https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/02/22/watercooler-wednesday-26/
WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers
Today, another opportunity for readers to discuss the hottest topics in a forum where thoughtful dialog and a variety of opinions are welcomed.
Let?s create some running conversational threads. And for those of you still going into offices, here?s a question to take with you ? or use via Zoom calls ? as you talk to your co-workers.
Here is today?s hot topic.
The continued lockout by MLB owners could potentially cause several problems related to the development of players.
Both issues are tied to spring training.
If the Tigers? time in Florida is shortened, players may not have enough opportunities to properly get conditioned. With the Covid-shortened year, we saw a rash of injuries throughout MLB that were linked to them not having enough time to get ready for the season.
The second issue concerns players on the 40-man roster, which includes prospects who hope to make the roster this year or in the near future. Due to lockout rules, they cannot use team facilities or be in contact with managers and coaches. They also cannot be allowed to join their minor league facility and train/play with them.
A delayed/shortened spring training will give them fewer opportunities to show their MLB manager what they are capable of doing for the team.
For your own analysis, here is the official 40-man roster for the Tigers:
https://www.mlb.com/tigers/roster/40-man
The prospects on this roster are in limbo until a new CBA is signed. The inherent risk is that they may fall behind in their development.
As it regards the Tigers, which of these 2 scenarios would be worse for the development and future performance of the team?
If spring training is shortened, which scenario would be worse for the Tigers' development and future?
1. Increased risk of injury to players.
2. Less development of prospects on 40-man roster.
VOTE
