Spring Training is Too Long

Spring training is a time for fans to bask in Arizona sunshine that makes the winter seem like a different memory. Fans from all over the country flock to Arizona and Florida to get an up-close and personal look at their favorite players practicing things like bunting, run-downs, and pitchers covering first. If you are a baseball junkie, it’s a dream come true. According to some of the players though, this one has been too long.

Veterans like Mark Ellis (above) and Jerry Hairston agree that spring training is too long. By Owen Main

“This year it’s way too long,” said Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis. In his 11th season, Ellis has resorted to mind games to keep from getting complacent during the spring.

“The thing you’ve got to guard against is being bored. You can’t get bored in spring training. You get to a point where you get tired of just playing meaningless games but you have to kind of trick yourself a little bit and realize that you’ve got to keep going and keep getting ready for the regular season.”

In his 16th year, Jerry Hairston agrees that the preseason is just too lengthy.

“It’s been a long spring training,” said Hairston. “It actually needs to be shorter, but with the [World Baseball Classic], it was even longer… . I was just talking to veteran guys like myself, Brandon League, Arron Harang, [Chris Capuano], all those guys. It’s been tough because when guys have played in the playoffs, played in World Series, they know what’s at stake and when it’s the big leagues, when it’s time. In March you just want to get yourself ready, Make sure you’re healthy, and ready to go. It’s been a long spring training.”

This year’s spring training was extended due to the World Baseball Classic. No baseball player likes their routine to be altered, but for many teams, players were not in camp for an extended period of time during spring training. Like preseason games in the National Football League, the theme of spring training seems to be as much about keeping players healthy as it is getting players ready.

“The one thing you don’t want to do is grind during spring training, said Hairston. “I’ve learned that from veteran guys. Guys like Cal Ripken, Delino DeShields, Brady Anderson. Make sure you don’t grind through spring training. Get your work in, make sure you play hard, but don’t grind. The grind is the 162 and hopefully the playoffs and world series, so I make sure I have fun, enjoy my time, and make sure that as the season starts approaching, get yourself mentally ready, whether it’s music — throw in some Enya every once in a while — get your mind right for the season.”

Whatever they’re listening to, Dodgers fans hope that the spring doesn’t bring any additional injuries. Hanley Ramirez, the Dodgers starting shortstop, injured his thumb in the World Baseball Classic. Ramirez may be out 8 weeks, and that is just the type of injury the Dodgers would like to avoid any more of.

“Yeah, we’re ready [for the season to start],” said Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis. “We’re fine tuning, hoping we all get out of camp healthy, unscathed this last week, and we’ll be ready for the Giants opening day.”