MLB Prospect Watch

Prospects Make 2010 Debuts

A couple of prospects made their season debuts, each with strong results:

• Brian Matusz clearly did not have his best stuff in his 2010 debut, but the good news for the Orioles is that even without it, he was still an effective pitcher.  Matusz battled through 5 innings against the Rays surrendering 5 walks, but was able to leave with a lead and get the win, reports Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
• The Mets may have lost his debut, but Jon Niese at least gave his team a chance to win, notes Marty Noble of MLB.com.  The left-handed starter gave up 3 runs in 6 innings of work.
• The A's bullpen was given a boost by Tyson Ross and the 2 1/3 scoreless innings he threw in their series finale with the Mariners, says John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Prospect Potent Potables - 4/6

Today's links can't believe that half-court shot for Butler almost went in...

• Tyson Ross earning a spot in the bullpen was one of a number of surprises that came out of the end of Oakland A's camp, explains Casey Tefertiller for Baseball America.
• The Texas Rangers announced that Neftali Feliz would (not surprisingly) be the primary set-up man for closer Frank Francisco, reports T.R. Sullivan for MLB.com.  The team stuck to their word on Opening Day, calling on the rookie to start the 8th inning in a tie game, but Feliz rewarded the team for their confidence with a rough third of an inning, giving up two hits and walking two batters while only recording one out.
• Mark Hulet of FanGraphs.com has a game report from one of Mike Leake's spring starts for the Cincinnati Reds, with some less-than-stellar reviews about the most recent pitcher slated to skip the minor leagues altogether.
• The Milwaukee Brewers have announced a number of their 2010 assignments for prospects, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
• Reid Brignac is this year's winner of the Al Lopez award, given by the Tampa Bay Rays to their top rookie in Spring Training, says Bill Chastain of MLB.com.  Brignac earned a spot on the 25-man roster and a platoon spot in the lineup thanks to his strong play this March.
• Great news for Boston Red Sox' OF prospect Ryan Westmoreland as he recovers from brain surgery.  Westmoreland is back in the Boston area and has made "significant gains" towards recovers, reports Ian Browne of MLB.com.