Here's some updates and news from the AL West
- Mark Saxon of ESPNLA reports it's unlikely the Angels will sign shortstop Erick Aybar to a long-term extension before the season. Aybar is currently signed to a one-year, $5.075M deal and it is believed he's looking for a five-year extension. If the Angels eventually decide to trade Aybar, there will be plenty of high-profile teams in the market for a shortstop, including the Boston Red Sox, the Atlanta Braves, and maybe even the New York Yankees
- ESPN's Buster Olney (insider only) talked with Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik about why the M's are excited about rising star Dustin Ackley. "He is showing developed strength, power, and he is very comfortable at second base," said Zduriencik. "It's just experience, confidence, maturation, and natural development that young players gain as they age...He has adapted well in all aspects of his game and he will continue to do so as he matures. He is a very confident but reserved kid."
- A couple of notes out of Rangers camp, Josh Hamilton is returning to the Texas lineup today against the Oakland A's after he suffered a "jammed heel" in yesterday's game. Considering Hamilton's injury history, the fact that didn't miss any time has to be encouraging for Texas. Rangers managers Ron Washington left Arizona Thursday to attend to a family emergency. Washington will be in New Orleans with his wife for two days and will rejoin the team in Las Vegas on Saturday.
- Oakland A's pitcher Bartolo Colon was scratched from today's game with a blister on his right middle finger, reports Susan Slussler. Manager Bob Melvin says it's only a precautionary measure and Colon will be ready to pitch second game against the Mariners in Japan. Melvin also said first basemen Daric Barton will make his first start of spring on Saturday, but with under a week left until the team leaves for Japan, it's unlikely he will win the starting job. He will stay in extended spring training, along with Manny Ramirez, who will serve a 50-game suspension to start the season.