Thanks for the wishes everyone!
I agree with some of your points Lee. But I really think these guys do just fine picking up the game from training camp. I also think you can judge the talent better at training camp instead of a game. These games are against backup players. If Alex Rios goes down to double AA and smacks out 4 homers in a game does that mean he will do it every night in the MLB? Preseason football is a waste. They could play another regular season if they cut it out. I would rather watch baseball or the Olympics

Fair enough, however it is a lot more competitive then playing in the houseleagues or minors, because all of the second and third string guys are in the same boat. They are all the future stars of the game (or vets trying to show that they still have it). The ones that stand out, are the better of the bunch, and although, I agree that you can’t assume they will be elite, from standing out amongst the 2s & 3s, you can at least gauge that they are the better prospect. And if they are more ready to play in the big games, or not.
I think that a large part of me just wants to watch football so bad by the time preseason starts, that I dont really care if it is regular season or pre.

Congratulations!

I agree with some of your points Lee. But I really think these guys do just fine picking up the game from training camp. I also think you can judge the talent better at training camp instead of a game. These games are against backup players. If Alex Rios goes down to double AA and smacks out 4 homers in a game does that mean he will do it every night in the MLB? Preseason football is a waste. They could play another regular season if they cut it out. I would rather watch baseball or the Olympics

I like preseason. I love getting to see different guys playing, and getting to do my own evaluations of them. I also like to guess who will make it, and who wont. I like it when I zone in on a guy and hope he makes the team, and then he does, and I feel good about my own evaluation.
I also think that it helps the rookies get somewhat familiar with the game. It makes for a bit of a step up into what they are moving towards.
Plus, its football, and I just love football.

Jim