2024 Spring Training Report
In early March I spent 8 days on Florida’s Siesta Key in Sarasota going to 9 baseball games featuring 9 teams in 6 parks. The mostly sunny weather was warm with high temperatures ranging from mid 70’s to low 80’s.
This year, I decided to fly into Tampa International Airport and see a Saturday day game in Clearwater before heading south 50 miles to Siesta Key. Due to a shortage of air traffic controllers and unprecedented spring break travelers, my morning flight was cancelled. Since most flights to Tampa were cancelled, and seeing a game in Clearwater was not going to happen, I quickly booked a nonstop afternoon flight to Sarasota and revised rental car reservation to this new destination. Although I had a long stay at Midway Airport, I was able to reach Siesta Key by the end of the day. Getting a flight on Thursday or Friday will be strongly considered in the future.
During Spring Training, MLB introduced new uniforms for use during the 2024 season. Nike, the new vendor, promoted the new gear as softer and lighter than the previous model. The players objected, criticizing the jerseys’ poor fit, cheap look, inconsistent quality, and small lettering. A greater controversy ensued surrounding the new pants, after they appeared to be see-through. The apparent transparency of the pants was obvious when Shohei Ohtani posed for a photo, and his jersey tail could be seen through the pants. The complaints prompted players to take their displeasure to their union, and the MLBPA is now involved in relaying the players’ concerns. My only complaint is that the lettering on uniform back is too small, and you can’t read the player’s names.
MLB introduced a series of 13 games showcasing baseball's top prospects with games in Grapefruit and Cactus League ballparks. By seeing one of these games, I had an opportunity to see more prospects.
Below you will find commentary on each game as well as my observations on the players I found interesting. I have classified my comments into categories.
Prospects with a (ML) rating (1-30) by team from the MLB Prospect Rankings – 2024 https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100/
Starting pitchers (SP) with indication of position (1–5) in rotation from Fangraphs Depth Chart https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-charts/orioles
Ex-Cub, Ex-White Sox and Ex-Cardinals players still hanging in there.
A few Minor League veterans (4A players), some with Non-Roster Invitee (NRI) status.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
In a split squad seesaw game loaded with prospects, the Blue Jays and Orioles finished in a 6-6 tie. 23-year-old righty Devereaux Harris (NRI) started the game for the Jays and gave up 3 hits and 3 runs over 3 innings. O’s righty ace Corbin Burnes (SP1) was touched up for 4 hits and 3 runs in 2 2/3 innings. O’s leadoff hitter AdleyRutschman hit a HR in his 1st AB. Other players noted:
Alan Roden (Blue Jays Prospect ML7) – This hard-hitting 24-year-old outfielder from Creighton University had 3 hits in 4 AB’s including a HR. He will probably start the season at the AAA level but could be a callup during the season.
Colton Cowser (Orioles Prospect ML3) – This 24-year-old power hitting outfielder from Sam Houston had a HR in 2 AB’s. He has had a very good spring training hitting .304 with 6 HR’s and is making a strong case for going north with the O’s.
James McCann (Ex-White Sox) – This 33-year-old O’s catcher had a HR in 3 AB’s. He is slated to back up Rutschman at catcher.
Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves at Cool Today Park in North Port
The Twins could only punch out 3 hits and were shut out by Braves 3-0. Braves 2nd baseman Ozzie Albies supplied the only run needed with a HR in the 1st inning. 28-year-old Twins righty Chris Paddack (SP4) surrendered 4 hits and 1 run in over 4 innings. 25-year-old Braves righty Spencer Strider (SP1) was in mid-season form allowing 2 hits and striking out 9 in 5 innings. Another player noted:
Aaron Bummer (Ex-White Sox) – This 30-year-old southpaw reliever hurled a perfect inning and is set to be one of four lefties out of the Braves Pen.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
The O’s bashed 3 HR’s and 15 hits in a 12-8 win over the Rays. Two of the HR’s came from Baltimore starters (Jordan Westburg and Ramon Urias). Rays last minute substitute starter, 33-year-old NRI Erasmo Ramirez was blindsided by 8 runs and 8 hits in 2 innings. Orioles starter Tyler Wells (SP4) gave up 2 hits and 1 run in 4 innings. Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena hit a HR and did a slow trot as if he hit a Postseason WO HR. Other players noted:
Willy Vasquez (Rays Prospect ML17) – This 22-year-old 3rd baseman had a double and single in 2 AB’s. He has only played at the high A level and will need at least another year in the minors.
Rob Brantly (Ex-White Sox) – This 34-year-old NRI 4A catcher hit 2 HR’s in 2 AB’s for the Raya at the end of the game. During his 13-year career in professional baseball, Rob has appeared in 135 ML games and 933 minor league games.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium in Ft. Myers
For the Cardinals-Twins game, I became a Road Warrior and drove 90 miles to Ft. Myers. I was pleased to see the Cardinals brought over from Jupiter many of their regulars. The game ended a 1-1 tie. Cards left-fielder Dylan Carlson homered for their single tally; while the Twins bunched a single by SS Carlos Correa, a wild pitch and a single by catcher Christian Vazquez to push across their run. Redbird starter Zack Thompson (SP5) pitched shutout ball over 4 innings with 5 K’s. Twins starter Louie Varland (SP5) was nearly as good giving up 1 hit and no runs with 4 K’s. Other players noted:
Jhoan Duran (Twins Closer) – This 26-year-old flamethrower touched 100 MPH and sat at 98-99 MPH during his scoreless inning of relief. Unfortunately, he suffered a moderate oblique strain and has been shut down until further notice.
