Do Spring Training Results Matter?

Do people really care about a team’s record during Spring Training?

I’m sure most of the people actually attending the games would like their team to win.  We don’t follow sports to watch our team lose.  But deep down do you worry if they lose?  Does it bother you?  Because, I’m going to be honest here, I pretty much couldn’t care less how often the Red Sox lose during Spring Training.*

There are times I certainly am hoping they’ll win.  When they play the Yankees comes immediately to mind.  Also, the Mayor’s Cup.  It’s silly, I know, but I would much prefer the Red Sox win it than the Twins.   And, of course, there are the games against the college teams which I always end up rooting for the kids instead of the Red Sox but then am relieved when the Sox end up winning.   I DO pay attention to how well or poorly individual players are doing, but even then I don’t freak out over every inconsistency.

All I want, really, is for the team to come out of Spring Training healthy and looking ready for a full season.  It’s the only time of the year when, for me, winning is incidental.

I bring this up because during my morning Internet rounds today I noticed a lot of folks lamenting how poorly both the Red Sox and the Yankees are doing thus far and it surprised me.  (Which itself is ridiculous because nothing should surprise me when it comes to how passionately Red Sox and Yankees fans want their teams to win.)

So far, I’ve only listened to one game on the radio (the first one aired) and watched one game on NESN (also the first one aired). It was fun to hear and see the sounds of the season while looking out my window at the snow-covered streets, but it wasn’t enough to make me arrange my schedule around the games, as I often do during the regular season.

In March, I’m a lazy baseball fan gearing myself up for the summer.

*I’ve had many people ask me why I always capitalize Spring Training.  Honestly?  I don’t know.  I started doing it probably back when then blog began and I kept it up mostly for continuity (or because my brain just automatically capitalizes it and I’m too lazy to change it!).