Ready, Set, Go!
11 days of Spring Training in the books… 15 more to go.
Last week was a long seven days. The first week of spring training is as much about adjusting to the schedule as it is anything else. In the first eight days, each pitcher threw a bullpen every other day, culminating with a live bullpen against hitters. The bullpens start at eight minutes in length, then a 10 minute session, and finally a 12 minute one. The days in between bullpen sessions are considered "light" days filled with light throwing and fine tuning of bunt plays, PFP's (also known as pitcher's fielding practice), and pickoffs.
Saturday, March 14th was important for two different reasons; hitters reported, meaning we were officially underway with full squad spring training and, more importantly, the highly anticipated barbeque hosted by the Inland Empire 66ers booster club. Booster club members graciously take time out of their schedules for this annual trek to spring training and spend the entire day grilling delicious meats such as chicken (my personal favorite!), tri-tip steak and brisket along with fruit and a plethora of desserts.
This week brings with it the first games of minor league spring training. Tuesday and Wednesday will be used as bullpen days, getting pitchers on schedule so they are ready to pitch their scheduled days. Those pitchers throwing the opening game of spring training threw their bullpens yesterday while those throwing on Friday or Saturday will throw theirs today. One of the most valuable tools a player can use to be successful is a well developed routine, so it is paramount each pitcher to use these last few days to get their body and minds right, and find the routine that works for them. Whether it is bullpen pitchers who might focus on their pregame warm up routine, or a starter who places emphasis on their throwing program between starts, each player must find what works for them.
As this week rolls on, the fun begins. The work has been put in. Mechanics have been fine-tuned and our bodies beat into shape. Now, the thrill they call the game. The same game most of us have played our entire lives. It's still 60 feet 6 inches from the mound to home plate. The bases are still 90 feet apart. While some say its only spring training and these games don't count, for us, they do. For some, it means fighting to make a team and hold on to the dream for one more year. For others, a chance to earn a promotion. Whatever the reason, these games matter. The adrenaline rush... the competition.. There's no feeling quite like it. It's time to play ball.