
Player	Type	Report
Phillips, Brandon (2B) Cin (04-10)		According to the Reds' official website, "Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips exited Monday's game vs. the Cardinals before the sixth inning because of cramping in his left hamstring. Batting with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Phillips broke up Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook's no-hit effort with a lined single into center field. When the next batter, Zack Cozart, lined a single off of Westbrook's glove, Phillips scored from first base when the pitcher's errant throw sailed past first base down the right-field line. Wilson Valdez replaced Phillips at second base. Phillips was removed as a precaution. "I don't think it's too serious, but he probably won't play [on Tuesday] because you've got to get him well," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "That's what you're always guarded against, especially playing your first game in the kind of chilly air out there. It's a thing you try to avoid. We've been good on leg injuries from Spring Training until now, except for Billy Bray's groin. Other than that, we've had none. We just have to take caution and hope it won't be too long." Phillips, who became the 28th player in club history to record 1,000 hits on Sunday vs. the Marlins, was 1-for-3 in Monday's game. Through four games this season, he is batting .267 (4-for-15)." - newsreporter3

Snider, Travis (OF) Tor (04-10)		According to the Jays' official website, "Triple-A Las Vegas outfielder Travis Snider was held out of the lineup late last week following a minor hand injury. Snider jammed his middle finger while diving back into first base on a pickoff attempt. The 24-year-old was taken to the hospital for further evaluations, but everything checked out normal. "The catcher attempted a pickoff move, [and Snider] jammed his middle finger on the bag and was just held out for precautionary [reasons]," Blue Jays manager John Farrell said. "But all the MRIs and X-rays, there's nothing there, it's just jammed. There are no fractures or anything." Snider entered Spring Training in a competition for the starting job in left field, but Eric Thames ultimately won the job, which resulted in Snider being optioned to the Minor Leagues. Snider is a career .248 hitter, with 28 home runs and 104 RBIs in 232 Major League games. He'll likely be the first outfielder recalled to the big leagues if any of Toronto's starters goes down with an injury." - newsreporter3


Player	Type	Report
Jones, Chipper (3B) Atl		According to the AJC, "He received a cowboy hat as a retirement gift from the Houston Astros on Monday, and Chipper Jones plans to be back in the lineup trying to help beat them Tuesday. The Braves third baseman is expected to brought off the 15-day disabled list and put in the lineup 15 days after arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus in his left knee — and without a rehab assignment. Jones and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez were satisfied with his mobility and swings during an workout Monday afternoon at Minute Maid Park, five hours before the series opener against the Astros. Tuesday is the first day he’s eligible to come off the DL. Jones had the similar arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus in his right knee last summer and played in two minor league games before returning. “Then I blew out my quad in my first game back,” he said. The Braves just got swept by the Mets to start the season, and if Jones feels he’s ready to get back in there and help the team, they’re ready to welcome him back. He had 25 at-bats in spring training and faced “live” pitching once since then, taking about 15 swings against Braves rookie Randall Delgado during an off-day workout Friday at New York. “He feels like he doesn’t need to go out and get a rehab assignment, he feels like he’s fine,” Gonzalez said. “So I figure a guy that’s got 10,000 plate appearances, I’ll take his word for it.” Last week Jones wasn’t sure that he’d be ready before Friday’s home opener against Milwaukee, because he said the left leg still felt heavy and he didn’t know if he’d be ready to run. He ran the bases some during the workout at New York, and Monday he took grounders and moved from side to side. Asked if he thought he could make a difference, Jones nodded and said, “They pay me to hit.” He has a .397 average with eight homers, 31 RBIs and a 1.207 OPS in 38 games at Minute Maid Park, after hitting .252 with four homers in 27 games at Houston’s old Astrodome. His parents, who live most of the year on Jones’ southwest Texas ranch, are in Houston for this week’s series, just as they have been for most games he’s played in the city." - newsreporter3


LaHair, Bryan (1B) ChN		LaHair, fresh off of 40 homers last season, popped his first homer of the year yesterday against the Brewers after picking up a pair of doubles on Sunday. I'm fairly optimistic here....LaHair has killed it for three straight years at AAA and is still in his prime at age 29. Aside from Joey Votto, how many NL 1B are clearly going to give you better performance? If he finished top-5 in value for NL 1B this year, I would not be surprised. - sdombroske

		2012: 9 AB/ 0.444 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 1.39 FPI Week: 9 AB/ 0.444 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 1.39 FPI
Cozart, Zachary (SS) Cin		Cozart has hit in all four games to start the year, and now has basically been on fire since the beginning of 2011. The 26 year old looked like a low AVG, solid power, good speed middle infielder for his first four minor league seasons, but for the past year-plus has greatly improved his contact rate without losing a step anywhere else. How long do we need to see this before we assume it's a change in skill level? I'm not there yet, but Cozart is plenty useful even if he doesn't hit for average as a SS with power and speed batting near the top of a very solid lineup. If he can hit for AVG as well.....he's a first-division starter in every way. I liked him enough before, and now I'm even more optimistic. - sdombroske

		2012: 14 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 1.50 FPI Week: 14 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 1.50 FPI
Bailey, Homer (P) Cin		Bailey has seen his GB rate decline in every single big league season, which is a major issue in that bandbox in Cincy. Some evidence of that can be seen in the three homers allowed yesterday against the Cards in a 7-1 defeat, a performance that definitely brought back memories of Bailey's disastrous 2008. When he's right Bailey has near-ace level stuff, but that seems to happen too inconsistently for my liking. Aroldis Chapman is chomping at the bit to move into the rotation, and I don't think it would take too many more outings like this from Bailey for the Reds to make a move here. I'd be leery starting Bailey as more than a fill-in in any event. - sdombroske
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "Here’s all you really need to know about Monday night’s Reds game: Homer Bailey gave up three home runs in the first inning and the Reds had a total of three singles on the night. The result was a 7-1 thrashing for the Reds at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals before a gathering of 16,909 at Great American Ball Park. April or not, school night or not, a crowd like that doesn’’ shout: Rivalry. Bailey retired the first two Cardinals routinely. Matt Holliday then took a 1-1 pitch out the opposite way to left. Bailey then walked Lance Berkman on a 3-2 pitch. Bailey thought Ball 3 could have been Strike 3. “It was close,” Bailey said. “It could have gone either way.” After the walk, the fireworks began. David Freese hit a 0-1 pitch out the opposite-way to right. Yadier Molina hit the very next pitch out to center. Just like that, it was 4-0. “I just got a little passive with two outs,” Bailey said. “I didn’t stay aggressive. Once you open that can, it’s kind of hard to close it. With the blowing out in a small park, that’s going to happen.” Bailey settled down and went 5 2/3 innings and allowed the four runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out five. The Reds threatened in the first when Zack Cozart and Joey Votto walked with one out and again in the second Chris Heisey and Drew Stubbs led off with walks. But right-hander Jake Westbrook worked out of both jams. The Reds, in fact, did not have a hit through four. Brandon Phillips broke the string with a two-out single in the fifth. Zack Cozart followed with a shot off Westbrook. It bounced toward the first base line. Westbrook ran it down and tried to make a throw from his back. It went into right field, allowing Phillips to score."
		2012: 6 IP/ 1.590 WHIP/ 6.35 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.88 K Inning/ -0.79 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.587 WHIP/ 6.35 ERA/0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.88 K Inning/ -0.79 FPI
Cuddyer, Michael (OF) Col		Even with his first 0-fer as a Rockie yesterday, Cuddyer has still started out hot with two doubles and a homer in his first four games, and I do think the move to Colorado is getting (surprisingly) a little bit less play than it deserves. Cuddyer is going from playing half of his games in an environment that depresses run scoring by 5-6% to one that inflates it by over 30%. Conservatively, I'd say that's going to be worth 15 points of AVG and 25 points of SLG at least, not to mention the bumps in R and RBI. It is a big deal, and Cuddyer at age 33 hopefully has a few years to take advantage of it before the inevitable decline phase hits. - sdombroske

		2012: 15 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 1 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.97 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 1 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.97 FPI
Chacin, Jhoulys (P) Col		Chacin carried his 2011 decline into the first start of 2012, as the 24 year old battled his control all day while allowing four hits and four runs to the Giants in just four innings of work. Chacin walked five and threw barely half of his pitches for strikes, continuing a worrisome trend that saw him post a WHIP just over 1.5 in the 2nd half last year. I'm definitely concerned that Chacin seems to keep regressing, and with a 4.23 FIP ERA last year to go along with the steadily worsening performance I'd have to say I'm more pessimistic than the masses here. His schedule doesn't get any easier with the D-Backs and Brewers coming up next....I would treat him as a back-end starter at best right now even though he obviously has more potential than that. - sdombroske
		According to the Gazette, "Hopefully Rockies fans arrived early to the home opener and cheered for the player introductions, pregame flyover and ceremonial first pitches, because once the game started, there wasn’t anything more to cheer about. The Rockies put together a wholly forgettable performance in a 7-0 loss to the Giants at Coors Field. Colorado got an ineffective start from pitcher Jhoulys Chacin, only got four hits against Giants starter Barry Zito and had a brutal fifth inning defensively that helped lead to three runs. The Rockies fell to 1-3 this season. The pitching problems started right away. In the first inning, Pablo Sandoval turned on the first pitch he saw from Chacin and put it in the second deck in right field for a two-run homer. “There’s a tone to a game and a tempo to a game, and the tone we set early in the game was not good,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. Chacin walked three batters in the third inning, and gave up a couple more runs. He was lucky to strand three runners on base that inning, but his pitch count was bloated. He lasted just four innings, throwing 90 pitches — only 47 strikes. “I couldn’t get a ball to the plate,” Chacin said. Fielding miscues cost the Rockies in the fifth inning. A dropped fly ball by Carlos Gonzalez started the inning. Colorado gave away an out when second baseman Marco Scutaro couldn’t bring in a throw from shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for a force out. After those two errors, shortstop Brandon Crawford — who was hitting .083 before his at bat in the fifth — hit a three-run double down the left-field line to give the Giants a 7-0 lead. The Rockies’ offense was shut down by Zito, who mixed his pitches well, keeping the Rockies off balance. Many of the Rockies’ outs were meek pop flies. Colorado had just one extra base hit and did not get a runner past second base. The Rockies have not hit well to start the season. They hit .198 in their season-opening series at Houston, and have just 10 runs in four games. Zito was in control from the beginning, when he retired the first eight hitters, until the end, when he retired Gonzalez, Tulowitzki and Helton in order in the ninth."
		2012: 4 IP/ 2.250 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ -0.75 FPI Week: 4 IP/ 2.250 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ -0.75 FPI
Lowrie, Jed (SS) Hou		According to the Houston Chronicle, Shortstop Jed Lowrie is being targeted for a return from the 15-day disabled list Friday — the earliest he can come off given the timing of his thumb injury in spring training. Lowrie will go on a rehab assignment today and Wednesday for Class AAA Oklahoma City, playing a few innings today and a full-game Wednesday should all go right." - newsreporter3


Happ, J.A. (P) Hou		Happ looked significantly better yesterday than he did at almost any point last year, exhibiting the sort of control that he had in stretches back in 2009 with the Phillies. Happ was never as good as the 12-4, 2.93 would have led you to believe, but in a division as weak as the NL Central "halfway decent" is likely good enough for 10 wins and a 4.00ish ERA, and Happ is perfectly capable of that if he isn't walking over 4 men per 9. Keep a close eye on his BB/9 over the next few starts, as if he keeps that figure down around 3 he is a worthwhile back-end starter in most formats. - sdombroske
		According to the Astros' official website, "As encouraged as the Astros were by the strong pitching performances by starters Wandy Rodriguez, Lucas Harrell and Bud Norris to start the season, watching J.A. Happ deliver the club's fourth quality start in as many games Monday night had them downright giddy. Happ, who struggled with consistency and control last season, retired 12 of the final 13 batters he faced, and helped the Astros rally from a three-run deficit with a go-ahead RBI single in the fourth inning to lead Houston to its third consecutive win, 8-3, over the Braves at Minute Maid Park. The Astros wiped out an early 3-0 deficit with eight unanswered runs, capped by a towering two-run, pinch-hit homer in the eighth off the bat of the newest Astro -- outfielder Justin Maxwell, who joined the club hours earlier after being claimed off waivers Sunday. Happ, who improved to 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA against the winless Braves, righted the ship after a shaky start to keep the strong run of starting pitching going. The Astros got contributions from up and down the lineup, with the No. 9 spot in the order going 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs. Happ had an RBI single in the fourth off Brandon Beachy to put the Astros ahead, and J.D. Martinez had a pinch-hit single in the sixth. Happ gave up four singles in a five-batter span in the second that led to a pair of Braves runs. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the third when Martin Prado led off the inning with a double and scored on McCann's single, but Happ sent down the next 11 batters. "Obviously, I'm frustrated with the way that second inning, especially, played out," Happ said. "I definitely wanted to keep us where we're at and I knew we had a good chance because we've been putting good at-bats together so far to start this year. We did that again tonight. We came back right away and that's definitely good to see." The Astros rallied after two outs in the third for three runs to tie the game. The Braves committed three errors in the inning, including two on one play by third baseman Juan Francisco. Buck's two-run double got Houston on the board, and Carlos Lee following with a game-tying single. Happ put himself in position to get the win with a two-out single in the fourth, putting the Astros ahead, 4-3. Livan Hernandez, who spent most of the spring in camp with Houston before being released, pitched the sixth for the Braves and gave up four hits, including an RBI single by Martinez and a sacrifice fly by Jose Altuve that stretched the lead to 6-3."
		2012: 6 IP/ 1.170 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/ 1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.83 K Inning/ 2.33 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.167 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.83 K Inning/ 2.33 FPI
Infante, Omar (2B) Mia		Once upon a time, Omar Infante hit 16 homers as a Tiger in his first full season as a major leaguer. That was eight years ago, and Infante hasn't hit that many in any two consecutive years since, but after a pair of bombs yesterday against the Phillies he has three in his first five games this year. Infante is more useful than many give him credit for, playing a weak position and offering a little bit of production across the board, and even though he's been around for a decade already he is still just 30. NL-only leaguers could do much worse than have him penciled in at 2B, but don't expect this power surge to continue....Infante is a 10-10 guy at best. - sdombroske

		2012: 18 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 3 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 1.18 FPI Week: 18 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 3 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 1.18 FPI
Sanchez, Anibal (P) Mia		Sanchez was impressive yesterday against a rather depleted Phillie lineup, allowing just six hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings to pick up the win. Sanchez made some huge strides in both K rate and control last season, and with the improved offensive support expected here in 20912 should vault into the top level of NL starters. - sdombroske
		According to the Miami Herald, "For the third time in less than a week, the Marlins were part of an Opening Day celebration. Anibal Sanchez’s first start of the season was the only debut that mattered to the Marlins in the end. Sanchez didn’t give up a run in his first six innings, allowing only three hits, and with the help of two Omar Infante home runs, the Marlins ruined the Phillies’ Opening Day with a 6-2 win at Citizens Bank Park on Monday afternoon. Sanchez kept the Phillies in check for the first six frames and the Marlins built a 5-0 lead before he ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh, and was pulled after allowing two runs on three hits. But a day after closer Heath Bell relinquished a one-run lead in the ninth against the Reds, the Marlins’ bullpen shut the door with a solid combined effort from Randy Choate, Edward Mujica and Steve Cishek. Before the Marlins (2-3) resume their series against the Phillies (1-3) on Wednesday, they will have a day off in Philadelphia. Sanchez, who also started the spring a week late due to shoulder tightness, pitched well in a park where he was 3-8 with a 5.08 ERA prior to Monday’s game. Sanchez, who lost eight of his final 10 decisions last season, outdueled Cole Hamels in front of the sold-out crowd of 45,574. Sanchez kept his pitch count and his pitches low, forcing many ground balls and pop-ups. Sanchez threw 95 pitches (64 strikes) – the exact amount the team was hoping to keep him at for his first start. The Phillies led off the seventh with back-to-back hits by Shane Victorino and John Mayberry Jr. After Carlos Ruiz grounded into a forceout, Freddy Galvis belted a double to the left-field wall for his first major-league hit, cutting the Marlins’ lead to 5-2. Choate stopped the rally by striking out Ty Wigginton and forcing Juan Pierre to line out to short. Infante put on an unexpected power display that gave the Marlins more of a cushion. Infante smacked a Hamels cutter over the left-center field wall in the top of the fifth and later hit a slider from reliever Joe Savery over the left-field wall for another solo shot in the seventh, giving him three home runs this season. Gaby Sanchez went 2 for 4 and drove in two key runs, and Austin Kearns hit his first home run of the season with a 360-foot shot off Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth. Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio led off the game with back-to-back singles, and later executed a double steal. Hanley Ramirez drove in Reyes with a grounder to second."
		2012: 6 IP/ 1.110 WHIP/ 2.84 ERA/ 1 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.63 K Inning/ 2.45 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.106 WHIP/ 2.84 ERA/1 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.63 K Inning/ 2.45 FPI
Braun, Ryan (OF) Mil		Braun looks just fine thus far, picking up a pair of hits in each of the past three games including 4 XBH. The 28 year old has been fantastic basically since the minute he turned pro, and I for one don't believe anything but talent had anything to do with it. I would feel as comfortable as ever with Braun on my squad. - sdombroske

