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Spring Training 08

TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Since this is our first I waited until I could get some info from reading and bits and pieces from son.
Pitchers and catchers reported on 3/3 for physicals and meetings. 3/4 position players reported for physicals and meetings. There was pretty much mass confusion the first few days with getting approximately 168 plyers settled in. By the end of the week, everyone was busy, pitchers taking grounders with team, workouts, throwing, bull pens and basically finding out who was in shape and who was how far in there throwing. Yesterday began milb games. Mine had been in camp a week earlier so he was a bit ahead of some of the pitchers coming into camp as far as his pens and pitch count. He threw to live hitters last weekend with an allowed 20 pitch count. Today he was allowed 30 in his first game but he did 2 innings in less than 30 so he was done for the day.

The players are divided into 5 squads, AAA, AA and three single A teams. Most of the games are played against the Marlins and that means no travel and the players REALLY like that. They also play the Dodgers and Mets and the low A and extended spring candidates play against Gildays Raiders and the World Free Agent Spring Training Club (WFAST) which is a 17 day spring camp for free agents that includes instruction from independent league coaches and those looking for pro contracts. I understand these teams travel the Florida st circuit yearly.

Day begins at 7-7:30 and usually ends at 5 maybe earlier if you do not have to throw. Mine has his transportation so he can leave about 10 minutes later and beat the bus to the field. 8-10 hours a day, 7 days a week, no days off. Breakfast and lunch is served and players are alloted $15 a day for dinner. Breakfast for son is cereal, or eggs and fruit, but you can have what you want and lunch is a pretty hefty sandwich and of course all you can drink at anytime. My son eats something before he gets to camp when he gets up, then breakfast an hour later, then lunch, then a snack when he gets back to hotel and then dinner around 7-7:30, and then maybe a snack or protein shake depending on what he did that day. 3 balanced meals a day and 2-3 light in between snacks to keep the weight on that he put on during the off season. It's a battle with him to keep it on but he started about 4-5 pounds heavier on purpose. I am not sure if there is curfew but son is really tired end of day and into bed by 10 depending on what time he has to report to camp.
By end of the month everyone will have a pretty good idea of who goes where. AAA, AA, to low A Quad City, High A Jupiter, ss low A or back to rookie. Some will remain back in jupiter for extended spring training. Those include players on rehab and those who will play ss NYP. Cuts were made after the seaosn and the next cuts come after the 2008 draft. That's sad but that is a way of life. Some on the bubble know who they are and have to work really hard in spring to keep their spot.
He spent one day with the big league guys and now understands why everyone works their butts off to get an invite to MLB spring training. it's a little bit more laid back, not as rigid and less trying to win a spot on a higher level roster. Most of the MLB cuts have been made and most sent back to milb camp.
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infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
njbb is correct on when, and how many, get released, based on the experiences of our son and many of his friends. Perhaps there are differences in how organizations manage these issues. In general, though, the first few days in April are very bittersweet in the minor league camps.

Come April 1 or so, many will receive a message that is "just business." Tears will be everywhere from those who didn't make it and their friends who did.
Mothers/fathers and some babies will pack their worldly belongings and head elsewhere...on about 15 minutes notice.
If you happen to make it past that, but are in extended for other than an injury, you are playing for your baseball life every single day as possibly your last.
Then if you make it to June, whether you make it past that, depends on who is drafted and who is signed.
Finally, maybe the Cards are different, but, right now, there aren't many who have any idea where they are headed in April, and they are playing their butts off to get a spot, knowing 50 or so of them won't.
Last edited by infielddad
N njbb1,000+ posts
It seems to me most players play up one level then shift down a level towards the end of spring training.
There are also players who will stay at their current level for the season.

As the MLB roster is reduced those players most likely move to AAA, some on the AAA will then move down and so on
players are also released.

