Winter’s bite has loosened its grip on the Tampa Bay region and the crisp, fresh weather wafts throughout the great baseball state of Florida. You can feel it in the air, both the changing climate and the pent up excitement. The countdown has begun and the anticipation for “America’s Pastime” weighs heavy on the minds and hearts of fans everywhere.
Florida welcomes numerous Major League Baseball teams who use the state as their preparation ground for Spring Training because of the gorgeous weather provided each year. The teams that participate in Florida are known to be a part of the “Grapefruit League.” This tradition has spanned nearly a century and was started back in 1913 when the Chicago Cubs were enticed to train in the city of Tampa by then Mayor D.B. McKay. He promised to cover the team’s expenses up to $100 dollars a day, which was a substantial amount of money back then. The Cubs practiced at Plant Field, only few short blocks north of the University of Tampa, but was torn down in 2002. The Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers are a few of the storied organizations that have called Plant Field their home for Spring Training.
Currently, the Bay area hosts many professional baseball teams during the spring, including the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Phillies.
The New York Yankees practice and play their spring ball at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, right next to Raymond James Stadium. Steinbrenner Field opened in 1996 and is home to the Single-A Tampa Yankees baseball club. The 31-acre complex holds up to 11,000 seats and has entertained the people of Tampa with concerts as well as high school baseball championship games.
The 2009 World Series Champions are younger from a season ago and have reloaded for 2010. Teams in the A.L. East have always feared the Yankees and their limitless payroll, but this upcoming season has an air of progression from a team that went all the way a year ago. Two major off-season moves were trading with the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Javier Vasquez, who shores up a solid number 4 or 5 pitcher in the Yanks rotation, and trading for speedy superstar and centerfielder, Curtis Granderson, formerly of the Detroit Tigers. Barring injuries, both players should make an immediate impact for the Bronx Bombers.
Keep an eye on MLB Top 50 and Yankee top prospect, Jesus Montero. The young man may be the person who replaces legendary catcher Jorge Posada behind the plate sooner than most think.
The Philadelphia Phillies call Clearwater, Florida home during Spring Training. They practice and play their games at Bright House Field, which entertained its first game in March of 2004 and seats more than 7,000 fans. The Clearwater Thresher, Philadelphia’s Single-A affiliate, takes up residency once the Phillies are ready for big league play. Bright House Field also hosted the Big East collegiate baseball tournament in 2009.
The Phillies have had an amazing two-year run, winning the World Series in 2008 and being the runner-up in ‘09, and I don’t expect much change out of this organization for the 2010 season. They made a blockbuster move by trading with the Toronto Blue Jays for pitching ace Roy Halladay, but countered that deal with a very controversial transaction by trading pitcher Cliff Lee, who carried the Phillies throughout the 2009 playoffs, to Seattle. Only time will tell if it hurts them in the long run. Combining Halladay, Lee, and a rejuvenated Cole Hamels would have spelled danger to not only the N.L., but also all of baseball.
Although the Phillies outfield is currently exceptional, an up and comer to keep an eye on is MLB Top 50 and Phillies top prospect, Domonic Brown. This kid has speed to burn as well as unbelievable bat skills. Expect him to be called up come 2011 or possibly sooner.
With the talent surrounding both of these powerhouses, will there be a World Series rematch in 2010? Not if these guys have something to say about it…
The Tampa Bay Rays travel to beautiful Port Charlotte, Florida for their Spring Training. Charlotte Sports Park graciously hosts the Rays, who give the nearly 7,000 seated stadium and bright city renewed life when the boys from Tampa make Port Charlotte their spring residence. The Charlotte Stone Crabs, Tampa Bay’s Single-A minor league squad and runner-up in the 2009 Florida State League Championship, entertain fans when the Rays eventually begin MLB action.
Tampa Bay came up short in the 2008 World Series and had high expectations for 2009. The Rays were unpredictable throughout last season crushing tough opponents and struggling with the weaker ones. The team finished with consecutive winning records, it’s second winning record in franchise history, but missed out on the playoffs.
2010 is shaping up to be an incredible year with the acquisition of true closer, Rafael Soriano, traded to the Rays from the Atlanta Braves. Soriano gives Tampa a dependable closer, something that would have benefited the Rays in past seasons. Catcher Kelly Shoppach was also obtained via trade from the Cleveland Indians. Shoppach provides a solid right bat and key defensive fundamentals. He’ll push starting catcher Dioner Navarro for playing time. With these two additions and a nucleus intact from a season ago, sprinkle in a healthy Carlos Pena and a motivated B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay looks to make a ton of noise in 2010. I anticipate a playoff berth come September.
The Rays also garner some of the best young talent in the minors, four of which are tops in the MLB Top 50 prospects list. Two may very well be on the opening day roster. Tampa Bay fans got a glimpse of Wade Davis at the end of the ‘09 season. The hard throwing righty finished out the season 2-2 with a 3.72 ERA and one complete game. Look for Davis to be considered for Rookie of the Year honors by season’s end. Another top prospect is outfielder Desmond Jennings. He has been compared to Rays’ superstar Carl Crawford and the young prospect can make an immediate splash in an already speedy outfield. Jennings received multiple minor league awards for his outstanding play in 2009.
So, there we have it. Baseball is back and the city of Tampa is not only excited, but also truly grateful to be apart of such a wonderful and storied Spring Training tradition. This season, like most season’s, will have plenty of surprises in store, heart-racing finishes, and many deafening cheers and I, for one, am thrilled to have baseball back. Let’s play ball!