the aftermath of losing their ace, they had to watch the Pirates show just how grateful they are to have theirs. Paul Skenes struck out five in four innings against the Yankees on Tuesday and sure looks like he’s in midseason form already. That’s a guy who is very ready for the season to start. But hey, aren’t we all?

27. Angels (27)

If it’s OK with you, I’d like to just watch a Mike Trout spring homer. Mike Trout homering is something, as we’ve learned in recent years, that should never be taken for granted.

28. Rockies (28)

Ezequiel Tovar very much has the look of an emerging star. A great profile by MLB.com’s Thomas Harding looked at the work that Tovar did in Venezuela this year, using soft squish baseballs that “won’t break anything” but helped Tovar pick up spin. Look out.

29. Marlins (29)

Remember Matt Mervis? The former Cubs prospect may be the starting first baseman for the Marlins this year, and it should be noted that he’s hitting the ball very hard this spring.

30. White Sox (30)

It sure looks like Martín Pérez is going to be making his first Opening Day start after 13 years in the Majors and 269 starts (and 314 games). Don’t look too surprised: He did make it to the All-Star Game just two seasons ago.

Voters:

Jason Catania, Daniel Feldman, Doug Gausepohl, Sarah Langs, Will Leitch, Whitney McIntosh, Travis Miller, Brian Murphy, Arturo Pardavila, Andrew Simon, Zac Vierra, David Venn.


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Guardians drop 4 places and the only change noted in the comments is the resurgence of Gavin Williams. I have to assume that the performance of Ortiz and McKenzie and Cantillo and bullpen injuries are their cause for concern. The offense has been about what would have been expected with upward movement from Rocchio and Manzardo no change in RF and no surprising developments at 1st and 2nd base

I agree on the pitching analysis. Thank goodness for Williams. I hope the news on Bieber remains optimistic.. May/June would be awesome. I still like Junis in the starting rotation. Bibee, Williams, Lively, Junis, and Ortiz might be good enough to bridge the gap to Bieber.

I still have my concerns on offense once you get past Kwan, Ramirez, and Lane.

Manzardo/Schneemann at DH I think is a positve, should be at least in not above average hitters.
Santana ? must, at the very least, maintain his 2024 production rate.
Rocchio ? has to build on his season ending advancements.
Naylor ? Still hasn't shown he's an average to above average hitter.
Noel ?. Gotta Get Some Plate Discipline. Can't afford k's every 2-3 at at as he's show this spring.
Brennan/Freeman ?
?'s at 2B ? Whoever plays 2b, I'm hoping that he can at least contribute Gimenez's offense.

Bullpen is safe. Should be all season. Lot of talent left is someone is injured or stumbles.

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Guardians' fans favorite Yankee:

Carrasco inches closer to Yanks rotation spot with strong outing vs. Braves

TAMPA, Fla. -- After each of his last two Grapefruit League starts, Carlos Carrasco has said he has “found everything that I need.” The veteran right-hander was talking about his pitch mix, but he easily could have been referring to an opportunity, too.

Carrasco continued a sharp spring with five scoreless innings in the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Braves on Wednesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, lowering his spring ERA to 1.69. The Yankees are still discussing their roster plans, but at this juncture, Carrasco’s spot in the rotation is seemingly assured.

“It’s been really good,” Carrasco said. “The only thing I can worry about is the way I go out and pitch. Getting my location and all the little details before the season starts, that’s what I’ve been doing the last two games.”

This is a big week for Carrasco, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on Friday, one day before he can trigger an opt-out in his Minor League contract. That would give the Yankees 48 hours to add Carrasco to their 40-man roster or see him become a free agent.

Considering the injuries that have impacted the Bombers’ rotation this spring, it would be a shock if Carrasco didn’t break camp with the club.
“He’s right in that mix,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I don’t want to speak too soon, but he’s done everything he can to give himself that opportunity.”

Carrasco seemed like a long shot coming into camp, but attrition has aided his case. Ace Gerrit Cole is lost for the season to Tommy John surgery, Luis Gil is set to miss at least three months with a right lat strain, and the Yanks lost depth choices in Chase Hampton and J.T. Brubaker this spring, too.

Clarke Schmidt also may begin the season on the injured list, remaining behind in Florida to build stamina. Schmidt is scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday at Steinbrenner Field, but he has recorded just five outs in Grapefruit League play this spring.

