Spring Training

One of my goals behind this blog is to make it welcoming to the uninitiated baseball fan as well. So, forgive me an occasional explanatory post--like this one! I'm trying to nurture and grow some new fans, so feel free to disregard any oversimplifications you might come across.

We're going to go over the basics of spring training and then specifically look at how pitching works within the pre-season, to be followed later by how hitters and fielders work.

Spring Training

The whole purpose behind spring training is to allow teams an opportunity for their teams to warm up and to see who they want for their opening day rosters. This plays out in many different forms.

There are two leagues for spring training: The Cactus and Grapefruit leagues. Which camp you go to is based basically on geographic location (with exceptions being made for cities with two teams). Teams closer to the west coast get to enjoy their fun in the sun in Arizona while the east coast gets the Florida treatment. There are five more teams in Grapefruit League.

You can find the current 07 spring training standings HERE.

Pitching

Established pitchers (pitchers who know they'll be playing regular season ball at the major league level) are out there getting a feel for their stuff. They build on each start until they are back to regular season level.

Initially, they come out with a pre-determined pitch count and an estimated innings pitch. Two innings pitched is standard, and the pitch count is going to depend on the pitcher. The Cubs' starter-turned-reliever Kerry Wood, for example, was assigned 35 pitches and 2 innings his first time out.

It's also an opportunity for pitchers to see how hitters handle a newer pitch.

Other times, pitchers are looking to show that they belong to be promoted from the minor leagues. A lot of times, the MLB coaches are getting a fresh look at the would-be's. The reason they're even having a look is based a lot on how they did last year. Since this is spring training, it's not necessarily ERA that's going to win a pitcher a spot on the rotation or bullpen--it's how they handle themselves in the different situations.

Basically, any questions coaches and teams have about their players will be answered by how the players--pitchers or otherwise, handle Spring Training. That doesn't mean it isn't taken seriously. There's already been a little drama between the Padres and Rockies.

Keep up with Spring Training! There's lots of fun to see.