Today's lessons include the Cactus League opener, adjusting to the new rules, and players trying to prove themselves.
Yesterday’s Results
The Brewers lost in their Cactus League opener yesterday, losing to the Angels 3-2. Kyle Lohse was sharp in his 2 2/3 innings of work, allowing one hit and striking out three. He was also charged with an earned run after Ariel Pena allowed the run to score. Chris Perez and Brandon Kintzler also allowed a single run each (though Kintzler's was unearned). At the plate, Martin Maldonado went 2-for-2 with a double, and Scooter Gennett went 1-for-1 and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Elian Herrera drove in the other run for the Brewers.
Brewers News and Analysis
- The votes are in, and Ty Wagner was voted at #8 in the BCB Community Prospect Rankings. You still have about 90 minutes to vote for #9, where Taylor Jungmann and Taylor Williams are tied as of this writing.
- Scooter Gennett is getting a chance to prove he can hit against left-handed pitchers this spring. Adam McCalvy looks at how Gennett is approaching this spring as he tries to prove he can hit against lefties.
- In his Last Call on Brewers.com, Adam McCalvy notes that Ryan Braun is trying to figure out what he can and can't do now between pitches at the plate, and the Francisco Rodriguez deal will not be complete until he obtains a visa and reports for a physical.
- There's a competition going on for the infield bench spots this spring, as four players compete for two spots. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel looks at the brewing infield bench battle as spring training games begin.
- Matt Long started in yesterday's game against the Angels, batting ninth and playing in left field. Pete Schichtenberg of Reviewing the Brew believes that Matt Long could make an impact on the major league roster this season.
- A successful season sometimes comes down to being the hot team at the right time. Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker looks at timing, pitching strength, and other factors that affected the 2014 division race.
NL Central Update
| Team | W | L |
| Cardinals | 1 | 0 |
| Pirates | 1 | 2 |
| Reds | 1 | 2 |
| Brewers | 0 | 1 |
| Cubs | 0 | 1 |
- Cardinals 4, Marlins 1
- Yankees 2, Pirates 1
- Athletics 2, Cubs 2
- Indians 9, Reds 3
This Weekend's Games
Friday
- Astros @ Cardinals - 12:05 pm
- Reds @ Cubs - 2:05 pm
- Pirates @ Yankees - 6:05 pm
Saturday
- Cardinals @ Nationals - 12:05 pm
- Rays @ Pirates - 12:05 pm
- Reds @ Royals - 2:05 pm
- Cubs @ Rockies - 2:10 pm
Sunday
- Marlins @ Cardinals - 12:05 pm
- Pirates @ Blue Jays - 12:07 pm
- Mariners @ Reds - 3:05 pm
- Rangers @ Cubs - 3:05 pm
Around Baseball
Transactions
- The Cubs signed Phil Coke to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. He will make $2.25 million if he makes the MLB roster.
Other Notes
- Hunter Pence of the Giants will miss six to eight weeks with a broken arm that he sustained by getting hit by a pitch.
- Mike Oz of Big League Stew loves the new batter box rule for one reason: The dances & different footwork players utilize when they realize they are breaking the rule.
This Weekend's Action
Three more spring training games are on the schedule for this weekend. All three will be televised and on the radio (Sunday's game will only be on MLB Network and will be tape delayed). Here are the games
Friday: Dodgers @ Brewers - 2:05 pm
Saturday: Rangers @ Brewers - 2:05 pm
Sunday: Brewers @ Dodgers - 3:05 pm
Also, don't forget that Daylight Savings Time begins on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Time in Wisconsin will jump forward an hour, but won't adjust in Arizona, so game times will look like they are starting an hour later.