No wonder Carrasco, who was so efficient in his 54-pitch effort that he had to throw another 16 in the bullpen, doesn’t appear to be stressing over his situation.
“Listen, I’ve had a lot of tough times in my life, so this is nothing,” Carrasco said. “The only thing that I can control now is [to] pitch every five days.”

Carrasco has struggled over the past two seasons, pitching to a 6-18 record and 6.18 ERA in 41 starts for the Mets and Guardians. Last year with Cleveland, he was 3-10 with a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts. Carrasco acknowledged even he was “surprised” by how well his pitches have worked this spring.

“It feels really good, getting those pitches back like I used to pitch four or five years ago,” Carrasco said. “I know we had some rough years, and we learned from that.”

Jobe, Mize nab final rotation spots, solidify Tigers' starting staff

9:59 AM CDT

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers rotation includes one of baseball’s top pitching prospects and one of baseball’s former top overall Draft picks. Detroit formally welcomed Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize to the final starting group on Saturday morning by optioning Keider Montero to Triple-A Toledo.

Jobe, MLB Pipeline’s No. 5 prospect overall and No. 2 pitching prospect, and Mize won the competition for the final two spots in Detroit’s rotation, following up American League Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty and Reese Olson. Alex Cobb, signed in December as a free agent to bolster the rotation, will begin the season on the injured list while he works back from right hip inflammation.

Neither Jobe nor Mize fit the stereotype for back-of-the-rotation starters, a testament to the pitching depth the Tigers have assembled largely from within their system. While Jobe showed the progress the Tigers hoped to see after his late-season debut and playoff experience last September and October, Mize paired renewed health with a revamp of his arsenal to make his case as one of the best five options.

Jobe posted a 3.65 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts, allowing seven hits over 12 1/3 innings with four walks and eight strikeouts. All five earned runs he allowed scored on four home runs, including two homers in his last start on March 13 against the Yankees. But with a sharper pitch mix and a curveball he developed in the offseason, he showed the progress in drawing swings and misses that the Tigers challenged him to create.

Tigers officials clearly had been hoping to see him progress and earn a spot. Not only does the 22-year-old have some of the highest potential Detroit has seen in a pitching prospect since Skubal and Mize broke into the big leagues five years ago, Jobe’s ascension brings the potential side benefit of a Draft pick. Major League Baseball’s Prospect Promotion Incentive allows teams to earn a supplemental pick after the first round if a ranked prospect spends a full season (or close to it) in the big leagues as a rookie and either wins Rookie of the Year or finishes in the top three in Cy Young or MVP voting before becoming arbitration eligible.

President of baseball operations Scott Harris said going into camp that the team would do the best thing for Jobe regardless of incentives. Jobe’s performance meshed with the motivations.

For the 27-year-old Mize, the rotation spot represents a comeback nearly on par with his return last year from Tommy John and back surgeries he underwent in 2022. Though Mize cracked last year’s season-opening rotation and made 20 starts and two relief appearances last year, he showed the rust of essentially two lost seasons. Beyond the 2-6 record and 4.49 ERA over 102 1/3 innings, he allowed 10.6 hits per nine innings while his strikeout rate fell to 6.9. He ranked in the bottom 10 percent of Major League pitchers last year in strikeout rate (10th percentile), hard-hit rate (8th percentile), average exit velocity (7th percentile) and expected batting average (4th percentile).

Part of those woes could be chalked up to the typical struggles a pitcher battles in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. But rather than rely on a second-year-back boost, Mize used his first healthy offseason in three years to rework his arsenal, from a higher-velocity splitter to three variations of his slider with different velocities and breaks.

The results were impressive, even when viewed through the prism of Spring Training results. Mize allowed two runs on eight hits over 16 innings with seven walks and 18 strikeouts. He tossed 11 1/3 scoreless innings before giving up a Jarren Duran home run in the first inning of his last start on Wednesday against the Red Sox.

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Royals acquire OF Canha from Brewers

11:07 AM CDT

SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Royals made a late spring roster addition by acquiring outfielder Mark Canha from the Brewers for a player to be named or cash considerations on Friday.

Canha, 36, was on a Minor League deal in Spring Training with Milwaukee and is 2-for-23 in Cactus League play with one homer, four strikeouts and four walks.

