Cactus League 02-25-15 by LOCALiQ

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 1

W E â&#x20AC;&#x2122; R E A L L A B O U T T H AT

BASEBALL B U S T E R P O S E Y, C / 1 B SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

C L AY T O N K E R S H A W, P LOS ANGELES DODGERS P A U L G O L D S C H M I D T, 1 B ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

New faces abound

D-Backsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; future

Days of fun ahead

How will they fare?

From top to bottom

More on tablet

There was plenty of movement in the offseason. Discover the new players coming to the Valley. Page 4

General Manager Dave Stewart says heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optimistic about his 2015 team. Page 8

Ten ballparks, seven cities: Plan for a great day with our stadium and dining guide. Pages 9-13

Catch our team-by-team breakdown of the 15 Cactus League combatants, including their full schedules. Pages 14-29

azcentral sportsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Zach Buchanan ranks the Cactus League teams. Where is your favorite team? Pages 30-31

Get everything you need to know about the Cactus League in a special edition of AZ, our interactive tablet magazine.Â Search for â&#x20AC;&#x153;AZ Todayâ&#x20AC;? in the App Store.

For full coverage of Cactus League baseball, go to cactus.azcentral.com.

www.FrysFood.com

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PAGE 2 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

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DAY-BY-DAY SCHEDULE Tuesday, March 3 Indians at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Giants at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Arizona State at Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 White Sox at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. UW-Milwaukee at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Diamondbacks at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Thursday, March 5 Athletics at Cubs (SS), 1:05 p.m. Cubs (SS) at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Angels, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Friday, March 6 Reds at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Angels, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Dodgers (SS), 1:05 p.m. Dodgers (SS) at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Giants at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Saturday, March 7 Diamondbacks at Mariners (SS), 1:05 p.m. Cubs at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Mariners (SS) at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Sunday, March 8 Diamondbacks (SS) at Giants (SS), 1:05 p.m. Rangers (SS) at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Rangers (SS), 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Angels, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Giants (SS) at Diamondbacks (SS), 1:10 p.m. Monday, March 9 Diamondbacks at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Reds (SS), 1:05 p.m. Reds (SS) at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Indians at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 Diamondbacks at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Cubs at Indians, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Giants at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Rockies (SS) at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Rockies (SS), 1:10 p.m. Rangers at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 Dodgers at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Royals (SS) at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Royals (SS), 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Thursday, March 12 Giants at White Sox (SS), 1:05 p.m. White Sox (SS) at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Cubs at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Friday, March 13 Diamondbacks at Indians (SS), 1:05 p.m. Indians (SS) at Cubs (SS), 1:10 p.m. Brewers at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Athletics (SS) at Royals, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Padres at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Reds at Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 14 White Sox at Angels (SS), 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m Angels (SS) at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Giants (SS) at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Cubs (SS) at Brewers, 1:10 p.m. Mariners at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Giants (SS) at Diamondbacks, 7:10 p.m. Sunday, March 15 Reds at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. Angels at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Diamondbacks at Giants, 3:05 p.m. Monday, March 16 Cubs at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Giants at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Rangers at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 Diamondbacks at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Royals at Cubs, 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 Cubs at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Rockies (SS), 1:10 p.m. Brewers at Royals, 6:05 p.m. Diamondbacks at Rockies (SS), 7:10 p.m. Thursday, March 19 Rangers at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Giants at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m. Cubs at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m. Indians at Mariners, 7:05 p.m. Friday, March 20 Diamondbacks at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Cubs at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers (SS) at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Reds at Giants, 6:05 p.m. Angels at Indians, 7:05 p.m. Royals at Padres, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, March 21 Diamondbacks at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. Royals at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Rockies (SS) at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers (SS) at Rockies (SS), 1:10 p.m. Giants at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, March 22 Padres at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Giants (SS) at Royals, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Giants (SS), 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Monday, March 23 Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Mariners at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Reds at Rangers, 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 Cubs at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m. Giants at Indians, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 Padres at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Angels, 1:10 p.m.

Giants at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. White Sox at Royals, 6:05 p.m. Cubs at Mariners, 7:05 p.m. Rangers at Reds, 7:05 p.m. Thursday, March 26 Dodgers at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Mariners (SS), 1:05 p.m. Mariners (SS) at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Angels at Cubs, 4:05 p.m. Rockies at Rangers, 6:05 p.m. Athletics at Giants, 7:05 p.m. Friday, March 27 Rangers at Athletics, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Royals, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. Diamondbacks (SS) at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Indians at Diamondbacks (SS), 1:10 p.m. Brewers at Reds, 7:05 p.m. Rockies at Padres, 7:05 p.m. Giants at Dodgers, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, March 28 Rockies at Cubs (SS), 1:05 p.m. Cubs (SS) at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Athletics at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Futures at Giants (SS), 1:05 p.m. Giants (SS) at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Dodgers at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Reds at Angels, 12:10 p.m. Cubs at Royals, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Dodgers (SS), 1:05 p.m. Dodgers (SS) at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Brewers at A's, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Padres, 1:05 p.m. Diamondbacks at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Monday, March 30 Giants at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. Indians at White Sox, 1:05 p.m. Padres at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at A's, 1:05 p.m. Royals at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. Angels at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Dodgers at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 Cubs at Rangers, 1:05 p.m. White Sox at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Reds at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. Mariners at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Rockies at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m. Athletics at Angels, 1:10 p.m. Royals at Padres, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 Brewers at Cubs, 12:05 p.m. Dodgers at Royals, 12:05 p.m. Angels at Athletics, 12:05 p.m. Diamondbacks at Reds, 1:05 p.m. Padres at White Sox (SS), 1:05 p.m. White Sox (SS) at Mariners, 1:05 p.m. Indians at Giants, 1:05 p.m. Rangers at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Thursday, April 2 White Sox at Diamondbacks, 12:10 p.m. Indians at Reds, 12:05 p.m. Brewers at Padres, 12:05 p.m. Friday, April 3 Brewers at Indians, 1:05 p.m. Cubs at Diamondbacks, Chase Field, 6:40 p.m. Rockies at Mariners, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, April 4 Indians at Brewers, 12:05 p.m. Cubs-Diamondbacks, Chase Field, 1:10 p.m. Home fields Angels, Tempe Diablo Stadium Athletics, Hohokam Stadium Brewers, Maryvale Baseball Park Cubs, Sloan Park Diamondbacks, Salt River Fields Dodgers, Camelback Ranch Giants, Scottsdale Stadium Indians, Goodyear Ballpark Mariners, Peoria Sports Complex Padres, Peoria Sports Complex Rangers, Surprise Stadium Reds, Goodyear Ballpark Rockies, Salt River Fields Royals, Surprise Stadium White Sox, Camelback Ranch

SPRING SPRING TRAINING TRAINING BALLPARKS BALLPARKS 101

Peoria

NEW FACES

101

Phoenix

Surprise

Glendale

Scottsdale

HALL OF FAME

87 10

Goodyear

202

River Salt

HALL OF FAME

Mesa

Tempe

60 101 10

MILES

202

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

BALLPARKS

Surprise Stadium 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise Teams: Royals, Rangers Tickets: 623-222-2222

Hohokam Stadium 1235 N. Center St., Mesa Team: Athletics Tickets: 1-877-493-2255

Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria Teams: Padres, Mariners Tickets: 623-773-8720

Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale Team: Giants Tickets: 1-877-473-4849 Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa Team: Cubs Tickets: 480-964-4467

Camelback Ranch 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix Teams: Dodgers, White Sox Tickets: 800-745-3000 BALLPARKS Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix Team: Brewers Tickets: 800-933-7890

Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear Teams: Reds, Indians Tickets: 800-745-3000

Salt River Fields

Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe Team: Angels Tickets: 800-745-3000

COLORADO ROCKIES7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

Teams: Diamondbacks, Rockies Tickets: 480-362-9467

Go the distance

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

CHICAGO CUBS

Sur

pri

Surprise Peoria Camelback Maryvale Salt River Hohokam Scottsdale Sloan Goodyear Tempe

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Mileage between Cactus league parks

Ca Sco Sa H M me lba a r yva lt R iv oho ka tt sda ori c e l m le k e a r

— 11.5 13.6 18.2 38.2 39.8 33.9 41.5 17.9 32.9

10.9 — 12.7 11.5 30.2 33.0 27.3 36.4 23.1 26.0

13.6 12.7 — 9.0 38.8 33.1 27.6 28.1 8.1 26.0

18.2 11.5 9.0 — 27.8 23.8 17.9 23.0 13.3 16.6

38.2 30.2 38.8 27.8 — 12.0 6.0 8.7 42.7 18.0

39.8 33.0 33.1 23.8 12.0 — 9.1 3.1 37.0 13.5

Slo 33.9 27.3 27.6 17.9 6.0 9.1 — 6.3 31.7 9.7

Go ody T e a r em p e an 41.5 36.4 28.1 23.0 8.7 3.1 6.3 — 33.2 9.0

17.9 23.1 8.1 13.3 42.7 37.0 31.7 33.2 — 29.9

32.9 26.0 26.0 16.6 18.0 13.5 9.7 9.0 29.9 —

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Your Home Base for Spring Training. Cool off after the game with a $2 draft beer* at any of our restaurants or lounges by presenting a same-day Spring Training ticket stub. Afterwards, enjoy exciting casino gaming, outstanding dining and world-class entertainment. For the latest Cactus League news visit springtrainingphoenix.com.

1 0 1 & I N D I A N B E N D | S C O T T S D A L E | 4 8 0 .8 5 0 .7 7 7 7 | TA L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T. C O M *Ticket must be presented the same day as athletic event. Limit one per person per day. Must be 21 or over. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

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PAGE 4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

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NEW FACES

Look for new faces all over the Valley HALL OF FAME

BOB MCMANAMAN AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

They’ll tell you that you can’t tell the players without a program or a scorecard and usually, they’re right – especially during spring training. But that’s why we’re here, isn’t it? If you’re looking for which pitcher is going to fill the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation or the last utility player that makes it as the 25th man on the roster, well, you’d better hurry up and wait. But as another year of spring training gets ready to descend on the Valley, we can tell you which new faces are in new places in anticipation of the 2015 Cactus League season. Some are brand new to the Arizona experience and others are just changing Cactus League venues, but there were enough changes overall during a very busy baseball offseason to make it more than noteworthy. Let’s start with the Chicago White Sox, who really seemed to win the winter with a flurry of moves that included adding a front-line starting pitcher, right-hander Jeff Samardzija (Cubs/A’s), who will slide between Chris Sale and Jose Quintana in the rotation, signing a topflight closer in David Robertson (Yankees), and bringing in a left-handed cleanup hitter, Adam LaRoche (Nationals), to put behind Cuban slugger and American League Rookie of the Year, Jose Abreu. Other newcomers to the South Siders include another talented hitter that can help protect Abreu in outfielder Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays). But they also added utility man Emilio Bonifacio

There was enough player movement via trades and free agency this offseason that we offer a summary reminder of who went where. HALL OF FAME

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

BALLPARKS

Clockwise from top: Justin Upton returns to the Cactus League with the Padres, who also added Matt Kemp and Wil Myers to COLORADO ROCKIES their outfield. Joe Maddon moved on from managing Tampa Bay and will lead the Cubs. PHOTOS BY USA TODAY SPORTS

(Cubs/Braves) and two important extra additions to the bullpen in lefties Zach Duke (Brewers) and Dan Jennings (Marlins). Not to be outdone, the Cubs made two of the biggest splashes of the offseason. First, they pulled off a stunner by hiring one of the game’s best managers, Joe Maddon, who opted out of his contract with the Rays. Then they lured the best free-agent pitcher on the market in Jon Lester (Red Sox/A’s), signing him to a six-year deal worth $155 million. But the North Siders weren’t done there. Seeking their first World Series championship since 1908, the Cubs also traded for catcher Miguel Montero (Diamondbacks) and

outfielder Dexter Fowler Justin Upton (Braves) (Astros), re-acquired and Wil Myers (Rays), the starting pitcher Jason former American League Hammel (A’s), and signed Rookie of the Year. That Jason Motte (Cardinals) trio hit 60 homers with an FRANCISCO as an optionSAN at closer. Mix- OPS ofGIANTS .791 last season – a ing them all in with a huge upgrade over the promising lineup that in- combined 29 homers and cludes All-Stars Starlin .654 OPS from the previCastro and Anthony Rizzo ous outfield that included and up-and-coming Carlos Quentin, Will Venprospects, and the Cubs able, Seth Smith, CamerCHICAGO have to be considered a CUBS le- on Maybin and Chris Degitimate contender. norfia. Upton, who spent There will be some new six seasons with the Dianames over in Peoria, too, mondbacks, hit 29 homers where the Mariners lto go along with a careersigned outfielder Nelson high 102 RBI. Cruz (Orioles) to a four“We feel like we have a OAKLAND ATHLETICS year, $57 million deal af- chance to put a pretty ter he led the majors last good product on the season with 40 home runs, field,” Padres General and the Padres complete- Manager A.J. Preller, who ly replaced their outfield. also added third baseman It will now feature Will Middlebrooks (Red Matt Kemp (Dodgers), Sox) and catcher Derek

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Norris (A’s), told reporters. Coming off a 94-win season and a second straight National League West title, the Dodgers didn’t stand pat, either. In addition to trading Kemp, they also flipped Hanley Ramirez (Red Sox) and Dee Gordon (Marlins) and went all in under a reorganized front office, making several trades and freeagent signings that included bringing in shortstop Jimmy Rollins (Phillies), second baseman Howie Kendrick (Angels), catcher Yasmani Grandal (Padres) and pitcher Brandon McCarthy (Diamondbacks/Yankees). The A’s, who will play their home spring-training games at Mesa’s Ho-

hokam Stadium, made a flurry of moves, too. They traded away some big names, third baseman Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays), outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (Tigers via the Red Sox), first baseman Brandon Moss (Indians), plus Samardzija and Norris, but they acquired infielders Brett Lawrie (Blue Jays) and Marcus Semien (White Sox), super utility man Ben Zobrist (Rays), reliever Tyler Clippard (Nationals) and designated hitter Billy Butler (Royals). The World Series champion Giants lost popular third baseman Pablo Sandoval to free agency, as the Panda agreed to a five-year deal with the Red Sox worth a cool $100 million. But the Cactus League might have a new fan favorite in Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas, whom the Diamondbacks signed to a six-year, $68.5 million deal. A month later, the Diamondbacks made another splash with the addition of Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez, 21, whose $8.27 million signing bonus is the most under baseball’s new rules for signing an international player. “We feel that he’s capable of competing right now for a spot in our rotation,” General Manager Dave Stewart said. Other new faces in new places include right-hander Yovani Gallardo, dealt from the Brewers to the Rangers, catcher Nick Hundley, who went from the Padres to the Orioles and is now with the Rockies, first baseman Adam Lind, who moves from the Blue Jays to the Brewers, and right-hander Edinson Volquez, who left the Pirates to sign with the Royals.

Thereโ s No Place Like Home TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! To purchase, visit padres.com and mariners.com or call 800-677-1227 and come see the new spring training home of your favorite teams! As they say, thereโ s no place like home!

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PAGE 6 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

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HALL OF FAME Welcome to the 2015 Cactus League Hall of Fame. This isn’t all about numbers. We’re honoring the 10 most recognizable players in the Cactus League. A breakdown of the top 10 players to watch this spring by azcentral sports’ Scott Bordow. (in alphabetical order)

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HALL OF FAME MADISON

AROLDIS

PA U L

C L AY T O N

JON

BUMGARNER

CHAPMAN

GOLDSCHMIDT

K E R S H AW

LESTER

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

C I N C I N N AT I REDS

ARIZONA D I A MDIAMONDBACKS ONDBACKS

ARIZONA

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

CHICAGO CUBS

PITCHER

CLOSER

FIRST BASEMAN

PITCHER

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BALLPARKS

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BALLPARKS

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COLORADO ROCKIES

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SF GIANTS

CINCINNATI REDS

DIAMONDBACKS

LA DODGERS

CHICAGO CUBS

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Starter Madison Bumgarner

Closer Aroldis Chapman

baseman Paul SANFirst FRANCISCO Goldschmidt GIANTS

Starter Clayton Kershaw

Starter Jon Lester

If t h e r e ’ s a Sa n d y Ko u f a x o f t h i s g e n e r a t i o n , i t ’ s Ke r s h a w , w h o w e n t a r i d i c u l o u s 21-3 l a s t s e a s o n w i t h a 1.77 ERA a n d w o n t h i s t h i r d Na t i o n a l Le a g u e Cy Yo u n g Aw a r d a n d h i s f i r s t MVP Aw a r d . Bu m g a r n e r n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , Ke r s h a w h a s b e e n t h e b e s t p it c h e r in b a s e b a ll t h e la s t f o u r s e a s o n s . Wa t c h i n g Ke r s h a w p i t c h i s l i k e w a t c h i n g Ra n d y Jo h n s o n t h r o w i n h i s p r i m e . Yo u d o n ’ t w a n t t o m is s a m o m e n t b e c a u s e y o u ’ll m is s t h e e x p e r ie n c e w h e n h e ’s g o n e . No w i f Ke r s h a w c o u l d j u s t h i t a d o v e w it h a p it c h t h is s p r in g t r a i n i n g ...

Ar e t h e Cu b s — t h o s e b e l o v e d , s t u m b l i n g , c u r s e d Cu b s — t r u l y Wo r l d Se r i e s c o n t e n d e r s ? La s Ve g a s t h i n k s s o . On l y t h e Lo s An g e l e s Do d g e r s a n d Bo s t o n Re d So x h a v e s h o r t e r o d d s t h a n t h e Cu b s , w h o a r e 12-1. Th e o p t i m i s m s t e m s m o s t l y f r o m t h e o f f s e a s o n s ig n in g o f Jo n Le s t e r , w h o g i v e s Ch i c a g o it s f ir s t t r u e a c e in y e a r s . Th e r e ’ s n o p r e s s u r e o n Le s t e r , o f c o u r s e . He s i g n e d a s i x -y e a r , $ 155 m i l l i o n c o n t r a c t , m o n e y t h a t d e m a n d s h e w i n s 18 t o 20 g a m e s a n d i s a n NL Cy Yo u n g c a n d i d a t e . Mo r e i m p o r t a n t l y , i t ’ s o n l y b e e n 107 y e a r s s i n c e t h e Cu b s w o n t h e Wo r l d Se r i e s . Im a g i n e t h e p a r t y o n Mi c h i g a n Av e n u e i f Le s t e r e n d s t h a t m is e r y .

It ’ s a p p r o p r i a t e t h a t Bu m g a r n e r is f ir s t o n t h is lis t b e =36 c a u s e h e ’ s c o m i n g o f f a r g u a b l y t h e g r e a t e s t Wo r l d Se r i e s =666 p e r f o r m a n c e e v e r b y a p i t c h e r . Al l Bu m g a r n e r d i d , o f c o u r s e , w a s g o 2-0 a g a i n s t t h e Ka n s a s Ci t y Ro y a l s a n d t h e n r e c o r d a s a v e i n Ga m e 7 b y p i t c h i n g f i v e =36 i n n i n g s o f s c o r e l e s s r e l i e f . Hi s c a r e e r Wo r l d Se r i e s n u m b e r s : =736 4-0 w i t h a s a v e a n d a 0.25 ERA. Bu m g a r n e r w a s t h e Wo r l d Se r i e s MVP, t h e Na t i o n a l Le a g u e Ch a m p i o n s h i p Se r i e s MVP a n d h e ’ s j u s t 25 y e a r s o l d . Im a g i n e h o w g o o d h e ’ l l b e =36 w h e n h e g ro w s u p .

=806

=36

=876

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : 67-49, 3.06 ERA, 896 s t r i k e o u t s a n d 229 w a l k s i n 952 2⁄ 3 i n n i n g s

Wh a t ’ s i t l i k e t r y i n g t o h i t a 102 m p h f a s t b a l l f r o m Ch a p m a n ? “ It ’ s n o t f a i r ,” Pi t t s b u r g h Pi r a t e s c e n t e r f i e l d e r An d r e w Mc Cu t c h e n t o l d ESPN.c o m . Ye a h , t h a t a b o u t c o v e r s i t . Th e r e ’ s n o s u b t l e t y t o Ch a p m a n ’ s p i t c h i n g s t y l e . He c o m e s o u t o f t h e b u llp e n t h r o w in g a b o u t a s h a rd a s a h u m a n b e i n g c a n . He ’ s h i t 104 m p h o n t h e r a d a r g u n a n d t h e r e w a s n ’t a s in g le g a m e la s t s e a s o n w h e n h e d i d n ’ t t o u c h 100 m p h . Oh , Ch a p m a n d o e s t h r o w a c h a n g e -u p . It c o m e s i n a t 89 m p h , a b o u t t h e s a m e a s a Jo s h Co l l m e n t e r f a s t b a l l . It ’ s p r o b a b ly n o s u r p r is e ,t h e n ,t h a t Ch a p m a n s t r i k e s o u t a l o t o f g u y s . He p i t c h e d 54 i n n i n g s l a s t y e a r – a n d h a d 106 s t r i k e o u t s .

OK, s o Go l d s c h m i d t i s n ’ t r e m o t e ly c o n t r o v e r s ia l a n d h e r a r e ly s a y s a n y t h in g o f in t e r e s t . Co n s i d e r h i m t h e Ga r y Co o p e r o f Ma j o r Le a g u e Ba s e b a l l . Bu t CHICAGO CUBS Go l d s c h m i d t m a k e s o u r Ha l l o f Fa m e b e c a u s e h e ’ s o n e o f t h e f e w p la y e r s in t h e g a m e t h a t d o e s e v e r y t h i n g w e l l . Pl u s , w e s o r t o f f ig u r e d t h e r e s h o u ld b e a Di a m o n d b a c k s o m e w h e r e o n t h e lis t . OAKLAND ATHLETICS Go l d s c h m i d t h a d h i s 2014 s e a s o n c u t s h o r t i n e a r l y Au g u st b e c a u se o f a b ro k e n h a n d . If t h e Di a m o n d b a c k s h a v e a n y c h a n c e o f c o m p e t in g i n t h e Na t i o n a l Le a g u e We s t , h e n e e d s t o b e o n t h e f ie ld f o r LOS ANGELES ANGELS 150-p l u s g a m e s . Hi s h e a l t h t h i s s p r in g w ill b e a m a jo r s t o r y lin e f o r Ar i z o n a .

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : 15-16, 113 s a v e s , 252 2⁄ 3 i n n i n g s , 430 s t r i k e o u t s , 122 w a l k s

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : .292 b a t t i n g a v e r a g e , 83 h o m e r s , 302 RBI, 46 s t o l e n b a s e s , .904 OPS

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : 98-49, 2.48 ERA, 1,378 1⁄ 3 i n n i n g s , 1,445 s t r i k e o u t s , 424 w a l k s

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : 116-67, 3.58 ERA, 1,596 i n n i n g s , 1,457 s t r i k e o u t s , 545 w a l k s

=36

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 7

=246

HALL OF FAME Some get plaques because of their accomplishments, others because of their notoriety. Either way, they’re worth watching.

=36

A breakdown of the top 10 players to watch this spring by azcentral sports’ Scott Bordow. (in alphabetical order)

=316

=36

=386

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS YA S I E L

ALBERT

MIKE

JUSTIN

KRIS

PUIG

PUJOLS

TROUT

UPTON

B R YA N T

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

LOS ANGELES

SAN DIEGO PA D R E S

CHICAGO CUBS

OUTFIELDER

FIRST BASEMAN

OUTFIELDER

THIRD BASEMAN

SAN DIEGO PADRES

CHICAGO CUBS

Outfielder Justin Upton

Third baseman Kris Bryant

Wh y i s Up t o n o n t h i s l i s t ? Be c a u s e w e c o n t i n u e t o b e f a s c i n a t e d b y h i s c a r e e r . Th e f o r m e r No . 1 p i c k o f t h e Di a m o n d b a c k s p u t s u p s o lid n u m b e r s a n d is n ’t a c a n c e r in t h e c lu b h o u s e ,b u t h e ’s a lr e a d y o n h i s t h i r d t e a m a n d h e ’ s j u s t 27 y e a r s o ld . Pl u s , Up t o n i s i n t h e f i n a l y e a r o f t h e s i x -y e a r , $ 51 m i l l i o n d e a l h e s i g n e d w i t h t h e Di a m o n d b a c k s a n d c o u ld b e in f o r a h u g e p a y d a y if h e h a s a b ig s e a s o n f o r t h e Pa d r e s . Th e q u e s t io n is ,c a n h e p u t u p b ig n u m b e r s i n c a v e r n o u s Pe t c o Pa r k , a r g u a b l y t h e w o r s t h i t t e r ’s p a r k in a ll o f b a s e b a ll?

