The Fantasy Scout

News, notes and roto-nuggets from spring training

Ever wish you could spend all of March preparing for your fantasy draft by scouting every team at spring training? CNNSI.com's Doug Furnad is living that dream -- and he's sending postcards.

Date: March 25

Site: Phoenix

Game: Diamondbacks 7, A's 1

Impressions

A's: Eric Chavez is going to have a big year, and expect his average to climb well above .300 for the season. ... Cory Lidle pitched well, and fits right in as the fourth starter. He allowed three runs in 6 and 2/3 innings, but only one after the first inning. ... Mike Holtz was picked up to add lefty support for the bullpen, but he failed miserably. In 1/3 of an inning, he allowed five hits, and four runs, including hits by four left-handed hitters.

Diamondbacks: Tony Womack looks to be carrying over the excitement of the end of the 2001 season. He is hitting the ball well, and looking to run when he can. ... Mark Grace has his line-drive stroke ready, and is playing great defense. With Erubiel Durazo hurt, noone should eat into his playing time for awhile.

Prospectus

A's: First baseman Carlos Pena looks small compared to the big expectations many have had for him. He is uncomfortable at the plate, and shaky in the field. He will be a good player, but he might not be quite ready to live up to the hype.

Diamondbacks: First baseman Lyle Overbay is a good Class AAA hitter, but there really is no room on this roster for him...yet.

Spring Chicken

You can pretty much talk about the entire D’backs team. Most of them are getting long in the tooth, and have the potential to break down in the heat of summer. But then again, their experience can carry them through the rockiest of times.

Date: March 25

Site: Maryvale, Ariz.

Game: Padres 10, Brewers 3

Impressions

Brewers: Eric Young looks ready to have a good year and should raise his OBP this season. ... Jeffrey Hammonds is coming back from injury, and looks rusty. His bat isn’t near where it needs to be for a really productive season. ... Pitcher Jamey Wright is in the same boat as Hammonds but should right the ship soon. ... Davey Lopes is still looking for a closer, but his boys didn’t fare real well. Newcomer Jose Cabrera got out of an inherited jam, but then allowed three runs of his own. Valerio De Los Santos let his inherited runner score, and allowed a homer to the first batter he faced. Ray King was all over the place, with a walk, and a hit batter, along with two hits in his one inning. Mike DeJean has been anointed the closer-for-now, and he got through his inning with no runs, but he did allow a couple of base runners.

Padres: Bobby Jones looks sharp, and should do well after he serves his seven-game suspension ... Catcher Javier Cardona looked like an All-Star with three hits, including a home run. He just came over from the Tigers and will be a fine second catcher.

Prospectus

Padres: Shortstop Ramon Vazquez is supposed to be the Padres shortstop of the near future, but he was given the start at 3B, while Deivi Cruz started at short.

Spring Chicken

First baseman Mark Sweeney was picked up by the Padres this spring after being released by Milwaukee. If he makes the team, he is a competent left-handed bat of the bench but won’t steal anyone’s job.

Date: March 24

Site: Tuscon, Ariz.

Game: Padres 5, Rockies 3

Impressions

Rockies: Outfielder Juan Pierre has really developed a knack for getting on base, which is good for a leadoff hitter. He has learned to work the pitchers for a walk and then uses his speed to turn every free pass into a double. ... Catcher Gary Bennett is still in the Rockies catching mix, and if he does break camp with the club, could be a sleeper. Bennett has gap power, which would lead to him being a catcher with a good batting average. ... Jack Cust finally got to play in the field, but he wasn't really tested in his three innings of play.

Padres: Second baseman D'Angelo Jimenez was in essence handed the second base job with the trade of Damian Jackson, though Jackson had outplayed him at camp. Jimenez is a line drive hitter with good speed, and will get some steals. ... Brian Lawrence had a very strong outing, and after seeing most of this staff this week, he may be the only Padres starter worth anything.

Prospectus

Rockies: Right-hander Jason Jennings allowed three runs in his six innings. He has had a strong spring, and is penciled into the rotation for now, but when he gets to Coors, his ERA will rise, just like his fastball.

Padres: Third baseman Kevin Eberwein would be a top prospect anywhere else but in San Diego. Sean Burroughs will keep him in the minors, but Eberwein is just a trade away from possibly being a major league starter.

