Spring Training

New York Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa has gotten off to a hot start this spring, and it has gotten the attention of a few fans—some of which are even thinking he might contribute to the club this season.

After all, he’s pitched eight dominant innings this spring while surrendering zero runs, just 3 hits, and no walks. He’s also a lefty, happears comfortable on the mound, and he cost the Yankees $46 million that they would like to see put to good use after years.

Angel Pagan was sent to New York for an MRI on his sore elbow. It was then discovered that he has a bone spur.

If he elects to have it removed now, he will miss six to eight weeks of baseball. If he does not have the spur removed, chances are that he will not be able to play.  So, he will most likely  have the surgery and try to rejoin the team once he is recovered.

Ben Ice takes the crystal ball down from the shelf and dusts off new predictions for the upcoming fantasy season.

Dave Bush must be a fan of roller-coasters. I say that because that has pretty much been the path his career has taken with the Milwaukee Brewers.

He has experienced some incredible highs, as well as some very crushing lows. Through it all, Bush has persevered, and has turned into a solid Major League pitcher.

Last season was a microcosm for Bush's three years with the Brewers. He started the season 0-3, and was sent down to Triple A for a cup of coffee before injuries forced the Brewers to recall him.

Our previous starting first baseman, Richie Sexson, left Seattle during last season (or was forced to leave). The Mariners, with new General Manager Jack Zduriencik, brought in potential starting first baseman Mike Carp (from the Mets) and Russell Branyan (from the Brewers).

But who will be starting?

Here are the candidates:

Russell Branyan

Perhaps no Brewers player was ready for Spring Training to start as much as JJ Hardy. Hardy's name was very popular in hot stove discussions over the winter. Many people wanted Hardy traded for young pitching.

Others wanted him to move over to third base to make room for top prospect Alcides Escobar at shortstop. In the end, he will be right where he belongs in 2009, playing shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers.

This was a great week to be a Twins' starting pitcher, and a bad week to face the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Twins starting pitchers threw a total of 21 innings this week, working between three and four innings as they begin to stretch out, but gave up just one run. Kevin Slowey continued his strong start to the spring and has yet to give up a run since coming to camp.

The other particularly bright spot was Francisco Liriano

Since the Indians will still not be on STO for another three weeks, I found some clips of the Wigwammers in action.

This first clip is of the Mar. 3 game against the Royals, first inning (Trevor Crowe, Jamey Carroll, Jhonny Peralta, and Ryan Garko).