Pins, Needles

Anxiety hangs over spring training camps as major league baseball teams reduce rosters to 25 players. Catcher Bobby Hughes, a Notre Dame High grad and veteran of six minor league seasons, is making a strong case with the Milwaukee Brewers, batting a robust .421.

Jack’s Back: Jack McDowell, another Notre Dame High alum, is trying to rebound from elbow surgery and win a job with the Angels. The 32-year-old right-hander has won 122 games in 11 seasons but must prove himself again. “I’m pushing myself harder every time I throw the ball,” said McDowell, who pitched five shutout innings last week against the Chicago Cubs.

Making a Pitch: Right-handed pitcher Jeff Suppan, second pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the expansion draft, is trying to land a spot in the rotation. Although the Crespi High grad has performed inconsistently this spring, “We have great expectations,” pitching coach Mark Connor said. “He can be a quality major league starter.”

First Impressions: Detroit Tigers prospects Robert Fick and Gabe Kapler are in minor league camp after spending several weeks as nonroster players. Fick, a former Cal State Northridge All-American, made the most of six major league at-bats, with three hits including a home run. Kapler was a 57th-round draft pick out of Taft High in 1995 and is now one of the most touted outfielders in the Tigers’ farm system.