Padres will take it slow with injury-prone Prior
"I would hope we wouldn't try to expedite things," Boggs says. "As far as I'm concerned, we didn't want to be in a position where he'd be rushed into duty."
Prior, 27, missed all of last season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder April 24. He could be major-league ready by mid to late May, according to the timetable outlined by his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews.
"To do it before that starts to cross boundaries of being prudent," Boggs said. "I'd like to see him by the end of May, June 1. I don't want to see it before then. Then I think you're trying to hurry something that shouldn't be hurried.
"We looked at different clubs and the Padres assured us they weren't going to rush the process. Mark has got to get to the point where his confidence is at a zenith, where he's not thinking about his arm, but thinking about getting outs."
Mulder: Very encouraging
The Cardinals, buoyed by the progress of left-hander Mark Mulder in his recovery from rotator-cuff surgery, have backed off their pursuit of another starting pitcher.
"The reports are very encouraging," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.
Mulder, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 24, could return by early May. The Cardinals will need their fifth starter only twice in April.
The team's Opening Day rotation is expected to include Adam Wainwright, Joel Pineiro, Braden Looper and Matt Clement, with Anthony Reyes, Todd Wellemeyer and Brad Thompson contending for the fifth spot.
OFs Sanders, Green set to retire?
Both Reggie Sanders and Shawn Green are in the same position — likely to retire unless a West Coast team comes calling.
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| Reggie Sanders' 17-year career may be over unless a suitor pops up. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images) |
Sanders, 40, longs to return to the Padres, but the team wants to trade for the Cubs' Matt Murton. Otherwise, the Padres likely will use a combination of players in left, choosing among Scott Hairston, Chase Headley, Jeff DaVanon and Jody Gerut, who recently signed a minor-league contract after batting .390/.488/.587 in 141 at-bats in Venezuela.
Green, 35, also faces limited options.
The Mariners signed Brad Wilkerson on Thursday. The Dodgers and Giants appear set, and the A's probably will re-sign Shannon Stewart if they want to add another outfielder.
Ensberg's bold choice
Morgan Ensberg could have signed a major-league contract with the Rays and started at third base until the team promoted top prospect Evan Longoria.
Instead, Ensberg signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees and entered a crowded first-base mix that includes Jason Giambi, Shelley Duncan, Jason Lane and Wilson Betemit.
Ensberg, who has played only one career game at first, puts tremendous pressure on himself, a trait that seemingly would make him better suited for Tampa Bay than New York.
Still, the Rays could promote Longoria within the first six weeks of the season, if not by Opening Day. Ensberg, 32, is gambling that he can beat out Duncan, who remains unproven, and/or Betemit, who might be more valuable off the bench.
Playing first isn't as easy as most fans believe, but Ensberg was a solid third baseman who finished second in the 2006 Gold Glove voting, according to his agent, Joe Sambito.
The Dodgers' Nomar Garciaparra is among those who have made a successful transition from the left side of the infield to first.
Fresh perspective on Twins
One general manager, envisioning a Twins outfield of Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez and Michael Cuddyer, says the team might be stronger than people think.
"They're a better position-player club than they were a year ago, even minus Torii Hunter, with a healthy Joe Mauer," the GM says.
The GM adds that the loss of Johan Santana also could be mitigated by a strong comeback from lefty Francisco Liriano. The rotation, however, is painfully inexperienced, which is one reason the Twins are interested in free-agent right-hander Josh Fogg, according to the Denver Post.
Right-hander Scott Baker, the top returning starter, has appeared in only 50 major-league games. Righty Boof Bonser is next with 49.
Another concern: Gomez will not hit, according to one scout, because he is "afraid of the ball."
"Throw the ball anywhere near the inner third, and this guy jumps," the scout said.
Around the Horn
The Astros, like the Cardinals, would benefit from the addition of a free-agent starting pitcher such as Kyle Lohse or Livan Hernandez. Here's the problem: The team could be out an additional $3.65 million if it loses arbitration cases to closer Jose Valverde and infielder Mark Loretta. Valverde is asking for $6.2 million; the Astros offered $4.7 million. Loretta wants $4.9 million; the team offered $2.75 million. ...
The signing of free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz to a two-year, $8.5 million contract sharply reduces the Phillies' chances of adding Lohse. The Phils, sources say, are at their payroll limit, if not above it. Feliz, a right-handed hitter, will help restore balance to the Phillies lineup following the departure of Aaron Rowand. Pat Burrell is the only player on the roster who hit more than nine home runs from the right side last season. ...
The Orioles will need an innings-eater if they trade Erik Bedard, and the addition of Cubs righty Jason Marquis in a package for second baseman Brian Roberts could enable them to demand better prospects from Chicago. Marquis' three-year, $21 million contract is back-loaded — he's earning $6.375 this season and $9.875 million in 2009. It is doubtful the Cubs would include Felix Pie in a deal for Roberts; Pie could be their center fielder for the next six years.
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