The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Andy Martino is reporting Philadelphia Phillies SP Joe Blanton lasted six innings and allowed three runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out five, in an 8-2 loss to the Washington Nationals Thursday, April 16.
Our instinct: That’s sure an improvement over the 7 run, 4 inning beauty he threw on April 8th. This loss isn’t his fault, he can’t point fingers rightfully so at the Phillies bullpen.
Cincinnati Reds OF Jay Bruce is batting .429 (6-for-14) with a home run and six RBIs through his first six exhibition games, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Our Instinct: The 22 year old Bruce hit .223-22-58-47-3 in 2009. Expect a decent increase in production in 2010 and start living up to the top prospect label he once had.
Contrary to previous reports, Texas Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler (ankle) will be sidelined for at least one week after being diagnosed with a high right ankle sprain, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. The team had not considered the injury to be serious until Kinsler entered the clubhouse Saturday, March 13, much more stiff than expected. Our Instinct: This shouldn't have any impact on Kinsler's status on opening day. After Chase Utley, consider him one of the very best options at 2B and a great option overall.
MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports Cincinnati Reds SP Aroldis Chapman will make his first start of the Cactus League season Wednesday, March 17, in a split-squad game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Our Instinct: He's given up 3 hits while striking out 5 in 4 scoreless innings out of the pen so far. Chapman is clearly making a case to be in the Reds' rotation when the season starts.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune's Joe Christensen reports the Minnesota Twins have signed OF Denard Span to a five-year contract worth $16.5 million. The deal also includes a club option for 2015 at $9 million. Our Instinct: A good signing for the Twins. The 26 year old Span hit .311-8-68-97-23 last season and is a fixture in the Twins lineup. He's easy a top 25 fantasy outfielder in any format.
Updating previous reports, Atlanta Braves SS Edward Salcedo has arrived at spring training camp after his visa paperwork was completed, according to David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our Instinct: He is expected to begin the season in the Florida Instructional League, but could move to Class A Rome or possibly to High A Myrtle Beach. The 18 year old Salcedo, who is from the Dominican Republic signed a $1.6 million contract on Feb.23
