What does "SS" mean?

[lmanchur.]

NO, it isn't "shortstop" for you who think I'm out of my mind by asking this question.

On my favorite sports network, TheScore, they have a 24/7 sports ticker, this is what the score of a resent game said: "New York 0, Motreal-SS 3"

What is the "SS" suspose to mean!?

[iFroggy]

I don't know Lee. I haven't really heard that too much.

However, I did go over to MLB and looked at all games for the last week for a Montreal and New York (Mets or Yankees), that ended 3-0, so that I could see what it might have meant, but I couldn't find a game like that.

[Nate]

the "SS" you are reffering to stands for "Split Squad". Teams often split their teams in two during spring training so the whole team gets a chance to play. Generally, so split squad teams play each other.

[lmanchur.]

Thanks, Nate!.... now it makes sense that sometimes on the same day, I see the same team (with "-SS" after it) twice in a row on the news ticker!...

Makes a whole lot more sense now! :)

[Wedge231]

Cool. I was wondering that too last year until I read it somewhere in a newspaper.

[catman]

In spring training, frequently the teams allow the kids to play with the veterans this way. It allows them to get game experience against major leaguers and be able to talk to the vets about their performances. I like the idea because the vets get to see how the kids handle situations that they might be called upon to handle during the season if a regular gets hurt.

[FL Tiger]

The bad thing about split-squad games is that the talent becomes diluted. Sure, as a manager, you want to see how your new kids face against major leaguers, but unfortunately in many cases the other team is also a split squad with the same goal in mind. So while you're playing your second-tier players, so are the other guys.

[Rick Dogg]

Who cares if the talent becomes diluted? It is a spring training game.

[Wedge231]

Short squad is good, more of the lesser known players get some experience and can show their talent at the major league level.

[NickHammy]

I agree.