September Call Ups

Today marks the first day Major League rosters convert their 25 man rosters to 40 for the duration of the regular season. For many of these call ups, its their first taste at the Major League level - friends, family, and fans can revel in the enjoyment in seeing the beginning of the future for these hard working rookies.

The expanded rosters can provide to be a valuable tool for teams vying for post season play, but unless the player was on the 25 man active roster before midnight on August 31st, he is not eligible for the post season roster.

The September expansions are as equally important to non-condending teams as they are for the playoff hopeful. Bringing up young talent now, is a great way to alleviate some pressure in the transfer from minors to majors as it give them an early audition for the following season. It can also give front office personal a chance to assess the talent they have in the minors and see how they perform in the role of a Major Leaguer.

On the other hand, many players being called up will be expected to help their teams decrease that *magic number* and push them into the playoffs. For example, with the Yankees currently trailing the Red Sox 1.5 games in the standing, they will look to their prized catching prospect, Jesus Montero, to make his debut (today) and serve as an extra bat on the bench. He would be given a start and mostly some spot AB's and if he's hot, he could take over the role Eric Chavez has held as DH or even lock down a starting postition to carry into the following year.

That being said, the month of September is arguably the most crucial for our teams' farm systems. Friends and family will be filling the ballparks to cheer on the debuts of players everywhere and fans will be anxious to see the talent of their teams come alive in front of their own eyes! To all the fans who's teams are in contention (not mine) congrats and enjoy this last month before the playoffs!

Congrats to all the September call ups!
The Baseball Life,
-S