Spring Is Here And So Is Major League Baseball
How fast and deeply time flies and changes. Prior to the Spring, there was not much hope for fans with another empty year in the stands looking more likely than not, but come Spring 2021, fans could be seen taking up marked spots, keeping their distances and watching an actual live baseball game. It is Springtime and the return of baseball, as teams power up for what is a highly anticipated season. The Spring games are played in the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues, and this year teams could shorten games to four innings, to reflect the limits the coronavirus had imposed on training and camp. Toronto was one of the first teams to get into action, no doubt sending betting in Canada on a spike. One of the more remarkable moments of this first day of Spring games was the return of Orioles man, Mancini, who after a superb 2019, was forced to end his 2020 season after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Other big moments included the first play of the season for Mr. $330 million, Tatis Jr, World Series MVP Seager, and a peek at the new-look Padres.
Mariners v. Padres
The Padres have made it no secret what their intentions going forward are, and have assembled a roster that is capable, at least on paper, of the heights, they plan to reach. The Mariners came out eventual 5-4 winners, with the game-winning run coming from two men who have been at the heart of the Mariners’ offseason, Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic. Now-fired CEO Kevin Mather had a few choice words for the budding talents, which became public and led to his offloading from the team. The final play was a Kelenic walk, after Rodriguez two-out single. Marco Gonzalez also made his start for the Mariners, while Kyle Seager was out on the field for an RBI single.
Cardinals v. Nationals
The Cardinals’ star man and new signing Nolan Arenado was present, striking out with two runners in the first inning before flying to the corner in the third. The game ended a 4-4 affair, as Washington’s Kyle Schwarder singled in two at-bats and then scored a run.
Pirate v. Orioles
Orioles’ Mancini made an emotional return to the game after sitting out the season due to colon cancer. Meanwhile is was great seeing Chris Davis, now in year six of his seven-year $161 million contract. 2020 was one to forget for him, after all the injuries. The Pirates would take the game 6-4.
Blue Jays v. Yankees
Gleyber Torres made a grounder look so easy to pick off, while LeMahieu had a single in two trips, fresh off that $90 million contract signing. It would be the BlueJays with the win and assurance, taking the day by 6-4. Tellez had a two-run, ground-rule double, while Jonathan Davis and Gurriel Jr both contributed single RBIs.
Tigers v. Phillies
The biggest score margin of the day, the Tigers ran out 10-2 winners, with Nova giving up five runs and two walks.
