Cnotes MLB 2016 Spring Training News-Exhibition Picks-Trades-Gossips Etc. !!

[CNOTES]

Bautista says he's told Blue Jays what deal he'd agree to
February 22, 2016


DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) Jose Bautista sees no reason for a lot of back and forth about his contract.


The Toronto slugger said Monday he has let the Blue Jays know what it would take to keep him, and is waiting for an answer. Bautista is entering the final year of his deal. The 35-year-old outfielder is coming off a 40-homer season in which he helped Toronto to an AL East title and its first postseason appearance since 1993.


''I don't think there should be any negotiations. I think I've proved myself, and the question has been asked - what will it take - and I've given them an answer,'' Bautista said. ''I'm not going to sit here and try to bargain for a couple dollars.''


Wearing a shirt that said ''HOME IS TORONTO,'' Bautista spoke to reporters for about 15 minutes Monday, after the Blue Jays held their first official workout for pitchers and catchers. It was fitting that Bautista's comments made the biggest news of the day. Toronto is still a team built around its offense after Bautista, Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki powered the Blue Jays to the AL Championship Series last year.


Bautista and Encarnacion are in the final year of their contracts. Bautista said he let the team know a couple weeks ago what kind of deal he wanted, and that his agent has been involved in the process.


''I'm not trying to sound like it was adamant and I put down the law and I drew lines in the sand,'' Bautista said. ''They asked me a question and I gave them an answer.''


Toronto general manager Ross Atkins is expected to talk to reporters later this week. Atkins was hired to work with Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro after GM Alex Anthopoulos left the team this offseason.


Bautista said he has ''nothing but praise'' for what Shapiro and Atkins have done so far, even while his own future remains uncertain.


''I think they know and realize the things that I say and agree with me. It's just a matter of, are they willing to go there?'' Bautista said. ''And it's not just necessarily Ross and Mark. I can't say that, I don't know. Some of that decision making, of a contract the size that I presented, has to come from ownership.''


The Blue Jays are owned by Rogers Communications.


''In a publicly traded company, everybody can track their performance fairly easy. It's not a secret. It's out in the public,'' Bautista said. ''Stock prices are monitored very closely by the whole financial world, and I think there is a direct correlation with the success of their earnings-per-share after we start experiencing success. Are they going to put it out in the media and say because of the Jays, we made all this money? No. But everybody can read between the lines.''


Bautista made $64 million over the past five years, and the Blue Jays exercised his $14 million option for 2016. He says he feels he's outperformed that contract, and he dismissed the idea of a so-called hometown discount.


''That doesn't exist. Not in my world,'' Bautista said. ''In my eyes, I've given this organization a five-year hometown discount already.''


Bautista signed his long-term deal in 2011, when he was coming off a 54-homer season that more than tripled his career high in that category. He has averaged 35 home runs a year since then.


Encarnacion's agent has said his client would cease negotiations once the regular season begins. Bautista didn't say anything like that, but he certainly seemed intent on leaving the issue firmly on management.


''I didn't want to waste their time or their effort, so they can start planning ahead, and if it's not going to happen, they have plenty of time to do so,'' Bautista said. ''They asked me about two weeks ago, and I told them, and that's it. There's no negotiation. I told them what I wanted. They either meet it, or it is what it is.''

 

[CNOTES]

Pittsburgh star McCutchen hoping to end his career with team
February 22, 2016


BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) Andrew McCutchen wants to end his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it will take a new contract to ensure that happens.


McCutchen, 29, has at least two seasons left on the $51.5 million deal he signed in 2012. On Monday, as position players reported to Pirates spring training camp, the All-Star center fielder did not blink when asked if he wants to extend his stay in Pittsburgh.


''I think you know that answer,'' McCutchen said. ''Everyone knows I want to be here. That's nothing new to anyone.''


In December, owner Bob Nutting said he would like to see McCutchen retire as a Pirate.


''That would be really cool,'' McCutchen said. ''It's great to hear that from an owner.''


However, Nutting has not indicated if he's willing to pay the $20 million or more a year McCutchen might command on the open market. The Pirates consistently rank among the bottom third of the 30 MLB clubs in player payroll.


McCutchen, the 2013 National League MVP, will make $13 million this season and $14 million in 2017. The Pirates hold a $14.5 million option for 2018.


''I don't know what my market value is. I haven't discussed that with my agent,'' McCutchen said. ''I still stick with the (notion that) money doesn't define me, because it doesn't. But no one plays for free.''


Over the winter, the budget-conscious Pirates parted with a pair of former first-round picks who were set to make about $15 million.


First baseman Pedro Alvarez was non-tendered after batting .243 and making 23 errors last season. Second baseman Neil Walker, a Pittsburgh native, was traded to the New York Mets for pitcher Jon Niese.


''You'd love to still have them as teammates, but we do understand that this is a business,'' McCutchen said. ''These things happen and we have to accept that.''


When the Pirates drafted McCutchen with the 11th overall pick in 2005, they were in the midst of 20 consecutive losing seasons. The team has earned a NL wild-card berth in each of the past three years.


The Pirates advanced to the division series in 2013, but lost the past two wild-card games at PNC Park. In 2014, they were shut out by San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner. Last year, they were blanked by Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs.


''It's just one game, so it's just a matter of which pitcher is on that day, who has their stuff,'' McCutchen said. ''Watching the (other playoff) games, it does sting knowing you could've been there.''


McCutchen hopes the next collective bargaining agreement leads to a three-game wild-card series.


''I think that would make it a little more equal,'' McCutchen said. ''I don't know if I'd lobby for it, but I'm sure that's one of the things they've been talking about.''

 

[CNOTES]

Ryu not sure whether he'll be ready for start of season
February 22, 2016


GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu is working his way back into shape after missing last year following shoulder surgery but can't say yet whether he will be ready for the start of the season.


Ryu, the Dodgers' No. 3 starter in 2013 and 2014, threw his second bullpen session of spring training Monday. He said his arm felt better than it did after his first session last Thursday.


''Compared to last Thursday, it was a very good day,'' Ryu said through an interpreter. ''As far as the velocity and control, my arm felt much better. From day to day, it pretty much feels the same. Hopefully, I just have to throw more. I'm thinking I better gain some more speed and different kind of pitches.''


Manager Dave Roberts said that ''by design'' the Dodgers have been careful not to work Ryu too hard in the early weeks.


The cautious regimen puts Ryu behind the rest of the staff as it prepares for opening day.


''I would say Hyun-Jin is certainly behind, maybe by a couple of weeks, give or take,'' Roberts said. ''It's just hard to say.''


Ryu's comeback is a key concern in the Dodger camp. After Clayton Kershaw, the starting rotation isn't clear. Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda are all projected as starters.


Depending on Ryu's availability, Alex Wood could be the No. 5 starter. After the Dodgers acquired Wood last summer from the Atlanta Braves in a three-team trade, he started 12 times, going 5-6 with a 4.98 ERA.


Ryu had a combined record of 28-15 with a 3.17 ERA over his first two seasons with the Dodgers.


Los Angeles shut him down after just two appearances in spring training games last year.


He went on the 60-day disabled list on May 4 after coaches detected a loss of velocity in his pitches. He later underwent surgery to alleviate persistent pain in his left labrum.


