The time has come. Plyometrics, sprints, long tossing, ball pickups and PFP’s (pitcher’s fielding practice).
Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training this week in warm weather Florida and Arizona. Big League veterans report and greet their longtime teammates. Minor Leaguers report to the backfields of spring training complexes, being served cold pizza for lunch.
During the offseason, some players completely shut down their wing and routine until February comes. Others have continued to throw and improve on their incomparable skills.
Stories are shared about offseason experiences. Parties, fishing and children are discussed. But quickly, focus is on the season ahead; the journey the organization is about to embark on. These are the teammates they will be surrounded by for the majority of the next eight months. There is an excitement and aura about moves made by certain teams. Everyone in camp is optimistic at first with their team’s chances. Everyone feels they have a shot.
The time ahead is a true long haul. Pitchers have to build their arm strength back up. They have to get back into the routine of working out everyday from Feb. 5 until late October. If one is 22 or 38 years old, the body takes a detrimental toll over this time period.
This routine needs to work like an efficient machine. Pitchers have to figure out when they will work out with the team and on their own. They have to figure out when to long toss, throw off a mound and to not throw at all.
Lastly, players need to rework their iTunes playlists to jolt their motivation in the weight room.
The most intriguing pitcher/catcher combo is Cliff Lee and Carlos Ruiz. The foremost reason why Lee came back to Philadelphia was because he more felt comfortable with Ruiz behind the dish.
With Philadelphia in 2009, Lee went 4-0 in the postseason. He took less money to go where he felt increased contentment with his battery mate. The Phillies have the most to be eager about with their pitching staff this season. Lee will join Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels as the best combo of starters in the entire league.
The staff’s closest competition is the San Francisco Giants cluster. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Jonathan Sanchez head the defending World Series Champions.
Twenty-three-year-old Buster Posey will be the battery mate of the lethal staff. The Giants are motivated to prove last year was no fluke. The team came together late in the season. Every player found their niche when it mattered most. With added experience, the Giants hope to keep their same underdog mentality and succeed.
For the Cardinals, aces Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter go perfect with Yadier Molina. He is nothing short of a cat behind the plate. The Cardinals staff is set up to have a dominating year with Molina calling games and gunning down runners.
The Yankees come into Spring Training unable to make desired moves for Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford. During the offseason, the team did acquire veteran catcher Russell Martin to add depth to their offense.
The bullpen was further strengthened by the accompaniments of Rafael Soriano and Pedro Feliciano. It will be interesting to see how Martin works with the returning Yankee pitchers, as well as the new ones.
A lot of buzz and excitement is added to the air this week. Spring Training games begin Feb. 25 as the Giants take on the Diamondbacks. The regular season begins on March 31. The Yankees will play host to the Detroit Tigers.
There are many intriguing matchups and storylines to look forward to in the upcoming season.
Tim Shanahan can be reached at tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.