		2012: 16 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.750 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 1.17 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.750 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 1.17 FPI
Marcum, Shaun (P) Mil		I expect this will be a bit like last year for Marcum, as he continually seems to battle shoulder stiffness in the spring yet manages to come out and toss a quality start with very little in the way of velocity. Marcum was only 84-86 with his fastball yesterday, but as he showed last spring he is plenty capable of getting by in that range as he held the Cubs to three runs over six innings, fanning six and picking up the win. Marcum is too hittable to be an elite-level starter, but the excellent WHIP and solid supporting cast help offset the slightly declining stuff and poor GB rate. He remains a solid mid-rotation option. - sdombroske
		According to the MJS, "So much for needing spring training to get ready for the season. First, Milwaukee Brewers rightfielder Corey Hart comes out of the chute swinging a hot stick despite missing nearly all of camp after knee surgery. Now, right-hander Shaun Marcum shows you can miss a couple of weeks with shoulder inflammation and still be ready for your first start. "Spring training is overrated," Marcum said Monday night after pitching six solid innings in what evolved into a tense 7-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Marcum made only two starts with the Brewers in exhibition play but nevertheless was sharp, throwing 62 of 89 pitches for strikes and issuing no walks while striking out six. Two of the three runs charged to him came on bases-empty homers by Darwin Barney and Bryan LaHair, and the other was tainted when centerfielder Nyjer Morgan lost a towering fly in the twilight. "I got 3-2 (in the count) on LaHair and I said, 'Here it is. Hit it.' And he hit it," Marcum said of the long drive to right in the second inning. "But that was one of my things going in - try to limit the walks. With the wind howling out to right, Marcum and catcher Jonathan Lucroy came up with a strategy to attack hitters. "I felt if we made lefties hit the ball the other way and righties pull it, we'd be OK," said Marcum. "Everything felt good. We kept the pitches down for the most part. When we went up in the (strike) zone to try to get some 'chase' swings, we were able to miss up in the zone." With an opportunistic offense manufacturing runs with base hits, squeeze bunts and sacrifice flies, the Brewers appeared in good shape entering the bottom of the ninth with a 7-3 lead. But relievers Manny Parra and Tim Dillard, who struggled in the opening series against St. Louis, did so again and before you knew it, closer John Axford was in the game with runners on the corners and one down. Aramis Ramirez, who otherwise had a successful homecoming with two RBI, booted Marlon Byrd's grounder for an error as a run scored. Pinch-hitter Steve Clevenger singled in a run to make it 7-5 and the situation suddenly was dire. Axford struck out David DeJesus but walked Barney to load the bases with two down. That brought to the plate the dangerous Starlin Castro, who was 0 for 4 but sitting on a streak of 43 consecutive games in which he had reached base. After a discussion with Lucroy, Axford set up Castro with two curveballs, one of which he swung through, before freezing him with a 96-mph fastball right down the middle. Axford extended his club record to 44 consecutive saves, the longest active streak in the majors."
		2012: 6 IP/ 0.830 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.92 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 0.833 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.92 FPI
Nieuwenhuis, Kirk (OF) NYN		Let's get this out of the way up front: I've been a big Nieuwenhuis fan since partway through his 2009 FSL campaign, so I'm a bit biased. I am definitely excited that he's getting a bit of a chance now with Torres likely out for the rest of April, although he is going to be in a platoon with Scott Hairston. Nieuwenhuis has a K rate that could prove to be a problem AVG-wise at the big league level, but the 24 year old has enough power (64 XBH in 124 games in 2010) and speed (double-digit steals in three of four minor league seasons) to be interesting. A line of something approaching 260/330/450 would be my expectation with regular playing time, which would make him a viable option in deeper and NL-only leagues right now, and at age 24 there is still room for growth as well. - sdombroske
		According to the NY Daily News, "Kirk Nieuwenhuis was asked about the ball he hit off the Modell’s sign in right field Monday night for his first big league home run, pointed to the top shelf in his locker and smiled. “That’s it right there,” the center fielder said. The 24-year-old shaped the thrilling 4-3 comeback win over the Nationals as much as any Met when he unloaded on a 2-2 slider from Edwin Jackson and drove it for a two-run shot that tied the game 3-3 in the fourth inning. They were also his first RBI in the bigs. “That felt real good and for this team to win at the end there was unbelievable – great stuff,” Nieuwenhuis said. “I’ll just remember this whole day: the first home run and then the team’s win.” A third-round pick in the 2008 draft, he’s been considered a top organizational prospect since. He started the season with Triple-A Buffalo but was quickly called up after starting center fielder Andres Torres suffered a strained calf on Opening Day and was inserted into a platoon with Scott Hairston where he will bat against righthand starters. Citi Field security guards tracked down the ball, which landed with “a couple of girls who were nice enough to fork it over,” Nieuwenhuis said, for a bat and a couple baseballs. He plans to give it to his father, Bob, who flew in from Ripon, Calif., when he got called to the majors. “He’s still here so I can give it to him.” Jackson had fed him a steady diet of sliders and “with two strikes you just try to back everything up and shoot something over the middle,” he said. “It was a hanging slider.” Though he crushed it, Nieuwenhuis didn’t think it was out off the bat. And were it not for Citi Field’s redesign, it wouldn’t have been. The sign it struck was in play last season. “That’s a double last year so, no, I wasn’t sure off the bat,” he said."
		2012: 8 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.750 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 1.00 FPI Week: 8 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.750 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 1.00 FPI
Thole, Josh (C) NYN		Thole reached base three more times yesterday, making him 7 for 11 in that category through three games. At age 25, there is a chance that the one deficiency in his game, a near-complete lack of power, could be mitigated a bit in the near future. Even so, the catching position is still weak enough that a guy that consistently has an LD rate solidly above 20% should merit more attention than Thole gets, particularly in leagues that weight OBP over AVG. I am higher on him than most. - sdombroske

		2012: 9 AB/ 0.556 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.778 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.41 FPI Week: 9 AB/ 0.556 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.778 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.41 FPI
Zito, Barry (P) SF		Well, that was surprising. Zito was his usual self yesterday, throwing a bunch of curves and changeups to set up an 85 mph fastball, giving up two flyballs to every grounder. The only difference was that the Rockies weren't getting any hits, which meant Zito wasn't nibbling, which resulted in a complete-game shutout with no walks. It's one start from a guy that hasn't had an FIP ERA under 4.25 since 2003, so the Winston Wolfe line applies here, but it's nice to see that Zito is still capable of outings like this. He's still no better than a back-end starter in deep leagues until he can prove that he won't revert to walking every other batter as soon as some runners get on. - sdombroske
		According to the SF Chronicle, "Reviled by his home fans, mocked by scouts and battered in his final two spring training starts, Barry Zito followed awful performances by Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner and Matt Cain and pitched his first shutout in 147 starts as a Giant, his first since 2003 and the first by a Giant at Coors Field. Zito threw a four-hitter for San Francisco's first win on Monday, a 7-0 game to remember and a pitching performance that brought great satisfaction for players inside the clubhouse who hate to see him ripped so often. Working with rookie catcher Hector Sanchez, who surely will be yoked to Zito for the rest of the year, the 33-year-old left-hander gave a control and deception clinic to a potent Colorado lineup in front of 49,282 fans in the Rockies' home opener. The Giants wanted Zito to pitch like 49-year-old Jamie Moyer, and he essentially was Moyer. Zito walked none, struck out four and expertly pitched "backward," setting up the hitters with soft curveballs, cutters and changeups that made his 84-mph fastballs look Randy Johnson-like. He got 15 of 27 outs in the air, which means the Rockies were out in front when they swung. When the eighth inning ended, Brian Wilson heated up in the bullpen. Manager Bruce Bochy wanted to get his closer into a game for the first time this year, but when Zito said he felt fine, Bochy handed him the ball for the ninth. Zito retired Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki on flies to right, then finished it with a Todd Helton grounder. The Rockies' 3-4-5 hitters went 1-for-12. Zito said he was not thinking shutout. "Today, I just tried to stay pitch to pitch," he said. "Eventually the innings are over and the game is over. You don't want to try to go out there and pitch a shutout. It's pretty much impossible to get outs when you're trying to get outs instead of just making pitches."
		2012: 9 IP/ 0.440 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.44 K Inning/ 3.72 FPI Week: 9 IP/ 0.444 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/1 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.44 K Inning/ 3.72 FPI
Sandoval, Pablo (3B) SF		Kung Fu Panda has hit in all four to start the year, picking up a double and two homers to go along with the 6 RBIs. A .300-30-100 season is well within reach, and at just 25 even a bit more improvement is possible. Very optimistic. - sdombroske
		According to the SF Chronicle, "Lost in the Barry Zito shutout was another nice effort by the offense, which has scored 21 runs in four games. Pablo Sandoval, who has started hot, hit a two-run homer in the first against Jhoulys Chacin. Chacin walked the bases loaded in a two-run third that featured an RBI single by Hector Sanchez. Brandon Crawford hit a three-run double in the fifth."
		2012: 16 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.813 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 1.11 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.813 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 1.11 FPI
Sanchez, Hector (C) SF		Sanchez got his first start of 2012 yesterday, and picked up a couple of singles with a R and an RBI while helping Barry Zito to a complete-game shutout. You can certainly discount his Cal League stats a bit from last year, but as a 22 year old backstop he is worth a look in deeper formats as a second catcher....there's clearly more potential here than with 3/4 of the backup catchers in the league. - sdombroske

		2012: 5 AB/ 0.400 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.70 FPI Week: 5 AB/ 0.400 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.70 FPI
Freese, David (3B) StL		Freese is one of my favorite kinds of guys to draft mid-round: a guy that hasn't yet had success at the big league level yet has never failed to have success elsewhere (career minor league line of 307/384/531), a player with noticeable warts (no speed, relatively high K rate) yet equally apparent attributes. Freese is already 29 and wouldn't get much respect at all if it weren't for his postseason heroics last October, yet the only issue I see with him is his propensity to spend time on the DL. I fully expect him to breakout this season to the tune of an average above .280 and 20+ homers, but as always for a player this brittle a solid backup plan would be wise. - sdombroske
		According to the Cardinals' official website, "Spring Training statistics might seem insignificant for most players, but not for a competitor like David Freese. "I'm always trying to play the best I can," Freese said. But during this past Spring Training, frustration mounted for the 2011 World Series Most Valuable Player, who hit just .188 with 16 strikeouts in 48 at-bats in Grapefruit League play. "Spring Training is all about preparation for the start of the season," Freese said. "I just wasn't clicking out of the gate. I didn't like my approach. I always want to play well, and I always want to hit well. That's just how I am." Obviously, Freese was just waiting for the games that count. The Cardinals third baseman is red-hot to begin the regular season. He went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Monday's 7-1 win at Cincinnati. Freese is now hitting .417 with two home runs and eight RBIs through five games. "He was frustrated in the spring trying to figure things out," said manager Mike Matheny. "He's gotten himself into some big situations so far. He thrives on that. He has that knack. He's got some confidence going now." Freese is the first Cardinals player since Mark McGwire (1998) to have multi-RBI games in the season's first two games, and the first since Edgar Renteria (2003) to have multiple hits in each of the first three games. "I'm focused, and just trying to do my part," Freese said. "When those lights come on, you have to execute, you have to produce. We compete here to win a championship. It's no different this year."
		2012: 24 AB/ 0.417 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 1.00 FPI Week: 24 AB/ 0.417 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 1.00 FPI
Lidge, Brad (RP) Was		After H-Rod picked up the loss yesterday for the Nats, I'm sure that means Brad Lidge will be getting the next late-game opportunity as we're fully into "my turn, your turn" mode in the National pen. There was some bad news on Drew Storen's side session yesterday as well, giving both Lidge and Rodriguez a further bump in value in the short-term. - sdombroske

		2012: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 2.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 2.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Wang, Chien-Ming (P) Was		According to the Nationals' official website, "Right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring, continues to throw off the mound, but needs to do it a few more times before facing hitters, according to Davey Johnson. Wang is expected to return to the Nationals around late April or early May and join the rotation, while Ross Detwiler will head to the bullpen as a long reliever." - newsreporter3


Morse, Mike (OF) Was		According to the Nationals' official website, "Outfielder Michael Morse, on the disabled list because of strained right lat (back) muscle, is expected to play nine innings for Class A Hagerstown on Monday and Tuesday and will rejoin the Nationals in time for the home opener against the Reds on Thursday afternoon. Morse is eligible to come off the disabled list on Tuesday, but manager Davey Johnson didn't want to rush him back and felt Thursday was the best time to activate him. Once Morse is back on the team, the Nationals must take off a player from the 25-man roster. Johnson declined to say who the candidates are. One has to assume that outfielder Brett Carroll or infielder/outfielder Stephen Lombardozzi are possibilities to leave the team. There is a feeling that Lombardozzi needs to play every day. Carroll is out of options, but has been used only for pinch-running duties." - newsreporter3


Storen, Drew (RP) Was		According to the Nationals' official website, "Nationals closer Drew Storen suffered a setback, experiencing right elbow pain after throwing a simulated game on Sunday at the team's complex in Viera, Fla. Storen was sent to Birmingham, Ala., to see Dr. James Andrews to get further examination on the elbow. Manager Davey Johnson wasn't optimistic about when the team would see Storen on the mound again. The skipper even hinted that Storen may have a bone ship in the elbow. "He threw the ball pretty good, warmed up pretty good," Johnson said. "At the end of the day, he felt a little tenderness in his elbow. So we are going to send him over to Andrews and have him re-examined and see what is causing it. ... Hopefully, it's nothing serious, but it doesn't sound good to me." Prior to Sunday, the last time Storen pitched in a game was in early March. At the time, the team announced that he had "typical arm soreness." By the end of Spring Training, the team announced that he had inflammation in the elbow and was going on the disabled list, but would be back by the middle of April. With Storen out of the picture for a while, Henry Rodriguez and Brad Lidge will split the closer's role." - newsreporter3