But as an Article XX(B) free agent, he had the opportunity to opt out on Saturday, which is five days before Opening Day and one of the uniform opt out clauses for XX(B) free agents in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. A player triggering one of these out clauses gives his club 48 hours to either add him to the 40-man roster or let him become a free agent, so when Canha let the Brewers know that was coming, they were able to work out a trade with the Royals.

The Royals are expected to add Canha to the 40-man roster this weekend and will need to make a corresponding move once that happens. According to a source, Canha will make $1.4 million with performance bonuses in 2025 once he’s in the big leagues.

Canha slashed .242/.344/.346 with seven homers and 42 RBIs across 125 games between Detroit and San Francisco last season. A right-handed hitter who can play the corner outfield and first base, Canha will enter the 2025 season as a bench player for the Royals, who have had several options in camp fighting for a bench spot but no clear answers with Opening Day next week.

Canha has spent parts of 10 seasons in the Majors playing for five teams and has hit 120 career home runs with a .349 career on-base percentage, with more gap-to-gap doubles power than home run power. He’s had neutral splits but has a .763 career OPS against southpaws. And as Spring Training progressed, the Royals thought an offensive hole of theirs would be a right-handed bat off the bench who could come in against lefties. Canha could be a backup left fielder and first baseman on the days he plays or comes in late in the game.

Plus, his experience is something the Royals felt they needed, not only for the clubhouse but also finding someone who can handle late-inning pinch-hit opportunities.

With Canha, the Royals will have two bench spots now accounted for along with backup catcher Freddy Fermin. Outfielder Dairon Blanco is viewed as a heavy favorite for a spot because of his pinch-running value.

The last spot could go any number of ways. Speedy outfielders Joey Wiemer, a right-hander, and Drew Waters, a switch-hitter, are in the running. Infielder/outfielder Tyler Tolbert could fill Blanco’s role if Blanco isn’t 100% after dealing with Achilles tendon soreness earlier this spring. Utility players Cavan Biggio and Harold Castro -- both left-handed -- as well as right-handed Nick Loftin have all shown off their versatility and ability to get on base this spring. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez and first baseman/outfielder Nick Pratto are both out of Minor League options, but they might be blocked now with Canha in the fold -- especially if the Royals went out and found a right-handed option in Canha despite having Velázquez in camp.

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For Myles, playing against the brothers Naylor a 'surreal moment'

March 20th, 2025

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- For A’s No. 25 prospect Myles Naylor, the past week of Spring Training has doubled as a family reunion of sorts.

One day after coming up from Minor League camp to square off against his older brother, Bo, and the Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark, Myles joined the A’s again for Thursday’s 11-3 loss to the D-backs at Salt River Fields for another family affair, this time facing the eldest Naylor bro, Josh.

Myles entered Thursday’s game as a defensive replacement at third base in the sixth inning, and while Josh -- who started as the designated hitter for Arizona -- was already out of the game by that time, manager Mark Kotsay ensured the two shared a moment by allowing the two to exchange lineup cards just minutes before first pitch.

“During warmups, we met in center field and talked for a little bit,” Myles said. “He introduced me to a couple of his teammates. We got some cool photos. It’s been a good week so far.”

Wednesday featured a brotherly head-to-head interaction. In an 8-3 victory over Cleveland, Myles entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Brent Rooker in the seventh inning with the bases loaded, while Bo was behind the plate. On a 1-0 pitch from reliever Tim Herrin, Naylor poked a blooping single into right field on an excuse-me check swing for a single, his first career Cactus League hit and RBI.

Of course, there was one question on everyone’s mind: What did Bo tell Myles during the at-bat?

“I’ve gotten a million questions asking if he told me what was coming or whatever,” Myles said with a laugh. “But I walked up to the plate and me and him didn’t exchange any words the whole time. I saw him before and after the game. But in the moment, there were no words said. It was just like, ‘This is the game we’re going to play, and then we’ll acknowledge what happened after.’”

The family reunion extended beyond Naylor’s immediate family. Last Friday, Myles teamed up with his cousin, A’s No. 6 prospect Denzel Clarke, for the club’s Spring Breakout against the Padres.

“Being with Denzel on the same team was pretty surreal,” Naylor said. “We’ve been getting closer and closer every year now that we’re in the same [organization].”

Myles, 19, was selected by the A's with the 39th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and is following some big footsteps. Josh was taken 12th overall by the Marlins in 2015. Bo went 29th overall to the Guardians in 2018.