Ye s , w e ’ r e a w a r e t h a t Br y a n t c o m e s b e f o r e Bu m g a r n e r a l p h a b e t i c a l l y . We ’ r e a l s o a w a r e t h a t Br y a n t h a s y e t t o t a k e h is f ir s t m a jo r le a g u e a t -b a t . Bu t i n e v e r y s p r i n g t r a i n i n g ,t h e r e ’s a t l e a s t o n e p h e n o m t o w a t c h a n d t h is y e a r i t ’ s Br y a n t . At t h e e n d o f t h e 2014 s e a s o n , Br y a n t w a s n a m e d USA To d a y ’ s Mi n o r Le a g u e Pl a y e r o f t h e Ye a r . Ba s e b a l l Am e r i c a c h i m e d i n w i t h t h e s a m e d i s t i n c t i o n . If Br y a n t s h i n e s i n Ca c t u s Le a g u e g a m e s , h e ’ l l l i k e l y b e t h e Cu b s ’ Op e n i n g Da y t h i r d b a s e m a n . Ev e n i f h e s t r u g g l e s , i t ’ s j u s t a m a t t e r o f t im e b e f o r e h e s h o w s u p i n Wr i g l e y Fi e l d a n d h i s c a r e e r t a k e s o f f . He ’ s t h a t g o o d .

BALLPARKS ANGELS

=36

=456

BALLPARKS

=36

=526

COLORADO ROCKIES

=36

=596

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

=36

LA DODGERS

LA ANGELS

=666

Outfielder Yasiel Puig

Outfielder Albert Pujols

He r e ’ s w h a t w e k n o w Pu i g : He ’ s o n e o f t h e g a m e ’ s m o s t g if t e d – a n d m a d d e n in g – =36 p l a y e r s . On a n y n i g h t h e c a n =736 b e t h e b e s t f r i e n d o f Lo s An g e l e s m a n a g e r Do n Ma t t i n g l y o r h is b ig g e s t f r u s t r a t io n . Se e Pu i g r o p e a s i n g l e t o r i g h t . Se e Pu i g h u s t l e d o w n t h e l i n e a n d t u r n t h e s in g le in t o a =36 d o u b l e . Oh , w a i t . Th e r e ’ s Pu i g =806 o v e r t h r o w i n g h i s c u t -o f f m a n a n d n o t h u s t lin g t o f ie ld a b a ll. Ei t h e r w a y , i t ’ s h a r d t o t a k e y o u r e y e s o ff th e g u y . He r e ’ s a l s o w h a t w e a l s o k n o w : If h e e v e r f i g u r e s i t o u t a n d =36 m e r g e s t h e m e n t a l s id e o f t h e =876 g a m e w i t h h i s p h y s i c a l s k i l l s , h e ’ll b e o n e o f t h e b e s t p la y e r s in t h e w o r ld .

=36

=946

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : .305 b a t t i n g a v e r a g e , 35 h o m e r s , 111 RBI, 22 s t o l e n b a s e s , .888 OPS

Re m g a m b e e n s in 10-y e in b o h it t a n d o ld a se n s

e m b e r Pu j o l s , o n c e t h e e ’ s g r e a t e s t h i t t e r ? He ’ s a s h e ll o f h is n o r m a l s e lf c e s ig n in g t h a t m a s s iv e a r , $ 254 m i l l i o n d e a l b a c k 2011. Pu j o l s h a d a n i c e u n c e -b a c k y e a r i n 2014, i n g .272 w i t h 28 h o m e r s 105 RBI, b u t h e ’ s 35 y e a r s n d it ’s h a r d n o t t o g e t t h e e t h a t h is c a r e e r is s lo w ly s lip p in g a w a y . Ma y b e i t ’ s a s e n s e o f n o s t a l g i a , b u t w e c a n ’ t k e e p Pu j o l s o u t o f o u r Ha l l o f Fa m e . He w a s t o o g o o d f o r t o o l o n g . Co n s i d e r t h i s a Li f e t i m e Ac h i e v e m e n t a w a rd . Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : .317 b a t t i n g a v e r a g e , 520 h o m e r u n s , 1,603 RBI, 98 s t o l e n b a s e s , .991 OPS

LA ANGELS Center fielder Mike CHICAGO CUBS Trout Th o s e Mi c k e y Ma n t l e c o m p a r i s o n s t h a t g r e e t e d Tr o u t w h e n h e m a d e h i s m a j o r -l e a g u e d e b u t i n 2011? Th e y w e r e n ’ t t h a t f a r o f f . Al l Tr o u t h a s d o n e OAKLAND ATHLETICS in t h r e e f u ll s e a s o n s is w in t h e AL MVP Aw a r d o n c e a n d f i n i s h s e c o n d t w i c e . Se e m i n g l y , t h e r e ’s n o t h i n g h e c a n ’t d o o n a b a s e b a ll f ie ld ,w it h t h e p o s s ib le e x c e p t io n o f t h r o w in g a 100 m p h f a s t b a l l . LOSHe ANGELES ANGELS r e ’s w h y f a n s s h o u ld g o s e e Tr o u t : If h e c o n t i n u e s h i s c a r e e r a r c h e ’ l l b e a Ha l l o f Fa m e i n d u c t e e . An d t h e n y o u c a n s a y , “ We s a w h i m w a y b a c k i n 2015 w h e n h e w a s j u s t 23 y e a r s o ld a n d a lr e a d y t h e b e s t a llMILWAUKEE BREWERS a r o u n d p l a y e r i n t h e g a m e .” Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : .305 b a t t i n g a v e r a g e , 98 h o m e r s , 307 RBI, 102 s t o l e n b a s e s , .945 OPS

SEATTLE MARINERS

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : .274 b a t t i n g a v e r a g e , 164 h o m e r s , 535 RBI, 96 s t o l e n b a s e s , .830 OPS

Ca r e e r s t a t i s t i c s : TBD

=36

PAGE 8 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

DBACKS SKED =316 X=524 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

=386

=36

DENOTES HOME GAME

March 3:10 p.m.

ASU

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

=526 10

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:10 p.m.

SEA

7:10 p.m.

3:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

7:10 p.m.

COL

6:40 p.m.

CHC

=36

=596

=36

=666

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

=36

1:10 p.m.

COL

=736

1:05 p.m.

LAD

6:40 p.m.

MIL

1:10 p.m.

LAA

=36

1:10 p.m.

CLE

=806 28 29

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

COL*

1:10 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

TEX

=36

=876

=36

=946

=36

= 016

GM Stewart and La Russa are optimistic about this season DENOTES HOME GAME

BALLPARKS

March

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

SCHEDULE

=456 6

=36

DODGERS SKED X=646 Y=86

April 1

1:05 p.m.

CIN

12:10 p.m.

CWS

6:40 p.m.

CHC**

1:10 p.m.

CHC**

* Game played in Hermosillo, Mexico **Games being played at Chase Field

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

NICK PIECORO 6 1:05 p.m. AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

BALLPARKS

MIL CLE

losing MIL a major 8 After 1:05 p.m. league-worst 98 games 9 season, 1:05 p.m. SF last the Diamondbacks have a new general 10 1:05 p.m. COL manager and manager, 11 1:05 p.m. CHC they’ve traded away vet12 1:05 erans andp.m. they’veSD added a slew of young CIN players. 13 7:05 p.m. But are they any better? 14The 1:05 p.m. CLE Diamondbacks don’t seem to have 15 1:05 p.m. SEAmuch doubt. In November, 16 1:05 p.m. Officer OAK ToChief Baseball ny La Russa said he 17 1:05 p.m. TEXwould be "absolutely broken18 1:05if p.m. CWSdidn’t hearted" the club finish with at least 19 1:05 p.m. LAAan 8280 record. GM Dave Stew20 1:05 p.m. OAK art didn’t put a number on 20 but 7:05 TEX* it, hep.m. doesn’t sound like someone who expects 21 1:10 p.m. COL his team to finish at the 21 1:05 p.m. bottom of the NLTEX* West. 22"My 1:05concerns p.m. CLE right now aren’t really that 23 1:05 ARIreally great," hep.m. said. "I’m optimistic coming 25 1:05 p.m. SD into spring training about our 26 1:05 p.m. team overall. I’mCWS very op27 7:05about p.m. ourSFteam." timistic Not many outside par28 1:10 p.m. LAA ties share his optimism. 29 1:05 p.m.at TEX Projections Baseball Prospectus the 29 1:05 p.m.pegged SF Diamondbacks to win 74 30 1:10Last p.m. month, ARI Las games. Vegas sportsbook Bovada 31 1:05 p.m. CWS gave them 100-to-1 odds of winning the World Series, April tying them with the Rockies, Twins and Phillies for 1 12:05 p.m. KC the longest in baseball. 2 As 7:05 p.m. head LAA**into they spring training, this much 3 7:05 p.m. LAA** is clear: The Diamond4 6:10 p.m. backs have a lot LAA^ of questions to answer about how *Game will be played at their team will look. Alamodome Among position players, there were only a few **Games will be played at certainties. Paul GoldAngel Stadium schmidt will play first ^Game will be played at will base, Mark Trumbo Dodger Stadium be in right field and A.J.

COLORADO ROCKIES

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

CHICAGO CUBS

OAKLAND ATHLETICS MARK J. REBILAS/USA TODAY SPORTS

First base is one of the few positions the Diamondbacks have locked down heading into spring training. Two-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt has that slot.

At a glance

Aaron Hill are other LOS ANGELESeran ANGELS possibilities.

But Hill is an option at second base, as is Chris Owings, who is also a candidate to play shortstop, where rookie Nick Ahmed Pollock is the center field- and veteran Cliff PenMILWAUKEE BREWERS er. Every other position is nington are in the mix. If marked TBD, though the Tomas sticks at third, Daoptions are fairly intrigu- vid Peralta is likely the ing across the board. left fielder, but Ender InThe third base job ciarte and Cody Ross are could go to Cuban slugger other possibilities in the Yasmany Tomas, whom outfield. It’s also possible SEATTLE MARINERS the Diamondbacks signed Tomas isn’t big league to a six-year, $68.5 million ready and needs to start in deal in December. If To- the minor leagues. mas can’t handle the posiThe pitching staff is tion defensively and only slightly more settled. needs to shift to left field, Incumbent right-hander rookie Jake Lamb and vet- Josh Collmenter looks

Ma n a g e r : Ch i p Ha l e ( f i r s t y e a r) La s t s e a s o n : 64-98

SAN DIEGO PADRES

likely to nail down a rotation spot. Same for newcomer Jeremy Hellickson, a right-hander who came over in a trade with Tampa Bay. The next three spots could go to a host of pitchers, including, but not limited to, right-handers Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa, Daniel Hudson, Trevor Cahill, Chase Anderson, Randall Delgado and Archie Bradley and lefties Vidal Nuñ o, Robbie Ray and Andrew Chafin. Plus, there’s rehabbing pitchers Patrick Corbin and Bronson Arroyo, both of whom are recovering from Tommy John surger-

ies and should be back at some point. "I can’t wait for camp to start," La Russa said, "because I think year-in and year-out there’s always a handful of really fascinating scenarios that make one year different from the other. And we have a lot of them this year." The bullpen probably has the fewest jobs up for grabs. Addison Reed is back as the closer. Righthander Brad Ziegler will again be a primary setup man, assuming he’s healthy after microfracture surgery on his left knee. Lefty Oliver Perez and right-hander Evan Marshall both are coming off strong seasons. Right-hander David Hernandez and lefty Matt Reynolds could both be ready to return from Tommy John surgery by Opening Day. After a season in which they were ravaged by injuries – several key players, including Goldschmidt, Pollock, Trumbo, Owings, Corbin, Arroyo, et al, missed at least two months – the Diamondbacks will be hoping for better health in 2015. "I’ve tried to accumulate as much young talent as I could for this team with potential and upside, especially with our pitching," Stewart said. "The other part of the equation is we need to be healthy. You want to accumulate as much talent with upside, which I think we’ve done, and then blend that in with the talent we already have and then come into spring training and compete. We’ll see where we end up."

=36

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 9

=456

=36

BALLPARKS

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Th i s 13,000-s e a t s t a d i u m

=526 o p e n e d i n 2011. Th e r e a r e 13

=36

f ie ld s (in s t a d iu m Ar i z o n a t h e Co l o

c lu ) sp Di a ra d

d in g lit b e m o n o Ro

o n e tw e d b a c k ie

m a in e n th e c k s a n d s.

De t a i l s : 7555 N. Pi m a Ro a d ,

=596 Sa l t Ri v e r Re s e r v a t i o n . 480-

270-5000, s a l t r i v e r f i e l d s .c o m .

In s i d e r t i p s : Sa l t Ri v e r Fi e l d s w a s t h e f i r s t Ma j o r Le a g u e =36 Ba s e b a l l p r o p e r t y b u i l t o n a n In d i a n r e s e r v a t i o n . Tr i b a l =666 i n f l u e n c e s i n c o r p o r a t e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e p a r k g iv e s in f o r m a t io n a b o u t t h e t e a m s , a n d t h e h i s t o r y o f t h e Pi m a a n d Ma r i c o p a t r i b e s . In a d d i =36 t i o n , r e s t r o o m s i g n s a r e i n Ma r i c o p a , Pi m a a n d En g l i s h .

=736

=36

Fo o d a n d d r i n k : Ne w i n 2015, Co u s i n s Ma i n e Lo b s t e r f o o d t r u c k ( a s s e e n o n â&#x20AC;&#x153; Sh a r k Ta n k â&#x20AC;? ) w i l l b e o n s i t e . Bu d w e i s e r Bo w Ti e , Cr u s t , Co l d

St o n e Cr e a m e r y a n d Sa l t y Se Ăą o r i t a a r e f a n f a v o r i t e s t h a t w i l l b e r e t u r n i n g t o Sa l t Ri v e r Fi e l d s . Gl u t e n -f r e e o p t io n s c a n b e f o u n d a t t h e Do s Ri o s c o n c e s s i o n s a l o n g t h i r d b a s e . Sa m p l e g o o d i e s i n c l u d e a g l u t e n -f r e e h o t d o g w r a p p e d in a c o r n t o r t illa a n d Re d Br i d g e Be e r , a l s o g l u t e n fre e . W b a c o a r

h e r e t o s i t : Th e r e i s n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t a d s e a t i n t h e h o u s e . Fo r t h e s t -c o n s c i o u s f a n , t h e g r a s s e a is p r e t t y e x p a n s iv e ,e v e n w h e n i t â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s c r o w d e d . Br i n g a b la n k e t o r t o w e l,a s c h a ir s a r e n o t p e r m i t t e d . Al t h o u g h t h e f a c ilit y w a s b u ilt t o m a x im iz e s h a d e ,f r e e s u n s c r e e n is p r o v id e d f o r f a n s a lo n g t h e Ba n a n a Bo a t La w n . Th e a l w a y s -b u s y h o s p i t a l i t y l e v e l s , s u c h a s t h e Pe p s i Pa t i o , p r o v id e a n a m a z in g v ie w o f ju s t a b o u t e v e r y m o u n t a in in t h e Va l l e y , f r o m t h e Mc Do w e l l s

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t o Fo u r Pe a k s t o Re d Mo u n t a in .

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Me e t a n d g r e e t s : Au t o g r a p h s a r e w id e ly a v a ila b le . At e a c h D-Ba c k s h o m e g a m e , a n a u t o g r a p h s e s s io n is h e ld i n t h e l e f t -f i e l d c o r n e r w h e r e t w o p la y e r s w ill s ig n a n h o u r SAN FRANCISCO b e f o r e t h e f i r s t p i t c h . Du r i n g b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e a t D-Ba c k s a n d Ro c k i e s g a m e s , t r y t o sq u e e z e d o w n to th e fro n tr o w s t a d iu m s e a t s n e a r t h e b u llp e n s .

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Fa m i l y t i m e : Sa l t Ri v e r Fi e l d s i s a f a m i l y -f r i e n d l y f a c i l i t y . Wi t h a Co l d St o n e Cr e a m e r y Ki d s Fu n Fi e l d n e a r t h e f i r s t b a s e c o n c o u r s e ,k id s c a n p la y Wi f f l e b a l l w i t h s t a d i u m p e r s o n n e l . Fa n s m a y a l s o f i n d OAKLAND ATHLETICS s o m e MLB c o a c h e s w a n d e r i n g o v e r . Ki d s c a n e n j o y CHERYL EVANS/AZ CENTRAL SPORTS r u n n in g t h e b a s e s a f t e r e v e r y Salt River Fields at Talking Stick opened in 2011. There are 13 fields split between the Ariz ona Su n d a y h o m e g a m e . Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

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p a r k a l s o s t o c k s Be r t m a n Ba l l Pa r k Mu s t a r d . It ’ s r u m o r e d t o b e s u c h a h i t t h a t m a n a g e r s h a v e r e p o r t e d m y s t e r io u s d is a p p e a r a n c e s o f t h e e c o n o m y -s i z e t u b s o f m u s t a r d . So u v e n i r =36 c u p s a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r $ 5.25 w i t h r e f i l l s f o r j u s t $ 1. Br u n c h a t t h e Ba l l p a r k i s n e w f o r =806 2015, a n d w i l l t a k e p l a c e b e f o r e t h e g a m e s o n Ma r c h 8 a n d 15. Ha p p y Ho u r a t t h e Ba l l p a r k in c lu d e s f o o d a n d d r in k s p e c ia ls a n d t a k e s p l a c e b e f o r e a l l n i g h t g a m e s ( Ma r c h 20, 24, 25 a n d 27) , w i t h g a t e s o p e n i n g a t =36 5 p .m .

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in c lu d e s in f la t a b le b a s e b a ll a c t iv it ie s a n d t h e k i d -s i z e Di c k ’ s Sp o r t i n g Go o d s Wi f f l e Ba l l Fi e l d . Su n d a y s a r e k i d s d a y s . Mi c h a e l Br a n t l e y a n d Bi l l y Ha m i l t o n b o b b l e h e a d s w i l l b e g i v e n a w a y t o t h e f i r s t 1,500 f a n s o n Ma r c h 7 a n d 14, r e s p e c t i v e l y . Fi r e w o r k s a r e s c h e d u l e d p o s t g a m e o n Ma r c h 20 a n d 27. Gi a s Re Yo

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CHARLIE LEIGHT/AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

Th e r e n o v a t e d b a l l p a r k o p e n s t h i s y e a r , Th e Mi l w a u k e e Br e w s e r v i n g a s t h e n e w h o m e t o t h e Oa k l a n d c o m p l e x h o m e . Th e s SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS At h l e t i c s . De t a i l s : 3600 N. 51s t De t a i l s : 1235 N. Ce n t e r St ., Me s a . 480-9075500, p h o e n i x .g o v /s p 5489, a t h l e t i c s .c o m /s p r i n g . b r e w e r s .c o m . Ne w f e a t u r e s : Ho h o k a m St a d i u m i s n o w h o m e t o t h e l a r g e s t HD d i s p l a y i n t h e Ca c t u Le a g u e . Th e s c o r e b o a r d w i l l CHICAGO b e t h e f ir s t t h in g t h a t g r a b s y o u r a t t e n t io n a s y o u e n t e t h e p a r k . Pa y a t t e n t i o n d u r i n g i n n i n g b r e a k s ,y o u n e v e r k n o w w h e n y o u r s e a t m a s h o w u p o n t h e s c r e e n t o w i n p r i z e s . Yo u c a a ls o u s e t h e b o a r d t o s e n d m e s s a g e s t o lo v e o n e s.

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e r s c a l l t h i s w e s t -s i d e t a d i u m h o l d s 10,000. Av e ., Ph o e n i x . 623-245o r t s /m a r y s t a d .h t m l a n d

In s i d e r t i p s : Fa n s c a n g e t a u t o g r a p h s f r o m t h e Fa m o u s Ra c i n g Sa u s a g e s . Th e m a s c o t s CUBSt h a t r a c e a t Mi l l e r Pa r k i n Mi l w a u k e e a l s o r t a k e a t u r n a t t h e Ma r y v a l e b a l l p a r k d u r i n g t h e s ix t h in n in g . y n Fo o d a n d d r i n k : Ne w t h i s y e a r i s Ta s t e s d Fr o m Up No r t h : Fr i e d Ch e e s e Cu r d s , w h i c h a r e w h it e c h e d d a r c h e e s e c u r d s b a t t e r e d , OAKLAND b ATHLETICS r e a d e d a n d f r i e d . An o t h e r Ta s t e Fr o m Up No r t h t h i s y e a r i s t h e Br a t c h o , a g e n e r o u s Fo o d a n d d r i n k : Ac c o m p a n y i n g t h e r e n o p o r t io n o f f r e s h f r ie d k e t t le c h ip s s m o t h e r e d v a t io n s a r e a ll n e w f o o d a n d b e v e r a g e in n a c h o c h e e s e a n d t o p p e d w it h b r a t w u r s t o f f e r i n g s . Wh e t h e r y o u g r a v i t a t e t o w a r d t h e s lic e s c l a s s i c h o t d o g a t Oa k l a n d Li n k s , a r e i n t h e m o o d f o r Me x i c a n f a r e a t Do s Ri o s Ea t e r y o r R e t a i l : Th e o f f i c i a l Br e w e r s Te a m St o r e w a n t t o l o o k l i k e Ro l l i e Fi n g e r s w i t h a Mu s f ANGELS e a t u r e s m a n y c o o l Br e w e r s i t e m s . Ch e c k o u t t a c h e Pr e t z e l , t h e r e i s s o m e t LOS h i n g f o ANGELES r e v e ry t h e n e w r e p l i c a j e r s e y f r o m Ma j e s t i c a n d a p p e t i t e . Al s o , n o t e t h e a d d i t i o n o f f a v o r i t e s s c o r e t w o f r e e t ic k e t s w it h p u r c h a s e (w h ile Ik e ’ s Lo v e a n d Sa n d w i c h e s a n d St r e e t s o f s u p p l i e s l a s t ) . Yo u ’ l l a l s o f i n d n e w Ha n k t h e Ne w Yo r k Pi z z a . Ba l l p a r k Pu p m e r c h a n d i s e , i n c l u d i n g a Ha n k p l u s h d o g , T-s h i r t s , b u t t o n a n d a c h i l d r e n ’ s W h e r e t o s i t : Th e r e a r e m a n y g r e a t o p t i o n s . b o o k c h r o n i c l i n g Ha n k ’ s j o u r n e y f r o m a l o s t Ev e r y s e a t i n t h e b a l l p a r k i s n e w . Th e b l e a c h s t BREWERS r a y t o b a llp a r k p u p . e r s t h a t u s e d t o b e d o w n t h e l i n e MILWAUKEE s h a v e b e e n r e p l a c e d w i t h i n d i v i d u a l s e a t s . Sh a d e d s e a t s a r e a v a i l a b l e i n t h e Te r r a c e Bo x s e c t i o n s a n d W h e r e t o s i t : If y o u w a n t t o b e i n t h e s u n , a r e c l o s e t o t h e a c t i o n . If y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r l o o k f o r s e a t s i n t h i r d -b a s e l i n e s e c t i o n s . Or s u n ,t h e o u t f ie ld b e r m is a g r e a t w a y t o t a k e g r a b a c u s h y s p o t i n t h e g r a s s . Bu t n o t e t h a t in a g a m e . c h a i r s a r e n ’ t a l l o w e d . Yo u m i g h t c a t c h s o m e s h a d e d o w n t h e r i g h t -f i e l d l i n e . Ge t t i n g t h e r e : Pa r k i n g i s $ 5SEATTLE a c a r o n s t a d iMARINERS u m g r o u n d s . Of f i c i a l s s u g g e s t y o u a r r i v e a t Gi v e a w a y s : Ge t i n l i n e , b o b b l e h e a d b u f f s : le a s t t w o h o u r s b e f o r e t h e f ir s t p it c h t o g e t Ro b i n Yo u n t ( Ma r c h 7) a n d Je a n Se g u r a a c h a n c e t o s e e a ll t h e r e n o v a t io n s a n d ( Ma r c h 19) f i g u r e s w i l l b e g i v e n t o t h e f i r s t s e c u r e a p a r k in g s p o t . 2,500 p e o p l e . Th e s a m e n u m b e r w i l l g e t a c h o r i z o b o b b l e o n Ma r c h 28. An d o n Ma r c h Gi v i n g b a c k : Th e v o l u n t e e r Me s a Ho Ho 22, t h e f i r s t 5,000 f a n s w i l l g e t a Ha n k t h e DIEGO Ka m s w o r k a s p a r k i n g a t t e n d a n t s , u s SAN h e rs Ba l l p PADRES a r k Pu p b o b b l e . a n d c u s t o m e r -s e r v i c e s t a f f . Wi t h t h e m o n e y e a r n e d t h r o u g h s p r i n g t r a i n i n g , t h e Ho h o Me e t a n d g r e e t s : Th e b e s t t i m e t o g e t k a m Fo u n d a t i o n h a s g i v e n b a c k t o t h e c o m a u t o g r a p h s i s d u r i n g b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e . Th e m u n i t y a n a v e r a g e o f $ 125,000 a y e a r t o g a t e s o p e n 90 m i n u t e s b e f o r e t h e f i r s t p i t c h b e n e f it lo c a l y o u t h . fo r e v e ry h o m e g a m e . s

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AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

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s e a t s h a v e b e e n in s t a lle d d i u m . Ge t 20 o r m o r e d ta k e a d v a n ta g e o f th e ju s t b e y o n d t h e le f t f ie ld c u e c a t e r in g ,p r iv a t e b a r n e f it s .