I'm sure there are many things taken into consideration but this is what I've experienced
N njbb1,000+ posts
I should add that although it may appear to us that players are just moved around. Actually the organization puts a great deal of thought into their moves.
They have a plan, they are trying to develop players for the MLB and if they believe a player has the ability to play there they will put him in a situation that is best for his development.
raiders3604raiders360410+ posts
Yes, just wanted to add that players in the minor league camps really look forward to just getting a taste of "Big Lg Camp". Its two totally different worlds as you have the Minor's which looks like a cattle herd out there with all the players switching fields in between drills. Then you have the Bigs were everything is much more relaxed and they are catered to. Mine has been lucky enough the past 2yrs that he has been in Big Lg camp and what a feeling it is. He is lucky enough that his agent was able to get him a comp car from a local dealer. Also at least 3/4 times a week you have all the equipment companies asking him if he needs anything. Then on top of that in the minors you get $15 a day for meals he is getting well over a thousand for the week. I am not trying to brag here but in the past 4yrs I have seen/experienced both sides of the minors/major camp and I hope everybody's son here gets to experience the same thing.
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
orlando, our experience has been similar to njbb on ST assignments.
Most clubs have 4 Milb teams in ST that range from from Low A to AAA. As players drop down from the MLB camp, and then when the final MLB roster is made and the other 15 or so on the 40 man come down, there can be major changes in the Milb assignments, some down one level, some down two levels, and some released. When those start to tumble, things get very anxious.
One thing for sure though, it isn't completely predictable.
In 2005, our son looked like he would be in extended, when the first rosters got posted on April 1.
That day he got a call up to a AAA game. Started and played the first 5.
Next day, same thing.
Each day he was notified by the AAA manager. On the second day, he went to the Yankees minor league fields in Tampa, started and got 3 AB's against Randy Johnson.
Next day he found out he did have an assignment out.
His teammates have told us the AAA coaching staff fought for him and used those games to convince others to change some plans.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
The cardinals have 5 teams in milb in camp (AAA,AA, 3 teams in A calss) and more after camp, AAA,AA,3 single A teams, and 2 rookie teams (one in TN and one in Jupiter).
I did some reading on a site that the coaches and managers in the organization preferred not much movement in st, though not written in stone and not to presume anything, it will be interesting to see where everyone ends up.

Mine got notice today he will travel with the MLB team tomorrow. He looks forward to his extra $$ for the day. Smile Regardless of whether he gets in or not he likes the experience and a good incentive to work very hard to get an invite come next spring.
OutlawOutlaw10+ posts
I think Big League guys get around $100/day meal money and the Minor Leaguers get $20/day when they are on the road once the season starts. Getting food at the minor league complex really helps the guys out and I think it would be really hard to make through Spring if they weren't getting food at the complex.
Last edited by Outlaw
raiders3604raiders360410+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by njbb:
.Raiders

I heard about the thousand per wk. Is that meal money for the week?


Not sure of the breakdown but yes Big Lg camp does pay well. You get paid more for living out meaning team doesn't put you up in hotel and there was also extra money for incidentals. They players have to pay the club attendants which I think was around $40 a day. Yes that is per week.
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
Just sitting here in Phoenix at Spring Training and taking in your notes....

Wondering about moving up and moving down.....

Initial assignment up a level at high A, and the phone just rang, that he is playing with AAA today, and now we have to go to that field instead of where we were originally headed in about an hour.

More later.

Bumped was the term he used.

And, I bet that means up or down.

It's a hoot out here, spring training and spring break at the same time.
Last edited by FormerObserver
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
quote:
Originally posted by njbb:
Players do get bumped up when there is a need usually because of injury. Son played a couple AAA games his first spring training when they needed a ss for a couple games

How lucky you are to be out enjoying spring training!!


Well from what I see milb spring training is based upon the Big League needs also. If they need someone from AAA, AA etc., everyone else moves around. Mine was with the Big Leaguers today and has no clue where he will be tomorrow, he just shows up in the morning and they tell him where to go. I think they are expecting a lot innings this season so they are limiting his work, he's ok with that.

