AL East Notes: Snider, Bush, Bard, Ibanez, Orioles

Here's some news and notes from around the AL East:

• The Toronto Blue Jays optioned Travis Snider to minor league camp Sunday, leaving Eric Thames as the starting left fielder. Snider hit 14 homers and 20 doubles in 82 games in 2010. He appeared in only 49 games in 2011. Snider, still only 24-years-old, has a chance to be a power hitting star, but has never been given ta full year in a starting role. It appears the Blue Jays are not shopping Snider and are inclined to keep him.
• Tampa Bay Rays GM Andrew Friedman said prospect Matt Bush is "not going to play for us" again. Bush, 26, was arrested last Thursday after being involved in a car accident that seriously injured a 72-year-old motorcyclist. Bush was driving with a suspended license and was charged with a DUI. "We're all very surprised and saddened by what has happened," Friedman said. "We're still a little numb to it."
• Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe writes the Red Sox should give Daniel Bard a spot in the rotation. Bard, 26, is moving from a reliever to a starter this year, but has had a rough spring. He gave up five runs in six innings on Sunday, allowing six hits and three walks, but said after the game he felt like a starter for the first time "rather than a reliever starting." Manager Bobby Valentine agreed saying "he looked like one [a starter]."
• Brandon C. of Pinstripe Alley explains why Raul Ibanez will make the Yankees opening day roster. He breaks down Ibanez' past performances and the other options for the last roster spot, making a good case for Ibanez's inclusion.

• Fangraph's Dave Cameron is going through his organizational rankings and unfortunately, the Baltimore Orioles have fallen from #16 to #30. They have a lack of talent at the major and minor league level and do not have a well regardless front office. Cameron outlines the problems and gives a glimpse of the long road ahead.