Mound Talk

Josh Johnson is still suffering from an arm injury and it looks like the Marlins will turn to someone else to start the season as the fifth starter. The leading candidates are Sergio Mitre, Yusmiero Petit and Wes Obermueller.

MoundTalk.com Spin: Josh Johnson probably didn’t factor into your fantasy plans this year but don’t be too disheartened. There are plenty of other average pitchers that will be available.

The Boston Red Sox are no closer to finding their closer though Joel Piniero is still the leading candidate. Mike Timlin and, if all else fails, Jonathan Papelbon could challenge for that title.

MoundTalk.com Spin: Piniero will be tragic for the Sox and for your team.

The Chicago Cubs are among the teams looking for a fifth starter in Spring Training. Wade Miller, Jason Marquis, Carlos Marmol, Angel Guzman and Sean Marshall appear to be battling for the last two slots in the Cubs rotation.
MoundTalk.com Spin: None are very good options and at least one of them will likely have to move up into the top three at some point this season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have some great young talent. They just don’t like to let them play. James Loney is blocked by Nomar Garciaparra. They brought in Luis Gonzalez but that means that either Andre Ethier or Matt Kemp is out of a job. Ethier appears to hold the edge in right field right now but anything can happen.

MoundTalk.com Spin: This sucks. We want both to play but if only one can, Ethier is still a good choice.