Streaking in the Park: Spring Training Part 2
By Brian Phair
As the 2010 regular season begins, it is the perfect opportunity to finally wrap up Spring Training. Last week, I went through 4 hot and 4 cold players from the month of March and this week I continue with 8 more players. Next week will be the first of many regular season editions of Streaking in the Park and will focus on opening week successes and failures.
Be sure to check back every Wednesday throughout the season for more insight and information and for in-depth analysis about what is happening with teams and players around the league. Enjoy!
Red Hot
SP Fausto Carmona, CLE
The Cleveland Indians don’t have a lot to look forward to in 2010, but their one bright spot is starting pitcher Fausto Carmona. This Spring, Carmona finished with a 3-0 record in 5 appearances and an era of just 1.38 in 26 innings. Carmona had impressive command, walking only 2 and striking out 12 while allowing just 15 hits. Carmona has always had the potential to be a top tier starter, but has yet to put it all together for an entire season. Regardless of how well Carmona pitches in 2010, his win/loss record will continue to suffer thanks to limited run support.
C Brian McCann, ATL
Over the last several years, Brian McCann has been one of the few elite catchers in baseball. He continued hitting the cover off the ball this spring to the tune of a .500 batting average in 42 ABs. McCann added his usual power with 4 HRs and 16 RBIs while being patient at the plate, drawing 9 walks. Atlanta Braves fans can rest assured McCann will continue to produce at the plate and be a solid backstop for the team’s pitching staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if McCann once again hit 20+ HRs and had his first 100+ RBI season in 2010.
RF Michael Cuddyer, MIN
After a breakout season in 2009, outfielder Michael Cuddyer is entering the 2010 season with a ton of confidence. Cuddyer had 24 hits in 59 ABs this spring while powering his way to 3 HRs and 11 RBIs. I doubt Cuddyer will match last year’s totals of 32 HRs and 94 RBIs this season, but his impressive hitting this spring indicates he isn’t going away anytime soon. Protected by a strong group of hitters in the Minnesota lineup, Cuddyer will get plenty of opportunities to prove his worth and carry over his hot start into the regular season.
2B Alberto Callaspo, KC
Last week I focused on the hot spring of one member of the Kansas City Royals infield, and this week we get to spotlight the other member of the double-play tandem, second baseman Alberto Callaspo. For a team that has been in the basement of the AL Central for the past several years, they sure have some impressive young talent. Callaspo had a strong .300 average in 2009 and continued that success this spring with a .440 average. Callaspo hit 7 doubles and drove in 8 runs in a weak Kansas City lineup and will look to continue his success in the 2010 season.
Honorable Mention
LF Jose Bautista, TOR
RF Kyle Blanks, SD
Ice Cold
RF Corey Hart, MIL
Outfielder Corey Hart had a Spring Training he would like to forget. He hit just .172 in 21 games and had an embarrassing .221 on base percentage. Hart drew only 4 walks and struck out a whopping 18 times in 64 ABs. The Milwaukee Brewers are hoping Hart can push past his struggles and return to the .273 average hitter he has been throughout his career. Hart will be a role player for the Brewers and could get a decent amount of playing time in 2010 if he can prove his value early on.
SS Rafael Furcal, LAD
After an injury shortened 2008 season, shortstop Rafael Furcal bounced back in 2009 with a .269 average and 165 hits for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This spring however, Furcal struggled mightily with a .222 average and just 14 hits in 63 ABs, while scoring only 4 runs. Furcal had 9 Ks and just 5 RBIs, which is a terrible ratio for a major league player. The Dodgers are hopeful that Furcal’s numbers will be close to his career .284 average and that he will continue to be a vacuum cleaner at shortstop in 2010 despite his poor spring numbers.
SP Rich Harden, TEX
Starting pitcher Rich Harden has had a rollercoaster career to this point. After several years with Oakland and a year and a half with the Cubs, Harden finds himself in the Lone Star State for a fresh start. The new beginning has not been a happy one thus far, with Harden’s spring era near 9. In 22.1 innings, Harden allowed 22 ERs on 27 hits and had poor command leading to 15 BBs and 2 batters hit by pitches. Unfortunately for the Texas Rangers, it appears Harden is not ready to put together a string of strong performances and reach his potential in 2010.
SS Orlando Cabrera, CIN
In his first year with the Cincinnati Reds, shortstop Orland Cabrera is looking to make a statement that he can still hit and play the field with the best of them. His first spring in the National League since 2004 however, is one he would like to forget. Finishing with a .184 average and just 3 RBIs in 49 ABs, Cabrera is hoping he can turn things around as the regular season begins. Ultimately, Cabrera is consistently a .300+ average hitter and although he is now in his mid-30’s, should reach that target once again in his new Ohio home.
Honorable Mention
SP Brad Penny, STL
SP Wandy Rodriguez, HOU
Brian Phair – BoSox Injection – Streaking in the Park
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