A delicate approach when evaluating the performance of players in Spring Training. It can be entirely too easy to get wrapped up in a performance that is clearly unsustainable and a product of the environment in Arizona. Additionally, it is just as easy to place too much weight on underperformance during a small sample of games.
There are times when those handful of games taking place in Arizona are more meaningful than they otherwise would. Those would be for players who are on the roster bubble for one reason or another. Players who are in the mix to possibly be a starter on the Major League roster that are currently battling it out with a few others for the position and those who are looking for a fresh start as part of a new organization. Currently, the Cleveland Guardians feature both types of players who are struggling to produce much of anything at the plate in Arizona, and that could result in not being part of the roster plans of the Cleveland Guardians for this season.
It is absolutely important to analyze these situations carefully and understand the context of some over and underperformances, as some may be an anomlay while others are a continuation of previous struggles.
(Note: statistics used are entering play Tuesday, March 12th, 2024)