Alvarez, Pedro (3B) Pit
		According to the Pirates' official website, "Long before they completed Sunday's comeback with a walk-off victory over the Phillies, there was already a good feeling on the Pirates' bench: Pedro Alvarez had arrived in the fifth inning, checking in with a long home run for his first hit of the season. "Everyone felt better for him," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Everyone is pulling for him, and he knows he has a wealth of support in this clubhouse. There was a lot of excitement when he hit that ball." Hurdle acknowledges having a fine line to tread with the third baseman. On one hand, he wants to safeguard Alvarez's confidence by sitting him against the tough left-handers lined up to face the Pirates early this season. Casey McGehee drew the start on Saturday against Cliff Lee, and he again figures to be in the lineup Tuesday night against Clayton Kershaw. On the other, Hurdle doesn't want Alvarez to develop a platoon mentality by going around him too often -- such as when Matt Hague hit for him in the eighth inning Sunday with Philadelphia lefty Antonio Bastardo on the mound. "[Hitting for Pedro] is not a layup in my mind," Hurdle said. "You want to give young men opportunities to improve, to let them build some traction. You want to be an optimist, but you need to be a realist. I don't envision Pedro being a guy who gets pinch-hit for a lot in his career. Initially, to help him get his feet on the ground, we'll pick our spots." "Clint knows if Pedro hits the way he's capable, we'll be a much better offensive ballclub," general manager Neal Huntington said. "The challenge is making sure, by not running him out there against dominant left-handers early, that he doesn't get off to a bad start."
		2012: 6 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ 0.50 FPI Week: 6 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Furcal, Rafael (SS) StL
		According to the StL Dispatch, "Switch-hitter and shortstop Rafael Furcal managed only 10 hits in spring training while fighting fly-ball tendencies that worked against him in the leadoff spot. The matter drew rebuke from Matheny during camp. Monday, Furcal drew praise from him. "I knew that his approach could be more consistent. He's trying to do the little things we talked about — working the count, not be afraid to lay one down, do his run-and-swing thing, getting on top of the ball and hitting line drives," Matheny said. "You could see that was evolving through spring. He just couldn't find it. The swing he did have was getting under everything." Matheny said Furcal's big-swinging tendency from last October may have influenced him at camp. "I think every player runs into that. In batting practice it's fun to watch the ball go over the fence," he said. "I think it's a trap that a lot of guys at the top of the order fall into."
		2012: 23 AB/ 0.435 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 3 R/ 2 SB/ 0.565 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 1.14 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.435 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 3 R/ 2 SB/ 0.565 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 1.14 FPI
Hart, Corey (OF) Mil
		According to the MJS, "Thanks to Corey Hart, hitters might request to stay away from spring training next year until a few days before opening day. "I might not show up until around my birthday," said the Milwaukee Brewers' rightfielder, who was born on March 24. Hart missed most of camp this spring after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee with just over four weeks remaining. He didn't play with the Brewers in exhibition action until the final two games, though he played five games on the minor-league side first. Despite that late start, Hart came out of the chute hot, collecting four hits in nine at-bats (.444) in the opening series against St. Louis, including three home runs. "He has been really good, really impressive," said manager Ron Roenicke. "The first time I went over to see him in the minor-league camp, he was good. He was very quiet in his approach. He was taking real close pitches. "Corey has been kind of a streaky hitter in his career, but when you do that early you get the feeling that already he's pretty locked in to what he's doing. We see the results of that. "Maybe this is his time when he's going through his hot streak. Hopefully, it'll last through the whole season." Hart missed the entire exhibition season in 2011 with an oblique strain and still wasn't comfortable at the plate when activated on April 25. This time around, he discovered his stroke almost immediately upon returning. "Last year, I was way behind," he said. "This year, for whatever reason, I was able to find it quick. I was able to get a lot of at-bats over on the minor-league side. "Usually, it takes me awhile to get going. I don't usually start driving the ball in April. I'm not complaining. I thought it would take a lot longer. This is the best-case scenario, but I thought it was a little far-fetched back then. I didn't think there really was a chance." Hart gave credit to trainer Dan Wright, assistant Dave Yeager and the team's medical staff for facilitating a quick recovery from his knee surgery."
		2012: 12 AB/ 0.417 BA/ 3 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 1.250 Slug/ 0.42 KRate/ 1.57 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.417 BA/ 3 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 1.250 Slug/ 0.42 KRate/ 1.57 FPI
Rodriguez, Henry (RP) Was
		According to the Washington Post, "The firepower in their bullpen makes it easy for the Washington Nationals to envision life without Drew Storen, until the ninth inning arrives and the score is tied. Storen will see orthopedist James Andrews on Tuesday for a second opinion on his elbow, a visit that could end with him sidelined for half the season and the Nationals needing to fill a lot of ninth innings. Monday night at Citi Field, they chose Henry Rodriguez. In a calamitous ninth inning, the unbeaten New York Mets rallied for a walk-off, 4-3 victory that left the Nationals’ record at .500, their second baseman momentarily dazed, Edwin Jackson without a winning Nationals debut and their successor to Storen still in question. Rodriguez walked the first batter of the ninth, melted down trying to field a bunt and then allowed Daniel Murphy’s game-winning single, all without recording an out. Rodriguez had thrown like the most dominant pitcher on the planet all spring, including against the batter he struck out to end the eighth inning Monday. But then he found out what the Nationals and Storen know: The ninth inning is different. “This is the first time in a pressure situation, but he’s certainly capable of doing that,” Manager Davey Johnson said. “I’m very pleased with Henry and where he’s at. Just one of those things.” If the ninth inning shook Rodriguez, he did not show it Monday night. After Murphy’s single, Rodriguez walked off the mound slowly, staring straight ahead, betraying no emotion. In the clubhouse, reporters gathered around him. Rodriguez had never before given a group interview in English. Monday, he agreed to stand up and speak. “Nobody wants to go out there in the ninth and walk the first batter,” Rodriguez said. “I feel pretty bad about myself.”
		2012: 1 IP/ 2.260 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 1 S/ 3.01 K Inning/ -1.14 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 2.256 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 1 S/ 3.01 K Inning/ -1.14 FPI
Heyward, Jason (OF) Atl
		According to the Braves' official website, Jason Heyward found himself as the odd man out on Monday night, when Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez decided that he wanted another opportunity to see Juan Francisco play before Chipper Jones is activated from the disabled list. "I want to have a chance to see him play against lefties just in case I have to [play him against lefties in the future]," Gonzalez said. "And [Matt Diaz] is swinging it good right now against left-handed pitching." With the Astros starting left-hander J.A. Happ on Monday, Gonzalez wanted Diaz's bat in the lineup. The veteran outfielder entered the game with eight hits, including two doubles and a homer, in 15 career at-bats against Happ. Like Heyward, Francisco had never previously faced Happ. But when Jones returns from the disabled list, Francisco's role will become limited. While most of Francisco's pinch-hit at-bats will come against right-handers, Gonzalez wanted to gain a better idea of how well the left-handed-hitting third baseman would fare against lefties if pressed into a more regular role."
		2012: 11 AB/ 0.182 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 1 SB/ 0.455 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ 0.65 FPI Week: 11 AB/ 0.182 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 1 SB/ 0.455 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ 0.65 FPI
Bruce, Jay (OF) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "Jay Bruce says his hot start (three homers, five RBI going into Monday) is because he’s taking what pitchers give him. Baker said there’s more to it than that. “When you’ve been around the league a while, they’ve got a plan for you,” Baker said. “You’ve got to have a plan to combat them. That’s what sticking around the big leagues is all about.” When Bruce struggled at times last year, it was because he was often swinging at offspeed pitches out of the strike zone. “They were getting Jay out the same way,” Baker said. “Like I told him: ‘Those guys aren’t any better than you. Those guys are tricking you. That’s how it usually works out.’ ”
		2012: 15 AB/ 0.267 BA/ 3 HR/ 5 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.867 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.90 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.267 BA/ 3 HR/ 5 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.867 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.90 FPI
Volquez, Edinson (P) SD
		According to the San Diego U-T, "On Tuesday, Padres open three-game series vs. Arizona The Diamondbacks were 11-7 against the Padres last season en route to the National League West title. The Padres had a 5-4 edge at Petco Park, but won only two of nine games played in Phoenix. While the Padres were losing three of four games to the Dodgers in their season-opening series at Petco Park, the Diamondbacks were sweeping the Giants in a three-game series in Phoenix. Padres RHP Edinson Volquez (0-1, 3.60 ERA). Volquez, 28, is 0-1 lifetime against Arizona with a 5.19 ERA in three starts. The Diamondbacks have hit .266 against Volquez. He was the Padres' Opening Day starter last Thursday afternoon and gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits in five innings with four costly walks and seven strikeouts. The walks, two with the bases-loaded, led directly to his defeat. Volquez is 1-2 with a 2.59 ERA in five games (four starts) at Petco Park."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/ 0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.40 K Inning/ 1.60 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.40 K Inning/ 1.60 FPI
Davis, Ike (1B) NYN
		According to the Star Ledger, "Ike Davis called the decision “smart managing.” He will sit for today’s game against Washington, because the Nationals are starting a left-handed pitcher, because the team is still cautious about Davis’ case of Valley Fever, and because Davis has zero hits in his first 15 at-bats to begin the 2012 season. “Do I want to come out?” Davis said after last night’s 4-3 victory over Washington. “No, because I want to get a [darn] hit. But it’s a lefty, I haven’t got a hit all year and [Justin Turner] needs to get some at-bats.” Davis said he is scheduled for a check-up on his condition today. His blood will be tested once more. The lung infection was first discovered during his pre-camp physical in February. Turner will replace Davis at first base. In turn, Collins will be able to give a bench player a series of at-bats, something he considers critical for players like Turner, Mike Baxter and Scott Hairston. Those players cannot contribute as pinch-hitters, he explained, if they are never given the occasional opportunity to start. “Even though it’s early in the year, it’s good to get your other players in there, and pick your spots,” Collins said. “And [today]’s one of them.” So Davis will sit rather than face Nationals starter Ross Detweiler, who held lefties to a .167 batting average in 2011. The rest will buoy Davis before facing right-handed Stephen Strasburg tomorrow. And Turner, a righty, can face Detweiler in Davis’ place. “We’re going to need him when it starts to really get hot,” Collins said. “So to get him off his feet [tonight] might save us in two weeks. We don’t know. And it does allow me to get some other guys in the lineup.” Davis indicated he saw the baseball well last night, but was unable to capitalize. He has struck out six times in 15 at-bats this season. “I only struck out once [last night],” Davis joked. “That’s something.”
		2012: 15 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.40 KRate/ -0.26 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.40 KRate/ -0.26 FPI
Astros (T) Hou
		According to the Astros' official website, "Travis Buck made his first start for the Astros on Monday, getting the nod in left field while J.D. Martinez was given a breather. Buck has spent plenty of time the last few days fielding fly balls off the manual scoreboard in left field, which can often lead to unusual bounces or angles. "The past couple of days before BP, I've gone out there and tried to take as many off the wall as possible," Buck said. "Obviously, there's not one way it's going to come off consistently. It's a matter of trying to get back there and if I can't catch it, give me some room where I won't let the ball get away from me too much." Because the left-field wall is only 315 feet from home plate at the line, Buck says that will allow him to play a little more shallow than normal. "As an outfielder, balls that are hit over your head are a double and you don't want to make them into a triple," he said. "If I'm back too much and the ball's off the wall, it has a better chance of getting away from me. It's a matter of seeing who's up [to bat], playing the situations and just knowing that I've got to be on my toes and get ready any time a ball goes over my head just in case. You don't know which way it's going to go."

Cahill, Trevor (P) Ari
		According to the Arizona Republic, "As a junior in high school, Trevor Cahill says he was skinny and awkward and "all over the place." He wasn't a bad athlete, but he wasn't good enough to crack the Vista High baseball team's starting rotation. A lot can change in seven years. Cahill will make his debut for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday at Petco Park, facing the Padres team he grew up cheering for and pitching for the first time in San Diego. "You never know who will come," said Cahill, who grew up an hour north of San Diego. "It should be exciting, especially for my first game with a new team." Cahill believes that being past the hubbub of Opening Day might help him when he takes the mound Tuesday. During his junior year at Vista, Cahill was throwing somewhere in the mid-80s. In the fall of his senior year, he was topping around 87 mph. But in the spring, as he began to mature physically, his velocity picked up, and he went from being off the scouting radar to being talked about as a possible first-round pick. "By the first game of the season, he was throwing 94 almost every pitch," Vista coach Rick Lepire said. "Only two scouts were there and they were going, 'Please don't tell anyone about this guy.' I was laughing." But he got sick and lost weight in the weeks before the draft. His velocity dropped and his draft stock went with it, at least in the eyes of some clubs. He was still there when the Oakland A's had their first pick, No. 66 overall, and they snapped him up. The Diamondbacks acquired Cahill in December as part of a five-player trade with the A's. Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson sounded concerned about Cahill's emotions possibly impeding his effectiveness. Gibson watched Cahill throw his bullpen session on Saturday, and saw the sinkerballer execute every pitch with precision. But Gibson got closer, simulating a hitter by standing in the batter's box, and something changed. "He started overthrowing," Gibson said. "We talked about it. It's something we're going to keep an eye on. We've got to find a mechanism for him. He really gets hyped up. You wouldn't think he would; he seems like a really laid-back guy." Cahill grew up going to about five Padres games a year, mostly at the Padres' old home, Qualcomm Stadium, and he said outfielder Tony Gwynn, infielder Mark Loretta and pitcher Jake Peavy were among his favorites. Lepire said Cahill still returns to Vista High in the off-seasons and sometimes throws in front of the team, giving the players an up-close look at what a major league pitchers' mechanics look like. "It's really impressive to see how far you need to go to get control of your craft," Lepire said. Cahill has covered that distance -- in a matter of seven years."

Pacheco, Jordan (C) Col
		According to the Rockies' official website, "Jordan Pacheco's bouncing, wild throw from third base in the eighth inning on Sunday was the key play in the Rockies' 3-2 loss to the Astros. But Pacheco will get chances to make such plays. Manager Jim Tracy was questioned about whether he should have had Pacheco, a converted catcher, at third at such a key time. Tracy said Pacheco is making quick progress at the position. A few weeks ago, Tracy noted, the question was whether Pacheco could field the ball in the first place. Works in progress need work to progress. "The way I like to do things is I like to gather information, and the only way you're going to gather information is you expose a guy, let him play," Tracy said. "You involve yourself in situations like yesterday early into the season, so when you get into the season and the situation rears its head more than once and the suggestion starts to be, 'I'm not sure that this guy is a 27-out defender,' you make a move. "But you sure don't learn anything about it if you immediately pull him away from the action. Now you get to July or August and you don't have a choice because of things that have gone on in the game, but if you haven't garnered any information beforehand you could put yourself in a bad spot."
		2012: 5 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.10 FPI Week: 5 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.10 FPI
Lincecum, Tim (P) SF
		According to the Giants' official website, "The Giants finally put a number under the win column Monday against the National League West rival Rockies, spoiling Opening Day in Denver. On Wednesday, San Francisco sends ace Tim Lincecum to the mound as the Giants try for two straight wins against the Rockies and their new ace, Jeremy Guthrie. While Lincecum and Guthrie are their teams' respective No. 1 starters, the two are coming off different season debuts. Guthrie, acquired in a February trade from Baltimore, was solid in his first start with the Rockies, earning the win in Houston by holding the Astros to three runs on four hits (two home runs) in seven innings. On Wednesday, he'll make his first home start for the Rockies -- and first appearance at Coors Field. Lincecum, meanwhile, allowed a three-run first inning in his Opening Day start in Arizona and, while he allowed only six hits and struck out seven, was unable to make it out of the sixth inning. "I didn't feel like my control was off," Lincecum said afterward. "I just missed location on a couple of pitches and they made me pay for it." It was only one start, however, and there's certainly no need to worry about a pitcher who, at only 27, already has two National League Cy Young Awards and a World Series championship under his belt. He also has fared well at Coors Field in his career, going 4-3 with a 3.61 ERA in 10 starts."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.310 WHIP/ 8.44 ERA/ 0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.31 K Inning/ -0.19 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.313 WHIP/ 8.44 ERA/0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.31 K Inning/ -0.19 FPI
Gordon, Dee (SS) LAN
		According to the LA Times, "Dee Gordon nearly single-handedly won a game for the Dodgers on Saturday night when he reached base five times, stole three bases, scored two runs and drove in the winning run against San Diego. A day later, Gordon was 0 for 4 and made a fielding error that led to a run in a loss. Such ups and downs should be expected of the 23-year-old rookie shortstop, Mattingly warned. "I expect a lot from Dee," Mattingly said. "But I tell him, he has to stay humble. This game will quiet you down quick. The second you think that this guy's arrived, you're into an 0-for-20 slide and everybody's thinking, 'What's wrong?"
		2012: 18 AB/ 0.222 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 3 SB/ 0.278 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.60 FPI Week: 18 AB/ 0.222 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 3 SB/ 0.278 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.60 FPI
Hamels, Cole (P) Phi
		According to the Phillies' official website, "If only Cole Hamels could just skip to the second start of the season. The lefty allowed eight hits, four runs (three earned) and struck out nine in 5 1/3 innings in Monday's 6-2 loss to the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Hamels actually had better stuff than his line indicated, but he put four leadoff hitters on base, and all four scored. He is 1-4 with a 5.97 ERA in his past six season-opening starts. "I felt like my stuff was really good," he said. "I was able to hit my spots early, and later I felt like all four pitches were working really well. Unfortunately, I think there were a few pitches that got away." And one throw. Emilio Bonifacio dropped a bunt in front of the mound in the sixth inning. Hamels picked up the ball, spun and fired to first base -- except nobody was there. First baseman John Mayberry Jr. was supposed to back off the play and head to first to take the throw, but he could not get back in time. Second baseman Freddy Galvis was too far away to get to the base in time. "It's something that we work on in Spring Training," Hamels said. "When you have a fast runner, you go down, grab it with your bare hand and turn and fire. Unfortunately, there was nobody there, so you can't really do much about it. But I thought I did everything we were taught to do in Spring Training."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 5.07 ERA/ 0 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 1.69 K Inning/ -0.38 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.501 WHIP/ 5.07 ERA/0 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 1.69 K Inning/ -0.38 FPI
Soriano, Alfonso (OF) ChN
		According to the Cubs' official website, "Alfonso Soriano has been playing so well in the field that Cubs manager Dale Sveum didn't lift him in the late innings on Sunday. Soriano made a nice running catch of Adam LaRoche's fly ball to end the fourth. "That's because of all the work in Spring Training with [coach] Dave McKay," Soriano said Monday of his improved jumps. "I feel so comfortable in left field and I hope to continue to feel comfortable over there." McKay has emphasized being in the right position and doing so has made it easier for Soriano to get to balls. In the past, it's been a little bit of an adventure for Soriano in left field. "The positioning, and because my legs feel loose," Soriano said about why he's playing better. "I can run fast now and not worry that I'm going to run and pull a hamstring. The work I've done with McKay makes me feel comfortable out there." On Monday, Soriano, 36, was talking to hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo around the cage. But the left fielder knows the hits will come. He went 1-for-4 in Monday's loss to the Brewers. "I've focused more on defense this year because I have a new coach and I think he knows what he's doing," Soriano said."
		2012: 13 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.308 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.43 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.308 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.43 FPI
Beachy, Brandon (P) Atl
		According to the AJC, "It had been nearly a quarter of a century since the Braves started a season with four consecutive losses, and Monday night it was newest Braves who were largely responsible for getting them back to that place they did not want to be. Third baseman Juan Francisco’s double error led to three unearned runs in the third inning and reliever Livan Hernandez gave up two runs in the sixth in an 8-3 series-opening loss to Houston that dropped the Braves to 0-4 in the young season. The Braves blew an early 3-0 lead and fell to 0-4 for the first time since 1988, when they started out 0-10 and finished with a 54-106 record. After being swept in a three-game series at New York that ended Sunday, the Braves found a new way to lose Monday — by blowing their first lead of the season. The Astros (3-1) took advantage of mistakes and got six innings from left-hander J.A. Happ, who’s never lost in seven starts against the Braves. Things started well Monday for the Braves, who built an 3-0 lead on two-out RBI singles by Tyler Pastornicky and pitcher Brandon Beachy in the second inning and McCann’s third-inning single after Martin Prado’s leadoff double. The Braves had been 0-for-8 this season with runners in scoring position and two outs before the Pastornicky and Beachy hits. So they provided run support for Beachy, something the Braves didn’t do for their starters at New York. Unfortunately for Beachy, it came with no defensive support. Francisco had one of the Braves’ four second-inning singles when they jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but it was his fielding mistakes that profoundly impacted the game. The husky Francisco made three errors in the first three innings, including a costly double-error. He made a throwing error with one out in the second, but Beachy retired the next two batters on a strikeout and groundout. No damage done, and no walks or hits by the Astros through two. Jordan Schafer drew a two-out walk in the Astros third, then came Francisco’s game-changing gaffe: Jose Altuve grounded to third, and Francisco bobbled the ball while trying to field and throw to first. He gathered himself and gained control of the ball in time to make a throw to third to get Schafer, who was making an aggressive dash. But Francisco’s throw was wide and Schafer was safe. He was charged with two errors on the play, giving him three in three innings. The next batter, Travis Buck, doubled to drive in two runs. The one after him, Carlos Lee, singled to drive in another. Just like that, the Braves’ 3-0 lead was erased. All three Astros runs in the inning were unearned, and Francisco would be replaced before the bottom of the sixth inning. Beachy blamed only himself after walking Schafer with two outs and a three-run lead. “I should never have walked the guy,” he said. “Should never have had a baserunner at that point, so realistically, in my mind, I shouldn’t have been facing that batter to begin with. That’s my own fault.” He said he didn’t have command of any secondary pitches. “I was able to get through the first couple of innings on a fastball alone,” Beachy said, “but you’re not going to get guys out for very long when you can only throw strikes with a four-seam fastball.” Houston took a 4-3 lead the next inning after Marwin Gonzalez doubled off the right-center wall and Happ drove him in with a single through the right side of the infield. “I just pitched really poorly,” said Beachy, charged with four runs (one earned), four hits and three walks with three strikeouts."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 1.80 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.60 K Inning/ 1.30 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 1.80 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.60 K Inning/ 1.30 FPI
Maholm, Paul (P) ChN
		According to the Chicago Tribune, "Paul Maholm becomes the last of the Cubs starters to make his debut on Tuesday night against the Brewers. Don't expect the low-key Maholm to be as antsy on the mound as Garza. "I'm not going to be (showing) that much energy," he said. "But I think there are butterflies no matter who you are. I just want to get off to a good start and keep the momentum going of what the starters have been doing." While Sveum has come out before the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs to admit he's a Coyotes fan, Maholm conceded he's a Penguins fan and "I will be wearing my Penguins stuff." "For some odd reason, in Pittsburgh I wore my Penguins hat every day," he said, adding he hopes to get to a Blackhawks playoff game."

