Stern Has Earned A Spot

Adam Stern was 3-5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored against the Cubs.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-3 with 1 double (his 6th) and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 1 double (his 1st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Twins.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Cubs.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Angels.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit against the Orioles.

Kinsler To Begin Season On The DL

All signs point to another stint on the DL for Ian Kinsler. Since spraining his ankle, he hasn't been able to run, only jog. I don't think it's too serious, but Kinsler and the Rangers are being cautious. Kinsler played in a career-high 144 games last season.

As expected, Sam Fuld was optioned to AAA. Has-been Chad Tracy got the last roster spot while Xavier Nady (who is already hurt) and Tyler Colvin will be the Cubs' reserve outfielders. Bold prediction: Colvin's OBP will be lower than .335. I cannot emphasize enough how tuchus backwards this franchise is.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 2 runs scored against the Red Sox.

Adam Stern was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Angels.

John Grabow picked up his 2nd save of the Spring. He pitched 2/3 of an inning against the Mariners on 1 hit.

Stern And Fuld Going In Opposite Directions?

Adam Stern was 1-2 with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 4th) against the Giants.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-2 with 1 BB and 1 double (his 5th) against the Rays.

Brad Ausmus was 1-2 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Reds. Now that Tyler Colvin has made the Cubs' roster, it's looking more and more likely that Fuld will start the season in AAA. It appears the last spot will go to has-been Chad Tracy or has-been Kevin Millar. Another bad decision from the worst franchise in the history of sports.

James Rapoport was used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement against the Twins.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Mariners.

Scott Schoeneweis made his debut for the Red Sox, and it was forgettable. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Rays.

Breslow Recovering From Tendinitis

Craig Breslow is scheduled to pitch tomorrow for the 1st time in 2 weeks. Breslow has been sidelined since March 17 due to tendinitis in his elbow.

Despite a great showing, the Mets sent Ike Davis down to Minor League camp last Tuesday. It's uncertain whether Davis will start the year in AA or AAA. With Daniel Murphy and Mike Jacobs at 1B and the Mets on the cusp of rebuilding mode, don't be surprised if Davis heads north at some point later in the season.

Kevin Youkilis was 4-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Twins.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 with 1 run scored against the Pirates.

Sam Fuld was 0-0 with 1 BB against the Mariners.

Adam Stern was 0-1 against the Diamondbacks.

Scott Feldman picked up his 3rd win of the Spring in what was undoubtedly his best performance to date. He tossed 7 scoreless innings on 6 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the White Sox. Good to see Feldman and Marquis putting it all together before the season starts.

John Grabow picked up his 1st save of the Spring. He pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Mariners.

Feldman Named Opening Day Starter

Scott Feldman has been named the Opening Day starter for the Rangers. Feldman will be the 1st JML to toe the slab on Opening Day since Steve Stone in 1981 for the Orioles. Stone also got the nod for the White Sox in 1978.

Other Opening Day starters of yesteryear include Dave Roberts on the Tigers in 1977 and Astros in 1973-74, Ken Holtzman on the A's in 1972, Joe Horlen on the White Sox in 1968, and Saul Rogovin on the White Sox in 1953.

Believe it or not, Sandy Koufax was only once named the Opening Day starter for the Dodgers in his storied career (1964). Johnny Podres, Don Drysdale, and Claude Osteen beat him out every other year. Bit of a slight, if you ask me.

Ryan Braun is experiencing some tightness in his lower back. The Brewers are playing it safe and will keep him out of the lineup this weekend.

Adam Stern was 1-1 with 2 runs scored and 1 SB (his 3rd) against the Rangers.

Brad Ausmus was 0-1 with 1 RBI against the Mariners.

Josh Whitesell was 0-0 with 1 BB against the Braves.

Sam Fuld was used as a defensive replacement against the Padres.

Jason Marquis picked up his 2nd loss of the Spring. However, it was definitely his best outing to date. Marquis pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up 2 runs on 8 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Braves.

Schoeneweis Bounces Back On His Feet

The Red Sox have signed Scott Schoeneweis to a Minor League deal and have invited him to Spring Training as a non-roster player. Schoeneweis will report to camp tomorrow. The Sox are still looking for a 2nd lefty in their pen to complement Hideki Okajima.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Blue Jays.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 4th) against the Blue Jays.

Brad Ausmus was 1-1 with 1 run scored against the Royals.

Adam Stern was 0-1 with 1 run scored against the Padres.

Ryan Braun was 0-2 against the Padres.

