BASEBALL ROUNDUP | News and notes

Twins' prospect: Even before spring training games began, Jason Bartlett caught his teammates' attention. And the rookie shortstop didn't even say anything. Torii Hunter, the Minnesota Twins' team leader, was among the veterans who took notice. Hunter would see Bartlett doing extra work in the batting cage. Bartlett was a hot prospect, Hunter knew, but he didn't strut around the clubhouse like one. His unassuming demeanor and diligent work habits have helped transform Bartlett from a roster long shot into the clear-cut favorite to replace all-star Cristian Guzman as the starting shortstop. In fact, the job is Bartlett's to lose. He knows it. But there doesn't seem to be any worry he will pull the rookie mistake of getting full of himself and falling flat on his face. "Some rookies come in, they think they're all that," Hunter said. "They talk loud. They speak when not spoken to. But everything I see in him is like, 'I'm going to be quiet and do my job.' If people speak to him, he'll speak back. He doesn't cross boundaries. That lets you know this guy is a good person." Bartlett, 25, hasn't been bad on the field, either. He is batting .415 -- better than any player projected to make the Opening Day lineup except Juan Castro (.444), one of three players Bartlett has been beating out for the job. Bartlett has committed only one error.
Armas on DL: The Washington Nationals placed right-hander Tony Armas Jr. on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a right groin pull, the team's first significant injury of spring training. Armas was hurt Sunday, when he left his start against the New York Mets after just one inning. Also, the Nationals acquired first baseman Carlos Torres from the Boston Red Sox and assigned shortstop Ian Desmond to their minor league camp.
Thome makes progress: -- Jim Thome had three hits, including a homer, in a minor league game on Monday, moving closer toward returning to the Phillies' lineup. Thome has missed the last six games with a lower back strain. The four-time All-Star first baseman was 3-for-4 against Tampa Bay's Triple-A affiliate. "If he's ready, he can play [today]," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.
Wire reports