Baseball Chatter 03/15

One reason we aren’t seeing Devon Travis play any games this spring might be because if a trip to the DL turns out to be necessary, Gibbons can back-date his stint as long as he doesn’t appear in a major league game. (Same goes for Josh Donaldson) Travis is working his booty off to get back to business, taking batting practice and running around the outfield. Kendrys Morales is crushing it by the way, Go Hernan…

The Rays “continue to have conversations” about signing Derek Norris, whom the Nationals placed on waivers over the weekend

Would think #Rays would have some interest in C Derek Norris if he is indeed released by #Nationals

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 12, 2017

Jason Kipnis has been shut down for at least two weeks due to a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He is slated to receive a second opinion on his injury at the end of next week.

Ian Desmond is expected to miss around six weeks with his fractured finger, GM Jeff Bridich tells ESPN.com’s Jim Bowden. Desmond will undergo surgery tomorrow on the second metacarpal in his left hand

Zack Greinke pitched another outing with lowered velocity, although he did reach 90 a few times, he averaged 86 to 88 mph. Last year, Greinke averaged 90-91, and even that was a career low.

Ian Happ leads the Cubs with 14 hits and nine RBI, and he’s tied for the team lead with three home runs through 15 games this spring.

AJ Reed is hitting .360 with four homers and 10 RBI so far, giving manager A.J. Hinch something to think about, but he still plans to use Yulieski Gurriell at first base.

Aaron Blair was considered ‘close to major-league ready’ when the Braves acquired him in December 2015, but will once again most likely begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. He would be first in line to get a call if Mike Foltynewicz can’t hang or if another pitcher gets hurt.

David Price is likely to start the season on the disabled list. Starting the second season of a $217 million, seven-year contract, Price has not yet appeared in an exhibition game.“I think at this point, yeah, it would be hard to see him ready to go at the start of the season,” manager John Farrell said before Tuesday’s game against Toronto. The disabled stint can be back-dated though, remember?

C.J. Cron leads the team with 16 hits this spring, batting .457 . Cron has taken advantage of the opportunity provided by Luis Valbuena’s leg injury to show he deserves more playing time when the season begins. Coming into the spring, Valbuena and Cron were expected to share time at first base, with Valbuena seeing the larger share.

Dodgers hitting coach Turner Ward and Cody Bellinger watched video and found a subtle difference in Bellingers swing that may help explain why he strikes out so much, one third of plate appearance so far this spring.

The move to second base has not affected Gleyber Torres at the plate, as he is 10-for-22 with four doubles, a triple and two home runs. Torres has never played above Class A and is expected to open the season with Double-A Trenton.

Jose Martinez is making his case, hitting .424 with an OBP of .500 and playing first base, while Tommy Pham has struck out 10 times in 31 at bats and still has a minor league option.

Kolten Wong has a nice glove, but how long will Mike Matheny play him if he isn’t hitting and isn’t walking. Jedd Gyorko stands to see some time at second when the leash runs out on Wong.

A great article on Jedd Gyorko and his value as a utility player, by Bernie Miklasz over at 101sports.com.

Randal Grichuk has improved plate discipline this spring which, if continued, will create more runs and make him a more valuable Fantasy commodity.

Aledmys Diaz walks a lot and strikes out a little.

To accomplish this in his first full major league season is saying something.

Hello Joey Votto Jr.

Why I just might consider drafting Mike Stanton this year, even if the reasoning is faulty…