We finally made it, happy official first games of Spring Training baseball. Time to make early predictions, critique every pitch/swing and after the 6th inning hear names that we’ve never heard of in our lives. But this is why we love it. If you’re like me, the kid in you couldn’t wait to fire up the MLB app and sit-down staring at a screen that said, “this event will start shortly.” There are so many exciting players to watch and interesting storylines that will unfold. The time when everyone thinks that this is their year.
While some teams have high expectations, there are none higher than the New York Yankees. Wins and loss means absolutely nothing in spring training, so don’t even worry about that. Obviously, you never want to lose a game but this is all about getting their work in, in order to be working at peak performance for the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, there were very few highlights for the Yankees in their first spring training game against the Blue Jays.
JA Happ started on the bump for the Yankees and he made a clear statement that he was ready to go. Going two scoreless, striking out three, and giving up zero walks and no hits. What I liked most about Happ’s start was that his fastball looked very firm and his location was great. What really troubled Happ last year was giving up the long ball, so his ability to locate the ball will be imperative to his success this year. It’s not like Happ was facing nobodies either, in his first two innings he would face Vlad Jr, Bo Bichette, and Cavin Biggio. These guys from what we saw last year have some unbelievable talent and are going to be everyday starters for the Blue Jays during the regular season. Still it’s only spring training, but it’s great to see Happ have early success while as we await the Sevy news. Some other highlights included Gio being Gio on defense, wasting no time by saving a run and making a great play heading away from third base. The offense was definitely underwhelming in this game but this early in the season pitchers will have the advantage until the hitters get more reps and perfect their timing. I also need Gerrit Cole mic’d up every time that man opens up his mouth. He was interviewed mid game and to listening to him talk about his process and baseball knowledge is absolutely astonishing. Every young ball player should take the time out and listen to how seriously he takes his craft. The Yankees were able to bring not only a great talent to their team but someone who young pitchers and hitters can get insight from to better themselves. I’m absolutely ecstatic to see him throw live for the first time in a Yankee uniform when go to the game on Monday.
Other news around the league:
A tradition the Cardinals started years ago where a handful of starters would group together and watch the other warmup has evolved into a full on performance. In what would usually be a group of 5-6 turned into a mob of 30 players who all stood behind Jack Flaherty as he warmed up before his spring training start. I love every bit of this, I’m sure most of them are there to watch and learn but they are all showing love and support for their guy before his start. I think I’d prefer for like a mosh pit of guys behind me just going absolutely nuts as I was throwing. It not only would it intimidate the other team but add no less than 3 mph to my fastball. Baseball players are weird, but I love it.
Also love seeing King Felix back out on the mound and finding success. Just have to get used to seeing him in a Braves uniform. At one point one of the filthiest pitchers in the game, I just think he didn’t get the attention he should have because he was playing in Seattle. Definitely rooting to see him have a ton of success on a young and very good Braves team.
However, the game the baseball world truly wanted to see today was the between the World Series Champion Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros during the late afternoon. As expected, the team was greeted with boos as they took the field in their own stadium. Interesting to note that none the players that started appeared in the majors until 2018, so all that hate was undeserving to them. Although, all of the veteran Astros players most certainly felt it watching from the dugout.
I swear you can’t make this up. Astros stadium personnel “steal” homemade sign from the dude above. Real soft on the Astros stadium operations part or any MLB representative who wouldn’t allow these guys to hold up their signs during the game. Considering it will be one of the more “tasteful” signs that will be made this year. Part of the players shame should be them looking up into those stands and seeing the signs that read, “cheater” or contain an *. I think that’s part of the retribution, being reminded constantly that you tarnished the game of baseball. The game would ultimately be called due to rain, but I believe they will resume tomorrow.
The Washed Up Athlete 