Now Warming Up…Spring Training MLB!

Let's start with the Opener.

***Tommy John won 288 MLB games while pitching for over 4700 total innings for a slew of teams.  However, he might best be known as the name for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction which too many pitchers are required to undergo nowadays.  The loss of Gerrit Cole to the Yankees is the most current patient recovering from the procedure.  There was talk last season of Cole throwing a very limited number of sliders during the season; he, as well, struggled to pitch deep in games in the World Series.  The issue of throwing hard consistently, and with such torque, seems to be the culprit.  With starters throwing fewer innings, and teams seemingly going to (or planning to) have a six-man pitching rotation, teams are trying to minimize this effect on these ligaments.  Perhaps teams will eventually look to teach pitching to contact more often to help with this issue, but so far, few have.  Tommy John surgeries are a consequence of the strikeout era that MLB finds itself in.  What do you think?

Now to the Set Up Man.

***As predicted here, Rafael Devers, current third baseman for the Red Sox, is now “good to do whatever” the team thinks is best.  The signing of Alex Bregman made the situation a little sticky for the Sox.  Devers is known as a team-player and an all-around good-guy who made the right and logical decision.  The Red Sox have a great opportunity to return to the postseason in 2025, and having a harmonious clubhouse and a happy star player is the best way to start.  And, what MLB fan doesn’t like a “team player?”

Now the Closer.

***Bobby Witt, Jr., the incredible 24-year-old shortstop of the Kansas City Royals, has overtaken the Shohei Unicorn as the first pick in many MLB fantasy leagues this preseason.  Hitting .332, with 32 HRs, 31 SB, and over 100 RBI and Runs, one can understand the choice of Witt.  Playing a premier position, and being so young, the ceiling is hard to see on this guy.  But Ohtani was MLB’s first 50/50 guy in 2024, hitting 54 HRs and stealing 59 “pizza-boxes,” but he is going to pitch as well in 2025.  Witt looks to lead the Royals back to playoffs this season while we are all but guaranteed that Ohtani will be there with the loaded Dodgers.  Bottom line, this is fun discussion for fantasy baseball and MLB fans alike!

“"Baseball is a game of the future and always will be."– Yogi Berra