Roberts and Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations, said there's no pressure on Ryu to be ready at an early date. Upon his return, they want him to be a reliable starter without any lingering concern about his shoulder.


''We want him to be pitching in October, hopefully,'' Friedman said.

 

[CNOTES]

Reigning NL MVP Harper says he's not a leader with Nationals
February 22, 2016


VIERA, Fla. (AP) Bryce Harper is a lot of things, including the Washington Nationals' best player and reigning National League MVP.


One thing he's not is the team leader.


Harper arrived at Nationals spring training early and quietly took his place in the corner of the clubhouse with Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Danny Espinosa. Even after being a unanimous MVP selection, the 23-year-old Harper would rather leave the leadership responsibilities to those veterans.


''I don't think I'm a leader. I think I'm more just a guy playing the game,'' Harper said Monday. ''I'm still at that stage of where I'm still looking at J-Dub, I'm still looking at Zim to do everything they can to make the best moves for this team and play as hard as I can out there and lead by example. That's the best thing I can do.


There's not a much better example a player can set than Harper did last season. He hit .330, drove in 99 runs and led the NL with 42 home runs, 118 runs scored, a .460 on-base percentage and .649 slugging percentage.


Yet Harper is humble and deferential to older teammates heading into his fifth major league season. He expects Werth, or J-Dub to his teammates, to continue to set the tone in the clubhouse, and he'll continue to do his job at the plate and on the field.


Manager Dusty Baker agrees with that. Baker sees ''leadership potential'' in Harper but doesn't think the star outfielder is a leader yet.


''How many people are going to follow the youngest kid in the room? And just because you're the most talented doesn't mean that you're the leader,'' Baker said. ''I've always said that leaders are anointed, they're not appointed. People gravitate toward leaders. Ted Williams was the MVP, but I never heard Ted Williams was a leader.''


Harper didn't take much time to reflect on 2015 during the offseason, nor was he bragging much about one of the best statistical seasons in recent history. Several months removed from it, Harper said he was humbled to be the unanimous MVP but mentally over it.


''That's all in the past,'' Harper said. ''The 42 homers, .330 average, .4-whatever on-base, I'm not even worried about that now. I'm worried about what we're doing as a team this year.''


That's an approach Baker can get on board with. Harper repeatedly mentioned his primary goal for 2016 is to win, which is music to the ears of a 66-year-old still gunning for his first World Series as a manager.


Of course Baker knows that the Nationals' regular-season and playoff hopes hinge greatly on Harper. But he's not setting unrealistic expectations.


''I expect for him to just continue to grow as a player and as a man,'' Baker said. ''How many people 23 years old have been where Bryce has been? Let's not forget he's 23 years old. Where were most of us at 23 years old? I'm not putting any limitations on him; I'm not going to put any pressure on him. I'm just (going to) let him be Bryce.''


Harper certainly doesn't plan on setting any limitations for himself. For all his humility about his numbers and role in the clubhouse, Harper echoed his ''don't sell me short'' comment from a recent radio appearance when asked about potentially being a $400 million player in a few years.


''You can't put a limit on players,'' Harper said. ''You can't put a limit on what they do. If that's on the field, off the field, everything they do. Everybody says the sky's the limit. But we've been on the moon. So you can't really say that.''


That extends to the rest of the Nationals. Talking about the team, Harper sure sounded like a leader.


''I'm excited to see Joe Ross do what he can for a full year, I'm excited to see Lucas Giolito hopefully get to the big leagues this year throwing a billion,'' he said. ''I'm just very excited about the guys we have, such great minor league system that we have. I'm just looking forward to seeing J-Dub play every single day, Espi playing every single day. I'm excited about (Daniel Murphy) hitting homers off lefties hopefully. I'm just very excited to be part of it.''

 

[CNOTES]

Opening day for Grapefruit, Cactus league
March 1, 2016


A look at the highlights of what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona today:




---


LEAPING AHEAD


March means the start of major league exhibitions. Four games open up the spring schedule: Orioles-Braves, Blue Jays-Phillies, Pirates-Tigers and Reds-Indians.


NOT SO FAST


Reds speedster Billy Hamilton will sit out the exhibition opener vs. Cleveland at the complex the teams share in Goodyear, Arizona. He injured his right shoulder in September and is recovering from surgery. The center fielder stole 57 bases last year, but is trying to improve his career .287 on-base percentage and regain the leadoff spot.


TAKE IT SLOW


Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion is expected back in camp, two days following the extraction of an abscessed tooth. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Jose Bautista will ease into the exhibition lineup - Tulo will skip the first three games, Bautista will wait a week to 10 days before playing.


LET'S SEE


Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson is being examined by a doctor after arriving at camp with redness in an eye. The team is concerned the three-time All-Star might have conjunctivitis and be contagious.


REMEMBER US?


Pirates starter Kyle Lobstein and righty reliever Neftali Feliz are set to pitch against Detroit. Lobstein went 3-8 with the Tigers last year while Feliz finished up the season with them.

 

[CNOTES]

Yankees' Chapman to accept 30-game ban
March 1, 2016


NEW YORK (AP) New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman agreed to accept a 30-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, a penalty stemming from an incident with his girlfriend last October.


Under the discipline announced Tuesday, Chapman will serve the penalty from the start of the season in April. He will lose 30 days of pay - $1,856,557 of his $11,325,000 salary - and 30 days of major league service, which will allow him to reach six years of service time after this season, enough to become eligible for free agency.


''I found Mr. Chapman's acknowledged conduct on that day to be inappropriate ... particularly his use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner,'' baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. ''I am gratified that Mr. Chapman has taken responsibility for his conduct.''


Chapman became the first player penalized a finite number of games under the policy, which MLB and the players' association agreed to in August following several high-profile incidents among NFL players. Colorado shortstop Jose Reyes was given an indefinite paid suspension last week, pending a trial scheduled for April 4, following an alleged altercation with him wife in October.


Baseball's investigation of Chapman stemmed from Oct. 30. Chapman's girlfriend, 22-year-old Cristina Barnea, told police he pushed and choked her. Chapman said there was an argument but that he was pushed down by Barnea's brother, eventually getting a handgun and firing eight shots into a wall and window while locked in his garage.


The Davie Police Department and Broward Assistant State Attorney Stefanie Newman declined to file charges, saying conflicting accounts and insufficient evidence made a conviction unlikely. Under MLB's domestic violence policy, discipline does not have to be predicated on a conviction.


Chapman, the hardest-throwing pitcher in the major leagues, was traded from payroll-paring Cincinnati Reds to the Yankees in December. He had said he would contest any suspension, but a deal was reached following negotiations with MLB.


''I want to be clear, I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening,'' Chapman said in a statement. ''However, I should have exercised better judgment with respect to certain actions, and for that I am sorry. The decision to accept a suspension, as opposed to appealing one, was made after careful consideration. I made this decision in an effort to minimize the distractions that an appeal would cause the Yankees, my new teammates and most importantly, my family.''


The players' association said it supported Chapman's decision to accept the penalty and said ''its members do not condone the mistreatment of others by playing or non-playing personnel.''


With the Yankees, Chapman forms a powerful back end of the bullpen along with former closer Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.


