MLB Capsules - AL: A-Rod healthy and upbeat
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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Alex Rodriguez arrived at spring training and promptly discussed the most significant activity of his offseason: getting fed popcorn by Cameron Diaz at the Super Bowl in the snack seen 'round the world.
The New York Yankees third baseman, known for dating actress Kate Hudson during the 2009 World Series, was pictured on TV with Diaz in a suite at the game in Arlington, Texas.
"Did anyone watch the Super Bowl?" Rodriguez said to laughter Monday. "No popcorn endorsements yet, but our lines are open. Who would be upset about getting fed popcorn?"
Laughter quickly changed to a more serious tone when the discussion shifted to Rodriguez's onfield game the past two years, which declined following right hip surgery in March 2009.
The 13-time All-Star and three-time AL MVP was cleared during the offseason by Dr. Marc Philippon to end his combination rehab-workout program and resume his normal offseason routine. The result is a leaner A-Rod, down 5 or 6 pounds to around 222.
"This is as healthy as I've felt over the last several years," the 35-year-old Rodriguez said. "It's fun getting back to work. I have a good winter behind me of real work, probably my first since '07 or '08. I'm ready to go."
The Yankees are coming off a six-game loss to Texas in the AL championship series, which followed a season in which A-Rod won his first World Series ring.
"I hear there's a lot of doubters out there, which is fun," Rodriguez said. "We were two wins shy of the World Series. With the exception of Swish (Nick Swisher) and Robbie (Robinson Cano), I think the other seven guys, if you ask them, all of us would say there's a lot of room for improvement. And that start's with me."
Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner expects a big season from Rodriguez.
"The guy can still do it big time, no question," Steinbrenner said.
Two years ago, Rodriguez arrived at spring training and held an emotional news conference during which he admitted using performance-enhancing drops. His arrival was more low-key this year.
"I believe I'm in a better place after all the things that have gone on," Rodriguez said. "I felt a sense of liberation. Just really enjoying my life, enjoying the game and enjoying my teammates."
Rodriguez will continue to have the hip examined twice a year. He didn't completely rule out the possibility that he could face another operation in the future.
Both Rodriguez and Steinbrenner were impressed by Boston's offseason moved, which included the additions of left fielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
"They always do a great job," Rodriguez said. "They know what they're doing. They got two great players. Last year they went through injuries. They're going to be tough to beat this year. I know they're excited to have a great year, and so are we."
Steinbrenner thinks Boston owner John Henry is serious about winning.
"John is as committed as we are, and that's the bottom line," Steinbrenner said. "He'll do what he needs to do."
Steinbrenner thinks the AL East may be the best division in all of American sports.
"It's always going to be the Yankees and Red Sox and whoever else right now," he said. "Now it's the Phillies who look very tough."
When asked what he was focused on, Rodriguez said "28," which would be the Yankees' total of World Series titles with another one.
"I think all the guys are ready for the challenge," Rodriguez said. "The feeling we were left with in Texas was not good."
NOTES: Closer Mariano Rivera should have his first bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday. The right-hander has been taking a slower approach at spring training the past few years. ... Rodriguez doesn't think ace CC Sabathia, who can opt of his contract after this season, will leave the team. "I know that CC enjoys being a Yankee very much," Rodriguez said. "We love having him." ... LHP Boone Logan brought out an ice pack from the clubhouse for a girl in the stands he accidentally hit with a thrown ball on the lower right arm. Stadium medical staff treated the injury.
Steinbrenner says Yanks 'busy building mansions'
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner thinks his team's celebration of its 2009 World Series championship may have lasted too long.
"I think, maybe, they celebrated too much last year," Steinbrenner said Monday. "Some of the players, too busy building mansions and doing other things and not concentrating on winning. I have no problem saying that."
When it was pointed out that Yankees captain Derek Jeter was building a large multimillion dollar home in Tampa last year, Steinbrenner said he wasn't singling out any individual.
"I was just saying, maybe they were riding the wave of '09 a little too much, and it happens sometimes," Steinbrenner said. "This year in spring so far, from what I've seen and what I've been told, they've come in with a real, new drive and determination — the kind they had in '09."
New York lost in the AL championship series last season to Texas after fading in the second half of the season and winding up with the AL wild card.
Steinbrenner also said baseball's revenue sharing and luxury tax programs need changes, and that Commissioner Bud Selig is open to the idea.
Steinbrenner said he doesn't know what the final figure is, but expects the Yankees' 2010 payments for the two to total about $130 million.
"We've got to do a little something about that, and I know Bud wants to correct it in some way," Steinbrenner said. "Obviously, we're very much allies with the Red Sox and the Mets, the Dodgers, the Cubs, whoever in that area."
