Grapefruit League Report 2023
In early March I spent 8 days on Florida’s Siesta Key in Sarasota going to 9 baseball games featuring 10 teams in 5 parks. The mostly sunny weather was warm with temps ranging from low 70’s to mid 80’s. I stayed at my timeshare in a mid-rise shown above (nestled behind larger mid-rise) on Crescent Beach.
This year, Southwest Airlines started non-stop flights to Sarasota. For the first time in over 15 years, I flew into the Sarasota–Bradenton Airport late Saturday morning. Since my last use of the airport, the number of gates has increased to 14 and number of year-round airlines to 7. Despite the larger facility, rental cars can be accessed by walking across the street less than 150 feet from baggage claim to car pickup. The on-time flight and quick car rental processing left me with ample time to reach my first game in Bradenton.
The MLB will introduce three new rule changes for the 2023 season: a pitch timer, restrictions on defensive shifts and larger bases. These rules have been implemented to improve the game's pace of play and increase action on the field. I was able to observe the rules during spring training. I did see a few balls called on pitchers for not pitching in time and some strikes called on hitters not staying in the batter’s box. However, the most noticeable change was the faster game times. The average time of the 9 games I attended was 2 hours 30 minutes with times ranging from 2 hours 14 minutes to 3 hours. The average MLB game time in 2022 was 3 hours 3 minutes. The difference in regular season game time probably will not be quite that much since spring training games do not go beyond 9 innings.
Below you will find commentary on each game as well as my observations on the players I found interesting. Due to the World Baseball Classic (WBC), MLB teams were left without many of their star players. This gave me an opportunity to see more prospects. I have classified my comments into categories.
Prospects with a (ML) rating (1-30) by team from the MLB Prospect Rankings – 2023
Starting pitchers (SP) with indication of position (1–5) in rotation from MLB Depth Chart
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
New York Yankees vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton
Due to the WBC and a Split Squad, the Yanks came to Bradenton with just one starter and one prospect. As a result, the Bronx Bombers offense only consisted of 5 singles in a 3-0 loss to the Pirates. The Bucco’s offense included back-to-back HR’s in the 3rd inning by Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds. 25-year-old Cuban Johan Oviedo (SP5) started the game for the Pirates and gave up 2 hits and struck out 3 over 3 innings. Other players noted:
Oswald Peraza (Yankee Prospect ML3) – This speedy 22-year-old 6”2” 2B/SS will start the season at the AAA level as rookie Anthony Volpe will be the Yankees Shortstop. Oswald had a very good 2022 season at the AAA level hitting 19 HR’s and stealing 33 bases in 99 games. Although he went hitless, he swiped a bag and was flawless in his 7 chances on the field.
Endy Rodriguez (Pirate Prospect ML2) – This 22-year-old switch-hitting catcher was obtained from the Padres in the Joe Musgrove trade. Due to his athleticism, he is getting a chance to play multiple positions during spring training. At the A+/AA level in 2022, he hit 25 HR’s and batted .323 in 125 games. As a sub in the game, he played 1B and popped up in his only AB.
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
The Red Sox bunched 3 hits and 3 walks to score 4 runs in the 4th inning. The O’s came back with 5 runs in the bottom of the frame including a GS HR by O’s catcher Adley Rutschman to get the 6-4 win. O’s 23-year-old starter Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles Prospect ML2) gave up 1 hit while striking out 6 over 3 innings before faltering in the 4th. Other players noted:
Daniel Parka (Ex-White Sox) – This 31-year-old outfielder had a ML career season with the Chicago White Sox in 2018 when he hit 27 HR’s. After an unsuccessful try at Korean BB, he is trying out for a spot on the Red Sox roster. He was hitless in 3 PA’s settling for a BB.
