FITP Pre-Season Preview 2018

With Spring Training quickly approaching, our Baseball Frogs in the Pros are returning to their respective teams well-rested and ready to take on the 2018 season, with the exception of one unknown. Here’s an update on where each of our Frogs stands as we approach Opening Day.

Jake Arrieta (P/Unknown) - Arrieta poses the biggest unknown right now in the baseball world. He’s now a free agent, and the Cubs have picked up Yu Darvish, assumably leaving Arrieta to shop around for a new team. Rumor has it the Phillies are currently in talks with him, but they may be looking for a shorter contract than what Arrieta is wanting. Regardless, it looks like it’s time to throw away all that Cubs stuff from the past 3 years and get ready to buy some new stuff. There’s no doubt that Arrieta will end up on a team. Which team is what remains to be seen.

Matt Carpenter (1B/St. Louis Cardinals) - The Birds are back with Carpenter firmly planted in the top half of their lineup right now. But Carpenter is struggling with tightness in his back so far at camp. Honestly, the Cards probably shouldn’t have even said anything about it, because Cardinal fans tend to get their feathers ruffled super easy when you start throwing out injury talk. Carpenter said it wasn’t a big deal and he wasn’t concerned about it, and manager Mike Matheny said they were simply watching it to make sure that the pain in his back didn’t lead him to compensate and injure something else. Seriously, St. Louis. It’s no big deal. Calm it down now.

Andrew Cashner (P/Baltimore Orioles) - Sigh...Just when I thought I could totally be a Rangers fan, they had to go and let Cashner go to the Orioles. The Orioles, people. They were 75-87 last year and finished 5th in the AL East. Out of 5 teams! I mean, I get it. The Orioles desperately needed to add some talent without breaking their bank, but Cashner was a great asset to the Rangers last year, so I hate to see him leave. I am so not feeling this. Thanks for killing my dreams, Rangers. I’m gonna go cry into my pillow now.

Brandon Finnegan (P/Cincinnati Reds) - Finnegan had a disappointing season in 2017, with a serious injury to his right (non-thowing) shoulder that required surgery this past July. He also injured his throwing arm, but was able to recover without surgery. Finny is healthy and ready to go this season with the Reds. He had a good start to the season last Spring, but the injury bug bit him early in the season and he struggled to return to the mound. The Reds are counting on him and fellow starters Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani to remain injury-free and lead the team’s younger pitchers in an effort to take the NL Central Division this year, after finishing in last place last year with a 68-94 record.