GM’s and MLB Commissioner talk everything baseball at annual event in West Palm Beach.

February 17th, 2017

The Governor’s Baseball Dinner, a celebration of a new season of Major League Baseball Spring Training in Florida, makes its second stop in Palm Beach County in the last five years when the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, in West Palm Beach, hosts the event on Sunday, February 17.

“This will be an exciting evening showcasing one of America’s greatest pastimes,” said Florida Sports Foundation President & CEO, Angela Suggs.  “Now with two stadiums and four teams in Palm Beach County, the area has become a prime spring training destination.  We are honored to continue this historic event once again in West Palm Beach.”

The 2019 Governor’s Baseball Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. as dinner will be preceded by a VIP Reception and meet and greet.  MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is scheduled to attend along with representatives from many of the 15 teams who annually train in Florida, along with a number of baseball greats.

Tables for the event, which seat 10, are priced at $1,200 and includes admission to pre-dinner reception. A limited number of VIP tables of 10 are available at $2,000 and includes access to a VIP Baseball Legends Reception.  Individual seats are $135. Baseball fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items from Florida’s Spring Training teams.

Table and seat purchases can be made online at www.palmbeachsports.com. For more information, call the Palm Beach County Sports Commission at (561) 233-3096 or the Florida Sports Foundation at (850) 298-6638.

A 2018 Economic Impact Survey showed the Florida Grapefruit League brings $687.1 million annually to the state’s 12 locations during the months of February and March and attracts 1.5 million fans a year.

Spring Training Baseball in Palm Beach County dates back to 1928 when the Baltimore Orioles came to the area and stayed through 1938.  Since that time, the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics (1946-62), Atlanta Braves (1963-97), and the Montreal Expos (1969-72 and 1981-97) called West Palm Beach home.

Roger Dean Stadium, in Jupiter opened in 1998, and has hosted the St. Louis Cardinals, the Washington Nationals, and Miami Marlins at that location.  The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches opened in 2017 and has been the spring training home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals the last two seasons.

The Florida Sports Foundation, a Division of Enterprise Florida, Inc., and the state’s lead sports promotion and development organization, has partnered with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission to stage this year’s celebration.

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the County as a sports and sports tourism destination.  The Commission brings sporting events and activities to the County, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (with a focus on the off-season), and maximizes utilization of County facilities.

For 2019 Florida Spring Training schedules for all 15 teams beginning on Saturday, February 23, visit www.floridagrapefruitleague.com.

Atlanta Braves GM, Alex Anthopoulos, on Offseason Investments, Player Development, and Divisional Competition

Atlanta Braves General Manager, Alex Anthopoulos, recently provided fans with an exclusive glimpse into the team’s offseason strategy, player development initiatives, and outlook on divisional competition.

Reflecting on the Braves’ stellar performance last season, Anthopoulos credited their success to a blend of a formidable pitching staff and the emergence of young talents like Mike Foltynewicz and Ronald Acuña Jr. The conversation naturally veered towards speculation about the potential signing of free agent closer Craig Kimbrel, a former Brave. Anthopoulos hinted at the organization’s interest in shoring up the bullpen while remaining cautious about committing to long-term contracts, citing the need for strategic acquisitions.

Shifting the focus to player development, Anthopoulos shed light on ongoing efforts to refine skills, such as Sean Newcomb’s quest to add a changeup to his pitching repertoire. This commitment to nurturing talent underscores the Braves’ dedication to staying competitive in a challenging league.

The discussion extended to the Braves’ outfield, where a cohort of rookies made significant contributions last season. Anthopoulos expressed confidence in the team’s young talent and acknowledged strategic additions made to bolster the roster, setting the stage for continued growth and success.

Budgetary considerations were also on the table, with Anthopoulos revealing an increase in spending compared to previous years. He disclosed that the Braves had added close to $16 million in guaranteed money, signaling a proactive approach to enhancing the team’s competitive edge through strategic investments.