Chapman can continue to participate in all spring training activities. The penalty starts when the Yankees open the season April 4 at home against Houston. Barring rainouts, he would eligible to start his season May 9 when the Yankees host Kansas City.


''We need him,'' teammate Alex Rodriguez said Tuesday before the suspension was announced. ''He's a big part of our team, and I think the key in New York is you have to focus on the game, focus on your teammates, and I think he has a lot of support in that clubhouse.''


Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is under investigation by MLB for a fight with a bouncer at a Miami bar in November following an argument with his sister.

 

[CNOTES]

Royals, Perez agree to deal through 2021
March 1, 2016


SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Salvador Perez signed a club-friendly deal with the Royals four years ago in part so his mother, Yilda, would no longer have to work in their increasingly violent hometown in Venezuela.


Now, Perez hopes he can move her to the U.S. permanently.


The Royals signed the All-Star catcher to a contract through 2021 on Tuesday that guarantees him an additional $52.5 million over five seasons. The deal was announced two days after Yilda had her SUV stolen at gunpoint on the way to the market - she was unharmed and the vehicle was later recovered by the police.


''It feels like a family here,'' Perez said. ''Hopefully I can play the rest of my career here, be one of these guys like Frank White and George Brett.''


The 25-year-old Perez is set to make $2 million this season, the final guaranteed year of a deal signed in 2012 that included club options for 2017-19. His new deal includes a $6 million signing bonus and salaries of $3 million next season, $7.5 million in 2018, $10 million in 2019 and $13 million each in 2020 and 2021.


''Every player is difference, every negotiation is unique and we take them on a case-by-case basis,'' Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. ''We felt this was something that would take place in time.''


Perez signed with the Royals as a 16-year-old prospect but shot through the minor league system. He made his big league debut in 2011, became the everyday backstop the following season and has been voted to the All-Star game each of the past three years.


He hit .260 with a career-best 21 homers and 70 RBIs last season, helping the Royals to their second consecutive World Series appearance. They beat the Mets in five games for their first title since 1985, and he was the MVP.


Now, he hopes to help the Royals win many more championships.


Perez is the second homegrown star to agree to a long-term deal with Kansas City this offseason, joining All-Star outfielder Alex Gordon, who signed a $72 million, four-year contract in January.


''The thing about him that's so infectious about him is his love for the game,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said. ''He loves playing baseball. Everybody can sense it from his teammates to the fans watching him to the people that watch him on TV. His energy is off the charts.''


The popular narrative is that the Royals have a two-year window to win because star players such as Eric Hosmer can reach free agency after the 2017 season. But the decision to sign Perez - even though he was under club control - shows Moore is willing to pay to keep the foundations of the club intact.


''Salvy is easy to believe in,'' Moore said. ''It's a no-brainer.''


Perez signed a five-year, $7 million deal before the 2012 season, a deal even at the time considered exceedingly club-friendly. But he chose to accept the deal in part so that his mother would no longer have to work in their increasingly violent Venezuelan neighborhood.


After her carjacking Sunday, the affable catcher is hopeful she can stay in the U.S. permanently.


''I still love my country. I'm from Venezuela,'' he said. ''We've got bad places everywhere in the world - there's going to be good people and bad people - but in Venezuela it's a little more.''


Perez said he feels safe when he travels home, but that's because he has six bodyguards when he visits clinics or meets with fans. His teammate and countryman, Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar, has four bodyguards with him whenever he ventures out in public.


The violence has been slowly escalating since the 2013 death of Hugo Chavez, the nation's polarizing president. Political protests, demonstrations and civil unrest have become everyday occurrences, and high unemployment has forced many people to turn to crime to survive.


Four years ago, Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was kidnapped outside his home in Valencia, the same city where Perez grew up. He was rescued by commandos in the mountains two days later.


''Sometimes I understand why bad people do it. They have four kids, they don't have a job, they want to be able to buy food,'' Perez said. ''They do the wrong thing but they have to.''


Perez has a green card and would like to become a U.S. citizen, but his mother is limited to six-month stays. She's planning to join him in Arizona after the kidnapping ordeal, and Perez plans to look into options to ensure that Yilda can stay with him on a more permanent basis.


''When things like that happen,'' he said, ''we just think about staying here and never going back to my country. But it's still a little hard because I still have my family there. Last year I went only for five weeks, this year maybe for two weeks, but it's hard. That makes me sad because I love my country. There's good people there. But I have to protect my family. People have to understand that.''

 

[CNOTES]

Korean slugger Park adjusting to Twins
March 1, 2016


FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Korean slugger Byung Ho Park has found a lot of things he likes off the field, namely American food and navigating the streets.


He'll be learning to adjust on the field soon, too. The right-handed batter is scheduled to make his Minnesota Twins debut as the designated hitter against the Boston Red Sox in the teams' Grapefruit League opener on Wednesday.


The Twins signed the 29-year-old Park to a four-year, $12-million deal during the offseason after making a $12.85 million winning bid to negotiate with him.


Acclimating to a lifestyle in a new country has its challenges - dealing with the language, meeting new teammates and understanding the talent he's about the face.


But there was one thing he was certain about.


''Steaaaak,'' he said in English, breaking into a grin and stretching the word when asked about his favorite food. ''Big ribs, too.''


Park, who is expected to get a heavy plate of at-bats, has brought added attention to Twins' camp. On the first day of full workouts, there were about a dozen Korean reporters covering his every move. At the start, many of them ventured down the right-field line to get a better look, prompting a member of the club's media relations staff to head down to bring them back into the infield.


''They came from far, far away,'' Park said through a translator Tuesday. ''Sometimes it might feel like it's too much, too much going on just on me, so I kind of feel bad for the other guys. I respect what they do for their living. They're here to see me, trying to pass along me being here to the fans in Korea. I respect that.''


Manager Paul Molitor also had to adjust. When first asked about Park by the Korean media, he gave a lengthy answer, seemingly forgetting it needed to be translated.


''Sorry, I'll shorten up the next one,'' he joked.


Park played nine seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization, hitting 210 home runs and with 604 RBIs in 868 games. Last season, he batted .343 with 53 and 146 after hitting .303 with 52 and 124 the previous year.


He enters needing at-bats, and could start the season in Triple-A due to a logjam of players that can DH or play first. He's likely battling for a roster spot with Oswaldo Arcia, who hit 20 homers in 372 at-bats in 2014, but struggled badly last season and wasn't called up last September. He's out of options.


''It's hard for me to tell right now because all I've been doing out here is train, train, train,'' Park said. ''I haven't played a game yet, but I understand that the level of game here is higher and actually all of the pitchers that I'll be facing, I haven't faced them. I'll be learning a lot and making adjustments.''


His teammates have warmed to him, with pitcher Phil Hughes inviting him over with a few others to watch ''The Bachelor.''


And besides hitting balls into the gap, Park's finding another type of driving easy.


''This is a lot easier than driving in Korea,'' he said. ''No problem.''


NOTES: Molitor said everyone's healthy heading into the opener. RHP Hughes is scheduled to start. . A day after halting workouts because he wasn't satisfied by the effort, Molitor said ''it was better.'' . He also said it would take ''something fairly significant'' to get LHP Tyler Duffey out of the rotation. He was 5-1 with a 3.10 ERA in 10 starts late last year.

