Joe Schulman is the author of a new column in the Kansas City Star about becoming a fan of a new baseball team. He has written for ChopTalk, the Atlanta Braves' magazine. Joe is a freelance writer in Atlanta, and he and his wife, Cady, are avid Braves fans.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Angel and TonySpring Training can be a confusing time for players and fans. Players are waiting to see who makes the team and fans are trying to figure out how the season looks based on a bunch of meaningless games. It's a tough time for everybody. I try not to read too much into spring games, but sometimes it's tough not to think the best(or worst).
Watching a former Rookie of the Year be sent down can put a damper on a season before it even starts, if management isn't careful. But sending Angel Berroa down is definitely for the best. He just wasn't producing given the time he has had in the majors and the money($8.5 million guaranteed).
As for Tony Pena, it's hard to get excited about the guy. I've always liked him, but he never was able to find his spot in Atlanta, given that he was playing behind guys like Rafael Furcal and Edgar Renteria. I doubt he'll develop into anything other than a stopgap until the Royals find someone else to play shortstop who has more tools at the plate than Pena.
I still like the team going into the start of the season, even if it still has a few holes.
On a side note for those who play fantasy baseball, where did Gil Meche go in your draft? Is your league AL-only or mixed league. In my mixed league Meche wasn't even selected. In fantasy terms, that's not surprising, but it's tough as a fan to see the number one starter on your team not get drafted. I guess it shows the confidence, or lack thereof, other fans have in him.
Be back later with a look back at spring training. I'm signing up for the baseball digital package this week, so I'll be able to catch all the Royals game.