By Art Spander
For Maven Sports
MESA, Ariz. — The game meant little. At least the game on the field. The other game, the battle for Bryce Harper, might mean a great deal. Then again...
Copyright 2019, The Maven
A's, Bryce Harper, Dodgers, Giants Email Article By Art Spander
For Maven Sports
MESA, Ariz. — The oft-repeated idea is that the final score of spring training games is irrelevant. The late Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver said what happens in Florida in March — where the Orioles played their exhibition games — didn’t mean anything at Fenway Park in July.
Copyright 2019, The Maven
By Art Spander
For Maven Sports
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Derek Holland threw the variety of pitches he wanted in his first start of spring training. Then he tossed a few figurative hard ones at baseball executives reluctant to sign top free agents.
Copyright 2019, The Maven
By Art Spander
For Maven Sports
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — His orange Giants hat had been replaced by a black one, this with the “4440” on the front, a model number of John Deere tractors. Madison Bumgarner, heading toward his 30th birthday, remains the country boy from North Carolina.
Copyright 2019, The Maven
By Art Spander
For Maven Sports
MESA, Ariz. — The view was rare — and fantastic. There beyond the centerfield fence, the wonderfully named Superstition Mountains, glistening white from a snowstorm, stood like sentinels.
Copyright 2019, The Maven