Sam Fuld was used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement against the A's.

Just A Stone's Throw Away From Opening Day

Kevin Youkilis was 2-4 against the Marlins.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 double (his 3rd) and 1 RBI against the Dodgers.

Sam Fuld was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Diamondbacks.

Gabe Kapler was 0-4 against the Twins.

Adam Stern was used as a defensive replacement against the Dodgers.

John Grabow pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 BB and 1 K against the Diamondbacks.

Kinsler's Status

Ian Kinsler has been sidelined for almost 2 weeks with a high right ankle sprain. The current plan is for him to return to game action next Monday.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 against the Blue Jays.

Josh Whitesell was 1-2 against the Yankees.

Sam Fuld was 0-2 with 1 run scored against the Rangers.

James Rapoport pinch ran against the Orioles. He had 1 SB and scored 1 run.

Michael Schwimer (just called up) pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Braves. He had 1 K.

Schoeneweis Released By Brewers

Brewers team officials have informed Scott Schoeneweis he will not make the 40-man roster. He will officially be released from his contract on Thursday, and he's not happy about it. For more on the story and Schoeneweis' reaction, follow this link.

Can't help but notice that this chain of events is eerily similar to a prediction I made in October. Obviously, one would hope Schoeneweis is able to catch on somewhere, but time is not on his side.

Jason Hirsh has been reassigned to the Yankees' Minor League camp. He pitched well this Spring and will likely start the season in AAA. I look at it this way: as long as Sergio Mitre is wearing pinstripes, there's hope for Hirsh.

B.J. Rosenberg was reassigned to the Phillies' Minor League camp about a week ago. Rosenberg also pitched well this Spring. If the Fightin' Phils really are trying to revamp their pen, Rosenberg will definitely be in the mix at some point.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 double (his 3rd) against the Twins.

Adam Stern was 0-1 with 1 BB against the Indians.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Royals.

Rapoport Makes Some Noise

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 against the Rays.

James Rapoport was 1-1 with 1 double and 1 RBI against the Red Sox.

Adam Stern was 1-1 against the Dodgers.

Sam Fuld was 1-2 against the Indians.

Ike Davis was 0-1 against the Nationals.

Jason Marquis picked up his 1st win of the Spring. He pitched 4 2/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Mets. He was 1-2 at the plate.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits and 1 K against the Dodgers.

John Grabow pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 2 runs (0 earned) on 3 hits and 1 K against the Indians.

Braun Is On My Fantasy Team!

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 HR (his 3rd), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 double (his 2nd) and 1 RBI against the Astros.

Sam Fuld was 0-2 against the Reds.

Adam Stern was 0-1 against the White Sox.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 2 Ks against the Reds.

And now for the big reveal. There are 12 teams in the league. I firmly believe Tim & Cain & Pray For Rain (my team) has what it takes, although my closers could be better. Incidentally, Scott Feldman and Jason Marquis are still available on the Waiver Wire. Without further ado:

C: Matt Wieters

1B: Justin Morneau

2B: Robinson Cano

3B: Ryan Zimmerman

SS: Yunel Escobar

OF: Ryan Braun

OF: Nelson Cruz

OF: Michael Bourn

UT: Carlos Quentin

BN: Chris Coghlan

BN: Nolan Reimold

SP: Zack Greinke

SP: Ubaldo Jimenez

SP: A.J. Burnett

SP: Max Scherzer

SP: Joe Blanton (dropped Madison Bumgarner)

SP: Brian Matusz

RP: Huston Street

RP: Bobby Jenks

RP: Matt Capps
RP: Chris Perez (dropped Bronson Arroyo and Brad Bergesen)

Ike Shows Oppo Power

Kevin Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 HR (his 1st), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Orioles.

Ike Davis was 1-2 with 1 HR (his 3rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Cardinals.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 against the Twins.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 against the Royals.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Royals.

Adam Stern was a defensive replacement against the Royals.

Scott Schoeneweis picked up his 2nd hold of the Spring. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 K against the Royals.

Marginally Better Than Meh

Ryan Braun was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Adam Stern was 1-1 with 1 run scored against the Angels.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the White Sox.

James Rapoport was used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement against the Marlins.

Meh

Adam Stern was 0-1 against the Rangers.

James Rapoport was 0-1 against the Braves.

Brad Ausmus was 0-3 against the Cubs.

John Grabow picked up his 1st loss of the Spring. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and 1 BB against the Dodgers.

