Phil Nevin says Angels’ closer ‘depends what the game dictates’

• March 25, 2023

TEMPE, Ariz. — Although right-hander Carlos Estévez has been widely expected get the first crack at the Angels’ closer job, some mystery will remain until the first save situation.

“I was asked who would you use on the first night,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said Saturday. “I don’t know yet. It depends what the game dictates.”

The Angels signed Estévez to a two-year, $13.5-million deal in December. The official word at the time was only that he would have a chance to close. Estévez said winning that job was his goal.

Estévez, 30, had a 3.47 ERA last season with the Colorado Rockies, and his history shows signs that he should be even more effective out of the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field. Last year, he struck out 10.8 hitters per nine innings on the road, compared with 6.3 at home.

In his first spring with the Angels, Estévez has been experimenting with different pitch usage, so it remains to be seen how he’ll perform when the games are real.

Estévez has allowed nine earned runs in 6 1/3 innings in big-league exhibition games. On Tuesday, he pitched a scoreless inning with three strikeouts, but he gave up a run in an inning Saturday.

In the Tuesday game, Estévez threw nine fastballs, seven changeups and three sliders. Last season, he threw his fastball 70% of the time and his changeup and slider about 15% each, indicating that he may still have been experimenting.

If the Angels don’t use Estévez to close, the other most likely options are Ryan Tepera and Jimmy Herget.

Nevin was notably flexible with his closer choices last year after Raisel Iglesias was traded.

“If I bring it (lefty) Aaron Loup in the seventh and they throw up a bunch of righties to face him and they don’t have anybody else, Jimmy Herget is great against righties,” Nevin said. “Estévez is great against righties. Matt Moore has been great against righties. We’ll just kind of play it out see how it goes, but (Estévez) is definitely going to get some big outs late in the game most of the year for us.”

RODRIGUEZ UPDATE

Right-hander Chris Rodriguez threw 30 pitches in a live batting practice session, his second such workout in the week. He had not faced hitters since before he underwent shoulder surgery in 2021.

Nevin said the next step for Rodriguez will likely be another live batting practice session, and then they could have him pitch in a minor-league or simulated game.

“That’s two outings in a row he felt good and was able to get his numbers up and the velo up, the shape’s up,” Nevin said. “Everything looks good on him. Obviously it’s the next day there’s always some nervous anticipation. Hopefully he feels good tomorrow and he can do it again in a couple of days.”

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NOTES

Infielder David Fletcher was originally in the lineup at shortstop for the Angels’ final Cactus League game, but he was a late scratch because of abdominal tightness. …

Right-hander Chris Devenski decided to remain with the Angels in the minors. The veteran was in camp on a minor-league deal, and he had the option to declare himself a free agent if the Angels didn’t add him to the roster by Saturday. …

The Angels released right-hander Nash Walters and outfielder Luis Barrera.

​ Orange County Register 

Sammy Howlin helped lift Fullerton College to state title after agonizing recovery from car crash

• March 25, 2023

The Fullerton College men’s basketball team recently captured its fifth state championship.

Had it not been for the contributions of 6-foot-11 sophomore Sammy Howlin, particularly through the postseason run, Fullerton would have fallen short, Hornets coach Perry Webster said.

Howlin, a 2019 La Habra High graduate, pulled down 10 rebounds, his third highest rebound total of the season, and had a blocked shot to help preserve Fullerton’s 83-73 victory over San Francisco in the CCCAA championship game March 12 at West Hills College in Lemoore.

In the Hornets’ 75-63 victory over East Los Angeles in the semifinals two days earlier, Howlin, 21, had seven points, five blocked shots and a season-high 13 rebounds.

He started all 33 games this season, leading the team in rebounds and blocked shots.

“Without him, we have no chance of winning the state championship,” Webster said.

Fullerton College coach Perry Webster, right, said 6-foot-11 sophomore Sammy Howlin, left, played a big role in the team winning the state community college championship on March 12. ‘Without him,’ Webster said, ‘we have no chance of winning the state championship.’ Webster pulled down 10 rebounds and made a key block late in the title game. (Photo by Lou Ponsi)

Actually, the Hornets nearly were without Howlin this season.

Howlin is not only fortunate to be playing basketball, but fortunate to be alive.

A little after 11 p.m. on May 4, 2021, Howlin and his friend and former La Habra teammate, Ja’len Overstreet, had just finished playing some pickup ball.

Days earlier, the Hornets had returned to the gym for spring practice ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Howlin had transferred to Fullerton after playing his first college season at Jessup University in Rocklin.

Overstreet was driving his 1999 Chevy Impala, with Howlin in the passenger seat.

As they drove west through the intersection of Lambert and Harbor Boulevard, the Impala was T-boned on the passenger side by a 22-year old drunk driver who drove through a red light.

The Impala spun around and careened into a large pickup truck.

Howlin was knocked unconscious and had to be extricated from the car by paramedics.

His lungs were punctured and he had to be intubated with a breathing tube.

He sustained a fractured pelvis, numerous fractured ribs, a broken left thumb, broken collar bone and a fractured orbital bone in his face.

Overstreet received severe burns on the lower part of his body.

“I just remember being in the ambulance not being able to breathe because my lungs were both popped,” Howlin said. “Next thing I know I woke up three days later in the hospital.”

Howlin spent several weeks in the hospital and was confined to a wheelchair and then could only get around with a walker.

He underwent multiple surgeries to repair his lungs and the numerous broken bones.

At that point, returning to the basketball court was an uncertainty.

The pain was unbearable at times.

