We Got Wood - 46.07 - What Does Winning Spring Mean?

[7teen]

Nothing!

While many fans and front office personnel would like to think the team's 18-12 record in the spring, which was good enough for second best in the Pacific and was tied for the third best mark in the Johnson League this spring, means something positive, it mostly likely means little to nothing at all as the club prepares to embark on it's 7th opening day voyage through the BBA season. With a nice collection of young prospects littered throughout the spring team and the solid record, some may feel 2046 is the year the club turns the corner and becomes a team that can push for the post-season. However, there are still many that warn of fans and the front office alike to pump the breaks and hold off on printing those first ever post-season appearance t-shirts.

"Yes, it was a great spring run, but we're not going from a 48 win team to a post-season contender overnight" commented general manager Chris Wilson. "I only wish it were that easy. Of course it was nice seeing the team do well this spring. Yes, seeing young faces emerge from the farm system and some new pieces via free agency come in and have a good March. But to expect wonders this quick will only set one up for disappointment later on. We're still a few more seasons and a few more pieces away from really being where we want to be."

Of course, that won't stop the hopefuls from wishing for more. The hopefuls will see the inclusion of Steve Warren on the opening day roster and realize he's better than what the team had last year. (Note: Warren will make his big league debut in Vancouver of all places) They'll see Warren joined by other young arms like Matt Alicea and Juan Martinez and think these guys are way better than the decrepit old veterans the team used last year that won just 48 games. They'll also see a full season of Felipe Vega and have hopes he can actually close a game down at the end and secure a win.

They'll see the additions of Jorge Lugo and Joey O'Brien up the middle on defense and think to themselves "Yes, these guys are better than last year's version." They'll see Millard Younger wearing Green and Orange rather than that disgusting blue of Long Beach and think the team is now getting players from it's rivals and think the team is inching closer to those very mentioned rivals.

They'll see all of those things, combined with an 18 win spring, and think "maybe this is the year. Maybe we can compete in this division."

But then again, they may also be reminded very soon of a bumbling Werner McConnel, Jr in left field trying to track down a ball. They may also be hit by yet another slow start from Juan Mendoza and a ball hit just out of his reach to his glove side. It may also just take another blown outing from Vincente Venalde to remind everyone that this team is still missing some parts. And it will be an all to ill reminder that this team did win just 48 games last season and has too many familiar faces still around to suddenly "turn the corner".