"At some point, if you don't want to worry about teams in minor markets, don't put teams in minor markets, or don't leave teams in minor markets if they're truly minor," Steinbrenner said. "Socialism, communism, whatever you want to call it, is never the answer."
Red Sox 1B Gonzalez starts swinging
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Adrian Gonzalez hit Monday for the first time since shoulder surgery four months ago and is confident he'll be ready for opening day.
Boston's new first baseman received medical clearance on Sunday to begin swinging and said he hit 20 balls off a tee. He's scheduled to hit off a tee for two more days, then take a day off for his condition to be reassessed.
"The only thing that I had any concerns with were the first couple of swings, see how it responded," Gonzalez said, "and once the first two swings felt great, it was just like taking 18 more swings."
Gonzalez hurt his right, non-throwing, shoulder last May and still played 160 games for the San Diego Padres. He underwent surgery on his labrum on Oct. 20 and was traded to the Red Sox on Dec. 5 for right-hander Casey Kelly, two other prospects and infielder-outfielder Eric Patterson.
The additions of Gonzalez and left fielder Carl Crawford improve an already strong batting order that includes Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and Jacoby Ellsbury. Barring injury, all six should be in the starting lineup for the opener against the Texas Rangers on April 1.
"It looks like he was getting a little bored not being able to hit, so it'll be fun and fun for all of us to have him out there and hit with us," Youkilis said. "We don't want him to come out right away. We would rather him just slowly progress and get to the point where he's 100 percent healthy and helping us on April 1, not March 1."
Despite pain from the injury, Gonzalez batted .298 with 31 homers and 101 RBIs and missed just two games last season. He hit 36 homers in 2008 and 40 in 2009.
The injury "didn't really affect me numbers-wise, but it made me adjust my swing a little bit," he said. "So I wanted to go and be able to get back to my normal swing. I was in a good amount of pain. You deal with it."
Gonzalez missed just 11 games in his five seasons with San Diego, batting .287 and averaging 32 homers and 100 RBIs while winning two Gold Gloves.
He said he's been ready to swing for some time but had to get the medical OK.
"He was kind of chomping at the bit," manager Terry Francona said.
The go-ahead came after Red Sox team physician Dr. Thomas Gill spoke Sunday with New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek, who operated.
"They say four months to start swinging, and today is four months plus a day," Gonzalez said, "so I'm on schedule."
Besides, he usually doesn't swing a bat before arriving at spring training anyway.
"I didn't hold back. I took good, healthy swings and I felt fine," he said. "Shoulder's healthy, so it's just like normal."
-- Howard Ulman
Lee eager to take his swings with Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The question brought a smile and a head nod from first baseman Derrek Lee, a nonverbal confirmation that he's excited about batting third in the Baltimore Orioles' revamped lineup. Yes, Lee has thought about hitting in front of Vladimir Guerrero — and all the damage they could do.
"We've got a good lineup. It's exciting," Lee said. "One through nine, we've got guys who can hit. We've got some speed in the lineup. I think we're going to be able to put some runs on the board."
Lee reported to camp Saturday after signing a one-year, $7.5 million contract last month. The Orioles held their first full-squad workout on Monday, but Lee is restricted in his activities while rehabbing his right thumb.
He underwent surgery in November to repair a torn ligament in the thumb, an injury he sustained on opening day last year with the Chicago Cubs. Lee has been hitting soft tosses in the indoor cage at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, and hopes to graduate to live batting practice in the next week to 10 days.
"Everything's progressing right on schedule. In fact, he's ahead of schedule," manager Buck Showalter said. "Right now, I don't see it being a problem for us if he continues to progress at the rate that he is."
Lee's production tailed off last year after he drove in 111 runs in 2009 and finished ninth in MVP voting in the National League. He batted a combined .260 with 19 homers and 80 RBIs in 109 games with the Cubs and 39 with the Atlanta Braves.
"I have a little chip on my shoulder," the 35-year-old said. "I hear people say I'm old, I'm declining. I want to prove that theory wrong. I'm getting up there, I've played the game a long time, but that doesn't mean I'm getting worse because of age. I had a bad year, but that's behind me."
The Orioles almost traded for Lee in the winter of 2003, but they couldn't work out an extension after he visited Camden Yards with his family, so the Florida Marlins dealt him to the Cubs.
"I guess I was meant to be an Oriole," he said.
It's been a long and winding road. The Orioles made offers to free-agent first basemen Victor Martinez, Adam Dunn and Adam LaRoche this winter before reaching agreement with Lee.
