Ron Roenicke wants a few good men – 25 of them

Ron Roenicke has no delusions of grandeur. He knows exactly what you need to be a successful major-league manager.

Twenty-five good players.

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Post Author: Brewers: Milwaukee J-S.

Cubs’ Darwin Barney Joins the Walking Dead

The blog post headline may be a sneaky attempt to get your attention and piggy back on the anticipated season finale of the popular AMC television show, but the growing list of players on the Cubs injury list is definitely discouraging any hope for the 2013 season more than one’s chances for survival in the event of a zombie apocalypse.

The Cubs have already gone through training camp losing Matt Garza, Scott Baker, and Ian Stewart. Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson, a pair of prospects that spent a few games with the big league club late last season, also spent a significant amount of the Spring sidelined by injury. Then there was the hamstring scare for Cubs cornerstone Starlin Castro, Junior Lake suffering from a stress fracture in a rib, and Arodys Vizcaino was officially placed on the 60 day disabled list.

Where ever Lou Piniella may be today, I swear I just heard him mention the words “Cubbie occurrence” again. On the final day of Spring games, being played in Houston and not in Arizona, Darwin Barney suffered a gash to his knee while chasing after a foul pop. The cut required five stitches and the Cubs starting second baseman will not be actively participating in the Opening Day festivities. Of greater concern is the fact that a stint on the DL has not been ruled out.

Time on the disable list to start the season would short hand an already depleted infield depth wise. There really is no solution on the current 40 man roster, so the Cubs may end up having to keep Alberto Gonzalez around after all. One of Luis Valbuena or Brent Lillibridge will man the second sack on April 1st, with the other remaining at third base.

Here’s hoping that nothing else happens to the health of Cubs plays on the trip back to Chicago and on to Pittsburgh for Opening Day.

Post Author: Cubs: Fansided Cubbiescrib.

Petco might be more hitter-friendly

Last April, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was just steps into his home-run trot when he put on the brakes.

The baseball he’d crushed had been caught on the warning track at Petco Park.

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Post Author: Padres: San Diego U-T.

Julio Borbon makes Texas Rangers opening day roster, but stay could be brief

Julio Borbon’s stay with the Texas Rangers could be brief. He is likely to lose his roster spot April 9, when right-hander Nick Tepesch is scheduled to be elevated to the major league roster for a start against the Los Angeles Angels.

In the interim, the Rangers will continue to examine trade possibilities for Borbon.

Because Borbon is out of options, he must clear outright waivers before being returned to the minors. The Rangers would prefer to get a return on Borbon in a trade rather … [visit site to read more]

Post Author: Rangers: Dallas News.

Angels can’t thrive on star power alone

The big three of Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout will still need help from throughout the lineup, while ace Jered Weaver looks for the bullpen and his fellow starters to pitch in as well.

There is enough star power in the Angels lineup to illuminate the Big A message board for months, the marquee shining with three megawatt names — Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton.

Post Author: Angels: L.A. Times.

Freiman, Scribner make roster, Nakajima to DL

From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser at the Coliseum Hiro Nakajima landed on the 15-day DL to start the season, as expected, opening up a roster spot for Rule-5 first baseman Nate Freiman. Freiman said he was shaking when manager Bob Melvin told him the good news during batting practice. “I think I’m still shaking,” [...]

Post Author: Athletics: SFGate.

Two more cents on Aroldis Chapman

The Redleg Nation editorial staff put together a fine article on the recent developments regarding Aroldis Chapman’s move back to the bullpen. Word reached me late as I was in Jalalabad, a city near the Pakistan border that is very active — if you know what I mean. The 101st Airborne – the Screaming Eagles – are there. So you know it’s a busy place.

But back to the Aroldis Decision. The Nation, quite frankly, seems to be in an uproar. My two cents on this will be short and sweet.

This is a short-term decision. In other words, this came from Dusty Baker and Bryan Price. Chapman is a long term investment and I had visions of him being a Randy Johnson type of starter when Uncle Walt introduced him to the Cincinnati media years ago. Starting him out in the bullpen was fine. Sparky Anderson did that with Young Don Gullett in 1970 and when Young Don Gullett became a starter in 1971, he posted a 16-6 record.