David Hamilton (Red Sox Prospect ML29) – This 23-year-old speedy SS has overcome a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered at University of Texas in 2018, missing the 2019 season. He is better suited to 2B due to fringy arm strength. At the AA level in 2022, he showed blazing speed with 70 steals. He hit a single in his 3 PA’s.
Gunnar Henderson (Orioles Prospect ML1) – This 21-year-old 6’2” 220 lbs. switch-hitting SS/3B is not only the Orioles #1 Prospect but also the overall #1 ML prospect. At the AA/AAA level, he had 19 HR’s and 22 Steals. He finished the 2022 season with a September callup where he had 4 HR’s. He made hard contact in 2 PA outs and showed a strong arm in 4 chances. He will be at 3B for the O’s opener.
Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
The O’s bashed 6 HR’s in a 11-7 split squad win over the Tigers. Three of the HR’s came from Baltimore starters (Austin Hays, Adam Frazier, and Franchy Cordero). Orioles starter Kyle Gibson (SP1) gave up 3 hits/1 run over 4 innings while striking out 2. Other players noted:
Colton Cowser (Orioles Prospect ML4) – This 23-year-old left-swinging outfielder hit 19 HR’s and stole 18 bases at the AAA level in 2022. He subbed in the 6th inning and hit a 2-run HR in his only AB.
Hudson Haskin (Orioles Prospect ML15) – This 24-year-old righthanded outfielder hit 15 HR’s at the AA level in 2022. He subbed in the 5th inning and hit a HR in his 1st spring AB.
Ryan Kreidler (Tigers Prospect BP11) – This 25-year-old righthanded SS/3rd baseman hit 8 HR’s in the 56 games at the AA level in 2022. He started the game at SS and hit a solo shot in 3 AB’s.
Nomar Mazara (Ex-White Sox/Orioles NRI) – This vagabond lefthanded 27-year-old outfielder has played on 5 different teams over the past 5 years. He has an outside chance to making the O’s but more likely this is his “Last Hurrah” in the Bigs. He started the game and was 0 for 2.
Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg
Due to extensive damage from Hurricane Ian, the Rays are unable to use their training complex in Port Charlotte in 2023. Their spring training home games are being played at their regular season home (above). Other than 2020 (Covid), the last teams to use their home ballpark for spring training games were the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia A’s in 1919 (Source: SABR Spring Training Database).
The Rays beat the Twins 7-5. Rays starter Zach Elfin (SP3) gave up 2 runs/2 hits over 4 innings with 3 K’s. With Wander Franco playing in the WBC, 27-year-old utility infielder Tristan Gray took advantage of the extra playing time to make a case for a future callup to the Rays. Last year he led Triple-A with 33 HR’s plus batting in 89 runners. He was at SS in this game and had a double, HR and 4 RBI’s. The Rays left him off the 40-man Roster and no team claimed him. Hard to figure out. 28-year-old Chance Sisco was the hitting star on the Twins getting a single and HR. Other players noted:
Ryan LaMarre (Ex-White Sox Outfielder, Twins NRI) – This 34-year-old outfielder has almost 1,000 games in the minors and 33 games with the White Sox in 2018. Ryan had a double in his only AB. He is likely to land in Rochester (AAA).
Brooks Lee (Twins Prospect BP1) – This 6’2” 22-year-old SS is on a fast track to the Majors. In his 1st short season of organized ball, he hit .303 in 139 PA’s at the A/AA level. With his size he can move to either 2nd or 3rd considering the roadblock provided by Correa. He grounded out twice in his 3 PA’s.
Ronny Simon (Rays Prospect BP22) – This 5’9” 22-year-old 2B/SS was my favorite player in the 2022 Arizona Fall League where he hit .325 with 4 HR’s in 91 PA’s. He was 1 for 2 with a single and walk; and showed plenty of energy. Rony will probably begin the season at the AAA level.
