baseball gods productions

Thoughts about baseball, from the perspective of sports psychology and the role of sports in society. It includes team and player analysis, predictions, and what I think needs to be changed in Major League Baseball. Brought to you from the heart of baseball, Brooklyn, by baseball gods productions.

Saturday, July 09, 2016

Time to expand the active rosters?

As a Met fan, I have been overwhelmed by the frequency, severity, and impact of injuries this year to top players such as David Wright, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Lucas Duda, Steven Matz, Travis d'Arnaud, and Yoenis Cespedes. 


While many baseball analysts have focused on the impact of better testing for strenghth-enhancing substances that build muscle and confidence, I have long wondered about the less-noticed impact of testing for amphetamines. 

Baseball players have used various forms of speed for decades to handle the daily grind of a baseball season. It helps with focus and decreases fatigue, one of the major causes of injury. 

Given that the Mets are just one of many teams getting decimated by injuries, maybe it's time to finally add one or two players to each team's active roster. Owners will object, perhaps, because that's another $1 million or so per year on the payroll. 

What is that loss compared to all the lost playing time for the game's stars?

Other viable options are shortening the regular season to the historical 154 games, shortening spring training, or going back to allowing some types of speed. 

What do you think?