The newcomers who are invited to Spring Training get a opportunity to impress coaches and scouts. For some a life-time dream can be fufilled while others get a fresh start at a new life and career without obtaining a green card (The no. of foreigners in baseball rises each year so there is no need to act like this isn't true). All prospects deserve a chance to shine on the big stage. They encounter the same challenges and tests as veteran ball players. With Spring Training winding down the new blood will see how well they match up against the competition, leaving question as to whether they will be cut, stay active on the roster, or be shipped to the minors.
Playing to the likes of small town fairly unknown teams rooted on by goofy mascots in Class Single A or Double A for years can be depressing. It may not be a glamorous lifestyle, but at least it provides enough time to learn skills and improve overall ability. The next Alex Rodriguez or David Ortiz (any other big name star) may emerge this year in a struggling team's farm system and reach the Majors. Then a franchise can be built around this player and eventually be a winner. Their potential for success is unlimited unless they make one fatal mistake. Of course, that would be using illegal performance enchancing drugs: antemphamines, steroids, human growth hormone, etc.
Avoiding the same bone-head career decisions as other Major League stars will keep these young prospects on the right path. If they truly enjoy playing they'll resist any desire or peer pressure to use drugs or taking a huge risk of committing career suicide. Guys like Daryl Stawberry, Doc Gooden, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmerio, and now most significantly, Barry Bonds have destroyed their reputation and tarnished their accomplishments as athletes. It's a shame to see any young player go down that same road. The up and coming stars in Spring Training should just stick to morals and principles while playing their best baseball. They can at least be respected.
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