Are Preseason Games Worth it?

Spring training games in Major League Baseball began this week. This month gives starters the opportunity to adapt, not only to the new Major League rules but also to play baseball games after many months off. It’s also time for the players in the Minor Leagues to show how much they have improved from last year. One of the dangers of participating in these games is that an athlete can sustain an injury. It happened yesterday to the San Francisco Giants.

Right Fielder Hunter Pence was hit in the forearm by Chicago Cubs’ prospect pitcher Corey Black in the sixth inning of the Giants’ 8-6 win. X-rays were taken and it was discovered that he suffered a broken bone in the forearm. He is expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks. He might miss opening day. This could end his streak of 383 straight games played. Last year, Pence hit .277 with 20 homeruns and 74 RBI’s. He also assisted the Giants to win the World Series in 2014. He will be missed.

This is always the hazard of playing in preseason games. Baseball isn’t the only sport where injuries are possible before the season starts. In the NFL we hear of starters having an injury in practice where their teammates have tackled them or even when there is non-contact. Basketball and hockey don’t seem to have as many problems with this. Injuries happen, just not as often.

Starters in all professional sports want as much playing time in these meaningless games as possible. It helps them to be ready for the season. Practice is necessary but athletes are only playing against their teammates. If they don’t have live action in preseason they won’t be as ready for the regular schedule of games.   There are always concerns that an athlete could miss the whole season.

How should teams deal with preseason games? How much playing time should starters receive?