“I had to suck up whatever emotion I had and get him to focus on good things,” said Michele Howlin, Sammy’s mother. “Have him focus on the family that loves him, on God. Just whatever I could do to help him to redirect.”

Because of the injuries, Howlin was granted a medical redshirt, allowing him to remain eligible at Fullerton for the 2022-23 season.

When he rejoined the Hornets in spring 2022, Howlin was wracked with trepidation.

He knew playing again would involve playing through pain.

“I just had a lot of nerves coming into this season,” he said. “The whole time I was wondering if I was going to be the same.”

Fullerton’s Sammy Howlin, right, went through a long and painful recovery process after being severely injured in a car crash in 2021, but he emerged as a key player for the Hornets as they won the community college state title for the 2022-23 season. (Photo courtesy of Aaliyah Skipper)

Webster said Howlin was holding his own during open gyms at Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine, but he would be hurting the next day.

“I wasn’t going to get any better unless I felt the pain in my pelvis,” Howlin said. “I wasn’t going to run again unless I felt the pain. Everything was going to require sacrifice. I was just thinking suffering equals success and it helped me this season.”

Howlin went on to start every game for the Hornets and didn’t miss a single practice.

“I know his body didn’t feel 100 percent every day, but he battled through it,” Webster said. “Sammy really loves basketball and what the accident did was take basketball away from him and he came back to realize that that it is what he loves to do, that is what he wants to do.”

Howlin is currently considering offers to play basketball at a four-year university.

He’s not sure if he’ll play ball beyond college, but said if nothing else, basketball will pay for his education.

Howlin is also willing to share his story publicly, talking about the dangers of drunk driving and the perseverance it took to recover.Faith played a major role as well, Michele Howlin said.

“Everything that has happened with Sam is just what God has done for him,” she said. “We were there for Sam but he is just a miracle.”

​ Orange County Register 

4 homes flooded after water main breaks in San Clemente

• March 25, 2023

Four homes in San Clemente were flooded Friday night, March 24, after a water main broke on a residential street, authorities said.

Orange County firefighters were called to the 600 block of Via Presa about 11:15 p.m. and found flooding, Capt. Thanh Nguyen said.

Firefighters called San Clemente Public Works to help shut off the water, Nguyen said. The amount of damage to the four houses was not known.

Residents were briefly evacuated, Nguyen said, but it wasn’t known if any were displaced.

Video from OnSceneTV showed standing water inside one home, while residents in others were seen pushing water either out of the front door or into the garage. The video also showed water appearing to come through the break in a yard and gushing toward the residential street.

Whether Public Works had fixed the water main or was still making repairs was not immediately known as of 1 p.m. on Saturday.

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​ Orange County Register 

Orange County baseball standings: Saturday, March 25

• March 25, 2023

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Orange County high school baseball standings through Friday, March 24