A month later, they reached agreement with Guerrero, who signed his contract on Friday and will bat cleanup as the full-time designated hitter.
"I was fired up," Lee said. "This guy is one of the premier hitters in the game, just a pure hitter. He falls out of bed hitting. So, you stick him in the middle of the lineup, he just makes guys around him better because he's one of those guys the other teams have to focus on. When he's hot, he can carry a team two or three weeks at a time."
The Orioles went 34-23 after hiring Showalter in early August. Lee tracked their progress and noted all the additions they made in the offseason, including trades that brought third baseman Mark Reynolds and shortstop J.J. Hardy.
"You started taking notice of them last year," Lee said. "Even in the National League, you saw what Baltimore was doing to finish up the season. And that continued in the offseason."
Lee will serve as one of the veteran leaders. He's viewed as being approachable and willing to share his experiences with younger players.
"It's fun playing with the young guys because they're hungry and excited and they bring that passion," he said. "And you can show them the ropes along the way, whatever advice they may need or questions they may have. Some of us have been through the fires and we can bring some guidance."
Right fielder Nick Markakis and minor league infielder Pedro Florimon were the last two position players to report, giving the Orioles perfect attendance for Monday's workout.
Guerrero hit outdoors for the first time and launched couple balls into the parking lot beyond the left field fence. Lee took grounders at first base and worked on turning the 3-6-3 double play.
"This was the first time we were all able to get out on the field together," center fielder Adam Jones said. "Just being able to get on the field and stretch as a team, that's what it's all about. It's the first day that everybody's got on their spikes and I'm sure people's feet will be hurting tonight. But let's get it going, let's get the ball rolling."
Showalter said right-hander Brad Bergesen will start the Feb. 28 exhibition opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, followed by Chris Tillman. Both pitchers will work two or three innings.
Matsui gets to work on first day with A's
PHOENIX (AP) — Coco Crisp approached Hideki Matsui while they warmed up Monday and pulled his new teammate into a hug. They shook hands, too — a little more the Japanese style.
Crisp was far from the only one thrilled to see Oakland's new designated hitter in uniform and on the field. Pitcher Dallas Braden greeted the slugger in the clubhouse on reporting day with a life-size blowup Godzilla representing Matsui's nickname, even dressing it in his No. 55 jersey.
"I felt it. All over the place," catcher Kurt Suzuki said of Matsui fever. "Very cool."
Matsui tipped his cap to the large contingent monitoring his every move after a session in the covered cage at Papago Park, then smiled as he went through sprint work on a welcome sunny day in the desert following a weekend of heavy rain and cold. He even pulled out his glove to play catch and later did defensive drills with the outfielders.
"It's like the first day of school. It's great," second baseman Mark Ellis said of the hype. "There are a lot of people all over the place. Getting people to talk about the A's, that's good. It will be different."
The Athletics have high hopes that Matsui and fellow newcomers David DeJesus and Josh Willingham will boost the middle of the order and make them a contender in the AL West. Oakland managed only 109 homers and 663 runs last season, the team's second fewest in the last 28 non-shortened seasons.
"Practice went pretty well," Matsui said through his interpreter, Roger Kahlon. "I'm happy to be wearing this uniform."
While the A's got their first look at their upgraded roster all together, there's not ever much to take from Day 1. Hitters typically stand in the batter's box and spend more time tracking pitches than taking actual swings.
"They're all standing upright. That's good," A's assistant general manager David Forst said with a smile. His club used the disabled list 23 times last season, two shy of the franchise record set in 2008.
Manager Bob Geren said he spent a little more time addressing his team Monday morning and welcoming all the new faces.
With added depth throughout the roster, a talented starting rotation and bullpen, and a lineup that looks to produce more offense, the A's could make a push for their first AL West title since reaching the AL championship series in 2006 and getting swept by Detroit.
Oakland finished second last year to the eventual AL champion Texas Rangers, staying in the race until late despite all the injuries.
Matsui's tender knees feel good and he looks strong. Geren is counting on it.
The attention in Japan is an added bonus for the small-market franchise.
"It's nice with Hideki joining our team, having a little green and gold contingent over there is going to be fun," the skipper said.
Matsui batted .274 with 21 homers and 84 RBIs last season with the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland's division rival. He spent his first seven major league seasons with the New York Yankees and was MVP of the 2009 World Series.
Matsui joined the A's in December on a $4.25 million, one-year contract that includes an additional $100,000 in possible performance bonuses.
His father, Masao, for one, is expecting big things from his son this season: as in 30 homers and a .300 average.
