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We dispatched one of our bird dogs to Florida for a scouting report on the Astros-Braves game from Kissimmee on Thursday.
After an early evening excursion to Pleasure Island, here's his report:
"It was a typical March afternoon in central Florida -- muggy. But, hey, what do you expect since the state is one big swamp. Anyway, the game featured a nice matchup of Tom Glavine vs. Jose Lima, two of the best changeup artists in the game. Later on, a Maddux came in to pitch -- Mike, who is trying to make the Astros staff.
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Rumor Central
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Red Sox catcher Scott Hatteberg has asked for a trade and it's hard to blame him. Hatteberg had a fine 1997 (.354 OBP, .434 slugging) and 1998 (.359 OBP, .446 slugging) before getting injured last year and losing his starting job to Jason Varitek.
Hatteberg looks fine after last year's elbow surgery and would certainly make a value commodity for some team. Of course, Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette probably understands Hatteberg's value -- a good-hitting catcher -- more than your average GM, so it may be difficult to find a fair offer for him.
How about Seattle? Hatteberg, a Washington state native, could join fellow Washingtonians and fellow Washington State Cougars John Olerud and Aarone Sele in their home state.
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"Neither starter was too effective, but that's about as meaningful as a speech from a politician. Lima looked to be working on his location and threw mostly fastballs to a Braves team of mostly minor leaguers. Lima will be interesting to watch this year. He won 21 games last year and the Astros will need him to approach that number if they are to win the Central.
"One thing to consider: Lima is a flyball pitcher who benefited greatly from the Astrodome. He had a 2.31 ERA at home and 4.66 on the road. He allowed 30 home runs overall, a number that could increase in Houston's new, cozier ballpark.
"A bright note for the Astros was Craig Biggio getting two hits, breaking a 1-for-23 spring slump. Something says Larry Dierker wasn't too concerned. Oh, Jeff Bagwell looks like he's ready for an MVP season.
"Moises Alou played right field, meaning Dierker is likely to play him out there at times in order to find Daryle Ward some playing time in left field. Ward was the best hitter in Triple-A last season and the Astros need to work his bat into the lineup on at least a part-time basis. Of course, we could say the same of Lance Berkman.
"Speaking of which, maybe the Astros need to clear the gut of outfielders. Since right now they have Chris Holt and Dwight Gooden or Wade Miller in the rotation, they could probably use another starter, especially if Scott Elarton doesn't return from his rotator cuff problems. (Elarton will pitch two innings in a minor league game on Friday.)
"How about Berkman to the Mariners for John Halama or Brett Tomko? The Mariners have six starters and need power in the outfield.
"End of report. Pleasure Island awaits."
Injury update
John Wetteland (groin problems) has not appeared in a game yet and there is no timetable on his return. Teammate Mike Venafro (strained ligament in middle finger of pitching hand) has also not pitched yet. He is hoping to go next week.
The Washington Post reported that Scott Erickson may not be as long as originally expected. Doctors have given him clearance to begin light throwing, meaning he could be back in late April or early May.
Position battles
Esteban Yan could be one of this year's big surprises. The Devil Rays appear intent on moving the big right-hander into the rotation. In Thursday' start against the Tigers, he allowed just two hits and one run in five innings. Yan was a starter with the Orioles in the minors before the Rays took him in the expansion.
For those of you anxiously awaiting the catching situation for the Brewers, reports out of Arizona indicate Davey Lopes will go with Henry Blanco and Tyler Houston as his two backstops. Umm, maybe we will pick the Brewers last.
Jeff Fassero got hammered again on Thursday (3 innings, 7 hits, 6 runs, 4 home runs), and is looking worse than he did last spring. If he breaks camp as Boston's third starter, it would have to be considered a big risk for Jimy Williams, considering he has other options available.
We wrote about Gil Meche a few days ago. Thursday, he pitched four innings against the Cubs and gave up just one hit and one run (a homer to Sammy Sosa). Meche, Halama and Tomko are battling for the final two spots in Seattle's rotation.
Fantasy corner
You asked, you got it. The Rights (and Wrongs) of Spring Training five sleeper hitters for 2000:
1. Mark Quinn, Royals. Stats Inc. projects Quinn hitting .312 with 25 home runs and a .540 slugging percentage. With Jeremy Giambi traded, Quinn could get lots of at-bats at DH.
2. J.D. Drew, Cardinals. People are down on him, but he'll hit .280 with at least 25 home runs and 30 steals. Maybe better across the board.
3. Jeremy Giambi, A's. We have a feeling John Jaha's foot problems aren't going to go away. Giambi will slip in nicely as the DH and hit .300 with 20 homers.
4. Erubiel Durazo, D-Backs. Is he a sleeper? He is if you don't think his production last season was for real. It was. Thirty homers, around .300 and 115 RBI.
5. Gabe Kapler, Rangers. He didn't hit for much of an average as a rookie, but his work ethic is unmatched. He'll get better and could drive in 100 runs batting behind Palmeiro and company.
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ALSO SEE
Previous Rights (and Wrongs) of Spring
ESPN.com's spring training 2000 coverage
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