TRINITY LEAGUE
League
Overall

Santa Margarita
7-1
10-2

Mater Dei
7-2
10-5-1

Orange Lutheran
4-5
9-6-1

JSerra
4-5
7-6

Servite
3-5
7-7

St. John Bosco
1-8
5-11

SURF LEAGUE
League
Overall

Huntington Beach
2-1
8-6

Los Alamitos
1-1
11-2

Fountain Valley
1-1
4-7

Corona del Mar
0-1
7-7

WAVE LEAGUE
League
Overall

Edison
1-0
6-5

Newport Harbor
1-0
6-6

Marina
0-1
5-9

Laguna Beach
0-1
3-6-1

SOUTH COAST LEAGUE
League
Overall

Capistrano Valley
2-0
7-4

Tesoro
2-0
6-5

Mission Viejo
0-2
8-4

Dana Hills
0-2
2-10

SEA VIEW LEAGUE
League
Overall

El Toro
2-0
5-8

San Clemente
1-0
8-2

Trabuco Hills
0-0
6-4

San Juan Hills
0-1
3-8

Aliso Niguel
0-2
2-8

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE
League
Overall

Northwood
7-1
8-2

Woodbridge
10-2
12-3

Laguna Hills
5-4
8-4

Beckman
3-4-2
5-5-2

University
3-4-1
6-4-1

Irvine
3-5-1
4-6-1

Portola
2-6
4-7

Sage Hill
1-8
3-9

ORANGE COAST LEAGUE
League
Overall

Costa Mesa
3-0
12-1

Estancia
5-1
12-2

Calvary Chapel
3-1
8-4

Orange
3-1
6-5

Santa Ana
2-4
4-7

Saddleback
0-4
1-10

St. Margaret’s
0-5
0-8

ORANGE LEAGUE
League
Overall

Century
4-0
10-3

Savanna
3-0
7-1-1

Magnolia
2-2
6-5

Anaheim
0-2
4-8

Santa Ana Valley
0-2
2-6

Western
0-3
1-8

CRESTVIEW LEAGUE
League
Overall

El Dorado
2-1
8-6

Villa Park
2-1
9-2

El Modena
1-2
9-4

Foothill
1-2
7-5

NORTH HILLS LEAGUE
League
Overall

Yorba Linda
1-0
6-7-1

Canyon
1-1
7-5

Esperanza
1-1
5-6

Brea Olinda
0-1
5-4

GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE
League
Overall

Ocean View
1-0
9-6

Segerstrom
1-0
1-7-2

Westminster
0-0
8-1

Garden Grove
0-0
8-3

Katella
0-1
4-9

Godinez
0-1
1-7

EMPIRE LEAGUE
League
Overall

Cypress
5-0
10-4

Pacifica
0-0
11-2

Crean Lutheran
0-0
9-3

Valencia
0-1
2-8

Kennedy
0-2
6-6-1

Tustin
0-2
1-12

FREEWAY LEAGUE

Overall

La Habra

7-1-2

Fullerton

8-3

Sunny Hills

7-3-1

Buena Park

7-4-0

Troy

7-4-1

Sonora

7-6

GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE
League
Overall

Loara
3-0
4-4

Santiago
3-1
4-5

Los Amigos
3-2
6-4

Bolsa Grande
1-2
3-7

La Quinta
1-3
3-7

Rancho Alamitos
1-4
2-7

SAN JOAQUIN LEAGUE
League
Overall

Calvary Chapel/Downey
4-0
6-4-1

Western Christian
3-0
4-1

Pacifica Christian
3-2
5-3

Fairmont Prep
4-3
4-4

The Webb Schools
3-4-1
3-4-1

Tarbut V’Torah
1-3
1-3

Avalon
0-2
1-3

Southlands Christian
0-4-1
1-5-1

Capistrano Valley Christian
0-0
6-7

​ Orange County Register 

Angel City FC’s Alyssa Thompson ready for NWSL debut

• March 25, 2023

Alyssa Thompson is in an interesting position.

The 18-year-old is in her senior year at Harvard-Westlake, but was also the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft for her hometown team Angel City FC.

She still has classes to take while also embarking on her professional soccer career.

“I’m taking three online classes and then I’m going to school for one class,” she said. “With school, it’s definitely an adjustment. I’m still adjusting.”

Her work on the field and training ground has opened the eyes of her new coach.

“I’ve been very impressed with her,” Angel City FC coach Freya Coombe said. “I’ve been impressed with her ability to adjust to playing professionally. She’s obviously got a lot on her plate with finishing up school, but she’s doing a great job of coming in and training consistently at a high level.”

The preseason camp was long enough for Thompson to go away with the U.S. U-23 national team for games in France, where she scored two goals. In her home debut in an exhibition earlier this month, Thompson scored in a friendly against Club America.

She admitted to having nerves on the way to the game, but certainly didn’t look it.

“It looked like she had played in 100 games in this stadium,” Coombe said of Thompson. “The occasion didn’t put her off … she looked threatening all night.”

Now comes the real season. Thompson and Angel City FC kick off the 2023 campaign Sunday against NJ/NY Gotham FC at BMO Stadium (6 p.m., Paramount +).

“Preseason, overall has been a really good one,” she said. “It’s helped me a lot to get into pro mode and being able to be with the girls and them being able to teach me everything, like recovery and just getting acclimated to the environment.

“Being able to play with older players since I was younger has helped me be to where I am today. Now, it helps me mature both on and off the field. I feel like soccer is one part of my day and then I get to go with my friends and be with them, so I don’t feel like I’m always with older people. That’s why I think it’s so important that I get to go to school still and be with people my age. I still want to be an 18-year-old and I still want to be with my friends. I appreciate both experiences and it has helped become the person that I am.

Thompson is on everybody’s list of players to watch this season. She enters into a situation where Angel City will certainly take whatever production she provides. Savannah McCaskill led Angel City with seven goals last season after never scoring more than in a season since debuting in the league in 2018. The team is still waiting for Sydney Leroux (ankle) and Christen Press (ACL) to return from injuries.

The last two attacking players in the NWSL to win Rookie of the Year scored six goals in their season.

“I don’t want to place expectations on players,” Coombe said. “I think it’s about her coming into our team and contributing to our success. I think that can be done in a number of ways, but in the terms of goals that I’m expecting from her or anything like that, I’m not going to set particular numbers or goal benchmarks on that … but it’s coming in and making a positive contribution to the team.”

If there is a team that Thompson could have landed on, being home is the best option. She is surrounded by her family and her sister Gisele, a junior at Harvard-Westlake, was also a trialist during training camp with Angel City.

Aside from scoring goals, Thompson’s personal goals are simple.

“I just want to keep developing and playing at the highest level that I can,” she said. “Working to maybe be on the World Cup roster, that’s a goal for me, and to just continuing to grow as a player.”

ACFC defender and captain Ali Riley also attended Harvard-Westlake and then went to Stanford. Heading to Stanford was Thompson’s initial plan until she decided to turn professional.

“We know so many of the same people from the soccer world in Los Angeles, it is so exciting having her,” Riley said. “To be here, we’re going to support her. And looking at the diversity of the team and how much representation we have, the visibility for young girls to come from L.A, such a diverse city, who come to our game, will really think, ‘This is who I want to be, I see myself in her.’ And be able to dream. And that is so important.

“I think she’s really going to embrace this experience and really inspire a lot of young people.”

And when not serving as a role model for hopeful youth players, Thompson could pose a problem for opposing teams.

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“I don’t think players we play against will necessarily know how to defend her,” Riley said. “I think there will be a lot of eyes watching her. She is so composed, she’s so mature, such an exciting player, and it is cool to have this impressive, young talent playing at home in L.A. on this team.”

NJ/NY Gotham FC at Angel City FC

When: 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: BMO Stadium

TV: Paramount+

​ Orange County Register 

2023 MLB Predictions: SCNG staffers call their shots

• March 25, 2023

Members of the Southern California News Group try to predict how the 2023 baseball season will play out, from division races (in predicted order of finish) to the postseason and who will collect the key awards.

