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Some things to read while maintaining the protocol.
This has been assumed for a couple of days, but now it's official: Yovani Gallardo will get the start when the Brewers face the Reds on Opening Day. It'll be his second straight Opening Day start, and probably should be his third (Ken Macha started Jeff Suppan instead in 2009, setting the tone for a long season).
Here are a handful of notes on Gallardo:
- David Pinto of Baseball Analytics notes that Gallardo was the best pitcher in all of baseball in 2010 at preventing hits with runners in scoring position.
- Tom Haudricourt notes that Gallardo went 0-2 with a 9.22 ERA in three starts against the Reds last season.
- Josh Wussow of Inside Wisconsin Sports says Gallardo is still "the bull of the Wisconsin woods."
Gallardo will be followed in the rotation by Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf, meaning Chris Narveson will start the home opener.
It seems like I've had new injury notes every day this spring, and today is no exception. Rickie Weeks was lifted early from yesterday's game to undergo treatment on a sore groin, but Ron Roenicke said the move was merely precautionary. Manny Parra, who probably would have been a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation if healthy, is just hoping to be ready in time to pitch out of the bullpen on Opening Day. Finally, Mitch Stetter has been held out of action with a strain behind his pitching shoulder, but is expected to throw live BP today.
On the field yesterday, the Brewers dropped an extra inning game to the Rockies and Yuniesky Betancourt dropped everything else. The Brewers' likely Opening Day shortstop committed two ugly errors in the game, and Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar noted how quickly Tom Haudricourt's opinion on Yuni has changed.
Other notes from camp:
- When I was in Maryvale last week I made a snide remark about a pretty poor national anthem. It sounds like it's only gotten worse since then.
- Tyler Emerick of the JS has a profile of Brewer visiting clubhouse manager Phil Rozewicz.
- Corie Stark of the JS talked to some of the volunteers helping out in Maryvale.
Meanwhile, the injury situation this spring has cast a handful of spots on the Opening Day roster into question. View From Bernie's Chalet took another shot at predicting the 25 man roster.
In the minors:
- The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are doing Brewers Sundays again this season, and this year their Brewer-themed jerseys will be based on the 1975 uniforms. Rattler Radio has pictures.
- Prospect Madness continues at Bernie's Crew: Today's matchup features Hiram Burgos and Tyler Thornburg.
Season previews seem to be trickling in at a slower than expected pace this year. Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar contributed to this one at C70 At The Bat.
Around baseball:
Rangers: CEO Chuck Greenberg is expected to announce his resignation today.
Rockies: Third baseman Ian Stewart is likely to open the season on the DL with a knee sprain.
White Sox: Signed reliever Matt Thornton to a two year, $12 million deal. Also, outfielder Dayan Viciedo will open the season on the DL with a broken thumb.
Today in former Brewers:
- Ned Yost appears to be enjoying his time in Royals camp, and his comments about it would imply that his time with the Brewers wasn't as enjoyable. (FanShot)
- Buster Olney said the Royals think Alcides Escobar has the tools to eventually become a good #2 hitter.
- Todd Coffey is on Twitter.
Today's spring training stories:
- Yesterday's Indians-Cubs game in Mesa was delayed when sprinklers came on during the eighth inning.
- Phillies reliever J.C. Romero has become the latest player to have his car stolen. This is the third theft I've written about this spring, and it's possible more happened while I was on vacation. (h/t Aaron Gleeman)
With help from the B-Ref Play Index and Brewerfan.net, happy birthday today to:
- Brevard County Manatee Sean McCraw, who turns 25.
- 2008 Brewer Salomon Torres, who turns 38.
- 1998 Brewer Rod Henderson, who turns 40.
Also, happy birthday today to Anonymous Eagle, who turns 1.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need more advice.
Drink up.