Mike Minor's spring struggles explained

You've probably heard more than once that spring numbers don't really matter. Here's yet another example why.

Apparently, Braves left-hander Mike Minor was trying to develop a sinker this spring just for those occasions when he might want to enduce a grounder. It didn't go well, as his 6.26 ERA and 1.87 WHIP would suggest, but developing it was more important to him than, you know, getting outs. He finally scrapped it in an exhibition against the organization's top prospects Saturday, he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The results were better.

"I took it more of as serious matter," he said of that final start. "I didn't throw any two-seamers. I went after hitters and tried to set them up, whereas in spring training it was more of throwing pitches and seeing where I’m at and trying to build arm strength."

And with that, I can confidently say I'm still loving Minor's breakout potential this season. He makes his first start Friday against the Cubs.