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 11

BALLPARKS

Tempe Diablo Stadium Bu i l t i n 1969, Te m p e Di a b l o i s o n e o f t h e m o s t c e n t r a l l y l o c a t e d p a r k s i n t h e Ca c t u s Le a g u e . It â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s h o m e t o t h e Lo s An g e l e s COLORADO An g e l s .

ROCKIES

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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

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OAKLAND ATHLETICS MICHAEL CHOW/AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

Fans fill the outfield lawn at Scottsdale Stadium. Chairs aren’t allowed but blankets are. t r y a 22-o u n c e b o m b e r f r o m An c h o r Th e h o m e o f t h e d e f e n d i n g Wo r l d Se r i e s LOS ANGELEStSto ANGELS e a m Br e w i n g Co ., a Sa n Fr a n c i s c o o r i g i n a l c h a m p i o n Sa n Fr a n c i s c o Gi a n t s i s i n t h e s i n c e 1896. Oh , a n d s a v e r o o m ( a n d a b r e a t h h e a r t o f d o w n t o w n Sc o t t s d a l e , w h i c h m e a n s m i n t ) f o r a n o r d e r o f g a r l i c f r i e s . Th e s t a d i t h a t g a m e s o f t e n a t t r a c t l a r g e c r o w d s . If y o u u m a ls o s e lls s m o k e d p u lle d p o r k a n d b r is d o n ’t h a v e a t ic k e t ,b e s u r e t o c h e c k t h a t k e t . Ju s t f o l l o w y o u r n o s e . y o u r d e s ir e d g a m e is n ’t s o ld o u t b e f o r e y o u s t a r t d r i v i n g ; a f t e r a l l , t h e Gi a n t s h a v e w o n e r e t o s i t : If y o u ’ v e p u r c h a s e d g r a s s t h r e e o f p a s t f i v e Wo r l d Se r i e s t i t l e s . MILWAUKEEsW e a h BREWERS t in g ,s n a g a b la n k e t a n d s e t t le in a lo n g s id e o t h e r f a n s ,s o m e o f w h o m w ill s u r e ly b e De t a i l s : 7408 E. Os b o r n Ro a d . 480-312-2580, s u n b a t h i n g . Ch a i r s a r e n ’ t a l l o w e d . If y o u ’ r e s c o t t s d a l e a z .g o v /s t a d i u m /s p r i n g t r a i n i n g . l o o k i n g f o r s h a d e , h e a d t o t h e l e f t -f i e l d c o r n e r w h e r e m a t u r e t r e e s o f f e r r e s p it e . In s i d e r t i p s : Th e s t a d i u m p a r t n e r s w i t h t h e Sc o t t s d a l e Ch a r r o s , a c o m m u n i t y g r o u p t h a t Me e t a n d g r e e t s : Au t o g r a p h s e e k e r s n e e d r a is e s f u n d s f r o m b a n n e r a n d p r o g r a m SEATTLE MARINERS t o g e t t o t h e g a m e e a r l y . Ha n g o u t a l o n g a d v e r t is in g a n d b y s e llin g t ic k e t s t o t h e t h e r a i l b e h i n d t h e f i r s t -b a s e l i n e n e a r t h e Ch a r r o Lo d g e , a n a l l -i n c l u s i v e VIP a r e a ( $ 90Gi a n t s d u g o u t a n d b e r e a d y t o c h a t w i t h t h e $ 150) . Th e Ch a r r o s d o n a t e m o r e t h a n p la y e r s . $ 500,000 t o Ea s t Va l l e y c h a r i t i e s e a c h y e a r . Ge t t i n g t h e r e : Do n ’ t b e i n t i m i d a t e d b y Ol d Fo o d a n d d r i n k : If y o u ’ v e b e e n t o Ol d To w n p a r k i n g , o r t h e l i m i t e d a c c e s s a t t h e To w n Sc o t t s d a l e , y o u k n o w t h e r e a r e s c a d s SAN DIEGO PADRES p a r k . Th e c i t y ’ s t r o l l e y h a s a s t o p a t t h e o f r e s t a u r a n t s t o c h o o s e . Ci t i z e n Pu b l i c s t a d i u m ’ s Ga t e E, a l l o w i n g y o u t o p a r k p r e t Ho u s e h a s l a b e l e d i t s e l f a h a v e n f o r Gi a n t s t y m u c h a n y w h e r e a lo n g t h e r o u t e a n d h it c h f a n s ,b u t b e y o n d t h a t ,o p t io n s r a n g e f r o m a r i d e t o a n d f r o m t h e g a m e . Th e r e ’ s a l s o Do s Gr i n g o s f o r l a i d -b a c k Me x i c a n t o o t h e r a m p le p u b lic p a r k in g w it h in w a lk in g d is p o p u l a r p l a c e s l i k e Ke l l y ’ s , Ba n d e r a s a n d t a n c e o f t h e s t a d iu m . Rn R. If y o u ’ r e d r i n k i n g a t t h e g a m e , b e s u r e

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 13

BALLPARKS

Sloan Park

DO ROCKIES

ANCISCO GIANTS

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TOM TINGLE/AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

Record crowds flocked to the new Cactus League home of the Cubs last season.

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=36

PAGE 14 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

ROCKIES SKED =526 X=36 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

=596

March 1:10 p.m.

ARI

=36

1:10 p.m.

ARI

=666

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

CHC

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

LAD

CLE

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

TEX

LOS ANGELES 1:10 p.m. COL

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

ARI

MILWAUKEE BREWERS 1:05 p.m. SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CHC

NICK PIECORO 6 1:05 p.m. AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

CIN

After the Colorado Rockies challenged 8 1:10 p.m. LAA the Diamondbacks for the worst record majors 9 1:05 p.m.in the MIL last season, they restructured their office, 10 1:05 p.m.front CWS replacing General Manager Danp.m. O’Dowd 11 1:05 CIN with Jeff Bridich, and then they didn’t of 11 1:05 p.m.do much SD anything the rest of the winter. 12 1:05 p.m. CLE Most likely, this was more by p.m. necessity 13 1:05 OAK than design. If the Rockies were looking blow up 14 1:05 p.m. to LAA the roster, they weren’t helped byp.m. the fact 15 1:10 COL that their primary trade chips, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki 16 1:05 p.m. CLE and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, both 17 1:05 p.m.finished CHC the season on the disabled list, thus 18 deflating 1:05 p.m. their MIL trade value. still talent 19There’s 1:05 p.m. COL on the roster, but the questions looming the 20 7:05 p.m. over SD Rockies are the same ones that the fran21 have 1:05 dogged p.m. CWS chise for years: Can Tulowitzki and Gonzalez 22 1:05 p.m. SF stay in the lineup? And if they can, canp.m. the SF Rockies’ 23 1:05 pitching stay afloat at Coors Field enough 25 6:05 p.m.longCWS for it to matter?

=36

1:10 p.m.

CIN

=736

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

MIL

=806 13

1:10 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

LAA

=876 18

1:10 p.m.

7:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

OAK

=946 21

1:10 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:10 p.m.

ARI

=36

1:10 p.m.

MIL

= 016

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

6:05 p.m.

TEX

=36

7:05 p.m.

26 season 1:05 p.m. Last

= 086

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

TEX

7:05 p.m.

SEA

12:10 p.m.

SEA

started 27The 6:05Rockies p.m. SEA strongly, winning 22 of their first 36 games to 28 1:10 p.m. ARI claim a share of first place in29the1:05 NLp.m. West on May 7. CHC But Tulowitzki and Gonzalez 30 eventually 1:05 p.m. went TEX down with injuries, as did outfielder Michael Cuddyer 31 7:05 p.m. SD and several pitchers, including Jhoulys Chacin, April Jordan Lyles and Tyler Chatwood. were LAD several 1 There 12:05 p.m. bright spots – outfielders

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

April

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

1:05 p.m.

=36

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

=36

WHT SOX SKED X=280 COLORADO ROCKIES Y=86

Similar roster directed by new management SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

ROYALS SKED X=158 Y=86

SEA

SD CHICAGO CUBS

KC OAKLAND ATHLETICS

1:05 p.m.

plate; first baseman Justin Morneau won the batting title with a .319 average; and lefty Tyler MatSAN DIEGO PADRES zek tossed 117 2/3 effec26 1:05 p.m. LAD Worth watching tive innings, among other things. Th27e Ro 1:05 c k i e s p.m. h a v e a p CHC a ir o f But the Rockies in t r ig u in g p it c h in g p r o s p e c t s couldn’t get enough solid i n 28Ed d i 1:05 e Bu p.m. t l e r a n d JoOAK n Gr a y . pitching, and they were Bu t l e r ’ s s t u f f d i p p e d l a s t y e a r their typically ineffective 29 1:05 p.m. CLE CITY ROYALS KANSAS a s h e b a t t le d s h o u ld e r p r o b selves on the road, going l e 30 m s a n 1:05 d s c p.m. o u t s s a i d CLE Gr a y just 21-60 and hitting a pallo o k e d m o r e lik e a m id try .228 away from Coors r o 31 t a t i o 1:05 n g u p.m. y t h a n a LAD b o n a -f i d e Field. 24 1:05 p.m. COL Ma n a g e r : Wa l t We i s s . La25s t s e 6:05 a s o p.m. n : 66-96 KC

a c e . Bu t i f Bu t l e r a n d e v e n i f Gr a y i n n i n g s -e a t i n g t y April c o u ld b e b ig u p g Ro c k i e s ’ s t a f f . 1 1:05 p.m. 1

1:05 p.m.

is h e a is ju s t p e ,b o ra d e s

lt h y The difference a n th The Rockies had a relaTEXAS RANGERS to th e tively quiet off-season.

SD SEA

Charlie Blackmon, Corey Dickerson 2 12:10 p.m.andARI Drew Stubbs had big years at the

Th i s r e s t a u r a n t a t Ta l k i n g St i c k Re s o r t s e r v e s Cr e o l e s p e c i a l t i e s s u c h a s Lo u i s i a n a g u m b o ,a n d s e a f o o d p la t e s s u c h a s t h e s h a r e a b le p la t t e r o f s h r im p ,c r a b ,o y s t e r s , m u s s e l s a n d c l a m s . Ha p p y h o u r i s 4-7 p .m . w e e k d a y s . Th e r e s o r t a l s o f e a t u r e s c a s u a l a n d u p s c a le d in in g o p t io n s ,a n d a f t e r t h e g a m e y o u c a n h it t h e c a s in o f lo o r. De t a i l s : Ta l k i n g St i c k Re s o r t , 9800 E. In d i a n Be n d Ro a d , Sa l t Ri v e r Re s e r v a t i o n . 480-850-7777, t a l k i n g s t i c k r e s o r t .c o m .

At Sc o t t s d a l e Pa v i l i o n s , t h i s p iz z a p la c e is w it h in w a lk in g d is t a n c e o f t h e b a llp a r k . Cr e a t e y o u r o w n p i z z a , o r c h o o s e a s p e c ia lt y s u c h a s t h e m e g a m e a t . Ba r r o ’ s , w it h lo c a t io n s a c r o s s t h e Va l l e y , a l s o i s k n o w n f o r i t s c h ic k e n w in g s . De t a i l s : 8940 E. In d i a n Be n d , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480-3026555, b a r r o s p i z z a .c o m .

ANGELS

KEVIN JAIRAJ/USA TODAY SPORTS

Ocean Trail

Ba r r o ’s Pi z z a

21 Rockies 1:05 p.m. KC on a bounce-back season for slugger Carlos Gonz alez , who ended last The are banking SEATTLE MARINERS season on the disabled list. 22 1:05 p.m. MIL

At a glance

DINING GUIDE

They brought in freeagent catcher Nick Hundley, bringing an end to the Wilin Rosario era, which should mean a marked defensive im-

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

provement. They added free-agent starter Kyle Kendrick, acquired pitchers David Hale and Gus Schlosser in a deal with the Atlanta Braves; and gave reliever John Axford a minor league deal. On the surface, none of the moves look all that significant. So, more than likely, if the Rockies are going to contend, it will have to be the result of better health from their two stars and better results from their pitching staff. But don’t rule out the possibility that Tulowitzki and/or Gonzalez are shipped off as soon as they’re able to prove they’re healthy and reestablish their value.

T h e Co v e T r a t t o r i a Th i s It a l i a n b i s t r o l i k e s t o c o m b in e c la s s ic a n d m o d e r n c u i s i n e . Wo o d -f i r e d p i z z a s a r e t o p p e d w it h s a u c e s m a d e fro m sc ra tc h a n d b a k e d in a n o v e r s iz e b r ic k o v e n . Ha p p y h o u r i s 3 t o 6:30 p .m . Mo n d a y s t h r o u g h Fr i d a y s , a n d 4 t o 6:30 p .m . o n Sa t u r d a y s . De t a i l s : 7001 N. Sc o t t s d a l e Ro a d , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480-9518273, t h e c o v e s c o t t s d a l e .c o m .

America’s Taco Shop Fo r a q u i c k b i t e w i t h i n w a lk in g d is t a n c e ,s t o p b y Am e r i c a ’ s Ta c o Sh o p , a n Ar i z o n a -b a s e d f r a n c h i s e s e r v in g f r e s h a n d a f f o r d a b le Me x i c a n c u i s i n e . Fe a t u r e s d a ily h a p p y h o u r s p e c ia ls . De t a i l s : 9261 E. Vi a d e Ve n t u r a , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480278-7085, a m e r i c a s t a c o s h o p .c o m .

=36

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 15

=596

=36

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS DINING GUIDE Do n & Ch a r l i e ’s

=666

Th i s s p o t i s a s p r i n g -t r a i n i n g m u s t -s e e w i t h a v a s t c o l le c t io n o f b a s e b a ll m e m o r a b i l i a . Th e r e s t a u r a n t i s =36 k n o w n f o r i t s j u i c y r i b s , r o a s t e d c h ic k e n a n d im p r e s =736 s i v e b e e r a n d w i n e m e n u . Re s e r v a t i o n s c a n b e m a d e f o r s p r i n g t r a i n i n g 30 d a y s b e fo re th e re q u e ste d d a te , s o s t a r t b o o k in g n o w . =36 De t a i l s : 7501 E. Ca m e l b a c k Ro a d , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480-990=806 0900, d o n a n d c h a r l i e s .c o m .

T w o Br o t h e r s S c o t t s d a le T a p h o u s e

Th i s Il l i n o i s -b a s e d b r e w e r y o p e n e d i t s Sc o t t s d a l e b r e w =876 p u b i n Ja n u a r y i n t h e f o r m e r Sa d d l e Ra n c h , a n d b e e r lo v e r s w ill lo v e t h e w id e v a r i e t y o f b r e w s . Th e f o o d m e n u f e a t u r e s It a l i a n b e e f , =36 s m o k e d s a l m o n d i p , b u r g e r s a n d s a la d s . =946 De t a i l s : 4321 N. Sc o t t s d a l e Ro a d , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480-3783001, t w o b r o t h e r s b r e w i n g .c o m .

=36

= 016

=36

= 086

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

Bl u e Mo o s e Ba r & Gr i l l Ju s t t w o m i n u t e s f r o m Sc o t t s d a l e St a d i u m , t h i s b a r a n d r e s t a u r a n t is a p o p u la r d r a w . Th i s y e a r , b a s e b a l l f a n s a n d y e a r -r o u n d v i s i t o r s c a n e n jo y a n e x p a n d e d p a t i o a n d n e w c r a f t -b e e r s e le c t io n s . De t a i l s : 7373 E. Sc o t t s d a l e Ma l l , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480-9497959, t h e b l u e m o o s e s c o t t s d a l e .c o m .

Dakota Th i s n e w r e s t a u r a n t a n d n ig h t lif e s p o t f e a t u r e s r u s t ic d e c o r w i t h p l e n t y o f TVs , a b ig p a t io w it h f ir e p it s a n d s e r v e s b r e a k f a s t ,lu n c h a n d d i n n e r . Th e d r i n k m e n u f e a t u r e s s p e c ia lt y c o c k t a ils , d r a f t a n d b o t t le d b e e r s a n d w in e . De t a i l s : 7301 E. In d i a n Pl a z a , Sc o t t s d a l e . 480-3611030, d a k o t a b a r .c o m .

Fight to keep the magic and preserve a dynasty CHICAGO CUBS

NICK PIECORO AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

Just when it seemed like parity had taken hold and dynasties were a thing of the past, the San Francisco Giants won their third World Series in five years, outlasting the Kansas City Royals in a memorable seven-game series last October. They followed their typical championship formula, using strong starting pitching (last year’s hero: Madison Bumgarner) and getting just enough contributions throughout the roster to win. But they’ll have to do things a little differently this year. Not only is the roster a year older, they lost a key contributor to free agency.

Last season Bumgarner had an epic postseason. It started with a four-hit shutout of the Pirates in the wildcard game and finished with a four-hit shutout in Game 5 of the World Series followed by five more scoreless innings in relief to earn the save in Game 7. Catcher Buster Posey and right fielder Hunter Pence had strong seasons at the plate, and the Giants found contributors when they needed them, whether it was rookie second baseman Joe Panik, who provided a lift when he was called up in June; right-hander Jake Peavy, who was dominant in 12 starts after a trade with Boston; or right-hander Yusmeiro Petit, who provided 117 valuable innings in a swingman role.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

SEATTLE MARINERS

JOHN RIEGER/USA TODAY SPORTS

San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (right) celebrates with catcher Buster Posey after Bumgarner’s epic performance lifted the Giants to yet another World Series title in 2014.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

The difference

At a glance

Third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who was pro- Ma n a g e r : Br u c e Bo c h y ductive, energetic and La s t s e a s o n : 88-74 popular during his time KANSAS CITY ROYALS with the Giants, left for a Worth watching five-year, $95 million deal Ma d i s o n Bu m g a r n e r p i t c h e d with the Boston Red Sox. The Giants pushed m o s t o f l a s t s e a s o n a t 24, b u t hard to re-sign him, then t h e r e s t o f t h e Gi a n t s p i t c h i n g again came up short in s t a f f i s c o n s i d e r a b l y o l d e r . Ti m Hu d s o n , Ja k e Pe a v y , Ry a n pursuit of free-agent leftTEXAS RANGERS hander Jon Lester. But af- Vo g e l s o n g , Ma t t Ca i n a n d ter failing to sign the one Ti m Li n c e c u m w i l l a l l b e i n big-ticket player, they in- t h e i r 30s t h i s y e a r , w i t h Hu d stead spread their re- s o n a n d Vo g e l s o n g a p p r o a c h sources across multiple i n g 40. If t h e Gi a n t s c a n d e f y a g e o n c e a g a in ,t h e y ’ll h a v e a investments. a n c e t o w in t h e ir f o u r t h They re-signed Peavy, LOS ANGELESct i h tDODGERS l e t h is d e c a d e . reliever Sergio Romo and right-hander Ryan Vogelsong. They acquired third baseman Casey McGehee brought in outfielder Nori from the Miami Marlins Aoki to cover the loss of to replace Sandoval. They slugger Michael Morse. “We were able to diver-

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

sify that money in a lot of different places,” Assistant General Manager Bobby Evans said. But perhaps more important to the Giants’ sustained success in 2015 is the return to health of several players who missed time last season. Righthander Matt Cain is coming back from elbow and ankle surgeries. Center fielder Angel Pagan had back surgery in September. Brandon Belt was limited to just 61 games due to injuries last season. “We’ve got guys that missed a lot of time last year,” Evans said. “If we can get a full season out of them, we really think it’s going to help extend our offense and give us a better chance to win.”

GIANTS SKED X=36 Y=86

IN X= Y=

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

OAK

7:10 p.m.

ARI

3:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

MIL

6:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

CLE

1:10 p.m.

COL

7:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

FUT

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

COL

3 4 5

April

1:05 p.m.

CLE

7:15 p.m.

OAK*

7:15 p.m.

OAK*

1:05 p.m.

OAK**

*Games will be played at AT&T Park **Games will be played at O.co Coliseum

2 3 4

www.FrysFood.com

=36

PAGE 18 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

CUBS SKED =666 X=402 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

=736

=36

=806

March 1:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CLE

=876 11

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

CLE

7:05 p.m.

OAK*

12:05 p.m.

OAK*

=36

=946

=36

= 016

=36

= 086

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

OAK

3:10 p.m.

ASU

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

SEA

ZACH BUCHANAN , 6 1:10 p.m. OAK

1:05 p.m. MIL LOS ANGELES

1:05 p.m.

AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

LAD

6:40 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

SEA

4:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CIN

29 1:10 p.m. Last season

1:05 p.m.

TEX

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CIN

April 1

12:05 p.m.

MIL

6:40 p.m.

ARI**

1:10 p.m.

ARI**

*Games being played at Cashman Field, Las Vegas **Games being played at Chase Field

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

1:05 p.m.

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

8 Chicago 1:05 p.m. Cubs SF fans know a little bit about be8 patient. 1:10 p.m. SF faming The team ously hasn’t won a World 9 1:05 p.m. CWS Series since 1908 and 10 1:05 p.m. hasn’t managed aOAK winning 11 1:10 p.m. 2009. LAAWhen record since the team broughtCIN on for12 1:10 p.m. mer Boston Red Sox Gen13 Manager 1:05 p.m. Theo CLE Eperal stein after the 2011 14 1:10 p.m. SEA season, Cubs fans knew it 14 7:10 SF would be p.m. a few years, at least, to right the ship. 15 3:05 p.m. SF The Cubs failed to win 16 1:10 CWSin eimore thanp.m. 66 games ther of those two 17 1:05 p.m. first SF years but jumped to 73 18 7:10 p.m. COL wins last year with an un19 6:40 p.m. CHCSensusually low payroll. ing the future is upon 20 1:05 p.m. MIL him, Epstein splurged this off21 1:05 p.m. SD season, reworking the team to look like 22 1:10 p.m. COLa real contender. 23Asking 1:05 p.m. LAD Sefor a World ries year MIL may be 24 this 6:40 p.m. much, but could the Cubs 26 1:10 p.m. SD make the playoffs, and 27 win 1:10 p.m. even a seriesLAA for the first time since 2003? 27 1:10 p.m. CLE Dare to dream, Chicago 28 1:10 p.m. KC fans.

DODGERS SKED X=646 CHICAGO CUBS Y=86

Look out, these guys could be contenders SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

DBACKS SKED X=524 Y=86

COL

29The 1:10 p.m.stillCOL* Cubs finished

last in p.m. the LAD National 30 1:10 League Central, but it was 31 1:10 p.m. onTEX easier to latch to some positives from the 2014 season. April First baseman Anthony Rizzo earned an AllStar nod and finished 10th 1 1:05 p.m. CIN in NL MVP voting with a 2 12:10 p.m. CWS 32-homer season. Pitchers Jake Arrieta, Kyle 3 6:40 p.m. CHC** Hendricks and Tsuyoshi 4 1:10 Wada all p.m. found CHC** rotation success, with Arrieta receiving Cy Young votes * Game played in after posting a 2.53 ERA Hermosillo, Mexico and a WHIP under 1.00. **Games being played at got Chicago also finally Chase to seeField some of its bumper

ANGELS

CLE

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CLE

CHC MILWAUKEE BREWERS

1:05 p.m.

