Big league ballplayers are trickling into spring camp, which means the glowing spring reports about them will be trickling in for the next six weeks. I'll condense all those reports into one for you:
If he was skinny, he's gotten strong.
If he was fat, he's gotten thin.
If he stunk, he's cleared his head.
If he's old, he's discovered pilates and he's never felt better.
The new strength trainer he worked with this winter has him in the best shape of his life.
9 Players To Watch This Spring
If he's a pitcher, he started throwing sooner than usual this winter, to build up his strength. Or he didn't throw at all, to conserve his strength. Either way, he's not going to wear down in August this year.
If he's a young pitcher, he's finally figured out what he was doing wrong with his change up.
If he's a young hitter, he suddenly understands how to be aggressive without chasing bad pitches.
If he's switching positions, it's cool, because he played there in high school.
If he's moving to the bullpen, it's cool, because he'll just use the same aggressive approach.
If he's moving to the rotation, it's cool, because he always wanted to be a starter.
If he's got a new manager that's good, because he's got a fresh start.
If he's got the same manager that's good, because he's got continuity and trust.
And have you gotten a glimpse of that young latin kid who got an invite this year? Because his stuff is filthy.
Or that new first baseman? Have you heard the sound the ball makes off his bat?
That shortstop you've got at AA can really pick it -- question is, can he hit?
That catcher you've got at AAA? You already know he can't hit, but he's just happy to be here and he handles a staff real well. The pitchers like him.
Your star player won't feel extra pressure if he got a fat new contract, and it won't be a distraction if he didn't.
The rookie who struggled last year is ready to break out, and the one who didn't -- he doesn't believe in this sophomore slump nonsense. And why should he? This year he actually knows what he's doing out there; he's been there before. He's a pro.
And you? Well, you almost forgot what the crack of the bat sounds like, and the pop of the glove. But don't worry, you'll remember. You'll remember the shine of the sun, the cool of the grass, the smell of your beer.
And maybe -- just maybe -- this is gonna be our year.
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