2/17/24

Tom Brennan: Hitters from Last Spring That I’m Glad Aren’t Back


Vientos rightly had the most ABs in 2023 spring training. 

Too many 2023 Spring Training ABs went to filler and finished hitters, though.

Will it repeat in 2024?


The Bible says, “Be thankful in all things.”

I am a thankful dude. Thank you for asking. I’m thankful you did.

I am, among other things, thankful that many hitters aren’t back for this year’s spring training. Here are the hitters from 2023 that I am happy are not here, hoovering up other hitters’ important spring at bats:

Eduardo Escobar - a really nice guy, but he hit 4 for 34. Didn’t like that.

Darin Ruf - his 5 for 30 dreadfulness reinforced that “he was all washed up, Mom, and ready for dinner.”

Daniel Vogelbach - I had a pipe clog at home last year and didn’t like it. DV? He clogged base paths like no one else ever.

Lorenzo Cedroia - meh.

Danny Mendick - his 5 for 26 in ST was a sign he was also washed up.

Tim Locastro and Jose Peraza - had decent Fla. springs, but indecent seasons.

Jaylin Davis, Jonathan Arauz, Honest Abe Almonte, and Michael Perez  - those four are now starring in “The Old and the Marginal” soap box series.  No one watches it. I understand why.

Kidding aside, just on actual at bats alone last spring, those 11 sluggers had 312 ABs in spring training 2023.  With walks, maybe around 340 PAs.  That’s about 10 full spring games’ worth of plate appearances.  

WAY too many for a serious team to be wasting in Spring Training.

Let the real vets and real kids here now get the ABs in spring training 2024. 

For starters, Jett, Gilbert, and Acuna should combine for 100, or even 150 ABs.

Rhylan Thomas, JT Schwartz, Kevin Parada, and slugging Stan the Man Consuegra, who hit 17 HRs in his last 56 games in the minors in 2023. May they get their hacks, too. (BTW, .328 Rhylan was 1 for 1 last spring.) 

Matt Rudick? Yes, if he has recovered. And a few at bats each from young, fine prospects like Jacob Reimer and Nick Morabito.

And, as regards all the veterans in camp, enough are good, and deserving of ST ABs, that the marginal ones ought to get few at bats.

I thankfully sense this spring training should be a lot more fun. Because, from a hitting standpoint, the guys who will get the vast majority of ABs in the next 5 weeks really should be a combo of mostly good veterans who will be on the opening day team and quality kids who comprise the real future.

23 comments:

Mack Ade said...

Got a new veteran in camp when doors opened

LHDH Ji-Man Choi

Reese Kaplan said...

Stearns apparently likes the retread game from his days in Milwaukee. I looked at Choi's numbers and there's no way to sugarcoat that he's not a solid caliber player. Then again, neither is DJ Stewart.

Ernest Dove said...

Lots of upper minors prospects need to get into games.

Mack Ade said...

Signers like Choi will just take away some of their appearances

Anonymous said...

It’s spring training! Sheesh!

Tom Brennan said...

Bok choy is yummy when steamed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a light, flavorful vegetable side dish. Hopefully Choi will not be past his sell-by date.

Tom Brennan said...

Vogelbach agrees to a minor league deal with the OJays. He will be a security guard for the band.

Mack Ade said...

Looks like the ultimate side dish

Tom Brennan said...

Retreads-R-Us.

Mack Ade said...

AND EAT

Mack Ade said...

A Lot

bill metsiac said...

3 days after Valentines Day, you guys are being mean and KROOL! No need to kick the guys who are down.
I don't see any spot in the lineup of position players that's being contested, except possibly the #5 OFer. None of last year's minor leaguers will be at Citi come OD, and they'll all get ABs at the ML camp as well as the minor league one, then they'll have to prove themselves upstate.

Let them stay injury free and get into shape, just like the MLers. We'll know by the end of May which ones are likely candidates for promotion as needed this year.

Mack Ade said...

Bill

I'm only saying things about a senseless addition of another 30+.bat that hit below the Mendoza line.last year.

I want these camp at-bats to go to the Baby Mets and Kiddie Mets

I turn 77 tomorrow

You might as well add me with this.plan

bill metsiac said...

You're still a YOOT! I'm 6+ years ahead of ya. But Happy Birthday yo ya.

bill metsiac said...

To ya.

Tom Brennan said...

“Mets Sign Mack to a 4 Year, $100 Million Deal”

Mack Ade said...

Yhank you Bill

Mack Ade said...

I want 8

Gary Seagren said...

Happy B Day Mr. Met I mean Mr. Mack. How about a 1 year high AAV prove it contract and give me 125 games played.

Mack Ade said...

How many of these games can I have a designated runner?

Anonymous said...

I will miss Donut Velvetcake so much.

Tom Brennan said...

A trip to the Blue Jays spring training camp might be your ticket. You'll find fresh Donut Velvet cake there.

nickel7168 said...

and many more, Mr Mack
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baseball experienced participants