What a great day at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie watching the Cards take down Santana. Big Grin What a beautiful facility and sold out crowd of approx 6400!

All teams do things differently, my son's bf met us with us today, he's a metsie. They get no meal money but 3 meals a day and meal money on weekends. His friend told us there may be a reason, he thinks due to many latin players, the organization wants to make sure they don't send meal money home or save it, they have to eat. They also are VERY strict with them with curfew as well. 10pm. Everyone manages their teams differently.
N njbb1,000+ posts
Players being Bumped in spring trainning:

Dwindling Numbers

Kansas City started spring training with the largest contingent of minor league players in camp with 167.

But those numbers are starting to dwindle as 12 players were let go over the last few days. Friday morning, several players, including one with tears in his eyes, were in the Kansas City clubhouse waiting to be processed out. With two weeks left in spring training, that number will grow considerably.
AcademyDadAcademyDad500+ posts
.

Just arrived in Clearwater, in time to see the young LT. go 2 for 3, with 2 RBI's. He's hitting .480 in ST with 5 doubles and a HR.

Weather is gorgeous, fans everywhere within the complex, especially fun being the young boys (10-15) who research the young Minor Leaguers, hunting everything from an autograph, to a broken bat, all with that sparkle in their eye.

cadDAD

Go Navy! Go Phillies!

.
Last edited by AcademyDad
RacabRacab1,000+ posts
AcademyDad
Congratulations for great Karl performance. I just came back from Dunedin where I was for the weekend, watching Marcos play. Last saturday I was at Phillies complex at Clearwater, and yesterday at the Bluejays complex. Unfortunally, I couldn't see Darin, Alan, Brian or your son because AAA and AA teams where traveling when the two A teams were at home and vice-versa, and surpriselly, Marcos still playing with the AAA team. I am specting some time this week he to be sended down to AA, although he is hitting well and playing a terrific defense. I still thinking it is very improbable a jump from low A to AAA skiping high A and AA ball.
By the way Brian is playing at Big leagues spring trainning and 2 days ago he hit 4 by 4 or so. I hear that he is a great defensive catcher. I wish good look to all websters kids this year.
Last edited by Racab
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
After catching 6 innings at AAA on Saturday, with two walks and a swinging K, a lighter day yesterday back at High A.

Then, again today, on the way to the ballpark, the call comes through, bumped to AAA.

Caught 5, a broken bat ground out to 2B, and thrown out on a foul ball off the shin to the 3B.

Fasincating to see the variations in the levels from High A to AAA.

Yep, I pinch myself about every other inning.

And, proud as you watch your son step up as opportunity knocks...................
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
Size, especially the pitchers.

Confidence.

Speed.

Pitching. Command, control, and talent.

Hitting. Power. Complete change to wood bat.

Little things about the game of baseball.

Respect for other players.

Maturity.

Experience. Serious.

AAA players have been encouraging to my son because they know what he is going through.

Just really fascinating for me to get to observe.............
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
My son made the same observations, he's pretty big but puny compared to the AAA and MLB pitchers.Like teh freshman standing next to the seniors. Smile

Another observation, talent is there, experience is what seperates the levels.

Also in response to another post made, 5 sent down yesterday and the same were released.
Last edited by TPM
raiders3604raiders360410+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by FormerObserver:
Size, especially the pitchers.

Confidence.

Speed.

Pitching. Command, control, and talent.

Hitting. Power. Complete change to wood bat.

Little things about the game of baseball.

Respect for other players.

Maturity.

Experience. Serious.

AAA players have been encouraging to my son because they know what he is going through.

Just really fascinating for me to get to observe.............


