Lindsay Crosby discusses concerns around Spencer Strider staying back in North Port instead of traveling and whether his spring workload and radar-gun visibility are cause for worry, noting his gradual fastball velocity gains across three outings and improved induced vertical break compared with 2024. Crosby argues health and pitch characteristics matter as much as raw velocity, ties Strider’s 2024 struggles to a hamstring issue, and references FanDuel’s 168.5 strikeout line as largely dependent on innings. He then previews the World Baseball Classic final (Venezuela vs. USA), addresses Ronald Acuña Jr.’s comments about representing Venezuela, and highlights encouraging signs in Acuña’s sprint speed and baserunning, plus Ozzie Albies’ power and Ha-Seong Kim’s rehab progress. Finally, Crosby examines the Braves’ final bench spot, explaining why Jorge Mateo may not be a lock given his spring struggles and alternative options like Brett Wisely, Kyle Farmer, and Eli White.

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