Imagine a baseball game so underwhelming that it feels like it never happened—no broadcast, no highlights, just a whisper in the wind. That’s exactly what went down on Monday when the Rockies and White Sox faced off in a Spring Training matchup that might as well have been played in a vacuum. But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era where technology like Statcast tracks every pitch and swing, how is it possible that a significant portion of MLB games, especially those ramping up to the regular season, remain invisible to fans? It’s a head-scratcher, especially when you consider that only about two-thirds of games are televised, leaving fans in the dark during what should be the most exciting build-up to the season.
The game itself? A 5-4 Rockies win, sealed by a jaw-dropping walk-off home run from Zac Veen in the bottom of the ninth. White Sox reliever Shane Murphy was just two strikes away from extra innings when he served up a cutter that Veen absolutely demolished, sending the ball 50 feet over the fence at a blistering 113.3 mph. And this is the part most people miss: Murphy’s pitch wasn’t a total disaster—it was 84.6 mph, but it caught too much of the plate, and Veen, with his signature purple hair, was ready to pounce. It’s a stark reminder that even the smallest mistakes can turn into highlight-reel moments.
But don’t be fooled by the close score—the White Sox were far from their best. Errors, wild pitches, and atrocious baserunning turned what could have been a win into a cringe-worthy loss. Take Kyle Teel, for example. There’s a lot to love about the young catcher, but his defense? Questionable at best. His botched attempt to catch Troy Johnston stealing second led to an easy run for the Rockies. And let’s not forget Shane Smith, the presumptive Opening Day starter, who hit two batters and gave up two runs before being pulled in the first inning. Is this the kind of performance we should expect from a team with playoff aspirations?
The White Sox did manage to claw their way back, tying the game 4-4 in the eighth. But even their triumphs were marred by blunders. Mario Camilletti was thrown out at home trying to score from second, and the game-tying play in the eighth? A sacrifice fly turned double play that felt like something out of a baseball blooper reel. It was a game of missed opportunities, poor execution, and a final, explosive moment from Veen that left the White Sox wondering what could have been.
So, here’s the big question: Are Spring Training games just meaningless tune-ups, or should we be concerned about the White Sox’s early struggles? And more importantly, why are so many of these games still hidden from fans? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the conversation starts here.
