Veteran players still valuable to baseball

by Caroline Basile, editor-in-chief

With Opening Day of the 2008 Major League Baseball season drawing closer and closer, teams are preparing themselves by adding new players, rookies and superstars alike, to their rosters.

It would seem logical that most teams would try to stay young, adding fresh faces every chance they get to see if they have the next Alex Rodriguez or David Wright. But I see it differently. Many teams, from the San Francisco Giants to the Atlanta Braves, have their rosters filled with players who have had more than a decade or two's worth of experience at the Major League level.

 San Diego's pitching rotation looks to be strong for another year (despite adding the Cubs’ former benchwarmer, injury-prone Mark Prior). Greg Maddux is the Padres' third starter in a rotation that consists of young stars such as Chris Young and Jake Peavy. The 41-year-old Maddux, who has only been on the disabled list once in his entire career, is starting his 22nd season this spring. Omar Vizquel, the best shortstop the Giants have, recently turned 40, and it doesn't look like he will slow down either. In 2007, Vizquel batted .305 with four home runs and 51 RBIs.

Randy Johnson, who will be starting his 20th season, has certainly had more wear and tear than Maddux has. The 44-year-old right-hander has had several injury-riddled seasons and lost playing time to recover from two back surgeries. Johnson only pitched 56.7 innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2007 season.

Additionally, the Braves have John Smoltz and Tom Glavine returning to the mound. Both men are in their early 40s, and, like their former teammate Maddux, still have several seasons left in their careers.

What makes these men so special is not their age at all. It is their stamina. Hours upon hours go into training to stay fit for the sport, and it definitely shows.

Other fans seem to make it a point to say that the team they supports needs players who are younger and more fit. But what needs to be realized is that these “older” players had to start from scratch just like the rookies. They are a source of inspiration to younger players.

I realize some fans think that the older players are taking the chance away from a young rookie to have a spot on the roster. But I also think that the experience of the veterans is truly needed.  They can guide and teach the younger players who don’t have the experience that they have.

I would rather have someone experienced playing the game, especially in a tight situation. I know the younger players need to get the experience, but they will acquire that with time, just like their veteran counterparts.

I think a great team would consist of proven veterans and good upstarts, providing a balance needed to make the playoffs. But no one really knows how any team will fare during the season until it happens.