pring straining

We're a third of the way through spring training and I ain't seen shit. Last year this time I had already seen 8 games. I need to get to the Gulf Coast this weekend and use the Pirates tix I already bought. 

Speaking of the Pirates, Jared Jones remains one of the most beautiful men in baseball.

Still in competition though adding a bit seedily, Yoan Moncada—whom CWS omitted to option last fall—got picked up by LAA on a 1-year, $5 million contract.

Many, though not all, spring training stadia are using what MLB has dubbed the 'automated ball & strike' (ABS) system. It does not obviate the home plate ump—yet—but the pitcher, catcher, or batter can challenge a ball/strike call by tapping their helmet immediately. The electronic optics, repaired in animation on the jumbotron, instantaneously confirm or overturn the call. Each team gets two mistaken challenges.  The technology has been there for years, so it's not surprising to see the experiment. I have no doubt this will eventually be adopted in the regular season, though that is not planned for this season.