Starting Chapman was a bit risky but worth it. A Cueto-Latos-Chapman trio would be formidable, if healthy. Add No-Hit Homer and always-reliable Arroyo and you have one hell of a starting rotation. And when the Reds signed Jonathan Broxton to a $21 million contract, well, that was icing on the cake. It was a done deal. Chapman would be starting. I was hoping he would start Opening Day.

But then when Dusty Baker went to the media on this and Chapman expressed a desire to stay in the bullpen, I knew it was over. Personally, I like Dusty. I think he would be a great guy to go out with it and have a few beers and talk baseball. But this decision is a short-term one, not for the long-term benefit of the Reds as an organization.

The Reds have done so many things right the last few years. Signing Joey long term, keeping Phillips and Bruce on the right side, getting a genuine leadoff hitter and trading for Mat Latos.

This can still be corrected but things would have to go wrong. We’ve seen in the last few days some near-misses with Latos and Arroyo. The Reds could alter their course (again) in June or July and make the Chapman move if Broxton or J.J. Hoover are lights out in the bullpen.

But for now, the Reds (and Dusty Baker) are going the conservative route. The safe route. The predictable route. And we all saw what that got us when the Reds were ahead of the Giants 2-0 in the playoffs.

Post Author: Reds: Redleg Nation.

Angels’ Josh Hamilton is curious about return to Cincinnati

Outfielder played with the Reds in 2007 and is interested to see the reaction he might get from the fans there. The Angels open the season in Cincinnati.

The headline attraction on the first week of the Angels’ season is Josh Hamilton’s return to Texas, but Hamilton says he is more curious about his return to Cincinnati.

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Post Author: Angels: L.A. Times.

Travis Blackley, Daric Barton designated for assignment, Norberto sent down

From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser at AT&T Park Fairly significant A’s news today, as the team cuts its onetime first baseman Daric Barton, who’d appeared early in his career as if he’d be a team mainstay; and the A’s also let go of  left-hander Travis Blackley.

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Post Author: Athletics: SFGate.

Nolan Ryan said no new developments on his future with club

Nolan Ryan remains the Texas Rangers’ CEO, but he said on Friday at the Alamodome that there is no clearer picture on whether he will remain with the club. “We’re looking forward to the start of the season,” he said. “I don’t have any time frame.” He fielded questions about the Rangers new footprint in San Antonio and Big League Weekend, which is being put on by his son Reid and business partner Don Sanders. He’s been watching the Rangers, too, during spring training and expects them to be a playoff team. He said it all hinges on health and pitching. “That’s what you hope for coming out of spring training, that that’s the position you’re in,” he said. “I look at our ballclub in that way.”

– Jeff Wilson

Post Author: Rangers: Drew Davison.

Peoria Sports Complex: Where to eat and drink before or after the game

Where to eat and drink nearby

 

 

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

This spot brews beer, including the Brewhouse Blonde and Piranha Pale Ale. The menu is varied, with items like individual deep-dish pizzas to Thai lettuce wraps and specialty desserts.

Details: 9748 W. Northern Ave., Peoria. 623-772-6470, bjsbrewhouse.com.

 

 

Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Co.

Those from Southern California will recognize this micro-brewery and restaurant. This Glendale restaurant is the only location outside of California. This spot offers gourmet pizzas, salads, and micro-brewed beer made on-site.

Details: 6681 W. Beardsley Road, Glendale. 623-566-8080, oggis.com.

Salty Senorita

Stop by for the $7.99 Express Lunch specials Mondays-Fridays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dishes include steak quesadillas, grilled chipotle burritos and avocado steak salads. Happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. daily and features $4 margaritas, $3 Dos Equis, $2 Coors Light and $1 house shots.

Details: 8011 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-979-4822, saltysenorita.com.

 

 

New to the West Valley since last Spring Training, this wood-fired artisan pizzeria is popular in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Whether you like pepperoni or potato and Gorgonzola on top of your pizza, this place has it all. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pastas, desserts and a daily happy hour from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Details: 15703 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 623-334-2700, humblepieusa.com.