Feldman Pitches Well, Marquis... Not So Much

Adam Stern was 1-2 with 1 HR (his 1st), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Reds.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 double (his 2nd) against the Reds.

Gabe Kapler was 1-3 against the Twins.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 against the Mets.

Brian Horwitz was a late inning defensive replacement against the Rockies.

Scott Feldman pitched 4 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits, 2 BBs, and 4 Ks against the Mariners.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Reds.

Jason Marquis pitched 3 1/3 innings and gave up 8 runs on 8 hits, 4 BBs, and 1 K against the Astros.

Kapler No Longer Hitless

Gabe Kapler was 1-1 with 1 BB and 2 RBIs against the Red Sox.

Adam Stern was 0-2 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 2nd) against the Royals.

Josh Whitesell was 1-4 against the Cardinals. I guess rumors of his reassignment to Minor League camp were greatly exaggerated.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 against the Astros.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Rangers.

B.J. Rosenberg pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Tigers on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 1 K.

Looks Like Poreda Needs More Seasoning

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Sam Fuld was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 1st) against the Rockies.

James Rapoport (just brought up) was 0-1 against the Mets.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 BB and 2 Ks against the Indians.

The San Diego Padres optioned Aaron Poreda to Triple-A.

Stern Swinging A Hot Bat

Kevin Youkilis was 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Twins.

Adam Stern was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 2nd), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Giants.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 with 1 BB against the Angels.

Brad Ausmus was 0-2 against the Rangers.

Brian Horwitz was 0-1 against the Padres.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Angels.

Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of inning against the Royals. He gave up 1 hit and picked up his 1st hold of the Spring.

Jeremy Bleich, Charlie Cutler, and Josh Whitesell have been reassigned to Minor League camps.

Kinsler Out With Ankle Sprain

Ian Kinsler suffered a high ankle sprain after slipping on some wet grass during Friday's practice. It doesn't appear to be too serious. He shouldn't be out for more than a week.

Adam Stern was 1-1 with 1 triple, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Brian Horwitz was 1-1 against the Rangers.

Gabe Kapler was 0-0 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Marlins.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Pirates.

Ike Davis was 0-1 against the Tigers.

Sam Fuld was 0-2 with 1 run scored against the White Sox. He threw out Andruw Jones on a play at the plate.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 against the White Sox.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 inning and gave up 4 runs on 3 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Rockies. It was a blown save.

Aaron Poreda pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up 3 runs on 1 hit and 3 BBs against the A's.

Bummer: Florida's Games Rained Out

Adam Stern was 1-1 with 1 double and 2 RBIs against the Cubs.

Brad Ausmus was 1-3 against the Reds.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Cubs.

Sam Fuld was 0-5 against the White Sox.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (unearned) on 2 hits and 1 K against the Brewers.

Braun & Stern Lead Jew Brew Crew

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 HR (his 2nd), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Adam Stern was 2-4 with 1 RBI and 1 SB against the A's.

Brad Ausmus was 1-3 with 1 RBI against the Royals.

Sam Fuld was 1-4 with 1 double and 1 run scored against the Padres.

Brian Horwitz was 1-1 with 1 double and 1 RBI against the White Sox.

Ian Kinsler was 0-3 with 1 BB, 1 HBP, and 1 run scored against the Rockies.

Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the Blue Jays.

Scott Feldman pitched 2 1/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits, 2 BBs, and 3 Ks against the Rockies.

Poreda Gets Tomahawked By Indians

Kevin Youkilis was 2-3 with 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Ike Davis was 0-0 with 1 BB against the Braves.

Josh Whitesell was 0-1 against the Cardinals.

Adam Stern was 0-1 against the Padres.

Sam Fuld was 0-2 against the Giants.

Brian Horwitz (who was recently called up as a non-roster invitee) was 0-2 against the Padres. Before this game, Horwitz was 1-1 against the Reds on March 6, 0-2 against the Diamondbacks on March 8, and 0-1 against the Mariners on March 9.

Ryan Braun was 0-3 against the Padres.

Gabe Kapler was 0-4 against the Red Sox.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Padres. He had 2 Ks.

Jason Hirsh pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Tigers. He had 2 Ks.

John Grabow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Giants.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the White Sox on 1 BB.

Aaron Poreda gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on 3 hits and 3 BBs against the Indians. He didn't record an out.

Ike & Ian Carry The Day

Ian Kinsler was 2-2 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 1 SB (his 2nd) against the A's.

Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 HR (his 2nd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Brewers.

Adam Stern was 0-1 against the Cubs.

Brad Ausmus was 0-2 against the Rockies.

