MLB Spring Training is here and that means teams and fans are full of optimism. It happens every year, but baseball teams desperate for social media content have taken this exercise to an entirely new level. Any failed prospect, youngster or random non-roster invitee who does something of note has that highlight shared into oblivion.
Then local media latches on to it. Before long, all reason is thrown out the window over what has devolved into glorified practices. That would be fine if spring training wasn’t a thing. Look, we’ll never understand why anyone would want to watch exhibition baseball in the armpits of America. Are 162 regular season games not enough to get your fix?
This situation has been made worse by naïve MLB Spring Training optimism. But don’t take our word for it; check out the Seattle Mariners’ social media accounts. It is almost as if they are operating in an alternate reality.
Evan White hit a home run and all the chatter is about how he’s back. Back from what? I get he was injured the past two seasons but the dude plays first base and is one of the worst hitters you’ll ever see. Winning a Gold Glove in 2020 doesn’t change the fact he should not be playing in the majors regardless of his injury status.
However, that is nothing compared to the annoying Jarred Kelenic hype train that has left the station once more after a two-homer performance during practice baseball. Great, he’s changed his approach yet again.
Everyone knows Kelenic can play when the pressure is off. He has been dominant in Triple-A. It’s not surprising the outfielder is mashing the same type of pitchers during spring training. Let’s not pretend dude is primed for a breakout in 2023 because of this.
Now, this isn’t to say he can’t put it altogether. The same goes for those players and teams who have a solid spring. But for every success story, there are significantly more that end up being a waste of time and energy.
Spare the world your MLB Spring Training optimism. It is a pointless exercise. Almost as pointless as playing 20 exhibition games before a comically long regular season.
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