Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he will make a decision on the closer’s job by the middle of next week, according to The Associated Press.
Our Instinct: We’re pretty sure this is just Lou’s way of stroking Kevin Gregg’s ego. Carlos Marmol should be the closer and excel with the job. Look for the winner to get between 35-40 saves this season.
TB Jeremy Hellickson SP is not battling for a rotation or bullpen spot, however he showed why he's one of the top flight arms in the minors yesterday throwing 1.1 perfect innings while striking out 4. Our Instinct: Baseball Instinct's top 100 prospect Jeremy Hellickson still has some work to do and will start in the AAA rotation, but he's not far off from being ready.
Baseball Instinct's top 100 prospect Jake Arrieta SP BAL threw an inning of work giving up a 3 runs while walking one and striking out 2. Our Instinct: He's going to need a lights out spring to crack the Orioles' rotation. His strikeout potential isn't in question at this point, but he'll need to reign in his bb% and will need some additonal AAA time to really refine his command.
WAS Stephen Strasburg SP made his Spring Training debut Tuesday, going 2 innings and striking out 2. Our Instinct: Baseball Instinct top 100 prospect Stephen Strasburg worked out of a 2nd inning jam and worked at 96-98mph throughout the appearance and dropped a couple of hammer curveballs as well. He was solid and looked every bit the part of a stud in the making. Check out our Prospect Instinct: Stephen Strasburg breakdown.
SF Posey, Buster C is only hitting .273 so far on the spring but did hit his first HR of the spring yesterday showing off his power potential. Its pretty much a given at this point that he will open the season in the majors as the backup to Benji Molina. Our Instinct: He will get some action at some other positions as well. The development time with Molina will be a great benefit to Posey. Check out our Prospect Instinct: Buster Posey breakdown.
OAK Chris Carter 1B is doing his best to hold onto the 1B job in Oakland by hitting .300 and posting his second double yesterday. Our Instinct: He should be able to hold off any of the less proven competition and his power gives him excellent upside in a lineup that needs a power bat.
