Justin Upton and more…

Justin Upton to include SB in his repertoire

As the Arizona Republic reports, “Outfielder Justin Upton, who has swiped two bags in his first four exhibition games, says stealing bases is an emphasis for him this spring training. “It’s something I definitely want to work on,” he said. “I have the speed to steal bags but at this level you have to be smarter at doing it.” How many bases does he think he could steal? Twenty? More? “It’s very possible, yeah,” he said. He said bench coach Kirk Gibson has been a tremendous help and he will continue to lean on Gibson throughout the year.”

Jeff Baker making a bid to be Rockies starting 2B

The Rocky Mountain News reports that “Jeff Baker came off the bench and played the final four innings of Monday’s game at second base, continuing to impress with how quickly he has adjusted defensively. He also went 1-for-2 with an RBI single in the Rockies’ 7-5 victory against Arizona at Tucson Electric Park. “We have a more acute eye on his defense,” manager Clint Hurdle said of evaluating Baker’s attempt to convert to second base.”

Nick Swisher having a powerful start this Spring

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, “Nick Swisher had an apparent third home run overturned and ruled a triple Sunday in Hermosillo, Mexico. But considering he had two homers before that in the loss to Arizona, plus a couple of homers in intrasquad games, there’s no doubt he’s feeling comfortable wearing black. ”It was one great game, and I was happy to do that just to get the confidence factor up,” Swisher said. ”But it’s so early, you never know. All I’m trying to do is put the barrel on the ball, and whatever happens after that happens.”

Scott Kazmir may miss significant time

As the St. Petersburg Times reports, “Maddon said Kazmir is still in “stage two” in his recovery from a left elbow sprain, but the ace could be outside playing catch in the next few days. Top pick David Price will get in his first game Wednesday or Saturday.”

John Lackey ready to make his spring debut

The Los Angeles Times reports that “John Lackey pronounced himself fine after throwing a 40-pitch bullpen session, his first time on a mound since reporting a sore elbow last week. The Angels‘ ace is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Sunday, tentatively lining him up to start the fifth game of the regular season — the home opener against the Texas Rangers.”

Garthright showing off impressive speed this spring

The Kansas City Star reports that “Joey Gathright turned his speed into a run in the third inning after reaching on a fielder’s-choice grounder. Gathright stole second, then stole third and came home on a throwing error by catcher Cole Armstrong. Gathright also beat out a slow roller to second in the fifth inning for an RBI single before stealing his third base.”