The Atlanta Braves are off to a slow start in Grapefruit League play. Out to a 2-9 start in Florida, most of the games to this point are as expected. For those raising concerns over a bad spring so far, stop it.
Two wins in the first 4 games of the spring schedule for the Atlanta Braves was a decent way to get out of the gates. However, after starting 2-2 in February, the Braves have lost every game played in March.
I’m honestly not sure why I’m seeing what I’m seeing on forums and social media, but many are voicing concerns, even out-right write-offs of the 2017 season after the first week and a half of spring games. Why?
This is what spring training is for: prospect evaluation and to prepare for the regular season. Spring Training is about player progress, evaluating young talent not seen yet, and getting eyes on new free agents or traded players. This isn’t about team success … yet.
There is no Spring Training World Series. This spring is also a little different than usual. With the commencement of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), many team regulars, who might be in these lineups, are gone working out with their country team.
If you’ve noticed, the lineups the last 4-6 days have looked more like a JV or “C” team lineup. And in all actuality, it kind of has been.
Atlanta Braves
Guys like Freddie Freeman (Canada), Ender Inciarte (Venezuela), Julio Teheran (Columbia), and a few destined Minor Leaguers, are out. Let’s not forget also, the travel.
In Spring Training, when a team is playing on the “road” most veteran guys don’t make the trip. Not unless they are looking to get some extra reps in the field or in the box.
For the Braves, this is even more apparent. Because the Braves facility is now on an island (it seems like) compared to other ST homes, they have to travel around 2 hours to get to anywhere, at least. In spring, those trips aren’t typically made by vets who are on the 25-man (and a few on the 40-man) roster.
Starting the spring slate at 2-9 is nothing to be worried about, honestly. I sincerely don’t get the semi-serious, panic mode switch that has been triggered for some fans. Really, this is quite confounding to me.
Some fans see a 2-9, W-L record in spring training games, on March 8th, and all bets are off?
“We’re packing it in … Just cancel the future … pack it in guys, we’re 2-9 in ST games and no one is hitting … Dansby day-to-day … (sorry about that little flare, he’s having some back soreness). GAWD – this team freaking SUCKS! ”
This is the vibe I am seeing a lot more than I’m not right now, and I honestly don’t get it.
The rhetoric of “should we worry about the club’s spring training record?” needs to stop. It’s March 8th, let it go. Half these guys won’t even be on the Opening Day roster.
Swanson didn't seem concerned with the back tightness. Said no reason to push it in early March and make things worse. #Braves #onUp
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) March 8, 2017
The bottom line, in spring training, is that it’s all about prospect growth/experience and getting prepared for the regular season. Veterans know what they need to do. Rookies and prospects, need a little more attention than the vets.
Next: Freddie Freeman Talks WBC
Don’t get all bent out of shape over a spring training W-L record, and as such, don’t get too overly excited about surprise breakout performers. Sometimes, it’s a false positive.
There’s no logical reason to rationalize a 2-9 record on March 8th, in Spring Training.