MU in Minors & Majors

■ Coach Tim Jamieson told Jet Roberts on KFRU's The Closers that he's looking forward to the start of the major league season for the same reason I am: to see how Max and Ian will do. When Roberts told him that Kinsler is on his fantasy team, and that he just gave him a raise of several million dollars, Coach had a quick reply:

"Maybe with all that money he can get himself a haircut."

■ James Boone (03-05) gets a mention in an article about Altoona Curve players with Community Spirit:

He and teammates Jason Delaney, James Boone and Kris Watts visited the Scotch
Valley-area establishment [The Dreams Go On] that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. The Curve players spent four hours on a Saturday morning last May volunteering their time there.

■ The Kansas City T-Bones of the independent Northern League have agreed to terms with Andy Shipman (03). That puts him playing in the same league as Cody Ehlers (01-04), who is signed to play for Winnipeg.

■ In the independent American Association, the Fort Worth Cats list not only Aaron Crow (05-07) on their roster, but also signed LHP Taylor Parker (03-06) on March 25th.

■ AZCentral reports right-hander Max Scherzer (04-06), who will begin the season on the disabled list because of shoulder stiffness, will pitch in a minor-league game with Class A Visalia this week

■ AZCentral.com also reports on the Arizona Diamondbacks roster taking shape, including this:

The Diamondbacks appear to be leaning toward carrying 12 pitchers, meaning they
have four spots open on their roster - three in the bullpen plus an anticipated short-term opening belonging to No. 5 starter Max Scherzer (04-06). Expected to open the year on the disabled list, Scherzer should be ready in time for his first scheduled start April 14.

That April 14th start, incidentally, will be against the St. Louis Cardinals - at Arizona

■ The Texas Rangers have optioned RHP Doug Mathis (05) to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

■ Evan Frey (05-07) is moving up to the Double-A Mobile Bay Bears for the 2009 season (WKRG.com)

■ Andrew Johnston (05) will be with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers this season, according to TulsaWorld.com:

The closer role has not yet been filled, but a leading candidate for that position is Andrew Johnston, who converted 24-of-27 saves for Modesto before joining Tulsa late last July.

■ Garrett Broshuis' (02-04) latest blog is up at Baseball America, Watch and Worry:

Justin's release has all of us on edge. With his numbers, it demonstrates that no job remains completely safe. Anyone can fall victim at any time, and it is this thought that lies in the back of our minds as we arrive at the park each morning. Speculation runs rampant as we ponder the possibilities.

"Is the bell tolling today? Which friend will it be this time? Surely it won't be me. Man, I hope I didn't change groups."