Ah, the AL Central. Viewed by most as the weakest division in baseball. Yet, now that we are in the dog days of the season or quickly approaching them, this is probably the division that folks will be paying attention to see what will happen.

Not much has changed in terms of who sits atop the division. The Tigers and White Sox continue to be the top dogs. It is just a matter of how big the lead is. The big surprise? Cleveland isn’t in third place chasing anymore. No, that honor has moved to a different team that many probably didn’t see being in that place. As for the cellar, well at the beginning of the season, everyone thought it would be the Twins. And so far, they have delivered hanging out in last place. Here is what is happening with each team. » Continue reading “The AL Central Dog Days”

Spring Training is just about finished for the year. Final cuts are being made, lineups are being determined, position battles are being won … all because the start of the season is just days away. Of course, that means massive discussions — debates, even — over who is ready for what. This week, too, there was plenty of front office drama around the Major Leagues! We’ll get to it all in this week’s Wrap Up.

Angels

Good news, Halos fans — Kendrys Morales is cleared for take off! He’s back from a broken left ankle, and finally ready for Major League action. Just in time!

With Morales’s progress … what happens to Mark Trumbo? He’s had a solid enough season at third base that it’s making the decision to take him out of the starting lineup more difficult.

Brewers

Nyger Morgan isn’t a guy well known for good behavior and random acts of kindness. Nevertheless, he’s using his … “fame” for good in a new PETA ad encouraging people to adopt pets. After all, his cat Slick Willie is his best friend!

Earning attention in a different way is teammate Rickie Weeks. Despite his injuries and the challenge he’s had getting back to 100%, Weeks proved his toughness and earned great respect.  » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Injury Updates And Front Office Drama”

With nearly a week of Spring Training games in the books, we’re only just beginning to see what the 2012 season could bring. And as the games come, so do the stories, both good and bad, about the guys on the field. In this week’s wrap up, we’ve grabbed some of the best stories and gathered them conveniently into one place.

Happy reading!

Angels

Through the first four games, the new-look Angels are 3-1, and the buzz continues to grow. Here are a few things the first week has taught us.

Albert Pujols is still really good. He made his debut with an RBI double in his first at bat and is 3-for-7 with two walks thus far.

Dan Haren is a magician when it comes to maintaining his health (knock on wood …). He currently leads the Majors with his 237 innings pitched in the last seven years. Plus, in his nine Big League seasons, he has not missed a single start. The man is a beast!

Also, Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy apparently doesn’t want the Halos knowing all their ST secrets. He had an Angels’ scout removed from Thursday’s workout. Later, it was called a “miscommunication.”

Brewers

The Brew Crew is 2-2 thus far, and I’m willing to bet going 0-5 wasn’t quite Ryan Braun’s idea of a strong start. But, he did pick up his first hit of the spring on Thursday, and he made it count. The two-run homer was not enough to top the Reds, however, and the Crew lost 8-6.

Earlier in the week, Corey Hart underwent knee surgery that could keep him sidelined for Opening Day. The repair to cartilage in his right knee will take roughly a month to heal — the Brewers open on April 6 at home against St. Louis.

If you need a laugh, join Jeff Bianchi as he watches the video clip of himself pulling a Braun-esque move between third and home. Just watch. Hey, he’s laughing, so we can laugh too, right?! » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Solid Debuts And Sorta Deep Thoughts”

Baseball is back! Baseball is back!

Excuse my exuberance but, well, never mind. I’m sure you understand! Since our last Wrap Up, pitchers and catchers reported, and in most cases, so have position players. What that means (other than the fact that the universe has righted itself, of course) is that there’s a lot of news to get to. So, we’re going with some quick hits to get you all caught up.

Angels

• Not everyone in LA is thrilled with the Angels’ 2012 situation. Word is, Bobby Abreu wants out, specifically to be traded to a place where he’ll play every day. Manager Mike Scioscia countered by saying there’s plenty of chances for slugger to contribute.
• After some visa drama, reliever Francisco Rodriguez finally arrived at camp. Does four days count as “fashionably late”?
• Speaking of pitching, closer Jordan Walden is upping the ninth-inning ante by adding a third pitch to his arsenal. Don’t be surprised by how often he throws a changeup this year. Also, reliever Kevin Jepsen seems to be on track early — a good sign, since last year’s early troubles never ended.
• Albert Pujols now has a familiar face at Spring Training. Former teammate closer Jason Isringhausen is taking his talents to So Cal.

Brewers

• Did you hear? Ryan Braun’s 50-game suspension is no more. Read more from yesterday’s Around the Horn post. Or here. His teammates are thrilled to have him back on board, but it’s not all sunshine and roses from here on out. He has some ‘splainin’ yet to do!
• Meanwhile, Zack Greinke has a contract issue to work out. Only, he has no agent to work on his behalf. The Brewers, though, say there’s no reason to worry. Discussions will continue uninhibited.
• Rickie Weeks, who suffered an ankle injury in July, still doesn’t feel 100%. Ron Roenicke isn’t surprised, or particularly concerned. It’s simply a matter of learning to deal with the stiffness. » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Stay Healthy, Kids”

Guess what? It’s February! And our first Weekly Wrap Up of the month in which pitchers and catchers report! If that doesn’t bring on the warm fuzzies, I’m not sure what will. No, we’re not dripping in news yet, but we’re getting there. So, here’s your quick hits from our Around the Horn teams this week.

Angels

Unfortunate news broke from the Halos’ Minor League camps this week. Right-hander Daniel Reynolds was handed a 50-game suspension due to the second violation of a “drug of abuse.”

After all the good news this off season, that’s not what you want to see as February begins.

However, speaking of that good news, its centerpiece, Albert Pujols, is looking ahead at ways to better acquaint himself with his new teammates. According to Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportes.com, he’s headed to Spring Training a little early.

“I’m going to try to get there a week earlier to get used to the weather, get to know my teammates and avoid getting there a day before and have a bunch of complications.”

Roll out the read carpets, Angels fans. He’ll be there before you know it!

Pirates

Another Minor League contract made its way into the Pirates’ news stream this week. This time, it’s veteran right-hander Juan Cruz. The 33-year-old has played for six different teams in 11 years, the latest stint being in Tampa Bay where he went 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA in 36 appearances. » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Spring Training Plans & Injury Updates”