Player Notes This Week

Brady Clark appears to be the front-runner to replace Scott Podsednik as the starting centerfielder and leadoff batter. Clark's never been an everyday player, but he did post a .385 on-base percentage and 15 stolen bases in 353 at-bats last season, making him a better-than-average leadoff man. It would be reasonable to expect 20 stolen bases from him.

He's probably going to be kept by the Pounders at 10 if there is a good chance he's going to be an everyday player.

The Brewers have so many position battles going on that manager Ned Yost can't be certain what his bench will look like come Opening Day. At third base, Wes Helms, Russell Branyan, and Jeff Cirillo are competing. J.J. Hardy and Bill Hall are vying for the shortstop job, though if Hardy loses out he will probably begin the season in the minors. Dave Krynzel could start in center field, be an extra outfielder, or go to Triple-A.

We're kind of rooting for Hardy to lose out temporarily. Wes Helms might be a bargain.

Doctors in Dallas and Los Angeles diagnosed a sprained annular ligament in David Bell's lower back. Bell received an epidural injection, and was told not to play in any games for three weeks. Bell may have to open the season on the DL and miss the first two weeks. His injury may end up costing Jose Offerman a chance at a bench slot, as the Phillies may opt instead to open the season with six outfielders, giving them more time to decide between Marlon Byrd and Shane Victorino.

This one smells bad.

A high-tech lab in Birmingham, Alabama, revealed why batters have so many problems hitting Yusmeiro Petit, even though he doesn't reach 90 mph. The slow-motion cameras, which take pictures more than 16 times faster than a standard video recorder, showed that Petit manages to keep the ball hidden longer than other pitchers. Petit finished second in the minors in strikeouts last season with 200. The Mets also sent prospects Matt Lindstrom and Gabby Hernandez to the facility.

Who the hell is this guy? Was that Nomo's secret when he first came up?

Alex Cintron went 3-for-3 with a home run today as the Diamondbacks edged the White Sox 4-3. Cintron won't even have an opportunity to compete with shortstop Royce Clayton or second baseman Craig Counsell for a starting job. He should be available in trade talks if any teams have pitching to spare.

I guess he's not a keeper. Might be a real bargain in the auction.

A small fracture was found in Jayson Werth's left wrist as a result of yesterday's HBP, and he's expected to miss at least 10-14 days. X-rays didn't pick it up, so we can only assume Werth had an MRI earlier today. If he's going to miss much more than two weeks, his status for Opening Day would be in doubt. Ricky Ledee, probably a superior hitter against right-handers, is his backup in left field.

Not a good thing. Ledee should go for a buck again. He might not be as bad as he seemed with the Giants.

Kip Wells gave up both Yankee runs today as Pittsburgh and New York played to a 202 tie in nine innings. The results weren't great, but Wells looked just fine. He hit 91-92 on the gun a bunch of times while throwing mostly fastballs to the Yankees' regulars. At this point, there's no longer any reason for the Pirates to view him as the biggest question mark on their staff.

I like this guy. Could be a bargain. George has him at $8 on the cut list.

Javier Vazquez has added a knuckle-curve, which he learned last season from Mike Mussina, to his repertoire. ''I didn't throw it in a game [last season], but this year, I've practiced it in the off-season, and hopefully it's going to work,'' Vazquez said. Scott Hairston tried to hit two knuckle-curves from Vazquez yesterday, and called the pitch ''nasty.''

Don't trust him. Interesting, though.

Rich Aurilia went 3-for-4 with a double in yesterday's intrasquad contest. Aurilia is trying to win a job as a utility man with the Reds. He makes a decent insurance policy at shortstop if Felipe Lopez doesn't work out.

Could be a guy you say "2" on. Hitters park.

Chad Cordero pitched a perfect ninth against the Mets for a save today. Luis Ayala set him up. Manager Frank Robinson used the ''committee'' word again today, but he also indicated that he expected Cordero to get most of the save chances in the early going. It wouldn't be surprising to see Cordero used just like every other closer.

George has Ayala too. Might not keep him.