Major League Baseball's spring training season is almost over and after six weeks most of the talk is about fan attendance and the economic strife surrounding the spring games. The teams that make up the 14 team Cactus League, based in Arizona, have reported an estimated attendance decline of approximately 5% with losses also in areas of souvenirs and concessions.
The Grapefruit League, based in Florida, is reporting a more limited financial downfall. Their attendance numbers have been reported to be about the same as last year. One possible answer is, out of the 16 teams that make up the league, they have the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, the ubiquitous New York Yankees, and last year's Cinderella team, the Tampa Bay Rays. These teams all seem to have been able to draw huge attendance figures.
The news on the field is also coming to an end with a few key decisions just being made. The Yankees have used shortstop Derek Jeter as their leadoff hitter in 6 of the past 7 games, and manager Joe Girardi feels this is the right direction for the team. He will place Johnny Damon in the second spot, effectively trading Jeter and Damon's spots. Ace pitcher C.C. Sabathia is also ready for Opening Day after pitching in 5 starts and ending with a 3-1 spring record.
The other big story from spring training is the emergence of the KJansas City Royals. They could be this year's Tampa Bay Rays according to baseball experts. On the last day of spring training, the Royals have set their pitching rotation. They will be using already named Gil Meche, Zack Greinke, and Kyle Davies, and as of today, will add Sidney Ponson and Horacio Ramirez to finish the staff.
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