Mariners Spring Training is here, and it’s time for… no Major Leaguers

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 09: Second baseman Ty France #23 of the Seattle Mariners throws to first base during the second inning of the MLB spring training baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Peoria Sports Complex on March 09, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 09: Second baseman Ty France #23 of the Seattle Mariners throws to first base during the second inning of the MLB spring training baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Peoria Sports Complex on March 09, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

Well, I’m sure most of you saw the news on February the 15th. Pitchers and catchers were supposed to report to Spring Training for the start of the 2022 Major League Baseball season. It’s no different for the Mariners… except for the fact that no major leaguers (or those on the 40-man) are allowed to do anything until a new Labor Agreement is reached.

It’s just another thorn in the paw for the youngsters that are already in the Mariners major league system. When you think of all the time that has been missed over the last two seasons, it’s the youngsters who are hurt the most.

It stinks having no Mariners and no Spring Training

Think about how much Logan Gilbert would be benefitting from a full spring training right now. After getting the majority of a season under his belt, he could come into Spring Training with a plan for pitching an entire season at the big league level. Going after major leaguers, and testing things out against the hitters in the few innings he throws each outing.

What about Cal Raleigh and Jarred Kelenic. Kelenic was finally starting to figure it out in September after hitting .24/.331/.524 over those 29 games. A full Spring would do wonders for him, and he would probably end up on a bunch of breakout lists, or “players to watch” lists.

With Raleigh, having a bit of pro time under his belt behind the plate could’ve allowed him to take that next step. He didn’t seem major league ready. Now, we won’t know if he has made any changes or if he looks a bit more comfortable behind the plate.

It stinks that we aren’t able to see them. I think everyone can agree. If the owners could actually treat the game respectfully, instead of looking at it solely as a means to profit, this would all be over already. Anyone who thinks it’s the player’s fault is wrong and uninformed.

Stay tuned for more Mariners news. We will make sure to have any information as we hear it, and will even have some funny/funky series if we start getting into the time when Spring Training games are supposed to be played.

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