"It's crazy," shortstop Cliff Pennington said of the buzz. "Everybody's excited about the new guys we have. Expectations are high. He's a big-time player and it will bring some attention to the team. It will be interesting to learn about the culture, too."
NOTES: Reliever Michael Wuertz left the complex early and is nursing a minor shoulder issue that will keep him out for a couple of days. ... Geren said Pennington, coming off left shoulder surgery that is expected to keep him out of the first week of exhibition games, could get some defensive work in before he gets any at-bats. ... 1B Daric Barton has been sick in recent days and was limited.
-- Janie McCauley
Angels have three-way race for third base job
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — A few days ago, outfielder Vernon Wells said how he'd love for the Angels to acquire his good friend Michael Young from the Texas Rangers to play third base.
That's not likely for a number of reasons, so the Angels are going to have a competition this spring for the starting job.
The three candidates right now are Brandon Wood, Alberto Callaspo and Maicer Izturis, who seems to be the front-runner.
"We're really counting on what Izturis can bring. When he's in the lineup he'll be leading off," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "We project Izturis and (Bobby) Abreu one and two. You're going to have as good a 1-2 punch as you could have."
While Izturis is the most versatile of the three, he's had trouble staying healthy. Last season, he played in only 61 games after a career high 114 in 2009.
"If he was healthy, he might have been to 130 games," Scioscia said Sunday. "If he gets out there for 90 to 110 games, you have a really good player. If we get anywhere from 90 to 110, we're going to be very happy."
Wood, who turns 26 on March 2, is the owner of 161 minor-league home runs. He's also the owner of a .164 batting average over 450 big-league at bats, including a .146 average in 226 last season when he was the opening-day starter.
"Brandon's upside is every bit of what we thought it might be last year," Scioscia said. "This year there's a huge competition for Brandon to earn some at bats and come out here and show that he's moving forward to reset the potential that he has."
Wood has also been mentioned as a first base candidate in case Kendry Morales' recovery from a broken leg lasts into the regular season. Callaspo has been considered there, too. Like Izturis, he has played all over the field except first base and catcher since breaking in with Arizona in 2006.
Callaspo hit .265 with a .302 on-base percentage and 10 homers and 56 RBI over 562 at bats with Kansas City and the Angels in 2010. He tailed off once he got to the Angels, hitting .249 with a .291 OBP in 213 at bats.
He could make things interesting if he approaches his 2009 pace with Kansas City when he hit .300 with a .356 OBP with 11 homers and 73 RBI in 576 at bats.
Mathis looks to regain batting groove
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Jeff Mathis had a 10-game hitting streak during the first month of last season and was batting .324 heading into April 19. Then the Los Angeles Angels catcher broke his right wrist blocking a Kevin Jepsen breaking pitch in the dirt.
After he returned nine weeks later, his batting average dipped until he wound up at .195 — lowing his career average to .199.
"Sure, it's been frustrating," he said. "But that's baseball."
Mathis, known for superior defensive, is expected to be the Angels' opening-day catcher — unless prospect Hank Conger dazzles or backup Bobby Wilson impresses following a 33-pound offseason weight loss.
"I've never come in here expecting to be the No. 1 catcher," said Mathis, who turns 28 next month. "There are always going to be guys trying to take your job."
Angels manager Mike Scioscia hopes to see the return of a hot-hitting Mathis — who had eight hits in 15 at-bats bat from last April, or the one from the previous postseason when Mathis had eight hits in 15 at-bats during the 2009 AL playoffs.
"At the beginning of the year, I think we saw him more confident in the batter's box than we've seen," Scioscia said. "On the offensive side it was a miserable struggle for him as the season went on."
Especially in August when Mathis slumped to a .115 average in 51 at-bats.
"In the playoffs he's hit terrific pitching and was really a force," Scioscia said. "He had a nice simple swing when he started the (2010) season, and he tried to pick that up when he came back and obviously lost some components to it from not only a timing aspect but from a technical aspect."
A two-time All-Star during a 13-year catching career in the major leagues, Scioscia has favored defense. Among the Angels prospects is defensive standout Peter Bourjos, a career .293 hitter in five minor league seasons who had a .204 average in 118 at-bats last season with the Angels. He is slated to start in center field.
It's also possible that Brandon Wood could win the third-base job. He enters the season with a .169 career batting average in 450 at-bats.
Would Scioscia become more geared toward a catcher with a little more pop in his bat?
"Jeff played because he was, at times, the clear-cut choice on the defensive end," Scioscia said, recalling when Mathis shared catching time with Mike Napoli, since traded away. "When you have options on the defensive end at that position and all three are at a proficient level defensively and you're confident with (them), obviously you're going to go with the best offensive option. But that could vary from day to day."
