MLB Ready to Take Center Stage as Camps Near
Stan McNeal - SportingNews.com
Feb 08, 2011
Have you disposed of the chicken-wing bones and scraped the cheese sauce off the party bowls? What are you waiting for? The Super Bowl is over.
Bring on baseball. Off with the NFL Network and on with the MLB Network. Pitchers and catchers start reporting Feb. 14, and there is plenty of reason for excitement.
Big-money movers
No player faces more changes than Adam Dunn, who is going to a new team, new position, new league and new time zone for spring training. "Everything's going to be an adjustment," Dunn says. "But I'm looking forward to it all. A new challenge. New fun."
The White Sox DH isn't the only marquee player with a move worth watching. Righthander Zack Greinke is expected to win now with the Brewers. Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth must adjust to life as the $126 million man. Phillies lefthander Cliff Lee gets to compare routines with the man considered the game's hardest-working pitcher, Roy Halladay. Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and left fielder Crawford are stepping into the 24/7 spotlight after years as small-market backdrops.
Young hotshots
Look no further than Jason Heyward as proof that stars can be born in spring training. This year, the Braves are counting on two rookies, first baseman Freddie Freeman and reliever Craig Kimbrel, to follow suit.
The Phillies will give their top prospect, Domonic Brown, a shot to replace Werth. Chris Sale was pitching in college this time last year but now is as important as any White Sox pitcher, whether he starts or relieves. Another arm to track: Dellin Betances. With Andy Pettitte retired, the Yankees need a prospect to emerge. The 6-8 righthander from Brooklyn has a chance.
Job seekers
Mike Leake made the Reds' rotation last spring without ever spending a day in the minors. But he could find himself at Class AAA to start this season. Because of Cincinnati's starter surplus, either Leake or Homer Bailey could be squeezed.
The Twins expect their first Japanese player, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, to start. They just don't know where. Nishioka will compete with Alexi Casilla for the shortstop and second base jobs.
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