Now that I got my first spring training under my belt last year, this years spring training has been much easier so far. Knowing what to expect and how to go about preparing yourself for the season was definitely a valuable lesson that I learned last year and this year I am continuing to refine my preparation.
The beginning of camp is a little throw back to the first day of school back in high school, mixed with a little bit of a family gathering. Everyone is coming back together and the question "How did your off season go?" probably gets asked a million times, just like high schoolers inquiring about each others summer breaks. There's a lot of hugs, daps and handshakes going on. Guys generally come back either looking bigger and stronger or more lean and in shape than when you last saw them and there is a general buzz of excitement to be around your extended family once again.
Spring training when compared to the season, looks like a short sprint. But you cannot go about it with that mind set. It is a mini marathon and you have to pace yourself. It's 30 or so days in a row of early mornings and long days at the field, challenging conditioning tests, lots of swings, lots of throwing, lots of sun block, lots of baby powder and lots of time being spent continually standing up with cleats on which makes your feet bark at you a bit through out the day. As exciting as it is to get back on the diamond and start playing ball again, you have to remember that you are ramping up for a full season of 142 games and you want to be peaking towards the end of camp going into the season. As far as I can tell, especially after listening to the AAA guys that have been around for a while, the progression should go something like, get mechanics locked in, get your swing stamina up, start seeing pitches, get timing back and lastly, start feeling comfortable at the plate in games and making consistent good contact.
Right now, we are just starting to get into the seeing pitches and getting your timing down part of camp. Things are continuing to go well for myself. I feel like its time to reap what I sowed this off season with all the hard work I put it. There is still some sowing to be done, but its almost time to do the fun part, play.
If you have any questions about spring training, feel free to ask and I will do my best to thoroughly answer them.
The beginning of camp is a little throw back to the first day of school back in high school, mixed with a little bit of a family gathering. Everyone is coming back together and the question "How did your off season go?" probably gets asked a million times, just like high schoolers inquiring about each others summer breaks. There's a lot of hugs, daps and handshakes going on. Guys generally come back either looking bigger and stronger or more lean and in shape than when you last saw them and there is a general buzz of excitement to be around your extended family once again.
Spring training when compared to the season, looks like a short sprint. But you cannot go about it with that mind set. It is a mini marathon and you have to pace yourself. It's 30 or so days in a row of early mornings and long days at the field, challenging conditioning tests, lots of swings, lots of throwing, lots of sun block, lots of baby powder and lots of time being spent continually standing up with cleats on which makes your feet bark at you a bit through out the day. As exciting as it is to get back on the diamond and start playing ball again, you have to remember that you are ramping up for a full season of 142 games and you want to be peaking towards the end of camp going into the season. As far as I can tell, especially after listening to the AAA guys that have been around for a while, the progression should go something like, get mechanics locked in, get your swing stamina up, start seeing pitches, get timing back and lastly, start feeling comfortable at the plate in games and making consistent good contact.
Right now, we are just starting to get into the seeing pitches and getting your timing down part of camp. Things are continuing to go well for myself. I feel like its time to reap what I sowed this off season with all the hard work I put it. There is still some sowing to be done, but its almost time to do the fun part, play.
If you have any questions about spring training, feel free to ask and I will do my best to thoroughly answer them.
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading about this season. Any idea where you are going to start the season?
Chris
Do you guys get to Lenny's much? It might be one of the best parts of the spring training fan experience.
ReplyDeleteChris - I think I will be starting in Clearwater to begin the season and earning a reasonable amount of playing time this time around. You really never know what the organization has in mind, but I trust it is in my best interest in terms of development. One big lesson I learned and am applying to this year in baseball and life is focussing only on things I can control, namely my performance, focus and preparation, no matter where I am.
ReplyDeleteP.Hilferty - I actually just got back from lenny's a few minutes ago. We eat there every evening, they shut the place down to the public so we can all get in there and stuff our faces with delicious food. They also cater our breakfasts in the morning at the complex I believe. We definitely get our fill of Lenny's, they are really great to us.