Random Musings

1. Why is Billy Butler of the Kansas City Royals starting the season in AAA? What does he have to prove? Last year in AA he hit .331/.388/.499. Granted, Butler is horrendous in the field but he can rake, and is only 20. He could be the DH in place of Mike Sweeney who if he can stay healthy (60 games in 2006) can play 1B instead of Ross Gload. I mean come on, Ross Gload? Butler is a player for the future, and that future is bright, so why not bring him up and let him play. The Royals aren't going to contend any time soon, so why waste time with people like Ross Gload? Give Butler a shot because his upside is that much higher and he can take his lumps this season and improve for next year rather than crush people at AAA.

2. Matt Garza did not start the year up with the Twins but down at AAA as well. This move is understandable if Garza was going to be the 5th starter instead of Carlos Silva but the Twins wanted him to get consistent work at AAA because their 5th starter is going to be skipped the first month, which is what usually happens on most clubs. So they let Silva stay up, because he won't pitch much anyways. However, Garza isn't just better than Silva, he is also better than the Twins 4th starter, Sidney Ponson as well. What from the .316/.371/.466 the last three seasons against, do teams see as a good thing? Ponson is terrible. If Dave Duncan couldn't help him out, then no one can. Last year, in stops in A, AA, and AAA Garza struck out 154 in 135 innings pitched, only gave up 6 homers, and only walked 32. If they are worried about his innings, they can still limit his workload early in the season so he doesn't overwork his arm. Either way, the Fresno State product needs to be up pitching on the big club instead of Silva, Ponson, or Ramon Ortiz for that matter.

3. Against the Astros last night, righthander Ian Snell of the Pittsburgh Pirates pretty much had his way with Houston. In 6 innings of work, Snell recorded 11 strikeouts, allowed one walk and one home run to RF Jason Lane in the 5th inning on the first pitch of the at bat. Other than that blip, Snell controlled the game. His fastball was showing good life hitting 95 several times with movement. He had both his slider and his curve ball working for strikes keeping batters off balance. Don't let the 11 K's fool you either as Snell struck out 8.18/9 last season in 186 innings. He also gave up 29 long balls with 9 coming on the first pitch of the at bat showing that Snell wants to challenge hitters early and try and get ahead in the count. That is not surprising considering his youth and inexperience. So if Snell can keep the ball in the yard and improve against lefties (.305/.380/.526 in 2006) the Pirates have something to build on this season.