 

[CNOTES]

Jake Arrieta will start Cubs' opener
March 1, 2016


MESA, Ariz. (AP) As expected, NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will start the Chicago Cubs' season opener.


Manager Joe Maddon joked that he had ''another surprise'' in making the announcement on Tuesday. The Cubs, coming off a 97-win season and appearance in the NL Championship Series, open at the Los Angeles Angels on April 4.


Arrieta led the majors in wins while going 22-6 and posting a 1.77 ERA last year. His ERA after the All-Star break was 0.75.


The right-hander went 11-0 over his final 12 starts, and he finished with 236 strikeouts. Arrieta also tossed a no-hitter and beat out Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw for the Cy Young.


Arrieta started the 2012 opener for Baltimore. Jon Lester started the Cubs' opener last year.

 

[CNOTES]

Nationals have plenty of options, depth


VIERA, Fla. (AP) The Washington Nationals retooled their bullpen after last year's flop.


Former closer Drew Storen was traded to Toronto, and Washington jettisoned Casey Janssen, Matt Thornton and Craig Stammen.


General manager Mike Rizzo acquired hard-throwing young right-hander Trevor Gott from the Los Angeles Angeles and signed Shawn Kelley, Yusmeiro Petit and Oliver Perez. And then there are holders Felipe Rivero, Matt Grace, Sammy Solis, Rafael Martin, Blake Treinen and Abel De Los Santos, plus non-roster invitees like Burke Badenhop and Matt Belisle.


''I would assume, without even playing a spring training game, that we're probably going to have one of the better bullpens, just alone with our depth,'' Kelley sad. ''That's what I think separates the great bullpens from average ones.''


Kelley, who signed a $15 million, three-year contract, figures to be used at the back end of the bullpen, while Petit will likely be used in mid-to-long relief and Perez is a left-handed specialist.


Gott, a 23-year-old who went 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 48 games for the Angels last season, throws a 96 mph fastball. New manager Dusty Baker compared him with talented prospect Lucas Giolito.


''He has a good arm,'' Baker said. ''He has a quick arm, too.''


Rivero is a hard-throwing left-hander who could be a future closer. The 24-year-old made his major league debut last year and saved two games at the end of the season when Papelbon was serving his suspension.


If Kelley pitches the eighth, Rivero is a likely candidate for the seventh-inning role, though it's not hard to see those roles being reversed at some point.


''We've got guys with great arms and great stuff, and we think with the depth we've created, we've got ourselves a bullpen that we can count on to hold leads and help us win games,'' Rizzo said.


NOTES: Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez both pitched a scoreless inning in Monday's intrasquad game. . Bronson Arroyo, who is making a comeback after Tommy John surgery, also threw a scoreless inning.

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Harbaugh set to coach Tigers, Chapman eligible
March 2, 2016


A look at the highlights of what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona today:


---


COACH `EM UP!


Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh steps out of his khakis and into a new field when he briefly becomes Detroit's first base coach vs. Pittsburgh. He's also throwing out the first ball and might even coach for the other side - manager Clint Hurdle is from Michigan.


''If you're going to do both teams, I'd have to learn both signals. I would take that very seriously,'' Harbaugh said. ''Coaching a big league game.''


Harbaugh was already near the Pirates' camp in Bradenton, Florida. That's where the Wolverines are holding practice this week at the IMG Academy.


CHAPMAN'S STATUS


Aroldis Chapman can pitch when the Yankees start their spring schedule against a Tigers split squad. New York's new closer has agreed to accept a 30-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, resulting from an incident with his girlfriend last October.


The hardest thrower in the majors is eligible throughout the exhibition season. His penalty starts on April 4 when the Yankees host Houston on opening day.


DUGOUT DEBUTS


Dusty Baker, Scott Servais and Andy Green manage their new teams for the first time. Baker guides Washington when it plays Tampa Bay; Servais and the Mariners take on Green and the Padres at the complex the teams share in Peoria, Arizona.


STRAIGHT FROM SEOUL


South Korean slugger Byung Ho Park is scheduled to play his first spring training game with the Twins against the Red Sox, likely as the designated hitter. Park hit 53 home runs in his final year with Seoul-based Nexen in the hitter-friendly Korean Baseball Organization, then signed a four-year, $12 million deal with Minnesota this offseason. The 29-year-old said he's acclimating well to life in America and has already developed a taste for the local cuisine, eating lots of steak and ribs. He's getting around OK, too. ''This is a lot easier than driving in Korea,'' he said. ''No problem.''


FRESH BATTERIES


Jeff Samardzija starts the spring opener for the Giants vs. the Angels, his first game since signing a $90 million, five-year deal as a free agent. Buster Posey will catch, giving him extra time to work with the San Francisco newcomer. Between 2014 and 2015, Samardzija's ERA jumped nearly two runs to 4.96, but San Francisco is gambling on a bounceback with hopes that he and fellow free agent acquisition Johnny Cueto can back ace Madison Bumgarner in the rotation.

 

[CNOTES]

Seager looking to build on solid debut with Dodgers
March 1, 2016


GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Corey Seager looked right at home when he made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.


Now comes the hard part.


Seager is looking to build off his impressive finish with Los Angeles in 2015. He was promoted in September and batted .337 in 27 games while supplanting Jimmy Rollins at shortstop.


But the touted prospect won't be able to catch anyone off guard this year.


''You can expect him to improve and make adjustments that the league is going to make on him,'' first-year manager Dave Roberts said. ''Opponents have a one-month sample on him. It's a cat-and mouse game.''


The Dodgers think Seager is ready for the challenge. Roberts made Seager his starting shortstop weeks before Los Angeles' Cactus League opener Thursday against the Chicago White Sox, and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has said the Charlotte, North Carolina native is ''a kid I could see being a Hall of Famer.''


Seager, who turns 22 on April 27, takes it all in stride.


''You just have to get out there and be on the field, be out there as much as you can and just go out, play and not think about it too much,'' Seager said.


Seager is the youngest son in a baseball family. His brother, Kyle, is a third baseman for the Seattle Mariners.


Corey Seager was drafted by Los Angeles with the 18th pick in 2012 draft and quickly became one of the majors' top prospects.


''Expectations are on him as far as his skillset,'' Roberts said. ''But I think as an organization we're just expecting Corey to be Corey. We're not expecting him to carry the load in any way. For me, it's more of him being consistent at short.''


The Dodgers had a similar situation with center fielder Joc Pederson a year ago. Pederson, a leading prospect at the start of 2015, got off to a fast start and looked to be a contender for National League Rookie of the Year, but struggled after the All-Star break.


''For Joc, this season is an adjustment in itself,'' Roberts said. ''It's an adjustment Corey is going to have to make as well.''


Roberts isn't sure where Seager will bat in the order. In Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the New York Mets, Seager batted third.


''The No. 3 position in the order is very important, no doubt,'' Roberts said. ''At that point last season, I can't speak to what they were thinking. Corey was swinging the bat well. At this point, we're evaluating every day.


''Every player is different. Some guys with incredible skill sets, you might want to take the load off and hit them lower. Certain guys can handle it higher in the order. As I get to know Corey, I'll make that decision.''


