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Leading Off
What's happening in the world of Major League Baseball.
March 2007
Friday March 30, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 4:05PM EST on March 30, 2007
Randy Johnson blanked the Padres for three innings in his spring desert debut last night. The 4-time Cy Young winner looked strong, had a dominant slider and struck out five. It was the Unit's first start in an Arizona uniform since October, 2004. The uniform is different (new colors for '07) and the D'Backs lost (5-3) but Johnson's sharp-breaking slider, potent fastball and excellent control forecast good things for Arizona's primary offseason acquisition. Most important, his back appeared 100% healed.
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Thursday March 29, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 12:46PM EST on March 29, 2007
The Dodgers played the Tigers to a 3-3 tie in sunny Lakeland yesterday, but the teams put together 15 hits in an exciting game. Gary Sheffield crushed a 3-run homer off L.A.'s Derek Lowe in the third inning. Detroit's Nate Robertson had another good start to impress manager Jim Leyland. Setting a record for spring training attendance, fans at Joker Marchant stadium showed their appreciation with applause for the big, bespectacled left- hander.
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Wednesday March 28, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 11:04AM EST on March 28, 2007
The Yankees lost to the Twins 4-3, but got a strong comeback performance from pitcher Carl Pavano, making him the leading candidate to be New York's opening day starter. Because of injuries to the staff, Pavano and Kei Igawa have emerged as top picks for manager Joe Torre. Likewise, Minnesota benefited from a sharp six-inning outing by young Boof Bonser. The big right-hander lowered his spring ERA to 2.86.
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Monday March 26, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 6:43PM EST on March 26, 2007
The Red Sox beat the Twins 6-5 in Ft. Myers yesterday with Josh Beckett on the mound. Boston's fiery right-hander struck out seven in less than five innings relying on a curve ball that baffled Minnesota batters. But in the fifth, Beckett gave up four runs on a flurry of Twins base hits. Still, the Sox six-run lead held up with closer-candidate Joel Pineiro nailing down the win in the ninth.
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Tuesday March 20, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 10:19AM EST on March 20, 2007
Chuck James threw five scoreless innings and Atlanta banged out eleven hits as the Braves beat Cleveleand 6-0 Monday. Scott Thorman, Atlanta's new first baseman, went 2-4 with a home run and three RBI. Four Braves relievers combined to keep the Tribe's bats silent for the final four innings. Just the same, Cleveland's starter, Adam Miller, pitched even better than James, blanking the Braves over the first five panels, allowing just three Atlanta singles.
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Saturday March 17, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 8:31PM EST on March 17, 2007
Baseball's best hitter faced the game's best pitcher this week in Florida. That would be Albert Pujols versus Johan Santana. The result? The Great Albert grounded out and walked, so he was officially 0-for-1 for his day in Ft. Myers. In contrast, Santana didn't notch a win, but he was solid in four innings, allowing two hits, zero earned runs, and striking out four. Though Albert and Johan rarely compete, they are intensely aware of each other's talent.
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Tuesday March 13, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 11:53AM EST on March 13, 2007
For St. Louis fans, the good news: shortstop David Eckstein should be back on Tuesday from a repeat muscle-pull injury. The not-so-good news: center fielder Jim Edmonds just took his first batting practice in several months and is totally unsure about a return to the Cards lineup. That's understandable since the slugging gold-glover had double surgery in the offseason. Both his right shoulder and left foot were operated on, and the foot cast only recently came off. Right now, Edmonds looks doubtful for the regular season start. ... (more)
Friday March 9, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 11:24AM EST on March 9, 2007
The news out of Kissimmee could be worse. A day after Atlanta lost starter Mike Hampton for at least two months, the team lost 5-3 to New York in 10 innings. But Tim Hudson had a strong four-inning start and new relievers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano pleased manager Bobby Cox with "stuff that moves." The Braves' Jeff Francoeur moved a pitch from the Yankees' Mike Mussina over the fence in right field. ... (more)
Thursday March 8, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 10:55AM EST on March 8, 2007
Believe it or not, there was good pitching in this early, high-scoring spring training game. Newly acquired Chan Ho Park started for New York and gave up only two hits and one earned run. For Boston, Tim Wakefield and Jonathan Papelbon each threw three scoreless innings. Afterward the bullpens let both teams down. But after all, it is early spring. ... (more)
Monday March 5, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 10:56AM EST on March 5, 2007
So far so good. The Chicago Cubs former whiz kid appears ready to make a spring training start...his first in two years. Mark Prior is slated to face the Seattle Mariners, and prepped for the game by throwing two simulated innings of batting practice. The big right-hander could really help Chicago if he returns to form. Last year, a dismal, injury-riddled season saw Prior appear in just nine games, posting a 7.21 ERA. ... (more)
Thursday March 1, 2007
Permalink Posted by: Skeet at 11:32AM EST on March 1, 2007

Manny Ramirez surprised most people by showing up early at the Red Sox historic facility amid the towering palms of Ft. Myers. The team had asked the outfielder to be in camp by March 1. The enigmatic Ramirez has had an up and down relationship with Red Sox management. Still, the slugging left fielder has averaged .316 with 39 home runs and 119 RBI in his time in Boston.

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