But it didn't turn out as well as this one.
Figueroa:
"It's the first time I think I've been called in the office for a good thing. It was nice to get that reassurance to be the fifth starter, and I'm looking forward to it. I was excited about the opportunity coming into camp, and I had a good camp.
Lyles, on hearing the news:
"I knew it was coming, sort of. I'll just go down there to camp for a little bit, get ready for the season, have a couple of good months and see what happens."
McTaggart had this from Lyles:
"I knew being younger and the money side of the game... But Figgy pitched well enough to earn a spot and you can't hold that against him. I think I opened some eyes this spring. I know they haven't seen me before, but now they have. Whenever they need a guy to go out there on the mound for them during the season, maybe I'm first in line."
I bet the SC State will have something to say about this.
We also learn from Mills that Pendleton and Rodriguez - the Rule 5 Picks - are still in the running for bullpen positions, and given their Springs, we're giving the edge to Aneury - if only for the fear his first name can strike in the hearts of competitors.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
