Veteranss expect first normal spring in years
MESA, ARIZ. » The last time Major League Baseball had a routine spring training was in 2019.
With COVID-19 and a lockout standing in the way over the last couple of years, spring training has finally returned to normal at Hohokam Stadium. But, even for longtime Oakland Athletics like Paul Blackburn and Tony Kemp, there’s still lots of new.
“It’s definitely gonna be a learning curve,” Blackburn said, who is now in his seventh year with the team. Last year, Blackburn went 7-6 with a 4.28 ERA and appeared in the AllStar Game.
One of the changes the A’s are not responsible for this season that players will have to get accustomed to is MLB’s various rule changes. Those include a new 15-second pitch clock, an end to the shift and larger bases from 15 inches to 18.
“That’s gonna be a whole new ballgame,” Tony Kemp said as he enters his fourth season with the A’s and eighth career season. “We’re incorporating new things to go along with those new rules.”
While getting used to the rule changes, returners will also have to get to know their many new spring teammates (who will dwindle to a handful by Opening Day), but Blackburn says it’s been easier this year than last.
“Every single day, a guy showed up in the morning and then was packing his bag and leaving,” Blackburn said about spring training in 2022 amid a whirlwind of trades. “We have a lot of new faces, but at least all those faces started at the same time,” he said of this year.
He said that has allowed at least the pitchers, to grow close over the last couple of days and start to build a bond. They enjoy joking with one another, he said, and sharing their on-field experiences to see how they can be applied.
Kemp agreed, saying that overall, the energy in the clubhouse is good. He said it feels new, like everyone is ready and excited to put their best foot forward after last year’s 60-102 finish.
Manager Mark Kotsay still feels that developing culture and character will take some time. On Wednesday, he said the team does not have an identity and will spend part of the spring building one through competition.
“You’ll see an identity form once we get a little bit thinned out and get (that) core nucleus that we see going forward,” Kotsay, the second-year manager, said.
He did stress, however, that returning players like Kemp and Blackburn will be crucial in building the team’s new identity because they have more experience playing in the majors.
Kemp, 31 and in his fourth spring with the A’s, agreed and said he’s excited for a chance to mentor younger players.
“The biggest thing is just to be themselves, have fun and don’t be anybody you’re not,” he said. “Oakland does a good job with that and bringing in good guys that play the game hard.”
Blackburn advises his teammates to know their limitations and says it is essential to finding success in the spring. He warned that without understanding what the body is feeling and what it is capable of, injuries and consequences are bound to happen.
“Know yourself and the limitations that you have coming into camp,” Blackburn said. “And what needs to pick up by the time the first game rolls around.”
Kemp agreed, saying what makes a good spring training is “making sure that your body feels right (and) that you’re recovering the right way and making sure you’re comfortable and not trying to do too much.”
He explained that easing into spring training is vital to health and getting off to a solid start in the regular season.
As Kemp, Blackburn and other veterans get used to everything new, they will continue to build a culture and prepare for the long season ahead.
“Everyone’s excited to get the season going and have a good spring,” Kemp said.