Spring Chicken

Ron Gant was added to the Padres' 40-man roster and is expected to make the Opening Day roster as well despite the fact that he has missed some time this spring and looks rusty at the plate. Gant, 37, is better suited for part-time DH duty at this point in his career. Don't expect too much.

Date: March 23

Site: Scottsdale, Ariz.

Game: White Sox 10, Giants 5

Impressions

Giants: Right-hander Joe Nathan was less than sharp for the Giants, allowing six runs in 3 1/3 innings. He was all over the plate, walking a couple, but when he got it over, the Sox knocked it all over the field. ... Third baseman Pedro Feliz was not given the third base job, since the team acquired David Bell, but that may be a mistake. This day, Feliz entered the game in the sixth and managed a double and a homer. But he did throw one grounder away, and it is that poor defense that keeps him on the pine.

White Sox: Shorstop Royce Clayton showed some hustle and muscle with a stoilen base and a two-run homer. ... Right-hander Todd Ritchie is rounding into decent shape after a slow start this spring. Ritchie went 6 1/3 inning, allowing five runs, and 11 hits, but was the victim of some bad fielding behind him.

Prospectus

Giants: Shortstop Felix Escalona is a Rule V draft pick, and must show he belongs, to stay with the club. The 23-year old showed good poise at the plate and in the field, and could be useful as a utilityman.

White Sox: Speaking of utilitymen, Willie Harris is working out in both center and second base. He collected three hits in this game -- one being a bunt base hit -- and has tremendous speed. But he misjudged several balls into triples while in centerfield, and needs a lot more time there before he can be counted on to contribute.

Spring Chicken

Even at 39, Shawon Dunston hustles more than anyone on the field. He can play almost every position, and is trusted by both his teammates, and most importantly, manager Dusty Baker.

Date: March 22

Site: Mesa, Ariz.

Game: Cubs 19, Padres 9

Impressions:

Cubs: The center field battle in Chicago is great to watch. In this game, Corey Patterson started in center while Roosevelt Brown started in left. Patterson hit a homer in the third, then Brown followed with a homer in the fourth. Patterson followed up with his second homer in the seventh. Either way the Cubs go, they will be strong in center.

Padres: First baseman Phil Nevin is a monster, with two homers, a double, single and six RBIs in this one. Pitcher Kevin Jarvis will be the Padres opening-day starter, which does not bode well for the season. Jarvis looked terrible, allowing seven runs, and eight hits over his five innings.

Prospectus:

Cubs: Carlos Zambrano looks an awful lot like Royals closer Roberto Hernandez, but has a way to go before he performed like Hernandez did in his prime. Zambrano is big, and could steal a few saves down the line.

Padres: Jeremy Fikac is a young right-hander who may eat up some innings in middle relief. He has good heat, and decent control, and with time, could break into the rotation.

Spring Chicken

Will Trenidad Hubbard ever quit? If he hits, there will be a place for him somewhere, though probably in the minors.

Date: March 22

Site: Tempe, Ariz.

Game: Rockies 7, Angels 3

Impressions

Angels: Left-hander Jarrod Washburn looked very good in this one, and should be solid throughout the season, assuming he can stay healthy. He allowed three runs, all coming in his sixth and and final inning. ... Third baseman Troy Glaus is another played who, if healthy, will do great thimgs. He had a homer in this one, and looked good at the plate all day.

Rockies: Lefty Denny Neagle was disappointing alst year, and many don't expect much more this year. He threw well in this game, allowing three runs, in 5 2/3 innings, but he isn't pitching in Colorado yet. ... Third baseman Todd Zeile admits that he is having trouble readjusting to third base. Zeile went deep on this say and will obviously benefit from Coors Field this season.

Prospectus

Angels: Brendan Donnelly is a 30-year-old right-hander who has never made it to the majors, but if he keeps throwing the way he did here, he could crack the bullpen. He made seveal Rockies look bad in his one inning.

Rockies: Outfielder Jack Cust has a major league bat, but few people give him credit as a fielder. In this game played DH, which is where he is best suited, but until the Rockies move to the AL -- or trade Cust -- he may not get many chances to show his power at the major league level.

Spring Chicken

Rockies catcher Carlos Hernandez has been around for what seems like forever. From the Dodgers, to the Padres, and on to the Cardinals, he has always had potential, but never backed it up. He has a chance to steal a job in Colorado. If he can make the final cut, he could be good for 15 homers on the season.

