Whispers from Surprise 3/20/12

Here's the round up of my thoughts from day three in Surprise:

• Felipe Paulino had a good start today, despite not getting much help from the defense. He finished the day with 4 innings pitched, 3 hits allowed, 0 walks and 4 strikeouts. Mendoza has been perhaps the most impressive pitcher this Spring, but Paulino was perhaps the best starter for Kansas City in 2012. If the Royals want to open 2012 with the best rotation possible, I still believe Duffy and Paulino should be the 4 and 5 starters.

• The 1 run that Paulino did allow came as a result of your classic Little League style double steal. Men on first and third and when the throw goes to second the runner on third breaks for home. It is an almost indefensible play in Little League, but for a Major League team to get beat by it is somewhat disappointing. I hate to use hyperbole, but I couldn't help but log it as another example for why Pena simply isn't going to cut it as a starter behind the plate.

• Lorenzo Cain has impressed me more than any other player the last few days. All offseason I've chalked him up as a guy that could hopefully be a solid regular. A role player that provides good defense and passable offense at the bottom of the order. At this point, I'm wondering if I am selling him short. Cain may never be an All-Star but I'm beginning to wonder if he couldn't develop into an above average hitter and stud defensive center fielder. The key for Cain will be strikeouts. He has a long swing, but if he can keep the strikeouts down look out.

• Jonathan Broxton got hit hard today. A day after we find out that Soria is likely done for the season, Broxton pitched 1 inning, giving up 3 hits and 1 run. The inning could have been much worse, but one hard hit ball was hit straight at an outfielder, and saw Yuniesky Betancourt make a great backhanded play at the line.

• I know a lot of people are questioning why Cody Clark isn't going to be given a shot in Kansas City. Today he made a fantastic throw to nail Mike Trout at second base. (Trout of course is no slouch.) From what I've seen Cody Clark, simply wouldn't be able to cut it at the Major League level with the bat. Humberto Quintero is bad, but I wouldn't wager on Clark doing much better. Of course Quintero is hands down the better defensive catcher between the two.