One eagerly anticipated return to the Braves’ lineup is veteran catcher Brian McCann, whose potential resurgence following knee issues was discussed. Anthopoulos conveyed optimism about McCann’s ability to recapture his previous form, adding depth and experience to the roster.

The conversation then turned to the possibility of a universal designated hitter (DH) rule being adopted across both leagues. Anthopoulos acknowledged the potential impact on roster management while affirming the team’s readiness to adapt to changing regulations.

On the topic of lineup decisions, Anthopoulos confirmed Josh Donaldson’s role as the team’s everyday third baseman, citing his proven track record and anticipated impact on the field.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Anthopoulos acknowledged the formidable competition within the National League East division, singling out perennial rivals such as the New York Mets, Washington Nationals, and Philadelphia Phillies. Despite the challenges posed by these formidable opponents, Anthopoulos expressed confidence in the Braves’ ability to compete at the highest level.

From Player to Manager: Marlins GM Don Mattingly Reflects on Transition and Future

In a recent interview, Marlins General Manager Don Mattingly sat down to discuss his journey from player to manager, the Marlins’ rebuilding process, and the influence of Derek Jeter, a former teammate turned part-owner. Mattingly, a beloved figure in baseball, shared insights into the challenges and excitement of his current role.

Mattingly, known affectionately as “Donnie Baseball,” began by reflecting on his transition from player to manager. He acknowledged the importance of his previous roles as a player, coach, and ultimately, a manager. “Managing would have been really rough,” he admitted, emphasizing the value of gaining coaching experience after his playing days. Mattingly highlighted the necessity of the right mentality for coaching, a role that requires a different perspective and approach compared to playing on the field.

Transitioning to the Marlins’ current state of rebuilding, Mattingly addressed the frequent turnover of players, a common occurrence in the team’s history. However, he emphasized a shift in focus under the leadership of Derek Jeter and new ownership. Mattingly underscored Jeter’s vision to build the organization from the ground up, prioritizing player development and consistency. He dismissed notions of repeated rebuilding cycles, expressing confidence in the current group’s ability to establish stability and success both on and off the field.

Speaking of Jeter’s transition from teammate to boss, Mattingly reflected on their longstanding relationship. From their early days together in spring training to Jeter’s rise as a player and now as part-owner, Mattingly emphasized trust and consistency in Jeter’s character. Despite the shift in roles, Mattingly described the transition as natural, crediting Jeter’s unwavering commitment to the Marlins’ vision and goals.

Lightening the mood, the conversation turned to Mattingly’s iconic mustache, a trademark during his playing days. When asked why he no longer sports the mustache, Mattingly humorously responded, “It’s all white.” Reflecting on his youthful appearance, Mattingly jokingly acknowledged that coaching seems to be a “young man’s game,” drawing laughter from the interviewer.

As the interview neared its conclusion, Mattingly discussed the Marlins’ burgeoning talent pool, particularly in pitching. He highlighted the depth and competitiveness within the organization, noting the presence of promising young players like Monta Harrison and Isan Diaz. Mattingly emphasized the importance of proper development to maximize the potential of these players, hinting at an exciting future for the Marlins.

Tampa Bay Rays: Building Momentum for Success

In the heart of South Florida, where baseball fervor often seems overshadowed by other sports, a team quietly but determinedly etches its mark on the MLB landscape. The Tampa Bay Rays, under the astute guidance of General Manager Erik Neander, have been steadily gaining ground, challenging the behemoths of the American League East with a blend of youthful exuberance and strategic foresight.

Last season saw the Rays emerge as unexpected contenders, racking up an impressive 90 wins despite initial doubts about their prospects. Neader reflected on the team’s journey and their relentless pursuit of excellence.

“We tried to do our part to make it tough on them,” Neander says, acknowledging the skepticism that surrounded the team, especially after trading away key players like Chris Archer. Yet, it was this very adversity that paved the way for the emergence of young talents within the organization.

