The first pitch of the 2012 Cactus League schedule has yet to be thrown for the White Sox, let alone their first pitch of the regular season. But Robin Ventura's inaugural team has begun to take shape.
Monthly Archives: February 2012
Raburn aiming to avoid another slow start
As it turns out, the sure way to get Ryan Raburn at his best is when he doesn't think it can get any worse.
Street joins tradition of greatness in Padres 'pen
The San Diego Padres may have never won a World Series, had a pitcher toss a no-hitter or had a position player hit for the cycle. But the one thing they've always done well is provide a stellar bullpen.
Doubters can't slow down confident Gordon
When doubters question Dee Gordon's slight frame, or worse — whether he's tough enough to take the pounding of the Major Leagues — Gordon knows what the doubters don't. “I've been fighting since the day I was born,” said the Dodgers' new shortstop and leadoff hitter.
Gutierrez out four weeks with pectoral injury
Franklin Gutierrez has suffered a partial tear of the pectoral muscle in his right chest and will miss at least the next four weeks, the Mariners announced after the Gold Glove center fielder flew home to Seattle to meet with their team physician.
Competitive Garza animated on and off mound
You've seen Matt Garza on the top step of the dugout, cheering, clapping and extolling the Cubs on days he's not pitching. All the gyrations and animation don't go unnoticed by his teammates.
At Bat launches with more options than ever
MLB.com At Bat, the top-selling sports application of all time — and the only sports app inducted to Apple's iPhone and iPad App Store Hall of Fame and the Macworld App Hall of Fame — launched Wednesday right in time for this weekend's return of live Major League Baseball action.
Lind better prepared for rigors of first base
A year ago, Adam Lind had to battle a variety of elements in his move to first base.
Cespedes expected to make arrival soon
There's a strong possibility that Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will make his highly-anticipated arrival at A's camp by weekend's end, nearly three weeks after news broke of his four-year, $36 million contract.
Fowler displaying 'strong' spring presence
Ask around, and keep a close eye on Fowler, and you'll hear players and Rockies staff buzzing about it at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick: There's a new Dexter Fowler in town.
Montero, D-backs shelve contract talks
The D-backs and catcher Miguel Montero agreed Wednesday to suspend any further talks on a long-term contract until after the 2012 season.
Last year's first pick Nimmo arrives at camp
The enduring image from Brandon Nimmo's first professional season came in his debut late last summer, after Nimmo reported to the Class A Gulf Coast League Mets.
Chipper proud his path did not include PEDs
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones has said that suspicion will always surround him and all other players from the steroid era. But as he nears the end of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, Jones takes great pride in the fact that he conquered those temptations he once had to use performance-enhancing drugs.
Harang throws BP while battling foot discomfort
Dodgers starter Aaron Harang was able to throw live batting practice Wednesday despite irritation to his right foot caused by new orthotics.
Kershaw stares down big bats in live BP
Wednesday was the first day Dodgers starting pitchers threw live batting practice to hitters, and right out of the chute, National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw opposed the middle of the starting lineup: Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and James Loney.
Wandy favorite for Opening Day start
The Astros have yet to name an Opening Day starter, but all signs point towards veteran left-hander Wandy Rodriguez being on the mound when Houston faces the Colorado Rockies on April 6 at Minute Maid Park. Houston hasn't had a lefty start on Opening Day since Dave Roberts in 1974.
Kemp sets sights on continued improvement
Matt Kemp's ambition heading into 2012, along with driving his Dodgers to exciting places in October, is to become Major League Baseball's first player to combine at least 50 homers with 50 steals.