NOTES: Scioscia said Wood had been cleared to field bunts in practice as he recovers from a sore back. ... The annual intrasquad game, usually held one day prior to the opening of the exhibition season, will not be played this year.
Wilson, Ryan to compete at SS for Mariners
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — He's questioned if his body is rejecting him, changed nearly everything about his conditioning in an effort to stay healthier and even expressed a bit of guilt at getting paid for playing so few games the last few seasons.
And now Jack Wilson might not even have a starting spot with the Seattle Mariners.
Not surprisingly, Wilson understands the actions new Seattle manager Eric Wedge is taking by opening the position for competition — likely to be decided between newcomer Brendan Ryan and Wilson.
"The bottom line is I haven't been able to do my part of the deal, I haven't been able to be out there doing what they wanted and expected me to do when I signed the deal," Wilson said. "By no means was I coming here in saying 'it's my job.' You've got to earn it like everyone else, especially with last year and missing more than half the games. I'm the last person who would say I deserve anything."
What Wilson will receive in the final year of his contract is $5 million and no guarantee of what his role will be when the Mariners break camp at the end of March. He could claim his spot as the Mariners starting shortstop, filling a role the Mariners expected him to lockdown when he was brought over in a trade from Pittsburgh just before the deadline in 2009. Wilson could find himself out of a job, stuck on the bench as a backup in a spot role. Or, Wilson might find himself at a different position. As part of the open competition at shortstop, Wedge asked Wilson to put in work at second base to see how versatile Wilson could be in the Mariners infield.
"We want to be versatile," Wedge said. "I think if Jack is healthy and out there doing what he's capable of doing we'll be in good shape with him. I think if Brendan Ryan shows us what we believe he is, he'll be a good option for us too. I'm not ready to make that call yet."
A one-time All-Star back in Pittsburgh, Wilson's found no luck with injuries since his trade to Seattle two seasons ago.
He played just 31 games that first year with the Mariners, missing the final part of that season with a bruised heel. Last year, it was continuing issues with his hamstrings that limited Wilson, going to the disabled list in May and then aggravating the injury while on a rehab assignment.
Barely a month after returning from his latest hamstring issue, Wilson broke a bone in his right hand that required surgery and ended his season. The 61 games he played in 2010 were his fewest since his rookie season of 2001.
Over the past three seasons, Wilson has missed 232 games and played in just 254. It hasn't helped that Wilson is hitting just .240 since coming to Seattle and while not ever a significant power hitter, he has just one homer and 22 RBIs in 92 games with the Mariners.
Wedge isn't skeptical of Wilson, but needs to see Wilson perform and not be stuck in the training room during camp to prove he should be the starter come April 1 in Oakland. Wilson doesn't disagree and says he feels like he needs to make up for his lost time, even spending time out throwing in a rainstorm Sunday.
"I feel bad and feel like you let your team down and let the organization down because they did get you and keep you and that means a lot to me as a player," Wilson said. "But at the same time I know I've got spring training and this season to do as much as I can to make up for that."
To that end, Wilson tried to be more diligent in the offseason, even dropping some weight as another way of trying to keep his troublesome hamstrings from barking again. At this point, Wilson is willing to almost try anything to stay on the field.
He needs it with Ryan now in camp. When Seattle traded for Ryan in December, the belief was that if young star Dustin Ackley wasn't ready to take the second base job out of camp, then Ryan would begin at second and Wilson at shortstop with Chone Figgins moving back to third base.
Wedge discounted that thought when he said that Ryan will get the bulk of his work at short. It'll be one of the few open competitions during spring training.
NOTES: Seattle agreed to 2011 contracts with pitchers: Doug Fister, Jose Flores, Cesar Jimenez, Josh Lueke, Yorvis Medina, Edward Paredes, Michael Pineda, Mauricio Robles, Chaz Roe, Tom Wilhelmsen; infielders: Alex Liddi, Matt Mangini, Justin Smoak, Matt Tuiasosopo; and outfielders: Johermyn Chavez and Carlos Peguero. ... LHP Erik Bedard was among a handful of pitchers to throw batting practice Monday.
-- Tim Booth
Morneau ready for spring, still not 100 percent
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — When it comes to his concussion, Justin Morneau is getting out of the predicting business. He's tried to set benchmarks and barometers before, only to become frustrated when those came and went without the progress he wanted to see.
He was injured in Toronto on July 7 and, at first, he figured he'd be back by the All-Star game. Then it was September. Finally, when he wasn't able to play in the postseason, the Minnesota Twins star first baseman finally started to come to grips with the fact that recovery from this injury was out of his control.
