MLB Fast News

[Raji]

March 27, 2008 11:47 PM ET
White Sox: Crede gets X-ray
The News
Joe Crede was given a precautionary X-Ray, according to MLB.com. Crede left Thursday's Cactus League closer against the D-backs in the fifth inning after fouling a pitch off his left ankle. After icing down the ankle in the clubhouse, the training staff decided to take a precautionary X-ray. The X-ray was still pending after the game, but the training staff didn't anticipate any serious problems. Manager Guillen commented, "I was really concerned about Joe. I don't have the final report yet, but he got hit pretty good. Joe is a tough guy. I wouldn't have finished that at-bat. I would have left right away."
Our View
Joe has won the starting third base job while Josh Fields was sent down, and hopefully he will be fine for opening day.




March 27, 2008 9:34 PM ET
Diamondbacks: Romero makes D-Backs
The News
Alex Romero has reportedly made the D-Backs' opening day roster, according to AZCentral.
Our View
He was battling Trot Nixon for the fifth outfielder spot, and has beaten him out with a solid .333 spring average over 57 at-bats, with only two strikeouts.




March 27, 2008 9:27 PM ET
Cardinals: Glaus to be limited?
The News
Troy Glaus could be limited this season, according to MLB.com. Manager LaRussa looks like he is going to be cautious with the battle worn vet this season and stated, "We're going to pay a lot of attention to him. If it looks like he could use a rest, we're going to give it to him. If we had to rest him one game a series, I'd be all right with that. That'd give him 120 games."
Our View
This would cut into his at-bats, but could keep him healthier over the duration of the season.




March 27, 2008 9:21 PM ET
Red Sox: Beckett throws 47 pitches
The News
Josh Beckett threw 47 pitches in a minor league game on Thursday, according to MLB.com. He hurled four scoreless innings for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs versus Minnesota's New Britain Rock Cats. Beckett threw 47 pitches, while allowing one hit and no walks, with six strikeouts. Boston Minor League pitching coordinator Ralph Treuel stated that Josh did well throwing the ball today.
Our View
This is good news for Boston's ace, but it remains to be seen if he will be placed on the DL to open the season.

Raji

[Raji]

March 28, 2008 11:46 PM ET
Phillies: Woodward inks minor-league deal
The News
Chris Woodward signed a minor-league deal with the Phillies Friday. Woodward was cut loose by the Yankees Thursday.
Our View
He'll provide some depth at Triple-A, but he won't make any fantasy noise even if he somehow finds himself with regular playing time in Philly.




March 28, 2008 11:42 PM ET
Blue Jays: Stairs won't go on DL
The News
Matt Stairs has been getting his at-bats in minor league games recently because of a sore hip, but he'll play several innings with the Jays Saturday and is not a candidate for the DL, according to the DL, according to the AP.
Our View
Stairs will platoon in left with Shannon Stewart this year and is a decent AL-only play.




March 28, 2008 11:25 PM ET
Yankees: Albaladejo cracks opening day roster
The News
Jonathan Albaladejo has made the Yankees' opening day roster, according to the AP. Albaladejo came over in an offseason trade from Washington, where he was very impressive in 14 relief outings.
Our View
He'll likely serve in mop-up duty for the Bronx Bombers initially but could work his way up the food chain.




March 28, 2008 11:14 PM ET
Yankees: Ohlendorf will be part of bullpen
The News
Ross Ohlendorf has made the Yankees' opening day roster, according to the AP.
Our View
Ohlendorf made the Yanks' playoff roster last year after an impressive short stretch in September. He's a long way from having any fantasy value, though.

Raji

[Raji]

Yankees: Hughes wraps spring on high note
The News
Pitcher Phil Hughes ended his spring by giving Yankee fans hope for the season ahead, according to MLB.com. Hughes pitched through five innings of work, giving up two runs (only one earned) on three hits to the Florida Marlins. Hughes walked just one and struck out four with 44 of his 69 pitches counting for strikes.
Our View
Hughes is starting to look like a viable fantasy option after a spring of solid progress, especially in AL-Only formats where starting options are slim and falling.




March 29, 2008 10:00 PM ET
Giants: Castillo nets starting job at 3B
The News
In a spring training journey that can only be described as amazing, Jose Castillo has earned the job as the Giants' starting third baseman, according to MLB.com.
Our View
Castillo was signed by the Giants after the Marlins dismissed him from their competition at 3B, and in just one week of work, he has been named as a member of the starting lineup. Manager Bruce Bochy has also announced Rich Aurilia will now serve as the team's starting first baseman.




March 29, 2008 8:52 PM ET
Royals: Despite rumors, DeJesus is ready
The News
Reports have been bountiful on the probable start, or lack thereof, for Kansas City CF David DeJesus. Supposedly hampered by a sprained right ankle and potentially headed for an opening-day position on the DL, DeJesus hit the field for the Royals against the Brewers on Saturday and appeared to be healthy, wealthy, and wise, according to MLB.com.
Our View
DeJesus, coming off four days missed due to the ankle, lined a home run into the center field bleachers and "looked perfectly healthy" as he circled the bags. DeJesus played seven innings, fielded his position with ease and no sign of physical pain or hindrance, and now plans to be in the starting lineup on opening day. "I feel great. It felt good, and we'll just keep it going," DeJesus said.




March 29, 2008 8:42 PM ET
Cardinals: Thompson makes the grade
The News
Brad Thompson may have ended spring training on a sour note, but he has earned a spot in the major-league starting rotation, according to MLB.com. Pitching against the Cardinals' Double-A team, Thompson allowed four runs on 10 hits through four innings of work, but he struck out six and didn't allow a single walk.
Our View
At the end, Thompson is rewarded for a strong spring, going 2-0 with an ERA of 2.76 through 16 1/3 innings, touting 14 strike outs versus just four walks. Thompson started the spring in the mix for a job in the bullpen, but the Cardinals recognized potential and the gamble has, for now, paid off.

Raji