Out of the Dugout

A full day of baseball on the schedule this afternoon, four games will be televised on MLB.tv, including the debut of Johan Santana in a Mets uniform. I will also be curious to see how Hideki Kuroda does in his debut for the Dodgers against the Braves.

The Reds were dealt a blow to their starting shortstop
http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/redsinsider/2008/02/gonzo-out-three-weeks.asp

Gonzalez is a big defensive asset for the pitching staff, but his inablity to show patience at the plate has been a big problem for him throughout his career. It's unfortunate for a player to lose his job due to injury, but the team would be better off if they gave the job to Jeff Keppinger who filled in admirably last season in many different positions for the Reds.

Mark Kizla of the Denver post mentions that there may be a new rivalry in the NL West

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_8400417

As unlikely as it sounded last year, these two teams don't appear to be dropping off anytime soon, many of the key ingredients for both teams success last season are young and under contract for many years to come. The NL West will be the most competitive division in baseball, but it would be hard to argue that these teams will be the frontrunners for the title.

The Blue Jays got some good news from their closer

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080228.wsptblair28/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/BlueJays

It's important for the medical staff on Toronto to monitor the health of Ryan. The team last year thought he had a tired arm as his velocity was well below what it had been in the past, which were signs of a serious injury, the staff ignored it and led to him blowing out his arm. The team found a capable replacement in Jeremy Accardo, so if Ryan isn't ready by April the team would still be in good hands with Accardo, and it's important that Ryan is healthy in August and September.

In what is expected to be a very tough season for the A's, they did see some good results from a forgotten pitcher.

http://www.mercurynews.com/athleticsheadlines/ci_8389754?nclick_check=1

Harden has been teasing scouts, and baseball fans for the better part of five years, but he has never been able to stay healthy. It would be ironic if he were to stay healthy this year, because the A's window for contending has closed. If Harden should prove he can stay healthy as a starter the A's will look to deal him for some additional prospects who Billy Beane hopes will get the A's back in contention in 2010.

I'll be back shortly to report on the first starts for Santana, and Kuroda.