— JEFF FLETCHER (Angels beat reporter) —

AL West: Astros, Angels, Mariners, Rangers, A’s

AL Central: White Sox, Guardians, Twins, Royals, Tigers

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Red Sox

NL West: Padres, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals

AL wild-card teams: Yankees, Angels, Mariners

NL wild-card teams: Dodgers, Phillies, Mets

POSTSEASON

ALCS: Blue Jays over Astros

NLCS: Padres over Braves

World Series: Padres over Blue Jays

AWARDS

AL Cy Young: Luis Castillo (Mariners)

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

AL Rookie of the Year: Gunnar Henderson (Orioles)

NL Cy Young: Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks)

NL MVP: Juan Soto (Padres)

NL Rookie of the Year: Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks)

— BILL PLUNKETT (Dodgers beat reporter) —

AL West: Astros, Angels, Mariners, Rangers, A’s

AL Central: Guardians, White Sox, Twins, Royals, Tigers

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Orioles, Rays, Red Sox

NL West: Padres, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals

AL wild-card teams: Yankees, Angels, Mariners

NL wild-card teams: Dodgers, Phillies, Mets

POSTSEASON

ALCS: Astros over Blue Jays

NLCS: Braves over Padres

World Series: Braves over Astros

AWARDS

AL Cy Young: Jacob deGrom (Rangers)

AL MVP: Mike Trout (Angels)

AL Rookie of the Year: Gunnar Henderson (Orioles)

NL Cy Young: Max Fried (Braves)

NL MVP: Manny Machado (Padres)

NL Rookie of the Year: Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks)

— J.P. HOORNSTRA (MLB reporter/columnist) —

AL West: Astros, Mariners, Angels, Rangers, A’s

AL Central: White Sox, Guardians, Twins, Royals, Tigers

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Red Sox

NL West: Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Mets, Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Nationals

AL wild-card teams: Yankees, Guardians, Mariners

NL wild-card teams: Padres, Braves, Phillies

POSTSEASON

ALCS: Blue Jays over Astros

NLCS: Mets over Dodgers

World Series: Blue Jays over Mets

AWARDS

AL Cy: Alek Manoah (Blue Jays)

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

AL Rookie of the Year: Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox)

NL Cy Young: Julio Urias (Dodgers)

NL MVP: Austin Riley (Braves)

NL Rookie of the Year: James Outman (Dodgers)

— JIM ALEXANDER (Columnist) —

AL West: Astros, Angels, Rangers, Mariners, A’s

AL Central: Twins, Guardians, White Sox, Royals, Tigers

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Orioles, Rays, Red Sox

NL West: Padres, Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Marlins, Nationals

AL wild-card teams: Yankees, Guardians, Angels

NL wild-card teams: Dodgers, Braves, Mets

POSTSEASON

ALCS: Yankees over Astros

NLCS: Dodgers over Padres

World Series: Dodgers over Yankees

AWARDS

AL Cy Young: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays)

AL Rookie of the Year: Gunnar Henderson (Orioles)

NL Cy Young: Joe Musgrove (Padres)

NL MVP: Nolan Arenado (Cardinals)

NL Rookie of the Year: Miguel Vargas (Dodgers)

— MIRJAM SWANSON (Columnist) —

AL West: Astros, Angels, Mariners, Rangers, A’s

AL Central: Twins, Guardians, White Sox, Tigers, Royals

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Red Sox

NL West: Padres, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Braves, Mets, Phillies, Marlins, Nationals

POSTSEASON

AL wild-card teams: Blue Jays, Angels, Mariners

NL wild-card teams: Dodgers, Cubs, Mets

ALCS: Blue Jays over Astros

NLCS: Padres over Dodgers

World Series: Padres over Blue Jays

AWARDS

AL Cy Young: Gerrit Cole (Yankees)

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

AL Rookie of the Year: Gunnar Henderson (Orioles)

NL Cy Young: Sandy Alcantara (Marlins)

NL MVP: Juan Soto (Padres)

NL Rookie of the Year: Miguel Vargas (Dodgers)

— KEVIN MODESTI (Staff Writer) —

AL West: Astros, Rangers, Mariners, Angels, A’s

AL Central: Guardians, White Sox, Twins, Royals, Tigers

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Orioles

NL West: Padres, Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals

AL wild-card teams: Yankees, Rays, Rangers

NL wild-card teams: Phillies, Mets, Dodgers

POSTSEASON

ALCS: Astros over Blue Jays

NLCS: Padres over Braves

World Series: Padres over Astros

AWARDS

AL Cy Young: Jacob deGrom (Rangers)

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

AL Rookie of the Year: Anthony Volpe (Yankees)

NL Cy Young: Spencer Strider (Braves)

NL MVP: Juan Soto (Padres)

NL Rookie of the Year: Kodai Senga (Mets)

— TODD BAILEY (MLB Editor) —

AL West: Astros, Angels, Mariners, Rangers, A’s

AL Central: Guardians, Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Royals

AL East: Blue Jays, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Red Sox

NL West: Padres, Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies

NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Reds

NL East: Braves, Mets, Phillies, Marlins, Nationals

AL wild-card teams: Yankees, Angels, Mariners

NL wild-card teams: Dodgers, Mets, Phillies

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POSTSEASON

ALCS: Astros over Yankees

NLCS: Padres over Braves

World Series: Padres over Astros

AWARDS

AL Cy Young: Cristian Javier (Astros)

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

AL Rookie of the Year: Hunter Brown (Astros)

NL Cy Young: Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks)

NL MVP: Manny Machado (Padres)

NL Rookie of the Year: Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks)

​ Orange County Register 

2023 NL West season preview

• March 25, 2023

Capsule previews of the NL West teams, listed in order of their 2022 finish:

DODGERS

2022: 111-51, first place, lost to San Diego in NLDS

Manager: Dave Roberts (eighth season)

Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Arizona

He’s Here: RHP Noah Syndergaard, OF/DH J.D. Martinez, INF Yonny Hernandez, OF Jason Heyward, RHP Shelby Miller, RHP J.P. Feyereisen

