Kratz, Drabek Look to Win Spots on Toronto's Roster
Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com has the lowdown on a pair of ex-Phillies in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. First off being catcher Erik Kratz who is battling Josh Thole for the backup catcher role. Dioner Navarro is not expected to catch knuckleballer R.A. Dickey which leaves a spot open for his personal catcher. Kratz has been working with Dickey in the off season and the early stages of spring training and has a realistic chance of breaking the club with the Jays.
And on the comeback trail is former Phillies pitching prospect Kyle Drabek who is looking to rebound after his second Tommy John Surgery. Drabek threw his first bullpen session yesterday morning with no noticeable pain which is a good sign as he is in competition for a rotation spot with fellow Tommy John comeback story, Drew Hutchinson.
Jimenez to Baltimore
The Baltimore Suncompiled all the big time analysis of Ubaldo Jimenez's deal with the Orioles. It was an essential move for a club that has had a less than stellar off season one year removed from a nice playoff run. Jimenez had a really nice second half last season and looks to carry that over to the 2014 season at the top of the rotation. With Burnett to the Phillies and Jimenez to the O's, it leaves Ervin Santana as the last major free agent pitcher standing. With Ryan Dempster announcing that he won't pitch this season, Santana might have a landing spot in Boston.
