The spring training games have started and I had an opportunity to see some exciting players in the first week.
Mike Trout started for the Angels in right field when I saw their club. No doubt he remains every bit as exciting as when I initially saw him play.
He gets to balls in the outfield that other players only think about reaching. His range is outstanding and he looks very natural playing the game.
I asked him who he liked to watch when he was growing up. He said he was a shortstop and his favorite player was Derek Jeter. As I've said many times on the RotoWire pages, I think Trout is going to have a very, very good offensive career. He can hit for average and steal bases right now. Soon he will develop more power. Don't look for him yet, but 2012 may not be out of the question at all.
I remain impressed with the size and power of Matt Trumbo. Mike Scioscia got a bit test with a reporter when he asked if Trumbo was going to be given a good look during spring training. "All our players here are getting a good look or they wouldn't be here" was Scioscia's response. Trumbo may be getting a very long look because Kendry Morales still can not run. Scioscia didn't seem concerned. I saw Morales play defense in pre-game workouts. He was taking throws in the dirt from infielders as part of a drill. He looked smooth at 1B. I didn't see him hit yet, but it's something to watch carefully. Trumbo can play 1B and he has enough power potential to play the position until Morales is ready-if need be.
Pablo Sandoval does really look thinnnnnner. It's amazing how much losing 38 pounds can do to one's appearance. I'd like to try it myself. Sandoval's bat seems quicker and he came in on a dribbler to 3B without trouble. I think he'll rebound and have a good season. At least I liked what I've seen so far. I think you can draft him with confidence.
Man does Buster Posey have a sweet stroke at the plate. Short, measured swing that takes the pitch where it's thrown. That's one guy I hope never gets homer happy because he can flat out hit.
Mark DeRosa is back from wrist surgery and his presence is going to cost someone on the Giants roster a job. Remember that DeRosa wasn't around late last season and the team added guys like Aubrey Huff and Cody Ross. The Giants just have a ton of outfielders. Nate Schierholtz better start to hit.
Maicer Izturis looks very comfortable anywhere in the infield with the exception of 1B. Don't forget about him in AL only drafts because he's going to play.
Somewhere. He'll give you at-bats and he'll score some runs.
I was stunned at the lack of arm strength Xavier Nady displayed from left field. He may be able to hit, but he can't throw. Runners will take extra bases on him at will. It's the result of arm surgery and his arm still isn't at full strength. His lob to the infield after a base hit cost the Diamondbacks a run.
Miguel Tejada has lost two steps, not one at shortstop. I don't know how the Giants can go into 2011 with him at SS.
Think of a pitcher trying to keep Peter Bourjos, Reggie Willits and Mike Trout from running. Those three hitting back to back to back in a batting order could be devastating. They can each fly.
Shin-Soo Choo has an inflamed elbow from throwing too much long toss too early. It's something that has flared up on him in the past. He'll get some time off until in stops barking.
Matt Maloney, a tall and thin Reds lefty showed me plenty on the mound. He has a good repertoire, throws ground balls and has a very solid mound
presence. I want to see more of him, but I have no idea where he'd fit with the club's pitching being so deep.
Edinson Volquez is having visa issues and he was scratched from his start today. He can't really work until that is cleared up. Those things can linger for a little while so we'll watch it.
Speaking of pitchers with visa problems, Ronald Belisario has still not reported to Dodgers camp. The team is having difficulty reaching him. He was late last year if you'll remember. Belisario has a tremendous arm but it doesn't help much if he isn't in this country to pitch.
Pat Burrell has no range in left field. I don't know how the Giants can play him there and keep Aaron Rowand on the bench. It's sad to watch Burrell chase after fly balls. He's a designated hitter in a league that doesn't use a designated hitter.
Miguel Montero is poised to have a big season at the plate because he's learning to let the ball travel more rather than just jumping after pitches. He's seeing the ball longer which allows him to figure out the location and the pitch. Take a look at him as a good hitting catcher.
Tim Lincecum gave up 27 stolen bases in 30 attempts last season. Most runners run on the pitcher. It doesn't help if the catcher has a slow release or a poor arm. But Lincecum is not the best at getting the ball to the plate quickly or holding on runners. Put your speed guys in your lineup when they team is facing Lincecum. Those are the guys that can get on base against him. It's strange but true. The punch and Judy hitters get on base and steal.
I really, really like what I see from Todd Frazier of the Reds. He can play the outfield, first base and third base. And he can hit. He needs a chance and those aren't going to happen too often with the Reds. Every time I see him play I like him more and more.
Why in the world did the Reds need to sign Jeremy Hermida? The entire baseball world loved Hermida year after year. And year after year he got hurt or hit way below his potential. I don't think he'll threaten Chris Heisey, or will he? At-bats are tough to come by in spring training and Heisey needs all he can get.
Aroldis Chapman pitches tomorrow (Monday) for the Reds and I'll be there to see him.
Sadly, Chief Wahoo was nowhere to be found on anything Indians. The scoreboard logo was the block C and there was no Chief on the warm up uniforms used during spring training games. Even the press box notes were lacking the Chief. Maybe he's sick. Sick of losing that is.
Carlos Santana caught two innings today and had one plate appearance. It's early.
Matt Kemp looked like he was playing with some life when I saw him. He easily stole a base and he hustled in the outfield. I know it's very early but that's very encouraging for those who like Mr. Kemp. He's got a world of talent but in the past he hasn't played like he's enjoying himself.
Don Mattingly is serious about Casey Blake getting playing time at 3B, 1B and in the outfield. That could mean an eligibility windfall in fantasy.
Scouts I talked with think Russell Branyan will be the everyday 1B for the Diamondbacks. They think Chase Field is just too tempting for any manager and it would be difficult to sit him against right handed pitching. I can't disagree. Didn't Branyan cost the Indians development time for Matt LaPorta before LaPorta was hurt. The answer is yes. This year it will be Juan Miranda and Brandon Allen who get the squeeze.
Here's a name to remember: Paul Goldschmidt. The guy is huge. He hits with power and he plays 1B. He also hits right-handed which the Diamondbacks need in a 1B.
That's it for week #1. Don't forget to visit my weekly. Eat all your vegetables this week so you can get dessert.