"There was the goal of the playoffs, and there was the goal of all the rest of it, but it's been a battle all winter," Morneau said Monday, a day before Twins position players were due to report for spring training. "We've done everything, I think, possible to try and take care of this thing and be ready. But whenever it's ready, it's ready."
More than seven months after he was injured while sliding into second base, Morneau said he is feeling better. He has resumed baseball activities, but still feels a few lingering symptoms. He will likely miss the first four or five exhibition games as he eases his way back into things and still hopes to be ready for opening day on April 1.
He still feels a little foggy on occasion after a strenuous workout, which is why he isn't speaking in absolutes when it comes to his timeline anymore.
"Wouldn't say it's 100 percent yet, but I think it's as close as I can get," Morneau said. "It's just trying to get over that final hump."
Doctors have yet to clear him for full game activity, but he is able to face live pitching in batting practice and go through the rigors of a daily spring training workout.
The real tests will begin Wednesday, the first day of full-squad workouts. Morneau is eager to see just how much progress he has made. He has been swinging a bat, taking grounders and working out in his offseason home in Arizona, but now is when he'll get going full speed.
"However long it takes, it is what it is," Morneau said. "As much as we'd like to be ready to play (games) today, it's got its own timeline. It hasn't ever been up to me."
He plans to wear a helmet during batting practice — both in the field and in the batting cage — until he is completely cleared. Once he is, he will wear the newer, more protective batting helmet at the plate. But he said he doesn't plan to wear one in the field.
"If something crazy happens before we're cleared, it might be a bad situation," Morneau said. "Odds of that are very slim, but may has well not take that chance, so I think we'll do that. When it comes to game time and I'm cleared, I'll be out there, hopefully, playing like everyone else."
Morneau was having an MVP-caliber season — .345, 18 homers, 56 RBIs — when he got hurt against the Blue Jays, and the Twins sorely missed his bat in the lineup and his calming presence in the clubhouse during a three-game sweep by the Yankees in the postseason.
Joe Mauer knows how eager Morneau is to return, so the catcher has been gently reminding his good buddy to take things slow in the early going.
"Let's make sure he's ready for April," Mauer said. "If he comes out and takes it easy in spring, I'm fine with that. I'd much rather have him hitting and playing in games in April than in February or March."
Morneau's work ethic is unquestioned, and the organization sometimes has wondered whether he was working too hard in spring training. Before the concussion in 2010, Morneau missed the final month of 2009 with a back injury and rarely took days off during the season.
Watching his teammates struggle in the postseason without him two years in a row, and the long-term health concerns that come with concussions, may have finally been enough to make him take a new look at his routine.
"I've been around long enough now that taking 20 extra ground balls a day isn't really going to make a difference," he said. "I'm not 20 or 21 anymore. It is what it is at first base and I kind of am what I am as a hitter. Obviously, you can always improve, but right now that's the goal, the goal is to be ready for opening day."
-- Jon Krawczynski
Vizquel at 43, still going strong
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Omar Vizquel donned a sweatshirt and stocking cap on a cool morning in Arizona and headed out early to Chicago's batting cage. Just two months shy of his 44th birthday, he arrived early in White Sox camp to prepare for his 23rd major league season.
"My father played softball until he was like 62 years old. That was a great role model for me," Vizquel said. "I think the metabolism we have in our family is good. We don't have obesity or something like that. It has been a pretty fit family. We eat well, and we entertain ourselves with recreational activities."
Vizquel isn't sure how much longer he'll play — he's 201 hits shy of 3,000 — and said he'd like to try managing once those playing days end.
But not likely to make it as player to age 49, like Julio Franco did.
"Julio played a position that was easier for his body. He played first base, DH, pinch hitting," Vizquel said. "I'm not going to be able to do those kinds of things. My job is on the field playing second, third, short. My hands are the ones that keep me in the game for a long time. I said that a hundred times."
With third baseman Mark Teahen sidelined for all but 77 games last season because of a broken finger, Vizquel's versatility was crucial. He became much more than a utility player.
The 11-time Gold Glove winner made 62 starts at third, 19 at second, eight at shortstop and one as the designated hitter while batting .276.
He'll be back in that utility role with a healthy Teahen and Brent Morel hoping to win the job a third. And early on it's likely he could see more action at shortstop — where he made his mark as one of the best fielders in the game — especially if starter Alexei Ramirez struggles like he did last April.
"If Omar plays every day, I don't say we're in trouble, because Omar plays very well, but I think it's better having Omar playing shortstop, second base and third base," said manager Ozzie Guillen, who is 47.