One such talent is Tyler Glasnow, a towering presence on the mound whose potential knows no bounds. Acquired in the Archer trade, Glasnow represents the embodiment of the Rays’ strategy: investing in raw ability and nurturing it to fruition. Neander emphasizes the importance of providing support and guidance to players like Glasnow, leveraging the experience of veterans like Blake Snell and Charlie Morton to shape their development.

The conversation steers toward the perennial challenge of retaining core players in a league dominated by financial constraints. Neander acknowledges the reality of the situation but remains optimistic about the team’s ability to maintain continuity. With a roster composed of players entering their prime years, the Rays are poised to establish themselves as a perennial force in the league.

As the interview unfolds, Neander’s passion for the game and belief in his team become palpable. He speaks of players like Charlie Morton, whose resilience and leadership embody the Rays’ ethos of perseverance and determination. With each mention of a player, there’s a sense of anticipation, a belief that this could be the year they break out and make their mark on the league.

Red Sox GM Tony La Russa Reflects on World Series Win and Team’s Future

In an exclusive interview with Boston Red Sox General Manager Tony La Russa, the seasoned baseball strategist opened up about the thrill of clinching the World Series title last year and the challenges that lie ahead for the team. La Russa, a legendary figure in the baseball world, shared insights into the inner workings of the Red Sox organization and offered a glimpse into the team’s future trajectory.

Reflecting on the euphoria of winning the World Series, La Russa described it as a dream come true, emphasizing the dedication and hard work that went into achieving that monumental feat. “To be part of an office going upstairs was a very new experience,” La Russa remarked, highlighting the behind-the-scenes efforts that often go unnoticed by fans. He acknowledged the demanding nature of his role, stressing that being a GM is a year-round commitment with no breaks, yet immensely rewarding, especially when witnessing the caliber of play demonstrated by the Red Sox.

One player who played a pivotal role in the Red Sox’s success is ace pitcher Chris Sale. When asked about Sale’s future with the team amid contract negotiations, La Russa remained tight-lipped, asserting that the focus for Sale and the entire team is squarely on the upcoming season. “I’d be the last guy that would be here ready and able to talk about the contract situation,” La Russa stated, emphasizing Sale’s dedication to his role on the team.

Looking ahead, La Russa hinted at potential breakout stars for the upcoming season, citing young talents like Rafael Devers and Jackie Bradley Jr. as players to watch. He praised the team’s depth and talent pool, highlighting the contributions of emerging players like Eduardo Rodriguez. La Russa drew parallels between the current Red Sox roster and the storied New York Yankees teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s, noting the similarities in their core group of players and their potential for long-term success.

However, La Russa acknowledged the challenges posed by free agency in keeping a cohesive team together. While expressing optimism about retaining key players, he conceded that financial constraints could impact roster decisions. When questioned about the possibility of re-signing former closer Craig Kimbrel, La Russa deferred to the team’s leadership, citing budgetary considerations.

In closing, La Russa reaffirmed the team’s commitment to focusing on the upcoming season and facing whatever challenges may arise head-on. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the Red Sox are poised to continue their pursuit of excellence under La Russa’s stewardship.

Commissioner Rob Manfred Talks Pitcher’s Clock and Denies Team Tanking Allegations.

Manfred spoke to reporters today regarding the 2019 season and beyond. Some of the questions were regarding the pitcher’s clock, which was implemented to speed up the game. Planning to use it this year in Spring Training and seeing how well it controls the game’s time.

Players Union Leader, Tony Clark, stated teams were giving up, but Manfred countered that it wasn’t true and that if you looked at three out of the four teams that were said to be tanking, they won 97 games, 90 and 82 game respectively. In his opinion, baseball is the most competitive sport in North America with a record 87% of clubs making the playoffs over the past 10 years. In its current state, baseball is in good hands and hopes to never have a strike again.