MLB Quickhits, February 28, 2007
Girardi offers tips, Ramirez arrives at camp, Prior improving
Feb 28, 2007
MLB QUICKHITS
February 28, 2007
Girardi gave pitching tips to rival pitcher, Veterans don’t vote anyone new to Hall of Fame, Mark Prior improving, Ramirez arrives earlier than expected, Scott Kazmir progressing well.
Aiding the Enemy?
The Florida Marlins were unhappy to hear that former Manager Joe Girardi gave very helpful pitching tips to rival Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jon Lieber last season. Lieber said Girardi, who were teammates from 2000-2002 with the Chicago Cubs, gave him a call last season after a loss to the Marlins. Lieber told the associated press that Girardi said he wasn’t staying on top of his pitches enough, causing them to come in flat. Later in the season, when both teams were competing for the N.L. Wildcard, Lieber beat the Marlins twice in September. Girardi’s relationship with the Marlins ended when he was fired after the season, a little while before he was named N.L. Manager of the year.
Vets blank Hall of Fame selection
The Hall of Fame Veterans committee decided no one would be joining Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn when they are inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year. Several candidates fell just short of the 75 percent needed to be inducted. The closest player was Ron Santo, the Chicago Cubs legendary third baseman, who received 57 votes (70 percent). Others who came close were Jim Kaat, who had 283 wins, Gil Hodges, who hit 370 home runs, and Tony Oliva, a three time A.L. batting champion.
Prior showing signs of improving
The freak injury prone Mark Prior is scheduled to make his first spring start March 5th against the Mariners. Prior has only thrown one spring start in the last three years because of constant injuries. Last season Prior started only 7 games and went 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA. However, he has a lifetime record of 42-29 with an ERA of 3.51.
Ramirez arrives late, but earlier than expected
Boston Red Sox’s Manny Ramirez arrived at camp three days earlier then expected. The left fielder had asked permission to arrive late to camp because his mother ill. However, it was rumored that Ramirez was planning to attend a car auction in Atlantic City. Ramirez was given permission to show up to camp nine days after all other position players were supposed to report. But now he has arrived early and is beginning his normal routine to prepare for the season.
Kazmir on track to start season
After having to end his rookie season early because of shoulder inflammation, Scott Kazmir is showing signs that he has overcome his injury and is ready to start the season. Kazmir was one of the most dominating pitchers in the first half of 2006 and the Devil Rays need him if they want to contend this season. Kazmir threw to live batters for the first time since August 22 last week reported no problems.
