MLB Update - 2/24/2009

Spring Training is now well underway in Florida and Arizona and another baseball season is just a little over a month away. Today I'll highlight a few baseball tidbits in my weekly MLB Update.

• First of all, the Phillies are the defending World Series Champions. Just wanted to remind everyone.
• 3B Joe Crede has signed with the Minnesota Twins. The former Chicago White Sock(?) has played only 144 games over the last two seasons thanks to back problems.
• Brian Schneider is expected to be the Mets main catcher this season and Daniel Murphy will start in left field, according to Manager Jerry Manuel. Fernando Tatis, the 2008 reclamation project, may platoon with Ryan Church in right field.
  
• The Mariners and Rangers have questions at closer.
• Cardinals SP Chris Carpenter is showing some promise thus far in camp. The 2004 NL Comeback Player of the Year and 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner has pitched in only five games over the last two seasons due to elbow problems.
• The return of former closer Chris Ray to the Orioles bullpen has not cause the demotion of last year's surprise performer George Sherrill. Sherrill will be the teams main closer though Ray, who missed all of 2008 due to elbow surgery, will see a few save chances.
• The Dodgers do not have an agreement with Manny Ramirez. Negotiations continue but nothing is imminent, as had been widely reported by L.A. radio shows.
• Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay may be traded this summer but won't be dealt prior to the All Star break.
• Alex Rodriguez will meet with MLB officials this week about the steroids issue.
  
• The 2nd World Baseball Classic kicks off next week and rosters will be finalized today. The first WBC will be March 5th at 4:30 am EST between China and defending champion Japan. [Nittanydelphia]
• A few players have recently spoke out saying they won't be pitching in the Classic, including Cubs RP Carlos Marmol.

That's all for now.