Volstad, Chris (P) ChN
		According to the Sun Times, "A team with the firepower of the Milwaukee Brewers usually relies on that muscle to score. But the defending National League Central champs used another element Monday that helped make the difference in their 7-5 victory against the Cubs: two squeeze plays. The first came in the fourth, when pitcher Shaun Marcum (1-0) put down a bunt as shortstop Alex Gonzalez ran in from third, scoring what at the time was the go-ahead run at 3-2. The squeeze came again in the eighth, when outfielder Carlos Gomez put down a bunt as Mat Gamel ran home. “You don’t see [squeeze plays] too often," Cubs starter Chris Volstad said. “Every run is important and any way you can get it, I guess." The Brewers scored four other runs in more-conventional fashion. Ex-Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez got two RBI with a sacrifice fly and double, Rickie Weeks homered in the third and Gamel (triple) and Jonathan Lucroy (sacrifice fly) drove in the others. But the two squeezed-in runs proved big when the Cubs rallied in the ninth from a 7-3 deficit. Three Brewers pitchers worked in the inning, that saw Ian Stewart (double) and pinch hitter Steve Clevenger (single) get hits, Marlon Byrd and Darwin Barney draw walks and two Brewers’ errors contribute to the rally. The bases were loaded with two outs when Starlin Castro batted against John Axford (first save). Castro’s 43-game streak of reaching base safely and his 14-game hitting streak were on the line. Castro took a called third strike to end the game. Barney was the unlikely hitter of the Cubs’ first homer of the season.It came in the first off Marcum and just reached the left-field basket. Bryan LaHair’s first home run of the season went farther, leaving the park over the right-field wall in the second inning. The only other Cubs’ run before the ninth came in the fifth. Center fielder Nyjer Morgan lost sight of Geovany Soto’s fly ball that fell behind him for a triple and Soto scored on pinch hitter Blake DeWitt’s sacrifice fly. Volstad worked five innings and left in a 3-3 tie, but a long first inning elevated his pitch count. “I felt I got better as the game went on, but the first inning kind of got me. It’s something to work on. I threw some good pitches. I definitely know I’m better than that.’’ The loss went to reliever Shawn Camp (0-1), who was charged with three runs."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 5.40 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.20 K Inning/ 1.00 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 5.40 ERA/0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.20 K Inning/ 1.00 FPI
Leake, Mike (P) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "If the Reds had kept Opening Day starter Johnny Cueto in his turn, he would be starting tonight’s game. Right-hander Mike Leake is starting instead. Cueto will go Wednesday. “You’ve got to pitch Leake some time,” Baker said. “You don’t want him to go too long without pitching. An extra day won’t hurt Johnny either.”

Kemp, Matt (OF) LAN
		According to the LA Times, "This time Matt Kemp is getting an early jump on the awards season. The first award Kemp could nab in 2012 he did, when he was honored Monday as the National League Player of the Week. Kemp, the runner-up as the N.L. MVP last season, got off to an explosive start to the season in San Diego. Kemp emerged from the four-game series batting .412 (7 for 17), and leading the majors with six runs and tied for the RBI lead with eight. He also had two home runs in pitching-friendly Petco Park and a stolen base. Otherwise, he was just so slow out of the gate. Kemp hit in all four games, and dating back to last season, has now hit safely in 16 games overall."
		2012: 17 AB/ 0.412 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 6 R/ 1 SB/ 0.824 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 1.21 FPI Week: 17 AB/ 0.412 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 6 R/ 1 SB/ 0.824 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 1.21 FPI
Bell, Heath (RP) Mia
		According to the Marlins' official website, "Sometimes even the best of the best fail to come through. Heath Bell found himself in that position on Sunday afternoon, when he surrendered two runs in the ninth inning at Cincinnati and blew his first save chance as a Miami Marlin. Usually automatic, Bell accepted full blame for Miami's 6-5 loss at Great American Ball Park. The great closers have a way of putting adversity behind them and regrouping for the next challenge. "It happens," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "That's the reason he got that job, he's good at it. The only thing about closers is how you bounce back the next day. "It's how you bounce back. That will tell if you're a good closer or bad closer. This guy over the years is one of the best closers in the game, because he knows how to bounce back." Bell was a major offseason free-agent signing, and the veteran is eager to make an impact in Miami. "These guys deserve way more than that," Bell said of his teammates. "I've got to pick up my game. I know it's one [game]. I've blown saves before, but it's really hard to blow the first one -- for a new team. There are guys who have gone out there and blown one and then dominated the rest of the year. I plan on being one of those guys." As lights out as a closer can be, even the best get beaten. Marlins right-hander Carlos Zambrano, who was in line to win Sunday at Cincinnati, points out that the great Mariano Rivera blew a save chance in the Yankees' loss to the Rays on Opening Day. "I'll tell you what," Zambrano said. "Mariano Rivera gave it up in the ninth inning the other night. He said, 'There are 161 games to go.' Heath is one of the best right now closing. Who knows? Maybe this will be his only blown save of the year." Since Bell became a closer with the Padres in 2009, his 132 saves are the most in the Majors."
		2012: 1 IP/ 3.010 WHIP/ 13.53 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ -7.53 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 3.008 WHIP/ 13.53 ERA/0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ -7.53 FPI
Stanton, Michael (OF) Mia
		According to the Marlins' official website, "The sore left knee that hindered Giancarlo Stanton in Spring Training is again acting up. About 40 minutes before the first pitch on Monday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, the Marlins scratched Stanton due to left knee pain. Manager Ozzie Guillen said Stanton will be examined by a physician in Philadelphia. "It's something different than what he had in the spring," Guillen said. Stanton had inflammation in the knee in Spring Training, and the pain he felt on Monday is in a different area. With an off-day on Tuesday, Stanton will get back-to-back days of rest. The team lists the 22-year-old right fielder as day to day. Guillen didn't rule out Stanton being available on Wednesday in the second of three games at Citizens Bank Park. Stanton, Miami's cleanup hitter, is off to a 4-for-17 (.235) start with a double and three RBIs. His left knee bothered him last year. Austin Kearns replaced Stanton in right field in the series opener with the Phillies."
		2012: 17 AB/ 0.235 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.294 Slug/ 0.24 KRate/ 0.26 FPI Week: 17 AB/ 0.235 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.294 Slug/ 0.24 KRate/ 0.26 FPI
Axford, John (RP) Mil
		According to the MJS, "Roenicke said closer John Axford wanted to stay in the game Sunday after issuing a pair of two-out walks in the 9-3 loss to St. Louis. But Roenicke, who merely was trying to give Axford some work, thought 27 pitches was enough, not knowing how much he might be used against the Cubs. "He understands but he wanted to stay out there and get out of the inning," said Roenicke. "He tried to throw a couple of breaking balls and they were up in the zone, then all of a sudden the elevation on his fastball was up there. "He was out there because I want to get his command so that every time he comes in he's like he was last year. We wouldn't typically use him in that situation, but he needed to pitch." Sure enough, Roenicke had to use Axford to close out the win over the Cubs, escaping a bases-loaded jam to convert his 44th consecutive save."
		2012: 1 IP/ 2.990 WHIP/ 13.43 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 1 S/ 2.99 K Inning/ 0.40 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 2.985 WHIP/ 13.43 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 1 S/ 2.99 K Inning/ 0.40 FPI
Murphy, Daniel (2B) NYN
		According to the NY Post, "Serenity now, celebration later. There in a nutshell you had Daniel Murphy’s final at-bat last night, as this wild ride of an opening week continued for the unbeaten Mets. “I said a prayer, not to necessarily do good, but to just take away the anxiety,” Murphy said after his RBI single in the ninth gave the Mets a 4-3 victory over the Nationals at Citi Field. “I felt blessed that I was able to kind of slow the heart rate down.” There was nothing crisp about this one, but the Mets will take it after surviving a rocky Mike Pelfrey start and using 3 1/3 shutout innings from the bullpen to reach 4-0 for the first time in five years. Murphy was the recipient of a towel filled with shaving cream wielded by teammate Justin Turner after leading the Mets to their first comeback victory of the season. Mike Baxter scored the winning run after falling down rounding third base and crawling back to the bag one batter before Murphy. Third-base coach Tim Teufel had flashed the stop sign as Baxter, running from first base, considered a dash for the plate on pitcher Henry Rodriguez’s throwing error on Ruben Tejada’s sacrifice bunt with nobody out. The ball trickled into foul territory behind first base. Baxter had walked leading off the ninth. After Rodriguez threw away Tejada’s bunt, putting runners on second and third, the stage was set for Murphy. “I was kind of running through the situations, what they might do and I figured they would pitch to me, even with the base open,” Murphy said. “If they get me out then they can walk David [Wright] and go after Ike [Davis]. I’m kind of running through the situation and trying not to hyperventilate.” Adding to his heroics, Murphy also made a big defensive play in the top of the ninth, robbing Ryan Zimmerman of a single to get a force at second for the final out. Jon Rauch (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings to put the Mets in position for the win. Pelfrey survived 5 2/3 innings in which he allowed three earned runs on 10 hits and one walk. The righty, who tied a career high with eight strikeouts, rebounded after falling into a 3-0 hole in the third inning. But after surrendering consecutive singles with two outs in the sixth, Pelfrey’s night was finished. Miguel Batista got the inning’s final out, then passed the baton to Ramon Ramirez."
		2012: 18 AB/ 0.389 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.556 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.82 FPI Week: 18 AB/ 0.389 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.556 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.82 FPI
Pelfrey, Mike (P) NYN
		According to the NY Daily News, "Pelfrey gave up 10 hits over 5-2/3 innings and many were hit hard, but down 3-0, he introduced the Nationals to his curveball during his last three innings with some success. He finished with a career-high-tying eight strikeouts. “I know I got in a little trouble early – we got down 3-0 – and I was like, ‘C’mon man, let’s keep it going.’ I tried to stay in the game as long as I could,” he said."
		2012: 6 IP/ 1.940 WHIP/ 4.76 ERA/ 0 W/ 8 K/ 0 S/ 1.41 K Inning/ -0.09 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.940 WHIP/ 4.76 ERA/0 W/ 8 K/ 0 S/ 1.41 K Inning/ -0.09 FPI
Papelbon, Jonathan (RP) Phi
		According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "Jonathan Papelbon is being paid more than any closer in baseball history, but he never left the bullpen during the Phillies' two walk-off losses to Pittsburgh. Then he pitched the ninth inning of a 6-2 defeat to Miami on Monday and allowed an Austin Kearns home run in an otherwise forgettable outing. Charlie Manuel, and just about every single manager in baseball, plays those decisions by the book. If the road team is tied or losing, the closer stays in the bullpen until he has a lead to save. That's the philosophy the Phillies followed during the weekend. Still, there was a spot for Papelbon to protect a lead Sunday. With two outs and runners on first and second, the Pirates used righthanded hitting Matt Hague as a pinch-hitter against lefty Antonio Bastardo. The Phillies still led, 4-3. Pitching coach Rich Dubee said there was no inclination to use Papelbon for a four-out save. "No. It's too early," Dubee said. "You want to run them out there every 162 games?" Papelbon is 31 for 39 in saves of more than three outs for his career. But there has been a downward trend in his usage during those situations. He saved all 17 of said opportunities from 2008 to 2009 but only 3 of 6 in the last two seasons. Dubee said he's rarely seen an instance where a manager used his closer on the road in a tie game. He thought about doing it in Saturday's 10th inning until he realized there was one downside: Papelbon had already warmed up twice. "It was like [Brad] Lidge in the All-Star Game - am I going to crank him seven times and pitch him?" Dubee said. "I was thinking 'Maybe one more inning and I might talk Charlie into using him.' It's hard. We have nobody else to close the game. Now if we had somebody else to close, like [Jose] Contreras behind, we might think about doing it. "You can make any argument you want."
		2012: 2 IP/ 0.500 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.75 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 0.500 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.75 FPI
Belt, Brandon (1B) SF
		According to the SF Chronicle, "Manager Bruce Bochy is acutely aware that fans are upset when Brandon Belt does not play. Bochy sat Belt on Monday in the wake of a 1-for-10, five-strikeout series in Arizona. Aubrey Huff started at first base and Gregor Blanco replaced him in the outfield. When reporters kept peppering Bochy with questions about the Belt decision, he pushed back slightly. "I think we're overstating this a little bit. He's getting a day," Bochy said. "We wanted to get a little more speed in the outfield, and Huff is swinging it a little better. We haven't won a game. We want to put our best lineup out there. I think we're getting a little caught up here. It's not like there's any panic." Bochy has expressed his commitment to playing Belt, but the second-year player admitted in a meeting with Bochy that he might have pressed in the season-opening series. Bochy decided to give Belt two days to step back and regroup. The Giants are off Tuesday. Bochy said Belt would return to the lineup Wednesday night."
		2012: 10 AB/ 0.100 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.100 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.05 FPI Week: 10 AB/ 0.100 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.100 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.05 FPI
Westbrook, Jake (P) StL
		According to the StL Dispatch, "Five games into their defense of the World Series championship, the St. Louis Cardinals have hit upon an effective and overwhelming recipe for similar success. Staked again to an early lead built upon homers, the Cardinals then road starter Jake Westbrook to a 7-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Catcher Yadier Molina had three RBIs and one of the three homers the Cardinals hit in the first inning to give Westbrook a 4-0 lead before he even threw a pitch. Matt Holliday and David Freese had the other two homers, with Freese's being a two-run shot to right field. The Cardinals have taken a lead before their starter takes the mound in three of their five games. They have yet to give up a lead once they take it. On Monday against the Reds, Westbrook never allowed the tying run to come to the plate, though he did have some wobbly innings early before finding a groove and speeding toward seven innings on only 88 pitches. The Cardinals have scored at least seven runs in three of their previous four games. Westbrook was the second starter this season to pitch through seven innings, and he did so without allowing an earned run. That plunged the Cardinals' rotation's overall ERA to less than 2.00 for the season. The Cardinals continue this three-game series Tuesday night."
		2012: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.29 K Inning/ 3.29 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/1 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.29 K Inning/ 3.29 FPI
Berkman, Lance (1B) StL
		According to the StL Dispatch, "First baseman Lance Berkman returned to the lineup Monday after being absent from manager Mike Matheny's initial card. The knuckle on Berkman's right middle finger became a source of concern after he took an awkward follow through during Saturday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Berkman described the condition as "no big deal" and made a convincing enough argument for Matheny to scratch Matt Carpenter. Berkman had the finger taped and acknowledged some lingering discomfort but said playing posed no risk of further injury. "If Lance needed another day, we would have seen Carp at first base again," Matheny said, referring to Carpenter's start Sunday against Milwaukee. Matheny said he remained "in between" whether to play Berkman when he sent his first lineup to Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker prior to Berkman's arrival at Great American Ball Park. Berkman said he was ready to go upon arriving. "I can swing the bat," Berkman said. "Yeah, it's a little uncomfortable, but I can play." Berkman entered the game hitting .325 with 23 home runs, 58 RBIs and 43 walks in 249 plate appearances at Great American Ball Park. His first-inning two-out walk kept the frame alive for David Freese and Yadier Molina to mash home runs that helped build a 4-0 lead. Berkman finished the game with one hit, two walks and two runs scored."
		2012: 13 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.462 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.87 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.462 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.87 FPI
Batista, Miguel (RP) NYN
		According to the NY Daily News, "Where most looked at the Mets and saw questions in an entirely retooled bullpen, Miguel Batista did not. The 17-year veteran, who began last season with the World Series champion Cardinals, said, “I was very excited about this group and this team. Last year I was excited about St. Louis and told (former manager) Tony (La Russa) about it. But I might have been even more excited about this group, even though people around us were not.” He has good reason for excitement now. The Mets relief corps keeps delivering. Batista relieved starter Mike Pelfrey in the sixth with two on and two out and got an inning -ending strikeout. When he issued a pair of walks to start the next inning, Ramon Ramirez entered and got out of it unscathed, getting an inning-ending double play. Jon Rauch didn’t allow a hit in the eighth and ninth. “We are there for each other and pick each other up,” Ramirez said. “We believe in each other. . . . That’s what makes us a good group.” The bullpen totaled 3-1/3 scoreless innings and has allowed one run over 13 1 / 3 this season with three saves in three chances (all by Frank Francisco). After last year’s relievers pitched to a 4.33 ERA that ranked 28th of 30 teams, this one has a 0.68 ERA in the first four games."
		2012: 0 IP/ 6.060 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 3.03 K Inning/ -1.56 FPI Week: 0 IP/ 6.061 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 3.03 K Inning/ -1.56 FPI
DeWitt, Blake (2B) ChN
		According to the Cubs' official website, "Cubs infielder Blake DeWitt, scratched from Sunday's lineup because of back spasms, was able to return on Monday and delivered a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. "It's not great, but he's able to play," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "He's much better than [Sunday]." DeWitt said he felt the spasms during batting practice on Sunday."
		2012: 2 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.50 FPI Week: 2 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Qualls, Chad (RP) Phi
		According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "Manuel said Chad Qualls was available for use Monday but wasn't called upon. Qualls saw a team doctor before the game to examine an injury to his right heel. He warmed up in the ninth for some extra work to confirm it. Afterward, Qualls said he was feeling better. He could not pitch Sunday because it felt like a "knife was going at the back of my heel." Qualls was still unsure of the nature of the injury. "I really don't know what it was," Qualls said. "It was kind of weird what happened, but I will say it's getting better."
		2012: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Moyer, Jamie (P) Col
		According to the Rockies' official website, "Rockies left-hander Jamie Moyer is still learning, even though at age 49, he is one of the oldest pitchers in baseball history. "I've always asked a lot of questions, even if I felt like I knew the answer," said Moyer, who threw five competitive innings (four runs, three earned) in a loss to the Astros on Saturday night. "Because I've always felt that if somebody can explain something differently, or give me information differently, or give me a different viewpoint or a different perspective, it may make me a better player. "If I come here on a daily basis and try to become a better person or a better player, I'm doing the right thing."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.200 WHIP/ 5.40 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.40 K Inning/ 0.00 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.200 WHIP/ 5.40 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.40 K Inning/ 0.00 FPI
Bray, Bill (RP) Cin
		According to the Reds' official website, "Because Bill Bray was limited to 3 2/3 innings over four games during the Cactus League schedule because of a groin injury, manager Dusty Baker has said the Reds' lefty reliever was rusty and still in "Spring Training mode." Until Monday, Bray had yet to see action in the regular season. His season debut came in relief of Homer Bailey during the Reds' 7-1 loss to the Cardinals. Bray pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one walk and recording two strikeouts. "You can't get those innings I missed in Spring Training back, because there is no situation where it doesn't count anymore," Bray said. "But I feel good. Am I throwing all of my pitches? Yes. I feel like I am ready. "I can do whatever they need me to do. We have a good bullpen, especially with [Aroldis] Chapman and [Sean] Marshall. We've got a great starting staff. Whatever they want me for, I am happy to do."
		2012: 1 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 3.75 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 0.752 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 3.75 FPI