SEATTLE 1:05 p.m. OAK

SEA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

SAN TEX*

1:10 p.m.

COL

MARINERS

DIEGO PADRES

KANSAS CITY ROYALS SD

1:05 p.m.

figure to be everyday starters in 2015. Ma27n a g 7:05 e r : p.m. Jo e Ma d dSFo n ( f i r s t The team also added to y e a r) its farm system by send28 1:10 p.m. LAA La s t y e a r : 73-89 ing pitchers Jeff Samard29 1:05 p.m. TEX zija and Jason Hammel to TEXAS Worth watching theRANGERS Oakland Athletics for 29 1:05 p.m. SF top shortstop prospect He30m a y1:10 n o t p.m. b r e a k w ARI it h t h e Addison Russell and ant e 31 a m , b 1:05 u t s p.m. p r i n g t r a CWS in in g w ill other player. Chicago now o ffe r fa n s th e b e st c h a n c e to has four players who c a t c h a g lim p s e o f t h ir d could potentially play April b a s e m a n Kr i s Br y a n t , w h o s e short for any other team – LOS ANGELES DODGERS h o m e ru n p ro w e ss h a s b a se Russell, Baez, Arismendy 1 12:05 p.m. KC b a l l a f l u t t e r . He ’ l l b e s e n d i n g Alcantara and starter b 2a l l s o v 7:05 e r t h p.m. e i v y a t LAA** Wr i g l e y Starlin Castro. CWS

Fi3e l d b 7:05 e f o r e p.m. t o o l o n LAA** g . 4

6:10 p.m.

Th i s u p s c a l e p u b ’ s m e n u f e a t u r e s o p t io n s f r o m a m e a t b a ll h o a g ie t o a p e a r a n d b lu e c h e e s e s a la d . Th e r e ’ s a w i d e v a r i e t y o f b e e r s o n t a p ,s p e c ia lt y c o c k t a ils a n d w in e . De t a i l s : Te m p e Ma r k e t p l a c e , Lo o p 202 a n d Mc Cl i n t o c k Dr i v e . 480-658-1600, b a r l o u i e a m e r i c a .c o m .

Th i s Wi n d y Ci t y t r a n s p l a n t i s k n o w n f o r i t s Ch i c a g o h o t d o g t h a t in c lu d e s m u s t a r d , t o m a t o e s ,p ic k le ,s p o r t p e p p e r s ,r e lis h a n d o n io n ( d o n ’t a sk fo r k e tc h u p h e re !) a n d t h e It a l i a n b e e f d i p p e d o r n o t d i p p e d i n g r a v y . Bu r g e r s , s a n d w ic h e s ,s a la d s ,s h a k e s a n d d e s s e r t s a ls o a r e a v a ila b le . De t a i l s : Te m p e Ma r k e t p l a c e , Lo o p 202 a n d Mc Cl i n t o c k Dr i v e . 480-967-7988, p o r t i l l o s .c o m .

21 1:05 p.m. TEX* BENNY SIEU/USA TODAY SPORTS Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Riz z o batted .286 with 32 home runs and 78 RBIs last 22 1:05 p.m. CLE season, earning a spot on the National League All-Star team. 23 1:05 p.m. ARI 25

Bar Louie

Po r t i l l o ’s Ho t Do g s

At a glance

DINING GUIDE

The difference

LAA^

With the team’s top crop of prospects reach prospects arriving in the CHICAGO WHITE Epstein SOX loaded majors, *Game willleagues. be played Second at the big Alamodome baseman Javier Baez hit a talent on top of that. Hamwalk-off home run in his mel was brought back on a **Games will be played at major-league debut. Out- team-friendly deal, and Angel Stadium fielder Jorge Soler posted the Cubs won the sweep^Game will be played at 100 stakes for ace Jon Lester a .903 OPS over nearly Dodgerappearances. Stadium plate Both with a six-year, $155 mil-

CINCINNATI REDS

lion deal. The Cubs traded for catcher Miguel Montero from the Arizona Diamondbacks and added Lester’s favorite backstop, David Ross. Dexter Fowler was acquired from the Houston Astros to play center, and Chris Denorfia was signed as outfield depth. In total, Chicago’s payroll jumped nearly $20 million. The Cubs also upgraded in the dugout. Just 10 days after manager Joe Maddon opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago cut ties with Rick Renteria after just one year. It all happened so fast that Major League Baseball is investigating the Cubs for tampering.

The Brass Tap On t h e o t h e r s i d e o f t h e b a l l p a r k i s Me s a Ri v e r v i e w , a n o t h e r o u t d o o r s h o p p in g c e n t e r . A c r a f t -b e e r l o v e r ’ s p a r a d i s e , t h e Br a s s Ta p b a r f e a t u r e s m o r e t h a n 300 d r a f t a n d b o t t l e d b r e w s . No s h o n a p r e t z e l -c r u s t p i z z a , p r i m e r i b n a c h o s o r a w e d g e s a la d . Ba n d s p e r f o r m o n Fr i d a y a n d Sa t u r d a y n i g h t s . De t a i l s : 1033 N. Do b s o n Ro a d , Me s a . 480-610-2337, b r a s s t a p b e e r b a r .c o m .

S y d n e y ’s Ca f e & Ma r k e t Th i s c a s u a l e a t e r y a t Te m p e Ma r k e t p l a c e s e r v e s e m p a n a d a s . Va r i e t i e s i n c l u d e g a u c h o b e e f , Pe k i n g d u c k a n d d u l c e d e l e c h e . Sa l a d s , s a n d w i c h e s , h o u s e m a d e s o d a s ,b o b a t e a , b le n d e d d r in k s ,b e e r a n d w in e a r e a ls o a v a ila b le . De t a i l s : Te m p e Ma r k e t p l a c e , Lo o p 202 a n d Mc Cl i n t o c k Dr i v e . 480-967-1171, s y d n e y s c a f e .c o m .

=36

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 19

=736

=36

OAKLAND ATHLETICS DINING GUIDE Republica Empanada

=806

Th i s La t i n r e s t a u r a n t i n Me s a f e a t u r e s a l a r g e v a r i e t y o f So u t h Am e r i c a n s a v o r y e m p a n a d a s . Di n e r s c a n m i x =36 a n d m a t c h t h e t a s t y p a s t r i e s . Sw e e t e m p a n a d a s , =876 t o r t a s , s a l a d s , b e e r , w i n e a n d c o c k t a ils a r e a ls o a v a ila b l e . Cl o s e d Su n d a y s . De t a i l s : 204 E. Fi r s t Av e ., Me s a . 480-969-1343, r e p u b =36 l i c a e m p a n a d a .c o m .

=946 Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille

=36

= 016

=36

= 086

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

Th i s Ne w Me x i c a n r e s t a u r a n t h a s a la r g e m e n u w it h s t a n d a r d f a r e ,a s w e ll a s s a n d w ic h e s ,p iz z a s ,p a s t a a n d s a l a d s . Mo r e u n u s u a l d is h e s in c lu d e lo b s t e r t a m a l e s , a n c h o c h i l e -r u b b e d b a r b e c u e r ib s ,g r e e n c h ile c o r n c h o w d e r a n d b lu e s e a f o o d e n c h ila d a s . De t a i l s : 144 N. Co u n t r y Cl u b Dr i v e , Me s a . 480-9621000, o r i g i n a l b l u e a d o b e .c o m .

Ike’s Place Ba y -a r e a f a n s w i l l f e e l r i g h t a t h o m e a t t h i s Sa n Fr a n c i s c o -b a s e d s a n d w i c h s h o p t h a t ’s b e e n f e a t u r e d o n a n u m b e r o f f o o d s h o w s . Th e m e n u f e a t u r e s s u b s w it h n a m e s l i k e t h e Pa t Ti l l m a n , Re a d i n g Ra i n b o w , a n d f i l l i n g s s u c h a s c h i c k e n -f r i e d s t e a k , a n d b e e r -b a t t e r e d o n io n r in g s . De t a i l s : 1130 W. Gr o v e Av e ., St e . 110, Me s a . 480610-6750, i k e s p l a c e .c o m / m e sa .

Tortas El Chavo Th i s j o i n t o f f e r s f a s t , c h e a p a n d f i l l i n g Me x i c a n s a n d w ic h e s m a d e t o o r d e r. To r t a s a r e s e r v e d o n f r e s h l y b a k e d t e le r a b r e a d ,a n d c u sto m e rs c a n o rd e r c a rn e a s a d a , d e e p -f r i e d t u r k e y , p o r k m i l a n e s e , Ha w a i i a n o r Cu b a n s t y l e . De t a i l s : 1101 N. Me s a Dr i v e , Me s a . 480-844-4200, e l c h a v o t o r t a s .c o m .

ANGELS SKED X=36 Y=86

Big names fail to win; Beane blows it all up

SCHEDULE

A’S SKED X=158 Y=86

BR X= Y=

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

March 5

ZACH BUCHANAN AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

Billy Beane put all his chips on the table at the trade deadline last year. The Oakland Athletics general manager traded one of his leading prospects for two frontline pitchers and shipped one of his sluggers out of town for another. That experiment faltered. The A’s failed to win their division for the first time in three years and lost a one-game Wild Card game to the Kansas City Royals. Faced with those disappointing results, the ever-a-realist Beane blew almost all of it up. Six key position players are gone from last year’s squad, including outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who was shipped to the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline. All three pitchers Beane acquired are gone too. Instead, what the A’s have is a collection of talent that doesn’t really seem to make a compelling whole. Perhaps only Beane, baseball’s mad scientist, can see how the parts fit together.

Last season The 88 games Oakland won last year was enough to get into the playoffs. But the standard had been set higher the two previous seasons, when the A’s won 96 and 94 games. When Beane traded a package that included one of his top prospects to the Chicago Cubs for pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel on July 5, Oakland was in first in the

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

SEATTLE MARINERS

SAN DIEGO PADRES

TEXAS RANGERS JESSE JOHNSON/USA TODAY SPORTS

Starting pitcher Jesse Hahn is one of the young arms obtained by the Athletics during a busy offseason. Hahn went 7-4 with a 3.07 ERA as a rookie last season.

LOSa ANGELES DODGERS AL West with 31⁄2 game Among those secondlead. When he swapped half strugglers were Cespedes for Red Sox ace catcher Derek Norris and Jon Lester at the deadline, DH Brandon Moss. Both that lead had dwindled to are now on other teams. one game. The A’s would eventually cough it up for The difference WHITE It’d be SOX shorter to say good on Aug. 26, CHICAGO watching the Los Angeles Angels go what’s the same. Lester and Hammel left in free on to win the division. In total, those three agency for the Cubs, and pitchers panned out. the A’s flipped SamardziHammel struggled, but ja to the White Sox for a Samardzija and Lester package surrounding infielder Marcus Semien, performedCINCINNATI like aces. REDS What suffered was the who is slotted to play Oakland offense, which short this year in the mascored 5.14 runs a game in jors. Shortstop Jed Lowthe first three months of rie and set-up man Luke the season but just 3.8 in Gregerson defected to the Houston Astros. the second three. CLEVELAND INDIANS

March 3

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

5:05 p.m.

CHC*

1:05 p.m.

12:05 p.m.

CHC*

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

MIL

7:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

OAK

At a glance

8 1:10 p.m. Ma n a g e r : Bo b Me l v 1:05 p.m. y e a 9r , 325-260) La s t s e a s o n : 88-74 10 1:10 p.m.

KC in (f if t h CIN TEX

W o 11r t h 1:10 w a p.m. t c h i n g ARI Th e 12A’ s h 1:10 a v e p.m. m o v e d o CHC u t o f d ila p id a t e d – e m p h a s is o n d a t 13 e d – Ph1:10 o e p.m. n i x Mu n iSD c ip a l St a d i u m a n d w i l l p l a y a t 14 1:05 p.m. KC Me s a ’ s Ho h o k a m St a d i u m t h i 14 s s p r i n 1:10 g . Th p.m. e p a r k u CWS n d e r w e n t a $ 26.9 m i l l i o n f a c 15 e l i f t , w1:05 i t h p.m. t h e A’ s p CWS a y in g f o r n e a r l y $ 10 m i l l i o n o f t h a t . 16 1:10 p.m. TEX 1:10 p.m.

MIL

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

1:05 p.m.

DENOTES HOME GAME

COL

But Beane didn’t stop 1:05 p.m. LAD at 19 unloading his deadline pitching acquisitions. He 20 7:05 p.m. to the CLE San traded Norris Diego pitcher 21 Padres 1:10 p.m.for SF Jesse Hahn. Moss was shipped to p.m. the Cleveland 22 1:05 SF Indians for an infield 23 1:10Beane p.m. sent SEAJohn prospect. Jaso and a pair of minor24 1:05 p.m. TEX leaguers to the Tampa Bay second 25Rays 1:10for p.m. CLEbaseman Ben Zobrist and 26 4:05Yunel p.m. Escobar, CHC shortstop and then quickly flipped 27 1:10 p.m. ARI Escobar to the Washington28Nationals set-up 1:10 p.m. forLAD man Tyler Clippard. 29 CIN was The 12:10 big p.m. shocker the trade of third base30 and 1:05 p.m. man All-StarSEAJosh Donaldson, sent toOAK the To31 1:10 p.m. ronto Blue Jays for four players, including infielderApril Brett Lawrie. Beane also signed DH Billy But12:05offensive p.m. OAKproler,1 whose duction has been declinLAD* ing2 the 7:05 pastp.m. two years, to a three-year, $30 LAD* million 3 7:05 p.m. deal. 4Are 6:10 LAD** the p.m. Athletics better than they were in 2014? That might be im*Games will be played at possible to say. It will cerAngel Stadium tainly be interesting to **Game will played at on see how it allbeplays out Dodger the field.Stadium

4 5

April 1

12:05 p.m.

LAA

7:15 p.m.

SF**

7:15 p.m.

SF**

1:05 p.m.

SF^

*Games will be played at Cashman Field, Las Vegas ** Games will be played at AT&T Park ^Game will be played at O.co Coliseum

Ap 1 2 3 4

=36

PAGE 20 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

ANGELS SKED =806 X=36 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

=876

=36

=946

=36

= 016

=36

= 086

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

=36

= 506

A’S SKED X=158 Y=86

BREWERS SKED CUBS SKED X=280 LOS ANGELESX=402 ANGELS Y=86 Y=86

Keeping the status quo after a strong season SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

TEX

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:10 p.m.

CHC

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

TEX

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

7:05 p.m.

CLE

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:10 p.m.

CLE

4:05 p.m.

CHC

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:10 p.m.

LAD

12:10 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:10 p.m.

OAK

April 1

12:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

LAD*

7:05 p.m.

LAD*

6:10 p.m.

LAD**

*Games will be played at Angel Stadium **Game will be played at Dodger Stadium

DBACKS SKED X=524 Y=86

1:05 p.m.

CHC

SCOTT BORDOW , 6 1:10 p.m. ARI AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

DENOTES HOME GAME

LAA

not the 8 More 1:05often p.m. than CWS Los Angeles Angels head 9 p.m. asTEX into a1:05 season one of baseball’s most ARI interest10 1:05 p.m. ing teams. Owner Arte 11 1:05 p.m. Moreno has a CLE habit of 12 1:05 p.m. SEA swooping in and signing a marquee free agent in the 13 1:05 p.m. KC off-season, raising the An13 already 5:05 p.m.highCHC* gels’ profile. But Los Angeles 14 1:05 p.m. SF didn’t make a single significant 14 12:05 p.m. off-season move,CHC* betting that it already has the 15 1:05 p.m. MIL players in place to win a 16 1:05 p.m. American LAD second straight League West 17 1:05 p.m.title. SD It’s not a bad gamble, 18 1:05 p.m. SEA even though the roster is 20 1:10 p.m.there’s COL little aging and help coming in the 20 1:05 p.m. LAD farm system. 21The 1:05 Angels p.m. CINshould have one of the stronger 22 1:05 p.m. CIN rotations in the AL, as23 1:05 p.m. CLE Richsuming ace Garrett ards returns 24 successfully 1:05 p.m. CHC from a knee injury that 25 1:05 p.m. sidelined him lastMIL August. 7:05 p.m.is healthy SF If26Richards – he’s expected to return by 27 1:05 p.m. TEX May – he’ll give the An28 1:05 p.m. gels a terrific CWS one-two punch with JeredMIL Weaver. 29 1:05 p.m. Matt Shoemaker slots in p.m. COL at30No.1:05 3; he won 16 games last 31 year 1:10and p.m.finished LAA second in AL Rookie of the Year April balloting. There are questions beyond those three. C.J. Wilson had a di1 12:05 p.m. LAA sastrous 2014 season – he 2 SF** in 14 didn’t7:15 lastp.m. six innings of his 31 starts – and he’s 3 7:15 p.m. SF** 34 years old. But Los An4 1:05 p.m. need SF^him to geles doesn’t be an ace; serviceable will *Games be played at do just will fine. Cashman Las Vegas The Field, bullpen, long a problem for the Angels, ** Games will be played at was fortified with last AT&T Park season’s acquisition of ^Game will be played at and closer Huston Street, O.co Coliseum he’ll again man the ninth

1:05 p.m.

UW-M

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

MILWAUKEEMarch BREWERS

March

SCHEDULE

March

1:05 p.m.

OAK

3:10 p.m.

ASU

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

COL

SEATTLE MARINERS 7 1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

TEX

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CLE

CIN SAN

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

CLE

7:05 p.m.

OAK*

12:05 p.m.

OAK*

DIEGO PADRES

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

SEA

KANSAS 1:05 p.m. CHC

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

6:40 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

COL

CITY ROYALS 14 1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m. TEXAS18RANGERS

LOS ANGELES 24 DODGERS 1:05 p.m.

LAD

OAK

7:05 p.m.

SEA

4:05 p.m.

LAA

GARY A. VASQUEZ /USA TODAY SPORTS 24 6:40 p.m. ARI 27 Trout 1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike won theCWS American Award last season 25 1:05League p.m. Most OAKValuable Player 28 1:05 p.m. COL CHICAGO WHITE SOX after hitting .287 with 36 home runs and 111 RBI. 28 1:05 p.m. CIN 26 1:05 p.m. SEA

27 7:05 p.m. inning this year. CIN

1:05 p.m.

ing talent in former Arizo30 State 1:05 p.m. SF Kole There are some issues na Sun Devil p.m. CLE in28 the1:05 everyday lineup. Calhoun. If they can put 31 1:05 p.m. TEX The Angels have to re- together enough offense 29 1:05 p.m. OAK CINCINNATI REDS place longtime second around those two, the baseman Howie pitching should 31 1:05 p.m. CIN Ken- starting April drick, outfielder Josh keep them in contention. Hamilton is injured – 1 12:05 p.m. MIL again – and there’s little Last season April Angels more power at third base with 3 The 6:40 p.m. won ARI** David Freese. Plus, can games than any team in CLEVELAND 4 INDIANS 1:10 p.m. ARI** 1 1:05 p.m. CHCPujols baseball, finishing 98-64 35-year-old Albert again be expected to play and cruising to an Amerip.m. SDdid last can League West title. But in2 15912:05 games, as he *Games being played at the team that also led all year? Cashman Field, Las Vegas 3 1:05 p.m. CLE But the Angels do have teams in runs scored dur**Games playedseason at ing the being regular the game’s best player in 4 1:05 p.m. CLE Chaseswept Field by the Kansas Mike Trout and an emerg- was

RANKINGS

DENOTES HOME GAME

At 6 a glance 1:10 p.m.

OAK

Ma7 n a g 1:05 e r : p.m. Mi k e Sc i o SEA s c i a ( 16t h s e 8a s o n 1:05 , 1331-1099) p.m. SF La s t s e a s o n : 98-64 8 1:10 p.m. SF

Worth watching 9 1:05 p.m. CWS 10 1:05 p.m. OAK Wi l l Ri c h a r d s p i t c h l i k e h e d i d l a 11 s t y e a 1:10 r , w hp.m. e n h e w LAA a s a Cy Yo u n g c a n d i d a t e ? Ca n Pu j o l s 12 1:10 p.m. CIN p u t t o g e t h e r b a c k -t o -b a c k s t 13 r o n g 1:05 s e a s op.m. n ? Ca n CLE t h e An g 14 e l s c o 1:10 u n t p.m. o n a n y t h SEA in g f r o m Ha m i l t o n ? 14 7:10 p.m. SF 15

3:05 p.m.

City Royals in the Ameri16 League 1:10 p.m.Division CWS Secan ries, six runs 17 scoring 1:05 p.m.justSF in the three games. 18 7:10 p.m. COL LA’s pitching staff 19 6:40 p.m. CHC the couldn’t overcome loss of ace Garrett 20 1:05 p.m. MIL Richards, who was sidelined 21 the 1:05 p.m. inSDAugust for season with a knee 22 1:10 p.m.injury. COL Making matters worse: Trout, LAD acin23his 1:05 firstp.m. post-season tion, hit in 12 24 had 6:40 just p.m. oneMIL at-bats (.083). 26 1:10 p.m. Trout did winSDthe AL 27 1:10 p.m. LAA Most Valuable Player Award after finishing sec27 1:10 p.m. CLE ond the previous two sea28 1:10 p.m. KC sons. 29 difference 1:10 p.m. COL The 29Not1:10 p.m.has COL* much changed

in30Anaheim. Angeles 1:10 p.m.Los LAD is hoping that its aging 31 of 1:10 p.m. can TEXagain core players produce 90-plus wins in the regular season and April then hope for some better fortune both in terms of 1 1:05 p.m. CIN health and production in 2 post-season. 12:10 p.m. CWS the The season 3 6:40 p.m. likely CHC**will hinge on two players. 4 1:10 p.m. CHC** Richards has to again pitch like a No. 1 starter, and Shoemaker has to * Game played in prove his 16 wins last seaHermosillo, Mexico son – after two straight **Games being played at seamediocre Triple-A Chase sons –Field were not a fluke.

DODGERS SKED X=646 Y=86 DINING GUIDE SCHEDULE DENOTES HOME GAME Casey Moore’s Oyster House March

Th i s n e i g h b o r h o o d s p o r t s n d r e p.m. s t a u r a n t CWS is a 4b a r a 1:05 f a v o r it e b e c a u s e o f it s 5 1:05 p.m. CWS o u t d o o r a n d in d o o r s e a t 6i n g . Yo1:05 u c p.m. a n f i n d b SEA e e r, a l t y d p.m. r i n k s a n MIL d h e a rty 6s p e c i 1:05 f o o d s u c h a s t h e Te m p e 7c h e e s 1:05 e s t e p.m. a k , o y s t e CLE r s Ro c k e f8 e l l e r 1:05 a n d p.m. p o t a t o s MIL k in s . Ha p p y h o u r i s f r o m 3 t o 7 9p .m . 1:05 o n w p.m. e e k d a y s SF a n d 11 a10.m . 1:05 t o 4 p p.m. .m . w e e COL k e n d s. De t a i l s : 850 S. As h Av e ., 11 1:05 p.m. CHC Te m p e . 480-968-9935, 12 c a s e y 1:05 m o o p.m. r e s .c o m .SD 13

7:05 p.m.

Boulders

CIN

14 1:05 p.m. CLE on Broadway 15 1:05 p.m. SEA Th i s b i c y c l e -f r i e n d l y , c r a f t 16 1:05 p.m. b e e r -l o v i n g r e s t a u OAK ra n t a n d b a r i s 1:05 l e s s p.m. t h a n 3 m TEX ile s f r o m 17 t h e s t a d i u m . Th i s s p o t i s 18 k n o w 1:05 n f o p.m. r i t s p i z z a CWS s . Th e b r a i s e 1:05 d p o p.m. r k s h o u l LAA d e r 19 s a n d w i c h a n d Mo o s e Dr o o l 20 1:05 p.m. OAK b e e r b u r g e r a r e s u r e t o f ill 20 TEX* y o u u 7:05 p . p.m. De t a i l s : 530 W. Br o a d w a y 21 1:10 p.m. COL Ro a d , Te m p e . 480-921-9431, 21 b o u l d 1:05 e r s o p.m. n b r o a d w TEX* a y .c o m . 22 1:05 p.m. CLE

The Chuckbox

1:05 p.m.

