Content provided in partnership with

Around the majors

Sporting News, The, Feb 11, 2005

The RED SOX opted for 1B Kevin Millars solid bat over Doug Mientkiewicz's good glove. But Millar isn't the defensive liability some people perceive him to be. His club-house demeanor also is important, as he has kept things light in a pressure-packed atmosphere.... It appears 1B Carlos Delgado's arrival in Florida will push Jeff Conine into a utility role. Conine, the MARLINS' first baseman for much of last season, likely will back up Delgado and LF Miguel Cabrera. Conine, who had 83 RBIs last season, will add a potent bat off the bench and provide late-inning defense. He also is insurance in case RF Juan Encarnacion has another down year.... The RANGERS' refusal to move Mark Teixeira from first base, which helped end their negotiations with Delgado, speaks volumes of how far Teixeira has come defensively, as he regularly takes hits away and is adept at scooping low throws.... Scouts say BLUE JAYS RHP Dave Bush is unlikely to have a sophomore slump because of his personality and pitching style. Bush challenges hitters and rarely beats himself by making mistakes. Pitchers like Bush usually don't have extended slumps because their command and control remain consistent. Bush's main pitches are a high-80s/low-90s fastball and a curveball; he also throws a slider and a changeup.... The CARDINALS will use David Eckstein at shortstop this season, but in 2006 he could be bumped to second, which better suits his arm. SS Hector Luna showed promise as a Rule 5 pick with the team last season and could be ready to play full time in '06 if he continues progressing.... Don't be surprised if the INDIANS' Jose Hernandez fills in more in the outfield than in the infield. With new-comer Alex Cora around to help out in the infield, the versatile Hernandez offers great flexibility in the outfield, particularly if Grady Sizemore doesn't win the center field job and returns to Class AAA. ... RHP Bartolo Colon's offseason stint in the Dominican winter league might help the ANGELS' burly ace be sharp at the start of this season. He started slowly in 2004, though part of the reason was an ankle injury that affected his delivery. Once Colon adjusted his stride on the mound, he flourished.... The REDS signed Rich Aurilia, and he is expected to compete with Felipe Lopez for the shortstop job. Aurilia has been productive on offense most of his career, but he struggled with the MARINERS and PADRES in 2004, perhaps partly because he had a hairline fracture in his wrist.... TIGERS RHP Jason Johnson, who has struggled staying fresh late in the season, has altered his offseason routine and now incorporates power yoga. He also will scale back his in-season routine as the team has suggested. Pitching coach Bob Cluck believes Johnson can be a top starter if he maintains stamina.... The ROCKIES think outfield prospect Brad Hawpe (31 home runs in Class AAA last season) can produce power in the big leagues if he adopts a consistent hitting stance. He often changes his mechanics depending on the situation.... The YANKEES' signing Rey Sanchez gives them a capable backup at second base, third base and shortstop. Sanchez, 37, has a strong arm, plenty of starting experience and good range at shortstop and second.... Even with RHP John Van Benschoten (shoulder) and LHP Sean Burnett (elbow) out for the season, starting pitching remains the strength of the PIRATES' farm system.

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

LHP Zach Duke and RHP Bryan Bullington could make their big-league debuts this summer.

Keep an eye on ...

Royals RHP Runelvys Hernandez was so impressive in a recent minicamp that there's reason to believe he can push RHP Zack Greinke for the No. 1 spot in the rotation. Hernandez, K.C.'s opening day starter in 2003, appears to be completely recovered from extensive elbow surgery. He still needs work on his breaking pitches and command, but he has made great strides.

Around the majors

Sporting News, The, Feb 11, 2005

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Business

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports