Max Scherzer sums up why we should ignore spring training stats
Paying attention to spring training stats already? Let Max Scherzer explain in one sentence why that would be a mistake.
By
Matt Snyder
•
2 min read
Nationals ace Max Scherzer faced the Mets in spring training action on Thursday and offered up this quote after the game (via Associated Press):
"I'm just gonna keep it vanilla. There's no reason to show them the chocolate, the strawberry or any other flavors."
So he was making excuses for a poor outing, right? Nope. He worked two scoreless innings. On the flip-side, the only regular Mets starter in the lineup was Michael Conforto, so it's not like he was keeping his stuff from the entire lineup.
Let us skip the part where all the Nationals fans line up on one side with the Mets fans on the other to try and argue about the actual involved parties here. Instead let's just focus on the general message, please.
This is the beginning of spring training. What is someone the caliber of Max Scherzer (or any other top-of-the-line ace) to gain by using all his stuff in an attempt to show up opposition right now?
Absolutely nothing.
If coming off injury or fighting for a job, things can be different. Prospects in their first go-round at MLB camp, sure. Players already locked into jobs are the discussion point here and their spring training stats should be wholly ignored.
What we heard from Scherzer is a common refrain. Sometimes pitchers are working on new grips and/or windups. Sometimes new pitches. Other times they'll only throw fastballs and simply work on command. The results don't matter because this is practice time and the most important things are preparing for the season and avoiding injury.
How the stuff looks can matter. How the pitcher feels, if you think you'll ever get a straight answer that he's not feeling 100 percent, can matter. Does it seem like he's on the same page with his catcher? He better, because it's spring training. The actual stat line, though? Toss it in the fire. That's all it's worth.
So long as we're talking about the pitchers, this absolutely applies to the hitters as well. If they aren't seeing the full arsenal of the big-time pitchers, obviously it's easier to hit. They do see full arsenals from pitchers trying to make the big-league teams, but those are fringe pitchers. Hitters can also be toying with differences in their swing and/or approach during the spring, much like their pitching brethren. It's a two-way street.
Again, when it comes to veterans who already have a starting MLB job, ignore the spring training stats.
Now, anyone up for some neapolitan ice cream?
