"I think the results can lie to you sometimes. That first inning is a great example of that. Probably the first two balls hit weren't over 80 (mph). But you look at the scoresheet and you're like, 'Oh, he gave up two hits and a three-run shot.' It's not really like that. I made two really good pitches, and they dunked in. One swing later and we're behind. That's where it's about focus on the process."
"Horton felt his off-speed pitches were working and was largely happy with his day, despite poor results. But the results also showed him a moment he can learn from. With the count 1-1 on Josh Smith, Horton threw two non-competitive curveballs and fell behind."
For pitchers with guaranteed roster spots, spring training performance outcomes are secondary to developmental indicators like velocity, arm conditioning, and mechanical execution. Cade Horton exemplifies this mindset after a poor outing against the Rangers, where he gave up six earned runs and three home runs over 3.2 innings. Rather than focusing on the negative results, Horton emphasized process over outcomes, noting that some hard-hit balls were actually weakly struck and that focusing on pitch quality builds confidence. He identified specific learning opportunities, such as throwing non-competitive pitches that put him behind in counts, demonstrating how young locked-in pitchers use spring training to refine execution rather than chase wins.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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