In S.F., John Shea reported the Giants are talking about part-time instructor and former MLBer Barry Bonds taking an "expanded role in the organization." The exact position "hasn't been determined, but he could represent the team as others have over the years." Baseball HOFers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda, as well as other prominent former Giants like Will Clark, "have had roles as special assistants, advisers and community ambassadors." Giants President & CEO Larry Baer: "There's definitely a desire to do something a little more than just coming down to spring training. We're trying to put something together" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/22).
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT: In Ft. Lauderdale, Gary Stein wrote it seems this Spring Training that fans "have moved on" from their animosity toward the Marlins, as it appears the "hate has run its course, and people seem ready to just enjoy baseball." That could be because Owner Jeffrey Loria "finally decided to spend some money -- a lot of money, and wisely -- on a young, exciting team." During the past five or six years, the "only thing people wanted to talk about was what they hated about the Marlins" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 3/21).
ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS? In N.Y., John Harper wrote it is the responsibility of Mets ownership and GM Sandy Alderson "to put the best team on the field this season, without regard to finance," when it concerns Ps Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz, as well as 2B Dilson Herrera. Depending on how the two pitchers perform in Triple-A, they "can't be held back simply to delay with major-league debuts and avoid the Super Two status that applies to arbitration eligibility." Meanwhile, Herrera was sent down prior to 2B Daniel Murphy getting hurt. Recalling him now "would allow him to accrue major-league service time." Harper: "It's primarily a financial decision right now and, again, that's just not acceptable after what's gone on the last six seasons" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/22).
