2/27 Cactus League Recap

Even though the box scores each morning are filled with the names of guys who are far from household names, most media outlets, and most baseball fans, usually just check to see how the stars performed.

But don't make that mistake today.  The Cincinnati Reds got big time performances from two of their minor league prospects, including a three RBI, 2-for-3 day from Yorman Rodriguez.  Rodriguez hit a double and launched a home run against Arizona on Wednesday.

But the biggest day was had by Donald Lutz, who went 2-3 with a home run and knocked in five runs for the Reds.  Lutz is a 24 year old first base prospect for Cincinnati, an unfortunate position to be in, behind former MVP Joey Votto.  And with Votto about to head off to play for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, Lutz could see enough at-bats to impress other teams around the league.  Lutz hit 20 home runs in 2011, and had 22 long balls in 2012.  In those two seasons Lutz has knocked in 146 runs with a .286 two year batting average.  Lutz also has seen time in the outfield during his minor league seasons, so the Reds, or another team, could stick his bat in the lineup and position him in a corner outfield spot.  Just keep an eye on Donald Lutz, who could have an impact somewhere in 2013.

Scores from Wednesday:

Colorado 6, San Diego (SS) 3
L.A. Dodgers 11, Chicago Cubs 7
Kansas City 3, Milwaukee 2
Oakland 11, San Diego (SS) 6
Seattle 5, Cleveland 1
San Francisco 8, L.A. Angels 8 (F/9)
Cincinnati 14, Arizona 6

Notes from Wednesday:
Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson combined for four RBI in the Rockies 6-3 win over San Diego's split squad.  Pacheco and Nelson are both fighting for time in the Rockies lineup at third base.  Pacheco can also play first base.  Jerry Hairston, Jr. is proving to be the most underrated signing by the Dodgers this off-season.  Hairston, who has played for multiple teams and can play multiple positions, went 1-2 on Wednesday with a double and two RBI.  The Kansas City Royals continue to have no trouble at the plate, as they feature three of the hottest hitters of 2013.  Eric Hosmer (.364), Alex Gordon (.571) and Mike Moustakas (.583) are scary good at the plate right now.  Each of the three players had two hits on Wednesday against Milwaukee.  Seth Smith, Jed Lowrie and Jemile Weeks are three of the players on the Athletics roster who are headed for platoon situations when the regular season starts.  All three players tried to make their case for more consistent playing time on Wednesday, with all three getting two hits and knocking in two runs.  Smith and Weeks each homered against the Padres split squad.  The hottest hitter on the planet during Spring Training came back down to earth a little on Wednesday, as Cleveland Indians infielder Ryan Raburn went 0-2 at the plate, dropping his average down to a mere .600.  The Indians also lost for the second consecutive day after getting off to a 4-0 start.  Mike Trout saw his first action of the spring for the Angels, going 1-2 with an RBI.  Sergio Romo came into the game to try and earn his first save of the spring, but was roughed up for three hits and two runs and blew the save opportunity against the Angels.  There have been questions about whether or not Romo can be the closer full-time in San Francisco, and today will even further those doubts.  As mentioned above, Cincinnati routed Arizona on Wednesday, 14-6.  The Reds got huge performances from Donald Lutz (2-3, HR, 5 RBI) and Yorman Rodriguez (2-2, 2B, HR, 3 RBI).  Johnny Cueto started for the Reds, giving up five hits and four runs in his two innings.  Brandon McCarthy saw his first action since being struck in the head by a line drive last September, pitching two innings and giving up three hits and a run while striking out four.