"With spring training games underway, its time for my breakout player predictions for 2023. Once again the computers are skeptical about their starting pitching. "Several days before position players were required to report to the Cardinals spring training complex,Paul GoldschmidtandNolan Arenadohad already arrived. Urias is set to hit free agency after the 2023 season. "Boston Red Sox fans were not thrilled with some of the choices the teams brass made this offseason, and it seems that many current and former decision-makers in MLB were not impressed by the Soxs choices either.
"Major League Baseball is reportedly pushing to install a salary cap to close the gap between MLB's richest teams and its smaller-market franchises. Read More, Bleacher Report
A painful-looking play on the basepaths forced the 25-year-old to make an early exit from"
Bucknor shook hands when lineup cards were exchanged before a game against the New York Mets on Monday in Jupiter, Florida, two days after Bucknor refused to. However, it is often the exact opposite where very few reach their peak with the majority middling out or sitting at their floor. "The Chicago Bulls may have something else to add to their laundry list of woes this season. Opinions from around the world of sports including MLB news that is breaking, plus MLB rumors and MLB lists. "Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler sounded off on Major League Baseball implementing a pitch timer this season. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribuneaddsthat Odor still needs to pass a physical before the deal becomes official.
Like a shark that smells blood in the water, commissioner Brett Yormack is mulling a move that could send shockwaves through college football. Happ plays during a baseball game, Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Detroit. People keep asking me if I miss it, Pujols tells"
Marmol was upset by Bucknor's"
opportunity to interview for the top job with the Mets over the 2021-22 offseason and signed a multi-year extension with St. Louis at . Superstars such as Paul Goldschmidtand Nolan Arenado will lead the way, but St. Louis would benefit from rebound performances from impactful players. Actually, I think its baseball.
Via Oddschecker.com,"
Latest Stories St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker Is Front And Center In The Cardinals Lineup Jordan Walker, the top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, is certainly a player worth watching this spring.
Emailed daily. February 21, The Athletic
Cue every wide receiver-needy team . Folks in the analytics community have run simulations on the Cardinals and some of them are not good.
Ja Morant accused of violent and threatening behavior. "The Cactus League and Grapefruit League seasons have begun and Opening Day is only five weeks away. Well, now it's a new year. During the 2023 offseason, that feeling must be balanced against a reasonably thin group of free-agent wideouts. March 01, Clutch Points
Who will be the next to don the red jacket? Were the dinosaurs, Shohei Ohtani, Top 2024 MLB Free Agents After Manny Machado's New Padres Contract, MLB reviewing exchange between Oliver Marmol, C.B. Here, theScore's Josh Goldberg and"
March 03, Bleacher Report
With Albert Pujols gone, who will be the Cardinals DH in 2023? Ratings appear to be the most obvious metric to gauge success because if a game is shorter"
February 24, Bleacher Report
Over the winter, the Cardinals replaced longtime catcher Yadier Molina with former Chicago Cubs backstop Willson Contreras. As of 2023-01-15 02:05:04am. March 02, Larry Brown Sports
Darren Dreger of TSN first reported the deal. An investigation was launched earlier this week after a"
He spent a decade with the Angels, so the sight is nothing new. "Earlier in the week, Illinois forward Matthew Mayer revealed he had made himself sick by drinking five Monster Energy drinks while playing video games. February 27, Bleacher Report
MLB has hired three staff members with decades of regional sports experience to join the leagues newly created Local Media department, led by media industry executive Billy"
"Come the end of the 2022 Major League Baseball season, Aaron Judge's 62 home runs and numerous other league-leading figures made it decidedly unnecessary to question which hitter had the best year. "When Christian Pulisic walked through the doors at Stamford Bridge to be unveiled as Chelsea's newest star, it was hard not to dream. Sometimes, it's a case of playing in the shadow of a bigger star. They have power-hitting rookie infielder Nolan Gorman, top prospect Jordan Walker, and team-controlled outfielders Dylan.