He’s Outta Here: SS Trea Turner, 3B Justin Turner, OF Cody Bellinger, LHP Tyler Anderson, OF Joey Gallo, INF Edwin Rios, OF Kevin Pillar, RHP Trevor Bauer, LHP Andrew Heaney, RHP Tommy Kahnle, RHP Craig Kimbrel, RHP Chris Martin, LHP David Price

Top Hitters: 1B Freddie Freeman (.325, 21 HRs, 100 RBIs, .918 OPS, 117 runs, 47 doubles, 199 hits), OF Mookie Betts (.269, 35, 82, .873 OPS, 117 runs, 40 doubles), C Will Smith (.260, 24, 87, .808 OPS), INF Max Muncy (.196, 21, 69, .713 OPS)

Projected Rotation: LH Julio Urías (17-7, 2.16 ERA, 166 Ks), LH Clayton Kershaw (12-3, 2.28), RH Noah Syndergaard (10-10, 3.94 with Angels and Phillies), RH Dustin May (2-3, 4.50 in six starts), RH Ryan Pepiot (3-0, 3.47 in 9 games, seven starts)

Key Relievers: LH Alex Vesia (5-0, 2.15 ERA, 1 save, 79Ks), RH Evan Phillips (7-3, 1.14, 2 saves, 77 Ks), RH Brusdar Graterol (2-4, 3.26, 4 saves), RH Shelby Miller (0-1, 6.43, 14 Ks, 7 innings in four games with Giants)

Outlook: After winning a franchise-record 111 games and then losing in the NLDS, the Dodgers are eager to bounce back with a deep postseason run. However, they’ll start the season with injuries to some key players, mostly in the pitching ranks. Shortstop Gavin Lux (torn right ACL) is out for the year. All-Star right-hander Tony Gonsolin (16-1, 2.14 ERA, 199 Ks, all career bests) is on the 15-day IL with a sprained left ankle. Right-hander Blake Treinen is on the 60-day IL recovering from right shoulder surgery. Right-hander Daniel Hudson (torn left ACL) is making progress. All-Star right-hander Walker Buehler (Tommy John surgery) could possibly return late in the season. The team lost a big bat in All-Star Trea Turner, who went to Philadelphia. Also gone are stalwart Justin Turner and former MVP Bellinger. The Dodgers were more restrained in the offseason free-agent market than is their reputation and it could signal they are saving money to go after some big names next offseason.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

2022: 89-73, second place, lost to Philadelphia in NLCS

Manager: Bob Melvin (second season)

Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Colorado

He’s Here: SS Xander Bogaerts, RHP Michael Wacha, RHP Seth Lugo, INF Matt Carpenter, DH Nelson Cruz

He’s Outta Here: LF Jurickson Profar, LHP Sean Manaea, INF Brandon Drury, 1B Josh Bell, RHP Mike Clevinger, RF Wil Myers, RHP Pierce Johnson

Top Hitters: 3B Manny Machado (.298, 32 HRs, 102 RBIs, .898 OPS), SS Xander Bogaerts (.307, 15, 73 with Boston), LF Juan Soto (.242, 27, 62 with Nationals and Padres), RF Fernando Tatis Jr. (.282, NL-high 42, 97, 25 SBs, .965 OPS in 2021; sat out last season due to injuries and suspension), 1B Jake Cronenworth (.239, 17, 88)

Projected Rotation: RH Yu Darvish (16-8, 3.10 ERA), RH Joe Musgrove (10-7, 2.93), LH Blake Snell (8-10, 3.38), RH Michael Wacha (11-2, 3.32 with Boston), RH Nick Martinez (4-4, 3.47, 8 saves), RH Seth Lugo (3-2, 3.60 in 62 relief appearances with Mets)

Key Relievers: LH Josh Hader (2-5, 5.22 ERA, 36 saves with Brewers and Padres), RH Robert Suarez (5-1, 2.27), RH Luis Garcia (4-6, 3.39), LH Tim Hill (3-0, 3.56)

Outlook: The Padres have World Series expectations after a stirring run to the NLCS and an offseason in which owner Peter Seidler has been unafraid to spend big money. The team added Bogaerts on a $280 million, 11-year contract to a lineup that already included Machado and Soto. Tatis can return on April 20 when he finishes serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Tatis, an All-Star at shortstop in 2021, will move to right field and Soto to left. Besides adding Bogaerts, the Padres signed Machado to a new $350 million, 11-year contract and Darvish to a new $108 million, six-year deal.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

2022: 81-81, third place

Manager: Gabe Kapler (fourth season)

Opening Day: Thursday, at New York Yankees

He’s Here: LHP Sean Manaea, OF Mitch Haniger, OF Michael Conforto, RHP Ross Stripling, LHP Taylor Rogers, OF Stephen Piscotty, C Blake Sabol, RHP Luke Jackson

He’s Outta Here: LHP Carlos Rodon, 1B Brandon Belt, RHP Shelby Miller, 3B Evan Longoria, INF Tommy La Stella, LHP Jose Alvarez

Top Hitters: OF Joc Pederson (.274, 23 HRs, 70 RBIs), OF Mitch Haniger (.246, 11, 34 with Mariners), OF Mike Yastrzemski (.214, 17, 57), OF Michael Conforto (.232, 14, 55 in 2021 for Mets), SS Brandon Crawford (.231, 9, 52)

Projected Rotation: RH Logan Webb (15-9, 2.90 ERA), RH Alex Cobb (7-8, 3.73), LH Sean Manaea (8-9, 4.96 with Padres), RH Ross Stripling (10-4, 3.01 with Blue Jays), LH Alex Wood (8-12, 5.10)