NOTES: Cuban right-hander Yasiel Sierra threw 30 pitches in his first bullpen session Tuesday. Sierra finalized a $30 million, six-year contract with Los Angeles on Feb. 21. ''I'm here to do whatever is needed, whether it is starting or pitching in relief,'' Sierra said through a translator before the bullpen. Sierra arrived in camp Monday. ... Former Dodgers pitching great Fernando Valenzuela visited camp.

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, MARCH 4


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




NYY at DET 01:05 PM


NYY +109 BEST BET




MIN at PIT 01:05 PM


PIT -119




ATL at PHI 01:05 PM


PHI -118




TB at BOS 01:05 PM


TB -104




STL at HOU 01:05 PM


HOU -112 BEST BET




BAL at TOR 01:07 PM


TOR -120




LA at TEX 03:05 PM


TEX -114 BEST BET




LAA at CHC 03:05 PM


CHC -118 BEST BET




CLE at CHW 03:05 PM


CHW -118




SF at CIN 03:05 PM


SF -106 BEST BET




SEA at MIL 03:05 PM


MIL -106




KC at SD 09:10 PM


KC +100 BEST BET

 

[indiana]

C/note...........BOL with all your action today..........indy

 

[CNOTES]

Overall:
6-3-3 Last 10:
5-2-3 Last 20:
6-3-3 Overall


MONDAY, MARCH 7


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




PHI at PIT 01:05 PM


PHI +107




HOU at NYY 01:05 PM


HOU +105




TB at BOS 01:05 PM


BOS -120




MIN at BAL 01:05 PM


BAL -120




MIA at WAS 01:05 PM


WAS -115




ATL at TOR 01:07 PM


TOR -121




SD at MIL 03:05 PM


SD +101




SF at TEX 03:05 PM


TEX -108




CLE at LA 03:05 PM


CLE +102




ARI at SEA 03:10 PM


SEA -120

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Brewers' Liriano hit in face, hospitalized
March 20, 2016


A look at what's happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona on Monday:


HOSPITALIZED


The Brewers will learn more about outfielder Rymer Liriano, a day after he was hit in the face by a pitch. He was bleeding from the nose and his left eye appeared to be severely swollen when he was carried off the field on a backboard and taken to a hospital.


The 24-year-old Liriano made his big league debut with San Diego in 2014. He spent last season in the minors, then was traded to Milwaukee in January.


ROCKIN' IT


Nolan Arenado is swinging the sweetest bat this spring, leading all players with a .606 average for Colorado. The All-Star third baseman is 20 for 33, has hit in all 12 games he's played and has seven straight multihit performances going into a matchup vs. Texas.


''I wish it was April,'' he said. ''I'm good to go.''


Arenado topped the majors with 130 RBIs last season and tied Bryce Harper for the NL lead with 42 home runs.


HE'S AN ANGEL


Angels newcomer Daniel Nava has hit in all 13 of his games this spring, going 15 for 29 for a .517 batting average. He could extend the streak against a split squad of Brewers.


HAPPY, HAPPY


Indians ace Carlos Carrasco will celebrate his 29th birthday and make his fourth spring start when he faces the Chicago White Sox.


TUNING UP


Pirates lefty Francisco Liriano stays on track for his opening day start vs. St. Louis when makes his third outing of the spring, pitching against the Braves.


ON THE MEND


Reds right-hander Homer Bailey, recovering from elbow surgery, is scheduled to throw live batting practice. He's set to throw about 20 pitches in camp.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB 2016:


Net Units: +3255 Rank: 158


Overall: 13-6-3


Last 10: 7 - 3

Last 20: 12-5-3


MONDAY, MARCH 21


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




PHI at DET 01:05 PM


DET -137




HOU at WAS 01:05 PM


HOU +113




BOS at STL 01:05 PM


BOS +104




MIA at NYM 01:10 PM


NYM -132




OAK at SF 04:05 PM


OAK +117




CHW at CLE 04:05 PM


CLE -123




COL at TEX 04:05 PM


TEX -127




SEA at LA 04:05 PM


SEA +117




CIN at SD 10:10 PM


SD -121

 

[CNOTES]

Around the Horn - Spring Camps
March 23, 2016


Spring Training - Hot & Cold Pitchers


Opening day is right around the corner and while updating all your 2016 power ratings based on off-season transactions, health, lineups, bullpens and starting rotations, it's also a good idea to glance at a few things happening in spring training.

Some of the eye-opening numbers posted this spring include the Arizona Diamondbacks smoking the ball at a .316 clip, the Detroit Tigers belting 35 homers and the Washington Nationals stealing 27 bases in 30 attempts. The end result for each of those teams has been wins piling up -- Arizona leads spring with a 17-4 record.

You can't put too much weight into spring numbers but you also shouldn't ignore them, especially with the starting pitchers.

Let's take a look at Jeff Samardzija who has given up a spring high 18 earned runs and five homers in five starts (19 innings) warming up for his first season with the Giants.

Maybe he was trying some new pitches in differing situations and it simply didn't work out so well on couple of them. Still, he got roughed up in two straight outings and they were in his last two starts, so it wasn't like he progressed for the better with the bad outings coming early. Spring or not, veteran starters don't want to look bad. No one in baseball wants to look bad, especially in the first year of a $90 million contract.

“Spring training, man,” Samardzija told the San Francisco Chronicle following his performance Monday where he gave up six runs to the A's while serving up two homers.

“I feel good,” he said. “That was a great day out there. The ball was down. The splitter was great today. We’d been fishing for it for the first few starts. To get a handful of swings and misses on it, and get a punch-out on it, and I think we had a couple of easy groundballs on it, that’s huge for me.”

He sounds like he's not worried, but he can't like being rocked.


So when Samardjiza makes his Giants debut, likely in the Dodgers home opener Apr. 7, he'll be a play-against with much of the basis on having a poor spring. Even though Alex Wood has allowed spring hitters to hit .341 off him, the Dodgers will still be attractive in this situation.

Several pitchers have stood out for being very good while others have been shaky. In both cases, the spring performances should have some influence on April wagers.


Why not ride the starter that was hot in spring for his first two or three starts when his dollar value posted at the sports books might not have spring 2016 numbers factored in as much? And same goes for a veteran that might not be as good as his final 2015 dollar value.

Here's some starters that have been flagged with outstanding springs so far that deserve to be taken seriously with wagers in their first couple starts:

Juan Nicasio, Pirates: He's playing his way into the Bucs rotation with a stellar spring where he's struck out a spring-high 24 batters in 15 innings and hasn't allowed a run -- opponents hitting .189 against him. It's his best spring ever and a good enough reason to back Pittsburgh when his start does come around -- likely at Cincinnati.

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks: Because the Arizona bats have been the story of spring, the performance of Corbin so far hasn't stood out as much as it should. The lefty has allowed one earned run over 14.1 innings in four starts due to great control (17 K, 3 BB) and using the change-up more -- opponents have hit only .212. He's come full circle since coming back from Tommy John surgery late last season and if his spring numbers are an indicator, he's not only a good starter to back with April wagers, but it also makes the team a better bet to go OVER 81.5 total wins and win the NL West at 9-to-2 odds.

Mike Pelfrey, Tigers: Opponents have hit a measly .151 against him in four starts and he hasn't allowed a run in his past two starts and only two earned runs in 15.1 innings. The big 6'7" right-hander is in his first season with the Tigers and will be a good value play as the No. 4 starter against the Yankees -- likely, Saturday, April 9.

