Spring Training Numbers, Do They Count?

Many players wonder whether or not spring training statistics mean anything?  Well, that is a good question?  As you will see, the answer depends on a number of contributing factors.

The most important factor depends on who the player is?  Is this player a top prospect trying to make the team?  Is he not only trying to make the team but is he also trying to crack the starting lineup?  Is he in the middle of a positional battle?  Is he trying out new pitches, or a new stance?  What pitcher did he hit his HR’s off of (MLB, AAA, AA, etc…).

Once these questions are answered we are that much closer to receiving an answer.  Young players are out to prove that they can play in the show.  If they have good spring training, then they have a greater chance of making the team.  They also increase their odds at making the starting lineup.

Veterans on the other hand use spring training to get ready for the season.  They try out new pitches and they attempt to change their batting stances, all of which could hurt their numbers.  However, it is always a good sign when a player puts up big numbers early because it shows that he is ready for the season.

Below are just some of the more recent numbers that have left owners scratching their heads?

In 2002, Alex Ochoa hit 7 HR’s in spring training but managed just 8 during the regular season.  In 2002, Damon Minor hit 7 HR’s in March and just 10 HR’s the rest of the way.  Over two spring trainings (2003 and 2004); David McCarty hit a total of 12 HR’s.  He hit only 1 HR in the 2003 regular season and another 4 HR’s in the 2004 regular season.  Most top owner’s realized that these spring training numbers meant little.  None of the above player’s was recognized as top players or top prospects.

On the other hand, Pat Burrell hit 7 HR’s in the 2002 spring training season and added another 37 more in the regular season.  That same year, Corey Patterson, Kevin Mench, and Melvin Mora also put up big spring training numbers.  The difference is that they were all considered top prospects.  They also all made the majors that year.

When it comes to spring training numbers, just remember to look at who is putting them up.  Top prospects are a good bet, 35 year old minor league players are not.

Troy St.Louis

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