After almost 100-days of inaction due to Major League Baseball’s player lockout, an abbreviated three-week Spring Training will begin in earnest on Sunday.
You can read a fairly comprehensive list of all the player’s gains, among other things, over at DRaysBay (link).
Beyond that, I think it’s important to address the elephant in the room as it relates to the lockout. I understand that it became difficult to sympathize with well-paid athletes, and the cynicism is understandable. However, for every multi-millionaire in the league, there are hundreds of minor leaguers living in their cars and making just $10,000 – $15,000 per year. That’s not to mention the Triple-A players who are shuffled between the minor leagues and the big leagues on a fairly consistent basis, or those making the league minimum. They stand to benefit from the ratification of a new CBA.
Beyond that, any labor negotiations are a matter of public record and, therefore, set precedent for workers that are facing their own labor disputes. A player’s ability to make gains is good for us by and large. It should also be noted that billionaire owners were squabbling about a couple of million dollars here and there, as opposed to paying players for their value.
For what it’s worth, Krystal Ball (Breaking Points Media) and JD Scholten dissected the lockout — one of many labor disputes since Striketober — from a labor point the other day. It’s well worth the watch.
All that being said, the drama led up to where we are now for better or worse.
Heading into the lockout, Tampa Bay boasted a full 40-man roster, which made it difficult impossible for Erik Neander and Co. to add big-league talent. However, now that players can be moved onto the 60-day Injured List, Tampa Bay again has the flexibility to sign or trade for big-leaguers — this, after accruing a good amount of minor league talent over the last 99-days.
It’s going to be quite the push. There will be a lot of moving parts going on. We’re going to have to show a lot of adjustability, which we feel we’re good at.
— Kevin Cash
Right-hander Tyler Glasnow will miss much of the season as he rehabilitates from Tommy John surgery, while Nick Anderson will miss at least the first half of the season. As Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) also noted, “it’s possible that Yonny Chirinos and/or Brendan McKay could be moved to the 60-day depending on their status.” These moves could create up to four more spots for players that are signed or traded for.
The Rays are still seeking a right-handed hitter, ideally, one who can play first base (cough … Freddie Freeman), and they will undoubtedly pursue additional pitching depth. Prior to the lockout, the team discussed trades involving longtime centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier, which could lead to a deal in the next few days — well, unless they decide to trade Austin Meadows or Manuel Margot.
As far as Grapefruit League action goes, games will begin on Thursday, March 17th. Ball clubs are expected to play a regionalized schedule; teams on the west coast of Florida will play a minimum of 18 games over 21 days, while Clubs on the east coast will play a minimum of 15 or 16 games.
Buckle up, it’s going to be an entertaining ride.