Some baseball thoughts…
– There was a big MLB debut this past weekend…John Bowker. I know, you are thinking who? Bowker was a fourth round pick and has had a pretty average minor league career. He spent all of last season in Double A and this season in Triple A. He was struggling before his call up, but the Giants needed to do something.
The result: .666 average, 2 HR, 7 RBI in his first 2 games. I don’t expect him to continue this, but it was quite a start to a major league career.
Oh, and this Longoria guy was called up by the Rays…
– Scott Spiezio is back in the unemployment line. The utility player was released by the Cardinals this spring after a warrant for his arrest was issued for an issue involving alcohol, a car, and a fight. A few weeks ago, Spiezio signed a minor league deal with the Braves and was at Triple A Richmond.
This weekend, Spiezio was scratched from a game because he wasn’t in playing condition – either hung over or still drunk (I haven’t confirmed either yet). The Braves released him after the incident, effectively ending his career.
It was a risky signing but one that someone was going to make.
– Are the Tigers really this bad? They really shouldn’t be, but one could argue that the issue is centerfield. Or at least missing from center.
Curtis Granderson is the sparkplug for their offense; it’s obvious since their offense can’t get going. He put up MVP numbers last year and was expected to have another big season before he got injured. If the Tigers can creep by for a little while longer, he’ll be back to help them get back into contention.
– My all breakout team for this season:
C – Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks – All he needs is regular playing time.
1B – Billy Butler, Royals – His power is going to show this year.
2B – Aaron Hill, Blue Jays – He’ll become a better hitter now that he’s at the same position for 2 straight years.
3B – Edwin Encarnacion, Reds – Has the potential for 20 homers and 80 RBIs.
SS – Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks – He’s going to bounce back from a average season.
LF – Fred Lewis, Giants – He should be one of the bright spots on a bad Giants team.
CF – Shane Victorino, Phillies – After years of being the 4th outfielder, he’s getting his chance to make a name for himself.
RF – Alex Rios, Blue Jays – He wants to show he deserved the contract he got; look for the power to really come.
DH – Jason Kubel, Twins – He can hit; he just needs to regain his pre-injury confidence.
SP – Mark Prior, Padres – Now that he’s in a controlled environment, he should live up to his reputation.
SP – Jon Lester, Red Sox – His stuff should be back to normal after battling cancer.
SP – Chad Billingsley, Dodgers – He’s going to show his ace stuff this year.
SP – Andy Sonnastine, Rays – He’ll be the next James Shields.
SP – Ervin Santana, Angels – He’s shown signs, but now that he’s really needed to do something he’ll come through.
CL – George Sherrill, Orioles – This will be the key to the Bedard deal. Look for him to be moved.
RP – Aaron Heilman, Mets – He’s already a good pitcher, but people will know his name this year.
RP – Saul Rivera, Nationals – Will get attention once another reliever is dealt.
