The Astros and GM Jeff Luhnow are drawing polarized opinions this spring, writes Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. Luhnow argues that the Astros are closer to building a strong organization than some outside commentators might think, citing Jose Altuve, Jason Castro and Lucas Harrell as players who could be part of a strong core in Houston. "I think the core is already here," says Luhnow. "I really do." Here are more notes from around the majors.
- The Phillies could look outside the organization to fill their last outfield spot, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports. Salisbury cites Casper Wells and Ryan Sweeney as examples of the sorts of players the Phillies might pursue. If the Phillies don't acquire a new player, Rule 5 Draft pick Ender Inciarte might end up taking the job.
- As spring training nears its end, the Dodgers still have all eight of their starting pitchers, Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times notes. The Dodgers had been rumored to be looking to trade at least one of them. Dilbeck projects that the team's rotation will include Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Josh Beckett, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Chad Billingsley, with Chris Capuano, Ted Lilly and Aaron Harang on the outside looking in.
- The Dodgers have signed 16-year-old pitcher Jesus Canizales out of Venezuela, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports (on Twitter).