Kyle Hendricks, Cubs: His .146 average-against is the best in spring and he's allowed just two runs in 14 innings. The Cubs high team rating is going to boost his prices high in April, so there won't be too much value with him early on, but his spring makes him able to be trusted with a wager going up against other No. 5 starters. His first start is likely to come at Arizona.

Other starters having great springs include Corey Kluber (CLE), Justin Verlander (DET), Jason Hammel (CHC), Clayton Kershaw (LAD), Zack Greinke (AZ), Kenta Maeda (LAD) and Andrew Cashner (SD).

Starters that have had a rough spring and could offer early April value with their opponents are Mike Gonzalez (BAL), Jake Peavy (SF), Bartolo Colon (NYM), Rick Porcello (BOS), Matt Shoemaker (LAA) and Wily Peralta (MIL).


Peralta is set to face Madison Bumgarner on opening day at Milwaukee. Surprisingly, Bumgarner has a 10.57 ERA and opponents have hit .371 off him in three starts.

 

[CNOTES]

NL East Preview
March 21, 2016



New York Mets - Predicted Record: 93-69


What a year it was for the Mets in 2015. From their unlikely run in outlasting the Nationals for the NL East title, to owning October on their way to the franchise's first World Series berth in 15 years, it was the definition of a special campaign. No one has quite had a beat as strong on the Mets as yours' truly, having now predicted New York's final exact record within three games or less in three straight years, including projecting them for last season's improbable playoff run. And there's still more progress on the way as it pertains to the Metropolitans.

First and foremost, the clear-cut main reason the Mets rapidly took off had to do with their remarkable starting pitching. Up and down the staff, this club is built for many years to come, and it's scary to think that this group actually may be even better collectively in '16. Of course, everyone already knew about Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey, two of the brightest young right-handers in the game today who should continue coasting along while in their prime. After an outstanding rookie season, everyone is now aware of Noah Syndergaard and the potential greatness he brings to the table. Steven Matz also flashed that same fantastic potential, albeit in a much shorter sample size due to injury, but the fact remains he's got an extremely promising future. Meanwhile, veteran Bartolo Colon resides at the bottom of the rotation, serving as a placeholder until ultra-underrated right-hander Zack Wheeler is ready to return from Tommy John in a few months. The bullpen is also in desirable shape, with Jeurys Familia established as the overpowering closer, and Addison Reed and newcomer Antonio Bastardo setting him up.

While it was the pitching rotation that paced the Mets to a wildly successful showing last season, it was the arrival of one slugger in particular that really carried the franchise towards solidifying that National League pennant. That, of course, would be in reference to the trade deadline deal for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who single-handedly rejuvenated a formerly lifeless offense that was previously scuffling mightily. Cespedes is the unquestioned star in this lineup, and there are some other good pieces here, too. Curtis Granderson, Travis d'Arnaud, Lucas Duda and longtime captain David Wright each play pivotal roles in helping manufacture runs, and the same should hold true in the new year. Furthermore, Michael Conforto flashed some promise last season as a rookie, while the Mets also added the serviceable Neil Walker to replace the departed Daniel Murphy. All in all, the Mets have everything needed to sustain their success and keep it going.

Washington Nationals - Predicted Record: 90-72


The Nationals entered 2015 with legitimate World Series aspirations, and were even tabbed with the highest win total in baseball by the linesmakers, but instead, the club fell well short of their expectations, even embarrassingly missing out on the postseason. It was a performance that led to the firing of Matt Williams, but with Dusty Baker now in charge, things are shaping up for the franchise to at least win their first postseason series in the post-Montreal era.

There may not be a more dangerous bat in the game today than Bryce Harper, who took another step forward in establishing his excellence with his first career NL MVP award last season. As long as he stays healthy, another monster campaign should be in his immediate future. The fate of the club just won't rest on his shoulders, as the Nats will need notable contributions from their other position players if they want to accomplish big things. For instance, Anthony Rendon must rebound from an injury-plagued campaign and record something more in line with his standout 2014 season. Jayson Werth also endured a forgettable year and it's important he gets back on track. Ryan Zimmerman and Wilson Ramos, meanwhile, are two veteran Nationals hitters still capable of making their mark. The team is also expecting an upgrade at second base, where they interestingly installed former rival Daniel Murphy through free agency.

Pitching should be this club's strong suit, boasting perhaps the most dominant 1-2 punch in the league, if not all of baseball. Max Scherzer had a terrific showing in his first year with the Nats, even starting the All-Star game for the National League. Stephen Strasburg, meanwhile, had some injury problems through the first half, but when he returned, the former No. 1 overall draft pick was normal again and absolutely unhittable. His continued progress will be a big factor in where Washington ends up this season. With Gio Gonzalez, Tanner Roark and young Joe Ross following him on the staff, it's a real quality group, and also be on the lookout for top prospect Lucas Giolito. If there's one concern in D.C., it would be concerning the bullpen, which could be an issue at times last year. Veteran closer Jonathan Papelbon is still here, but getting the ball to him isn't a sure thing, with names like Shawn Kelley, Felipe Rivero and Blake Treinen setting him up. Even so, the Nationals should contend once again and will most likely duke it out with the Mets in one of the sport's best growing rivalries.

Miami Marlins - Predicted Record: 85-77


Things got so messy in South Beach last season that the general manager was deployed to manage the team from the dugout, despite having zero prior experience in that area. Thus, the end result of a very disappointing season came as no surprise when factored in with notable injuries, but there is considerable hope that the Marlins can get back on track in '16 with new manager Don Mattingly leading the way.

When it comes to Miami, it all starts with arguably the game's best slugger in Giancarlo Stanton, who is looking to stay healthy after an injury-ravaged campaign a year ago. If he can accomplish that and churn out his usual monstrous home run output, the Marlins will be right in the hunt. They have some other pieces on offense that are worth raving over, too, such as blooming young outfielder Christian Yelich. Also, let's not forget Dee Gordon is coming off a completely unexpected batting title, and is part of one of the niftier middle infield combos in the league alongside Adeiny Hechavarria. Additionally, Justin Bour and JT Realmuto stood out as rookies, and if they can build on those freshman showings, the Marlins will be in really good shape, especially if talented outfielder Marcel Ozuna can return to old form.

The Fish don't just have a superstar on offense; they have one in their starting rotation, too. Jose Fernandez, now more than a year separated from Tommy John, is bracing for his first full year since the surgery, and if he can simply continue what he's been doing since arriving in the 2013 season, the Marlins will have a real dominant ace that can toe the rubber against anyone. Wei-Yin Chen was acquired to slide into the No. 2 slot, and could end up being one of the top offseason signings. With fine innings-eaters like Jarred Cosart and Tom Koehler behind him, there is a pitching staff in place that is actually pretty sound from top to bottom. That's key because their bullpen is also in good shape, as despite losing the electric Carter Capps for the year, they still have A.J. Ramos closing games, with the formidable trifecta of Bryan Morris, Mike Dunn and Kyle Barraclough serving as setup men. Don't be surprised if the Marlins make a push.

