March 17, 2006
How much does Spring Training Matter?
With the end of the first two rounds of the World Cup, it's interesting to note that only one team composed mostly of major league players made it to the semifinals, the Dominican Republic. It seemed for a few teams hitters (US, Mexico, Venezuela) that their timing was off. Even the Dominicans struggle to score runs in two of their three second round games.
For a while I've thought that spring training was too long. But maybe these batters do need some time to get their batting eyes in order. A week of exhibition games with their regular season teams might do them a world of good. Playing the tournament at the end of spring training, rather than the beginning may mean we see the North American major leaguers at their best, rather than in training mode.
Maybe MLB can delay the start of the season a week in WBC years, and schedule double headers during the season to make up for the lost time.
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Hitting is all about timing and there is no substitute for facing live pitching for getting timing down pat.
Don't make baseball change anything with regards to the regular season just to accomodate the WBC. Instead, get the people who are on the teams together earlier and have them begin practicing earlier.
I am just thinking about the olympic years and how hockey goes on a hiatus during the season to allow its players to compete. The hockey fans I know do not like it, and I would not like it if baseball went down the same road.
Also, it's important to remember that Cuba is in the middle of their season. These players are totally keyed in right now.
I don't think they will delay the season for the WBC. But you will likely see the competing players trying to figure out how to take BP earlier next time around. Don't be suprised if WBC camp for the US team opens before the spring training camps, or if they start playing exhibitions a week or two before the tournament starts.
I read Eric Chavez even said US players can't be ready
at this time. I don't agree at all that spring training is too long. I've seen pitchers & catchers
& I've seen what goes into the actual games, plus the
travel, plus other factors are involved. In addition, spring
training is especially for pitchers & catchers, pitchers being the most fragile & desperately needed by everyone. You're also asking these young players to be
away from their families & children for a few more weeks, & adding the stress of even more travel. It's in no way too
short. Selig & Orza would no doubt say it is, but they
stand to cash in.
