It’s silly to take anything real from spring training numbers you see, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a little fun. In Thursday’s matchup with Philadelphia, Rays manager Kevin Cash slotted catcher Mike Zunino into the leadoff spot, a unique lineup choice that may well not repeat itself come regular season but sure was fun to watch in spring.
Mike Zunino Is Good (his full, God-given name) seemed to enjoy the move too, as he slammed a three-run homer in the fifth inning.
After the game, Zunino joked that he’ll probably only ever lead off in Spring Training:
Indeed, that’s what the spring is for—messing around with lineups, trying out funky stuff that might not be applicable come April.