Baseball News with Mary - April 30

Photo from:  www.wikipedia.com

Story/Blogs By - Mary Clausen

Hi baseball fans -

Look how close we are to April 6!  Getting pretty exciting, isn't it? As the season gets closer and closer, there will be a lot more daily baseball news.  I'm going to change my website so that I can give you as much information as I can.  My posts will have shorter blogs (like the one below). I'll still write articles now and then when something big happens.  Blog me and let me know if there is anything you'd like to see an article on.  Game on - almost,  Mary

RED SOX WILKERSON LEAVES SPRING TRAINING CAMP - He heard news that he's certainly not happy with - that the veteren outfielder probably won't make the team, so he's taking off for a bit.  With his departure, that leaves Jeff Bailey and Chris Carter going for the final roster spot. He heard the decision  through Red Sox higher ups that he wasn't meant to be. Wilkerson has an opt-out by April 1 clause if he doesn't make the team.  He's opting-out right now so he can think of his next possible move.  The Manager Terry Francona said that they haven't done abything official yet.  He commented that he realizes that Wilkerson has until 4/1 to think things through.  He said ". .  .He's contemplating that stuff out." 

MARLINS' SETUP ROLE QUESTIONABLE - The Marlins have many questions about their bullpen right now.  The setup role is probably the biggest question so far. Right now Scott Proctor is just waiting.  He said yesterday, "I'm champing at the bit, ready to throw." Here it is one week before the season opens and the seat that Proctor used to take in the bullpen is empty right now.  He pitched in one game this spring and felt a sting in his arm.  It was just enough annoyance to have it checked out, "Frustrating, I don't have the words for it," was his feeling.  He's in limbo right now.

MAUER WILL STAY IN FLORIDA - Joe Mauer is going to stay in Florida so he can heal for a whiile.  The Twins were making all of these Opening Day plans, but it looks like it will all happen without Joe Mauer. Their All-Star catcher says he "feels the best I've felt all spring " but he's not making the trip back with the team later next week. He says, "I'll probably stay here and keep working out."  He'll also talk to his doctors and the team to check out his progress.  Then he'll lay out his plans.