Vizquel enjoys studying the game from the bench when he is out of the lineup, critiquing managerial decisions and — when asked — offering advice to younger players.
"It's nice when they make a play and they talk to you and say, 'Hey remember when you told me this last week, it really worked out,'" Vizquel said.
Vizquel, who wears No. 11 to honor fellow Venezuelan and Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio, is a career .273 hitter in 2,850 games with Seattle (1989-1993), Cleveland (1994-04), San Francisco (2005-08), Texas (2009) and the White Sox.
He's realistic about his chances of reaching 3,000 hits.
"I've given it a thought, but it's going to be really hard. It all depends on what I'm going to do this year," he said. "Maybe if I get 80 hits this year, maybe I can push it for another year if I feel good, but I'm not thinking about it, really."
Vizquel acknowledges that spring training games can get monotonous after you've played in so many. But what doesn't get old is how he feels about the profession that's been part of his life for so long.
"Inside I'm still the same kid that likes to dive for balls and play with dirt and be fooling around with the kids," Vizquel said.
NOTES: RHP Jake Peavy threw 40 pitches against hitters Monday as he continues his comeback from surgery to repair a detached muscle in the back of his right shoulder. Peavy said he was throwing about 75 percent, tried a couple of breaking balls and was encouraged by the progress he has made without pain. His season ended after he was hurt during a start on July 6. He's wondered if he would be able to make it back to where he is. "You certainly think about it when you're sitting down with surgeons and they're trying to figure out how they're going to do surgery," he said. "What if I come back and I'm never close to the same? ... But I think we're passed all that now and I'm looking forward to trying to get back to being what I know I can be."
-- Rick Gano
Ordonez hopes to rebound from broken ankle
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Magglio Ordonez knew his season was over as soon as he broke his right ankle sliding into home plate against Toronto last July 24.
"When you snap your ankle, there's no way you are coming back by the end of the season," Ordonez said after the Detroit Tigers finished practice on Monday. "Since then, all I had to do was work to get back to this year."
Ordonez was batting .303 with 12 homers and 59 RBIs in 84 games. He had 12 homers and 59 RBI before the injury. He led the Tigers with 28 homers and 139 RBIs in 2007, and he said he can put up similar statistics.
With Victor Martinez signed as a free agent during the offseason, manager Jim Leyland said the 3-4-5 spots in his batting order are set as long as first baseman Miguel Cabrera makes it back into the lineup. Cabrera hasn't reported to camp after his DUI arrest last week.
Leyland expects a top season from the 37-year-old Ordonez.
"He looks great so far, great," the manager said. "With those guys at the heart of the order, we have a great track record, and Magglio is going to drive in more runs than ever."
For Ordonez to top his career-bests, he'll need help at the top of the order. Austin Jackson should be a lock to hit leadoff, and one of Leyland's big challenges is to find a No. 2 hitter.
"With Magglio at the three spot, he can know in runs, I promise you that," Leyland said. "He's ready to play and I am not concerned with him at all."
Ordonez said the ankle feels fine and he's ready to put last season behind.
"I feel fine and I can tell you that we are going to be a great team if everybody stays healthy," Ordonez said. "The lineup looks great, and I just want to get going."
Detroit was 81-81 last year, then declined his $15 million option before agreeing to a $10 million, one-year deal.
"We are just going to take it easy with him and have him ready," Leyland said. "We won't rush him, but I expect him to have a career year."
NOTES: 2B Scott Sizemore who was the Tigers opening day starter before splitting time between Detroit and Triple A Toledo after suffering a right groin strain, is 100 percent according to Leyland. ... Although prized pitching prospects Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner have been turning heads, Leyland said it was "highly doubtful" that they would open the season in Detroit. ... Leyland said OF Clete Thomas, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, was 100 percent and ready to compete for a roster spot.
Chen glad to be back in Royals camp
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Bruce Chen went nearly four years without winning a major league game before he led the Kansas City Royals with 12 victories last year.
He went from begging for a minor league contract in 2009 after missing the previous season because of elbow surgery to arriving in spring training this year with a $2 million contract.
"I wanted to be back, but I didn't hear from the Royals for a long time and there were some other teams offering," Chen said Monday. "Then they said we would like to have you back. We want to see if we're going to trade one of the right-handers. I'm thinking Greinke."
Chen's 4.17 ERA last year was slightly lower than Zack Greinke's, and Chen had two more wins. Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner, was dealt in December to the Milwaukee Brewers.
"They trade Greinke and we don't talk for awhile," Chen said. "It was like 'Man, it's January and I better do something quick.' I say to my agent, 'Let's go back to Kansas City and see what their best offer is. Let's see if we can get a deal done.' Both sides were willing to work on something. In less than a week the contract is done."
