Prospect Insider - Spring Training Countdown: 16 days

Spring Training Countdown: 16 days

By Chris Crawford

By 01-27-2013

There are 16 days left until pitchers and catchers report to spring training for the Seattle Mariners. If there were eight days in a week, we’d be just two away from reporting. Unfortunately, there’s only seven days in a week. That's the world class analysis you keep coming back to Prospect Insider for, I know. You’re welcome.

In today's edition I'll talk about Daisuke Matsuzaka, provide some links to what the other four teams (it’s going to take a while for me to get used to that) are talking about as they prepare to report, and a few places that I like to eat when I'm in Peoria/Phoenix.

Daisuke Matsu-nothankyou
It was recently reported by a couple different sources that the Mariners might be considering signing Daisuke Matsuzaka. One would have to be this would be a one year, incentive-laden deal with no guarantee to make a roster, based on his struggles on the mound and the fact that he's only made eighteen starts over the last two years.

I would have no issue with giving Matsuzaka a chance in spring training and seeing where his stuff plays, but to say that my expectations would be low is the understatement of this year so far. He's never had very good command, and he no longer is a guy that compensates by missing bats.

If Seattle decides not to enter the trade market or doesn't want to overpay for another starter on the market, I suppose there are worse options. I would much prefer to see the team add a Chris Capuano or Rick Porcello (depending on trade costs) than see Matsuzaka for 8-10 starts, but maybe that's just me.

Around the AL West
The Houston Chronicle is taking a look at the Astros depth chart position by positionSo far they're up to shortstop. As a Mariner fan, it should give you solace that they won't be the worst team in the division.

Athletics Nation takes its guess on the opening day lineup. I would imagine that Chris Young starts, and maybe you see Derek Norris at catcher over Jaso. It won't matter because Felix is pitching and he's going to go all Steve Nebraska on them, but it's amazing how much better that lineup looks compared to last season's expectation.

The Dallas Morning News is taking a look at the top prospects in the Rangers system and compares Lewis Brinson to B.J. Upton. That's a bit hyperbolic to me, but he's certainly an intriguing -- if volatile -- prospect.

Finally, Mike Giovanna talked to Ryan Madson about how the pressure of closing in Philadelphia made him better.

Good eats in Phoenix
Phoenix isn't exactly the culinary capital of the world, but there are plenty of good places to get some quality grub.

If you like burgers -- and who doesn't? Blu Burger and In N' Out are both quality offerings, but if you can make a trip out to Zinburger in Phoenix, do it. Keith Law recommended it to me last year, and it was one of -- if not the -– best burgers I've ever had. It's a little pricey compared to those other places, but it's well worth it. The meat was cooked perfectly.

And if you have been known to partake in pizza, you have to go to Pizzeria Blanco in Phoenix. I can't recommend this place enough. I had the Sonny Boy, which had a ridiculously tasty salami and amazing cheese. Just a heads up, don't go on Sunday, because they aren't open. I learned that the hard way.

And that's what she said.

spring-training-countdown:-16-days

Comments
The following 6 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: Mariners2620 on 01-27-2013 10:00:16
I am stationed in Delaware so I was unable to attend Fan Fest, however I was watching online when I had the opportunity. A fan asked Jack Z if there were any free agent negotiations/Trades in the works, and he stated that he could pretty much guarantee that something was going to go down over the next week if not the next couple of days. Pretty telling for Jack, seeing as how he is traditionally a bit tight lipped. Have you heard anything? I do recall him saying that their next acquisition would probably be a "young" pitcher. I would presume that he wouldn't have claimed that something was going to happen shortly if it was just going to be a minor league, camp fodder sort of addition. Just curious is all.

2. By: Docmilo on 01-27-2013 10:40:02
I think Tampa and Milwaukee are good destinations for Carp. Both have SP depth and could use a bat at 1st. We also have depth in the bullpen with Moran and LaFramboise just about ready to make the jump. Tampa could likely use the bullpen arms since they moved Davis to KC.

What would the cost be for Cobb, Neimann or Archer?

3. By: maqman on 01-27-2013 11:08:06
Daisuke Matsuzaka's future is behind him, he should probably go home to Japan where he could probably get a decent contract. I'd prefer Kawasaki, at least he was entertaining.

I share Jason's preference for Chris Capuano or Rick Porcello. Wonder if Porcello is the "young pitcher" Z was referring to?

I keep expecting to see Texas do something to make up for their losses of players this off season. Don't think they want to go with what they have today.

Who do you think will be the first prospect the M's bring up to the big club Jason?

4. By: DRWheelock on 01-27-2013 13:08:09
Speaking of Carp, the Brewers were reported today of needing a 1B. Last year there were a number of NL teams that were interested in Carp. I don't know what the Brewers have that would interest Z, but he would know more than anyone that he'd want to pull away from the Brew Crew.

I'm in favor of Capuano personally, and the last 5th rotation spot worked about through competition in ST. Not interested in Dice-K!

5. By: rotoenquire on 01-27-2013 21:34:50
The Brewers have several options for 1B With Gamel, Greene and there #4 prospect in Hunter Morris who is a beast. I would not be suprised if Morris wins the job and when Hart comes back he maybe out of a place to be in Milwaukee.

6. By: masonb on 01-28-2013 07:48:43
Two things: I'm assuming Carp has to be traded seeing as though he's out of options, wouldn't make it through waivers, and seems like he's the odd man out on the roster. Do you think the time table for him to be traded is in spring training after teams see how plays in camp? Or is there a chance he makes the roster in lieu of Smoak?

Also to JAC or anyone else, I saw it listed on Jason's twitter or maybe ESPN that a loophole that the Mets and Mariners could exploit with Bourn is to sign him to a MiLB deal and then the draft pick wouldn't be an issue. My question is how does that work? Can he only sign a 1 year deal, and can they basically sign him to a MiLB with a large guaranteed salary he would likely command? And would the Commissioner's office even allow that to happen? Seems like an interesting loophole

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