Bert Campaneris, the first Major Leaguer to play every position on the field in a single game, could be a part of history again today. Campaneris is expected to be on hand when Will Ferrell begins his fundraising tour across the Cactus League, during which the actor will play every position spread across five Spring Training games with 10 different teams.
No one has more fun than Ferrell
Today is going to be a great day for Major League Baseball, a proud day. Years from now, every player and every manager involved can look back and feel good about doing their part to make the world a better place. That’s one of many reasons this is such a cool deal.
Ferrell poised to join the exclusive 10-team club
When veteran left-hander Bruce Chen found out about Will Ferrell’s plan to play for 10 different teams in one day Thursday while playing nine different positions, he was certainly surprised and impressed. But he wasn’t feeling outdone by the actor with a penchant for sports.
Urias plans to learn from difficult outing
Julio Urias had just labored through 26 pitches to only four batters, allowing singles to the heart of the Cubs’ batting order — Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and Miguel Montero — then a sacrifice fly by Chris Coughlan.
Lester getting in sync with new batterymate Montero
Jon Lester and Miguel Montero were in sync in the first inning against the Dodgers as Lester needed six pitches to retire the side. Lester threw first-pitch strikes to 10 of the 11 batters he faced.
Hudson optimistic for season’s start after spring debut
After pitching a scoreless inning Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers in his Cactus League debut, Tim Hudson expressed confidence that he’ll be ready to join the Giants’ season-opening starting rotation.
Lincecum cuts outing short with neck soreness
Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum began sensing discomfort in his neck Tuesday night. Though it persisted after he slept, he insisted on attempting to pitch Wednesday. He left the game after yielding three runs and three hits and walking a batter in the third inning.
Wilson scratched after tweaking left knee
C.J. Wilson was scratched from his scheduled Thursday start against the Cubs after tweaking his left knee during pitchers’ fielding practice a couple of days ago, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Wednesday morning. Sean Newcomb will start in his place.
Greinke tinkering with pitches before season begins
Zack Greinke said he should have time for four more Spring starts. He said if he had five more starts he “definitely” would be ready and with four more starts “should” be ready.
Romo eyes 1 more BP session before game action
Giants right-hander Sergio Romo said that his throwing arm felt fine Wednesday, one day after he threw to hitters for the first time this spring in live batting practice.
Weaver focused on tightening up mechanics
Jered Weaver has often said, and subsequently proven, that his success doesn’t hinge on velocity. But his fastball has been slow in the early part of Spring Training, even by his standards. He sat mostly at 83-84 mph in a three-plus-inning start against the D-backs Wednesday, hitting 85 once according to the PITCHf/x system installed at Salt River Fields.
‘Hyper guy’ Swisher finds long knee rehab a tough grind
Indians outfielder Nick Swisher finds himself in unfamiliar territory in Spring Training as he continues his rehab process following knee surgery in August of last season.
Rodon keeps focus on improving each outing
Carlos Rodon understands that his Cactus League job is to pitch and not worry about how he fits in the White Sox starting five or pitching staff overall coming out of Spring Training, even with the team announcing Wednesday that Chris Sale will not be ready for Opening Day.
No Sale: White Sox say lefty won’t be ready for Opening Day
Chris Sale will not be making his third straight Opening Day start, per comments made by White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams on a Wednesday-morning MLB Network appearance and then reiterated by manager Robin Ventura following Wednesday’s Cactus League game against Texas.
Gonzales learned efficient pitching from his father
Marco Gonzales expects to hear from his father, Frank, at some point on Wednesday night. Rarely does Dad let one of his son’s outings pass by without checking in to dissect it.
Healthy competition for White Sox second-base job
The competition for the White Sox starting second-base job stands as a battle among friends. But for Micah Johnson, Carlos Sanchez, Gordon Beckham and Emilio Bonifacio, the concern has to be placed upon on what they are doing and not what anyone else is accomplishing with three weeks left in Spring Training.
Tulo homers as Rockies ease past Mariners
Troy Tulowitzki homered for his first spring hit and the Rockies scored three times in the ninth to pull out a 4-1 victory over the Mariners on Wednesday at Peoria Sports Complex.