We definitely know more than we did two weeks ago, we now know with almost absolute certainty that Austin Jackson will start the season hitting leadoff and playing centerfield.

I’d argue that getting on base doesn’t matter, but getting two triples does. That requires speed and base-running acumen, because no fielder has an excuse for not hustling.

I realize Spring Training stats are pointless to pour over, but I prefer the warm, fuzzy feelings I get whenever I see AJax do well!
I’m usually a pessimistic cynic, but I do have a good feeling about the new guy. (hopefully now he doesn’t totally tank…)

you’ve read all my notes of warning, you know that.

But taking a guy like Jackson, it’s good to see him exhibiting better control of the strike zone than in the past (and generally against pitchers who’ll be in the majors) and showing more power than he has in the past.

And besides that, got to blog about something daily!

The performances are not indicative of what is going to happen during the season. There can be improvements (mechanics/performance wise) but the stats don’t tell the whole story.

Personal feelings and impressions aside, these games are warm up and so you don’t want to be sold on this as a precursor to the regular season. Austin, from all reports, has made some adjustments/improvements and hopefully it translates into the regular season.

Just like you can be fooled by statistics. The latter, though, has more predicative parts than the former. Both are necessary, so don’t sell one short.

You’re right (though I don’t appreciate the “you haven’t seen them play” dig).

Perhaps I was unclear. What I should have done was to encourage cautious optimism- that Jackson looks good now (as do Willis/Bonderman) but that he has the potential to turn back into a pumpkin (as do Willis/Bonderman). People do need to step back and realize that 11 games won’t tell you much, either from a stats or a scout perspective.

…..for willis and robertson becasue theyve looked good this spring but it just doesnt matter I guess becasue the hitters they are facing are working on stuff too…..I guess I dont know what anyone would look for then to see who getst he 5th spot?…..were not going to go off od this sring?…In that case willis has a slim chance and that is unfortunate.

I believe both ways of baseball philosophical thinking are necessary and compliment one another.

would be coming to Detroit either way. That came from the Brass. Leyland said it weeks and weeks ago

You understand that the stats don’t mean very much in spring training, but a player is clearly going to feel better about himself and be more confident if he starts off well, even though he also knows that spring training stats don’t mean much.

Even if something doesn’t count for actual wins, or a person is involved in just a goofy competition with some friends, it still is more fun to do well than to lose. A player who starts out well is happier and likely to feel better about his chances that season.

Whether it actually carries over is another question – but I also like to see guys do well. I know it isn’t predictive, but it makes it more fun to pay attention to see wins instead of nothing but a bunch of losses. Regardless of whether it actually counts, winning is still more fun than losing.