All fair points. Although the position players were struggling mightily before Reyes got hurt (small sample I know). Seemed as if Reyes was the only player on his game early. The pitchers were all a huge disappointment and I don't think it had anything to do with their handling in spring. Was referring more to the position players.
I would argue that last years position players were fairly "set" early on as well. Bautista, Rasmus, Cabrera were all locks, the only question was the 4th OFer. Lawrie, Reyes, Izturis, Lind/Encarn and (lol) JPA.
I like this idea. My gf and I went down for last years spring and they NEVER played our starters. When I was watching the team play early on last season, I couldn't help but think that the slow start/rust/lack of chemistry had a lot to do with the way the team had been handled during spring training.
Him and Drabek showed up at Grace O'Malleys the night he hit the game winning home run vs TB during his rookie season, he's a great guy to talk to. I know he's not the best catcher in the league but I don't understand some of the personal attacks against him.