National League spring training notes
Arizona Diamondbacks
It took nearly a month into spring training, but five-time All-Star Adam Jones has found a home as the Diamondbacks’ center fielder.
Jones signed a one-year, $3 million contract March 12. In the last of his 11 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles in 2018, Jones hit .281 with 15 home runs in 145 games.
“All I know is that between the lines, I know I can play,” Jones said. “I know I can hit a breaking ball.” Ketel Marte had been in line to start in center field after being shifted from second base earlier in the spring. He will now serve as a super utility player.
Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuna Jr. is not concerned about the possibility of a sophomore slump after winning National League Rookie of the Year honors last season.
The left fielder went 12for-30 (.400) with two doubles, one triple and three home runs to start Grapefruit League play. Last year, he batted .293 with 26 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 111 games.
“I’ve been anxious for the season to start since we got here to camp,” Acuna said. “I’ve felt ready.”
Five pitchers were in contention for two open spots in the rotation with less than two weeks remaining in spring training: left-hander Max Fried and right-handers Mike Soroka, Touki Toussaint, Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright.
Chicago Cubs
Yu Darvish had a lost season in 2018, going 1-3 with a 4.95 ERA in eight starts before undergoing elbow surgery, ending the first year of a six-year, $126 million contract.
However, Darvish is looking for a fresh start this year, including doing media interviews in English.
“Interpreters are expensive for the organization, right? That’s why,” Darvish said. “It’s good for me, too. I have experience with (the media) and I can use more English.”
Pedro Strop will likely begin the season on the injured list with a strained right hamstring. He was supposed to be the closer while Brandon Morrow recovered from elbow surgery. Now, the ninth-inning role could fall to Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards Jr. or Brad Brach.
Cincinnati Reds
Michael Lorenzen’s hope of becoming a two-way play in the major leagues is coming closer to reality.
The relief pitcher has also been seeing some action in center field during exhibition games. He played both positions at Cal State-Fullerton.
Lorenzen is not concerned about the potentially difficult task of doing both.
“I’d rather err on the side of overdoing it, that’s my personality,” he said.
Speaking of versatility, Kyle Farmer could be the rare player who sees action at both catcher and shortstop. Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a December trade, Farmer has been getting playing time at short this spring. He caught in just four games for the Dodgers the past two years but was behind the plate for 331 games over six minor league seasons.
Colorado Rockies
Trevor Story’s confidence has never been higher.
The shortstop batted .291 with 37 home runs and 27 stolen bases in 157 games last season. The 26-year-old also made his first All-Star Game appearance.
“That experience helps me a lot,” Story said of 2018. “At this point it’s about how I’m attacking pitchers, and realizing how they’re attacking me, and creating a good plan.”
Story has helped the Rockies advance to the play-offs as a wild-card team each of the last two seasons.
Manager Bud Black wants the Rockies to run more this season. They were eighth in the major leagues with 95 stolen bases last year.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Kike Hernandez had a breakout season in 2018, and the utility player is looking to build upon that this year.
Hernandez hit .256 with 21 home runs in career-high 145 games last season in helping the Dodgers win their second straight NL pennant. The fiveyear veteran played every position but catcher.
“I grew up playing shortstop, and I believe that if you can play shortstop, you can play anywhere,” Hernandez said.
Kyle Seager played shortstop in a minor league exhibition game March 14, his first at the position since April 29, and could be ready for the opener. Last season, he underwent Tommy John elbow surgery and an arthroscopic procedure on his right hip.
The Dodgers promoted
Brandon Gomes to vice president and assistant general manager, continuing the former major leaguer’s climb up the front office ranks.
The 34-year-old former pitcher had been serving as director of player development since 2016. He joined the Dodgers’ front office after a five-year career with Tampa Bay Rays.
Miami Marlins
Starlin Castro gives a young team some veteran presence.
The 28-year-old second baseman is beginning his 10th season. Castro is also in the final year of an eight-year, $60.57 million contract he signed with the Cubs.
“I don’t try to put it in my mind because that’s one thing I can’t control,” Castro said of his