FLB: Spring Training Notebook 3/20
• Could the David Weathers Era be over? The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Monday that "the feeling in camp is that (the Reds) have found their closer," and that it's Dustin Hermanson. Up to this point, Cincinnati has indicated that a combination of Weathers and Mike Stanton would be in line for saves. "That's still a pretty good combination," said manager Jerry Narron. "Their role just might be different." Narron definitely didn't come right out and tell the Enquirer that Hermanson was the guy, but reading between the lines, it's possible he's leaning that way.
• Some more Cincy drama: Narron told the Enquirer that when Ken Griffey Jr. recovers fully from his broken hand, Griffey will play right field this year. That means Ryan Freel (for as long as he's healthy) is your Reds' center fielder. It also means that Josh Hamilton would have someplace to play if Griffey can't go to start the season. Just saying.
• The San Francisco Chronicle featured a story Monday that indicates the Giants will have a definite decision on whether they want to trade closer Armando Benitez next week. The paper reports: "If the Giants choose to deal (Benitez), there could be multiple suitors. The Marlins remain in the picture, and major-league sources said the Reds are interested, too."
• The Chicago Tribune reports that White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Sunday that Darin Erstad is his No. 2 hitter against right-handed pitchers. Considering Guillen already declared Scott Podsednik his leadoff man, that means Tadahito Iguchi is headed south in the lineup, at least against righties. That's a blow to his fantasy value. Whether this means Brian Anderson is destined to hit ninth or to begin the year in the minors is still unclear.
• Contrary to much of what the baseball intelligentsia has been saying this spring, the Phillies now don't expect to trade one of their six starters before the season begins, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. In a story that focused on the relief-pitching problems the Phillies are likely to have this season, the paper reported that "Jon Lieber seems the likeliest candidate to move to the bullpen, although there are concerns as to whether he could do the job. 'I don't know if he can pitch out of the bullpen or not,' GM Pat Gillick said. 'That's up to Charlie Manuel and [pitching coach Rich] Dubee to make that determination.' Lieber has said he would be willing to move there."
• The Kansas City Star reports that Royals manager Buddy Bell still hasn't made up his mind about his starting catcher. He has John Buck and Jason LaRue on the roster. "I like both of them, and they've both played well," Bell said. "I had hoped to pick a clear No. 1 guy, but it's going to be hard to do that."
• Bartolo Colon threw his first live batting practice since undergoing surgery on his pitching shoulder last fall, according to the L.A. Times. Colon threw 30 fastballs, and said he felt "very good." However, he also acknowledged that he probably won't ever have the 95-mph heater he used to have. Colon won't be on the team to start the year, but it's possible he makes it back in time for May.
• The Rangers' official site reports that Eric Gagne threw a simulated game on Sunday, and was "pleased" with how he threw. Gagne reportedly will make his exhibition debut on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. In other Ranger news, according to the Dallas Morning News, former big-time pitching prospect Thomas Diamond will have to undergo Tommy John surgery, and will be out for all of this year, and possibly some of next.
• The Devil Rays optioned Joel Guzman to Triple-A Durham, where evidently he'll play third base every day. Guzman was mentioned in conjunction with the Rays' first base job last winter, but that seems a thing of the past. What Tampa thinks they'll do with both Guzman and Evan Longoria at third is, shall we say, unclear.
• I've been trying to stay away from too many "Boy, So-and-So looked great in his latest spring outing!" notes, because they're often so much hearsay and hogwash. But I thought I'd quickly mention that John Lackey does seem to be tearing it up on a consistent basis this spring: he threw another six scoreless innings against the Cubs on Sunday. In 12.1 spring innings, Lackey has a 0.73 ERA, a .217 BAA, and a 15-to-1 K/BB ratio.
• David Wells learned he has Type 2 diabetes, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "From the time I found out, I made changes," Wells said. "No more starches and sugar. No more rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread. No more fast food. I've cut out alcohol." No alcohol, Boomer? I mean, how effective can we expect you to be?
Christopher Harris covers fantasy sports for ESPN.com. You can e-mail him here.
