“The doubt’s there, because there’s no communication as to where I actually stand, other than I’m fighting for a job,” Backe said.
“Putting myself in their shoes, looking at it from the outside in, it only opens up doors for others who are competing against me. As much as I want them to do well, I want to be out there and do well with them.”
Backe’s injury to his rib is worse than they thought and there is no timetable for his next appearance.
Then there’s Felipe Paulino, “We have to figure out what the deal is,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “It looked like he had no feel for pitching and then he overthrew. His command was not very good, and he’s got to work on that if he wants to make our team.”
In his last appearance Russ Ortiz allowed three runs on four hits, with three walks and two strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings
And on Friday Fernando Nieve gave up four hits, two walks and five earned runs in two innings. He has to make the team or face the waiver wire.
On the other hand,
Jose Capellan “He was very good,” Cooper said “He is pitching himself right into the picture. He’s throwing strikes and changing speeds and pitching down in the strike zone.”
And waiting for his chance,
Chris Sampson threw 30 pitches off the mound Monday and he’ll do the same Wednesday. Barring a setback, Sampson will likely be cleared to throw an inning on Saturday.
And on schedule for another start,
Wandy Rodriguez could appear in a game this weekend. “I feel no pain right now,” Rodriguez said. “No soreness, nothing.”
Matsui, Bourn, one, two,
Mctaggart’s blog, “When I came to camp initially I thought (Bourn) might be down in the order, but he’s shown some progress and shown a willingness to bunt and hit the ball on the ground,” Cooper said. And Cooper says he’s not striking out and Sean Berry has him practicing 100 bunts or more per day.
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