Spring Training - Getting Ready For the 2006 Season

Far left: Mariners signing autographs; Left: Blue Jays working out; Below: Dodgers new facility in Arizona.

Red Sox Deal Smoltz to Braves

The Boston Red Sox traded righthander pitcher John Smoltz to Atlanta in exchange for the Braves' 2007 #1 draft pick. Smoltz, the #1 draft pick of the Red Sox in 2001, compiled the following stats for in his career with Boston: 5 seasons, 21-24 win/loss record, 3.18 ERA and 107 saves. Last season in his first starter role, Smoltz compiled a 15-12 record with a 3.35 ERA in 212 innings pitched.

First Round Draft Recap

The league champions Kansas City Royals picked Hanley Ramirez with the #1 pick - a no brainer selection. . . .the Giants might have surprised some with picking Andre Ethier #2, but he is a strong selection with high future upside. . . .the pitching starved Dodgers selected #3 Justin Verlander and will anchor their rotation for many seasons to come. . . .#4 Troy Tolowitzki will pay dividends for New York in the future as they now have Cano and Tolowitzki in the middle of their infield. . . .the Angels picked Nick Markakis at #5 and will anchor their right field position for years to come. . . .Russell Martin, picked by the Buccos, was the first catcher taken in the draft. . . .the A's plan to be patient with 21 year old centerfielder Matt Kemp. . .the Pirates selected again at #8 and picked Dustin Pedroia who needs another year of seasoning before full time playing time. . . .the Mariners, another team looking to bolster their rotation, selected Jon Lester at #9. . . .the Braves picked the best pure hitter on the board with #10 Ian Kinsler. . . .

Three starters went in straight succession: Cole Hamels (Astros), James Shields (D-Backs) and Adam Wainwright (Blue Jays). . . .the Redbirds, who wanted to take Wainwright, had to settle with Stephen Drew - the eventual replacement for aging shortstop Edgar Renteria. . . .the Braves might have gotten the steal of the draft at #15 with Josh Johnson . . . .the weak Red Sox offense was upgraded by picking second basemen Dan Uggla. . . .the pitching rich Twins added another quality arm in Jered Weaver. . . . .the Indians know shortstop Omar Vizquel's best days are behind him and decided to pick Ryan Theriot. . . . the Marlins decided to take corner outfielder Josh Willingham at #19. . . .rounding out the round, the Royals grabbed Chad Billingsley with the 20th pick. . . .

Dodgers Select Verlander to Bolster Staff

Los Angeles (AP) - The Dodgers selected Justin Verlander, a 22 year old right hander, with the third pick in the 2006 draft. Last year, Justin posted a 11-2 record with a 1.29 ERA between single-A (Lakeland) and double-A (Erie). The Dodgers will insert Verlander in their starting rotation and look for him to anchor the team for many seasons to come.