Date: March 20

Site: Peoria, Ariz.

Game: Mariners 9, Cubs 4

Impressions

Mariners: Edgar Martinez looks to be ready for the season. He belted two homers and added a single in just half a game. ... Joel Pineiro looked good on the mound, going five strong innings. He had good command and started off fast, getting the first three Cub hitters on groundouts. ... Kazuhiro Sasaki was strong over an extended two-inning stint, allowing just two hits and no runs. He had good command, and made the hitters look bad, although they were mostly guys that will start the season in Class AA.

Cubs: Juan Cruz is a talent no matter what his age really is. He gave up five runs in five innings but looked better than what the stats showed. He completely shut down Ichiro, getting him all 3 times, including a strikeout to open the game. ... Scott Chiasson was thought to have a shot for some saves, but over the past three days he has been awful. On this day, he allowed three runs and four hits without recording an out. ... Kevin Orie played first base, and collected three hits. His versatility to play both corners could help him break camp with the club, and get some quality at-bats while Bill Mueller is out.

Prospectus

Cubs: Corey Patterson hit a homer for the second straight day and played good outfield defense. Don Baylor has also been keeping Patterson and second baseman Bobby Hill together at the top of the lineup, so they can be comfortable with each other.

Spring Chicken

Alan Benes is trying to catch on with the Cubs after his release from the Cards, and he seems to have a place sewn up in the pen. He pitched two strong innings against the Mariners.

Date: March 19

Site: Peoria, Ariz.

Game: Angels 11, Padres 2

Impressions

Padres: Ryan Klesko should make this an interesting year. When he was in Atlanta, he was forced to play left field, and every game was an adventure. Now he is in right, and it's not any prettier. He misplayed two balls Tuesday, catching one, and dropping the other, but did make a diving catch as well. As long as he doesn't carry his defense to the plate, he will be OK. ... Brian Tollberg looked absolutely awful on the mound. He was pounded to the tune of six runs over three innings and was lucky to get away that easy. ... Brian Lawrence, on the other hand, looked comfortable on the mound, allowing three hits and no earned runs in his four innings.

Angels: Veteran Tim Salmon looks happy and healthy. He hustled out a double in the first inning, and smashed a homer in the second. ... Second baseman Adam Kennedy looked promising a few years ago, but faded in 2001. He looks good again, playing solid defense, and even hitting one out of the park. Too bad he will always be known as one of the guys the Angels got for Jim Edmonds. ... Aaron Sele threw five solid innings, yielding three hits and one run (a Bubba Trammell homer). His pitches looked sharp, and he has his big-looping curve working for strikes.

Prospectus

Angels: Left-hander Mark Lukasiewicz is a 29-year-old who hasn't seen much major league duty. That could change, if management watched his spring appearance. He snapped off some quality stuff, and made the Padres look bad in pitching the sixth inning.

Spring Chicken

Pete Incaviglia is trying to make a comeback, and actually looks to be in good shape. Not a lot of room for him in San Diego's outfield. But could you imagine a Gant-Klesko-Inky outfield?

Date: March 19

Site: Maryvale, Ariz.

Game: Brewers 15, Cubs 14

Impressions

Brewers: Left fielder Geoff Jenkins looks healthy, and ready to go. He is swinging a sweet bat, and he looks solid in the field. ... Alex Ochoa will most probably split time with Matt Stairs in right, but look for him to steal some at-bats elsewhere. He belted a homer on this day, and was hitting everything hard. ... Right-hander Chad Fox blew the save by giving up three runs in the ninth. His fastball reached 93 mph on the gun -- but it was straight. He may not be able to hang onto the sole closer job for long.

Cubs: Sammy Sosa is in midseason form. He homered, doubled, and looked like he was just having fun out there. Second baseman Bobby Hill will win the second base job outright with a few more days like this. He hit two homers and played stellar defense. ... Kyle Farnsworth looked terrible trying to save this one for the Cubs. He got his fastball up to 98 mph, but fooled no one. He lasted just 2/3 of an inning, and his failure may lead the Cubs into overpaying for a closer before the spring is out.

Prospectus

Brewers: Takahito Nomura is a 33-year old lefty from Japan who stands just 5-7. He looks most like Shigetoshi Hasegawa on the mound and has some good movement on his pitches. He should be a decent lefty in the pen, along with Ray King.

