2/25 Grapefruit League Recap

Atlanta Braves OF Justin Upton

The Grapefruit League featured 8 games on Monday, as will be the norm for the rest of Spring Training.  The grind is on, as teams have a longer than normal camp because of the World Baseball Classic, which begins later this weekend.

Massive homers were the trend on Monday, as one of the newest Atlanta Braves, Justin Upton, hit a massive shot for the Braves in their 7-6 win over Miami.  Jason Heyward also hit a bomb for Atlanta.

Ike Davis of the Mets, Miguel Cabrera of Detroit, Matt Holliday with the Cardinals, Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion each hit home runs on Monday as well.

Scores from Monday:

Tampa Bay 6, Boston (SS) 3
Boston (SS) 4, Toronto 2
Detroit 10, Philadelphia 1
St. Louis 10, Houston 2
Atlanta 7, Miami 6
Baltimore 5, N.Y. Yankees 1
Minnesota 5, Pittsburgh 4
Washington 6, N.Y. Mets 4

I know it's only the first week of Spring Training games, but certain guys appear to already be locked in, which is not good for the rest of the major leagues, or in some cases for other countries who will face them in the World Baseball Classic.

Jason Heyward of the Braves has already nailed two home runs in just seven at-bats this spring.  He doesn't have any hits other than the two homers, but this is a guy who is projected to have an even bigger season than he has had in the past, and this could be his breakout season.  If Atlanta gets a big season from him and the Upton brothers, you could see the most dangerous outfield in the league at Turner Field.

But what about Miguel Cabrera?  This guy has two bombs as well in 11 at-bats.  Once again, he doesn't have any other hits, but he has only struck out one time and has drawn a walk.  The defending Triple Crown winner knows how to hit, there is no doubt about it.  He will get in full stride soon enough, and it could happen during the World Baseball Classic on a sneaky good Venezuelan team.

Gio Gonzalez (Washington) and Adam Wainwright (St. Louis) got wins in their first spring starts on Monday, while R.A. Dickey lost his first spring start with his new team, the Blue Jays.