Spring Training: II

Spring Training II

Last time we went over the basic break down of how spring training is organized and what pitchers are out there trying to prove with established big leaguers vs would be big leaguers.

Now, lets talk about what the hitters and fielders are up to.

In baseball, a fair amount of seasoning is preferred for all of it’s players. What I mean is, even if you’re hitting homeruns left and right and the ball never gets by you on the field BUT you’re 19—you can all but count on being a minor leaguer. Just ask HIM.

Why is that? Some say the move up to the majors is a pretty major change, and that it requires a few seasons slugging it out in the minor league to build the necessary experience that allows for players to survive the big leagues. This goes for any player—including pitchers.

Established hitters are usually looking to find their stride and to get a look at the pitchers. What I mean by find their stride is perfect their swing and get their timing down. Pitchers will often let you see a couple of fastballs and then try and mess with a hitters timing by throwing a change up, which has the same arm action as a fastball (making it deceptive for the hitter).

There 162 regular season games. Injuries are unavoidable, and many of the hitters sat out some of last season, and are eager to get back into the swing of things (pun intended).

The men looking to make the Opening Day Roster are trying to prove they can handle the big league pitches from the guys throwing them. The guys who really have a chance already have a few seasons in the minor leagues under the gloves and have been consistently improving.

And being sent to the minor leagues doesn’t mean they’re going to spend the entire season there—remember those unavoidable injuries?

And remember, just because the stats aren’t official doesn’t mean you can’t see what’s going on with your team/ favorite player. You can check the daily scoreboard HERE.