Joe Torre has proven he has a hang of this managing thing after all by benching this bum.

Stop Begging

Juan Pierre of the Los Angeles Dodgers has started complaining to manager Joe Torre about his playing time this spring. Pierre last season hit .293 with no home runs and 41 RBI. Pierre is not known for his power, but his 64 stolen bases makes him a threat when he gets on. So far this spring, Pierre has hit .200 in minimal at-bats, while his teammates Adam Ethier and Matt Kemp have hit well over .300. If Pierre wants to get more playing time, he needs to stop crying about and start producing. The Dodgers have four outfielders that are good enough to start on almost any other team in the majors. Look for the Dodgers to make a move in the near future. Teams like the Tampa Bay Rays have been openly looking for another outfielder, and they have the prospects to land any player they want. Due to Pierre’s contract, he will likely stay put, but Kemp and Ethier could be on the move. As of right now this is just speculation, but do not be surprised if the Dodgers trade one of their outfielders for some pitching. Pierre is still a definite threat in Rotisserie formats as he will steal bases as the season goes on, but his lack of production at the plate could leave him on the bench for most of the year.

Out of Options

The Tampa Bay Rays could a have a good problem this year. They have a boatload of pitching prospects and some of them are out of options. Currently the Rays rotation looks like this; Scott Kazmir (when he is healthy), James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnastone, and either Edwin Jackson or Jason Hammel. Jackson and Hammel are out of options and once Kazmir is healthy one of them has to go somewhere and it can’t be the minors. As mentioned previously the Rays would like to add another outfielder because they have little to no faith in Eric Hinske. Now that Reed Johnson signed with the Cubs there are not many outfielders left in the free agent market that can give you more than Hinske. Some outfielders that may be on move, to include one of the Dodgers extras are Ryan Freel, Coco Crisp, Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Jay Payton and many more. The Reds have admitted to openly shopping Freel around to possibly clear the way for standout prospect Jay Bruce and every team is always looking for a solid starting pitcher like Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel.

No Deal

It’s not definite, but for now the Cubs and Orioles have ended their discussions about second baseman Brian Roberts. The Cubs have recently offered Jose Ceda, Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher, and Donnie Veal, but the return of Mark DeRosa and the signing of Reed Johnson could have been the deal breaker. The Cubs no longer need a second baseman now that DeRosa is healthy and hitting decently lately. Their need for a good leadoff guy may have disappeared as well if Johnson can prove that he is officially pain free and able to play everyday. Johnson is a career .287 hitter and has some decent speed. Look for the Orioles to start looking for another team to trade with to dump Roberts for some pitching prospects.

The End of the Line

Earlier this week the Colorado Rockies released second baseman Marcus Giles. Giles was once a top fantasy second baseman, but could be looking at the end of his career. Giles had been in a tight battle for the second base job in Colorado, but he was edged by rookie Jayson Nix. During the spring Giles has hit .321 with the Rockies and his play this spring might get him a job somewhere else, but it won’t be a starting job. It is an outside shot, but he may sign with the Dodgers. Jeff Kent is battling a nagging hamstring injury and may not ready till mid-April if not later. Giles should be considered a low end fantasy reserve in NL-Only formats.

The Rumor Mill

• The Cleveland Indians have expressed interest in free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia. Garcia is currently recovering from rotator cuff surgery, and expected to return some time in June. Last season Garcia 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA. Garcia should be considered an extreme fantasy risk. If he is added to a team, make sure that there is room on the bench until he proves he can come back.
• The Cubs would like to unload Matt Murton now that they have Reed Johnson. The only team that I can see needing him is the Rays. Last season, Murton hit .280 with 8 home runs and 22 RBI in just 235 at-bats.
• The Cincinnati Reds have released left-handed reliever Mike Stanton. Last season, Stanton had an awful season posting 5.93 ERA in 572/3 innings. Look for a team with a need for a left handed specialist to sign him. Stanton should be considered a low end middle reliever in the deeper leagues
• The Philadelphia Phillies would like to deal third baseman Wes Helms for a left-handed pitcher. The Giants have been interested in acquiring a third baseman, but do not want to give up Steve Kline. Look for the Phillies to keep Helms and give journey man Stanton a chance now that they won’t have to give up anyone to get him.