Cubs: Mark Prior got the start, and looked terrible in the first inning. He gave up four runs, on just two hits, but he walked two. However, his velocity was good, and he eventually settled down.

Spring Chicken

The Brewers' Lenny Harris -- 37 and with his sixth team -- will just not go away. He played first and third in this exhibition, and had an RBI single. Strictly bench material.

Date: March 18

Site: Mesa, Ariz.

Game: Brewers 8, Cubs 2

Impressions

Cubs: Kerry Wood was roughed up, and looked out of sorts on the mound. He gave up four runs, two hits, two walks and plunked a batter -- and that was just the first inning. He did strike out two. ... Todd Hundley started behind the plate but was only tested once by the Brewers, and he failed with a poor throw after a double-clutch. He also never hit the ball hard at the plate.

Brewers: First baseman Richie Sexson looks ready to raise his average while still hitting for power. He has started taking more shots to right, but he will still strikeout a great deal. ... Ben Sheets looked stong over five solid innings, allowing just one run. He did pitch the sixth but was not sharp.

Prospectus

Cubs: Second baseman Bobby Hill appears ready for the everyday job. He demonstrated great speed on a triple, and the fans get excited whenever he comes to the plate.

Brewers: Centerfielder Alex Sanchez figures to be the fourth or fifth outfielder. But when Jeffrey Hammonds gets hurt -- count on it -- Sanchez will fit in nicely. He had two hits and a stolen base while playing good defense.

Spring Chicken

LHP Donovan Osbourne. Out of the game for a couple of years following various arm ailments, Osbourne is on the comeback trail. The left-hander s relying on his off-speed pitches to get by, and he should parlay that into a bullpen spot, with a possible start here or there.

Date: March 10

Site: Clearwater, Fla.

Game: Rangers 9, Phillies 5

Sign of spring: The Philadelphia fans only heckled their own players.

Impressions

Phillies -- There is no way Pat Burrell is going to hit .258 again this season. Burrell looks good with the bat, hitting everything into the gaps. Expect 40 doubles this year. RHP Nelson Figueroa is fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation, but be careful what you wish for. He looks like he is still searching for his comfort zone.

Rangers -- Utilityman Frank Catalonotto is going to play somewhere almost every day. The Little Cat has logged time at second base, left field and DH this spring.

Prospectus

Phillies -- RHP Carlos Silva is coming off a strong season in Double-A, but he is not ready for the big time -- yet. Silva will get some much needed time in Triple-A and be a help in 2003.

Rangers -- LHP Mario Ramos pitched well for two innings, but then the Phils started to get to him. He needs to get some more starts under his belt (just 13 at AAA in 2001.)

Spring chicken: Catcher Pat Borders is in camp with yet another team, and again has no chance of making the squad. Borders is nearing 40, but looks more like 50.

Overheard: "He is sooo small."
-- exclaimation when Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins came to the plate.

Don't miss: Jack Russell Stadium (1955) is a great place to catch a ball game, but come hungry. They have authentic Philly Cheesestseaks, that are better than those at Geno's.

Date: March 9

Site: Greetings from Jupiter!

Game: Cardinals 7, Expos 1

Sign of spring: The Cardinals actually had an home run taken off the board because they batted out of order. Good to get that stuff out in the spring.

Impressions

Expos -- Osvaldo Fernandez is old. However, he looks good on the mound after some extended time off. He could emerge as the Expos' No. 4 or 5. Brad Wilkerson (OF) just doesn't look like he belongs. He looks tentative at the plate.

Cardinals -- Lefty Bud Smith pitched a no-no in 2001, and it might not be a longshot that he does it again in 2002. His arm looks sharp, and he is snapping off some good pitches. He went four innings, holding the Expos to three hits. He is also very popular with the beer vendors, who seem to yell his name even after he left the game.

Prospectus

Expos -- Infielder Brandon Phillips is a natural shortstop, but played third in the Arizona Fall League. He's also seeing time at second this spring. Probably still a year away, but with the troubles the Expos seem to have every year at the hot corner, he could be up sooner.

Cardinals -- So Taguchi is no Ichiro, and he has a bit to go before he is Shinjo. But Taguchi will fit in well in Tony La Russa's fill-in system, and could get some quality at bats.

