Baseball Instinct – Do You Have It?

Our Instinct:  He's vying to playing time in a packed Sox outfield.  His bat is ready now to contribute as a bat off the bench but cracking the starting lineup will be tough.  More time in AAA is probable until injury strikes JD Drew.  Unless JD Drew is hurt already, which he probably is.

The Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports Kansas City Royals 3B Alex Gordon (thumb) will miss three to four weeks because of a broken right thumb. The injury occurred Saturday, March 6, when Gordon slid headfirst into second base on an attempted steal. He remained in the game despite feeling pain immediately. The injury will prevent Gordon from swinging a bat or making throws, but he can still do conditioning work and continue to field ground balls in workouts. Manager Trey Hillman said IF Alberto Callaspo will likely get most of the playing time at third base, with 3B Josh Fields also gaining playing time there. Our Instinct:  Gordon can't buy luck.  Well, at least not the type you'd want for your fantasy 3B.  Alberto Callaspo may become relevantagain after all.

On the 2009 campaign, Greinke only had 5 starts where he gave up 4 or more runs.  He qualified for a decision in every start, throwing no fewer than 5 innings in every outing, and he went only 5 innings 4 times.  That's impressive.

The Associated Press reports Kansas City Royals SP Zack Greinke tossed three scoreless innings in his spring debut against the Texas Rangers Friday, March 5, striking out three, giving up one hit and walking none. Our Instinct: Further proof that last year wasn't a fluke. Greinke is an elite pitcher and in 2009 was the best in fantasy baseball, posting a 16-8 record, with 242 k's, 51 walks, and a ridiculous 2.16 era in 229 innings pitched. He should be the poster boy for overcoming depression. Baseball Instinct Premium Members: Check out our BI Precision news on Zack Greinke.

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes plans to undergo tests in New York after doctors in Florida discovered a thyroid imbalance, the team said Friday. (source: USATODAY) Our Instinct:  Reyes was cleared on Friday to play, but the Mets decided to send him back to New York to have tests done on Monday.  We will monitor the situation, but it doesn't sound like it will cause him to miss the start of the regular season.

Yankees pitcher Dustin Mosely struggled mightily in his spring training debut on Thursday against the Rays. He pitched just 2/3 an inning, allowing two hits and one earned run while walking two. Our Instinct:  Mosley, who was with the Angels last season, has no chance to start with the Yankees.  It's starting to appear as if he won't even make the 25 man roster.

ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnik reports that general manager Josh Byrnes acknowledged Friday that pitcher Brandon Webb could open the season on the disabled list if he doesn't begin making more progress soon in his comeback from shoulder surgery. Our Instinct:  Webb needs to make at least 4 starts this spring to not open the season on the DL.  His shoulder is sound, but Webb said he felt "stagnant" after a 45 minute bullpen session.  It may server the Diamondbacks and Webb well to lose time at the beginning of the season instead of the end.

Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain had a tough go of it during his spring training debut against the Rays on Friday. In 1 1/3 innings, he allowed three hits, three walks and five earned runs while striking out one. (source: CBS News) Our Instinct:  One question needs to be asked of Joe Girardi: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?  Chamberlain had the stomach flu and lost 8 pounds, why he wasn't on bed rest and on the mound is anyone's guess.  Toss this performance out - it doesn't count.

Lyle Spencer, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said OF Hideki Matsui will not debut in the designated-hitter role for another couple of days. Our Instinct:  The knee's aren't 100% and he's been working in the outfield.  Not a good sign.  Hopefully Scioscia comes to the conclusion that Matsui will serve him the best if he stays in the DH role.

Mark Bowman, of MLB.com, reports Atlanta Braves OF Jason Heyward walked in his first plate appearance Wednesday, March 3, giving him three walks and a single in his first four at-bats this spring. Heyward also had an RBI double Wednesday. Our Instinct:  Overall, Heyward is 2-for-5 with a double, three walks and a run scored and a stolen base.  Baseball Instinct's #1 prospect is making a case to start the season in Atlanta.  He's a star in the making.