"About one month into the 2022-23 campaign,The AthleticNBAstaff compiled and analyzeda list of early concernsfor each team. For the Marlins, we already know it's more than just Lopez available, and rumors have suggested. "Los Angeles Dodgers SPNoah Syndergaardperformed well in hisSpring Trainingdebut on Tuesday, but his velocity topped out at just 92-93 MPH. " February 26 More NHL Rumors & News NCAAF RUMORS AND NEWS NCAAF Forum February 28, The Athletic
Many people around the MLB world believe LA ispreparing for a Shohei Ohtani runnext"
A native of Jupiter, Fla., Mikolas has already conjured up a scenario in which he has dozens of friends"
"Major League Baseballnow has a pitch clock. Aaron Judge and Justin Verlander can make a huge impact for your favorite club - if ownership is willing to write the check. March 01, CBS Sports
March 01, Clutch Points
Bucknor-Oliver Marmol incident settled, Miles Mikolas addresses future with Cardinals, Cardinals manager rips umpire after handshake snub, MLB investigating exchange between Cardinals manager and umpire, The most notorious sports feuds of all time, As MLB reviews rift, Marmol, Bucknor shake, A timeline of the Oliver Marmol and CB Bucknor fued, Michael McGreevy is the #9 prospect.
The Commanders have 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell at the top of their QB depth chart for now, a less than desirable option who played just one game for Washington last season.
January 24, 2023. Spring training is when teams typically get down to business locking up their best"
February 18, KMOV
"The Yankees are looking to bring in some extra catching depth, according to Erik Boland of Newsday. Bucknor, Clock-off confusion: MLB game ends with a pitch-clock violation.
The left-hander had a down year in 2022, working to a 4.63 ERA across 44 2/3 frames for St"
March 03, ESPN
"Is anyone in baseball truly irreplaceable? St Louis Cardinals News, Rumors, Prospects & More - Redbird Rants St Louis Cardinals News The Cardinals should explore a Glasnow like extension with Jack Flaherty Josh Jacobs | Mar 1, 2023. Rojas, 34, was named the everyday shortstop after Gavin Lux tore his ACL and is out for the season. According to our"
Youve never seen a big-league game end the way theBravesandRed"
"There are a handful of players across baseball who do not receive the attention they deserve relative to their contributions. Best MLB World Series futures bets: Three best 2023 World Series bets to make now, The 24 best players in St. Louis Cardinals history, Budwiser Ballpark Pass for 2023 Season On Sale, Registration Open For 2023 Cardinals Ted Savage RBI Golf, Reviewing the Cardinals top 5 prospects from the 2015, Report: MLB considers C.B.
Cardinals Win Arbitration Case Against Genesis Cabrera, Cardinals Win Arbitration Hearing Against Ryan Helsley.
March 03, TSN
"Billy Epplerput in the work this offseason to pad theNew York Metsroster with starting pitching
Youve seen plunk-offs. Daily links to St. Louis Cardinals news from every major newspaper in America. "That"
Instead, the Cardinals pivoted and agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million deal for the free agent Contreras, per multiple Wednesday reports. March 03, ESPN
Some of them are inevitably going to end up disappointed in this regard, but which"
St. Louis Cardinals acquire Shohei Ohtani Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports. MLB owners create 'economic reform committee' as worries linger over Steve Cohen's spending, broadcast deals, Breaking down the 10 richest contracts of the MLB offseason, Why Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt is valuing leadership above all after MVP season, Top 10 MLB Players Most Likely to be Traded in 2023. Who Will Be MLB's Best Offensive Player in 2023?
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Timesreported on Thursdaythat Bulls center Nikola Vucevic had an incident with new teammate Patrick Beverley during Wednesdays win over the"
March 03, Bleacher Report
February 26, ESPN
Starter Dylan Cease makes a pretty solid Cactus League debut. March 03, NJ
"TheToronto Blue Jayswent full choke mode in the 2022 postseason after an impressive campaign. Bucknor continued Saturday when Bucknor refused to shake hands during the Cardinals' spring training season opener. I truly did not know who VEB would pick for the #9 vote, and there wasnt much of a hint in the two previous votes.
