Around camps

Hello, HomeSiders

Former BlueClaw happenings around the majors:

Thursday in Clearwater Kyle Kendrick pitched 5 shut out innings against the Pirates in the Phillies 3-0 win. Philadelphia hit 3 solo home runs, including the 5th of the spring for Ryan Howard.

I happened to taking a break from March madness Thursday evening, and flipped on to the Mets-Orioles game just in time to see Chris Roberson pinch hit a single off Duaner Sanchez. Robey promptly stole second (because speed kills!). He is 3 for 5 in steals this spring and while teams are sending players back to minor league camps all around the majors, Roberson continues to get his chance to make the Baltimore roster.

Not so lucky is Randy Ruiz. Despite hitting .393 in Minnesota camp, the Twins reassigned "Homie" to minor league camp Friday. If he ends up on the AAA roster, that would put him in Rochester. Rochester, it so happens, will be Lehigh Valley's opponent when I make my maiden road trip to Allentown on April 27.

Another note from Friday, Gavin Floyd pitched 6 innings for the White Sox against the Giants. After allowing 2 runs in the first, Gavin settled in, shutting down San Francisco from there. He gave up only 6 hits, no walks, striking out 4 and lowering his ERA to 5.29.

Ther are 13 days to go until opening night in Lakewood.