Week 3...Ups and Downs

Well it’s been an eventful couple of weeks so far here in Dunedin. The entire organization, from the Big Leagues all the was down to extended, is competing in their respective leagues and the Jays organization is definitely living up to the hype. I'm glad to be part of an organization that has so much talent for it gives me the motivation to perform at a higher level and to compete day in and out. Which brings me to my first two outings this spring...

On Saturday (4/14) I pitched against the Phillies. I was very pleased with my outing that day. I was aggressive with my fastball and I went out with a plan and I executed it. It helped to have a first outing like that to get rid of the nerves and the built up excitement of competing for the first time again. My second outing against the Yankees however didn't go as well as the first. The thing that upset me the most were my two walks against Major Leaguer Jason Nix. I don’t get upset about bloop-hits or errors by the fielders because those things are out of my control. My goal was to pound him in with fastballs until I got ahead and ride my cutter off the edge for a strikeout or a rollover grounder. I was able to execute the first half of my plan but the disciplined Major League hitter laid off those pitches and drew two walks. That's the game of baseball. It's a lot of failure followed by a little success. If you succeed only 3 out of 10 times, you're a Hall-of-Famer. Now it’s back to the drawing board to work on some things leading up to my next outing. 

Off the field this week consisted of a lot of naps and a nightly Insanity Abs workout with Arik Sikula and Ian Kadish. Puts us right to bed when we are done! I also was very happy to find out that a couple of other players hold a weekly bible study every Tuesday. I was very happy to sit down with other Christian ball players and talk about the bible and the blessings we experienced during the week. I also golfed last week and that might have been the most frustrating two hours ever! I pretty much redecorated the pond with round, white, dimpled stones and did some landscaping in the middle of the fairway with my irons. Now I see why I'm not a hitter anymore lol.

Its dinnertime. Hopefully it's good. Talk to y'all at the end of the week. God Bless!

The Time is Now...

            Happy Easter everyone! I finally made it to spring training and I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting to get down here and get things underway. I am currently in Dunedin, FL and the weather is GREAT; the hotel on the other hand, not so much lol. My roommate is good friend, and twitter guru, Ian Kadish (@thebearjew). He also writes a blog and his twitter account is a must follow. They (Clearwater) made huge upgrades of the surrounding area including a much-needed Chipotle and a movie theatre. With the addition of those two attractions, a mall, and a couple golf courses nearby, this area allows for a good release from the everyday grind of extended spring training.

            Our first day (4/4) was a very long one. We had Physicals and a bunch of administrative things to do.  There is a lot of waiting around during physicals, so it’s a great time to catch up with teammates from the previous season and to introduce yourself to some of the new guys. The hot topic of conversation during physicals was one of the nurses who drew our blood. She was a nice lady, but I have never been stabbed so violently with a needle in my life! And there are many other players where who can second that. Ian still has a bruise on his left hand as a result of a ruptured blood vessel caused by Nurse “Heavy Hands’” needle work.

            The rest of the week was pretty standard for spring training, with BP (Batting Practice) and PFPs (Pitchers Fielding Practice) and other team drills and team defense work. Our games will begin tomorrow (4/9) against the Pirates. I’ll be throwing on Tuesday and Friday so the next time I write you will know how that turned out. The days will become much longer and I will definitely be integrating afternoon naps in my daily routine. 6am-4pm in the hot sun can take its toll so the mid-day naps are a necessity.

Today was our first day off as we get every Sunday off until we leave for our affiliates. A couple guys and I went to Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor for Easter service this morning. I took the bus to Church…actually; I took the bus in the direction of the church. I got off the bus about a mile and a half before the stop closest to the church. The sun was out in full force and needless to say, I was sweating buckets and my shiny bald head was glistening like a halo as I walked into the church.  I attend Calvary Chapel when I’m in Boston with my fiancée Jennifer, and if you haven’t been to a Calvary Chapel church, I strongly suggest you go.  There are many in every state and in various other countries.  I just finished up a good dinner with Ian, Jon Lucas and Arik Sikula. Jon and Arik were with Ian and I in Bluefield last year. I’d say us four spend the most time with each other more than anyone else.

Well it’s getting late and I think its time I wrap it up so I can get a good sleep to start the week. I’ll be posting again in a couple days and I hope you continue to follow along on my journey through the season and my life off the field. ‘Till next time! God Bless!

PS: LEAVE SOME COMMENTS PLEASE. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM THE READERS!

BLOG COMING SOON!!!!

Thanks for coming to my page! My first entry will come when I report for Spring Training. I'm blessed for this opportunity and looking forward to sharing my experiences with you all. See ya soon!