Friday, April 17, 2009

Ex-Cardinals Watch 4-17-09: Junior Spivey Signs Deal, Darren Oliver Set For Start, Dan Haren Frustrated, Russell Branyan Hurting

Jack Wilson (Pirates):
Shortstop Jack Wilson is a late scratch for tonight's game with the Atlanta Braves. Ramon Vazquez will start and bat eighth. Wilson also was a late scratch on Wednesday with a bruised left middle finger.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Fernando Tatis (Mets):
SECOND CHANCE: Forgotten man Fernando Tatis has only three at-bats in nine games, but Manuel plans to give him a start this weekend at second base in place of Luis Castillo.

"I want to see if I can get his bat in the lineup someplace," Manuel said.

Tatis has played two innings of second base in his major-league career - for Baltimore in 2006 -- but Manuel used him there a few times during spring training.
NY Daily News

Darren Oliver (Angels):
Darren Oliver isn't setting out to make any heroic statements. He's looking to be effective -- and smart -- in his first start in five seasons. It's in his nature, to say nothing of his best interests, to stay calm and within himself.
Angels Official Site

Dan Haren (Diamondbacks):
For Dan Haren, the frustration finally bubbled over in the top of the seventh inning.

Lifted for a pinch-hitter, Haren slammed his helmet and bat as he entered the dugout.
D-Backs Official Site

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
The Mariners are ranked among the top five defensive teams in the American League after the first 12 days of the regular season, and first baseman Russell Branyan's ability to snag throws in the dirt has been a major reason.
Mariners Official Site

Dmitri Young (Nationals):
First baseman Dmitri Young is still at extended Spring Training in Viera, Fla. He still has some pain in his back and right hip. There is no timetable as to when he will start his rehab assignment.
All Nats All The Time

Junior Spivey (Camden):
The Camden Riversharks announced today that they have signed Ernest Lee “Junior” Spivey, Jr. for the 2009 season. Spivey was originally selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 36th round of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League debut with the team on June 2, 2001.
Atlantic League Baseball

Troy Percival (Rays):
Perci POWER: Though closer Troy Percival's first scoreless appearance and second save wasn't without drama (he walked one and gave up a hit before stranding the tying run at third), manager Joe Maddon said he was very sharp and squeezed a bit by the umpires.

Percival said he "found myself," adding he returned to the approach that worked so well in spring training (when he gave up two runs in eight appearances) and did not overthrow. In doing so, he reached 93 mph.

"I was just a lot better; a lot more under control," he said. "Even after 15 years, I let the adrenaline get the better of me the first two outings and I was trying to overthrow. When I overthrow, I probably throw the ball slower. So (Friday), I thought I threw the ball as good as I could possibly throw it."
St. Petersburg Times

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