John McLaren and Mike Hargrove conversing during Wednesday's early workout....

A programming note: I'm taking my second day on Thursday since columnist Dave Boling is in Peoria for a few days. It will allow me to hang out with folks who are down visiting. But I may post a few things depending on how things go.

A few things ....

Manager John McLaren is going to make some cuts in a few days. There should be few if any surprises this round – it will mostly be younger players who were destined for the minor leagues before coming to camp.

Still, he admitted to be dreading the prcoess already.

Also, Arthur Rhodes is scheduled to make his first appearance in a game this spring. McLaren said he's just looking for Rhodes to have good, smooth mechanics and nothing more. Mark Lowe and Chris Reitsma are also scheduled to pitch today.

Let's get to some links.... sorry, no pictures from the In-and-Out burger that I've eaten far too many times here. "They put an addictive chemical in it that makes me crave it fortnightly." (That's from So I Married an Axe Murder. I'm a fan of the random movie quote.)

Here's my story on Ichiro and hitless spring. No word if he'll be in the first round of cuts or not.

Kirby Arnold had a Q&A with Mike Hargrove after his appearance the other day.

It looks like George Sherrill will be the Orioles' closer....

It appears the Washington Nationals are looking at signing Jeff Weaver....

From Los Angeles Angels of Orange County, Compton and Ricita, John Lackey believes/hopes he can still make his start for opening day. Like the Mariners, the Angels don't walk much, but they aren't worried.

Oakland A's pitching prospect Henry Rodriguez throws 100 miles per hour. At least it will be a few years before they have to trade him to save money. Jack Hannahan is making the most of Eric Chavez's injury ..

Yes, it can get worse for the Texas Rangers. They've got another injury to their pitching staff.
But they do have some good young prospects.

If you haven't watched HBO's Real Sports this month (yes, I know Bryant Gumbel is a smarmy little weasel), there's a great piece about Lenny Dykstra as an investment genius. Yes, THAT Lenny Dykstra.... here's a story on it.....

Brewers vs. Mariners
March 12, 2008

Milwaukee Brewers (9-5):
30 Craig Counsell 2B
22 Tony Gwynn CF
7 J.J. Hardy SS
28 Prince Fielder 1B
14 Gabe Gross LF
27 Joe Dillon DH
20 Laynce Nix RF
21 Abraham Nunez 3B
18 Jason Kendall C
----------------------------
12 Carlos Villanueva RHP

Other pitchers:
39 Chris Capuano LHP
57 Mitch Stetter LHP

Seattle Mariners (5-8):
5 Yuniesky Betancourt SS
3 Jose Vidro DH
29 Adrian Beltre 3B
44 Richie Sexson 1B
50 Wladimir Belantien CF
2 Kenji Johjima C
4 Jose Lopez 2B
12 Mike Morse RF
25 Charlton Jimerson LF
----------------------------
52 Carlos Silva RHP

Other Pitchers:
33 Chris Reitsma RHP
38 Jon Huber RHP
49 Jake Woods LHP
53 Arthur Rhodes LHP
54 Sean Green RHP
57 Mark Lowe RHP
59 Eric O'Flaherty LHP