Minnesota Twins vs St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training 3-12-11

If only Albert Pujols could take every at bat during this game that would make it watchable to anyone but the die hardest Cardinals fan.  The lineups are a mix of regulars and guys trying to make the team so the real question today come with Carl Pavano and Jake Westbrook establishing themselves on their teams. 

Pavano signed a new deal with the Twins in the off season but his time as a Yankee still hangs a bit over his head.  He’s pitched effectively since joining Minnesota but he must want to throw lights out every game to hush all of his critics. 

For the Cards everything this year is about Albert Pujols and their pitchers.  He can carry them only so far as they can keep the games close.  Albert is looking at this as a contract year so expect mega star numbers from him. 

Toronto Blue Jays vs Detroit Tigers Spring Training 3-12-11

Detroit is running out the more interesting and potent lineup today starting with Austin Jackson all the way through Miguel Cabrera in the clean up slot.  The first four batters are going to be their every day lineup come April and with Brad Penny working on re-establishing himself as a premiere starter this should be a fun game to watch if you are a Tiger fan.

Tampa Bay Rays vs Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training 3-12-11

Two contenders feel each other out today as both Tampa and Philly send most of their starting lineups onto the field.  If only we saw Cliff Lee or one of the big four for the Phils today because Tampa is trotting out David Price and we could have had one of the great pitching match ups of the Spring.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training 3-12-11

Here are the lineups for this split squad game and as usual the Pirates are fielding a light hitting line up this Spring.  The only player hitting above .300 in their lineup is Andy Marte, the former prized prospect who helped win championships in Boston by getting traded.

Boston Red Sox vs Florida Marlins Spring Training 3-12-11

Halfway through Spring Training and across baseball we are starting to see line up cards looking more like a regular season game.  The Sox are trotting out what might be the most potent 1-5 hitters in the game today.  It’s a great mix of speed, average and power which should now be anchored for years by Adrian Gonzalez.

Defensively they’re loaded in the outfield but with a handful of question marks in the infield.  Youkilis is a good 3^rd baseman who makes all of the plays but doesn’t have that special quality needed to be that lock down corner.  And Marco Scutaro is also solid, but lacks the flashiness of a Troy Tulowitzki.

New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals 3-12-11 Spring Training

As always the main story today will be how AJ Burnett pitches. He’s under a New York media microscope this spring. I believe in his ability, I mean who doesn’t, so let’s hope he can avoid those small breakdowns that lead to big innings.


Brett Gardner gets his first start in Centerfield this Spring today. He’s been shagging fly balls and hasn’t needed any extra work in the field so Girardi was able to give some other guys a chance to show what they can do with the glove. But as March 31 gets closer it’s time for everyone to start playing in their regular spots.