"Entering the 2023 season, theNew York Yankeeshave a loaded, superstar-laden roster, save for two glaring question marks at shortstop and left field; Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Aaron Hicks have a tenuous grasp on starting spots, for now. NFL Headlines. LeBrun reporting that it is a 2025 4th rounder going back the other way.
Really, Cardinals Oli Marmol says umpire C.B. Spring training is when teams typically get down to business locking up their best"
March 02, Clutch Points
Will Judge once again be MLB's top offensive"
Selecting MLB's 35 and Up All-Star Team for the 2023 Season, 2023 MLB Rookie of the Year Front-Runners and Their Must-Own Cards, MLB Adds Three Former RSN Executives To Local Media Department, Ranking Dodgers' Best Trade Targets After Gavin Lux ACL Injury, MLB Backing Legislation To Exempt Minor League Players From Florida Wage Law, MLB Eyes 'System That Gets to a Salary Cap' Despite MLBPA's Resistance, MLB extension candidates: Rhys Hoskins, Shane Bieber and more players who could be looking for long-term deals, Predicting Where Top Players Involved in MLB Trade Rumors Will Finish '23 Season, Rounding Up the Biggest Storylines of MLB Spring Training 2023 So Far, 4 Cardinals players who need bounce back seasons. Martinez sheds light on Red Sox' offseason pursuit, Yankees Aaron Boone reveals surprising Isiah Kiner-Falefa plan, Twins' Jordan Balazovic had mouth wired shut after 'sucker punch' from stranger, MLB Backing Legislation To Exempt Minor League Players From Florida Wage Law, MLB Eyes 'System That Gets to a Salary Cap' Despite MLBPA's Resistance, MLB extension candidates: Rhys Hoskins, Shane Bieber and more players who could be looking for long-term deals, Predicting Where Top Players Involved in MLB Trade Rumors Will Finish '23 Season, Rounding Up the Biggest Storylines of MLB Spring Training 2023 So Far, Aaron Judge reveals 2023 individual goal, and it isnt crushing 62 home runs, Phillies Zack Wheeler on pitch timer: I dont like it at all, 4 Cardinals players who need bounce back seasons, Marlins could invite Yuli Gurriel to camp after rescinding $3M offer, Cubs SS Dansby Swanson opens up on leaving the Braves in free agency. Leyba, 27, has appeared in parts of two big league seasons but tallied only 126"
"With last years trade ofHarrison Bader, the Cardinals have less certainty in center field than they have had in a few years. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands.
"Minnesota Twinspitching prospect Jordan Balazovic said he had his mouth wired shut after suffering a broken jaw during an altercation with a stranger on Feb. 11 in Fort Myers, Florida.
While many White Sox fans will immediately point the finger at catcher Yasmani Grandal- which is perfectly"
Between now and then, several players will likely sign contract extensions to remain with their teams long-term. Stand pat is a phrase that Cardinals fans are getting tired of hearing, as it has been used at trade deadlines and in offseasons when the team has done little or nothing at all. "Major League Baseball is backing proposed legislation in Florida that would exempt minor league players from the states minimum wage provisions, according to a report fromJason Garcia of Seeking Rents. Since then, he has bounced around between six"
"On the same day that former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes made waves in Brewers camp by voicing his displeasure with the way his salary arbitration situation played out, a prominent Cardinal has reportedly lost a hearing of his own against St. Louis. . Cardinals Congratulate Scott Rolen on Hall of Fame Selection 2006 World Series Champion & Cardinals Hall of Famer was selected to four-straight All-Star Games with St. Louis.
March 03, Daily Faceoff
Turning your"
Chip Caray (play-by-play) and Brad Thompson (analyst) call the action when the Cardinals host Washington in Jupiter, Fla. With last years trade of Harrison Bader, the Cardinals have less certainty in center field than they have had in a few years. February 28, CBS Sports
What do we all think of the rule changes now that we've seen them in play? February 28, MLB.com
2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved.