Matusz, Brian (P) Bal		Brian Matusz threw 49 innings last season and recorded a 10.69 ERA. I guess you could say he was unlucky since his FIP was “just” 7.66 and his xFIP was a mere 5.22. Whatever stats you want to look at, it’s clear Matusz was miserable in 2011. He didn’t show much improvement in his first start of the season in 2012 as the Yankees smacked the lefty around on Monday. Matusz pitched just four innings and gave up four ER, four walks and six hits along with punching out one batter. Matusz is still just 25 and was a serviceable starter in 2010 but, for now, there aren’t many worse pitchers to put on your fantasy team. - jhettler
		According to the Baltimore Sun, "Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz took the mound Monday night for his first start of this young season hoping he could begin to erase the images of his horrible 2011 season. He spoke of pitching with a clean slate, of April optimism and feeling stronger than ever after an offseason dedicated to his conditioning. One of the spring's biggest stories was whether Matusz could rebound, and in Sarasota, Fla., at least, he did -- earning the No. 4 spot in the Orioles' rotation. But the Orioles' 3-0 start to the season -- buoyed by a trio of sensational starting pitching performances -- quickly came crashing down to reality in a 6-2 loss to the Yankees at Camden Yards in front of an announced 25,478. And after a promising spring, questions regarding Matusz quickly resurfaced. Matusz lasted just four innings, throwing 96 pitches, chased from the game after a three-run fourth. It was the 10th consecutive loss for the 25-year-old left-hander, the longest active streak in the majors, dating back 10 months. In his past three starts against the Yankees dating to the beginning of the 2011 season, Matusz is 0-3 with a 12.66 ERA (15 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings). Matusz appeared as if he were trying to be too perfect in attempting to duplicate the efforts of his rotation predecessors, unsuccessfully nibbling the corners of the plate against one of the most disciplined lineups in baseball. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, one of the most patient hitters in the game, dissected Matusz for three of his four hits on the night, including a two-out, full-count, opposite-field RBI double that capped the scoring in the fourth. Jeter improved his career average against Matusz to .500 (11-for-22). One of Matusz's strengths in earning a spot in the rotation this spring was his control. He had a 7.3 strikeout-to-walk ratio (22 strikeouts and just three walks) and pitched to a 3.65 ERA in six spring starts. But his four walks Monday were his most in 10 outings. Under the lights at Camden Yards, Matusz didn't hit enough corners, forcing him to fight from behind in the count all night. His eight three-ball counts (out of 21 batters faced) elevated his pitch count quickly. As a team, the Orioles issued seven walks. The Orioles' offense, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, didn't do its part either, stranding eight base runners. The Orioles were 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position."
		2012: 4 IP/ 2.500 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.25 K Inning/ -1.00 FPI Week: 4 IP/ 2.500 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.25 K Inning/ -1.00 FPI
Wada, Tsuyoshi (P) Bal		According to the Baltimore Sun, "Left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada threw 88 pitches over six innings in an extended spring training game Monday and experienced no problems. He'll make another extended spring start this weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla., before a decision is made on where he'll go to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment. Lefty Zach Britton, who has been rehabilitating his sore shoulder in Sarasota, has been cleared to play catch Thursday." - newsreporter3


Bard, Daniel (P) Bos		Despite the Red Sox shaky bullpen situation now that Andrew Bailey is out four months, the team remains committed – for now – to keeping Daniel Bard in the rotation and he’ll make his first start of the season today against the Blue Jays. Bard had posted outstanding numbers as a reliever during the past three seasons with strikeout rates above 9.00 and declining walk and HR marks. His xFIP has also been in the mid-to-low 3.00s and he tallied a career-high 52% GB rate in 2011. Expect Bard’s strikeout numbers to drop a bit in his new role and be prepared for some transition pains but he should be a solid SP option in the long term, especially in deeper leagues. - jhettler
		According to the Red Sox' official website, "Daniel Bard will make his rotation debut on Tuesday night against the Blue Jays. The question is, how long will Bard be a starter? With Andrew Bailey sidelined for a few months following right thumb surgery, there has been a public outcry for Bard to be the Red Sox's closer. It is an odd dynamic for the righty, who is just trying to gain comfort in his new role as a starter. All Bard can do is focus on pitching in the rotation as long as he's asked to do that. How would he feel if the team asked him to move to closer? "Until that happens, I can't really answer it. I haven't even pitched this year yet. We're three games in," Bard said. "It's easy to say that we need [help in the bullpen]. Obviously our bullpen wants to throw better. They're going to throw better. To judge them off three games isn't really fair." In the winter, Bard told the Red Sox that he'd like to either close or start. He's grateful the team has given him a chance to prove his worth in the rotation. "It's not for me to decide. Right now, I'm a starter, and I'll try to be the best one I can be," Bard said. Manager Bobby Valentine is sensitive to Bard's situation. "We've talked and he gets it," Valentine said. "Poor guy has been thrown into a situation that no one should have to be thrown into really before his first Major League start of the season. Words aren't going to do anything more than his performance will, that's for sure." And Valentine is very much looking forward to watching that performance. "Well, considering he's probably been the guy who's been talked about the most the first three games and he hasn't thrown a pitch yet, I'm dying for him to throw a pitch," said Valentine. Can Valentine commit to Bard in the rotation beyond the one start? "Wow. Felix [Doubront]? Daniel? Tomorrow's his day. Let's not slight Felix today," Valentine said. "Today is his day."

Sale, Chris (P) ChA		It’s hard to ask for a better debut than Chris Sale had versus the Tribe on Monday. Keeping in mind the Indians entered the game with a team batting average around .140 and started Jose Lopez in the No. 5 hole (and at first base!), Sale still looked outstanding. He worked quickly, just like when he was a reliever, and tallied up 10 grounders while also punching out five batters in 6 2/3 innings of work. He allowed just 1 ER and walked two. As a reliever last season, Sale owned an excellent 10.01 strikeout rate, 2.79 ERA and 3.00 xFIP. For good measure, he also recorded a 50% ground ball rate. All those numbers point toward a smooth transition to the rotation. Sale has a ton of keeper value as he’s just 23 and should be a mainstay in the White Sox rotation for the foreseeable future. It’s still hard to believe the lefty tossed just 10 1/3 innings in the minors before getting called up in 2010. - jhettler
		According to the Chicago Tribune, "As reporters corraled Chris Sale's locker, veteran Jake Peavy leaned back in his seat and said, "That's a view of the future." That view, in the eyes of White Sox's fans, looked very encouraging after Sale led a cast of young players to a 4-2 victory against the Indians. Sale, the youngest player on the Sox's roster at 23, threw 6 2/3 innings of three-hit ball in his first major league start after 79 relief appearances. But relievers Addison Reed, Hector Santiago and Nate Jones have built momentum four games into the season. That threesome has combined for 5 1/3 innings, allowing only one run that came when Santiago gave up a solo home run to Jose Lopez to start the ninth. Santiago rebounded by retiring the next three batters, the last two by strikeout, to earn his second save in as many chances. Sale credited much of his success to the pitch selection of veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who shifted some of the credit to the Sox's young relievers. At the plate, second-year third baseman Brent Morel snapped an 0-for-10 slump by hitting an opposite-field single off the glove of Lopez at first for an RBI single in the fifth. That marked the first time a Sox hitter other than Paul Konerko delivered a hit with runners in scoring position this season. Konerko, meanwhile, had two hits and moved into a tie with Luke Appling for second place in franchise history with 3,528 total bases. With Alejandro De Aza and Pierzynski hitting home run in the first, five of the Sox's 10 runs this season have been scored on home runs."
		2012: 7 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 1.35 ERA/ 1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 3.53 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 1.35 ERA/1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 3.53 FPI
Masterson, Justin (P) Cle		Cleveland’s Justin Masterson will try to top his Opening Day gem when he faces the White Sox at home this evening. In his first start, Masterson pitched brilliantly, allowing one ER over eight innings while striking out 10 and walking just one. As usual for Masterson, he also induced a bunch of ground balls (10, to be exact). The right hander’s strikeout rate has fallen each of the past two seasons but he’s compensated by improving his walk and HR marks. I wrote in the preseason that Masterson is a solid No. 5 SP in 10-team leagues and his first start did nothing to shake my belief. - jhettler

		2012: 8 IP/ 0.380 WHIP/ 1.13 ERA/ 0 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 1.25 K Inning/ 3.38 FPI Week: 8 IP/ 0.375 WHIP/ 1.13 ERA/0 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 1.25 K Inning/ 3.38 FPI
Choo, Shin-Soo (OF) Cle		The Indians outfielder experienced a scary moment Monday against the White Sox as he got hit on the left hand by a Chris Sale fastball. You might remember that Choo was beaned by a pitch in the left hand last season which put him on the DL. The good news here is that Choo stayed in the game and promptly stole a base and scored a run. Choo’s off to a slow start through four games but he should be a solid source of runs, RBI and steals to go along with a .280-.300 BA in 2012. - jhettler

		2012: 15 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 2 R/ 1 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.07 KRate/ 0.39 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 2 R/ 1 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.07 KRate/ 0.39 FPI
Tomlin, Josh (P) Cle		The Tribe’s starter on Monday, Josh Tomlin, picked up where he left off last year – at least in terms of allowing HRs. Tomlin, who gave up 24 HRs in 2011, allowed two bombs in his season debut against the White Sox and went five innings, yielding seven hits and four ER. The good news for Tomlin is that he posted a career-high seven strikeouts despite entering the game with a career 4.98 whiff rate. While I’m not optimistic he can maintain an improved strikeout rate, it’s at least something to keep tabs on in Tomlin’s upcoming starts. - jhettler
		According to the Plain Dealer, "Josh Tomlin gave up three runs in the top of the first inning Monday night in the April cold at Progressive Field. It's never recommended behavior for a starting pitcher, but at the same time it shouldn't guarantee defeat. After all, the home team still has nine innings left to swing the bats. Overcoming three runs in that time shouldn't be compared to scaling the north face of Mount Everest. Except, of course, if the pitcher's team happens to be averaging 3.5 runs per game. Then that pitcher is in trouble. Which brings us to Trouble City and the Indians, who lost to the White Sox, 4-2. Manager Manny Acta's team has played four games this year. They're 1-3 and they need a lot of help in the run department. Monday night they didn't score until Shin-Soo Choo narrowly escaped refracturing his left thumb in the sixth inning when he was hit by a pitch from left-hander Chris Sale. This time the only thing that fractured was Choo's thumb protector. He took first base, stole second and scored on Carlos Santana's single to make it 4-1. There was only silence the rest of the night until Jose Lopez, making his first start, lined a homer off the left-field foul pole to start the ninth inning to make it 4-2. The next three Indians went down in order as Hector Santiago recovered for his second save. Monday night was Tomlin's first start against the White Sox and he won't remember it fondly. Tomlin (0-1, 7.20) allowed four runs on nine hits in five innings. He tied a career high with seven strikeouts, but was gone after five innings because he threw 95 pitches."
		2012: 5 IP/ 1.600 WHIP/ 7.20 ERA/ 0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.40 K Inning/ -1.00 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.600 WHIP/ 7.20 ERA/0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.40 K Inning/ -1.00 FPI
Porcello, Rick (P) Det		The Tigers took a day off on Monday to recover from beating the tar out of the Red Sox bullpen and they will face Tampa Bay this evening with Rick Porcello on the hill. With so many serviceable starting pitchers in fantasy baseball this year, there isn’t much reason to own Porcello in any league format. He owns a career 4.84 strikeout rate and has posted ERAs above 4.75 in each of the past two seasons. While there is hope he can lower his ERA into the low 4.00s this year, based on his FIPs the past two seasons, it’s just too risky to take a chance on starting a guy who has such a low ceiling. - jhettler


Paulino, Felipe (P) KC		According to the KC Star, "This is mostly a technical thing, but the three pitchers who opened the season on the 15-day disabled list — Felipe Paulino, Joakim Soria and Blake Wood — are eligible today to return to the active roster. Paulino is the only one close to doing so. He is scheduled to throw again today from a mound in a bullpen workout to test his recovery from a strained right forearm. If all goes well, he could take the next step: throw to hitters Thursday in batting practice. Wood remains in the early stages of his throwing program while recovering from an irritated ulnar nerve in his right elbow. Soria underwent season-ending surgery a week ago to replace the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow." - newsreporter3


Wilson, C.J. (P) LAA		In his Angels debut, C.J. Wilson pitched quite well by allowing just one ER on three hits over seven innings of work. He struck out five and walked four batters en route to picking up the victory. It’s just his first start but keep an eye on Wilson’s walk rate. Last season, Wilson was able to improve his ERA and FIP partly by decreasing his walk rate from 4.10 in 2010 to just 2.98. Even as a reliever, the lefty struggled with his control at times and owns a 3.75 career walk rate. He’ll draw the Yankees in his next start. - jhettler
		According to the LA Times, "C.J. Wilson wasn't in Texas anymore. That was evident Monday, not so much by the "Angels" written across his jersey but by the 45-degree temperatures and 31-mph wind gusts in Target Field, a stark contrast to the sauna-like conditions the former Rangers ace is accustomed to. The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field it wasn't, but the weather was not at all conducive to the pinpoint control of a baseball, which can feel like a cue ball when it's so cold and dry. That explains the four walks Wilson issued, one more than he had in 241/3 innings in six spring starts. Neither the elements nor control problems deterred the left-hander, who made his Angels debut a successful one by giving up one run and three hits in seven innings of a 5-1 victory in the Minnesota Twins' home opener. Relying heavily on a sinking fastball, Wilson, who signed a five-year, $77.5-million deal in December, recorded 16 ground-ball outs and five strikeouts. The only ball hit into the air was Josh Willingham's fourth-inning home run. Wilson had plenty of other things going for him, including a two-run lead before he took the mound, some clutch hitting, stellar defense and some against-the-grain thinking by Manager Mike Scioscia. The Angels led, 2-1, in the seventh inning when Bobby Abreu walked and Alberto Callaspo singled against starter Nick Blackburn, who retired 15 in a row from the first through sixth innings. Up stepped Chris Iannetta in what seemed like a bunt situation, but the catcher got the green light and ripped a first-pitch double into the left-center field gap for two runs. Iannetta took third base on Peter Bourjos' groundout and scored on a suicide squeeze by Erick Aybar, whose failure to get a bunt down in a similar situation cost the Angels a chance to beat the Boston Red Sox in a 2008 AL division series. Aybar was Monday, contributing as much as a player can without a hit. The shortstop led off the game with a walk, and after Howie Kendrick flied out, Albert Pujols hit a potential double-play grounder to third base. But Aybar took out second baseman Alexi Casilla with a hard slide to extend the inning for Kendrys Morales, who singled, Torii Hunter, who hit a run-scoring single, and Abreu, who sliced a run-scoring double to left field for a 2-0 lead. Aybar ranged about 12 feet to the second base side of the bag for Justin Morneau's grounder in the first inning, turned a double play in the fifth, and got reliever Kevin Jepsen out of a two-on, none-out jam in the ninth with a diving catch of Ryan Doumit's liner up the middle and flip to Kendrick for a double play."
		2012: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.29 ERA/ 1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.86 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.29 ERA/1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.86 FPI
Iannetta, Chris (C) LAA		The Angels catcher went 1-for-4 on Monday against the Twins including a two-run double and is now 3-for-10 this season. Iannetta is a much more valuable player in leagues using OBP as he has a great eye and owns a career 14% walk rate. He’s also got some pop for a backstop, owning a career .167 ISO and smacking14 HRs in just 426 plate appearances last season with Colorado. Unfortunately by hitting in the 8-hole in Anaheim’s lineup, Iannetta will lose quite a few ABs compared to other catchers who hit higher in the lineup. That’ll obviously hinder his counting stats so the best way to utilize Iannetta is to acquire another catcher and split the playing time based on matchups. He’s serviceable in deep AL-only leagues and maybe some mixed formats. - jhettler

