Spring Training Headquarters.

[Greenbacks]

Something for fantasy aficionados to watch: Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer is very upbeat about Nick Markakis after Markakis' first healthy winter in a couple of years: "He's in incredible shape. He couldn't do his normal work all last winter. And he felt like he was playing catch-up the whole season. . . . He looks like a machine right now."

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Now that the Orioles have reportedly signed Pedro Alvarez to a one-year deal, they face some major lineup dilemmas.

 

[Greenbacks]

Tigers reliever Jeff Ferrell is out right now with a shoulder issue. Team does not want him picking up a ball again until the soreness abates. Fellow reliever Alex Wilson (shoulder soreness) will require at least a few more days before he resumes baseball activities. Wilson had an arthrogram recently, which ruled out a capsule injury.

 

[Greenbacks]

Scouts wouldn't be surprised if the Cardinals engage the Mets about Ruben Tejada now that Jhonny Peralta is sidelined for a few months with a thumb ligament injury. Tejada became extraneous with the Mets subsequently adding Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera.

 

[Greenbacks]

Most likely realistic trade targets for the Cardinals include:,Erick Aybar, Braves; Freddie Galvis, Phillies, Ruben Tejada, Mets; Zack Cozart, Reds and Luis Sardinas, Mariners

 

[Greenbacks]

Tigers legend Al Kaline observing from the batting cage. Kaline was instrumental in helping catcher Bryan Holaday'l refine his swing last offseason and both men are seeing the dividends now. Instructed Holaday to scrap big leg kick, opt for smaller one. Holaday has three home runs already this spring
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[Greenbacks]

Yankee legend Don Mattingly and Joe Girardi catch up prior to today's game. Girardi beat out Mattingly for the Yankee manager's job back in 2007. Now, after a stint with the Dodgers, Mattingly is leading the Marlins, who were once managed by Girardi.
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[Greenbacks]

In mapping out plan for Christian Vazquez to return from TJ elbow surgery, Red Sox studied Orioles' path with catcher Matt Wieters. Fitting, then, that Vazquez returns to field today vs. O's, Wieters.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Dodgers top pitching prospect Julio Urias will throw a bullpen Wednesday and pitch in a Cactus League game Friday. The 19-year-old was dealing with a sore groin early in camp but got the all clear after pitching live BP on Monday.

 

[Greenbacks]

Jake Arrieta wants a long term deal to remain with the Cubs and the sides have talked recently but nothing is close. He does like Chicago but won't be accepting anything shorter than 6-7 years.

 

[Greenbacks]

The Braves' spring clubhouse used to be divided - big leaguers on one side, minor leaguers on the other. Not this year. Hot shortstop prospect Ozzie Albies got assigned the locker next to Erick Aybar. Dansby Swanson is between Jace Peterson & Kelly Johnson. "When I came up," said Freddie Freeman, "Jason Heyward and I had a split locker on the other side. When I was coming up, that's what I wanted - to get over to this side. I worked hard to get to this side. So I hope these guys realize it's a privilege to be on this side."

 

[Greenbacks]

The Marlins reliever has a torn UCL in his pitching elbow and will undergo the surgery today. The team hopes he'll be ready to return by next season's Opening Day.
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[Greenbacks]

It's a shame Carter Capps and his 100-mph fastball will now be missing from the Marlins bullpen, as he and A.J. Ramos projected as one of the best late-game combos in the majors. Capps, who fanned 58 in just 31 innings in 2015, is out with Tommy John surgery so Ramos will remain the closer.

 

[Greenbacks]

Bryce doing Bryce things.

 

[Greenbacks]

Guitarist playing music live at Cubs camp during warmups today.
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[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Matt Harvey's first inning vs. the Braves: 3 quick outs, 6 fastballs, 5 strikes, 5 at 96 mph, the 6th at 97. That'll work.

 

[Greenbacks]