Blue Jays vs. Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa
The Yankees made fast work of the Jays in a 10-3 victory with 6 runs on 3 HR’s in the 1st inning at the expense of Toronto starter Drew Hutchison whose retirement looks imminent. The Bronx Bombers had HR’s from DJ LaMathieu. Josh Donaldson, Oswald Peraza, and Estevan Florial. Yanks Starter Gerrit Cole (SP1) gave up a 2-R HR while striking out 6 over 4 2/3 innings. Other players noted.
Kevin Kiermaier (Blue Jays and Ex-Ray) – 32-year-old Kiermaier was not resigned by the Rays after 2022 and was picked up by the Blue Jays for one year at 9 million. He has done well in Spring Training and is slotted to start in CF. He had a double and single in 3 AB’s.
Thomas Hatch (Ex-Cub Pitching Prospect) – 28-year-old Hatch has languished in the Jays farm system the past 3 years with an occasional callup to the parent club. He pitched 2 scoreless innings with 3 K’s.
Tyler Danish (Ex-White Sox Pitcher) – 28-year-old Danish went from a 11-game career in Chicago (2016-2018) to relieving ineffectively in 32 games for the Red Sox in 2022. He pitched 1 hitless inning for the Yanks, but most likely will start the season at the AAA level.
Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves at Cool Today Stadium in North Port
The most glaring part of this game was the absence of any Astros from their 40-man roster. I later found out that 17 Astros players were participating in the WBC. In spite of this disadvantage, the Astros prevailed against the Braves 9-3. 24-year-old Braves starter Spencer Strider went 3 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs and striking out 8.Player noted:
Yolmer Sanchez (Ex-White Sox and Braves NRI) – What a pleasure it was to see this 30-year-old infielder. During his 8-year stay in Chicago, he demonstrated a fun-loving approach to the game. I still proudly wear the T-shirt (below) that commemorates a Gatorade Shower he gave himself during a celebration. He will be a positive influence wherever he plays. He went 0 for 2.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
The O’s built up a 7-2 lead over the Jays and never looked back. Lefty Baltimore starter Cole Irwin hurled 4 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs and striking out 3. O’s Austin Hays had a HR, double and 3 RBIs. Other Players noted:
James McCann (Ex-White Sox) – Back in 2019 33-year-old catcher McCann had a career year with the Sox when he hit 18 HR’s and 60 RBI’s. He is scheduled to back up O’s starting catcher Adley Rutschman. He had 3 fly outs in his 3 AB’s.
Mychal Givens (Ex-Cubs Reliever) – 33-year-old righty Givens returned to his original team the O’s after spending 2022 with the Cubs. He had a scoreless inning with 2 strikeouts. He has since landed on the injury list.
Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton
The Pirates beat the Rays 6-2 in a Pittsburgh bullpen game of minor leaguers who gave up only 3 hits while striking out 16. Pirate DH Ji Man Choi hit a 2-run HR to lead the offense.
On the next day the Pirates continued their winning ways with a 7-2 win against the Twins. Pirates starter Mitch Keller (SP1) surrendered 1 run and had 7 K’s over 4 2/3 innings. Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a 2-run HR and had a walk for the Pirates.
LECOM Park – The Wrigley Field of Spring Training
Built in 1923, LECOM Park (formerly McKechnie Field) is the oldest stadium used for spring training. In 1993, the ballpark was renovated in a Retro way that left its original quaintness. The ballpark is nestled in a Bradenton neighborhood with limited parking which adds to the nostalgic charm.
In 2008, LECOM became the last spring training facility to install lights. On Friday March 7, 2008, the first night game was scheduled. That game was rained out like the first night game at Wrigley Field on August 8,1988. I attended both rainout games.
I finished my 8 days in Florida watching the NCAA Basketball Tournaments at the Pizza and Brew Pub (below) across from my time share on Crescent Beach. I quenched my thirst with my favorite Sarasota beer, Zote from Calusa Brewery. Although I always look forward to going back to Chicago, my baseball centric time in Florida was thoroughly enjoyable.