Key Relievers: RH Camilo Doval (6-6, 2.53 ERA, 27/30 saves), LH Taylor Rogers (4-8, 4.76, 31/41 saves with Padres and Brewers), RH Tyler Rogers (3-4, 3.57)

Outlook: The Giants dropped by 26 wins from their surprising 2021 season and missed the playoffs last year. After making a run at Aaron Judge in free agency and agreeing to a deal with Carlos Correa that fell through when he failed a physical, San Francisco didn’t make many big impact moves this offseason. But the Giants are hoping that smaller additions like Haniger, Conforto, Manaea, Stripling and Taylor Rogers can get them back into playoff position in the tough NL West.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

2022: 74-88, fourth place

Manager: Torey Lovullo (seventh season)

Opening Day: Thursday, at Dodgers

He’s Here: C Gabriel Moreno, 3B Evan Longoria, OF Kyle Lewis, OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr., RHP Miguel Castro, RHP Scott McGough, LHP Andrew Chafin, RHP Jeurys Familia, RHP Cole Sulser

He’s Outta Here: C/OF Daulton Varsho, OF Jordan Luplow, C/OF Cooper Hummel, LHP Caleb Smith, RHP Ian Kennedy

Top Hitters: 1B Christian Walker (.242, 36 HRs, 94 RBIs, Gold Glove), 2B Ketel Marte (.240, 12, 52, 42 doubles), OF Corbin Carroll (.260, 4, 14 in 104 ABs), OF Jake McCarthy (.283, 8, 43, 23 SBs), INF Josh Rojas (.269, 9, 56, 23 SBs)

Projected Rotation: RH Zac Gallen (12-4, 2.54 ERA), RH Merrill Kelly (13-8, 3.37), LH Madison Bumgarner (7-15, 4.88), RH Zach Davies (2-5, 4.09), RH Drey Jameson (3-0, 1.48 in four starts)

Key Relievers: RH Mark Melancon (3-10, 4.66 ERA, 18 saves), RH Scott McGough (2-2, 2.35 in Japan), LH Joe Mantiply (2-5, 2.85, All-Star), RH Miguel Castro (5-0, 4.03 with Yankees), RH Cole Sulser (1-4, 5.29 with Marlins), LH Andrew Chafin (2-3, 2.83 with Tigers)

Outlook: The Diamondbacks appear to be headed in the right direction with a speedy, young outfield of Carroll, McCarthy and Alek Thomas and a solid top of the rotation that includes Gallen and Kelly. Carroll is among the favorites to win the NL Rookie of the Year award after a stellar 32-game cameo in 2022. Depth is still an issue, particularly in the bullpen. Arizona is hoping to push for the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but it’s an uphill battle in a division that includes the free-spending Dodgers and Padres.

COLORADO ROCKIES

2022: 68-94, fifth place

Manager: Bud Black (seventh season)

Opening Day: Thursday, at San Diego

He’s Here: OF/INF Jurickson Profar, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Brad Hand, LHP Brent Suter, RHP Connor Seabold, INF Mike Moustakas

He’s Outta Here: INF/OF Garrett Hampson, OF/INF Connor Joe, RHP Scott Oberg, SS Jose Iglesias, RHP Chad Kuhl, RHP Carlos Estévez, RHP Alex Colomé, OF Sam Hilliard

Top Hitters: 1B C.J. Cron (.257, 29 HRs, 102 RBIs), DH Charlie Blackmon (.264, 16, 78), 2B Ryan McMahon (.246, 20, 67), OF Kris Bryant (.306, 5, 14 in 42 games), OF Randal Grichuk (.259, 19, 73)

Projected Rotation: RH Germán Márquez (9-13, 4.95 ERA, 150 Ks), LH Kyle Freeland (9-11, 4.53, 131 Ks), RH José Ureña (3-8, 5.14), LH Austin Gomber (5-7, 5.56, 124-2/3 innings), RH Ryan Feltner (4-9, 5.83) or RH Connor Seabold (0-4, 11.29 with Boston)

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Key Relievers: RH Daniel Bard (6-4, 1.79 ERA, 34/37 saves), RH Pierce Johnson (1-2, 5.02 with Padres), RH Dinelson Lamet (1-2, 6.12 with Padres and Rockies), LH Brent Suter (5-3, 3.78 with Milwaukee), RH Justin Lawrence (3-1, 5.70), LH Brad Hand (3-2, 2.80, 5 saves with Philadelphia)

Outlook: The Rockies are looking to avoid their first 100-loss season. Their projection is 64½ wins, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Colorado has been dealing with injury after injury this spring. Second baseman Brendan Rodgers is expected to miss the bulk of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury diving for a grounder in a game. Colorado outfielder Sean Bouchard also will miss significant time due to a biceps rupture. Relief pitcher Lucas Gilbreath underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the season. Colorado is counting on a return to form from Bryant, who didn’t hit a homer at Coors Field in an injury-marred season. Bryant is likely to switch from left to right field with the arrival of Profar from San Diego. Grichuk has been sidelined since undergoing surgery for a sports hernia in mid-February. Márquez and Freeland anchor the rotation. Bard was dependable in the closer’s role last year.