"The Los Angeles Dodgers weren't planning on having a hole in the middle of their infield with less than a month to go until Opening Day, but Gavin Lux's injury has opened one right up. March 01, Clutch Points
The 26-year-old has struggled to find an MLB home since being signed by the Los Angeles Angeles as an amateur free agent in 2013. "Minnesota Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda was so good against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, the batters knew what was coming and still couldn't get anything going against the right-hander. March 03, The Athletic
Nothing is official yet, butTSNs Pierre LeBrun is reportingthat the two teams are putting the final pieces in place to finalize the deal. "The Royals announced they have signed outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. to a minor league deal. The Red Sox would soon turn it around, stringing together three straight playoff appearances, including a World Series-winning run in"
February 28, Copyright 2023 NS Sports Media Pros Ltd (N.S., Canada licenced) company website. St. Louis may have the most alluring package of players to offer. So, who's up for a game of "Buy or Sell" with projections that really stand out? Other times, it can be a result of suiting up for a small-market team that simply"
I guess you got to get comfortable with it. Leyba is already with the club at their spring training facility. ProSportsDaily.com is not affiliated with the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, FIFA, NCAA, or any of the newspapers linked to.
2023 World Series odds, bets, predictions: Expert's bold World Series predictions for Yankees, Padres, and more.
Never mind that these tinfoil-hat-wearing"
The Cardinals fell 10-1 agains the Cleveland Indians Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis extending their losing streak to six games. "Knicks fans have suffered for long enough.
March 02, Royals Review
Schedule Best Podcast in Baseball St. Louis Cardinals Scott Rolen signs his name into history, calls Cardinals a 'catapult' toward Hall of Fame Cardinals pitchers Steven Matz and Jordan. 8 seed Titans fell 71-66 against No. All picks and predictions are suggestions only.
Many people around the MLB world believe LA ispreparing for a Shohei Ohtani runnext"
It's Major League Baseball's All-Geriatric Team for the 2023"
3 takeaways from Chicago White Sox camp.
Cardinals pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Steven Matz pitched in a simulate game at the club's spring training complex in Florida on Feb. 28, 2023. "TheBoston Red Soxdidnt exactly have the campaign they were hoping to have in 2022.
32 NFL players who need a fresh start on a new team. St. Louis News, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Stats - Yahoo Sports St. Louis Cardinals Follow team NL Central | 3-2 Batting Avg 10th .252 AVG Runs 5th 772 R Earned Runs Avg 10th 3.79 ERA WHIP. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. March 01, The Big Lead
Last year's crop saw us call our shots onSpencer Strider and Steven Kwan, while past editions have nailed Cal Quantrill, Drew Rasmussen, DJ LeMahieu,"
March 03, Pro Hockey Rumors
GM Rob Blake acquiredZack MacEwenfrom thePhiladelphia Flyersin exchange forBrendan Lemieux. All misdemeanors a quarter of them involving a suspended license but it was still"
February 17, Copyright 2023 NS Sports Media Pros Ltd (N.S., Canada licenced) company website. "TheMiami Marlinsare still interested in free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel, just maybe not as much as before. March 01, MLB Trade Rumors
The superstar third baseman has, after all,already determinedthat he will be opting out of his 10-year, $300 million contract with the"
"The White Sox have reportedly added left-handed pitcher Ricardo Sanchez to a minor-league deal, according to MLB.com. "This season, one of the biggest storylines around the Philadelphia 76ers is James Hardens potential looming free agency. "MyMLBprospect rankings from the last few weeks, fromthe top 100to theteam-by-team top 20s, are all built around long-term value what those players are likely to do in their careers, especially at their peaks, rather than what theyre likely to provide"
"Think all that free agent spending in MLB on all that starting pitching this winter gave us a reliable road map for what to expect on the drives to September and October this year? MLB best prop bets: Which pitcher will lead MLB in wins? The Dodgers provided updates on pitchers Daniel Hudson, Alex Reyes and Walker Buehler as each works his way back from injury. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. The identity of that player is unknown, as the Cardinals fear that if specifics become public, it will hurt their chances to make a deal.
