and the Royals, I have noticed some significant changes over the past 13 years I have been attending these games. Keep in mind this is just one man`s opinion based on personal observation.
Years ago the royals played the regulars about 6 innings per game starting from game 1. Then the second team and minor league guys took the field. This pattern even existed for away games as well. The pitchers always started with 2 innings or a certain pitch count. As spring progressed, the pitchers would add additional innings per outing. About half way through the regular players also picked up innings. The organization seemed to be interested in winning spring games. They always finished near the top in the Cactus league standings.
About 4 years ago things began to change as some good prospects started to appear. Regulars played 4 and one-half innings and minor leaguers the balance of the game. Same plan for pitchers building up pitch counts gradually. Regulars only showed up to away games every once in a while.
Last year after the World series loss to the giants a big change appeared. The only regulars who played a lot were Moose, who was clearly working trying to hit to left field and Morales trying to shake off the rust from 2 previous sub standard years. Regulars, more or less played as they wished. Worked out pretty well didn`t it?
This year , the regulars don`t seem to be cranked up yet and are going at their own pace. This is the method that good teams have followed for years. From a fan`s perspective it probably won`t be worth a $40 spring training ticket until the last 2 weeks of spring training. It will be interesting to see if this evaluation of the Royals spring training is correct. Don`t be afraid to disagree if you feel this is incorrect.
Years ago the royals played the regulars about 6 innings per game starting from game 1. Then the second team and minor league guys took the field. This pattern even existed for away games as well. The pitchers always started with 2 innings or a certain pitch count. As spring progressed, the pitchers would add additional innings per outing. About half way through the regular players also picked up innings. The organization seemed to be interested in winning spring games. They always finished near the top in the Cactus league standings.
About 4 years ago things began to change as some good prospects started to appear. Regulars played 4 and one-half innings and minor leaguers the balance of the game. Same plan for pitchers building up pitch counts gradually. Regulars only showed up to away games every once in a while.
Last year after the World series loss to the giants a big change appeared. The only regulars who played a lot were Moose, who was clearly working trying to hit to left field and Morales trying to shake off the rust from 2 previous sub standard years. Regulars, more or less played as they wished. Worked out pretty well didn`t it?
This year , the regulars don`t seem to be cranked up yet and are going at their own pace. This is the method that good teams have followed for years. From a fan`s perspective it probably won`t be worth a $40 spring training ticket until the last 2 weeks of spring training. It will be interesting to see if this evaluation of the Royals spring training is correct. Don`t be afraid to disagree if you feel this is incorrect.
