MLB: Spring Training heats up

By Trent Thomas

Sportsuperstarz.com Columnist

The offseason is basically over and the fun that is spring training for baseball fans began in earnest on Tuesday. News and notes were flying all around the grapefruit and cactus leagues, as teams everywhere hit their spring homes away from home.

The Braves and Andruw Jones finally came to terms on Tuesday, however it was not in the way either side wanted. In a year in which Derek Jeter asked for an arbitration record salary and then settled for a new contract, Jones stepped up to set the arbitration record in Jeter’s place. The outfielder won a record $8.2 million in salary from an arbitrator. The team had offered $6.4 million.

Albert Belle passed a physical at Orioles camp and now appears ready to play the 2001 season. Baltimore had expressed numerous concerns about the outfielder’s health, however with him passing the physical, he will play this season. Source say the news came as a relief to manager Mike Hargrove.

Rick Ankiel was wild in his first outing for the Cardinals in spring training. After a solid rookie season, the lefty experienced control problems in his playoff outings. Pitching Coach Dave Duncan stated that Ankiel will continue throwing but will be kept out of game action for about a week. Sources say that the Cardinals are very concerned with his wildness.

Barry Bonds also has stated that he would like to begin work on a new contract with the Giants. The outfielder is his final year of his current contract and he has indicated he would like to stay with San Francisco. The Rangers also got the first glimpse of Alex Rodriguez. The $250 million man reported to camp on Tuesday morning.

The hot stove league is finally being cooled off and the season is ready to begin again. I am sure after this last winter; everyone just wants to play baseball.

Article courtesy of Sportsuperstarz.com