Padres Editorial: 3 Reasons Why Spring Training Records Mean Nothing

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Fans look on during a spring training baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres have shown that they have improved as an offense so far this spring. The pitching has been sub-par at times. My message? Don’t read too much into it. I too am encouraged by the Padres’ .293 average so far this spring. However, we still have a long road before these games and stats start counting towards a playoff run.

It’s only early March. With so many new players it will take some time for them to gel as a team. They haven’t had enough time because not all of the projected starters have been in the same starting lineup yet. In spring training the new stars are only going to play four to five innings then be replaced by minor league prospects. The gelling process will go well into April, so sit tight.

There are several reasons why win-loss records and statistics don’t matter much in the spring. The main purpose of spring is to warm up, see who will be on the Opening Day roster, and give that team’s players time to mesh together so they can put up some W’s come Opening Day. Plus, it is called Spring Training. Meaning this is a time of training, practicing, and “sharpening the axe.” Lets give everyone their space. Let them take some batting practice, throw bullpen sessions and get stronger. There is still a month before any of this counts. Here are three reasons why we shouldn’t read too much into records and stats quite yet…