. Most of the facilities were up and running the batting cages set, the weights racked, the bullpens"
March 03, The Athletic
February 27, The Athletic
After a tumultuous 2020 campaign during which St. Louis reached the postseason for the second consecutive season and "The Cactus League and Grapefruit League seasons have begun and Opening Day is only five weeks away. February 25, Bleacher Nation
"Major League Baseball officials expect C.B.
March 01, The Athletic
"It's certainly early to be speculating about Manny Machado's next team and contract, but the subject is no longer out of bounds. "The start of a new MLB season means a fresh crop of rookie set to take the baseball card collecting hobby by storm. "Spring training is underway and Major League Baseball's new pitch clock is causing all kinds of chaos. "What in the name of Steve Cohens wallet and Dodger moneybags is going on with the MLB calendar these days? Hell, not to dream would've been irrationally pessimistic. Apparently the PitchCom device used by catcher Tony Wolters was louder than the norm to the"
St. Louis Cardinals rumors: Cards interested in Carlos Rodon. The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Sammy Blais to a one-year contract extension worth $1 million, the club announced Thursday morning. The Cardinals had just three hits in a 6-0 loss to the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, on Thursday, March 2, 2023. "Friedman saying it is for a mid round draft pick forVladislav Namestnikov. The Georgia football team had seen eight players arrested that year alone, and 33 since the start of 2007. As we count down to the moment when the World Baseball Classic rosters are announced (Thursday at 6 p.m. Eastern time on MLB Network), let's take a look at some of the latest MLB news, including a trade involving the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals as well as the latest rumor buzz [] There are relevant players on current rosters with question marks over their futures, and contenders are going to be tempted to"
Comprehensive and up-to-date St. Louis Cardinals news, scores, schedule, stats and roster March 01, CBS Sports
My definition for a breakout candidate is simply a player I expect to perform at a dramatically higher level than their major-league track record, or to burst onto the scene and blow away the"
In 2019, DeJong clubbed 30 home runs.
Top 10 MLB first basemen for 2023 season. There was early optimism for Beckham in the"
Less than one year after the lockout zapped much of the excitement surrounding the sport, front offices made up for it with some impressive commitments to star players.
"
February 21, CBS Sports
March 03, Copyright 2023 NS Sports Media Pros Ltd (N.S., Canada licenced) company website.
WasXander Bogaertsthe most irreplaceable player in"
March 03, Bleacher Report
March 03, Bleacher Report
Dodgers Seen as Favorites to Land Shohei Ohtani in 2023 Free Agency, Mets toying with 6-man rotation? "Major League Baseball has taken a big step toward taking control of its teams local media rights. I want to start this piece with a stat. "TheNew York Metsare heading into the 2023 season with one of the most talented starting rotations in all of baseball (they were ranked as the No. After making it all the way to the ALCS in 2021, the Sox completely fell apart in 2022.
Diamond Sports, which operates the 19 Bally Sports channels, missed a $140 million interest payment earlier this month and is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy soon,according to Sportico. People, myself included, always seem to overvalue prospects anticipating that nearly all of them are going to reach their ceiling. St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and umpire C.B.
James Harden to Rockets? March 01, ESPN
At least one MLB reporter connected to the A's (Jessica Kleinschmidt, formerly with NBC Sports Bay Area) has tweeted that the trade ask from Oakland for Sean Murphy was "too expensive" for the St. Louis Cardinals. March 03, Clutch Points
Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Revisiting our early concerns for NBA teams: How do things look now? According to Garcia, the bill was put in front of the Florida legislature two"
Top 10 All-Time Cardinals Starting Pitchers. 1 Overall Pick in the NFL Draft, Taylor Lewan Has List Of 3 NFL Teams He Will Not Play For, Realistic Landing Spots for Jalen Ramsey After Rams Trade Him. The clubs primary backstops last year wereJose TrevinoandKyle Higashioka.
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Happ, 38, is one of three Twins pitchers who could be on .