Just wanted to add as I have watched Son as he has progressed through the minors.
Single A- Hitters are free swingers and strike zone can sometimes be little bit wider.
AA- Hitters are more patient and pitchers have to throw all their pitches for strikes. Hitters recognize that a pitcher can't find the zone with offspeed and will sit "dead red".
AAA- Just like the bigs most of these hitters can rake if pitcher makes a mistake. I have seen pitchers who have made good pitches with curves/sliders but the problem is they hung just a little to long. Hitters even though fooled can stay back and still hit it out.
I can also add that in the past week son has had a few friends from his organization released. He stated that this was tough as these players showed up in the morning waiting to take the practice field. Son also said that if you show up in the morning and have to see the minor lg player director that this isn't a good sign.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
I hope that parents of young players are reading about pitchers having to throw all their pitches for strikes. learn early.

My sons friend was sent down the other day from ML. He made just about as much from meal money in a few weeks as he will this season. Eek The money at the top level is amazing.
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
I am truly thankful to those posters like Fungo, infielddad, TPM, and, of course, many others, for posting their vast experiences and tempered observations for us.

Even though this is a highschool baseball web site, the earliest posts in this thread helped me adapt to a quickly moving environmnet.

Without knowing ahead of time that players are assigned to a level or two higher and then moved back, or to any level, at will, could have could have been disheartening had I not known what to expect.

To get to peek ahead into the future, just a bit, to see how you do against the competition is important information.

"Playing up" is a good way clean off the rose colored glasses................

Is there reason to continue to encourage your son?

Is there reason to prepare him for a pending let down?

What does he want?

How much time does he want to invest?

Tough questions for 14 year olds.

Tough questions for 22 year olds.

Tough questions for 50 year olds.

And, a younger brothers observation, "Dad, he's gonna get to play........."

So, get a good lead, and go for it.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Thanks FO but I am learning as I go along too. Smile

What is also interesting is that life for pitchers and position players is so different and SP's get a few innings here or there to practice due to expected workload along with short pens. That may also mean long days on the bench watching games, lots of long toss and more time conditioning the arm and lucky bucket duty. Smile

Another few more weeks and pro baseball begins!
AcademyDadAcademyDad500+ posts
.

I get up with ofcrKID every morning at 5AM. Reveille seems to suit him better than DAD. I drive him to the ballpark to be there for extra stretching by 6:30. They are on the field after short clubhouse breakfast, by 8 AM. They work on everything (short drills, INF, bunt coverage, BP, etc) until noon and then they play at 1PM. Everyday for the past two weeks, Karl has stayed until long after the lights go out and virtually everyone has gone home, to take extra instruction in the cages. His swing is really showing improvement everyday. Surprising how few kids do this, considering what is really at stake.

The kids refer to this as Ground Hog's Day, referring to the movie of the same name where Bill Murray gets up everyday to the eact same routine.

And it is work. They gave Karl a day off (just a break from the actual game) y'day as the coaches actually felt after his AF duties, that he was potentially "breaking down". He's hitting .440 right now and they are pleased with his power. Karl is pleased with little things... like a tenth of a second off his time to first base just because a coach pointed out that his head was down on his first step. Some unbelievably good coaching at this level... but as always, only if you are willing to learn. The Big league guys seem to be very pleased with his leadership skills... thanks Academy staff.

Interesting days watching kids work hard, play as though it's a profession, rather than a game after school (not so much horsing around, etc), and of course the ups and downs of the team postings for the next day/week (indicating finally where you will spend the summer), the releases of friends/team mates, etc.

Very emotional for everyone connected... especially when you look around and see "regular" fans just enjoying what they think is nothing but fun for kids that "have made it".

cadDAD

.
Last edited by AcademyDad
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
My son called he sounds pretty tired. he has been in camp since 2/26 with no day off and he is tired. Camp breaks in 10 days.

He had two awesome experiences today, one, Wainwright spoke to the young guys today about faith in god and yourself and good things will happen. Baseball is about testing your faith and belief in yourself and always stay positive. He just signed a 15 million dollar 4 year contract.

The other, TLR addressed son as "Kopper" same as everyone else does. Smile
Last edited by TPM
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