Spring chicken: Who knows how old Felix Jose really is, but whatever his age, his bat looks young. He could add some punch in a platoon in left field for the Expos, if they give him another chance.

Overheard: "That's a play Mark (McGwire) would have made."
-- Something Tino Martinez should be prepared to hear alot this season.

Don't miss: Jupiter is a fine facility, and has a good old-time feel for a new park. Best souvenier stand in the Grapefruit League, although some of the Expos stuff is out of date (Irabu jersey).

Date: March 8

Site: Vero Beach, Fla.

Game: Dodgers 7, Braves 1

Must be spring: Gary Sheffield skipped the two-hour trip to Vero Beach to play against his former Dodgers mates.

Impressions

Dodgers -- First baseman Eric Karros looks healthy again after being slowed last year by back trouble. Shortstop Cesar Izturis looks ready to play, and could unseat Alex Cora as shortstop. His bat seems to rounding into major league shape (single, double vs. Glavine; homer vs. Smoltz). Izturis' glove is a major asset, and should be in the lineup every day.

Braves -- Tom Glavine looks to be in midseason form. A rocky first inning (three runs), but he settled down and held the Dodgers in check for the next two. Shortstop Rafael Furcal appears healthy and poised for a big season.

Prospectus

Dodgers -- Kazuhisa Ishii (pronounced ish-ee-ee) looked very sharp, and had good command of an above-average straight change.

Braves -- Shortstop Wilson Betemit doesn't look confident at the plate, and it shows when he swwings. He'll have time to improve in the minors. He'll be back.

Spring chicken: Mark Whiten is still around, and swinging a big bat. He is a huge specimen, but may be better suited for a DH role on an AL club. Not much chance to make the Dodgers squad.

Overheard: "I bet Sheffield is back getting sportsmanship lessons from Chipper Jones."
-- Reaction to the Braves lineup not including Sheffield.

Don't Miss: Dodgerstown in Vero Beach is the ultimate for any Baseball fan. Great old stadium with access to the players. The practice fields are easily accessable to fans who want to watch every facet of the spring experience, and maybe get a few autographs along the way.

Date: March 5
Game: Indians 4, Astros 0
Site: Winter Haven, Fla.
Signs of spring: Indians coach Eddie Murray actually smiled for almost a full second. There were no media around to speak of, so that may explain it, but Eddie is definitely not feeling any pressure, yet.

Making an impression
Indians: Jim Thome is a monster, but expect another slow start. His swing looks great, but everything ends up being a fly ball to straight-away center. Danys Baez looks solid on the mound, showing good movement and some pop on his fastball.
Astros: Jeff Bagwell is working back into shape after shoulder surgery, and his swing looks very rusty. He is DHing only, and needs the reps. Adam Everett looks strong in the field, but weak at the plate -- pretty much the same thing as last year.

Prospectus
Indians: First baseman Earl Snyder, who hit 20 homers at Class AA for the Mets last season, looks solid at the plate and deft in the field. He will not move Jim Thome to DH anytime soon, but could be worth a look if Thome moves on as a free agent after this year.
Astros: Second baseman Keith Ginter is Jeff Bagwell's Mini-me. He looks the same, with the same stance, stride and uppercut swing. Ginetr has good power and decent range, but may need to learn another position, because Craig Biggio is going nowhere soon.

Spring Chicken
Alan Zinter, 1B, Astros: He has seen his share of spring trainings. Zinter started his career as a catcher in the Phillies organization, but has since moved from behind the plate. He has played in dozens of towns (including Japan), but at 33 years of age, he doesn't have much hope of breaking camp as a big-leaguer.

Overheard: "Too high, too high, too high!" Always good to hear during a fly ball at an Indians game (see Major League)

Don't Miss: Chain O' Lakes park is unique in that the first-base side of the stands never gets sun during the day, but the sun shines right in the eyes of the center fielder, causing two drops in this game. Also, it is a good bet that Bob Feller will show up at some point in time.

Date: March 5
Game: Tigers 5, Yankees 3 at Lakeland, Fla.
Signs of spring: Even though the Yankees were playing, all the people reselling tickets in front of the stadium were just asking for face value.

