March 18, 2013 - PPM - Spring Draining

This week's PET PEEVE MONDAY (PPM) is the length of baseball's Spring Training. Do we really need 6 weeks of practices and exhibition games?

The Cincinnati Reds invited 60 players to Spring Training this year. There were only 2 roster spots that were in doubt. How about a simple game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to determine who goes to Cincinnati or Louisville?

Everyone complains about the NFL for having 4 pre-season games, where no starters play, yet the fans pay the full admission price.

In Baseball, the fans pay less, see less, and NEVER complain, until NOW.

Years ago, baseball players had winter jobs selling cars, working in factories, and would do anything to "make ends meet." With the advent of guaranteed salaries they have one job: PLAY BASEBALL!!!.

MLB players employ personal trainers, have set diets, and are in game-shape when they arrive at Spring Training. Every professional baseball player's contract has restrictions against doing anything fun during the off-season for fear of injury. No basketball, no motorcycle, no laser tag. Thank goodness, golf is still allowed.

I've witnessed what really happens at Spring Training. It has turned into more of a College Spring Break for many of the players: Hangover 4 and Hall Pass 2 plots come to mind.

Let's reduce the needless experience of Spring Training from 6 to 2 weeks and get on with the GAMES!!!



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