ARI

Wa t c 1:05 h y o up.m. r b u r g e SD r o r c h ic k 25 e n c o o k o v e r a w o o d -f i r e d 26 1:05 p.m. CWS g r ill a t t h is f u n k y jo in t t h a t o p e n 7:05 e d i n p.m. 1972. Ju SF s t d o n ’t 27 f o r g e t t o b r in g c a s h ;t h e 28 1:10 p.m. LAA Ch u c k b o x d o e s n ’ t t a k e 29 1:05 p.m. TEX p la s t ic . De t a i l s : 202 E. Un iv e r s it y 29 1:05 p.m. SF Dr i v e , Te m p e . 480-968-4712, 30 t h e c h 1:10 u c k b p.m. o x .c o m .ARI 31 1:05 p.m. CWS

Philly’s Sports Bar & Grill April

Th i s s p o r t s b a r l e s s t h a n a 1 12:05 p.m. KC 10-m i n u t e d r i v e f r o m t h e 2s t a d i u 7:05 m h p.m. a s a l a r g LAA** e m e n u w3 i t h 7:05 p l e n p.m. t y o f o p t LAA** i o n s . Lo o k f o r d a ily f o o d a n d d r in k 4s p e c i 6:10 a l s , s p.m. u c h a s a l LAA^ a rg e p iz z a w it h w in g s a n d p it c h e r o f b will e e r be f o r played $ 24 o n atMo n *Game d a y s a n d f a j i t a s ( $ 9) a n d Alamodome t e q u i l a ( $ 5-$ 6) o n Th u r s **Games will be played at d a y s. Angel Stadium De t a i l s : 1402 S. Pr i e s t Dr i v e , Te m p e will . 480-968-6612, ^Game be played at p h i l l y s Stadium s p o r t s g r i l l .c o m . Dodger

=36

ANGELS SKED MILWAUKEEX=36 BREWERS Y=86

=876

=36

=946

=36

= 016

=36

= 086

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

=36

= 506

=36

= 576

DINING GUIDE La Piaz z a Al Forno Ch e f Ju s t i n Pi a z z a ’ s Bi a n c a , a w h it e p iz z a ,is e x c e p t io n a l . Ev e n t h o u g h t h i s p i z z a p a r lo r is in h is t o r ic a l d o w n t o w n Gl e n d a l e , i t ’ s o n l y a b o u t 4 m i l e s f r o m Ma r y v a l e Ba s e b a l l Pa r k a n d w o r t h t r y i n g o u t — Gu y Fi e r i d i d f o r “ Di n e r s , Dr i v e In s a n d Di v e s .” De t a i l s : 5803 W. Gl e n d a l e Av e ., Gl e n d a l e . 623-8473301, l a p i a z z a a l f o r n o .c o m .

Los Reyes de la Torta Th e s i g n a t u r e t o r t a i s t h e a p t l y n a m e d To r t a d e l Re y . It ’ s f i t f o r a k i n g , a m o n s t e r t w o -h a n d e r f i l l e d w i t h p o r k , h a m , t h i n -s l i c e d b r e a d e d b e e f ,c h o r iz o , c h e e s e ,f r ie d e g g ,a v o c a d o , b e a n s ,le t t u c e ,t o m a t o a n d ja la p e ñ o ,p a c k e d in a c r u s t y Me x i c a n r o l l . De t a i l s : 4333 W. In d i a n Sc h o o l Ro a d , Ph o e n i x . 602-269-3212, l o s r e y e s d e l a t o r t a a z .c o m .

Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen We e k d a y h a p p y h o u r ( 3:306:30 Mo n d a y s -Th u r s d a y s ; 3:30-9 p .m . Fr i d a y s i n t h e b a r a n d p a t io ) in c lu d e s s u c h s p e c ia ls a s $ 3h o u s e m a r g a r it a s a n d d o m e s t ic b e e r s a n d $ 3 o f f a p p e t i z e r s . Ju s t m a k e s u r e t o le a v e r o o m f o r a c h im ic h a n g a . De t a i l s : 7829 W. Th o m a s Ro a d , Ph o e n i x . 623-8730313, m a c a y o .c o m .

Haus Murphy’s Mi l w a u k e e Br e w e r s f a n s w ill a p p r e c ia t e t h e s a u s a g e s a m p l e r a t t h i s Ge r m a n r e s t a u r a n t . A Ge r m a n a n d a Ro t e b r a t w u r s t a r e s e r v e d o v e r a b e d o f h o u se m a d e s a u e r k r a u t w it h t h r e e d i p p i n g s a u c e s . Gi a n t Ok t o b e r f e s t p r e t z e ls ,im p o r t e d f r o m Ge r m a n y , a r e a l s o o n th e m e n u . De t a i l s : 5739 W. Gl e n d a l e Av e ., Gl e n d a l e . 623-9392480, h a u s m u r p h y s .c o m .

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 21

A’S SKED X=158 Y=86

Big questions abound after late ’14 stumble SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

SEATTLE MARINERS March 5 6

SCOTT BORDOW

Last season The Brewers were in first place in the NL Central for five months – before finishing 9-22 to not

1:10 p.m.

CU X= Y=

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

MIL

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:10 p.m.

Ma 5

1:05 p.m.

UW-M

1:05 p.m.

LAA

ARI

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

5 6

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

5:05 p.m.

CHC*

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

SEA

SAN DIEGO PADRES

AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

The Brewers return the core of their team from last season. The question is, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Milwaukee believes its September collapse in 2014 was an aberration, that a truer indication of the club’s talent is the way it played the first five months of the season. There’s some justification for that confidence: Young but experienced players like outfielder Carlos Gomez, catcher Jonathan Lucroy and starter Wily Peralta should only get better. Milwaukee also is counting on a bounce-back year from outfielder Ryan Braun, whose numbers suffered in the second half last season because of injury. But there are ominous signs. Milwaukee doesn’t have a true ace, unless the 25-year-old Peralta (17-11, 3.53 ERA last year) is ready to take that next step. Also, is Jonathan Broxton, who didn’t have a single save last year, a capable replacement for Francisco Rodriguez, who had 44 saves? There’s the question of whether Milwaukee has fully recovered from its September swoon. If it gets off to a bad start there will be questions about the team’s makeup and, possibly, manager Ron Roenicke’s future.

1:05 p.m.

BREWERS SKED X=280 Y=86

KANSAS CITY ROYALS 12 1:10 p.m.

CHC

7 8

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

12:05 p.m.

CHC*

1:05 p.m.

CHC

TEX

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

OAK

16 17

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:10 p.m.

COL

6:40 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

SEA

7:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CIN

TEXAS 15 RANGERS 1:05 p.m. 16

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

LOS ANGELES DODGERS 20 7:05 p.m.

CLE

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CIN

22 1:05 p.m. CIN 23 1:10 p.m. SEA KIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY SPORTS 23 1:05 p.m. CLE Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun was solid in the first half last season, but slumped 24 1:05SOX p.m. TEX CHICAGO WHITE after the All-Star break with a thumb injury. 24 1:05 p.m. CHC 25 1:10 p.m. CLE 25 1:05 p.m. MIL

At a glance

26 early 4:05 p.m. ball in the CHC season had difficulty scoring 27 1:10 p.m. Ma n a g e r : Ro n Ro e n i c k e runs in September.ARI ( f i f t h y e a r , 335-313) Milwaukee had its 28 1:10 p.m.alsoLAD CINCINNATI REDS La s t s e a s o n : 82-80 share of key injuries. 29 12:10 CIN 11 Braun hit p.m. .298 with Worth watching homers and 52 RBIs be30 the 1:05All-Star p.m. SEA fore break Th e o f f -s e a s o n t r a d e o f Ga l but, bothered by a thumb 31 1:10 p.m. OAK l a r d o h a s l e f t Mi l w a u k e e injury, .226 with eight w i t h o u t a t r u e a c e . Ca n a n y homers and 29 RBIs after CLEVELAND INDIANS April b o d y f i l l t h a t r o l e ? Mi l w a u the All-Star break. k e e n e e d s t o b e m o r e p a t ie n t The collapse down the 1 12:05 p.m. OAK a t t h e p l a t e ; i t s 423 w a l k s stretch didn’t completely r a n k e d 12t h i n t h e NL. Fi n a l l y , obscure the strong indi2 7:05 p.m. LAD* i s t h i s t h e c l u b t h a t l e d t h e NL vidual performances Ce n t r a l f o r m u c h o f t h e turned in by several play3 7:05 p.m. LAD* s e a s o n o r t h e o n e t h a t f e ll o n ers, including Lucroy, GoRANKINGS mez 4 and 6:10 p.m. Francisco LAD** i t s f a c e i n Se p t e m b e r ? closer Rodriguez, all of whom made the NL All-Star *Games will be played at only fall out of first but team. Angel Stadium miss the playoffs comdifference **Game will be played at pletely. The same free The What Stadium a difference one Dodger swingers who killed the

RANKINGS

month canp.m. make SFin the 26 7:05 perception of a team. The 27 1:05 p.m. TEX Brewers were the class of p.m. forCWS the28NL1:05 Central much of 29 20141:05 butp.m. their SeptemMIL ber pratfall has convinced 30 they 1:05 p.m. COL many won’t contend in 31 a division that includes 1:10 p.m. LAA St. Louis, Pittsburgh and a much-improved Chicago April Cubs team. The most significant 1 12:05 p.m. LAA change is at the top of the 2 7:15 p.m.the January SF** rotation, with trade of Yovani Gallardo 3 7:15 p.m. SF** to the Texas Rangers. Mil4 1:05 p.m. SF^ waukee has some talented young pitchers, but Gal*Games willbeen be played lardo had the at staff Cashman Field, Vegas workhorse for Las years. The back of the bullpen ** Games will be played at is unsettled, too, with RodAT&T Park riguez unsigned as of mid^Game willand be played at to February unlikely O.co Coliseum return.

Ap 1

April

1:05 p.m.

CHC

12:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CLE

*Ga Cas

**G Cha

=36

PAGE 22 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

MARINRS SKED =946 X=280 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

= 016

March 1:05 p.m.

=36

1:05 p.m.

= 086

1:05 p.m.

LAD

=36

= 156

7 8 9

1:05 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 1:05 p.m.

ARI CWS CIN CLE

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

COL

=36

1:05 p.m.

OAK

= 226

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CWS

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

1:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

=36

6:05 p.m.

= 506

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

CLE

=36

= 436

=36

= 576

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

April 1

1:05 p.m.

CWS

7:05 p.m.

COL

12:10 p.m.

COL

RANGERS SKED REDS SKED X=524 SEATTLE MARINERS X=646 Y=86 Y=86

Attempting to sneak into a power position SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

PADRES SKED X=402 Y=86

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

SAN DIEGO PADRES March

March

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CLE

6 1:05 p.m. CWS SCOTT BORDOW

1:05 p.m.

5 1:05 p.m. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

CLE

AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

Quick: Name the team 8 1:05 p.m. COL that made a 16-game improvement fromCHC 2013-14, 9 1:05 p.m. has one of the game's best pitchers and so 10 1:05 p.m. SF much young talent on the mound 11 in1:05 KCit has a and the p.m. field that good chance of making 12 playoffs 1:05 p.m.for LAD the the first time since 2001? LAA 13 1:10 p.m. Yes, that would be the Seattle Mariners. Seattle 14 1:05 p.m. TEX quietly went 87-75 last season and made a 15 1:05 p.m.thenCLE major off-season acquisi16 with 1:05 p.m. CHC tion the signing of slugger Nelson Cruz. Giv17 the 1:05 massive p.m. MILroster en changes in Oakland, an 17 1:05 p.m. OAK aging Los Angeles Angels roster and pitching 18 1:10 p.m.the COL problems in Texas, Seattle enters thep.m. seasonKCas real 20 7:05 contender in the Ameri21 League 1:05 p.m. can West.ARI The main reason: 22 1:05 p.m. CHC pePitching. Start with rennial Cy Young candi23 1:05 p.m. CWS date Felix Hernandez, No. 224starter HisashiSEA Iwaku1:05 p.m. ma, who went 15-9 last year, 25 and 1:05 26-year-old p.m. LAD Roenis Elias, who slots in at 26 3.1:10 ARI No. Butp.m. the real excitement lies with youngsters 27 7:05 p.m. COL and Taijuan Walker James Paxton. TEX Walker, 28 1:05 p.m. who was 2-3 with a 2.61 ERA five for Se29 in 1:05 p.m.starts SEA attle last year, has electric stuff. If he staysCIN healthy, 30 1:05 p.m. he's a future top-of-the-ro31 7:05 p.m. Paxton, KC tation starter. a 26-year-old lefty, throws in the high 90s and was 6-4 April with a 3.04 ERA last season. they're good as 1 If1:05 p.m. asCWS Seattle thinks they are, the willMIL have the 2 Mariners 12:05 p.m. best rotation in the AL, if 4 all2:00 p.m. MEX* not of baseball. The Mariners aren't *Game willpotent be played at quite so offensivePetco ly butPark they do have a ris-

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m. TEXAS9 RANGERS 1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

LOS ANGELES 12 DODGERS 1:10 p.m.

ARI

7:05 p.m.

LAD

LAA

1:05 p.m.

COL

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CHC

OSENTOSKI/USA TODAY SPORTS CHICAGO WHITE SOX SF of the topRICK Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix pitchers in baseball and 16 Hernandez 1:05 p.m. is one

19 1:05 p.m. CIN leads a young starting rotation that could become one of the best in the game. 17 1:05 p.m. CLE 20 1:05 p.m. SEA 20 a glance 7:05 p.m. At

LAD*

21 1:05 p.m. MIL Ma n a g e r : Ll o y d Mc Cl e n d o n CINCINNATI ( s 21 e c o n d 1:05 y e a p.m. r , 87-75) LAD La s t s e a s o n : 87-75 22 1:05 p.m. SEA

Worth watching

18 1:05 p.m. Cruz CWS That's where comes in. He had 40 homers and 19 RBIs 1:05 p.m. TEX 108 for Baltimore REDS last year. He'll provide the 20 6:05 p.m. younger hitters SF the middle-of-the-order protec21 1:05 p.m. OAK tion they've been missing the years. 22 past 1:05several p.m. OAK

23 6:05 p.m. CIN Cr u z i s m o v i n g f r o m a g r e a t 24 1:05 p.m. LAA Last season TEX h it t e r 's p a r k t o a n e x t r e m e 23 6:05 p.m. CLEVELAND INDIANS p 25 i t c h e r 7:05 ' s p a p.m. r k . Ho w CIN m u c h o f Although Seattle fin25 7:05 p.m. behind TEX Los a d if f e r e n c e w ill t h a t m a k e in ished 11 games h 26 i s n u m 6:05 b e r p.m. s ? Th e MaCOL r in e r s Angeles in the AL West it 26 1:05eliminated p.m. CLE from h a v e g i v e n u p o n Ju s t i n wasn't Sm27o a k 1:05 a n d p.m. w i l l g i v e OAK Lo g a n the wild-card race until 27 final 7:05day p.m.of the MIL Mo r r i s o n e v e r y c h a n c e t o w i n the season. 28 1:05 p.m. SD t h e f ir s t b a s e jo b ,b u t c a n h e The Mariners got a break28 1:05 p.m. CHC RANKINGS s t 29 a y h e 1:05 a l t h y p.m. ? An d w LAD h o w in s out year from Seager, who t h e s h o r t s t o p b a t t le :y o u n g hit with homers 29 .268 12:10 p.m. 25LAA s t 30 e r Ch 1:05 r i s Tap.m. y l o r o r KC Br a d with 96 RBI, and an AllMi l l e r ? Star 30 season 1:05 p.m.from SDRobin31 1:10 p.m. ARI son Cano, who hit .314 with 31

1:05 p.m.

CHC

ing star with third baseman Kyle Seager, RobinApril son Cano at second and solid everyday players 1 1:10 p.m. COL outfielders Dustin Ackley and Austin Jackson. The *Game will Seattle be played at been one thing has Alamodome missing is a big bopper.

14 with 82MIL RBIs. 31homers 1:05 p.m. Where Seattle exRANKINGS celled, however, was on the mound. Its staff ERA April was an AL-best 3.17 and opponents hit a league1 1:05 p.m. ARI low .230. Hernandez, Iwakuma and Elias combined 2 12:05 p.m. CLE to go 40-27 and all three

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill Be f o r e o r a f t e r t h e g a m e , s t o p b y t h is c o u n t r y b a r f o r p r e t z e l p o p p e r s ,s m o k e h o u s e n a c h o s ,w in g s ,b a k e d s p in a c h a r t ic h o k e d ip ,a n d b a c o n -w r a p p e d s h r i m p a n d g r it s . De t a i l s : 9824 W. No r t h e r n Av e ., Pe o r i a . 623-208-7288, c o u n t r y b a r p e o r i a .c o m .

Salty Señ orita

LAA

DINING GUIDE

had and ERA under 4.00. The Mariners finished the season strong, going 31-23 down the stretch.

The difference The biggest change for Seattle this year is that its young players – Paxton, Walker, Ackley, etc., - now have enough major league experience that they'll know what they have to do to be successful. That's invaluable. The confidence gained by finishing 12 games over .500 in 2014 also should serve the Mariners well. They no longer will wonder if they can contend for the postseason. They know they can. The continued development of Seattle's hitters will be the key. The Mariners have the pitching. But can they hit well enough to turn those 87 wins into 95 wins and a possible pennant?

Tr y t h e $ 7.99 Ex p r e s s Lu n c h s p e c i a l s f r o m 11 a .m . t o 3 p .m . w e e k d a y s . Di s h e s in c lu d e a v o c a d o s t e a k s a la d ,g r ille d c h ip o t le b u r r it o s a n d t w o -t a c o c o m b i n a t i o n p l a t e s . Da i l y h a p p y h o u r , f r o m 3-7 p .m ., f e a t u r e s $ 4 m a r g a r i t a s , $ 3 Do s Eq u i s , $ 2 Co o r s Li g h t a n d $ 1 h o u se sh o ts. De t a i l s : 8011 W. Pa r a d i s e La n e , Pe o r i a . 623-979-4822, s a l t y s e n o r i t a .c o m .

Humble Pie Yo u ’ l l f i n d a v a r i e t y o f w o o d -f i r e d p i z z a s w i t h t o p p in g s s u c h a s m e a t b a ll a n d f ig w it h p r o s c iu t t o . Th e r e a l s o a r e a p p e t i z e r s , s o u p s ,s a n d w ic h e s ,b u r g e r s , p a s t a s a n d d e s s e r t s . Da i l y h a p p y h o u r i s f r o m 11 a .m . t o 6 p .m . De t a i l s : 15703 N. 83r d Av e ., Pe o r i a . 623-334-2700, h u m b l e p i e u s a .c o m .

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery Fo r s t a r t e r s , t r y t h e b a l l p a r k p r e t z e ls ,a p a ir o f g ia n t p r e t z e ls s e r v e d w it h ja la p e ñ o s p in a c h c h e e s e d ip . Th e e x t e n s i v e m e n u i n c lu d e s f is h a n d c h ip s ,lo b s t e r a n d s h r im p e n c h ila d a s , s m o k e d h a lf c h ic k e n a n d a c h i l i Ch e d d a r b u r g e r . Si g n a t u r e b e e r s in c lu d e a r e d a le , k o l s c h a n d IPA. De t a i l s : 7640 W. Be l l Ro a d , Gl e n d a l e . 623-878-8822, r o c k b o t t o m .c o m .

=36

GIANTS SKED INDIANS SKED X=36 X=158 SAN DIEGO PADRES Y=86 Y=86

= 016

=36

= 086

=36

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

=36

= 506

=36

= 576

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 23

MARINRS SKED X=280 Y=86

Offseason overhaul signals serious playoff intentions SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

SCOTT BORDOW AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

In his introductory news conference last August San Diego General Manager A.J. Preller dared to mention the Padres and the World Series in the same sentence. Given the shoddy state of the organization – they had been to the playoffs only twice since 1998 – the idea seemed laughable. No one is laughing now. No team has undergone a more complete makeover in the off-season than San Diego. Preller started with the offense, which ranked last in the National League in virtually every category but stolen bases. He remade the outfield, acquiring Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp in separate deals. He traded for All-Star catcher Derek Norris and brought in third baseman Will Middlebrooks. At that point, it looked like the Padres were finished. But Preller made one more splash, signing free-agent starter James Shields to a four-year deal worth approximately $75 million. Do the moves guarantee San Diego a National League West pennant? Of course not. Los Angeles and San Francisco still reside in the division. Plus, Preller’s wheeling and dealing isn’t without risk. Neither Upton, Myers nor Kemp are natural center fielders, meaning San Diego’s defense will be compromised. And while Shields has been a workhorse he’s 33 years old

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

KANSAS CITY ROYALS March

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

TEX TEXAS

1:05 p.m.

RA X= Y=

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m. At6a glance

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

TEX

Ma 7n a g e 1:05 r : Bu p.m. d Bl a c k ARI (n in t h y e a r , 617-680) 7 1:05 p.m. CWS La s t s e a s o n : 77-85

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CHC

9 10

1:05LOS p.m.

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

LAA

7:10 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

TEX

3:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

9 1:05 p.m. CLE Al l t h e i m p r o v e m e n t s t h e Pa d 10 r e s h 1:10 a v e m p.m. a d e w i l COL l b e c o m p r o m is e d if t h e y c a n ’t f i n 11 d a c l o 1:05 s e r . p.m. Ca s h n e r COL a n d Ro s s a r e r i s i n g s t a r s a n d s h o 12 u l d b 1:05 e n e f p.m. i t f r o m n OAK o t h a v in g t h e r e s p o n s ib ilit y o f 13 1:05 p.m. MIL b e i n g t h e No . 1 s t a r t e r . Up t o n i s i n 14a c o 1:10 n t r a c p.m. t y e a r ; c ARI a n h e p u t u p t h e k in d o f n u m b e r s i n Pe15t c o 1:05 t h a t p.m. w i l l g e t hLAD im a n o t h e r b ig d e a l? 17 1:05 p.m. CWS

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

COL

7:05 p.m.

SEA

7:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

ARI

7:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

7:05 p.m.

RANGERS

SD ANGELES DODGERS

OAK

CHICAGO WHITE SOX ARI

1:05 p.m.

Worth watching

CIN

REDS 6:05CINCINNATI p.m. CIN

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

COL

7:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

LAD

18 1:05 p.m. percentage worseOAK than .300 (.292). 19 7:05 p.m. CLE Yet the Padres will won games 20 771:05 p.m. and TEXwent 36-31 in the second half of the21 season thanks 1:05 p.m. CHCto a pitching staff that ranked 22 1:05 TEX in second in p.m. the league ERA (3.27).

1:05 p.m.

OAK

The difference

CLEVELAND INDIANS CLE

1:10 p.m.

COL

7:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

LAD

7:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

FUT

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

LAD

RANKINGS

27 1:10 p.m. ARI KIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY SPORTS 30 1:05 p.m. CHC Outfielder Wil Myers comes over to the Padres from Tampa Bay. He is28 expected to join Justin 1:05 p.m. MIL 31San1:05 p.m. COL Upton and Matt Kemp in a revamped Diego outfield. 29

with more than 1,900 innings of mileage on his right arm. That said, it’s the first time in years Padres’ fans can realistically dream of playoff baseball. Shields, Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross are a formidable threesome at the front of the rotation and the offense will be measurably better, even in spacious

PADRES SKED X=402 Y=86

April

Petco Park. If there’s an immediate concern, 1 1:05 p.m. CLE it’s the lack of a proven clos7:15bullpen. p.m. OAK* er 2in the Kevin Quackenbush may get a 3 7:15 p.m. OAK* shot, but he has only six 4 1:05 p.m. OAK** career saves.

Last season

*Games will be played at The Padres were a .500 AT&T Park

team once in 2014 – when **Games be played they werewill 1-1. It wasatall O.co Coliseum downhill from there.

1:05 p.m.

RANKINGS

CWS

30 1:05an p.m. CWSthat Blame offense

was impo31 historically 1:05 p.m. SEA tent. They hit .171 as a team in June; no team had April hit lower than .175 since baseball-reference.com kept of splits in 1 track 1:05 p.m. SF 1914. Their season batting 2 12:05 p.m. .226; CIN the average was next worst in the NL was 3 Finally, 1:05 p.m.theyMILwere .241. the4 only in the 12:05team p.m. MIL league to have an on-base

1:10 p.m.