Josh Whitesell was 0-4 against the Tigers.

Jeremy Bleich pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Pirates. He gave up 1 hit.

It's Nice To See Box Scores Again

Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Mariners.

Ian Kinsler was 1-2 with 1 double and 2 RBIs against the Angels.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-2 with 1 HBP against the Cardinals.

Ike Davis was 2-3 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored against the Marlins. Davis is hitting everything in sight. Unfortunately, he's also booting everything in sight; he committed his 4th error at 1B.

Josh Whitesell was 0-1 against the Marlins.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 hits and 1 BB against the Cubs.

Jason Hirsh pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Pirates.

Marquis Working Out The Kinks

Ike Davis was 1-1 with 1 double (his 3rd) against the Nationals.

Gabe Kapler was 0-4 against the Phillies.

Jason Marquis pitched 2 innings and gave up 5 runs on 3 hits and 3 BBs against the Mets.

Locked In At The Plate, Stumbling In The Field

Ike Davis was 3-5 with 1 double (his 2nd), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Nationals. However, he committed his 3rd error at 1B.

Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Giants.

Adam Stern was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Rockies.

Brad Ausmus was 0-2 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the White Sox.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Rays.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 with 1 run scored against the Red Sox.

B.J. Rosenberg pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 hit, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Pirates.

Jason Hirsh pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 HBP and 1 K against the Blue Jays.

John Grabow pitched 1 inning and gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 1 K against the White Sox.

Poreda Competing To Be Fifth Starter

Ryan Braun was 1-2 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the A's.

Ian Kinsler was 0-1 with 1 HBP and 1 run scored against the Royals.

Ike Davis was 0-2 against the Marlins.

Adam Stern was 0-2 against the Brewers.

Sam Fuld was 0-0 against the Diamondbacks. He pinch ran and scored the winning run.

Aaron Poreda pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 BB and 3 Ks against the Mariners.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief on 1 BB and 1 K against the Brewers to pick up his 1st save.

Scott Feldman pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits and 1 K against the Royals.

Jeremy Bleich pitched 1/3 of an inning against the Rays. Hard to give you a scouting report when he only threw 2 pitches, but he looked confident on the mound.

Ike Can Rake

Ike Davis was 1-1 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (a grand slam), 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Cardinals.

Man, that ball was tagged! Great extension. Tape measure shot. Good plate discipline. However, Davis' fielding has been a bit shaky; he's already committed 2 errors at 1B, which is surprising, as he's generally been regarded as sure-handed.

Sam Fuld, not known for his power, also got in on the long ball action. Fuld was 1-2 with 1 HR, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Ian Kinsler was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 1 SB against the Royals.

Josh Whitesell was 2-2 with 1 BB against the Astros.

Adam Stern was 1-1 against the Giants.

Kevin Youkilis was 0-2 against the Twins.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 against the Orioles.

Scott Schoeneweis pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief against the Giants to pick up his 1st hold of the Spring. He had 2 Ks.

Hirsh On The Comeback Trail

Ike Davis was 1-2 against the Braves.

Kevin Youkilis was 1-2 with 1 RBI against Boston College. Here is an interview with Youk where he discusses his approach at the plate and what his facial hair might look like this season, among other things.

Jason Hirsh pitched 2/3 of an inning of scoreless relief against the Pirates. He had 2 Ks and looked pretty sharp.

Spring Training is Underway!

Ike Davis was 2-3 with 1 double and 1 run scored against the Braves. Here are his two hits from the game.

Davis looked a bit overmatched in his 1st AB against Tommy Hanson, but that's understandable; Hanson has filthy stuff and is a true ace in the making. Davis' hitting mechanics also seem a little funky to me, but whatever works. The double he hit to the right field gap was a rope even if he was out in front of it, and dumping the ball to left off the southpaw was a nice piece of hitting.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't go into the minutiae of the game, but I'm going to make a concerted effort this Spring to give you my impressions of some of the younger prospects you may be unfamiliar with. Heck, I'm unfamiliar with most of them. So, not only will I provide you with regular updates this Spring, but I'll also provide you with amateur scouting reports. Get excited!

Q & A With Craig Breslow

The Great Rabbino recently conducted an interview with Craig Breslow. To read it, follow this link.

In other news, Sandy Koufax imparted words of wisdom to young Dodger southpaw Clayton Kershaw (who has been compared to Koufax) during an hour-long flight to Arizona late last night. Koufax will be a guest instructor at the Dodgers' Spring Training camp.