Filed under: Nationals, Spring Training

VIERA, Fla. -- It might not be the toughest step Stephen Strasburg takes all season, but the first one in his professional career was an adventure on Tuesday.

Apparently 28 pitches weren't enough for Strasburg's first spring start. The rookie threw 12-15 more pitches in the bullpen after he was done on the mound. He also stayed around to watch the game, instead of hitting the showers early.

According to Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, Strasburg will rest for two days and then throw a bullpen session. He'll then take another day of rest before pitching again on, "typical five days of rest", said Riggleman.

 

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Filed under: Orioles, AL East, MLB Injuries, MLB Rumors

A few weeks ago, the Orioles informed the public of the issues All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts was having with his back. Neither Roberts nor his manager Dave Trembley initially believed the herniated disc injury would linger long enough for the the veteran to miss Opening Day, but things may have changed. There are now reports surfacing that Orioles president Andy MacPhail might start looking outside the organization for second base help because Roberts' back is a "growing concern."

If there's been a fixture for the Orioles during the past seven seasons, it's been Roberts, who has consistently and admirably filled both second base and the leadoff spot in the batting order. He led the majors in doubles last season (56) while stealing 30 bases and hitting .283 with a .356 OBP.

In house, the Orioles could use Robert Andino or Justin Turner, who would both be out of position and aren't overly enticing everyday options. Ty Wigginton appeared at second base in eight games last season, but he's not equipped to handle it more than on rare occasions. Really, the Orioles were counting on 150-plus games from Roberts, as usual, which is why they'll have to look outside the organization to replace him.

 

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Filed under: Dodgers, Giants, Advanced Scouting, Spring Training

Spring training is different for every player. For some it takes the entire time to get into peak form, but for others they are set to go right out of the gate. While he of course needs time to build his arm strength, Clayton Kershaw had his best stuff in what was his Cactus League debut on Monday.

His final line may not do it justice, but as far as the Dodgers are concerned their young lefty ace opened the spring on a very high note. For two other hurlers, there was definitely more work to be done in terms of building up their stuff for the regular season.

 

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Filed under: Phillies, MLB Police Blotter

On Monday a janitor who worked at Citizens Bank Ballpark pleaded guilty to stealing a World Series ring he found in a bathroom at the ballpark last summer, and now he's facing up to seven years behind bars.

53-year old Anthony Mobley was making his usual rounds of cleaning up the Phillies' ballpark on August 31 when he found a 2008 World Series championship ring in a bathroom on the executive-suite level of the park just sitting there. Instead of turning it in, Mobley did something that a lot of baseball fans might consider doing. He wrapped the thing up in some paper towel, put it in his pocket, and walked off.

 

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Filed under: Twins, AL Central, MLB Injuries

March 9 is a bit early for season-crippling news, but the Minnesota Twins may have just received some. Four-time All-Star closer Joe Nathan, who has averaged 41 saves and a 1.87 ERA since coming to Minnesota in 2004, has learned his 2010 season is in jeopardy. Nathan flew back to Minnesota to get an MRI on his elbow a few days ago after experiencing discomfort, and the results came back with a significant tear to his ulnar collateral ligament, the team informed the press Tuesday morning.

Yes, a UCL tear is traditionally repaired via the famous Tommy John surgery.

For now, Nathan won't be having the surgery. He'll take a few weeks and try to rehab the area before taking to the hill to see if he can pitch through it. According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Star-Tribune, Nathan is prepared to pitch through pain all season if need be, due to the high expectations the Twins have for 2010.

But let's be realistic, that's a pretty tall order, even for someone with the talent level Nathan has. The tear, again, is said to be significant. It's unlikely Nathan will be able to pitch at all this season, and he even sounds someone resigned to the possibility.

 

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