LAA

24 p.m. SD Start1:05 with the outfield, which is brand new with 25 7:05 p.m. CHC Kemp, Myers and Upton. Even Petco 26 in 1:05 p.m. Park, MIL the three could combine for 7526 homers, whichKC is just 1:05 p.m. 34 fewer than the entire 27 6:05 p.m.had KC Padres team all last season. They’ll have to hit 28 because 1:05 p.m. SF well defense isn’t their strong suit. 29 1:05 p.m. Signing ShieldsSDwas a risk age but 30given 1:05his p.m. LAAif he can stay healthy he’s exactly whatp.m.San CLE Diego 31 1:05 needed. Shields has thrown at least 227 inApril each of the past nings four years and his ERA in 1 1:05 p.m. CWS three of those seasons was under 3.30. Put him in 3 7:05 p.m. COL a pitcher’s park like Petco and he could approach 4 12:10 p.m. COL 20 wins.

April 1

1:05 p.m.

CWS

12:05 p.m.

MIL

2:00 p.m.

MEX*

*Game will be played at Petco Park

Ap 1

*Ga Ala

=36

PAGE 24 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

ROYALS SKED = X=158 086 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

= 156

DENOTES HOME GAME

March TEX

=36

1:05 p.m.

TEX

= 226

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CIN

=36

1:05 p.m.

= 366

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CHC

=36

1:05 p.m.

MIL

= 506

1:05 p.m.

COL

7:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

6:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

6:05 p.m.

SEA

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

TEX

7:05 p.m.

12:05 p.m.

LAD

=36

= 436

=36

= 576

April 1

Readying for a repeat effort after a wild postseason run DENOTES HOME GAME

TEXAS RANGERS

March

1:05 p.m.

= 296

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

SCHEDULE

=36

WHT SOX SKED X=280 Y=86

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

LAD

6 1:05 p.m. SD BOB MCMANAMAN AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

At A Glance

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

SEA

After going on one of 8 most 1:05memorable p.m. OAKpostthe season runs in baseball 9 1:05 p.m. ARI history before falling one game short of winning the 10 1:05 p.m. KC World Series, it’s fair to wonder ifp.m. the Kansas 11 1:05 TEX City Royals were merely a mirage lastp.m. season 12 1:05 SF or if they’re ready to provide 12encore 1:05 p.m. TEX an performance in 2015. 13They 1:10still p.m. possess COL the most dominating bullpen p.m. and LAAretain in14 the1:10 game much of the same young 15 1:05 p.m. LAA core of homegrown talent they wouldARI eventu16 knew 1:10 p.m. ally blossom together all at17once. weren’t 1:05But p.m.theySEA perfect, either, and like 18 1:05 p.m.they’ve CIN expeevery team, rienced their share of ros20 deprivation. 1:05 p.m. CHC ter Gone are free-agent 21 James 1:05 p.m.Shields KC and ace popular designated hitter 22 1:05 p.m. MIL Billy Butler, along with outfielders Raul Ibanez, 23 1:05 p.m. SD Josh Willingham and Nori Aoki 24 and 1:05 right-handed p.m. COL reliever Aaron Crow. manager Ned 25But6:05 p.m. KC Yost likes the modest moves 26 team 1:05 made p.m. during LAD the the offseason, which included 27 additions 1:05 p.m.of right-hanCHC the ders Edinson Volquez and 28 1:05 p.m. outfielder OAK Kris Medlen, Alex Rios and DH Ken29 1:05 p.m. CLE drys Morales. was a CLE 15-game 30Medlen 1:05 p.m. winner with a 3.11 ERA two with the 31 seasons 1:05 p.m.ago LAD Braves and Volquez won 13 games with a 3.04 ERA in 2014 for the Pirates. April Rios is a career .280 hitter who is usually good for 1 1:05 SD and nearly 20p.m. home runs about 80 RBIs a year and 1 1:05 p.m. SEA in the past three seasons, Morales has produced 53 2 12:10 p.m. ARI homers and 195 RBIs.

Ma n a g e r : Ne d Yo s t ( f i f t h y e a r , 318-330) La s t y e a r : 89-73

Worth watching:

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas hit five home runs during the postseason, including this one against the San Francisco Giants in Game 6 of the World Series.

Ke e p a n e y e o n t h i r d b a s e m a n Mi k e Mo u s t a k a s , w h o w e n t f r o m a .212 h i t t e r i n h i s t h ir d f u ll r e g u la r s e a s o n t o a p la y o f f c u lt h e r o w h o b e lt e d f iv e h o m e r u n s d u r in g t h e Ro y a l s ’ w i l d r i d e i n t h e p o s t s e a s o n . On l y 19 p l a y e r s h a v e e v e r f in is h e d w it h m o r e h o m e r s in a s in g le p la y o f f y e a r . Mo u s t a k a s n e e d s t o p a r la y t h a t s u c c e s s in t o a g o o d s t a r t i n 2015 a n d f i n d a lit t le m o r e c o n s is t e n c y ,w h ic h h e ’s c e r t a in ly c a p a b le o f d o i n g . He r e m a i n s a c o r n e r s t o n e o f t h e Ro y a l s ’ i n n e r c o r e a n d t h is c o u ld b e h is b re a k o u t se a so n .

RANKINGS “I tell you what, we’re pretty set,” Yost told reporters at the team’s annual FanFest event. “There won’t be much competition. There won’t be a lot of battles, position-wise. It’s the mark of a good team. You’ll always get a surprise or two in spring, some in a good way and some in a bad way. But we’re pretty set.” What about accounting for the departure of Shields? \ Unless they find a new No.1 starting pitcher, it appears the job will fall to 23-year-old Yordano Ventura, who went 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA last year in his first full season in the majors. “We don’t need someone anointed with a sword or anything,” Yost said. “It

coming back from a second Tommy John surgery. Perhaps another youngster will rise to the top, say Danny Duffy, or maybe it will be Volquez, who enjoyed a nice bounceback season in Pittsburgh. There’s also a chance the Royals will look elsewhere or, at the very least, consider adding a mercenary arm before the trading deadline if they’re in contention once again. Whoever winds up as the lead dog in the starting rotation, Kansas City certainly has strength in numbers. Jason Vargas is an adequate No. 2 man and a quality No. 3, Jeremy Guthrie is a reliable middle-of-the-rotation type and youngster Brandon Finnegan will be out to prove he’s worthy of a shot as well.

CINCINNATI REDS

CLEVELAND INDIANS PETER G. AIKEN/USA TODAY SPORTS

will work itself out.”

Last season The Royals went 89-73 to finish second in the American League Central. It marked their most RANKINGS victories since they won 92 games in 1989 and they got there in 2014 thanks to steady pitching, an outstanding group of relievers, and consistent timely hitting in the clutch. They used that formula to near perfection in the playoffs, where they swept their way to the World Series against the Giants, winning four games in extra innings along the way. They were 90 feet away from tying the decisive seventh game when Alex Gordon hit a two-error triple, but Salvador Perez popped a ball foul and Pablo Sando-

val caught it to end the game and preserve the Giants’ third World Series title in five seasons. “It was an incredible ride. It really was,” first baseman Eric Hosmer told the MLB Network recently. “It was an exciting World Series. Obviously, the outcome didn’t come out the way we wanted it to, but it was a great ride. “There’s a lot of excitement heading into this season and I think everyone’s really ready to go.”

The difference Somebody is going to have to step up and replace the steady 200 innings Shields provided last season and although Ventura is an option, he is not the only option. Medlen is an intriguing candidate, although he’s

=36

GIANTS SKED X=36 Y=86

= 156

=36

= 226

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

=36

= 506

DINING GUIDE Ma c a y o ’s Me x i c a n Ki t c h e n Th i s Va l l e y Te x -Me x j o i n t s e r v e s s u c h f a v o r it e s a s f a jit a s ,e n c h ila d a s ,t a c o s , b u r r it o s ,c h im ic h a n g a s , q u e s a d illa s a n d c o m b in a t i o n p l a t e s . On w e e k d a y s , i t o f f e r s $ 6.99 l u n c h s p e c i a l s f r o m 11a .m . t o 3:30p .m . a n d h a p p y -h o u r s p e c i a l s a r e d a i l y f r o m 3:30 t o 6:30 p .m . De t a i l s : 15565 W. Be l l Ro a d , Su r p r i s e . 623-2145950, m a c a y o .c o m .

Ba b b o It a l i a n Ea t e r y Th Ba fe a n se

e e x t e n s iv e m e n u a t b b o ( “ Da d d y ” i n It a l i a n ) a t u r e s a r t ic h o k e ,s h r im p d c r a b d i p , r o a s t e d Br u s ls s p r o u t s a n d p a n c e t t a p a s t a a n d c h ic k e n f e t t u c c in e . Ha p p y h o u r r u n s 3:30 t o 6 p .m . o n w e e k d a y s , a n d Bl o o d Ma r y c o c k t a i l s a n d m im o s a s a r e $ 6a ll d a y o n Su n d a y s . De t a i l s : 15609 W. Be l l Ro a d , Su r p r i s e . 623-8251919, b a b b o i t a l i a n .c o m .

=36

Saigon Kitchen

= 576

Th i s r e s t a u r a n t s e r v e s Vi e t n a m e s e s t a p le s in c lu d in g p h o ,b a n h m i,s p r in g r o lls a n d c o m d ia (r ic e p la t e s ). Th e m e n u a l s o h a s s p e c i a l t y d is h e s in c lu d in g s o y g a r lic Co r n i s h h e n a n d s i z z l i n g s a lm o n . De t a i l s : 14071 W. Be l l Ro a d , Su r p r i s e . 623-5446400, s a i g o n k i t c h e n a z .c o m .

Irish Wolfhound Ir i s h f a r e , f r i e n d l y s t a f f a n d a h u g e b e e r s e le c t io n a r e a ll o f f e r e d a t t h e Ir i s h Wo l f h o u n d Re s t a u r a n t a n d Pu b . Th e m e n u f e a t u r e s e v e r y t h i n g f r o m Gu i n n e s s -b a t t e r e d f is h a n d c h ip s a n d t r a d i t i o n a l Ir i s h b r e a k f a s t t o Ir i s h Ja c k e t e d p o t a t o n a c h o s a n d t h e Ir i s h Wo l f h o u n d b u r g e r. De t a i l s : 16811 N. Li t c h f i e l d Ro a d , Su r p r i s e . 623-2141004, i r i s h w o l f h o u n d p u b .c o m .

INDIANS SKED MARINRS SKED X=158 TEXASX=280 RANGERS Y=86 Y=86

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 25

PADRES SKED X=402 Y=86

Hoping to recover from an injury-riddled season SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CHC

BOB 6 MCMANAMAN 1:05 p.m. TEX AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

1:05 p.m.

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

a team 8When 1:05 p.m. places ARI 21 players on the disabled p.m. ARIuse a list8 and1:10 is forced to major league-record 9 1:05 p.m. LAD 64 players in a single season 1:05 p.m. SD — 10 including 39 different 11 1:05 pitchers — p.m. the finalMIL result is easy to predict. 12 1:05 p.m. CWS You’re just not going to p.m. TEXTexbe13 very1:05 good. And the as 14 Rangers weren’t good 1:05 p.m. OAK at all in 2014, finishing 677:10 p.m. 9514 for their worst ARI record in 15 some3:05 30 p.m. years. ARI Things got so bad that 16 1:05 p.m. manager CIN even their walked away 17 1:05 p.m. from ARI the team with 22 games left to 19 1:05 p.m. MIL play. Ron Washington re20 6:05 p.m. CIN signed to address marital issues. 21 1:10 p.m. LAA The whole year was a 22 1:05 p.m. LAA is a mess and to think, this franchise that had strung 22 1:05 p.m. KC together four consecutive 23 1:05 seasons ofp.m. 90 orKCmore wins, 24 including 7:05 p.m. back-toCLE back World Series appear25 1:10 p.m. COL ances in 2010 and 2011. 26 7:05 p.m.at the OAKlow“Certainly est27point of the summer, 7:05 p.m. LAD when the writing was on 28 1:05 p.m. FUT out the wall and we were of 28it, it was disappoint1:05 p.m. SEA ing,” General Manager 29 1:05 p.m. LAD Jon Daniels told reporters recently. 30 1:05“And p.m. I think, CHC at times, we were embar31 1:05 COL exrassed. Wep.m. have high pectations. We expect to win every year. We’ve April created that expectation, created that atmosphere, 1 1:05 p.m. CLE the culture.” 2Daniels 7:15 p.m. OAK* declined to do much tinkering with 3 7:15 p.m. OAK*the roster this offseason, bet4 the 1:05 p.m. he OAK** ting team put together last season is talented enough to contend *Games will be played at for the American League AT&T Park West title if the Rangers **Games be played at simply getwill healthy again. O.co Coliseum First baseman Prince

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

LOS ANGELES DODGERS March

RANGERS SKED X=524 Y=86

RE X= Y=

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m. At6A Glance

CWS

1:05 p.m.

ARI

Ma 7n a g e 1:05 r : Ti p.m. m Bo g a r SF (se c o n d y e a 8r , 14-8) 1:05 p.m. COL La s t y e a r : 67-95 9 1:05 p.m. CHC

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CHC

10 1:05 p.m. SF As i m p o r t a n t a s i t w i l l b e t o m o 11 n i t o r 1:05 t h e h p.m. e a l t h o f KC se v e ra l k e y r e t u r n in g p la y e r s ,t h e Ra n 12 g e r s 1:05 w i l l hp.m. a v e a w LAD id e o p e 13 n c o m 1:10 p e t p.m. i t i o n f o r LAA th e s t a r t in g le f t f ie ld e r ’s jo b . Th e 14 r e a r 1:05 e l i t e p.m. r a l l y a s m TEX a n y a s 10 c a n d i d a t e s r e a d y t o f i g h t f o r 15 i t i n s 1:05 p r i n p.m. g t r a i n i n CLE g ,w it h p l a y e r s s u c h a s Ry a n Ru a , Mi c 16 h a e l 1:05 Ch o i p.m. c e , Mi t c h CHC Mo r e l a n d , Ry a n Lu d w i c k , Ky l e Bl a 17 n k s , Sm1:05 o l i p.m. n s k i a n d MIL la t e a d d i t i o n Na t e Sc h i e r h o l t z 17 1:05 p.m. OAK l e a d i n g t h e w a y . Ru a , t h e Ra n 18 g e r s ’ 1:10 f o r m p.m. e r f i r s t -rCOL o u n d d r a f t p ic k ,m ig h t h a v e t h e i n s 20 i d e t r a7:05 c k a p.m. t t h e s t a rKC t b u t h e ’ll n e e d a s t r o n g s p r in g a f t 21 e r b a t 1:05 t i n g p.m. j u s t .182ARI in a l i m i t e d r o l e f o r Te x a s l a s t s e a 22 s o n a 1:05 s a r o p.m. o k i e . CHC

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

SEA

7:05 p.m.

LAD*

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

SEA

6:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

LAA

7:05 p.m.

CIN

6:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CHC

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

ARI

7 8

9 CINCINNATI REDS 10 11 12

1:05 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 1:10 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 1:05 p.m.

CWS CIN CLE COL COL OAK

1:05 p.m. MIL CLEVELAND13INDIANS 13 1:05 p.m. CHC 14 1:10 p.m. ARI BRAD PENNER/USA TODAY SPORTS 14 1:05 p.m. LAD When healthy, Texas Rangers starting Yu Darvish is 15 pitcher 1:05 p.m. LAD among business. He is on track to start the 15 the 1:05best p.m.in theSD 17 1:05 p.m. CWS season opener for Texas. 16 1:05 p.m. KC RANKINGS 18 1:05 p.m. OAK 17 1:05 p.m. CIN Fielder said he’s back to surgery. 19 7:05 p.m. CLE 10019percent after playing 7:05 p.m. SEA Last season in just 42 games and then 20 1:05 p.m. TEX Seven players missed missing the of the 20 7:05 p.m.rest LAA or more season with a herniated 10021 games 1:05 p.m. CHC be21 in1:05 COL re- cause of injuries that led disk hisp.m. neck that 22 collapse, 1:05 p.m. butTEX the at least quired surgery. Likewise, toRANKINGS 22 1:05 p.m. LAD the Rangers went 13-3 ace pitcher Yu Darvish 23 1:10 p.m. LAA supposedly is on track 23 1:05 p.m. OAK to down the stretch to avoid

the start the season opener 24 after7:05 being p.m. shut SF down prematurely last season 25 to 1:10 p.m. inflammaLAA due elbow tion. 26 1:05 p.m. Shin-Soo CIN Outfielder Choo dealt with season27 1:10 p.m. ARI long pain in his ankle and elbow and,p.m.considering 28 1:05 MIL the 32-year-old still has 1:05left p.m.on his CWSconsix29years tract, the Rangers are 30 1:05 their p.m. CWS keeping fingers crossed he can 31 1:05 p.m. SEAstay healthy. As for pitchers Martin Perez and Matt April Harrison, they’ll have to wait a little while longer. Perez underwent Tommy 1 1:05 p.m. SF John surgery last May 2 won’t 12:05be p.m. CINuntil and ready midseason and Harrison’s 3 1:05 p.m. MIL future is uncertain as he tries to make his way 4 12:05 p.m. MILback from radical spinal-fusion

a 100-loss season. 24 1:05 p.m. Although it wasSDa bad year all around, 2014 25 7:05 p.m. CHC wasn’t without its bright spots. base26 Veteran 1:05 p.m. third MIL man Adrian Beltre hit .324 with home as the 26 191:05 p.m.runsKC mainstay in the middle of 6:05 p.m. the27lineup and heKCadded more credentials to his 28 1:05future p.m. SF possible Hall of Fame election. When 29 1:05 p.m. healthy, Darvish SDagain showed why he isLAA one of 30 1:05 p.m. baseball’s elite pitchers. And young 31 several 1:05 p.m. CLEplayers, including Jake Smolinski, Daniel Robertson, April Odor and Nick Rougned Martinez, showed some 1 1:05 p.m. CWS promise. 3 difference 7:05 p.m. COL The

Rangers 4The 12:10 p.m. were COL relatively quiet this offsea-

Worth watching:

1:05 p.m.

CWS

son, move 24 but 1:05one p.m.boldSEA they made was acquiring right-hander Yovani 25 1:05 p.m. LADGallardo along with $4 mil26 from 1:10the p.m.Brewers ARI in lion exchange for three 27 7:05 in p.m.a deal COLthat prospects should strengthen 28 1:05 p.m. TEXtheir thin depth behind Darvish in 29 the starting 1:05 p.m.rotation. SEA Gallardo, who went to high in FortCIN Worth, 30 school 1:05 p.m. Texas, has always wanted p.m. KC to 31 pitch7:05 for the Rangers and he’s got decent credentials, April having averaged nearly 200 innings, 200 strikeouts and 13 CWS wins a 1 1:05 p.m. season over the past six years 2 with 12:05Milwaukee. p.m. MIL “I was pretty excited 4 I2:00 MEX* when got p.m. the phone call saying I was traded to *Game will be played at reTexas,” Gallardo told Petco Park porters.

April 1

7 8 9 9

Ap 1:10 p.m.

COL

*Game will be played at Alamodome

1 2

=36

PAGE 26 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

DODGERS SKED = X=646 226 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

=36

= 506

=36

= 576

DENOTES HOME GAME

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Seeking another NL West crown but shooting for a bigger priz e CHICAGO WHITE SOX

March 4

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

TEX*

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

TEX*

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CWS

7:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CWS

April 1

12:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

LAA**

7:05 p.m.

LAA**

6:10 p.m.

LAA^

*Game will be played at Alamodome **Games will be played at Angel Stadium ^Game will be played at Dodger Stadium

NICK PIECORO AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

Andrew Friedman built winners in Tampa Bay on shoestring budgets. This year, we’ll begin to see how he does when he actually has some payroll to flex. After leaving the Rays to become the Dodgers’ general manager in October, Friedman went to work assembling a far different team from the one that brought home National League West titles the past two seasons. This year’s roster seems less reliant on stars but more versatile, less capable of launching homers but more adept at manufacturing runs – and saving them in the field, too. According to a Yahoo Sports report, the Dodgers have an estimated payroll of $262.6 million, which blows past last year’s record high of more than $230 million. However, the Dodgers are actually paying less than last year for players on their roster; they kicked in money to trade outfielder Matt Kemp and starter Dan Haren and swallowed even more when releasing reliever Brian Wilson.

Last season The Dodgers won 94 games, finishing six games up on the secondplace Giants in the division. They got another incredible season from lefthander Clayton Kershaw, who won both the NL Cy Young Award and MVP while anchoring the

At a glance

CINCINNATI REDS

Ma n a g e r : Do n Ma t t i n g l y . La s t s e a s o n : 94-68

Worth watching Wi t h Ma t t Ke m p a n d Ha n l e y Ra m i r e z g o n e , t h e r e w i l l b e m o r e p r e s s u r e o n Ya s i e l Pu i g t o c a r r y t h e lo a d o f f e n s iv e ly . Su r e , h e ’ s h a d m o r e t h a n h i s s h a r e o f b a s e r u n n in g b lu n d e r s a n d c o s t ly d e f e n s iv e m is c u e s ,b u t h e ’s b e g a n h is c a r e e r w it h t w o in c r e d ib le s e a s o n s a t t h e p l a t e . Th e Do d g e r s w i l l n e e d m o r e o f t h e s a m e t h is y e a r.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

RANKINGS

MATT MARTON/USA TODAY SPORTS

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is coming off a marvelous season in which he won the NL Cy Young Award and the Most Valuable Player honor.

league’s second-best rotation. Their offense scored 718 runs, second only to the Rockies. But for the second year in a row the Dodgers were ousted from the playoffs by the St. Louis Cardinals, who beat them in four games in the division se-

ries.

The difference The Dodgers will try to win in different ways this season. With All-Star hitters Hanley Ramirez (signed with Red Sox) and Kemp (traded to Padres) gone, the Dodgers will

look to replace their production in various ways. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, acquired in a trade with the Phillies, is still a solid hitter and should be a significant upgrade defensively over Ramirez. The Dodgers are counting on rookie Joc Pederson to

be a similar defensive improvement in center field over Kemp and are hoping his minor league numbers – 55 homers the past two seasons – are an indication of what’s to come. They’re also hoping for more offense at both second base, where Howie Kendrick replaces Dee Gordon, and catcher, with Yasmani Grandal moving into the frontline role in place of A.J. Ellis, who is now the backup. With an already strong rotation, the Dodgers could afford to gamble on health risks with legitimate upside, making their signings of right-hander Brandon McCarthy (four years, $48 million) and left-hander Brett Anderson (one year, $10 million) logical, if costly, acquisitions. Though the bullpen was an area of concern last season, the Dodgers are hoping Joel Peralta, Chris Hatcher and Juan Nicasio can help Kenley Jansen, J.P. Howell and Brandon League.

=36

ROCKIES SKED X=36 SOX CHICAGO WHITE Y=86

= 296

=36

= 366

=36

= 436

=36

= 506

=36

= 576

DINING GUIDE Yard House Th i s Lo n g Be a c h , Ca l i f ., f r a n c h i s e t a k e s d r i n k -m e n u v a r i e t y s e r i o u s l y . Ne a r Ca m e l b a c k Ra n c h Gl e n d a l e i n t h e We s t g a t e En t e r t a i n m e n t Di s t r i c t , Ya r d Ho u s e o f f e r s m o r e t h a n 125 b e e r s o n t a p . Or d e r o n e o f t h e s p e c ia lt y b u r g e r s ,s u c h a s t h e Ha w a i i a n b u r g e r w i t h c h o p p e d p in e a p p le ,p e p p e r ja c k a n d g a r lic a io li a n d f r ie s . De t a i l s : We s t g a t e En t e r t a i n m e n t Di s t r i c t , Lo o p 101 a n d Gl e n d a l e Av e n u e , Gl e n d a l e . 623-872-3900, y a r d h o u s e .c o m .

Grimaldi’s Piz z eria Th i s i s a g r e a t p l a c e t o b r i n g t h e f a m ily ,ju s t a f e w m ile s n o r t h o f Ca m e l b a c k Ra n c h . Sp l i t a n 18-i n c h b r i c k -o v e n p iz z a w it h y o u r g r o u p ,a n d c h o o s e f r o m t o p p in g s in c lu d in g r o a s t e d r e d p e p p e r s a n d It a l i a n s a u s a g e . De t a i l s : 9788 W. No r t h e r n Av e ., Pe o r i a . 623-486-4455, g r i m a l d i s p i z z e r i a .c o m .

McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon Th i s p u b b r i n g s a b i t o f t h e Em e r a l d Is l e t o We s t g a t e , o f f e r i n g Ir i s h -Am e r i c a n f a r e a n d a f u ll b a r. De t a i l s : We s t g a t e En t e r t a i n m e n t Di s t r i c t , Lo o p 101 a n d Gl e n d a l e Av e n u e , Gl e n d a l e . 623-872-0022, m c f a d d e n s g l e n d a l e .c o m .

Shout House Ke e p t h e r o w d i n e s s o f t h e g a m e a liv e a t t h is d u e lin g p i a n o s b a r a t We s t g a t e . On e o f t h e b i g g e s t d r a w s i s t h e 32-o u n c e Bi g As s Be e r Cu p , w h i c h c a n b e f i l l e d w i t h Bu d w e i s e r , Bu d Li g h t , Co o r s Li g h t o r Mi c h e l o b Ul t r a . De t a i l s : We s t g a t e En t e r t a i n m e n t Di s t r i c t , Lo o p 101 a n d Gl e n d a l e Av e n u e , Gl e n d a l e . 623-772-1500, t h e s h o u t h o u s e .c o m /a z .

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 27

ROYALS SKED X=158 Y=86

Going all in for chance to add a championship SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

CINCINNATI REDS March

BOB MCMANAMAN,

This should be an interesting year for Chicagoans – and maybe even one for the ages. Both of their baseball teams had incredibly busy offseasons and made several bold moves in an attempt to construct a championship club. The White Sox have to like their chances after General Manager Rick Hahn made eight significant changes to bolster a team that finished with just 73 wins a year ago. Hahn added a frontline right-hander to the starting rotation in Jeff Samardzija, brought in closer David Robertson, and made the bullpen almost Royals-like by adding talented lefties in Zach Duke and Dan Jennings. But he didn't stop there. He signed Adam LaRoche, a left-handed cleanup hitter, to protect slugging first baseman Jose Abreu, the American League's Rookie of the Year, and added outfielder Melky Cabrera. Those improvements, along with others and an existing cast that includes quality starting pitchers such as Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, a young sparkplug center fielder in Adam Eaton plus a potential breakout candidate in outfielder Avisail Garcia seem to make these White Sox a playoffready team. "I don't want to sit here and read the future. I'm no Miss Cleo," Sale told MLB.com recently. "But

RANKINGS

March

The White Sox made a 10-win improvement over the previous season, but that only netted them a fourth-place finish in the American League Central in 2014. Clearly, the expectations are much higher now, where only a playoff appearance will be acceptable. Losing Garcia to a shoulder injury in the ninth game of the season ruined the sock the White Sox expected in the heart

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

ARI

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:10 p.m.

LAA

At6a glance 1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:10 p.m.

CIN

Ma 7n a g e 1:05 r : Ro p.m. b i n Ve n CIN tu ra ( f o u r t h y e a r , 221-265) La s 8t y e a 1:10 r : 73-89 p.m. LAA

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

LAD

Worth watching 9 1:05 p.m. MIL

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

COL

6:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

SEA

12:10 p.m.

ARI

DURR/USA TODAY SPORTS 15JON1:10 p.m. KC Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu enjoyed a terrific rookie season, leading the league with .581 slugging 17 a 1:10 p.m. LAA percentage and socking 36 home runs. 18 1:10 p.m. SD

Last season

DENOTES HOME GAME

1:10 p.m.

RANKINGS

Rick has put us in the position to do that. That's what all this is about, is winning a championship." Entering his eighth season with the Sox, shortstop Alexei Ramirez is just as excited about this year's group and if it is to become a World Series champion – something the franchise has experienced only once since 1917 – he wants to be a leader to help see that it gets done.

SCHEDULE

CLEVELAND INDIANS

AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

WHT SOX SKED X=280 Y=86

7:10 p.m. ARI had of 18 the order as Abreu to 19 carry much of the of1:05 p.m. KC fensive burden alone. He did20it, leading with 1:10 p.m.the AL OAK a .581 slugging percent21 finishing 1:10 p.m.second LADwith age, a .964 OPS and 323 total 21 and 1:05 ranking p.m. CLE bases fourth with 36 home runs to win 22 1:10 p.m. ARI Rookie of the Year honors. Eaton 23 1:10was p.m. more MILthan just a pleasant surprise, 24batting 1:05 p.m. CWSfirst too, .300 in his season with the team and 25 1:10 p.m. SF for ending up as a finalist a Gold Glove. His .347 bat26 6:05 p.m. TEX ting average during the second halfp.m. of theSD season 27 7:05 was third-best in the 28 1:05 p.m.onlyCHC league behind Abreu (.350) and AL batting 29 1:10 p.m. champion Jose ARI Altuve (.349) of the Astros. 30 1:05 p.m. OAK

The difference 31

1:05 p.m.

Hahn was able to rebuild the White Sox a little atApril a time each of the past two seasons to put them in 1 position 1:10 p.m. TEX this to challenge for a championship. He 3 7:05 p.m. SEA the delivered. Now it's players' turn. 4 12:10 p.m. SEA The impact players are

Jo s 10 e Ab r 1:05 e u w p.m. a s m a g n CWS if ic e n t in h is f ir s t s e a s o n in t h e m a j o r 11 s u p o n1:05 d e f p.m. e c t i n g f r CIN o m Cu b a a n d a l l e y e s w i l l b e o n h i m 11t o s e 1:05 e i f p.m. h e c a n a v SD o id t h e d r e a d e d s o p h o m o r e s lu m p . He 12 ' s s u c h 1:05 a s t p.m. u d e n t o f CLE th e g a m e ,p a r t ic u la r ly w h e n it c o m 13e s t o 1:05 h i t t p.m. i n g , t h a t OAK th o se c o n c e r n s a r e p r o b a b ly f a r f e t 14 c h e d .1:05 Bu t p.m. a f t e r t h e LAA ty p e o f r o o k i e s e a s o n h e h a d i n 2014 – b 15 a t t i n g 1:10 .317p.m. w i t h 36COL h o m e rs a n d 107 RBIs – t h e r e c o u l d b e a d 16 a n g e r1:05 i n h p.m. i m t r y i n g CLE to d o t o o m u c h t h is y e a r s in c e h e 's a l r e 17 a d y e 1:05 s t a b p.m. l i s h e d a CHC b a r o f e x c e l l e n c e . Ha v i n g Ad a m Ea t 18 o n and Mep.m. l k y Ca b rMIL e ra 1:05 h it t in g in f r o n t o f h im s h o u ld l e a 19 d t o m 1:05 o r e p.m. RBI o p p o COL r t u n it i e s . Ha v i n g La Ro c h e h i t t i n g b e h 20 i n d h 7:05 i m w p.m. i l l m a k e SD p it c h e r s t h in k t w ic e u s in g t h e i n t 21 e n t i o n 1:05 a l w p.m. a l k o r p i CWS t c h in g a r o u n d h i m . Ab r e u c o u l d b e a n 22 MVP 1:05 c a n d p.m. i d a t e i f h SF e sta y s h e a l t h y . To s e t t h e t o n e , h e n e e 23 d s t o 1:05 a v o ip.m. d a n y m aSFj o r s lu m p s o r d is t r a c t io n s d u r in g s p r 25 i n g t r 6:05 a i n i n p.m. g . CWS 26

1:05 p.m.

SEA

there – from Abreu to Samardzija top.m. Robertson. 27 6:05 SEA The White Sox got more 28 athletic 1:10 p.m.overall, ARI are a deeper team, defensively,29 and 1:05 theyp.m. are versatile CHC enough now to feature a left-handed or right-hand30 1:05 p.m. TEX ed hitting lineup on any given 31 day. 7:05 p.m. SD The added bullpen depth turns a weakness April into a real strength. No longer do the White Sox have revolving 1 a 12:05 p.m. door LAD at closer.

April

=36

PAGE 28 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

REDS SKED = X=646 366 Y=86 SCHEDULE

=36

= 436

DENOTES HOME GAME

CINCINNATI REDS

Looking for winning formula in Year 2 under skipper Price CLEVELAND INDIANS

March 3

1:05 p.m.

CLE

=36

1:05 p.m.

CLE

= 506

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

=36

1:05 p.m.

SEA

= 576

1:05 p.m.

LAA

1:10 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

ARI

7:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

CLE

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

TEX

6:05 p.m.

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

OAK

6:05 p.m.

TEX

7:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

CLE

7:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CHC

12:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

ARI

12:05 p.m.

CLE

April

At a glance

ZACH BUCHANAN AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

RANKINGS

The Cincinnati Reds had been on a pretty good run the final four years under former manager Dusty Baker. That stretch included three playoff berths and two division titles, although Cincinnati could never make the National League Championship Series. Baker was fired after a 90-win season, and the Reds took a step back under new manager Bryan Price. Cincinnati certainly hopes that’s just an aberration and that the winning ways will continue; much of the core of those previous teams remains in place. But then why did the Reds ship off two members of their starting rotation in offseason trades, netting younger players who may or may not be big-league ready? Acquiring left fielder Marlon Byrd and reliever Burke Badenhop makes sense as upgrades, but what the Reds have done with the left hand doesn’t seem to coordinate with what their right hand is up to.

Ma n a g e r : Br y a n Pr i c e ( s e c o n d y e a r , 76-86) La s t y e a r : 76-86

Worth watching Th e r e a r e p l e n t y o b a llin g r e lie v e r s in t h e s e d a y s ,b u t n o l i k e Re d s c l o s e r Ar m a n . He r a n i t a b o m p h la s t y e a r,a n d b e e le c t r ic t o w a t c f a c in g s p r in g t r a in

RANKINGS

Last season The Reds finished 7686 last year, but were in the thick of the division race as late as the All-Star break. On July 13, Cincinnati sat at 51-44 and 11⁄2 games back of first in the NL Central. But a dismal second half saw the Reds go 25-42 and drop to fourth in the division, ahead of only the not-really-trying Chicago Cubs. A big reason for Cincinnati’s backslide was All-Star first baseman

JOY R. ABSALON/USA TODAY SPORTS

Bryan Price led the Reds to a 76-86 season last year, but Cincinnati is hoping better health will lead to better results in 2015.

Joey Votto missing 100 games. A quad strain sidelined Votto for the last three months of the season, and when he was playing he was hardly himself. His .799 OPS was the worst of his career, and he posted an on-base percentage under .400 for

the first time since 2008. His slugging percentage was more than 100 points below his career mark. The Reds also got an abbreviated season from starting pitcher Homer Bailey, who hit the shelf in August after signing a sixyear, $105 million exten-

sion before the season. His healthy results were also poor – Bailey needed his final two pre-injury starts to get his ERA under 4.00.

The difference Certainly, having those two healthy and perform-

f f ir e b a s e b a ll n e q u it e o l d i s Ch a p v e 105 h e s h o u ld h e v e n in g h it t e r s .

ing up to their normal standards will help the Reds compete. Right fielder Jay Bruce is a good bet to bounce back from a down year, and the addition of Byrd – career .760 OPS – should boost the offense. But the Reds also curiously jettisoned two starters from a rotation that was pretty deep one through five. Mat Latos – 3.25 ERA in an injury-abbreviated season – was sent to the Miami Marlins for two players, including pitching prospect Anthony DeSclafani. The same day, Alfredo Simon – 3.44 ERA – was sent to Detroit for an infielder and minor-league pitcher. Adding Byrd was a win-now move, while trading Latos and Simon were win-later maneuvers. The Reds rotation is still strong at the top with Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake and Bailey, but the first two are in the final years of their deals. The Reds’ window may close in 2016, so how the 2015 rotation performs will be key to how much Cincinnati takes advantage.

=36

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 PAGE 29

= 436

=36

= 506

=36

= 576

CLEVELAND INDIANS DINING GUIDE Augie’s Sports Grill Da i l y h a p p y h o u r r u n s f r o m 3 t o 7 p .m . w i t h s p e c i a l s s u c h a s $ 2.50 d o m e s t i c d r a f t s , $ 3.50 i m p o r t e d d r a f t s ,$ 3g la s s e s o f w in e ,$ 1 o f f w e ll d r in k s a n d s e le c t d i s c o u n t e d a p p e t i z e r s . Th e m e n u fe a tu re s b u rg e rs, s a n d w ic h e s ,p iz z a ,s a la d s a n d d e sse rts. De t a i l s : 15605 W. Ro o s e v e l t St ., Go o d y e a r . 623-9320001, a u g i e s s p o r t s g r i l l .c o m .

Majerle’s Sports Grill Ow n e d b y f o r m e r Ph o e n i x Su n s p l a y e r Da n Ma j e r l e , t h is r e s t a u r a n t is ju s t a f e w m i l e s f r o m t h e b a l l p a r k . Th e m e n u f e a t u r e s t r ib u t e s t o t h e Ph o e n i x Su n s , s u c h a s Al Mc Co y ’ s Ha l l o f Fa m e Ta c o Sa l a d , Si r Ch a r l e s Ch i c k e n Sa n d w i c h a n d Ch a n n i n g Fr i e s . Ma k e s u r e t o a s k t h e b a rte n d e r a b o u t b e e r sp e c ia ls ,a n d t h e r e ’s a n e x t e n s iv e c o c k t a il lis t . De t a i l s : 13375 W. Mc Do w e l l Ro a d , Go o d y e a r . 623207-6999, m a j e r l e s .c o m .

Taste of Italy Ba s e b a l l f a n s w i l l f e e l a t h o m e a t t h i s l a i d -b a c k e a t e r y . Th e f a m i l y -o w n e d s p o t is c o n v e n ie n t b e f o r e o r a f t e r t h e g a m e ,s e r v in g s u b m a r in e s a n d w ic h e s , c a lz o n e s ,p a s t a ,p iz z a s a n d c h ic k e n w in g s . De t a i l s : 3810 S. Es t r e l l a Pa r k w a y , Go o d y e a r . 623932-2272, t a s t e o f i t a l y g o o d y e a r .c o m .

The Wigwam He a d t o t h i s r e s o r t a n d e n jo y t h e w e a t h e r a t t h e Wi g w a m Ba r , a n i n d o o r / o u t d o o r d in in g s p a c e ,o r g ra b a b u rg e r a n d b e e r a t Re d ’ s Ba r a n d Gr i l l . De t a i l s : 300 E. Wi g w a m Bl v d ., Li t c h f i e l d Pa r k . 623935-3811, w i g w a m r e s o r t .c o m .

GIANTS SKED X=36 Y=86

Betting on core group of players to get it done SCHEDULE

INDIANS SKED X=158 Y=86

M X= Y=

SCHEDULE

DENOTES HOME GAME

RANKINGS

ZACH BUCHANAN

RANKINGS

AZ CENTRAL SPORTS

The Cleveland Indians are banking on the notion that their 2014 positives will carry over to this season and that last year’s negatives will turn themselves around. After a quiet offseason, the Indians are hoping their core comes together to perform much like it did in 2013, when Cleveland won 92 games and claimed a wild-card berth. There is some reason for such optimism. The Indians boast the reigning American League Cy Young winner, Corey Kluber. Several players who had down years such as second baseman Jason Kipnis and starter Danny Salazar are good bets to rebound. The team also made some low-key additions that could pay dividends. But the AL Central is tough. The Detroit Tigers, defending division champs, continue to spend money like it’s going out of style. The Kansas City Royals eclipsed the Indians as the division’s long-suffering small-market team to find postseason success, losing in the World Series to the San Francisco Giants. And the Chicago White Sox did a truckload of upgrading this winter. Low-key additions and improvement from some key players may not be enough to push Cleveland over the top.

Last season The Indians missed the playoffs last year, but the 2014 season wasn’t a total

March

TIM FULLER/USA TODAY SPORTS

Cleveland starting pitcher Corey Kluber, last year’s American League Cy Young winner, is one of a core group of returning players that the Indians will rely on to produce.

At a glance Ma n a g e r : Te r r y Fr a n c o n a ( t h i r d y e a r , 177-147) La s t s e a s o n : 85-77

W o r t h w a t c h in g Ba c k s e a t GMs c a n c h e c k o u t f o r m e r Di a m o n d b a c k s d r a f t p i c k Tr e v o r Ba u e r , w h o c l o s e d t h e s e a s o n w i t h a 3.54 ERA o v e r s e v e n s t a r t s . Wa s t h e t r a d e t h a t s e n t h im a w a y – m a d e u n d e r p r e v io u s le a d e r s h ip – w o r t h it ?

failure. Cleveland did win 85 games and worked its way into the wild-card discussion late in the year. What hurt the Indians was a horrible start to the season. Cleveland went 11-17 in the first month of the season and never really caught up to the division’s leaders. Finishing 74-60 got them in the hunt,

but it was too little too, too late. There were individual performances to be excited about. Kluber figured it out, pitching 2352⁄3 innings with a 2.44 ERA en route to winning the Cy Young. Advanced statistics suggest he was even a little bit better than those numbers indicate. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall rewarded the team’s patience with him by posting a .770 OPS in his first year as an everyday player, and outfielder Michael Brantley began to look like a Paul Goldschmidttype bargain at four-years and $25 million with a WAR (wins above replacement player, a statistic that measures player value against the average for that position) of 7.0. There were letdowns too, though. Center fielder Michael Bourn con-

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

OAK

1:05 p.m.

CHC

DENOTES HOME GAME

March

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

CIN

tinued to struggle at the 6 1:05 p.m. TEX plate, and DH Nick Swishp.m.worse. SD The er 7was1:05 even negative effects of 8 1:05 p.m. ARItheir contracts – the duo are 8 1:10 p.m. ARIover owed $57.5 million the9 next 1:05two p.m.years, LAD and expensive vesting options 10 1:05 p.m. SD could kick in for 2017 – 11 1:05 p.m. MIL surely affected Cleveland’s 12 modest 1:05 p.m.activity CWSthis offseason.

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

OAK

The difference

1:05 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

CHC

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

CIN

7:05 p.m.

SEA

7:05 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

COL

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1:05 p.m.

OAK

7:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

LAA

1:05 p.m.

CIN

1:10 p.m.

ARI

1:05 p.m.

MIL

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

CWS

1:05 p.m.

SEA

1:05 p.m.

TEX

1:05 p.m.

OAK

If the Indians are writp.m. as ARI ing14off 7:10 Swisher a sunken15cost, then did a 3:05 p.m.theyARI good job of cheaply re16 1:05 CIN too, placing himp.m. – and odd, considering 17 1:05 p.m.Swisher ARI is still around – with Bran19 1:05 p.m. MIL don Moss. Cleveland tradp.m. who, CIN like ed20for6:05 Moss, Swisher can play 21 1:10 p.m. LAADH, right or first, from the 22 1:05 p.m. LAA Oakland Athletics in exchange for Double-A 22 1:05 p.m. KC second baseman Joe Wendle. 23 1:05 p.m. That’s not a highKC cost to pay a player 24for7:05 p.m. who’s CLE hit 76 homers over the past 25 1:10 p.m. COL three seasons, although 26 7:05 OAK maybe A’s p.m. General Manager Billy Beane turns 27 7:05 p.m. LAD Wendle into a perennial 28 1:05 p.m. FUT to All-Star, as he is wont do.28Moss is also signed 1:05 p.m. SEA cheaply at $6.5 million for 29 season 1:05 p.m. LAD one this and has year team 30 of1:05 p.m.control CHC remaining. 31 1:05 p.m.also COL Cleveland signed starting pitcher Gavin Floyd Aprilto an incentive-laden deal. The 32-year-old Floyd has been a bundle of 1 1:05 p.m. CLE injuries the past few 2 7:15 years, but p.m. postedOAK* a 2.65 ERA in nine starts for 3 7:15 p.m. OAK*the Atlanta Braves last year. 4If he1:05 OAK** – canp.m. stay healthy and if the Indians see improvement from young *Games will be played at starters Salazar and TreAT&T Park vor Bauer – the Indians **Gameswill will be at rotation beplayed competiO.co Coliseum tive.

April

1:05 p.m.

12:05 p.m.

CIN

1:05 p.m.

MIL

12:05 p.m.

MIL

=36

PAGE 30 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

= 506

=36

= 576

RANKINGS

From best to worst: ranking the Cactus League teams 1. Los Angeles Dodgers S t r e n g t h s : Pe r h a p s n o t e a m h a d m o re tu rn o v e r th a n th e Do d g e r s , a n d y e t L.A. i s a r g u a b l y b e t t e r f o r i t . Go n e a r e c e n t e r f i e l d e r Ma t t Ke m p a n d m i d d l e i n f i e l d e r s Ha n l e y Ra m i r e z a n d De e Go r d o n , b u t s t e p p in g in f o r t h e m a r e Ji m m y Ro l l i n s ( a c q u i r e d f r o m t h e Ph i l l i e s ) , Ho w i e Ke n d r i c k ( f r o m t h e An g e l s ) a n d t o p p r o s p e c t Jo c Pe d e r s o n . To g e t h e r , Ro l l i n s a n d Ke n d r i c k s h o u ld a p p r o x im a t e t h e lo s t o f f e n s e o f Ra m i r e z a n d Go r d o n w h ile p r o v id in g s t r o n g e r d e f e n s e , a n d w h i l e Pe d e r s o n n e e d s t o p r o v e h im s e lf a t t h e p la t e ,h e ’s m o r e o f a t r u e c e n t e r f i e l d e r t h a n Ke m p . Th e s t a r t in g r o t a t io n is f e a r s o m e , a lt h o u g h f r e e a g e n t s ig n in g s Br a n d o n Mc Ca r t h y a n d Br e t t An d e r s o n a r e i n j u r y r i s k s . W e a k n e s s e s : Wh a t w i l l b e h a r d e r t o r e p la c e is t h e p o w e r Ke m p a n d Ra m i r e z p r o v i d e d f r o m t h e r ig h t s id e o f t h e p l a t e . Th e t w o c o m b i n e d f o r 38 h o m e r u n s , a n d t h e Do d g e r s d o n ’t h a v e p r o v e n s lu g g e r s b e y o n d r ig h t f ie ld e r Ya s i e l Pu i g o n t h a t s i d e n o w . Sw i t c h -h i t t e r s Ro l l i n s a n d n e w c a t c h e r Ya s m a n i Gr a n d a l c o u ld c h ip in ,b u t n e it h e r r e a lly s c r e a m c le a n u p h it t e r. L.A. a l s o d i d n ’ t d o m u c h t o u p g r a d e a b u llp e n t h a t p o s t e d t h e n i n t h -w o r s t r e l i e f ERA ( 3.80) l a s t y e a r . .

2. Los Angeles Angels S t r e n g t h s : On c e a g a i n , t h e An g e l s s h o u l d h a v e a p o w e r f u l o f f e n s e . Lo s An g e l e s l e d t h e m a j o r s w i t h 4.77 r u n s p e r g a m e la s t s e a s o n ,a n d m u c h o f t h e s a m e c o r e w ill b e b a c k f o r 2015. Mi k e Tr o u t w i l l a g a in p u t t o g e t h e r a n o t h e r MVP-c a l i b e r s e a s o n , a n d t h e An g e l s h a v e p l e n t y o f o t h e r p la y e r s w h o c a n p u t t o g e t h e r d o u b l e -d i g i t h o m e r u n s e a s o n s . Th e r o t a t i o n s h o u l d b e g o o d a g a in ,t o o ,d e p e n d in g o n a b o u n c e -b a c k s e a s o n f r o m C.J. Wi l s o n , p o s t -i n j u r y

s u c c e s s f o r Ga r r e t t Ri c h a r d s a n d a b lo s s o m in g o f t r a d e a c q u i s i t i o n An d r e w He a n e y . W e a k n e s s e s : Se c o n d b a s e w e n t fro m a stre n g th to w e a k n e s s f o r t h e An g e l s , w i t h s t a r t e r Ho w i e Ke n d r i c k a n d in t r ig u in g p r o s p e c t Ta y l o r Li n d s e y l e a v i n g v i a t r a d e s . Jo s h Ru t l e d g e , a c q u i r e d f r o m t h e Ro c k i e s , w i l l b e p a s s a b le a t t h e p o s it io n . Lo s An g e l e s a l s o l a c k s a r e l i a b le le f t y o u t o f t h e p e n ,a n d c a n ’t c o u n t o n a b e v y o f r ig h t y r e lie v e r s t h a t h a d u n c h a r a c t e r is t ic a lly s t r o n g y e a r s a g a i n s t l e f t i e s i n 2014.