Masyn Winn (Cardinals Prospect BP1) – This 5’11” 22-year-old SS is considered on track to make the team. His defensive prowess is unquestioned. He has struggled at the plate (0 for 3 with 2 K’s) with a .227 batting average this spring. He will probably share SS duties with Brandon Crawford to start the season.
Victor Scott II (Cardinals Prospect BP4) – This 5’10” 23-year-old speedy outfielder led the minors last year with 94 steals at the A+/AA level. He followed that with 8 SB’s, 3 HR’s and a .286 batting average in the 2023 Arizona Fall League. He was 1 for 3 on an infield single and covered a lot of ground in centerfield. Due to a spate of outfielder injuries, he is a last-minute addition to Cardinals roster.
Atlanta Braves vs. Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
After the Twins game, I got back on I-75 and went to a night game at Sarasota. The Orioles scored 5 runs in the first inning but were unable to hold the lead as the Braves came back with 6 runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings to win 7-5. The 24-year-old Braves 2023 All-Star Bryce Elder weathered the 1st inning onslaught and did not give up any more runs after the 1st. However, he was hit hard (8.25 ERA) in spring training and will be starting the season in the minors. Orioles lefty starter Cole Irvin (SP5) was not much better giving up 6 runs on 7 hits and 4 BB’s. The hitting star on the Braves was Orlando Arcia who had a HR, single and 2 RBI’s. Other players noted:
Kolten Wong (Ex-Cardinal 2nd Baseman) – The 33-year-old NRI is trying to make the O’s as a utility infielder. He started playing 3B this spring for the 1st time in his professional career. Although he doubled in 3 AB’s, he showed his inexperience at 3B with slow reaction on several ground balls and an incorrect cut off on an outfield throw. Kolten has since been released.
Samuel Basalo (Orioles Prospect ML2) – In 2023, this 19-year-old 6’3” catcher/1st baseman from DR hit .299 with 20 HR’s at the A+/AA levels. He had a single as a pinch hitter in one AB. With so many O’s prospects, Samuel is doing very well flying under the radar.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton
In the first game of a doubleheader, the Orioles rallied with 4 runs in the 7th inning to beat the Bucs 5-2. 24-year O’s righty Grayson Rodriguez (SP3) lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up 4 hits and 2 runs. 32-year-old ex-Cardinal southpaw Marco Gonzales (SP4) went 5 frames for the Pirates. He allowed 1 hit and 1 run while striking out 5. Lefty outfielder Kevin Stowers led the O’s comeback with a 3-run HR. Baltimore’s outfield is so crowded thatKevin was sent down to the minor league camp even though he has hit 7 HR’s. Other players noted.
Craig Kimbrel (O’s closer and Ex-Cub/White Sox) – The 35-year-old righty reliever had a scoreless inning and one K. He will be the Birds closer with Felix Bautista out for the year with TJ surgery.
Aroldis Chapman (Ex-Cub Closer) – This 36-year-old Pittsburgh reliever still has some heat (98 MPH) as he went one shutout inning.
In the second 7-inning game, the Pirates’ top prospects prevailed over the O’s top future stars 3-1. The highlight of the game was seeing Pirates 21-year-old righty starter Paul Skenes go against Orioles 20-year-old infielder Jackson Holliday in a battle of No. 1 overall draft picks, 2023 and 2022 respectively. Skenes struck out Holliday in 6 pitches and featured 3 offerings at 100 plus MPH. Holliday was considered a strong candidate for 2nd base, but the Orioles decided to send him to AAA for more seasoning at 2nd base. The game was pitcher dominated with a total of 6 singles between the 2 clubs. 3 of the runs scored on sacrifice flies and the other scored on an infield hit. Despite the lack of offense, the immense amount of talent on the field made the evening enjoyable.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte
I was anxious to make the 40-mile trip to Port Charlotte for a game at the Charlotte Sports Park. The park was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. $17.5 million in repairs has brought the park back better than ever. The Rays scored 6 runs in the 6th and won 7-2. Orioles 28-year-old righty Dean Kremer (SP4) went 4 1/3 innings givng up 2 hits and 1 run. Rays 30-year-old righty Naoyuki Uwasawa was good for 4 innings of 1-run ball with 3 K’s. This 9-year Japanese All-Star posted in January and signed a Rays minor league contract with plenty incentives and opt out if he did not make the team. He decided to opt out and look for other opportunities. Players noted:
Jacob Waguespack (Rays NRI ) – This 30-year-old 6’6” righty reliever had not played in the majors since 2020 and was a long shot to make the Rays. His journey to the Majors included 6 years in the Jays and Phillies farm systems plus 2 years as the Orix Buffalos (Japanese League) closer. I saw him throw 3 2/3 hitless innings. I was pleased to see Jacob will be coming out of the Rays pen to start the season.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa
On my last day of spring training, I like to be at Steinbrenner Field which is 11 minutes from the Tampa airport. In a slugfest, the Yankees build up a 7-run lead over the Jays and held on to win 10-9. Yanks 25-year-old righty Luis Gil (SP5) hurled 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball. The Bronx Bombers offense was supplied by Anthony Volpe who had 4 hits and Giancarlo Stanton who hit a homer and single. Another player noted:
D.J. LeMahieu (Ex-Cub) – Playing first base, D.J had a single in 3 trips to the plate. He suffered a bone bruise on a foul ball that hit his right foot in the 5th inning and will start the season on the IL.
Home Again
I am happy to report my flight back to Chicago from Tampa International Airport was less eventful than my arrival 8 days ago – On time and plenty of room to stretch. Having so many games in Sarasota gave me plenty of opportunities to finalize my scorecard and quenched my thirst with my favorite Sarasota beer, Zote, at Calusa Brewery.
Although I always look forward to going back to Chicago, my baseball centric time in Florida was thoroughly enjoyable.