The link above is to all of today’s AL team notes, but the one I want to write about goes:
Three of the four players battling for the second base job made the trip to Fort Lauderdale. Quilvio Veras and Carlos Baerga split time at second, while Rey Sanchez started at shortstop. Veras went 0-for-2, Baerga had an infield single and Sanchez singled and grounded into a double play. While interim manager Mike Cubbage said it was way too early to name a winner and that these three will keep competing with Jose Offerman for the starting spot, he’s been impressed with Sanchez, who didn’t sign until Feb. 27. “Sanchez got here late, but he’s been very impressive. He came into camp in very good shape and he’s catching up real fast.” Offerman stayed in City of Palms to work defensively with Nomar Garciaparra.
Why does this make me think that Offerman already has the job? Unless he blows it, of course.
Fort Lauderdale is a three hour drive across Alligator Alley. This is the sort of trip that Carl Everett would skip, no matter what the cost to his rep. It really is amazing that the Orioles get anyone to visit them at all, especially since the Expos and Braves moved north from West Palm.