Philadelphia Phillies - Predicted Record: 73-89


It's tough these days to be a Philadelphia sports fan, especially as it concerns the city's baseball franchise, which has finished in the NL East basement in consecutive years now. Fortunately, the dreaded rebuild could be reaching its pinnacle sooner than anticipated, and while it probably won't happen in the upcoming campaign, there's still enough here to perhaps generate a decent season for Philly faithful.

If there's one man in the Phillies lineup that can single-handedly carry the club and help them avoid the NL East basement for a third straight season, it would be rising third baseman Maikel Franco, who impressed as a rookie and appears to be carrying over that momentum through a dazzling spring training. There's a significant gap, however, between Franco and the outlook of the rest of the offense, which is still saddled with the declining Ryan Howard in it. Carlos Ruiz is still here also, and he's shown some signs of fading as well. Cesar Hernandez, Odubel Herrera and Freddy Galvis are some of the youngsters besides Franco that the Phillies are trying to invest in, but there's not a very high ceiling amongst the three of them. The team will also be without Aaron Altherr due to injury for the majority of the slate.

The pitching staff also does not yield a great amount of hope to contend this season, but there are certainly some intriguing young arms amongst this group. Aaron Nola, for one, has the potential to be an upper echelon starter for years to come, and Jerrad Eickhoff, who came over in the Cole Hamels deal, exhibited some real positive signs last year that indicate he's a part of the future, too. In addition, Philadelphia picked up Vincent Velasquez, another talented youngster who has potential to be a solid strikeout artist. With veterans Jeremy Hellickson and Charlie Morton also amongst this group, though, the Phillies will have a tough time matching up against the brilliant rotations in this division. The same could be said of their bullpen, which no longer has Ken Giles or Jonathan Papelbon, and will instead be leaning on either David Hernandez or Andrew Bailey to finish off ballgames. All things considered, the Phillies might actually be a sleeper team in terms of going over their win total, but that's probably the kindest statement that can be made.

Atlanta Braves - Predicted Record: 66-96


Remember that time the Braves won 14 consecutive division titles? Yeah, it's now been 10 years since that historic run came to an end and in that time, Atlanta has amassed just one more NL East crown. Furthermore, they’ve managed to avoid last-place along the way, but entering this season, are looking at the prospect of their first finish in the division cellar since 1990.

Offensively, Atlanta is built around its talented veteran Freddie Freeman, though the star first baseman is still experiencing wrist issues that plagued him in 2015. That's definitely something to keep an eye on because beyond him, there isn't much additional pop. A.J. Pierzynski and Nick Markakis used to be two dependable veterans, but those days are gone, and now they are two miscast bats on a rebuilding roster. The Braves do have some fine youngsters, as Jace Peterson and Adonis Garcia displayed some noteworthy potential a year ago in their rookie campaigns. However, the lineup significantly pales in comparison to that of their division rivals. Hector Olivera and Ender Inciarte are also two unintimidating key components in the batting order.

It's not surprising that the Braves, who succeeded so well on marvelous starting pitching in their glory days, are now suffering from a severe lack of it. Julio Teheran, the staff ace, was tremendously disappointing last season, and will have to improve greatly if this club wants to stay afloat. Atlanta added Bud Norris over the offseason to be a big contributor, and while this author has always been a huge fan of Bud, the fact remains he's coming off an awful year that even led to his release from the Orioles in-season. He did thrive, though, when he was last a regular starter in the NL, so there is potential for him to be a silver lining. At the end of the day, Atlanta must get accelerated development from the likes of Matt Wisler, Manny Banuelos, Williams Perez and Michael Foltynewicz. The bullpen actually looks like it has enough talent to be a main strength for the club, with promising right-hander Arodys Vizcaino closing, and a talented trio of Jason Grilli, Jim Johnson and Alexi Ogando setting him up. However, that won't be enough, and the Braves are staring at a very challenging road ahead.

Evaluating NL East Division Bets


There's no question the Marlins offer the best value with their +800 odds to win the division. For gamblers who don't want to make that commitment, but still want to invest in their potential growth, then Over 79 Wins is probably up your alley. More likely than not, they will be unable to supplant both the Nationals and Mets, but they certainly have the potential to pass one of them when the season is all said and done, which would mean they'd easily register 80-plus wins. Even in third they could still go over the total. They're still the best value, though, because the Mets are an undesirable -125, entering the season with a completely different feel compared to last year, as they are now being hunted not just by their division rivals, but by the rest of the league as well. Meanwhile, Washington is +100, which is tempting, but it'd be nice if there was a slightly bigger payout considering the monumental disaster they went through in 2015. It's still a solid bet, though. Gamblers who like longshots shouldn't waste their time with Braves +6000 and Phillies +6600.

 

[CNOTES]

NL Central Preview
March 21, 2016


Chicago Cubs - Predicted Record: 94-68


Arguably the most glaring surprise from all of last season (and brilliantly predicted by this author, remember) was the rapid rise of the Cubs, who gelled together right away under new manager Joe Maddon, en route to reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2008. This time around, however, they will enter the new campaign with rocket-high expectations, but just may have enough blossoming talent to go even further than last year's trip to the NLCS.

There's no arguing that the young nucleus possessed by Chicago is as bright as it gets anywhere else. Kris Bryant made his much-anticipated debut last season, and proceeded to win the NL Rookie of the Year honors with ease. It's more likely than not that he evolves into one of the best third basemen in the sport. Anthony Rizzo is already one of the elite players at his position on the opposite corner of the diamond, and should continue churning out his usual production. Kyle Shwarber is another big name in this youth movement, someone capable of registering outstanding numbers over a full season. The Cubs didn't just stay content with that, also adding Jayson Heyward and Ben Zobrist, two veterans who should bolster the offense and defense. They also re-signed Dexter Fowler to remain in his role as the club's leadoff man.

With last year's NL Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta leading the pitching rotation, the Cubs have arguably the best ace in the league. Jon Lester would be an ace on several other teams, but fits in comfortably as the No. 2 hurler, providing Chicago with a lethal 1-2 punch. The team did make one alteration for this year's staff, prying away John Lackey from the division rival Cardinals, and the reliable veteran is capable of giving his new team an upgrade. Jason Hammel and young Kyle Hendricks round it out, and are fine starters to have on the back-end. The one area the Cubbies could use a little improvement is in the bullpen, but Hector Rondon is coming off a stellar first season as the team's closer. The pair of Pedro Strop and Justin Grimm appears to be solid enough in helping get him the ball for the ninth inning. Overall, it looks like it'll be another mightily successful season for the Cubs, and perhaps the final step in quenching the franchise's thirst for its first World Series title since 1908.

Pittsburgh Pirates - Predicted Record: 87-75


It seems like a distant memory now when the Pirates were the laughingstock of the National League, enduring an absolutely brutal stretch in which they missed the playoffs in 20 straight years. Then manager Clint Hurdle came to town and, no pun intended, turned the ship around for the Pirates. Now, Pittsburgh is firmly established as a perennial contender, with potential to do some big things in '16.