The 33-year-Chen went 12-7 record and won his final four starts, including a two-hitter against Tampa Bay for his first career shutout. He was hoping for a multiyear contract.
"I never received a two-year deal," he said. "It's more realistic to go with a one-year deal. This is the organization that gave me the opportunity."
When Chen beat Seattle on Aug. 6, 2009, it was his first big league victory since Oct. 2, 2005. He went 1-13 with Baltimore, Texas and Kansas City in that span.
Then, Chen came within one win last year of the career high he set in 2005.
"It wasn't just one thing," Chen said. "I had to change a lot of things. You can't expect like one little tweak and it's going to help me win 12 games or try to form me into a different pitcher. First of all, it all started in the offseason. I trained. I was in the best shape. I also dropped down my arm angle. All those bad years I learned from that, too. I got much more experience. I see what works, what didn't work. Then I learned how to pitch a lot more. I studied a lot of film too. My preparation before the game was very good. All those four things, I think, helped me have the year I had last year."
Pitching coach Bob McClure said being injury free was a key.
"It was his second year of not being hurt," McClure said. "His command was better. He changed his arm angle a little bit. All of those things contributed. His brain worked right on how he could mix pitches. He's become a complete pitcher."
Manager Ned Yost is happy to have Chen back.
"He started having a little more deception with three different arm slots," Yost said. "He threw more strikes. He kept the ball down. He changed speeds real well from three different angles. Bruce is a different look guy. Bruce will throw an 83 miles-per-hour fastball and then throw a 91-miles-per-hour fastball to get you to swing. It's a look you don't see a lot in the American League. That's to Bruce's advantage."
Chen wants to prove last year was not a fluke.
"Now I have more confidence," he said. "I see what works. I know what I can do."
Woman pitches to Indians
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Justine Siegal became the first woman to pitch batting practice in a major league spring training camp when she threw to the Cleveland Indians on Monday. Not only did she pass the test with flying colors, some people became a little envious along the way.
"She made me look bad," said manager Manny Acta, who also throws batting practice to Cleveland's hitters.
Acta played catch with Siegal before she took the mound.
"She was pretty impressive," he said. "She throws strikes. It was very good."
He wasn't alone.
"If you didn't see the ponytails, she would have fit right in," said catcher Paul Phillips, one of the players who took swings off Siegal's pitches. "She did great."
Siegal has already broken gender barriers in baseball, having coached at the professional and college levels. She wore a patch honoring Christina Taylor Green, the nine-year-old granddaughter of former major league manager Dallas Green, who was killed in last month's shootings in Tucson. Christina Taylor Green was the only girl on her local Little League baseball team.
"I haven't spoken to anyone in the family," Siegal said. "I asked the league organizers if it would be OK if I wore her patch, and they said please do."
Siegal, a Cleveland native who grew up rooting for the Indians, fulfilled a lifelong dream. Not only did she make history throwing to her favorite team, she finally got to pitch to major league hitters.
"I wanted to be Orel Hershiser," Siegal said of the starting pitcher who played for Cleveland in the mid-1990s. "Following the Indians is in my blood."
Siegal, who lives in Springfield, Mass., pitched batting practice to a few minor leaguers before throwing to Phillips, Lou Marson and Juan Apodaca, who are in the major league camp. She admitted to being nervous.
"My heart was beating really fast," Siegal said. "I've been thinking about this for the last month."
Siegal attended the general managers meetings in the offseason asking for a chance to throw in spring training. Indians GM Chris Antonetti was intrigued, and replied.
She has been playing baseball since she was five years old. Now 36, though, she wasn't sure how hard she was throwing.
"I'm a bit of an old lady now," she said. "When I was 19 or 20, I was throwing upper 70s (mph). I still play in a pickup league and I have to rely on the old curveball to get them out."
Siegal was the first woman to coach first base in men's professional baseball for the Brockton (Mass.) Rox, an independent league team, in 2009. She spent three years as the only female college baseball coach in the country, when she was an assistant coach at Springfield College (Mass.) from 2007-10.
Siegal, who throws right-handed, is scheduled to pitch batting practice in the Oakland Athletics camp Wednesday.
NOTES: Acta said OF Trevor Crowe, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in October, probably won't play in the intrasquad games Thursday and Friday. ... RHP Josh Tomlin, who is a candidate for the fifth starter spot, will start the exhibition opener against Cincinnati on Sunday. ... Acta said RHP Alex White, the Indians' No. 1 draft pick in 2009, is not in the running for the fifth spot in the rotation. White is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Columbus.