		2012: 10 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.30 KRate/ 0.68 FPI Week: 10 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.30 KRate/ 0.68 FPI
Kohn, Michael (RP) LAA		According to the Angels' official website, "Angels reliever Michael Kohn has hit a wall with his throwing program and will now seek a second opinion on his right forearm strain from noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Wednesday. Kohn, who began the season on the 15-day disabled list, hurled five scoreless innings in Spring Training but was shut down once the nerve in his right forearm -- a sensitive area for a pitcher -- began to flare up. The 25-year-old felt good the first time he got back to throwing, but a little over a week ago, when he tried to stretch it out to more distance, the pain ensued and he hasn't picked up a baseball since. Kohn posted a 2.11 ERA in 24 games for the Angels as a rookie in 2010, but he struggled through a 7.30 ERA in 14 appearances last season and wasn't called back up from Triple-A when rosters expanded in September." - newsreporter3


Willingham, Josh (OF) Min		The Hammer went yard on Monday against the Angels for the second time this season and is now 5-for-13 with four RBI and a double through four games. Last season, Willingham crushed 29 HRs and drove in 98 for Oakland despite posting a career-high strikeout rate (27%) and nearly a career-low walk rate (10%). Based on his career averages, I expect both those rates to even out this year which makes Willingham especially valuable in leagues using OBP as a stat category. Playing his home games in Minnesota won’t help Willingham’s power totals but he should be good for another 25 HRs and 85 RBI with the Twins in 2012. - jhettler

		2012: 13 AB/ 0.385 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.923 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 1.21 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.385 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.923 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 1.21 FPI
Waldrop, Kyle (P) Min		According to the Twins' official website, "Right-hander Kyle Waldrop, on the disabled list retroactive to March 26 with a strained right elbow, played catch for the first time on Monday. Waldrop threw from 60 feet, and he said he hopes to amp it up more and throw from 90 feet later this week. There's still no official timetable for his return, but Waldrop said that playing catch was a good first step and everything felt fine. Waldrop was expected to make the club out of Spring Training, as he posted a 1.50 ERA in six Grapefruit League outings before feeling discomfort in his elbow late in spring." - newsreporter3


Nova, Ivan (P) NYA		Ivan Nova tossed a great game against the Orioles by striking out seven, walking zero and yielding just two ER in seven innings. Despite pitching in the AL East last year and owning a 5.33 whiff rate in 2011, Nova enjoyed a solid season. In 165 innings, Nova finished with a 3.70 ERA, 4.01 FIP and impressive 52% GB rate. It’s hard to trust a pitcher who doesn’t miss many bats, especially when that pitcher has to face the Blue Jays, Rays and Red Sox as often as Nova does. As long as he can maintain a solid GB rate, Nova should be worth a roster spot in deep-AL only and mixed leagues. However, you should only spot start him against weaker lineups and put him on your bench versus any decent hitting club. - jhettler
		According to the NY Daily News, "Joe Girardi’s message to his team following Sunday’s sweep at the hands of the Rays was simple and straightforward: It’s only three games. Girardi told his players to relax, play their game and things would be just fine. Monday night, that proved to be the case. Ivan Nova put his dreadful spring behind him with seven strong innings, leading the Yankees to a 6-2 win over their Orioles to land the Bombers in the win column for the first time in 2012. The Yankees avoided the fourth 0-4 start in their history; the last was in 1973. Six different Yankees drove in runs as they dealt the upstart Orioles their first loss of the season. Derek Jeter was one of them, going 4-for-4 with his first RBI of the year. Nova, who posted an 8.06 ERA during spring training, appeared to discover the fastball command that had deserted him during the past five weeks. He allowed two runs on 10 hits in seven innings, striking out seven without walking a batter. “You always want to get that first one out of the way and I thought Nova pitched well, especially when he got in trouble,” Girardi said. “He gave up some hits but he got some big outs when he needed to.” The win was the 13th in a row in the regular season for Nova dating back to last June 10, the longest winning streak by any pitcher in baseball. Nova is only the fourth Yankees pitcher in history to win 13 consecutive decisions, joining Roger Clemens (16), Whitey Ford (14) and Ron Guidry (13). “Everything was working,” Nova said. “To start the season with three losses in a row and win our first game of the year, it feels really good.” Dave Robertson and Mariano Rivera closed out the win."
		2012: 7 IP/ 1.430 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/ 1 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 0.93 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.429 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/1 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 0.93 FPI
Pineda, Michael (P) NYA		According to the Star Ledger, "Right-hander Michael Pineda, who is on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis, will play long-toss today. The right-hander, who remains at the team’s Tampa complex, took a day off from his throwing program Monday. - newsreporter3


Robertson, David (RP) NYA		The Yankees’ setup man, David Robertson, pitched a scoreless inning against Baltimore on Monday while striking out two. He’s now struck out five in his first two innings of 2012 after posting a 13.50 strikeout rate in 2011. In leagues using holds, Robertson is one of the most valuable relievers thanks to that whiff rate and solid ERA and WHIP numbers. He won’t post an ERA of 1.08 again this year but he should have a solid sub-3.00 mark and could hold up to 40 games assuming the Yankees win like they normally do. - jhettler

		2012: 2 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 2.50 K Inning/ 0.25 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 2.50 K Inning/ 0.25 FPI
Devine, Joey (RP) Oak		According to the SF Chronicle, "Reliever Joey Devine, who missed two seasons after undergoing elbow reconstructive surgery, will have another elbow operation Tuesday. Dr. James Andrews, who performed the first procedure on April 21, 2009, will also do Tuesday's. Devine returned to the A's last season and appeared in 26 games, but he was placed on the DL March 28 after just three Cactus League outings." - newsreporter3


Carp, Mike (OF) Sea		According to the Mariners' official website, "Outfielders Mike Carp (sprained shoulder) and Franklin Gutierrez (partially torn pectoral muscle), both on the 15-day disabled list, could go out on Minor League rehab stints later this week if they continue progressing, manager Eric Wedge said. Carp won't need as much Minor League time as Gutierrez, who missed almost all of Spring Training, but Wedge said he would need some at-bats before he rejoins the team." - newsreporter3

		2012: 4 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ -0.50 FPI Week: 4 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Moore, Matt (P) TB		While he’s not getting quite the hype that Stephen Strasburg received during his first full season, Matt Moore is must-see TV this summer. The electric lefty makes his season debut this evening against a potent Tigers lineup in Detroit. Moore’s minor league numbers are simply absurd as he consistently posted strikeout rates between 12.00 and 14.00 and FIPs under 3.00 in every minor league season. Moore initially had some control issues during his early stints in the minors but has improved his walk rate during the past couple seasons. He’s also never allowed more than 0.70 HRs per nine innings. While a matchup versus Detroit on the road is a brutal first assignment, if anyone can be successful, it’s this kid. - jhettler
		According to the Tampa Bay Times, "Rookie left-hander Matt Moore is going to pitch very good games this season for the Rays. There will be times when he dominates from the start, blows away hitters with his easy-looking fastball, looks every bit like the whiz kid who came up at the end of last season, tearing through the Red Sox, the Yankees and, in the playoff opener, the Rangers. It might even happen this afternoon, when he makes his 2012 debut against the hot-swinging Tigers at chilly Comerica Park. But there also will be games when Moore doesn't dazzle, when he may look very much like a 22-year-old in his first extended big-league action, when he can't throw strikes, when he gets hit early and often. And facing Miguel Cabrera and Price Fielder back-to-back a few times today may not be the best place to start. "I know it's not going to be easy," Moore said. "Last year, the small time that I had obviously went well. And I know it's not going to be like that. I'm expecting to have to make adjustments this season for sure." And it's how he handles those struggles that will determine how successful he really is. The Rays are confident Moore will be able to adjust, not just because of his talent but because they believe he has the poise, the maturity and the intelligence. Manager Joe Maddon said a player in this position has to be physically, emotionally and mentally ready, and they feel Moore stands apart in all three areas. "He's an anomaly guy," Maddon said. Moore hasn't always had it easy, which should make it easier to traverse the inevitable ups and downs during his anticipated 33 starts this season. He was a repeater at rookie-level Princeton (W. Va) in his second pro season after debuting there as an eighth-round pick in 2007. He began the 2010 season at advanced Class A Charlotte, going 0-7 with a 6.63 ERA through his first 11 starts, but then went 6-4, 1.39 and says now that's when he learned, working with pitching coach Neil Allen, what weapons he had and how to make the requisite adjustments to win. Just to be opening this season in the big leagues is something of an accomplishment. After an offseason and spring of grand expectations, fame and fortune (a long-term deal guaranteeing him $14 million over five years and up to $40 million over eight), Moore is eager to get started. His parents and a half-dozen other relatives will be in the stands today when he walks up the mound."

Darvish, Yu (P) Tex		Yu Darvish – It’s safe to say Yu Darvish had a less than desirable first inning in the majors. Facing the Mariners, Darvish walked the leadoff batter, Chone Figgins, struck out Dustin Ackley, allowed three straight singles, threw a wild pitch, walked a batter, allowed another single and walked another batter before getting a strikeout and ground out to end the inning. In total, Seattle plated four runs on four hits. Welcome to the big leagues, Mr. Darvish. However, if I’m a Darvish owner, I’m actually fine taking the rough outing on Monday because the long-term gain could be huge. After that first inning, Darvish showed excellent composure by settling down and yielding just one more run during the next 4 2/3 innings. He finished the game with five strikeouts, four walks and a total of five ER in 5 2/3 innings. It will take some time for Darvish to adjust but don’t be fooled by the ugly line – he showed a lot of guts and ability in his first outing. - jhettler
		According to the Star Telegram, "All things considered, Yu Darvish turned in an impressive major league debut Monday night. He opened the game by allowing four runs in a 42-pitch first inning. But he settled down, made it through 5 2/3 innings and left Rangers Ballpark with his first big league victory after the Rangers pulled away for an 11-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Darvish issued a four-pitch walk to Chone Figgins to start the game, and then struck out Dustin Ackley. The next six batters reached base, though, including run-scoring hits by Kyle Seager and Miguel Olivo. Darvish issued a bases-loaded walk to Munenori Kawasaki, as well. When the first inning was over, Darvish had allowed four runs on four hits with three walks. He allowed one run in the second, and then threw three scoreless innings. Darvish retired 10 consecutive batters at one point, but was pulled with two outs in the sixth after giving up a walk to Ackley and a single to Ichiro Suzuki. He allowed five runs on eight hits with four walks and five strikeouts in his debut. The Rangers’ offense bailed Darvish out of the early hole. Michael Young and Nelson Cruz had RBI singles in the first. Nelson Cruz then roped a three-run home run over the leftfield fence in the third. In the fourth, Mitch Moreland had a two-run homer and Josh Hamilton sent one deep to center. Ian Kinsler put the game out of reach with a three-run shot in the bottom of the eighth, putting Texas up 11-5. The Rangers’ bullpen closed out the victory with 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Alexi Ogando worked 1 1/3 innings, Mike Adams pitched the eighth and Scott Feldman made his season debut in the ninth."

Drabek, Kyle (P) Tor		The Blue Jays’ Kyle Drabek won the team’s final rotation spot this spring and looks to rebound from an awful 2011 season when he posted a 6.29 walk rate and 1.14 HR rate in 78 major league innings before being demoted. Drabek’s first start of the season is tonight against Boston. The right hander was considered a top-30 prospect before the 2010 and 2011 seasons and was particularly outstanding at AAA in 2010, owning a sub-3.00 ERA in 162 innings. The key for Drabek this season will be his ability to limit the free passes. His minor league strikeout rates weren’t overly impressive so he’s not expected to miss a ton of bats in the big leagues, meaning a walk rate above 3.00 is going to cause him issues. Until we see a few starts and can gauge whether Drabek has fixed his control problems from last year, he remains waiver wire fodder. - jhettler


Aceves, Alfredo (RP) Bos
		According to the Red Sox' official website, "Alfredo Aceves wrote a short note to manager Bobby Valentine before Monday's 4-2 victory over the Blue Jays that had one key word: Trust. Even after Aceves failed to record a single out in his first two games as Boston's closer, Aceves still trusted himself, and he wanted to make sure his manager also did. Valentine reassured Aceves that he would get the ball again if the Red Sox had the lead in the ninth inning -- and he did. This time, Aceves worked a 1-2-3 ninth and the Red Sox were in the win column after dropping their first three. "I just said, 'Trust' [in the note to Valentine]," said Aceves. "We're going to still trust. The last three games against Detroit, everything was negative. You guys [in the media], you're doing the best that you can. But we stick together, and one of the things is trust. Whatever you do, just trust." Aceves' ERA might be 27.00, but it sure beats the infinity dashes he had going into the game. "Well, like [hitting coach] Dave Magadan said, he's got an ERA now," quipped Valentine. "You know, he came in, he threw pretty much the same pitches. They were all quality -- up in the zone, away in the zone. His breaking ball was really good. His fastball was crisp. Before the game, he wrote me a little note and talked about trust. I told him I trusted him. He knew he was going to have the ball." After his two nightmares in Detroit, the latter of which had come on Sunday afternoon when he squandered a three-run lead in seven pitches, Aceves carved up the Blue Jays."
		2012: 1 IP/ 4.000 WHIP/ 27.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -8.50 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 4.000 WHIP/ 27.00 ERA/0 W/ 1 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -8.50 FPI
Santana, Carlos (C) Cle
		According to the Plain Dealer, "Catcher Carlos Santana has reached agreement on a contract extension with the Indians. The team is expected to make an announcement on the deal today. It is not known how much the contract is worth or its length. Santana, 26, is entering his second full season in the big leagues. He will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2016 season when he'll be 30. The Indians recently signed Santana, still not eligible for arbitration, to a one-year deal worth $501,900. It is not known if that will stay the same or be restructured as part of the extension. News of Santana's extension was first reported by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Santana is hitting .250 (4-for-16) with two homers and four RBI through the first four games of this season. He hit two homers Sunday to celebrate his 26th birthday. He drove in a run in Monday's 4-2 loss to Chicago. The Indians are basing their investment on Santana on what he did last year. While hitting only .239 (132-for-552), Santana hit 35 doubles, two triples and 27 homers with 79 RBI. He scored 84 runs, drew 97 walks for a slugging percentage of .457 and an on base percentage of .351. Santana split time between catching and first base last year. This year he'll concentrate on catching. He'll move to DH against certain lefties to rest his legs."
		2012: 16 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.625 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.80 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.625 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.80 FPI
Dunn, Adam (DH) ChA
		According to the Sun Times, "Adam Dunn got his first game action at first base, switching positions with Paul Konerko, who was the designated hitter. Dunn, who is no Gold Glover, has played more games in the outfield (1,096) than first base (372). Manager Robin Ventura — who got Dunn on the field as much as possible to keep him active — said Dunn “was moving around fine” at first in Arizona. “I’d rather have him there than in left field,’’ Ventura said. “So we’re going to keep him at first.” Ventura had said that Kosuke Fukudome would start Monday but he changed his mind and will start him Tuesday against his former team, probably in left field."
		2012: 13 AB/ 0.154 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.50 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.154 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Moustakas, Michael (3B) KC
		According to the Royals' official website, "Royals manager Ned Yost noted that, despite his slow start at the plate, Mike Moustakas has been providing stellar defense at third base. Moustakas has a little secret: a little glove. He uses a training glove or mini-glove in practice, a Rawlings mitt that looks made for a Little Leaguer. But many players use it as a tool to improve their fielding and Moustakas is a true believer. "It keeps your hands down and makes you actually feel the ball, make you catch the ball in the right part of the glove," Moustakas said. "You don't have a lot of room to miss. So when you're fielding ground balls you have to be a lot more perfect, a lot more fine to be able to get it right in that little area." He said the mini-glove measures just 9 1/2 inches from bottom to top while his normal glove is 12 1/4 inches. Moustakas has been using it since his Minor League days."
		2012: 11 AB/ 0.091 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.364 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ 0.05 FPI Week: 11 AB/ 0.091 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.364 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ 0.05 FPI
Hendriks, Liam (P) Min
		According to the Twins' official website, "Twins right-hander Liam Hendriks, who missed his scheduled start on Sunday with food poisoning, was released from the hospital in Baltimore on Monday and flew back to the Twin Cities. Hendriks will be evaluated by the club upon his return, as the Twins are still not sure when he'll be ready to rejoin the rotation. Right-hander Anthony Swarzak, who allowed just one run over five innings on Sunday in place of Hendriks, is tentatively scheduled to start again on Thursday against the Angels. "I'm going to come to the field tomorrow and do some running and see how I recover," said Hendriks, who wasn't sure what made him sick. "I didn't lose any weight, which is a plus. It should take a few days, so we'll see how it goes."

