Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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IRISH IN THE PROS five RBI in 25 at-bats. Pollock is trying to earn more play- ing time with a strong 2014 after an inconsistent year last season. He fin- ished with a .237 average, .318 on- base percentage, eight home runs and 38 RBI as the team's fourth outfielder. JOHN AXFORD, CLEVELAND INDIANS Axford finished last season with a World Series appearance with the St. Louis Cardinals after a midseason trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander lost his closer spot early in the season, but pulled together a strong second half to help the Cardi- nals win the National League. This winter, the Indians signed him as a closer candidate to replace Chris Perez. He's shown he can handle the job before (106 career saves), but had to demonstrate his abilities again this spring. So far, so good. Axford had posted six strikeouts in three innings with one earned run through March 9, and manager Terry Francona has voiced his support of the former Irish hurler. The pitcher made national news this spring when he correctly predicted all 18 picks for the Oscars in early March. He missed on just one of 15 in 2013. JEFF MANSHIP, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES Star left-hander Cole Hamels is fac- ing an extended injury hiatus, so a spot has opened up in the Phillies rotation — one that could go to Manship. The majority of Manship's 42 career appearances have come in relief, but the right-hander might be manager Ryne Sandberg's best option to start the season. "I hear it," Manship told reporters of the speculation. "I try not to pay atten- tion to it because I still want to focus on my business at hand. I had people tell- ing me that. I try not to put too much pressure on myself." Manship had allowed one run on four hits in seven innings through March 9. JEFF SAMARDZIJA, CHICAGO CUBS Samardzija is the only one of the five that had a clearly defined role heading into spring camp, and that's to lead the way in the Chicago rotation. This season, he's out to prove he's the Cubs' ace before signing a long- term extension. He is scheduled to hit free agency following the 2015 season. "I need to put my mark on exactly that, being the go-to guy and under- standing: 'This is a dude we must have around this locker room for a long time,'" Samardzija said. He had allowed three runs in five in- nings through March 9. NFL NOTES Through March 10 • Former Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (2003-07) signed a two-year contract with the Ari- zona Cardinals March 7. Carlson was released by the Vikings in early March just two years into a five-year, $25 million contract. At the time of the signing with the Cardinals, his wife was 37 weeks pregnant with their third child. • The New York Giants made an offer to defensive