Myles is coming off what he described as a “down year” in his first full season as a professional. Spending the entire 2024 season at Single-A Stockton, the infielder hit just .192 with a .643 OPS, 11 home runs, 17 doubles and 58 RBIs in 116 games.

For this upcoming season, which could include a position switch from shortstop to third base as he continues to grow into his 6-foot-2 frame, Naylor is focused on executing the improvements he worked on this offseason on the advice of the A’s Minor League development staff.

“I’m just looking to have a more consistent year this year and remain confident throughout the season,” Naylor said. “Just do what I do and believe in myself. The offseason work I did, from swing tweaks to defensive stuff, I’m just trying to improve every part of my game and have an overall better year. Hopefully, I can move up a couple of levels.”

The ultimate goal for the three Canadian brothers from Mississauga, Ontario is to one day share the same field as big leaguers. Until then, the Naylor family -- those in attendance for the two games included their father, Chris, aunt, grandma, Josh’s fiancée, Chantel, and several other family friends -- can relish in their first encounters as professionals.

“Playing against Josh and Bo has been the most surreal moment I’ve ever had in my life,” Naylor said. “It’s been pretty awesome. … Hopefully, we do it at the big league level one day. But for now, these last two days have been really amazing for me and my family. It’s been a lot to soak in and a lot to cherish.”

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Carrasco has officially 'earned the right' to break camp with Yanks

Schmidt (back, shoulder), Hamilton (infection) both to open season on IL

12:15 PM CDT

TAMPA, Fla. -- Carlos Carrasco will be added to the Yankees' roster and begin the season in the rotation, general manager Brian Cashman said on Saturday.

Carrasco, 38, could have opted out of his Minor League contract on Saturday. The right-hander has enjoyed an excellent spring, posting a 1.69 ERA in five games (four starts), spanning 16 innings.

“He’s had a good camp, and obviously he has earned the right to come north with us,” Cashman said of Carrasco, who has scattered eight hits and seven walks with 15 strikeouts this spring.

A 15-year veteran, Carrasco has pitched to a 4.14 ERA across 324 Major League games (277 starts) with Cleveland (2009-2020, ‘24) and the Mets (2021-23).

Last season, Carrasco posted a 3-10 record and 5.64 ERA in 21 starts for the Guardians. He has been encouraged by his spring performance, saying he has “found everything that I need” in a camp that reunited him with pitching coach Matt Blake.

“It feels really good, getting those pitches back like I used to pitch four or five years ago,” Carrasco said earlier this week. “I know we had some rough years, and we learned from that.”

Carrasco is expected to follow left-hander Carlos Rodón, left-hander Max Fried and right-hander Marcus Stroman in the rotation, with right-hander Will Warren (4.19 ERA in 19 1/3 spring innings) also a strong candidate to break camp.

Cashman said right-hander Clarke Schmidt will begin the season on the injured list as he remains in Florida to continue building stamina, having been delayed this spring by back stiffness and a sore right shoulder.

“He just hasn’t had a Spring Training yet,” Cashman said. “He’s certainly going in the right direction.”

Right-hander Ian Hamilton will also begin the season on the injured list, having been limited to one Grapefruit League appearance after recovering from an infection.

“He’s going to need more time,” Cashman said.

With uncertain timelines for returns from Giancarlo Stanton (torn tendons in both elbows) and DJ LeMahieu (left calf strain), Cashman said he would be “happier” if the Yankees could add a right-handed bat before Opening Day. Their leading in-house options are Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza.

Cashman added the Yankees have until Tuesday to decide if they will carry infielder/outfielder Dom Smith, who opted out of his Minor League contract on Friday.

“We’re definitely keeping the phone lines open,” Cashman said.

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I see that Oscar Gonzalez is in the lineup today for the Padres. Is he having a good spring and will he make the team?
His 385 average is impressive and he's getting lots of playing time with 52 at bats. But his only extra base hits are 7 doubles. As usual he's drawn only 2 walks, but his strikeouts aren't high, 10.

Signed by the Yankees in the 2023-24 offseason he was hurt in spring training. Got in about 1/2 a season at AAA His line was 294/333/469. 8 homers. 22 doubles and 2 triples in 286 at bats.

Padres' mlb wepage lists Oscar among six guys on the bubble for two spots.