Comments on: CBB Column: Editorial about MLB Exhibitions

By: Brian Foley

Brian Foley — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:51:48 +0000

Chip,

Here is an issue that came out of the Michigan-Mets game on Tuesday.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spmnotes275593160feb27,0,6400784.story

By: Chip Armonaitis

Chip Armonaitis — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:32:04 +0000

It is a good topic with room for plenty of views.

I do think the colleges picked need to have a connection to the team though. For example, FSU playing the Marlins or Rays, or a team with a recent “grad” on it to help sell the game. The Rays playing Vandy works here.

The Sox should be playing BC, the Mets/Yankees could look to St. John’s, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Fordham, Manhattan or Army for a game. (Actually MLB should be working with the service academies to do something every year) A few years ago, Army spent some time in the Yankees camp, using the minor league facilities, etc.

Plus, if a college kid makes one of the prospects look bad, well, it improves his draft standing some.

By: Brian Foley

Brian Foley — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:10:30 +0000

I had to try to take a stand on this…When your throwing your 4th or 5th best starter in this exhibition game not even giving the MLB players a chance…I find it a little odd.

By: Chip Armonaitis

Chip Armonaitis — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:04:29 +0000

Personally, I think these games are great - if done properly.

It becomes a showplace for college talent to get in front of more eyeballs than usual. Let’s face it, an exhibition between the Red Sox and B.C. will draw more than the Eagles will draw all season at home. If the college kids do well, fans might take the quality of play a little more seriously.

I do not think I have ever met anyone who, after being exposed to college baseball for the first time, did not admit that the quality of play was better than expected.