[Mid-depth_Reporter]

How important is it for teams to win spring training games in MLB? It seems to me that it's mainly about getting players back into the swing of things and securing up a few last roster spots. I just don't think that spring training really matters when it comes to how many games a team has won.

[BigBadBuc]

Mid-depth,
I'd say for the most part you are accurate. Spring training isn't much about winning and losing.

The way you lose and the way you win might be very good indicators of some things. The Pirates lost the other day but they had an excellent pitching performance by Ian Snell. That was good. The loss was irrelevant.

Wins are a little bit more meaningful to a team trying to learn how to win again even if it is spring training. The Pirate new Manager Tracy says that winning in the spring is particularly good for the young Bucco's.

BBB

[Lefty Noob]

Winning in spring is definitely a good confidence boost for teams that need one, like the Buccos. And vice versa, losses can really hurt teams like the Nationals, who desperately need to chalk up a few more wins. But for teams like the Red Sox and Yanks? Just get in shape, don't get hurt and save it for the real games.

[pete_b]

Well I wouldn't place a whole lot of importance or weight on spring training either. Especially this year, because of the World Baseball Classic, its hard to tell how the teams match up. However, winning is an attitude, and if the team doesn't care about winning in spring training then it might be contagious and fall into the season. Individual performances is probably the most important thing to look at in spring training.

[desertrat]

Winning in spring isn't important unless you have a young team looking to gain some confidence and momentum entering the season. But the games I attend, I sure hope my Angels win.

[EmpireWF]

Winnning, this spring specifically, isn't that much of an issue. Afterall, so many players are in the WBC or just sitting out, it's more about giving younger players a stage to show their stuff. Also, you gotta give the vets time to get back into baseball shape and ready for the season.

That's what I see the spring for.