​ Orange County Register 

2023 NL Central season preview

• March 25, 2023

Capsule previews of the NL Central teams, listed in order of their 2022 finish:

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

2022: 93-69, first place, lost to Philadelphia in wild-card round

Manager: Oliver Marmol (second season)

Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Toronto

He’s Here: C Willson Contreras, RHP Guillermo Zuniga, SS Jose Fermin

He’s Outta Here: C Yadier Molina, DH/1B Albert Pujols, OF Corey Dickerson, LHP Jose Quintana

Top Hitters: 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.317, 35 HRs, 115 RBIs, 41 2Bs, .981 OPS, NL MVP), 3B Nolan Arenado (.293, 30, 103, 42 2Bs, .891 OPS), SS Tommy Edman (.265, 13, 57, 32 SBs), OF Tyler O’Neill (.228, 14, 58)

Projected Rotation: RH Adam Wainwright (11-12, 3.71 ERA), RH Miles Mikolas (12-13, 3.29), LH Jordan Montgomery (6-3, 3.11), RH Jack Flaherty (2-1, 4.25), LH Steven Matz (5-3, 5.25)

Key Relievers: RH Ryan Helsley (9-1, 1.25 ERA, 19 saves), RH Giovanny Gallegos (3-6, 3.05, 14 saves), RH Jordan Hicks (3-6, 4.84), RH Jake Woodford (4-0, 2.23), LH Zack Thompson (1-1, 2.08), LHP Packy Naughton (0-2, 4.78)

Outlook: It’s a new era in St. Louis after longtime stars Pujols and Molina headed into retirement, though batterymate Wainwright is back for one more season on the mound. The Cardinals have one of the best 1-2 punches in the game in Goldschmidt and Arenado, and 20-year-old outfielder Jordan Walker is poised to make a big impression this season. Few teams can move seamlessly from one era to the next, but the Cardinals have enough young talent to believe the loss of clubhouse leaders Pujols and Molina can be overcome and St. Louis can make another NL Central run.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

2022: 86-76, second place

Manager: Craig Counsell (ninth season)

Opening Day: Thursday, at Chicago Cubs

He’s Here: 3B/OF Brian Anderson, C William Contreras, LHP Wade Miley, INF/OF Owen Miller, RHP Tyson Miller, OF Tyler Naquin, RHP Joel Payamps, INF Abraham Toro, 1B Luke Voit, RHP Bryse Wilson, OF/DH Jesse Winker

He’s Outta Here: RHP Brad Boxberger, RHP Trevor Gott, OF/DH Andrew McCutchen, C Omar Narváez, INF Jace Peterson, OF Hunter Renfroe, LHP Taylor Rogers, LHP Brent Suter, 2B Kolten Wong

Top Hitters: SS Willy Adames (.238, 31 HRs, 98 RBIs), OF Christian Yelich (.252, 14, 57, .355 OBP), 1B Rowdy Tellez (.219, 35, 89), C William Contreras (.278, 20, 45, .860 OPS with Atlanta), OF Jesse Winker (.219, 14, 53 with Seattle), INF Luis Urías (.239, 16, 47)

Projected Rotation: RH Corbin Burnes (12-8, 2.94 ERA, 243 Ks in 202 IP), RH Brandon Woodruff (13-4, 3.05, 190 Ks in 153-1/3 IP), RH Freddy Peralta (4-4, 3.58, 86 Ks in 78 IP), LH Eric Lauer (11-7, 3.69, 157 Ks in 158-2/3 IP), LH Wade Miley (2-2, 3.16, 28 Ks in 37 IP with Cubs)

Key Relievers: RH Devin Williams (6-4, 1.95 ERA, 15 saves, 96 Ks in 60-2/3 IP), RH Matt Bush (2-3, 3.47, 3 saves, 74 Ks in 59-2/3 IP with Brewers and Rangers), RH Hoby Milner (3-3, 3.76, 64 Ks in 64-2/3 IP), RH Peter Strzelecki (2-1, 2.83, 40 Ks in 35 IP), RH Adrian Houser (6-10, 4.73, 69 Ks in 102-2/3 IP)

Outlook: The Brewers snapped a franchise-record string of four straight playoff appearances last season as they started out 32-18 – their best record ever through 50 games – but went just 54-58 the rest of the way. Then they lost president of baseball operations David Stearns, who constructed those playoff teams but stepped down after the season. Matt Arnold, who had been Stearns’ right-hand man, took over and acquired Contreras and Winker during the offseason. Contreras was an All-Star with Atlanta last season. Winker struggled through injuries with Seattle but was a potent hitter for Cincinnati in previous seasons while having some of his best games in Milwaukee. The Brewers can contend in the NL Central if their starting pitchers stay healthy, which didn’t happen last season. Burnes and Woodruff give them an exceptional 1-2 punch to head a rotation that could rank among baseball’s best. Relief pitching is a bigger concern as Milwaukee continues adapting to life without Josh Hader, who was traded last July when the Brewers were leading the division. Williams, a two-time All-Star, should shine in his first full season as a closer. But there’s plenty of uncertainty regarding the other relievers in Milwaukee’s new-look bullpen.

CHICAGO CUBS

2022: 74-88, third place

Manager: David Ross (fourth season)

Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Milwaukee

He’s Here: SS Dansby Swanson, OF Cody Bellinger, RHP Jameson Taillon, 1B Eric Hosmer, C Tucker Barnhart, DH/1B Trey Mancini, RHP Brad Boxberger, RHP Michael Fulmer, INF Edwin Ríos

He’s Outta Here: C Willson Contreras, OF Jason Heyward, LHP Wade Miley, DH Franmil Reyes, C P.J. Higgins

Top Hitters: SS Dansby Swanson (.277, 25 HRs, 96 RBIs, 18 SBs for Atlanta), LF Ian Happ (.271, 17, 72, .782 OPS, 42 doubles), RF Seiya Suzuki (.262, 14, 46), INF Nico Hoerner (.281, 10, 55, 20 SBs, 5 triples)

