Chad Cordero is at Angels Minor League camp, and Monday was a special invite to pitch in a big league exhibition game. He doesn’t know if he will get another invite this spring, but at some point in 2013, he’s shooting on being back on a big league roster.
Padres’ Volquez is ready to take Classic mulligan
Edinson Volquez will have one more start on Saturday before departing the very next day for Tampa, Fla., to hook up with his Dominican Republic team that is preparing to begin play on March 7 in the World Baseball Classic.
Power potential Carter’s biggest asset
There will never be a better time for young Astros slugger Chris Carter to realize his power potential.
Miggy’s massive homer nearly leaves ballpark
Few hitters in the game today can make a tape-measure home run look as effortless as Miguel Cabrera.
Yankees: Grandy’s replacement likely in-house
On the first full day that the Yankees pondered their Opening Day outfield without Curtis Granderson, you couldn’t say that non-roster hopefuls Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera did much to bolster their chances of making the roster.
Braves’ outstanding outfield struts its stuff
Jason Heyward and the Upton Brothers provided a glimpse of their dynamic potential by showing some power and speed during the fourth inning of Monday’s Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.
Papelbon focused on his delivery, not spring ERA
Miguel Cabrera’s massive home run Monday did not come against some Minor Leaguer or journeyman trying to make the team. It came against Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.
No lingering animosity between Farrell, Blue Jays
The answers were eerily similar, but the scene was barely recognizable when John Farrell faced a series of questions from the Toronto media on Monday afternoon.
JJ, Dickey solid in Blue Jays spring debuts
The Blue Jays got an up-close look at two of their biggest offseason additions on Monday afternoon as R.A. Dickey and Josh Johnson made their spring debuts.
Lee likes Phillies’ chances with key players healthy
Cliff Lee said Monday he still believes the Phillies are contenders, especially with Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in good health entering the season.
Efficient Wainwright in ‘good place to start’
Right-hander Adam Wainwright was so efficient early in Monday’s 10-2 win over the Astros that the Cardinals had to send him back to the mound for an extra inning in order for the right-hander to log a sufficient amount of work.
Molina may play first before joining Puerto Rico
The Cardinals are considering finding some playing time for Yadier Molina at first base before he leaves next Sunday to join his Puerto Rican teammates for the World Baseball Classic.
Bucs out to control the bases this season
Seven decades after Ralph Kiner, of the Pirates of course, said that “Home run hitters drive Cadillacs, singles hitters drive Fords,” it might be time for a postscript to that iconic assessment.
Indians optimistic Jimenez will return to form
Ubaldo Jimenez searched for answers to his past struggles and Cleveland is hoping these weeks of Spring Training can provide sufficient time for finding a potential solution.
Madson, Burnett throw lightly from flat ground
Walking onto the main field at Tempe Diablo Stadium at around 8 a.m. MT on Monday provided a rather welcoming site: Sean Burnett and Ryan Madson, the Angels’ two recovering relievers, throwing side by side.
Aoki feeling at home with Brewers
The Brewers signed Norichika Aoki away from Japan based on a stat sheet, some video, a one-day workout and a worry that left fielder Ryan Braun might be suspended to start the season. Aoki then far exceeded expectations in his debut season in the U.S., playing his way into the starting right-field job and then the leadoff spot.
Pronk’s pop could prove key to Yanks’ early fortunes
With Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez on the shelf, Travis Hafner’s power is needed more than ever, and Yankee Stadium might be the right place to demonstrate it.