3. San Francisco Giants S t r e n g t h s : If t h e Gi a n t s o f f e n s e p e r f o r m s a n y t h in g l i k e i t d i d l a s t y e a r , Sa n Fr a n c is c o s h o u ld b e p r e t t y d e e p o n e t h r o u g h e ig h t in t h e l i n e u p . In 2014, t h e Gi a n t s w e r e t h e o n l y NL t e a m t o h a v e it s t o p e ig h t h it t e r s e a c h p o s t a n OPS-p l u s ( OPS a d ju s t e d f o r p a r k f a c t o r s ,w it h 100 b e i n g a v e r a g e ) o v e r 100. Ev e n w i t h t h e l o s s e s o f Pa b l o Sa n d o v a l a n d Mi k e Mo r s e , t h e ir r e p la c e m e n t s – o u t f ie ld e r No r i Ao k i a n d t h i r d b a s e m a n Ca s e y Mc Ge h e e – a r e g o o d b e ts to k e e p th a t stre a k a l i v e . Sa n Fr a n c i s c o a l s o r e t u r n s e v e r y p ie c e f r o m it s b u llp e n ,w h ic h p o s t e d a s t e r l i n g 3.01 ERA l a s t y e a r . W e a k n e s s e s : Ye s , a c e Ma d i s o n Bu m g a r n e r i s a b e a s t a n d d e s e r v e d e v e r y a w a r d g iv e n t o h i m l a s t s e a s o n . Bu t t h e r e s t o f t h e r o t a t io n is a b u n c h o f q u e s t i o n m a r k s . Ma t t Ca i n is c o m in g o f f a n in ju r y a n d h a s n ’t b e e n d o m in a n t f o r t w o y e a r s . Ja k e Pe a v y , d e s p it e s t r o n g r e s u lt s a f t e r a m id s e a s o n t r a d e ,h a s n ’t h a d a s t r o n g f u l l y e a r s i n c e 2012. Ti m Hu d s o n w i l l t u r n 39 t h i s s e a s o n . Th e b e s t No . 4 s t a r t e r o p t i o n , Yu s m e i r o Pe t i t , m a y n o t le a v e t h e b u llp e n .

4. Chicago Cubs S t r e n g t h s : Ch i c a g o g o t

b e t t e r a t a lo t o f p o s it io n s , u p g r a d i n g a t c a t c h e r ( Mi g u e l Mo n t e r o ) a n d c e n t e r f i e l d e r ( De x t e r Fo w l e r ) . Bu t t h e b ig g e s t u p g r a d e s c o m e in t h e r o t a t i o n , w h e r e t h e Cu b s a d d e d Jo n Le s t e r a n d b r o u g h t Ja s o n Ha m m e l b a c k i n t o t h e f o l d . Al o n g w i t h Ja k e Ar r i e t a a n d a c o m b i n a t i o n o f Ky l e He n d r i c k s , Tr a v i s Wo o d a n d Ts u y o s h i Wa d a , Ch i c a g o s h o u ld h a v e a d e a d ly r o t a t i o n . Th e Cu b s a l s o h a v e a l o t o f d e p t h in p o s it io n p la y e r s . W e a k n e s s e s : Th e Cu b s a d d e d p la y e r s t h a t c a n b e c o u n t e d o n ,b u t t h e ir y o u n g n u c le u s s t ill h a s t o p r o v e i t s e l f . Se c o n d b a s e m a n Ja v i e r Ba e z a n d r i g h t f i e l d e r Jo r g e So l e r n e e d t o s h o w w h a t t h e y c a n d o o v e r a f u ll s e a s o n . Th a t d o e s n ’ t e v e n m e n t i o n t h e t a l e n t Ch i c a g o h a s i n t h e p i p e l i n e . Pr o j e c t i o n s a r e r o s y , b u t s o m e o f t h o s e p la y e r s w ill f a il t o m e e t e x p e c t a t io n s .

5. Oakland Athletics S t r e n g t h s : Wi t h a 2.91 ERA i n 2014, Oa k l a n d b o a s t e d t h e t h i r d -b e s t b u l l p e n i n t h e m a j o r s . It s h o u l d b e a s t r e n g t h a g a in ,e v e n w it h c l o s e r Se a n Do o l i t t l e i n j u r e d t o s t a r t t h e y e a r a n d s e t -u p m a n Lu k e Gr e g e r s o n d e f e c t i n g t o Ho u s t o n . In t o t h a t v o i d s t e p s t w o -t i m e Al l -St a r Ty l e r Cl i p p a r d a n d h i s c a r e e r 2.88 ERA, a c q u i r e d f r o m t h e Na t i o n a l s . Th e A’ s s h o u l d a l s o h a v e p le n t y o f d e f e n s iv e f l e x i b i l i t y t h a t GM Bi l l y Be a n e c o v e t s s o m u c h – a d d it io n s Be n Z o b r i s t , Br e t t La w r i e a n d Ma r c u s Se m i e n c a n m o v e a r o u n d t h e d ia m o n d ,a n d f o u r t h o u t f i e l d e r Cr a i g Ge n t r y c a n p la y a ll t h r e e p o s it io n s . W e a k n e s s e s : Wh e r e i s t h e o f f e n s e g o in g t o c o m e f r o m ? Oa k l a n d l o s t m o r e t h a n 100 h o m e r u n s f r o m i t s Op e n i n g Da y r o s t e r l a s t s e a s o n , a n d w h i l e a d d i t i o n s Bi l l y Bu t l e r , Z o b r i s t a n d La w r i e a r e n ’ t s h a b b y o f f e n s iv e p la y e r s , t h e y ’ r e n o t Jo s h Do n a l d s o n , t h e t e a m ’s s t a r t h i r d b a s e m a n

RANKINGS t h e Bl u e Ja

tra d e d to A’ s a l s o h is s u e s o n c o n c e rn s t o p f iv e s

y s . Th e a v e so m e d e p th th e b e n c h a n d so m e p a s t t h e ir p r o je c t e d ta rte rs.

6. Chicago White Sox S t r e n g t h s : Th e Wh i t e So x d id a lo t o f u p g r a d in g t h is o f f s e a s o n ,a n d t h e t o p o f t h e r o t a t io n a n d t h e b u llp e n s h o u l d b e n e f i t . Th e b u l l p e n w a s t h i r d -w o r s t i n t h e m a j o r s la s t y e a r,b u t t h e a d d it io n s o f Z a c h Du k e a n d Da v i d Ro b e r t s o n p o s it io n it t o b e m u c h b e t t e r i n 2015. An d a d d i n g Je f f Sa m a r d z i j a t o t h e t o p o f t h e r o t a t i o n a l o n g w i t h Ch r i s Sa l e a n d Jo s e Qu i n t a n a g i v e s t h e Wh i t e So x a d a n g e r o u s f ir s t t h r e e t h a t c o u ld b e d e a d ly in t h e p la y o f f s . W e a k n e s s e s : Th a t s a i d , t h e b a c k o f t h e r o t a t i o n – He c t o r No e s i a n d Jo h n Da n k s – a r e n ’ t s c a r y a t a l l . An d d e s p it e s e v e r a l o f f e n s iv e u p g r a d e s – h e l l o , Me l k y Ca b r e r a a n d Ad a m La Ro c h e – t o g o w i t h a n i c e n u c l e u s o f Ad a m Ea t o n , Jo s e Ab r e u a n d Al e x i Ra m i r e z , t h e Wh i t e So x o f f e n s e s t ill h a s p le n t y o f h o le s .

7. San Diego Padres S t r e n g t h s : Th e Pa d r e s m a d e a w h ir lw in d o f u p g r a d e s in t h e o f f s e a s o n ,n o n e m o r e o b v io u s t h a n in t h e o u t f ie ld w h e r e t r a d e a c q u is it io n s Ma t t Ke m p , Ju s t i n Up t o n a n d Wi l My e r s w i l l t a k e o v e r . My e r s w i l l n e e d t o p r o v e h e c a n p la y c e n t e r a n d a ls o h a v e a b o u n c e -b a c k y e a r a t t h e p l a t e , b u t Ke m p a n d Up t o n b o t h h a v e a h is t o r y o f o f f e n s i v e s u c c e s s a t p i t c h e r -f r i e n d l y Pe t c o Pa r k . Sp e a k i n g o f t h a t f r i e n d l i n e s s , t h e Pa d r e s s t a f f s h o u ld b e s t r o n g a g a in , f r o n t e d b y r e c e n t a c q u is it io n Ja m e s Sh i e l d s , An d r e w Ca s h n e r , Ia n Ke n n e d y a n d Ty s o n Ro s s . W e a k n e s s e s : As s t r o n g a s t h e o u t f ie ld is ,t h e in f ie ld is p r e t t y w e a k . Sa n Di e g o l a c k s a n im p a c t f u l b a t a t f ir s t b a s e , a n d t h i r d b a s e m a n Wi l l Mi d -

d le b r o o k s a n d s e c o n d b a s e m a n Je d d Gy o r k o r e g r e s s e d i n 2014. Sh o r t s t o p Al e x i Am a r i s t a h a d a n OPS o f .600 la s t y e a r,a n d e v e n if n e w c a t c h e r De r e k No r r i s r e p l a c e s t h e p r o d u c t i o n o f Sa n Di e g o ’ s o u t g o in g c a t c h e r s ,h e w a s h o r r ib le a t t h r o w in g o u t b a s e s t e a le r s la s t y e a r f o r Oa k l a n d .

8. Kansas City Royals S t r e n g t h s : Ev e n w i t h o u t Ja m e s Sh i e l d s , t h e Ro y a l s ’ p it c h in g s t a f f is s t o c k e d w it h p o w e r a r m s . Si x p i t c h e r s – s t a r t e r s Yo r d a n o Ve n t u r a , Da n n y Du f f y a n d Ed i n s o n Vo l q u e z a l o n g w i t h r e l i e v e r s Gr e g Ho l l a n d , Wa d e Da v i s a n d Ke l v i n He r r e r a – c a n r u n i t c l o s e t o o r a b o v e 100 m p h . If r e l i e v e r Lu k e Ho c h e v a r c o m e s b a c k stro n g fro m th e To m m y Jo h n s u r g e r y t h a t c a u s e d h im t o m is s la s t s e a s o n ,h e c o u ld b e a s e v e n t h . Al s o , c e n t e r f i e l d e r Lo r e n z o Ca i n a n d l e f t f i e l d e r Al e x Go r d o n w e r e t h e m o s t i m p a c t f u l d e f e n d e r s in t h e m a jo r s a t t h e ir r e s p e c t iv e p o s it io n s la s t y e a r. W e a k n e s s e s : Ka n s a s Ci t y w a s a n a v e r a g e o f f e n s e la s t y e a r ,a n d it ’s n o t c le a r t h e y g o t b e t t e r . Ou t g o i n g o u t f i e l d e r No r i Ao k i a n d DH Bi l l y Bu t l e r w e r e n ’ t w o r l d b e a t e r s , b u t r e p l a c e m e n t s Al e x Ri o s a n d Ke n d r y s Mo r a l e s b o t h h a d b a d s e a s o n s i n 2014. Th i r d b a s e r e m a i n s a n o f f e n s iv e b la c k h o le ,a n d t h e m id d le in f ie ld s c a r e s n o o n e o f f e n s iv e ly .

9. Seattle Mariners S t r e n g t h s : Oh , t h e w o n d e r s o f p i t c h i n g i n Sa f e c o Fi e l d . Th e Ma r i n e r s s h o u l d a g a i n h a v e a stro n g sta ff to p to b o t t o m ,in c lu d in g a t o p t h r e e o f p e r e n n i a l Cy Yo u n g c a n d i d a t e Fe l i x He r n a n d e z , Hi s a s h i Iw a k u m a a n d Ja m e s Pa x t o n . Th e b u l l p e n r e t u r n s m o s t o f it s c o n t r ib u t o r s ,t h e t o p f o u r o f w h o m a l l p o s t e d ERAs u n d e r 3.00. Th e l o n e o u t l i e r

w a s l e f t y Ch a r l i e Fu r b u s h , a n d ERA p r e d i c t o r s h a d h i m p e g g e d f o r a lo w e r m a r k o v e r t h e lo n g h a u l a n y w a y . Th e o f f e n s e s h o u l d a l s o m a n a g e a fe w m o re ru n s w i t h Se t h Sm i t h a n d Ne l s o n Cr u z i n t h e f o l d , a n d y o u f i g u r e Ro b i n s o n Ca n o c a n m a n a g e m o r e t h a n 14 h o m e ru n s. W e a k n e s s e s : Th e Ma r i n e r s s t ill h a v e o n e o f t h e w e a k e r c a t c h e r s i t u a t i o n s i n t h e AL. St a r t e r Mi k e Z u n i n o i m p r o v e d o f f e n s iv e ly ,b u t n o t b y m u c h ,a n d w a s a d e f e n s e n e g a t iv e a c c o r d in g t o m a n y m e t r i c s . In t o t a l , Se a t t l e ’ s c a t c h e r s p o s t e d t h e t h ir d w o r s t OPS i n t h e AL l a s t s e a s o n . Fi r s t b a s e , w h i l e n o t a d is a s t e r,c a n ’t b e e x p e c t e d t o p r o v id e t h e k in d o f p o w e r n o r m a lly a s s o c ia t e d w it h t h e p o s i t i o n . Lo g a n Mo r r i s o n ’ s c a r e e r h o m e r u n r a t e i s 2.9 p e rc e n t.

10. Cincinnati Reds S t r e n g t h s : Ci n c i n n a t i h a d o n e o f t h e w o r s t o f f e n s e s in t h e m a jo r s la s t y e a r,b u t a lo t o f th a t c a n b e tra c e d to h a v i n g Jo e y Vo t t o f o r o n l y 62 g a m e s . Th e Re d s ’ s c o r i n g w a s m o r e t h a n a h a l f -r u n b e t t e r w i t h Vo t t o i n t h e l i n e u p e v e r y d a y i n 2013, a n d Ci n c y s h o u ld a ls o g e t b e t t e r p r o d u c t i o n o u t o f Ja y Br u c e a n d a b o o s t f r o m Ma r l o n By r d i n 2015. Th e Re d s a l s o h a d b y f a r t h e s t r o n g e s t d e f e n s iv e u n it in b a s e b a ll la s t y e a r,a c c o r d i n g t o Ba s e b a l l Re f e r e n c e ’ s To t a l Z o n e Ra t i n g . W e a k n e s s e s : Th e Re d s r o t a t io n s h o u ld s t ill b e g o o d , b u t it w o n ’t b e a s g o o d a s it w a s l a s t s e a s o n . Wi t h Ma t La t o s a n d Al f r e d o Si m o n d e p a r t i n g v i a t r a d e , Ci n c i n n a t i is w e a k e r b e h in d t o p t h r e e Jo h n n y Cu e t o , Mi k e Le a k e a n d Ho m e r Ba i l e y . Si g n i n g Bu r k e Ba d e n h o p w i l l h e lp w h a t w a s a b a d b u llp e n l a s t y e a r , b u t h e a n d Ar o l d i s

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11. Cleveland Indians S t r e n g t h s : Th e In d i a n s w e r e in t h e t o p t h ir d o f t h e le a g u e in m a n y o f f e n s iv e c a t e g o r ie s la s t s e a s o n ,a n d a lt h o u g h t h e o f f s e a s o n h a s b e e n q u ie t t h e o f f e n s e s h o u ld o n ly g e t b e t t e r w it h t h e a d d it io n o f Br a n d o n Mo s s . Mo s s h a s h i t 76 h o m e r u n s i n t h e l a s t t h r e e y e a r s , g i v i n g Cl e v e l a n d a f o u r t h 20-h o m e r t h r e a t a l o n g w i t h Mi c h a e l Br a n t l e y , Ya n Go m e s a n d Ca r l o s Sa n t a n a . Th e In d i a n s a l s o h a v e t o n s o f f l e x i b i l i t y . Mi k e Av i l e s c a n b a c k u p a n y in f ie ld p o s it io n , Sa n t a n a c a n c a t c h i n a n e m e r g e n c y , a n d Mo s s a n d Ni c k Sw i s h e r c a n b o t h p l a y f i r s t , DH o r i n t h e o u t f i e l d . W e a k n e s s e s : Th e In d i a n s a r e m a y b e t o o le f t h a n d e d o n o f f e n s e . Th e e n t i r e o u t f i e l d b a t s le f t y ,in c lu d in g f o u r t h o u t f i e l d e r Da v i d Mu r p h y , a s a r e s e c o n d b a s e m a n Ja s o n Ki p n i s a n d t h i r d b a s e m a n Lo n n i e Ch i s e n h a l l . Ch i s e n h a l l a n d Mo s s p e r f o r m e d w e l l a g a in s t le f t ie s la s t s e a s o n ,b u t t h e r e w ill b e w e a k s p o t s a g a in s t s t r o n g le f t y p it c h e r s . Al s o , o n l y Cy Yo u n g w i n n e r Co r e y Kl u b e r i s t h e o n l y r o t a t io n c a n d id a t e w h o h a s e v e r t o p p e d 200 i n n i n g s , a n d h e ’s d o n e it o n ly o n c e .

S t r e n g t h s : Wi t h s o m a n y q u e s t io n m a r k s s u r r o u n d in g t h is s q u a d ,f in d in g s t r e n g t h s i s h a r d . So w e ’ l l l o o k a t p o s s i b l e s t r o n g p o i n t s . If t h e Ra n g e r s r u n t h e b a s e s s m a r t e r – th e y h a d th e w o rst ste a l r a t e i n t h e AL l a s t y e a r – t h e y c o u ld r a c k u p a lo t o f s t o le n b a g s . Sh i n -So o Ch o o , El v i s An d r u s , Ro u g n e d Od o r , a n d Le o n y s Ma r t i n h a v e 20-s t e a l p o t e n t i a l . An d r u s a n d Ma r t i n c o u l d t o p 40. An d w h i l e t h e d e f e n s iv e m e t r ic s d id n o t lik e Te x a s ’ i n f i e l d l a s t s e a s o n , An d r u s , Od o r a n d t h i r d b a s e m a n Ad r i a n Be l t r e a r e s t r o n g f ie ld e r s a n d s h o u ld b o u n c e b a c k . Th a t c o u l d s a v e s o m e r u n s f o r Ra n g e r s p i t c h e r s . W e a k n e s s e s : Th e b i g g e s t Ac h i l l e s ’ h e e l h a s t o b e t h a t t h e Ra n g e r s h a v e v e r y f e w p la y e r s w h o s e c o n t r ib u t io n s c a n b e w r it t e n in s t o n e . Be l t r e a n d a c e Yu Da r v i s h w i l l b e Al l -St a r s . Be y o n d t h a t , i t ’ s h a rd to k n o w w h a t to e x p e c t o u t o f Ch o o , f i r s t b a s e m a n Pr i n c e Fi e l d e r a n d t h e r e s t o f t h e r o s t e r . Th e Te x a s o f f e n s e is p a r t ic u la r ly u n in s p ir in g in p la c e s – n a m e ly c a t c h e r,le f t f i e l d , c e n t e r a n d s h o r t . Pi t c h i n g -w i s e , t h e b u l l p e n h a s in t e r e s t in g p ie c e s ,b u t is lik e ly to b e a y o u n g c re w sh o rt o n b i g -l e a g u e e x p e r i e n c e .

14. Ariz ona Diamondbacks S t r e n g t h s : Af t e r w h e e lin g a n d d e a o f f s e a s o n , t h e Di a s u r e d o h a v e a lo t o p t i o n s . Ar i z o n a t

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in g in f o u r s t a r t e r s a n d h a s o t h e r r e a lis t ic s t a r t e r t i o n s . An d t h a t ’ s b e f o r e u g e t t o Ar i z o n a ’ s t w o m i d s e a s o n To m m y Jo h n re tu rn e e s o r th e th re e stu d p r o s p e c t s w h o w e r e i n Do u b l e -A l a s t y e a r . In t e r m s o f p o s i t i o n p l a y e r s , t h e Di a m o n d b a c k s h a v e se v e ra l – Pa u l Go l d s c h m i d t , A.J. Po l l o c k , Ch r i s Ow i n g s – w h o a lr e a d y a r e o r c o u ld b e r e a lly g o o d . W e a k n e s s e s : Ab o u t t h o s e s t a r t i n g p i t c h e r s … Th e r e a r e a lo t o f t h e m ,b u t n o o n e w h o r e a l l y s c r e a m s f r o n t -o f t h e -r o t a t i o n . Jo s h Co l l m e n t e r f i g u r e s t o b e t h e Op e n i n g Da y St a r t e r , a n d w h i l e h e ’ s p r o v e d h e b e lo n g s in t h e r o t a t i o n h e ’s m o r e o f a b a c k e n d o p t io n o n a n y o t h e r t e a m . Th e f o u r y o u n g p i t c h e r s t h e y b r o u g h t in d o n ’t e x a c t ly h a v e s t r o n g t r a c k r e c o r d s i n t h e m a j o r s . An d e v e r y o n e a g r e e s Ar i z o n a h a s t h e w e a k e s t c a t c h in g s it u a t io n in t h e g a m e .

LOCK

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15. Colorado Rockies S t r e n g t h s : Pl a y i n g i n Co o r s Fi e l d , o f f e n s e s h o u l d n e v e r b e a p r o b l e m . To t h e Ro c k i e s ’ b e n e f it ,t h e y h a v e p le n t y o f p la y e r s w h o c a n h it .A h e a l t h y Tr o y Tu l o w i t z k i o r Ca r l o s Go n z a l e z c a n b e Al l St a r s . Ev e r y o n e o u t s i d e o f m a y b e c a t c h e r Ni c k Hu n d l e y o r s e c o n d b a s e m a n D.J. Le Ma h i e u c a n r a k e . An d s p e a k i n g o f Hu n d l e y , Co l o r a d o ’ s b e le a g u e r e d p it c h e r s w ill b e h a p p y to h a v e a re a l c a tc h e r i n s t e a d o f Wi l i n Ro s a r i o b e h in d t h e d is h . W e a k n e s s e s : Th e Ro c k i e s m a y h a v e t h e w o r s t r o t a t io n in t h e w o r ld ,a n d t h e y s t ill u p g r a d e d o v e r l a s t y e a r ’s c r o p o f s t a r t e r s . If a n y o n e p o s t s a n ERA u n d e r 4.00, i t ’ l l b e a b o n u s . Th e s i g n i n g o f f o r m e r Ph i l l i e Ky l e Ke n d r i c k i s p a r t ic u la r ly o d d c o n s id e r in g h is s u b p a r g r o u n d b a ll r a t e . Al s o , h e a l t h c o u l d b e a n i s s u e a s i t w a s i n 2014, s o k e e p a n e y e o n a n y a c h e s a n d p a in s s u f f e r e d b y Tu l o w i t z k i , Go n z a l e z o r t h i r d b a s e m a n No l a n Ar e n a d o . — Zach Buchanan

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S t r e n g t h s : It ’ s f a i r t o a s s u m e t h e Br e w e r s w i l l b e a b l e t o s c o r e s o m e r u n s . Ca t c h e r Jo n a t h a n Lu c r o y , t h i r d b a s e m a n Ar a m i s Ra m i r e z , r i g h t f i e l d e r Ry a n Br a u n a n d c e n t e r f i e l d e r Ca r l o s Go m e z a l l c o u l d b e Al l -St a r s . If s h o r t s t o p Je a n Se g u r a r e b o u n d s f r o m a d o w n 2014 s e a s o n , Mi l w a u k e e ’s lin e u p w ill b e v e r y d e e p . It h e l p s t h a t t h e t e a m a c q u i r e d Ad a m Li n d f r o m t h e Bl u e Ja y s t o f i x i t s h o l e a t f i r s t b a s e a n d s im u lt a n e o u s ly g iv e t h e Br e w e r s a p o w e r b a t f r o m t h e le f t s id e . W e a k n e s s e s : Al t h o u g h

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p le n t y o f t e a m s w o u ld k ill f o r Ma t t Ga r z a , Wi l y Pe r a l t a a n d Ky l e Lo h s e , n o n e c a n r e a l l y b e c o n s i d e r e d a n a c e . On l y Lo h s e h a s p r o d u c e d a s e a s o n w i t h a n ERA u n d e r 3.00, a n d h e d i d t h a t o n l y o n c e . Th e t e a m a ls o la c k s a c le a r c lo s e r c a n d id a t e ,d e s p it e a c t iv e ly t r y in g t o a d d s o m e o n e o f t h a t p e d ig r e e ,a n d lo s in g b u l l p e n f i x t u r e s Z a c h Du k e , Fr a n c i s c o Ro d r i g u e z a n d To m Go r z e l a n n y t o f r e e a g e n c y w o n ’t b e o f f s e t b y t h e a d d it i o n o f Ne a l Co t t s .

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