Projected Rotation: RH Marcus Stroman (6-7, 3.50 ERA), RH Jameson Taillon (14-5, 3.91, 32 starts for Yankees), LH Justin Steele (4-7, 3.18), LH Drew Smyly (7-8, 3.47), RH Hayden Wesneski (3-2, 2.18 in six games)

Key Relievers: RH Michael Fulmer (5-6, 3.39 ERA, 3 saves in 67 games for Detroit and Minnesota), RH Brad Boxberger (4-3, 2.95, 1 save for Milwaukee), RH Adbert Alzolay (2-1, 3.38 in six games), RH Keegan Thompson (10-5, 3.76, 1 save)

Outlook: An offseason spending spree strengthened the lineup and pitching staff, but there are several outstanding questions for the Cubs as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Bellinger is hoping to regain his form from his 2019 NL MVP season. He hit just .210 with 150 strikeouts in 144 games last year with the Dodgers. The addition of Swanson should help replace the offensive production and leadership that Chicago lost when Contreras signed with St. Louis in free agency. In the rotation, Steele is looking to build on his solid 2022 season. With Fulmer and Boxberger, the bullpen has a much different look, and it remains to be seen how Ross and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy handle high-leverage situations at the end of games.

CINCINNATI REDS

2022: 62-100, tied for fourth place

Manager: David Bell (fifth season)

Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Pittsburgh

He’s Here: 1B/OF Wil Myers, 3B Spencer Steer, C Curt Casali, C Luke Maile, INF Kevin Newman, OF Will Benson, RHP Luke Weaver

He’s Outta Here: SS Kyle Farmer, RF Aristides Aquino, INF Mike Moustakas, INF Donovan Solano, LHP Mike Minor

Top Hitters: 1B Joey Votto (.205, 11 HRs, 41 RBIs, .689 OPS in 91 games), C Tyler Stephenson (.319, 6, 35 in 50 games), 2B Jonathan India (.249, 10, 41, .705 OPS in 103 games), OF Jake Fraley (.259, 12, 28, .812 OPS), SS Kevin Newman (.274, 2, 24 in 78 games with Pirates)

Projected Rotation: RH Hunter Greene (5-13, 4.44 ERA), LH Nick Lodolo (4-7, 3.66), RH Graham Ashcraft (5-6, 4.89), RH Luis Cessa (4-4, 4.57 in 46 games, 10 starts), RH Connor Overton (1-0, 2.73 ERA in six games, 4 starts)

Key Relievers: RH Alexis Diaz (7-3, 1.84 ERA, 10 saves), RH Tony Santillan (0-1, 5.49 ERA, 4 saves in 21 appearances), RH Tejay Antone (2-0, 2.14, 3 saves, 42 Ks in 33-2/3 innings in 2021), RH Lucas Sims (1-0, 9.45, 1 save in six games), LH Reiver Sanmartin (4-4, 6.32)

Outlook: After losing 100 games for the first time in four decades, the cost-cutting Reds didn’t do a lot to improve. Cincinnati will depend on India to return to the form that made him the NL Rookie of the Year in 2021. Stephenson will try to stay healthy after injuries shortened his 2022 season. The Reds signed two free-agent catchers to give him a break. One of the big questions will be whether Votto can be productive again at age 39 after shoulder surgery ended his season in August. The Reds hope to build a new foundation around three young pitchers: Greene, Lodolo and Ashcraft. All of them have shown flashes of brilliance.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

2022: 62-100, tied for fourth place

Manager: Derek Shelton (fourth season)

Opening Day: Thursday, at Cincinnati

He’s Here: OF/DH Andrew McCutchen, 1B/DH Carlos Santana, 1B Ji-Man Choi, OF Connor Joe, C Austin Hedges, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Vince Velasquez

He’s Outta Here: 2B Kevin Newman, 1B Michael Chavis, OF Ben Gamel, INF Josh VanMeter, INF Hoy Park, RHP Zach Thompson

Top Hitters: CF Bryan Reynolds (.262, 27 HRs, 62 RBIs, 19 2Bs, .807 OPS), SS Oneil Cruz (.233, 17, 54, 10 SBs), 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (.244, 7, 41, 20 SBs), OF/DH Andrew McCutchen (.237, 17, 69 with Milwaukee), 1B/DH Carlos Santana (.202, 19, 60 with Kansas City and Seattle)

Projected Rotation: RH Mitch Keller (5-12, 3.91 ERA), RH JT Brubaker (3-12, 4.69), RH Roansy Contreras (5-5, 3.79), LH Rich Hill (8-7, 4.27 with Boston), RH Vince Velasquez (3-3, 4.78 in 27 appearances, nine starts with White Sox)

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Key Relievers: RH David Bednar (3-4, 2.61 ERA, 19/23 saves), RH Wil Crowe (6-10, 4.38, 4 saves), RH Chase De Jong (6-3, 2.64, 1 save), RH Duane Underwood Jr. (1-6, 4.40, 1 save)

Outlook: The Pirates believe the top-to-bottom overhaul that began in the fall of 2019 is starting to near completion. McCutchen stressed his return to a team he starred with a decade ago wasn’t based solely on nostalgia. He believes the Pirates can take a step forward the same way the clubs he led in the early 2010s did. A lot will depend on if a mostly young starting staff can keep the momentum going after a solid finish to 2022 and if Cruz can blossom. The 6-foot-7 shortstop is loaded with talent. Consistency at the plate and better defense in the field is the next step. A handful of other highly touted prospects could reach Pittsburgh at some point during the season, signs the franchise thinks the window to contention is close to opening.

​ Orange County Register