Quite An Exhibition, But ...

WHAT MEANING can be gleaned from spring training statistics? Well, says one American League scout, " Ichiro started 0 for 21 [this spring]. Does that mean you'd lay off him? Heck, no." Conversely, the Phillies' Ryan Howard blasted 11 home runs in the 2006 Grapefruit League, then hit 58 more during the regular season to win the MVP award. Alex Rodriguez's verdict on exhibition-game numbers: "Just throw them out," says the Yankees third baseman, who batted .422 this spring.

There are some preseason stats, however, that demand further examination.

Rick Ankiel (.351 batting average, four home runs)
The Cardinals' starting pitcher turned outfielder looked every bit as good this spring as he did in '07, when he hit 11 homers in 172 at bats. Verdict: Several scouts told SI that last year was no fluke and that the 28-year-old Ankiel, and not slugging third baseman Troy Glaus, should hit fourth behind Albert Pujols.

Ivan Rodriguez (.373, eight homers).
At the start of camp, Tigers manager Jim Leyland remarked that the 36-year-old catcher "looks younger." During the off-season Pudge abandoned the workout bike for a regimen that stressed muscle mass. Verdict: "He wanted to get stronger," says an AL scout, "and he looks like he put on 15 pounds."

Jered Weaver (5--0, 1.37 ERA).
With Angels ace John Lackey and No. 2 starter Kelvim Escobar on the DL, Weaver will carry a heavier burden. "He's a fearless competitor with deception," says an AL scout of the 25-year-old righthander. "He can handle the [stopper] role for a while." Verdict: He's not Lackey or Escobar, but "his time may be here," says another AL scout.

Jake Westbrook (3--0, 0.00 ERA).
He pitched free and easy in 18 spring innings after an up-and-down '07 during which an oblique strain limited his effectiveness in the first half. In the second half he had a 3.44 ERA. Verdict: The Indians righthander, 30, puts the ball in play (he's allowed less than a hit per inning only once in his eight-year career), so nobody's expecting dominance. He is, however, a reliable third starter.

Joe Crede (.172, one homer).
The White Sox third baseman turns 30 this month, and he's coming off back surgery. Add to that a poor spring, and his chief value to Chicago—as trade bait—is diminished. Verdict: "He looked very rusty," says an NL scout, who adds that it's too early to tell how much Crede's power (30 homers in '06) has dissipated.

Barry Zito (1--3, 10.31 ERA).
Scouts say that the Giants lefthander's fastball is down three to four mph, to around 84--85. Zito did not strike out a batter until his fifth spring training start and finished the Cactus League with 13 walks and four whiffs in 18 1/3 innings. Verdict: "I wouldn't panic," says the AL scout, "but I wouldn't go in with a lot of confidence either." His Opening Day line against the Dodgers (5 innings, 4 runs, 8 hits, 1 strikeout) isn't encouraging.