Spring Training Thread

[Donn Beach]

Teams here at spring training are trying to price them selves out of this world for tickets. The outfield lawn is running around $90 for most games and all others seats seem to have tripled over the last few years. My S.T. this year may be limited to the practice fields.

Spring training has always been about trying to make money. That was the reason teams began playing each other. It wasn't about training it was so they could sell tickets to it

[Donn Beach]

I wouldn't consider it selling low.

His salary ensures we'll find out one way or another whether he's hit the wall.

I think Robles/Julio/Raley/Donovan/Canzone++ mean we wouldnt miss Randy at all personally.

Trade him for a third baseman. Trade him for a lock down reliever. A prospect. Doesn't really matter. The problem with Randy is he'll be given at bats regardless of whether his .679 OPS in the second half is what we can expect or not. They'll squeeze that turnip like they always do.

I don't see how keeping him improves the lineup.

Yeah, you keep him and give him at bats to see if he turns around. For as bad as second half was he was nearly a 30-30 guy for the season. If he was actually blocking someone that be an issue but I don't see a reason for trading him for a reliever just to give his at bats to Robles and Raley.

His situation compared to teo Hernandez

Hernández had an underwhelming year in his only season with the Mariners in 2023. After being brought in to be a difference-making, middle-of-the-order bat, the slugger had a .258 batting average, .435 slugging percentage, .741 OPS and a 107 wRC+, which were well below the numbers he had in his two seasons prior with Toronto.

But after Hernández joined the Dodgers’ stacked lineup in 2024, he rebounded with a .272 average, .501 slugging percentage, .840 OPS and 132 wRC+ while earning an All-Star nod and Silver Slugger.

“He was hitting further down the line, and you get more of a look (at the pitcher before your turn to hit). You get pitched to a little bit differently. You get more pitches to hit,” Rowland-Smith said. “(Arozarena) needs pitches to hit, man. He’s a mistake hitter, that’s for sure, as opposed to being that guy in the leadoff spot where (pitchers are) gonna put more of a magnifying glass on you when they’re coming up with a plan throughout the day.”

[bpj]

I wouldn't consider it selling low.

His salary ensures we'll find out one way or another whether he's hit the wall.

I think Robles/Julio/Raley/Donovan/Canzone++ mean we wouldnt miss Randy at all personally.

Trade him for a third baseman. Trade him for a lock down reliever. A prospect. Doesn't really matter. The problem with Randy is he'll be given at bats regardless of whether his .679 OPS in the second half is what we can expect or not. They'll squeeze that turnip like they always do.

I don't see how keeping him improves the lineup.

Yeah, you keep him and give him at bats to see if he turns around. For as bad as second half was he was nearly a 30-30 guy for the season. If he was actually blocking someone that be an issue but I don't see a reason for trading him for a reliever just to give his at bats to Robles and Raley.

His situation compared to teo Hernandez

Hernández had an underwhelming year in his only season with the Mariners in 2023. After being brought in to be a difference-making, middle-of-the-order bat, the slugger had a .258 batting average, .435 slugging percentage, .741 OPS and a 107 wRC+, which were well below the numbers he had in his two seasons prior with Toronto.

But after Hernández joined the Dodgers’ stacked lineup in 2024, he rebounded with a .272 average, .501 slugging percentage, .840 OPS and 132 wRC+ while earning an All-Star nod and Silver Slugger.

“He was hitting further down the line, and you get more of a look (at the pitcher before your turn to hit). You get pitched to a little bit differently. You get more pitches to hit,” Rowland-Smith said. “(Arozarena) needs pitches to hit, man. He’s a mistake hitter, that’s for sure, as opposed to being that guy in the leadoff spot where (pitchers are) gonna put more of a magnifying glass on you when they’re coming up with a plan throughout the day.”

I guess that's the difference.

I see Robles and Raley as capable replacements that will likely equal (or better) Arozarena's production given steady playing time, at 1/6 the cost, and then we'd have the return from Arozarena's trade on top.

Seems pretty straightforward.

I dont believe theres a production gap between Raley/Robles and Arozarena, especially when the return for Arozarena is factored in. You do. That's ok. We'll see how they do this year.

But, I would've traded Luis Castillo too. So...

We'll see.

[Donn Beach]

Okay, they are all three bounce back candidates.

I asked google for an opinion, who was the best candidate. I guess that's my argument, highest ceiling. I'd hang on to all three, see what happens. In my mind, if Arozarena was to bounce back it give them the possibility of adding a 3rd elite bat. Thats the opportunity I'm interested in

Randy Arozarena is the best "bounce-back" candidate, as he is a former All-Star coming off a strong 2025 where he still posted elite hard-hit metrics despite a high 27% strikeout rate. While Robles and Raley are considered potential bounce-back options after 2025 injuries, Arozarena has the highest proven ceiling

[Donn Beach]

ESPN has their lineup ranked fourth in the majors. I think they have a pretty good lineup. I think it does come down to picking up the slack of less home runs from cal this season

4. Seattle Mariners (84.8)
Grades: Hit: B- | Patience: B+ | Power: C+ | Baserunning: C+ | Durability: C | Depth: C+ | vsR: A- | vsL: C | Stars: 5 | Holes: 3

Base lineup:

1. Brendan Donovan
2. Julio Rodriguez
3. Cal Raleigh
4. Josh Naylor
5. Randy Arozarena
6. Dominic Canzone
7. Luke Raley
8. Cole Young
9. J.P. Crawford

Last season, Seattle's 113 wRC+ was tied with the Dodgers for second in the majors, trailing only the Yankees. While close observers pointed out the success of the Mariners' revitalized offense in one of baseball's roughest home environments, it still feels like the Seattle attack is slipping under the radar.

The key question revolved around who will be positioned to pick up the slack from a Raleigh drop-off, which seems all but certain. Raleigh should still be among the best, but repeating last year's historic performances is just such a tall order.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/480 ... nkees-cubs