Spring Training Updates (22 Mar 08)

A few Aussies in action today, with Rich Thompson and Ryan Rowland-Smith in particular really making strong claims for opening day positions on their respective rosters. Over the next few days I will post my predictions for Aussies in MLB in 2008: who will start the season? where will they play? who might get a call up later in the season? Stay tuned, and leave a comment!

• Rich Thompson got the save in the Angels' win over the Rangers. He faced 4 batters over 1.1 innings and got one strikeout.
• Grant Balfour was very solid against the Yankees. He faced 7 hitters over two innings, including Jeter, Rodriguez and Ensberg. He gave up one walk and got four ground outs, two flyouts. All in all a great outing. With fellow bullpen candidate Scott Dohmann giving up 2 walks, 2 hits and 2 runs to cop the loss in the ninth inning, things are looking alright for Balfour.
• Ryan Rowland-Smith continued his impressive spring campaign, facing 3 hitters in his one inning of work. He gave up a walk, but a double play kept things short and sweet.
• Chris Snelling got a whole game at DH for the Phillies. In his 3 PA's he got 1 hit by pitch.