Notes

The storylines aren't changing very much in Surprise.

Right Field: The Star is featuring Emil Brown today. I suppose I have more empathy for the guy after reading the story, and I should probably come to grips with the fact that he might make this team. I don't see any downside to keeping him over Nunez and Guiel, but if he makes the team at the expense of Matt Diaz...

I can't believe I can allow myself to get annoyed at the prospect of the Royals not keeping MATT DIAZ. He's MATT DIAZ. What has become of my expectations of this franchise?

Maybe Brown is the next Raul Ibanez. If AB has a specialty, its finding players no one else wants, giving them a chance to play and watching them grow into mediocre -- but legitimate -- major leaguers. I just think Brown is too old to make the transition to successful major leaguer.

(Update: I just noticed that Kevin wrote practically the same story today, although in much greater detail. Its slim pickin's these days.)

Second Base: Ruben Gotay blasted another home run yesterday. Getting to be pretty unthinkable that he shouldn't be playing every day with Graffanino playing the utility role. McEwing should be shuttled to another team.

Closer: No position battle here, just continued worries about Affeldt's health and consistency. He returned from his groin injury with a flourish, giving up 7 hits and 4 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning. Let's kick the man while he's down: I don't trust this guy very much. He's already a bust, having wasted three seasons. Maybe he'll settle into the closer role nicely this season, and I'm fine with handing him the role to start the season. But if he falters, the team won't have any excuses for his poor performance except that he's just not a good pitcher.

Obesity Bowl, er, 1st Base-- The most anticipated and least interesting spring training matchup finally swung every so slightly in one direction yesterday, as CP smacked two doubles against the Mariners. Justin Huber, please have a monster year in AAA and be our everyday first baseman next season. I said please.