Column: New rules push baseball into fast-paced world
Welcome to our fast-paced world, Major League BaseballMARCH 3, 2023•ASSOCIATED PRESS
Salvador Perez - Homer and steal ThursdayPerez went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Angels.
ImpactPerez showed off an unforeseen power and speed combination Thursday, though he shouldn't be expected to run much when the regular season starts. The catcher has never attempted more than two steals in a season, and he has just six stolen bases in his career. He'll be looking to bounce back in the power department after slugging a three-year low .465 with 23 homers and 23 doubles in 114 contests in 2022. Perez should see the bulk of the playing time behind the dish with MJ Melendez spelling him at times, though the veteran could often serve as the designated hitter when he's not catching.
MARCH 3, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Hunter Dozier - Back in action FridayDozier (illness) will start at third base and bat third in Friday's Cactus League game versus the Athletics.
ImpactDozier was scratched from Wednesday's lineup with an illness, but it was never expected to be a long-term issue. The 31-year-old is expected to be the Royals' primary starter at the hot corner this season. Entering Friday, he's gone 3-for-6 with a home run, a stolen base and two total runs scored across two Cactus League games.
MARCH 3, 2023•ROTOWIRE
'No signs, just go': Perez pulls off rare stealSURPRISE, Ariz. -- Salvador Perez didn’t have a huge lead off first base in the bottom of the first inning on Thursday afternoon, but when h...
MARCH 3, 2023•MLB.COM
Notes: Phillips brings energy; Davidson on right pathSURPRISE, Ariz. -- It’s 9 a.m. on the dot, and Brett Phillips trots out onto the back fields of the Angels’ facility in Tempe. Alone on an u...
MARCH 3, 2023•MLB.COM
World Baseball Classic 2023 odds: Dominican Republic favorite to win it all
With a key player opting out for Team USA, the Dominican Republic is the new WBC pretournament betting favorite at FOX Bet.MARCH 2, 2023
Samad Taylor - Steals home WednesdayTaylor went 1-for-3 with a pair of stolen bases and a run scored in Wednesday's Cactus League win over the Rockies.
ImpactTaylor didn't start the contest, but he made a strong impact. One of his steals came in the ninth inning when he stole home for the Royals' fifth run of the frame. The 24-year-old is 3-for-9 over four spring games so far, and he's showing off his speed with a triple and two steals to go with two RBI. He's logged 123 steals over his last four minor-league seasons, though he didn't play with Triple-A Omaha following his trade from the Blue Jays' organization as part of the Whit Merrifield trade last summer. Taylor faces an uphill battle for a major-league job in 2023, but solid contact hitting and flashes of speed could at least earn him a bench spot at some point.
MARCH 2, 2023•ROTOWIRE
