Now Warming Up…MLB!

Let's start with the Opener.

***MLB celebrated the great Jackie Robinson this week, and players across the league wore his famous #42.  It was the 78th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier and he did so in my beloved Brooklyn.  The perseverance and endurance of this great, strong player is captured by his patience to not fight/argue back against those ignorant to what true equality can and should be.  While words like diversity and inclusion have become triggers for some, Jackie Robinson Day in MLB is about having an inclusive, non-exclusive, great game for players and fans to bond over!

Now to the Set Up Man.

***Strangers in their own home, the NY Yankees visited Steinbrenner Field in Tampa this week as the away team playing the displaced Tampa Bay Rays.  With Tropicana Field a veritable open-air stadium nowadays, the team plays in the Yankees' spring training facility across from Raymond James, where the Buccaneers play. The Bronx Bombers are now using the visiting clubhouse while their usual home clubhouse was upgraded in size and amenities that the new “home” team will enjoy throughout 2025.  Kudos to the Yankees for working with MLB and Rays to make this happen.  As the where the Rays will play beyond 2025, it seems like a pricey fix for a temporary roof is in play in St. Pete.  But, every dollar spent on a new Trop roof would be better suited for a desperately needed new stadium for the team formerly known as the Devil Rays.

Now the Closer.

***Out in the National League West, we have a tale of two run differentials.  The San Diego Padres are currently leading the league in wins and, not surprisingly, run differential, sitting at 37 more runs scored than given up.  While the Rockies are scuffling with only three wins this season, so far, and have given up 51 more runs than they have scored.  Yikes! The Rockies have historically struggled with pitching up in the rarified air of the mountains, but their offense has struggled mightily as well.  For example, once they traded Rockies great Nolan Arenado, Colorado signed Kris Bryant to replace his productivity.  Bryant has, unfortunately, been a walking first-aid kit for the Rockies, spending most of his time on the IL where he currently resides.  It looks like it will be a long season in the mountains, and they seemingly need a reboot.  What do you think?

 “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” – Jackie Robinson