Barton, Daric (1B) Oak
		According to the SF Chronicle, "Daric Barton returned to the A's as the everyday first baseman, and manager Bob Melvin said, "That was the plan all along. He was going to have the time off. Whenever we felt he was comfortable coming back and playing here, he was going to be in the lineup." Barton was activated from the disabled list on Monday, and Brandon Allen was designated for assignment, leaving Kila Ka'aihue as Barton's backup. "They've been really loyal to me ever since I've come over here," Barton said. "You can't expect that's going to happen, but it's something that's happened. I'm really grateful for every opportunity they've given me, and I want to come out here and show what I can do." Barton was far more productive in 2010 (.273 .405 on-base percentage, 10 homers, 57 RBIs, 159 games) than 2011 (.212, .267 OBP, no homers, 21 RBIs, 67 games). He underwent shoulder surgery in August and played only seven Cactus League games and four more for Triple-A Sacramento. Melvin became A's manager in June and admitted he had to "rely on people in the organization" to evaluate Barton, adding, "I didn't see much of him before. I've seen his numbers. At his best, he's got an on-base over .400, gives you gap to gap power with an occasional longball, and he plays plus defense." Barton said the shoulder doesn't affect his swings but does affect his throws and that he must "save my bullets, basically. Overall, it's felt pretty good. It's getting better every day." Asked if he'll provide more power this year, Barton said, "When I put a good swing on a good pitch, it can go out. I'm not going to be like (Yoenis) Céspedes and hit it off the center-field facade."
		2012: 3 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.00 FPI Week: 3 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.00 FPI
Ryan, Brendan (SS) Sea
		According to the Seattle Times, "Brendan Ryan was wearing this loss all over like a bodysuit after his Mariners let one slip away with multiple nations watching. The much-anticipated debut of Rangers free-agent acquisition Yu Darvish was on the way to becoming the biggest opening flop since "John Carter" hit movie theaters when Ryan helped the pitcher out of a first-inning mess Monday night. Ryan struck out on three pitches, and the Mariners whiffed the rest of the way in taking an 11-5 loss in which the Rangers came from behind with four home runs. What isn't apparent in the final score is how close the Mariners were to knocking Darvish out of the game in the first inning, when after he'd thrown 38 pitches he had one out, the bases loaded and four runs already in. Four pitches later, he was out of the inning — on the Ryan strikeout and a first-pitch grounder by Chone Figgins — and the Mariners were never quite the same. "It was kind of a letdown," Ryan said. "We scored four in the first inning and we could have even scored more there." Ryan wasn't happy with taking a first-pitch strike on the most-hittable offering Darvish sent his way. He then flailed badly at an ensuing fastball and slider , and Darvish was on his way to escaping the frame on 42 pitches and eventually working into the sixth for an improbable victory. The worst part of the first inning was still to come for Ryan, who flubbed a routine throw on the back end of what should have been a 6-4-3 double play in the bottom half. Instead of getting Mariners starter Hector Noesi out of that inning, Ryan's wide throw allowed Michael Young and Nelson Cruz to come to bat and hit run-scoring singles to cut the lead to 4-2. "I just pulled it," Ryan said. "I've done it a million times and I just pulled it. I don't know. It was just kind of a bad throw really. Nothing else you can say." Noesi wound up throwing 32 pitches in the inning and fell apart by the third, when Cruz smashed a three-run homer into the left-field stands to tie the score. One inning later, Erasmo Ramirez was warming up frantically in the bullpen when Mitch Moreland crushed Noesi's 85th and final pitch for a two-run homer and a 7-5 lead. Noesi said he wasn't impacted by the national attention on Darvish's debut, the charged-up crowd of 42,003 fans at Rangers Ballpark on a Monday, or the extra-large media throng from Japan. But the Ryan missed throw certainly didn't help. Ramirez replaced Noesi after the Moreland blast and served up a solo homer to Josh Hamilton, but otherwise looked solid in three innings of two-hit relief work. George Sherrill allowed a three-run homer to Ian Kinsler on a 3-0 pitch in the eighth to close out the scoring."
		2012: 13 AB/ 0.231 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.36 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.231 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.36 FPI
Kinsler, Ian (2B) Tex
		According to the Star Telegram, "The Rangers and second baseman Ian Kinsler came close last week to getting a long-term extension done, so close that it took only four days into the regular season to hammer one out. Kinsler confirmed that he has agreed to a five-year deal worth $75 million with an option for a sixth year. The deal will begin next season, wiping out the $10 million club option the Rangers held and were certain to exercise. Kinsler will take a physical Tuesday, and an announcement is expected Wednesday. A two-time All-Star, Kinsler becomes the second core member the Rangers have locked up in the past month, joining left-hander Derek Holland. Kinsler was seeking a deal that would allow him to spend the rest of his career with the Rangers."
		2012: 15 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.933 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.11 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.933 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.11 FPI
Pestano, Vinnie (RP) Cle
		According to the Indians' official website, "Relievers are trained to have short memories, but nothing helps more than having a good outing as soon as possible in the wake of a bad one. In that sense, Indians setup man Vinnie Pestano was happy he was able to have a critical appearance in Sunday's 4-3 victory over the Blue Jays. With two runners aboard and one out in the eighth inning, the right-hander entered and struck out Edwin Encarnacion and Brett Lawrie to end a threatening Toronto rally. "That was pretty much the game plan going out there," Pestano said. "I didn't want to give them any opportunity to try to put the ball in play and flick something between the infielders or over somebody's head." Pestano also wanted to quickly move on from his previous appearance. On Saturday afternoon, Pestano entered in the ninth inning with Cleveland and Toronto stuck in a 2-2 tie. Blue Jays second baseman Kelly Johnson slugged a leadoff homer off Pestano in the ninth -- a misstep that helped lead to a tiring 12-inning game. "You're only going to be as good as your last outing," said Pestano, who had a 2.32 ERA with 84 strikeouts as a rookie last year. "So the quicker you can get a bad one behind you, the better it is. You try not to let [the rough outings] affect you, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they don't kind of stick with you." After striking out Lawrie to end the eighth inning on Sunday, Pestano let out a yell and pumped his fists as he left the field."
		2012: 3 IP/ 1.120 WHIP/ 3.37 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 0.57 FPI Week: 3 IP/ 1.124 WHIP/ 3.37 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 0.57 FPI
Duffy, Danny (P) KC
		According to the Royals' official website, "Left-hander Danny Duffy returns to the scene of the conquest. It was at the Oakland Coliseum that last June 14 Duffy posted his first Major League victory while about 100 family and friends celebrated in the stands. Many of them had made the 2 1/2-hour trip from his hometown, Lompoc, Calif. "It's cool to pitch there, I've pitched well there and it's going to be nice to pitch in front of my family again," he said. "I can't wait -- Game 2, Tuesday." Yep, he'll start Tuesday night's game against the A's whom he defeated, 7-4, last year in his sixth start after being called up from Triple-A Omaha. He worked six innings and gave up two runs on four hits and four walks. Duffy is coming off a remarkable last Spring Training outing in which he threw three perfect innings with seven strikeouts against the Padres at Lake Elsinore, Calif. "I was feeling good," he said. "I've got to ride that into season. I'm excited to play with these guys and do what we've been working toward."

Pettitte, Andy (P) NYA
		According to the NY Daily News, "Andy Pettitte’s comeback got off to a strong start Monday as the lefthander threw three innings in a Class A game for Tampa in the Florida State League. Pitching against the Phillies’ Class-A team in Clearwater, Pettitte allowed one run on two hits in three innings, striking out two without issuing a walk. He threw 26 of his 32 pitches for strikes. “I felt good with everything,” Pettitte told The Associated Press. “Just another good step.” Joe Girardi planned to check in with Pettitte either Monday night or Tuesday morning. “I’ll be more concerned with how he felt than anything,” Girardi said. Pettitte, who threw an inning in the Yankees’ final spring game last Wednesday, said he would get an extra day off before making his next start, which is scheduled for Sunday with the same Tampa team at Steinbrenner Field. “This is a process,” Pettitte said. “It’s going to take a little bit of time. My legs felt really good under me. We’ll bump it, probably to 50 pitches hopefully next time, and we’ll see what happens from there.”

Allen, Brandon (1B) Oak
		According to the SF Chronicle, "Melvin said he hopes Allen, 26, will be claimed off waivers by a big-league team but would also like him to clear waivers and return to the A's organization. Allen was 0-for-7 with five strikeouts. "It was tough. Kila was just playing better at this point in time," said Melvin, adding Allen's batting practices "started to get better. We felt he was making progress, then he faced Felix (Hernandez of Seattle), who can make you feel bad about yourself."
		2012: 7 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.71 KRate/ -0.50 FPI Week: 7 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.71 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Hannahan, Jack (3B) Cle
		According to the Indians' official website, "One of Jack Hannahan's goals for this season with the Indians is to prove that he is a better hitter than his career numbers indicate. Cleveland is confident that the third baseman has the ability to accomplish that this year. "We've always felt that he is a better offensive player than what his numbers show," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He showed flashes of it last year. In Spring Training, he kind of showed a better approach at the plate, too. We're not saying he's all of a sudden going to become Wade Boggs, but we do feel that he can be a better hitter." Hannahan once again showed his potential on Opening Day on Thursday, launching a home run in Cleveland's 7-4, 16-inning loss to Toronto. Three games into the season, the third baseman also tops the Indians with four RBIs. It might be just one series, but it was a good way for Hannahan to start his season. "It's great," said Hannahan, who was hitting .250 through three games. "I worked hard in this offseason trying to maintain [my swing] and I came into Spring Training swinging the bat well. It felt good to come in and feel good in the box and put some good swings on the ball." Last season, the 32-year-old Hannahan hit .250 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs in 110 games for the Indians overall, but he enjoyed an especially strong finish. After switching to a heavier bat, the third baseman hit .368 over his final 25 games from Aug. 13 through the end of the season. Hannahan's Opening Day home run was his second in a row in Cleveland's season opener. The third baseman now has three Opening Day blasts in his career."
		2012: 12 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.58 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.58 FPI
Cabrera, Miguel (3B) Det
		According to the MLive.com, "Miguel Cabrera has been named American League Player of the Week. Cabrera hit .455 (5-for-11) with three home runs and eight RBIs in a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Cabrera is tied for the lead in the majors with 14 total bases and is tied for second with five runs. He has the third-best slugging percentage of 1.273 and drew three walks in the series. Cabrera has been named the Player of the Week nine times in his career, including five times with the Tigers. Cabrera hit a dramatic three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday to tie the game at 10-10 and send it into extra innings. He singled and scored in the 11th inning before Alex Avila hit a two-run home run to give the Tigers a 13-12 victory and their first 3-0 start since 2006. Cabrera went 3-for-5 with five RBIs in the game."
		2012: 11 AB/ 0.455 BA/ 3 HR/ 8 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 1.273 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 1.64 FPI Week: 11 AB/ 0.455 BA/ 3 HR/ 8 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 1.273 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 1.64 FPI
Gordon, Alex (OF) KC
		According to the KC Star, "Left fielder Alex Gordon and third baseman Mike Moustakas got one-day breaks Monday night — consider it a mental breather — for the series opener against the A’s after a dismal showing over the weekend against the Angels. Speedy Jason Bourgeois replaced Gordon in left and atop the lineup. Yuniesky Betancourt started at third in place of Moustakas. The moves added two right-handed bats to the lineup against Oakland lefty Tommy Milone. The Royals planned, all along, for Betancourt to draw occasional duty at third base in place of Moustakas against left-handed pitchers, although Yost again stressed it’s not a platoon situation. “It’s not like we’re putting them on the bench today because they can’t handle lefties,” Yost said. “Both of those guys are really close to putting it together. They just haven’t had much luck. Moose especially.” Gordon struck out six times and reached base only once, on a walk, in the season’s first three games. Moustakas was one for 11, although that one hit was a homer in Saturday’s victory over the Angels. Gordon didn’t have many good swings, but he has a history of slow starts. He has never had more than three hits in his first 13 at-bats in any of his six seasons. He was two-for-13 last season when he batted a career-high .303. Still, he didn’t just shrug it off. “I need to play better,” Gordon said, “especially if I’m going to be leading off for this team. It’s been a tough way to open the season. I just need to stay positive. Luckily, against the Angels, guys like (Billy) Butler and (Eric) Hosmer really stepped it up.” Hosmer had home runs Saturday and Sunday in victories over the Angels. Butler’s two-run homer in the first inning started the Royals toward a victory. “It’s three games,” Yost said. “So no concerns. Gordo’s fine. He just didn’t get any hits. He’s not a streaky guy, either. When he gets it going, he’s going to be real consistent with it.” Gordon and Moustakas should return tonight to the lineup."
		2012: 14 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.37 FPI Week: 14 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.37 FPI
Pedroia, Dustin (2B) Bos
		According to the Boston Herald, "Ryan Sweeney singled home the go-ahead run in the ninth inning and the Boston Red Sox rallied to beat the Blue Jays 4-2 on Monday night, spoiling Toronto’s home opener and avoiding the first back-to-back 0-4 starts in team history. Dustin Pedroia homered and scored the tying run as the Red Sox handed new Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos his second blown save in three appearances. Handed a 2-1 lead to start the ninth, Santos (0-1) surrendered a leadoff double to Pedroia, who advanced to third on a passed ball and scored on a sacrifice fly by Adrian Gonzalez. Kevin Youkilis struck out before David Ortiz and Cody Ross drew consecutive walks. After a visit to the mound by pitching coach Bruce Walton, Sweeney hit an RBI single through the right side. Darnell McDonald, pinch-running for Ortiz, slid home safely when Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia couldn’t handle the throw from Jose Bautista, a miscue that also allowed both runners to advance. Ross scored soon after when Santos uncorked a wild pitch that bounced into Boston’s dugout along the first base line. Making his first home appearance since being acquired in a December trade with the White Sox, Santos was booed off the mound by the crowd of 48,473 when manager John Farrell came out to replace him with Luis Perez, who ended the inning by getting Mike Aviles to ground into a fielder’s choice. Scott Atchison (1-0) worked three shutout innings for his first win since July 23, 2010, and Alfredo Aceves closed it out with a perfect ninth for his first save, rebounding after blowing a save and failing to retire a batter in his two previous outings this season. After making a diving catch to rob Jarrod Saltalamacchia of a hit in the top of the third, center fielder Colby Rasmus got Toronto’s offense started in the bottom half, hitting a one-out triple up the alley in right center. Yunel Escobar walked before Rasmus scored on Kelly Johnson’s fielder’s choice grounder to the mound, sliding in just ahead of Saltalamacchia’s swipe tag. Bautista flied out before Edwin Encarnacion doubled Toronto’s lead with an RBI single to left. Blue Jays right-hander Henderson Alvarez kept the Red Sox off the board until the sixth, when Pedroia hit a solo home run to left center, his first. That was the only run allowed by Alvarez, who gave up four hits in six innings, walked one and struck out a pair. Making his fourth career start, and his first since July 16, 2010, Red Sox left-hander Felix Doubront allowed two runs and four hits in five innings. He walked three and struck out a career-high six."
		2012: 17 AB/ 0.294 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.588 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.87 FPI Week: 17 AB/ 0.294 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.588 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.87 FPI
Mendoza, Luis (RP) KC
		According to the KC Star, "Two takeaway points for the Royals after Monday’s 1-0 loss to the Oakland A’s in front of a smattering of fans at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Point one, the Royals need to figure out a way to score at night. They were also blanked last Friday by the Angels in their only previous night game. And point two, they need to clean up their base running to help them accomplish point one. The Royals stacked their lineup with two extra right-handed bats against A’s left-hander Tommy Milone by inserting Jason Bourgeois and Yuniesky Betancourt for Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas. Gordon was zero for 13 against the Angels in the first three games. The early returns couldn’t have been better: Bourgeois opened the game with a double to left center. The positive vibes stopped at that point. Bourgeois was thrown out at third when he tried to advance on Lorenzo Cain’s fly ball along the line in right field. Let’s be fair, though. Oakland right fielder Josh Reddick made a terrific throw for the out. “I knew he had time to get under it,” Bourgeois said, “but I took a chance and tried to make something happen.” The Royals then wasted Betancourt’s two-out double in the second inning and, far worse, Alcides Escobar’s leadoff double in the third. Escobar ended the inning at second after Chris Getz popped out, Bourgeois grounded to short and Cain flied out to center. That was nothing compared with the fourth inning, when the Royals ran into two more outs on the bases. Eric Hosmer led off with a walk and moved to second on a grounder to third before trying to steal third on a 2-0 pitch to Jeff Francoeur. Catcher Kurt Suzuki made a strong throw that nailed Hosmer. Francoeur then tried to steal second after a four-pitch walk, but Milone sniffed it out and made a pickoff throw to first — which resulted in a pitcher-first-short caught stealing. That all meant Milone worked a scoreless inning while throwing two strikes in 10 pitches. Milone, 1-0, settled into a groove by retiring 12 of the next 13 batters through the eighth inning. That completed his night: no strikeouts, three walks and those three doubles. The A’s turned to right-hander Grant Balfour in the ninth, which prompted the Royals to have Gordon bat for Bourgeois. Gordon struck out for the seventh time in 14 at-bats. Mitch Maier then batted for Cain and drew a walk. That got the game to Hosmer, who hit a topper to first for the second out while Maier took second. Balfour ended the game, and got his second save, by retiring Billy Butler on a fly to short center. Royals starter Luis Mendoza, 0-1, yielded just one run while scrambling through 52/3 innings that included five hits and four walks."
		2012: 6 IP/ 1.590 WHIP/ 1.59 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.35 K Inning/ 1.06 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.587 WHIP/ 1.59 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.35 K Inning/ 1.06 FPI
Jimenez, Ubaldo (P) Cle
		According to the Plain Dealer, "While serving his five-game suspension for hitting former teammate Troy Tulowitzki during an April 1 Cactus League game, Ubaldo Jimenez is allowed to work out with the team, but must leave the Indians’ clubhouse once the game starts. “I watched Sunday’s game at the ballpark,” said Jimenez, Monday night. “I was sitting in the family section with my parents. Tonight I’ll probably go somewhere else and watch it on TV. It’s supposed to be cold.” Jimenez started serving his five-game suspension Sunday after his Saturday start against Toronto. He’ll be in line to start Saturday against Kansas City."
		2012: 7 IP/ 0.570 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.43 K Inning/ 3.71 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.571 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.43 K Inning/ 3.71 FPI
Carroll, Jamey (SS) Min
		According to the Star Tribune, "Twins shortstop Jamey Carroll was waiting right by his locker -- Michael Cuddyer’s old locker, actually -- after Monday’s 5-1 loss to the Angels in the home opener at Target Field. Carroll is 0-for-13 on the young season, and he missed a key defensive play in the seventh inning. With the Twins trailing 2-1 and a runner on first base, Alberto Callaspo hit a grounder up the middle. Carroll dove for the ball and got a glove on it, but it still got by him. Asked if it’s a play he should have made, Carroll said, “Absolutely. I overplayed it. I thought I was going to have to dive a little bit. It ended up kind of slicing back to me. “It ended up being a big play. Think we could have gotten a double play out of it, then [Chris] Ianetta doubles, next at-bat, gets those two runs in -- that’s big.” As Carroll noted, Angels shortstop Erick Aybar had a similar play in the ninth inning -- on Ryan Doumit’s liner -- and made the catch for a double play. Offensively, Carroll is looking for that first hit, but at least he was patient enough to let C.J. Wilson walk him his first two trips to the plate Monday. But he's had other at-bats that haven't looked too good. “He’s got to get some hits,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s pressing. He started out in spring training the same way, didn’t get hits in a couple of games and started pressing, and we told him relax. And the same thing has got to happen now. He’s got to relax a little bit. He wants to do well. The kid wants to play.”
		2012: 13 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ -0.13 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ -0.13 FPI
Napoli, Mike (C) Tex
		According to the Rangers' official website, "Rangers catcher Mike Napoli entered Monday off to a 1-for-7 start and was batting eighth in the lineup for the second time in the first week of the season. Napoli, who hit sixth during his postseason tear last season, may be off to a slow start, but that's not why he's batting eighth, manager Ron Washington said before Monday's game against Seattle. Napoli is hitting there to break up the left-handed hitters at the bottom of the lineup, David Murphy and Mitch Moreland. Washington pointed out that Napoli is among several Rangers who haven't heated up in what is a small sampling of at-bats. Shortstop Elvis Andrus (1-for-12), third baseman Adrian Beltre (2-for-11) and outfielder Nelson Cruz (1-for-10) all had sub-par first series at the plate. Washington isn't worried about any of them -- he said it takes 100 at-bats to get a good idea. And Napoli did drive in a run with his one hit. "It's early," Washington said. "He has seven at-bats? He'll get happy with it. It may not be right now, but he'll get happy with it."
		2012: 8 AB/ 0.125 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.125 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ 0.32 FPI Week: 8 AB/ 0.125 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.125 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ 0.32 FPI
Ortiz, David (DH) Bos
		According to the Red Sox' official website, "You weren't seeing things. David Ortiz really did try to steal second base in the top of the seventh inning on Monday night, the Red Sox down by a run. It took a great throw by Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia to snuff it out. Ortiz and first-base coach Alex Ochoa had been cooking up the idea for a few days. If the first baseman plays behind Ortiz, try to make the opposition pay. Perhaps the timing left a little to be desired, but the idea wasn't a bad one. "Alex and David have been talking about it," manager Bobby Valentine said after Boston's 4-2 victory. "If they're going to play behind him, if he can get a good jump and they can pick a good pitch. I don't know if a one-run game in the seventh inning is a little dicey. You know, it's going to get guys to hold him on base and create a hole for the guys who are hitting behind him. I think it's a necessary strategy." Ortiz nearly got in there in time. "I was safe, by the way," said Ortiz. He was shaking his head about Arencibia's throw. "That's not fair. He should make that throw when guys are fast," quipped Ortiz. "No offense."
		2012: 15 AB/ 0.467 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.600 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 1.00 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.467 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.600 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 1.00 FPI
Rios, Alex (OF) ChA
		According to the Sun Times, "Just when Alex Rios was getting praise for his play in right field, he dropped a routine fly ball by Aaron Cunningham in the seventh for a two-base error. “He’s played great,’’ Ventura said before the game. “He’s aggressive and feels confident in right field. Even in spring, going back on balls, even [Sunday] night coming in on one. It’s just nice to see. When guys start playing like that, everyone else’s level will come up, just by the way that guy is playing in right field.” Ramirez made a nice play to prevent the error from costing a run. One plus in Rios’ move from center is that it’s physically less taxing, a good thing for a player who had toe issues last year. Before the error, Rios had been getting better reads on fly balls."
		2012: 13 AB/ 0.154 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.30 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.154 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.30 FPI
Humber, Philip (P) ChA
		According to the Sun Times, "At 225 pounds, Philip Humber is about 10 pounds heavier than last year. “The main thing is I feel stronger,’’ said Humber. “I feel like I have more behind the ball. Physically and mentally, I feel good.’’ Humber, 9-9 with a 3.75 ERA in his first full season in 2011, starts Tuesday against the Indians."

