Justin Verlander says Tigers manager Jim Leyland can relax if he is worried about his ace trying to do too much to justify his big contract. “I can’t give any more than I’ve been giving,” Verlander said Sunday. He has a point. The 27-year-old right-hander led the major leagues in games started (35), innings pitched (240), strikeouts (269) and total pitches (3,937).
Archive for February 28th, 2010
Romero, Lidge hope to be ready by opener (AP)
In 2008, they comprised the back end of the best bullpen in baseball on the season’s best team. Last year, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge had the worst seasons of their respective careers, dealing with injuries and other off-field distractions. After a winter filled with surgeries and soul-searching, the two were back on neighboring mounds Sunday in the Phillies’ bullpen for the first time in a…
Outfield could again hold key for Cubs (AP)
With Milton Bradley moping, Alfonso Soriano limping and Kosuke Fukudome whiffing, the 2009 Chicago Cubs were done in by their $214 million outfield. Bobby Scales was called up after 10 1/2 years in the minors and asked to save the day. Jake Fox was all-hit, no field. Sam Fuld was all-field, no-power. First baseman Micah Hoffpauir, thrown into the outfield to supply offense, batted .239.
Rangers’ Borbon has lead for CF job (AP)
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said the center field and leadoff starting jobs are Julio Borbon’s to lose. “For me, Borbon is in the same position that (shortstop) Elvis Andrus was last year,” Washington said Sunday. “It’s up to us to keep him relaxed and let him be who he is.” Borbon made his debut with the Rangers last season as a substitute for an injured Josh…