While it's mostly been a balanced effort over the past handful of seasons, the Pirates have easily stood out with their starting pitching staff. Gerrit Cole, for instance, debuted four years ago and has already risen to a very high level in which he is regarded as one of the best aces in the NL. Francisco Liriano has also performed like an upper echelon starter, having revitalized his career since arriving in the Steel City. The club will welcome new addition Jon Niese, who still has potential to be a productive mid-rotation arm in the bigs. They also added Ryan Vogelsong and Juan Nicasio, two guys capable of eating up innings on the back-end in case Jeff Locke falters. The bullpen has been just as stingy, as Mark Melancon has done a tremendous job at closer since taking over the job. Tony Watson, Neftali Feliz, Jared Hughes and Arquimedes Caminero comprise a desirable crew in setting him up.

When you look at Pittsburgh's outfield, it would be a fair argument to make that this could be the main reason why the Pirates advance into October baseball once again. Andrew McCutchen is a former NL MVP, and clearly, he's still very much in his prime as one of the league's best players. Playing alongside him are Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, two extremely athletic studs who both come with a high ceiling. Also having key role players like Francisco Cervelli, Josh Harrison and Jung Ho Kang, the Pirates still possess a formidable lineup to back up their quality pitching rotation. Boasting the same type of balance that has propelled them in the past few years, the Pirates should still be mixing it up with the league's elite all year long.

St. Louis Cardinals - Predicted Record: 83-79


With three straight division titles under their belt, the Cardinals have built a stronghold over the NL Central, but will 2016 be the year their empire finally falls? It very well could be given the rapid emergence of some of their regular counterparts, but at the very least, this looks like a team that won't be going down without a fight.

When it comes to pitching, St. Louis is always well-stocked both within their rotation and their bullpen, and the same sentiment will ring true in the upcoming campaign. Although they won’t have injured right-hander Lance Lynn for the entire year, they will receive an upgrade in the form of veteran ace Adam Wainwright, who missed almost all of last season before returning at the very end in a relief role. Considering Waino has always been as consistent as anyone, that's huge. Young studs Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez are also back, looking to carry over their gradual progress from recent years. Also, don't forget about Jaime Garcia, who looked like he finally overcame his frequent injury issues, en route to registering his most starts in four seaons. The bullpen maintains a similar type of stability, and will once again implement the services of Trevor Rosenthal at closer. Kevin Siegrist, Jordan Walden and Seth Maness are the other quality arms residing in the 'pen.

On offense, there's an interesting blend of established veterans and blossoming youngsters. Yadier Molina, Matt Holliday and Jhonny Peralta, of course, represent the elder statesmen in the lineup, having each excelled for a number of years now. It's no secret that their health hasn't been as dependable in the recent past, so whenever the changing of the guard takes place, St. Louis still has some very nice young talent to lean on. Kolten Wong and Matt Carpenter have already experienced bouts of notable success, and will look to keep it going. Intriguing newer players like Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty, meanwhile, bring standout potential. At the end of the day, it simply boils down to whether or not this is all enough to stave off the Pirates and Cubs, and for the first time in awhile, it looks like the Cardinals won't be the team on top after game No. 162.

Milwaukee Brewers - Predicted Record: 74-88


Remember those Brewers teams from the early-2000s? Geoff Jenkins, Richie Sexson, Jeremy Burnitz, Ben Sheets, Glendon Rusch. They could mash, but would consistently land near the bottom of the NL Central, and based on last year's showing, in which the franchise produced their worst record in more than 10 years, well, those times could unfortunately be returning.

Milwaukee has a lot of "ifs" as it concerns their offense. If their longtime face of the franchise Ryan Braun can return to dominant form, this is a club that maybe has a chance to compete. Once a perennial All-Star, Braun's output has decreased in recent years. Can newcomer Chris Carter be a viable power source in the heart of the order? Maybe the slugger can finally cut down on his strikeouts, but he does bring intriguing power potential. Can veteran Aaron Hill turn back the clock? Is Domingo Santana ready to establish himself as an everyday slugger in the outfield? Is this the year Scooter Gennett evolves into an upper echelon second baseman? The Brew Crew needs a lot of things to go right for their offense to be consistently reliable.

The pitching staff, meanwhile, has questions of its own. Does Matt Garza still have what it takes to contribute as a mid-rotation starter? Can Wily Peralta somehow duplicate his 2014 showing? At the very least, they do have a couple of young arms with bright outlooks, particularly Taylor Jungmann and Jimmy Nelson. Jungmann, a former first-round draft pick, was sensational as a rookie last year, while Nelson has exhibited the potential that he can be one of the leaders of this group. Also, newcomer Chase Anderson might be an okay fit as a bottom-end starter. Milwaukee hasn't tabbed its closer yet but they do have some potentially fine arms to help finish off games, sporting the likes of Jeremy Jeffress, Will Smith, Cory Knebel and Michael Blazek. On paper, it looks like a transition year is on tap for the Brewers, but based on potential, this team may have the ability to surprise a bit. In other words, they're at least a sleeper team to go over their low win total.

Cincinnati Reds - Predicted Record: 64-98


An argument could be made that the Reds were the most difficult team to handicap last year. Why? Well, hmm, they only started a rookie pitcher in their last 64 games to close out the season, which is a major league record by a mile, shattering the previous mark. In fact, they captured the record before the middle of September. This is what life for the Reds was like after trading away Johnny Cueto.

It was quite a cast of characters, ranging from Anthony DeSclafani, to John Lamb, to Jon Moscot, to Raisel Iglesias. Comically, it looks like Cincinnati is set on sticking to those same options for the rotation from within. DeSclafani and Iglesias actually showed potential they can provide stable work, but the rest of the staff is a mess, especially if Keyvius Sampson and Michael Lorenzen are still starting here. If the Reds have any chance of staying afloat, they'll need Homer Bailey to come back healthy and strong after missing all but two starts a year ago. They'll also require that either J.J. Hoover or Jumbo Diaz steps up as a viable closer with Aroldis Chapman no longer in town.

At least Cincinnati's offense appears to be in better shape. There is still former NL MVP Joey Votto pacing the offense, getting assistance from other quality bats like Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. Zack Cozart and Devin Mesoraco have also experienced success, though they were limited by injuries in 2015. Todd Frazier is gone but the club still does have electric leadoff man Billy Hamilton, who still may have untapped potential. It all may not matter, though. More likely than not, the Reds pitching staff will finish near the bottom in team ERA, and even when they do have a lead, there's notable uncertainty with their bullpen. Coinciding with the further rise of their division rivals, it looks like another tough year is in store for the Reds.

Evaluating NL Central Division Bets


The Cubs are obviously a trendy favorite to pick up where they left off in 2015, but with -200 odds to win the NL Central, most people will probably be scared away, and rightfully so. Remember, this was the best division in baseball last year, featuring three legitimate elite teams. In fact, the three best records in all of baseball last season were right here in this division, so why are the linesmakers being so unfair in overinflating Chicago's division odds? It's probably to protect themselves from countless people loading up on the Cubs. In any event, the Cardinals and Pirates carry solid value as a result, at +300 and +350, respectively, leaving open the possibility for gamblers to bet both sides and churn out a guaranteed profit in the end if the Cubs don't beat out the other two perennial behemoths. At the other end of the spectrum, the Brewers at +5000 and the Reds at +6600 might as well be burning money. Since I don't want to go against my own personal prediction that the Cubs will capture the NL Central title, I'm definitely not making a futures bet on the division, but it is an interesting thought that you can make a decent profit by betting both the Pirates and Cardinals, as long as Chicago doesn't prevail in the end. Just something to keep in mind.