Wells, Vernon (OF) LAA
		According to the LA Times, "A mere three games into the season, the Angels are already concerned Vernon Wells is pressing in an effort to bounce back from his career-worst 2011, when the left fielder hit .218 with a .248 on-base percentage, 25 home runs and 66 runs batted in. Wells was two for 13 (.154) with a home run and four strikeouts in the season-opening series against Kansas City, whiffing twice Sunday on pitches that were well above the strike zone. Wells was not in the lineup Monday and was summoned by Manager Mike Scioscia for a brief closed-door chat before the game against the Minnesota Twins. Wells replaced Bobby Abreu in left field in the seventh inning and struck out in the eighth. "Absolutely," Scioscia said, when asked if Wells is feeling pressure to make up for last season. "He understands how much we need him. There could be some things players do from time to time to overcompensate for some things they're trying to correct." Wells spent much of the winter working with Chicago Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo to overhaul his swing and approach, but Scioscia said the adjustments he spoke to Wells about Monday were more "conceptual" than mechanical. "His bat speed is still incredible, and his hands are great," Scioscia said. "He just needs to settle in, and I think less will be more. He needs to keep it simple."
		2012: 14 AB/ 0.143 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.357 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ 0.14 FPI Week: 14 AB/ 0.143 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.357 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ 0.14 FPI
Nunez, Eduardo (DH) NYA
		According to the Star Ledger, "In his first game of the season, on the first ground ball hit his way, utility man Eduardo Nunez made an error. It made for an easy reminder of last year, when despite playing a part-time role, he led the team with 20 errors. But Girardi eliminated any question of his trust level with Nunez, starting him at third base for Alex Rodriguez, who as expected was given a day at designated hitter. Nunez flubbed a grounder in the third inning, though it was scored an infield single for Nolan Reimold. And in the ninth, Nunez nearly misread a pop-up, recovering at the last second to catch it. But Nunez also saved a run in the fourth, making a sprawling grab to rob Wilson Betemit of a hit. “It gives me more confidence, that they believe in what I’ve got,” Nunez said."
		2012: 5 AB/ 0.400 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.70 FPI Week: 5 AB/ 0.400 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.70 FPI
Beavan, Blake (P) Sea
		According to the Mariners' official website, "Of all the Mariners who've been disrupted by the odd start to the season in Japan, Blake Beavan stands as the one with the craziest schedule. The 23-year-old makes his season debut Tuesday against his former Rangers team, and it will be just his second game action in more than three weeks, thanks to the travel to Tokyo. Because of the split start to the season, the Mariners used Felix Hernandez and Jason Vargas twice each in the first four games against the A's. Hector Noesi and Hisashi Iwakuma started exhibition games in Tokyo, and Kevin Millwood remained in Arizona to throw in Minor League outings. Beavan was brought along to Tokyo as insurance in case something happened to Hernandez or Vargas, but he wound up throwing several innings of a simulated game in Japan and has tossed a couple extra bullpen sessions since his return. His only live action since March 17 was 5 1/3 innings against the Royals on April 1 in a Cactus League contest after Seattle returned to Arizona. "I don't like taking that much time off, but you just have to deal with it," said Beavan. "I'm going to try to get the first one out of the way and go with everything I've got to try to come out on the positive side. It's always nice to get the first one out of the way to start the year and then get back into the routine." This will be a big start on several fronts for Beavan, who grew up in Irving, about 10 minutes from Rangers Ballpark, and attended dozens of Rangers games growing up. He was then drafted in the first-round by Texas in 2007 before getting traded to Seattle in 2010 in the Cliff Lee deal. "I'll have a lot of people there," Beavan said. "I can't wait to actually pitch in Arlington for the first time. I'll just try to keep the ball to left. Left field plays pretty good. Right field is a different story." Beavan pitched twice against Texas last year as a rookie, both times at Safeco Field, and went 1-1 with a 1.84 ERA."

Alvarez, Henderson (P) Tor
		According to the Toronto Star, "Ryan Sweeney drove in the winning run as the Boston Red Sox scored three times in the ninth inning to claim a 4-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. Sweeney’s single to right field off Jays closer Sergio Santos (0-1) scored David Ortiz from second to break a 2-2 tie. Santos, who came on to protect a 2-0 Toronto lead, issued consecutive two-out walks to Ortiz and Cody Ross to set up Sweeney’s clutch hit. Dustin Pedroia, who homered earlier in the game, belted a leadoff double for Boston (1-3) and scored on Adrian Gonzalez’s sacrifice fly. Both Ross and Sweeney also came home on a wild pitch by Santos, who blew his second straight save, much to the dismay of the towel-twirling Rogers Centre sellout of 48,473. There would be no comeback for Toronto (2-2) as Boston right-hander Alfredo Aceves retired Brett Lawrie, Eric Thames and J.P. Arencibia in order in the ninth for the save. Scott Atchison (1-0), who relieved Red Sox starter Felix Doubront after the fifth, earned the win. Boston’s ninth-inning comeback spoiled Toronto’s home opener and took the decision away from starter Henderson Alvarez, who went six solid innings on a historic night. At 21 years 355 days Alvarez became the youngest Blue Jay to start a home opener in club history. The distinction previously belonged to Jerry Garvin, who was 22 years 174 days when he started Toronto’s home opener against the Detroit Tigers on April 14, 1978. Alvarez allowed four hits, one run and a walk over six innings while fanning two. He did a good job of keeping his pitches low as 12 of his 18 outs came on grounders. And while he did allow a Pedroia homer, it was a solo shot. Toronto dropped to 16-7 in home openers at Rogers Centre and 29-7 overall."
		2012: 6 IP/ 0.830 WHIP/ 1.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.33 K Inning/ 2.17 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 0.833 WHIP/ 1.50 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.33 K Inning/ 2.17 FPI
Atchison, Scott (RP) Bos
		According to the Red Sox' official website, "Scott Atchison is the reliever everyone forgets about every season. Yet he somehow finds away to keep resurfacing with the Red Sox. For the second time in three years, Atchison won a job in Spring Training. And on Monday night, he proved why. Coming on in relief of Felix Doubront, the veteran righty gave the Red Sox three stellar innings, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out three. With the Red Sox coming back to defeat the Blue Jays, 4-2, Atchison earned the win. "I've got no complaints. I'll pitch however much is needed, whatever is needed, whenever," Atchison said. "I feel like that's my value where I'm most valuable. Tonight, [manager Bobby Valentine] felt like I could go three. Then we went ahead and [Alfredo Aceves] was able to get it going like we know he can. I'll be ready to pitch whenever he wants me." It was reminiscent of the performance turned in by Vicente Padilla on Sunday, as he reeled off four strong innings in Detroit. "I think what works best for me is just to try to attack the strike zone," said Atchison. "I tried to do that tonight and was successful with it. From there, you can kind of expand on them and get ahead."
		2012: 4 IP/ 0.690 WHIP/ 2.08 ERA/ 1 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.69 K Inning/ 3.46 FPI Week: 4 IP/ 0.693 WHIP/ 2.08 ERA/1 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.69 K Inning/ 3.46 FPI
Gregg, Kevin (RP) Bal
		According to the Baltimore Sun, "Orioles right-hander Kevin Gregg is not in denial. He acknowledges that it will be up to him to re-establish his late-inning credentials now that manager Buck Showalter has made it clear Jim Johnson is the full-time closer. "Ideally, my aspirations are to close," Gregg said Monday, "but I'm not blind to the situation I have in front of me here." That situation still isn't 100 percent clear. Is he a setup man who will close on the days Johnson is not available? Or is he going to be used as a middle reliever in a role that could put him on the mound in just about any situation from the sixth inning through the end of the game? Showalter isn't saying, but he has indicated that he hopes he'll be in a position to use several of his relievers in tight, late-inning situations, depending on their availability and the circumstances that arise over the course of a long season. Gregg warmed up and was ready to come in when things got a little dicey for Jason Hammel in the eighth inning of Sunday's near no-hitter. He made his 2012 debut Monday night, entering the game in a mop-up situation with the Orioles down by five runs in the seventh and pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings. "Pitching is pitching," Gregg said. "You've got to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. What the future holds, I have no idea. I have to pitch and prove myself again." There is one thing, however, that Gregg will not be doing. He said Monday that he will not be waiting around for anybody else to fail."
		2012: 1 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 1.87 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.504 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 1.87 FPI
Blackburn, Nick (P) Min
		According to the Star Tribune, "Each of the first two home openers at Target Field ended with a capacity crowd on its feet and a thunderous roar as a pop fly settled into the glove of a Twins fielder — Michael Cuddyer in 2010 and Matt Tolbert in 2011 — securing victory on a 60-something-degree April afternoon. The weather was about 20 degrees colder Monday, and so was the home team. By game’s end, the stands were less than half-full, as Danny Valencia grounded to Angels shortstop Erick Aybar, who threw across the diamond for yet another infield out, finishing a quiet 5-1 loss for the Twins. At 0-4, they’ve matched their worst start since the franchise moved to Minnesota in 1961. As history shows, they lost their first four games in 1969 before Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva and Rod Carew rallied them to the postseason. The Twins hope this doesn’t turn into 1981, when they started 0-4 and finished 27 games under .500, especially after last year’s disaster. The Twins looked awful last weekend, getting outscored 15-5 in a three-game sweep against the long-downtrodden Orioles. And after honoring their 2002 team in a stirring pregame ceremony, the Twins couldn’t even make it through a half-inning without deflating their fans again. The Angels grabbed a 2-0, first-inning lead against Nick Blackburn, handing it to lefthander C.J. Wilson, their $77.5 million free agent acquisition. Wilson went seven innings, inducing 14 ground outs and zero fly outs. He was effectively wild, giving up four walks but just three hits. Leading off the fourth inning, Josh Willingham smashed a first-pitch changeup into the left-center field seats for his second home run as a Twin. But that was the only gift Wilson presented all day. Blackburn settled into his own groove, retiring 15 in a row at one point, but the Angels pulled away in the seventh. Bobby Abreu walked, and then Alberto Callaspo hit a grounder up the middle. Shortstop Jamey Carroll dove, but the ball squirted off his glove for a single. Chris Iannetta followed with a two-run double on a long fly ball that fell between Willingham and Denard Span in left-center field. That finished Blackburn’s day, and two batters later, Aybar executed a perfect suicide squeeze bunt, making it 5-1. That was plenty against a Twins offense that has scored just six runs in four games. They put at least one runner on base in eight of nine innings, but also hit into four double plays."
		2012: 6 IP/ 1.170 WHIP/ 7.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 1.58 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.167 WHIP/ 7.50 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 1.58 FPI
Feldman, Scott (P) Tex
		According to the Rangers' official website, "Mark Lowe, Robbie Ross and Koji Uehara all made their debuts out of the bullpen Sunday against the White Sox, combining for three shutout innings. Next up -- long man Scott Feldman. Manager Ron Washington said he will not wait for a long relief situation to get Feldman into a game. He is the only member of the bullpen that hasn't seen the mound to start the season. "When we get an opportunity, we're certainly going to get him out there," Washington said. Lowe and Uehara each gave up hits in their first appearances, but also had strikeouts. Washington said neither pitcher had anything to prove out of Spring Training. Lowe had a 4.00 spring ERA, while Uehara struggled to a 10.61 mark. "They have track records," Washington said. "Before Mark Lowe hurt his back, he was pretty good out of the bullpen. It was important they pitched well because we needed them to pitch well, not that they needed to prove anything. They don't need to prove anything other than they can go out there and get outs."
		2012: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Marquis, Jason (P) Min
		According to the Twins' official website, "Right-hander Jason Marquis could rejoin the rotation soon, as he's scheduled to make his second start with Double-A New Britain on Thursday. Marquis, who missed two weeks of Spring Training tending to his 7-year-old daughter, who was injured in a bicycle accident, is expected to throw around 100 pitches. He fared well in his first start in Double-A, allowing just one run over six innings while throwing 75 pitches. "He's done nothing to disappointment," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "Everything he's told me is true. He's working. He threw pretty good the other day."

Laffey, Aaron (P) Tor
		According to the Jays' official website, "Aaron Laffey's stint in the Minor Leagues lasted just five days, as the veteran left-hander now finds himself back with the big league club. Laffey was in contention for one of two spots in Toronto's starting rotation during Spring Training, but he ultimately was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas on the final day of camp. The 26-year-old made one start with the 51s, but he found out Sunday he was headed north after the Blue Jays optioned right-hander Joel Carreno to the Minors. "Just being a swing man in the past and being able to pitch in both roles, I knew this could be a possibility," said Laffey, who will pitch out of the bullpen. "But this early? No, you don't expect it, you don't think about it. You have to pitch wherever you're at and just be ready when you're called. I was a little surprised, not shocked, but definitely ready to go." Toronto had decided prior to Carreno's start on Sunday that he would be sent to the Minors after the game. The main reason for that was a pair of extra-innings games that required the Blue Jays to play 37 innings in their three-game set against the Indians. That put a heavy workload on Toronto's bullpen, and with a fifth starter not being needed until April 21, the Blue Jays brass went ahead with the roster move. Carreno, who surrendered four runs in six innings, will once again be considered for a starting job, but it's possible Laffey will enter the mix as well. Laffey went 3-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 53 1/3 innings with the Mariners and Yankees last season."

Today's AL report was produced by Fantistics' Joseph Hettler

Today's NL report was produced by Fantistics' Schuyler Dombroske

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