Making an impression
Tigers: First baseman Dmitri Young looks better than ever. He is laughing and having fun now that he is out of Cincinnati. He is no longer fighting for a job, or waiting to be traded. Expect great things from the next Bill Madlock. Robert Fick is being tried in right field, but DH may be the only position he can field well.
Yankees: Sterling Hitchcock was downright awful in the first inning. He allowed four runs, three hits and three walks. He came back however, with a perfect second inning. Adrian Hernandez does look like a little version of El Duque. He pitches the same as well, which bodes well for his future.

Prospectus
Tigers: Shortstop Omar Infante is still at least a year away. People are saying he will be good, but after entering late in the game, he threw away the first ball hit to him. Wait awhile, but he will come around.
Yankees: Third baseman Drew Henson should enjoy the minors this year because he will be in New York in 2003. He needs the seasoning, but shows great potential at the plate. The Tigers fans didn't seem to like him tough, I wonder why? (Go Blue!)

Spring Chicken
Yogi Berra strolled onto the field in full uniform, and the entire crowd stopped to watch him walk around. Nothing better than seeing him take his place next to Joe Torre, Mel Stottlemyre, and Don Zimmer at the end of the bench.

Overheard: "Hey look at number 13 for the Yankees. That is Jason Giambi!" (It was Luis Sojo.)

Don't Miss: If you enjoy the history of the game, Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland is a must do. It is located on Al Kaline Drive and has banners of some of the Tiger greats. The Tigers have been in Lakeland since 1946, and some of the fans you see there have been there just as long. You can easily sit and listen to baseball stories from people who remember when Hal Newhouser broke into the majors and when Ernie Harwell called his first game.

Date: March 4
Site: Port Charlotte, Fla.
Game: Blue Jays 15, Rangers 5
Signs of spring: A horde of Asian journalists gathered behind the batting cages to watch Chan Ho Park toss between starts.

Making an impression
Hank Blalock, 3B, Rangers. A real gamer. He looks like a young Jeff Kent and hits the same way. However, Blalock is a better fielder and has surprising speed.
Vernon Wells, CF, Blue Jays: Anyone who knows anything about baseball has heard this name. Believe the hype.

Prospectus
Travis Hafner, 1B, Rangers: He's a good-looking kid who spent the season in Class AA last season. Based on the way he looks on the field, he will lessen the blow of losing Carlos Pena in the deal with Oakland. His greatest asset, however, may be his guns. This kid has arms that make teammate Gabe Kapler look like a 90-pound weakling.
Gabe Gross, OF, Blue Jays: He's usually a good hitting outfielder, but based on what he looks like early in spring, he will be toiling in the minors this year.

Spring chicken
Brian Lesher, 1B, Blue Jays: The 31-year old Belgian first baseman, who spent some time with both the A’s and Mariners, had a great day. However, you might want to catch him in action now, cause he will probably be gone very soon.

Overheard: One of the "knowledgeable" fans exclaiming, "Hey, there’s Bobby Valentine!" It was Buck Martinez. You do the math.

Don’t Miss: This should actually say "miss," because Charlotte stadium is saying goodbye to the Rangers this spring. The team will head off to Arizona next spring.

Date: March 4
Site: Sarasota, Fla.
Game: Pirates 7, Reds 1
Signs of spring: Gookie Dawkins is not among his teammates as the Reds take the field to start the game. He is busy signing autographs.

Making an impression
Luis Pineda, RP, Reds: Sent over from the Tigers, Pineda has some lightning in his right arm. Ken Griffey Jr. is running full speed in the outfield, and looks like he did in ‘99.
Wayne Gomes, RP, Pirates: He may have found his control after a horrid time in San Francisco to end 2001. He could be valuable as a middle man, setup guy or part-time closer.
J.J. Davis, OF, Pirates: He is HUGE! He is as big as Dave Kingman, and the swing is similar.

Prospectus
Austin Kearns, OF, Reds: He looks as good as everyone says he really is.
Humberto Cota, C, Pirates: He is behind J.R. House on the future catcher horizon, but he hits like the guy the Pirates thought they were getting in the Jose Guillen deal.

Spring Chicken
Salomon Torres, P, Pirates: He started and went three perfect innings. He mixed up his stuff well and showed good poise, plus he collected a base hit. He is hoping to take advantage of a third chance at the majors after blowing the second one years ago.

Overheard: "John 'The Count' Montefusco is the greatest pitcher ever." Maybe this guy only saw one baseball game ever.

Don’t Miss: Sarasota is a nice park, and has the most between-innings giveaways.

 

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