Spring Training Progress - AL East
Below is the list of who is hot and who is not in spring training, injury concerns and the February transactions for the AL East. Myworld still stays with the same order in the standings. For the most part, spring training results will not make or break a veteran player for a starting lineup, unless that team has a hole to fill and a number of options to select for that hole. If that is the case, it means the position is one of weakness.
New York Yankees (1)
Who’s Hot - Justin Maxwell (.412, 5 runs scored, 3 stolen bases), Dewayne Wise (.412, 2 stolen bases), Doug Bernier (.353, 5 runs scored), Alex Rodriguez (.292, 2, 6) and Russell Martin (.250, 4 stolen bases leads team).
D.J. Mitchell (0.00, 7 IP, .130 AVE), David Phelps (0.00, 7IP, .167 AVE), Mariano Rivera (0.00, 3 IP, .000 AVE), Philip Hughes (1.08)
Who’s Not - Raul Ibanez (.078), Javier Vazquez (.059), Brandon Laird (.125), Brett Gardner (.130) and Eric Chavez (.136).
Manny Banuelos (7.20), Ivan Nova (6.23)
Injury Concerns - Joba Chamberlain is not expected to be back until mid season. Derek Jeter has been bothered by left calf soreness. At his age, expect Giradi to be challenged to keep him fresh. David Robertson has only appeared in one game because of foot problems. Austin Romine has been out all spring because of back issues. Nick Swisher has had groin issues. Alex Rodriguez knee should be watched, but he has been healthy this spring.
February Transactions - They signed Russell Branyan, but he does not have much of a chance to make the major league roster with the Yankee’s first base depth. Billy Hall could fill a utility role and Raul Ibanez will make it as a DH against righthanders, but his spring has been awful. David Aardsma and Clay Rapada were signed for bullpen depth, but it will take a lot for them to make the roster. Hideki Okajima was released because of an injury issue and they unloaded A.J. Burnett, plus a couple million on the Pirates for a couple of suspect prospects. This trade added salary room to sign Ibanez.
Tampa Bay Rays (2) - Wild Card
Who’s Hot - Reid Brignac (.389), Desmond Jennings (.381), Matt Joyce (.250, 2, 5, 3 caught stealing)
Dane de la Rosa (0.00, 11 K’s in 5.2 IP, .261 ave), Jamie Shields (0.75, 11 K’s in 12 IP, .171 ave)
Who’s Not - Tim Beckham (.042), Carlos Pena (.105), Will Rhymes (.107), B.J. Upton (.117), Eliott Johnson (.148)
Jeremy Hellickson (9.00, .310 ave), Matt Moore (9.00, 4 walks in 4 IP), Johnny Nunez (8.31, 6 walks in 4.1 IP)
Injuries - Sam Fuld has tendinitis in the wrists. Sean Rodriguez had an MRI on his finger reveal only a sprain. B.J. Upton has been having back issues.
February Transactions - No significant transactions
Boston Red Sox (3)
Who’s Hot - Pedro Ciriaco (.545, 3 doubles and one homeruns, six RBIs and 3 for 4 in stolen bases), Ryan Lavarnway (.471), Cody Ross (.455, 2, 5), Lars Anderson (.429, 1, 7), Darnell McDonald (.400, 2, 3).
Michael Bowden (0.00, 2 saves, .167 ave), Josh Beckett (1.29, .133, but only 5/5 walk to whiff in 14 IP), Alfredo Aceves (1.00, .156 ave, 0/8 walk to whiff ratio in 9 IP)
Who’s Not - Jason Repko (.130), Kevin Youkilus (.158), J.C. Linares (.158)
Daniel Bard (8.22, 7 walks in 7.2 IP), Junichi Tazawa (6.75, .333 ave)
Injuries - The Red Sox have a number of injuries. Carl Crawford had wrist surgery and may miss at least the first month of the season. Jose Igesias is dealing with a groin injury, which will impact his ability to win the shortstop job. Two players battling for the right field job are trying to get healthy. Ryan Kalish is expected to miss the first month of the season as he comes back from left shoulder surgery, while Ryan Sweeney is recovering from a quad strain. Franklin Morales has been prevented from pitching in a spring game because of shoulder issues.
February Transactions - The Cubs and Red Sox finally made a trade for the hiring of Theo Epstein. Chris Carpenter was traded to the Cubs. They signed Ross Ohlendorf for bullpen depth and Mauro Gomez to play first base in Pawtucket.
Toronto Blue Jays (4)
Who’s Hot - Bret Lawrie (.609, 8 RBIs, 6 doubles and 5 for 5 in stolen bases), Jonathan Diaz (.478, 7 runs scored), Jose Bautista (.348, 3, 
, Travis Snider (.314, 4, 13, but 12 whiffs), Adeiny Hechavarria (.353, 1, 3)
Dustin McGowan (0.00, .167 ave), Luis Perez (0.00, 0.74, with 9 whiffs in 8.2 IP), Ricky Romero (0.00, .071, 8 whiffs in 9 IP), Brett Cecil (0.90, .167), Brandon Morrow (1.08, .226)
Who’s Not - Jeff Mathis (.111), Travis d’Arnaud (.143, 1 HR),
Darren Oliver (12.00), Rick Vandenhurk (9.95, .370, 6 walks in 6 IP)
Injuries - Brett Lawrie was removed from a game because of a tight groin.
Transactions - Francisco Cordero was signed to setup Sergio Santos, but he could also be used as a closer if Santos struggles in the role. The Blue Jays lost Darin Mastroianni to the Twins on waivers and released Garrett Mock.
Baltimore Orioles (5)
Who’s Hot - Endy Chavez (.409, 1,3), Nick Johnson (.348 with 5 walks)
Jason Hammel (1.86, .219 ave), Brian Matusz (2.70, 0/13 walk to whiff ratio in 10 IP, .283 ave)
Who’s Not - Jai Miller (.206, 1/17 walk to whiff ratio in 34 at bats, 7 RBIs lead team), Wilson Betemit (.138), Matt Wieters (.100), Nolan Reimold (.167)
Jim Johnson (13.50, .444 ave), Jake Arriata (7.71, .278)
Injuries - Brian Roberts is their key player who is still trying to recover from concussion like symptoms. He may not be able to start the season. Taylor Teagarden has experienced back stiffness, which has prevented him from playing to compete for the backup role. Tsuyoshi Wada had fluid removed from his elbow, but he did pitch two innings today. He could start the season in the minor leagues if he doesn’t get enough innings in spring.
Transactions - They traded Jeremy Guthrie for Jason Hammell and Matt Lindstrom. Jason is having a strong spring vying for a starting role while Matt could fit in the bullpen. Luis Ayala was a free agent signing which could help the bullpen. Nick Johnson was signed as a free agent and could take away significant playing time from Chris Davis, who could play more DH than he expected. They lost one of their top prospects, Matt Angle to waivers to the Los Angeles Dodgers when they had to add Luis Ayala to the 40 man.
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