Update on Aussies at MLB Spring Training

Time sure flies.

The 2010 Major League Baseball season is just around the corner, and this year there are 11 Aussies participating in Spring Training camps. Many of these players would be considered close to certain in terms of making Opening Day rosters, but there are quite a few who are trying to bust into a slot.

This time last year there were 10 Aussies in Spring Training. With Justin Huber moving on to Japanese baseball, and Phil Stockman being released, there are some changes to the mix of players vying for spots.

We've got it all covered here at OzMLBplayers! Here is your update on how things are shaping up for Aussies this year.

Grant Balfour RHP at the Rays,who signed a US$2.05m 1 year deal in December, will be expecting to start the 2010 season as a strong member of the Rays' bullpen . Balfour's 2009 season was probably not as strong as his 2008 breakout year. With the Rays signing Rafael Soriano from the Braves, chances are Balf will have less opportunities for saves, and more late inning setup work. His spring is off to a bit of a rough start, giving up 6 earned runs in 3.2 innings. I'm not sure if he is working on some new pitches or something that might affect these numbers, but time will tell.

Ryan Rowland-Smith LHP at the Mariners, finished 2009 reasonably strongly, after having an injury setback early in the year. He will be vying for a spot as either the 4th or 5th starter in the Mariners' rotation.

Peter Moylan RHP at the Braves had a solid year in 2009, becoming the only pitcher in Major League history to make 87 consecutive appearances to start a season without allowing a home run. He's made a hot start to spring training, striking out 4, while allowing only 3 hits in his first 4 appearances. As noted above, the Braves lost one of their main closer prospects in Rafael Soriano, but they signed veteran closer Billy Wagner from the Mets. Wagner has suffered some injuries in recent seasons, so there may be some chances for Moylan to step up throughout the year.

In addition to these seasoned players, there is a group of less experienced Aussies staking their claim too:

Luke Hughes 3B with the Twins organisation still has not quite burst onto the scene as it seemed he would. He is having a pretty quiet spring so far, and is probably likely to start the year in AAA.

Trent Oeltjen OF with the Brewers had a pretty short but very sweet entry into the big leagues last year with the Diamondbacks. The Brewers signed him to a minor league deal in the offseason, and it was likely he would be fighting it out for a backup outfielder position on the squad. He was hit on the hand early in spring training and missed a few games. Hotstove.com reckons that Jim Edmonds and Joe Inglett have shut the door on Oeltjen's chances. However he remains in the major league camp.

Brad Thomas LHP has played the last two seasons in the Korean league, and the Tigers picked him up in December 2009. He has pitched in the Majors before; for the Twins in 2004. It looks like he will be used from the Tigers bullpen through spring, and could possibly find himself on the roster come Opening Day.

Rich Thompson RHP has seen some action in the Majors, playing in the LA Angels organisation, but has not quite cemented his spot in their bullpen. He has joined the team for another spring training camp

There were also a few guys who started out with Spring Training in Major League camps, but have now been reassigned. Travis Blackley has been reassigned by the Mets to the minor league camp. Michael Collins was featured in an MLB.com story about spring training. However, the 25-year old catcher has now been reassigned to the Padres' minor league camp is in camp with the Padres. He hit well in his five appearances, picking up 3 hits, 3 RBIs 3 runs in 6 at bats. Possible chance of a mid-season call up for him I reckon. Shane Lindsay RHP at the Rockies pitched a couple of innings in spring training, but has now been reassigned to the minors. Rototimes.com is tipping that he will get a chance to make the Rockies squad at some point in the future, as long as he stays healthy. Drew Naylor RHP with the Phillies pitched one game in spring training, going 2 innings and striking out 2, and has now been reassigned to the minor league camp


Stay tuned for more updates as they happen