February 22, Bleacher Report
Think again. Make yourself at home, New Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras making effort to mesh with Adam Wainwright, Cardinals pitchers Steven Matz and Jordan Montgomery toss strong outings in simulated game, Tipsheet: Projection models frown on Cardinals' pitching once again, Scott Rolen signs his name into history, calls Cardinals a 'catapult' toward Hall of Fame, Hurlers Matthew Liberatore, Gordon Graceffo sharp in main stage showing: Cardinals Extra.
Dylan Carlsongot significant playing time there down the stretch and has been seen as the favorite for the job going forward, but hell have"
All picks and predictions are suggestions only. These are coming"
Were never going to agree"
March 02, Bleacher Report
March 03, Pro Football Talk
Watch: NBA News & Rumors Cardinals sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado set tone for win over Nationals St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Post-Dispatch Guerrero: Walker, Paniagua, Gomez standing out early in Cardinals camp St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Post-Dispatch We've reached that point in the MLB season when the buyers have. NFL. "Until players start putting up actual, real numbers, stat projections for the 2023 Major League Baseball season are all we have.
Teams have only been in camp for a couple weeks, with exhibition games in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues starting up just last"
Feb 26, 2023; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jordan Walker (67) hits a home run in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. February 28, The Athletic
March 02, MLB Trade Rumors
Bucknor has reportedly been put to rest. 1 NFL Draft pick trade, revealed, Ranking Best Fits for Top WRs in 2023 NFL Free Agency Class, Raiders perfect trade offer to Bears for 1st pick in 2023 NFL Draft, The Raiders are the betting favorites to land Aaron Rodgers, Odell Beckham Jr. expected to have competitive market in 2023 NFL free agency. March 03, Football Italia
With television ratings and attendance in a steady decline since the game was first invented (citation needed), MLB is finally getting around to fixing the only problem it has ever had by"
The 6-foot-1 guard missed a"
"Major League Baseball is backing proposed legislation in Florida that would exempt minor league players from the states minimum wage provisions, according to a report fromJason Garcia of Seeking Rents.
February 23, Bleacher Report
In summary, pitchers"
Kleinschmidt says there was "big .
Make yourself at home, New Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras making effort to mesh with Adam Wainwright, Reviewing the Cardinals top 5 prospects from the 2015 season, Cardinals pitchers Steven Matz and Jordan Montgomery toss strong outings in simulated game.
The asking price would be $12.6 million more than what general manager Joe Schoen could get if he . Video went viral from the New York Yankees-Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game on Thursday of perhaps the worlds fastest strikeout. The former MVP signed a deal last offseason that allows him to become an unrestricted free agent again this summer. St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol reignited a feud with umpire CB Bucknor on Saturday following the first spring training game of the season. He was 83.
The 27-year-old has posted 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 59 games during the 2022-23 campaign. "For the first time since he was perhaps 5 years old, Albert Pujols figures, he walked around a baseball field Wednesday with no bat, no glove, not even a uniform. March 01, The Athletic
Are Rob Manfred and the owners really gearing up for a salary cap push? Yet we can, should and frankly speculate about 10 stars who could eventually be out there for the"
Injuries limited him to just four appearances with Arizona's"
"It may seem like MLB rosters are settled now that spring training is underway, but we all know teams will look different once games start mattering most.
UCLA finished 9-4 last season with a 37-35 loss to Pittsburgh in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, but his winning percentage"
"This one goes out to my fellow brethren who have to strap on a knee brace and pop a few anti-inflammatories to survive the weekly bouts of "exercise" on our bottom-division, slow-pitch softball leagues. Mozeliak, 54, has helped guide the team to 15 consecutive. March 01, The Big Lead
This move planted the Raiders firmly in the quarterback market, not just in"
The Brazilian's future has been a hot topic of discussion on Merseyside this season, particularly with the Reds undergoing a transitional"
Soto would boost an already-potent lineup that averages 4.6 runs per game.
March 03, New York Post
With two home runs in his first two games of spring training, potential leadoff hitter flashes early returns on a new bat, upright stance, and insoles upgrade.