From Tempe, AZ
March 10th, 2008 – By Brok Butcher
Here’s a little bit about what I’ve experienced in the day and life of an Angels prospect pitcher in spring camp (Tempe, AZ) for the first week since arriving. I will touch base with you all at Angelswin.com again next week, with more information.
Coming into my third year of spring training there is a different kind of excitement, all the places and people are no longer new and each day is much more predictable. There is an excitement of bigger and better things, the possibility of getting that much closer to a life only dreamed about. It’s always nice to see familiar faces and reminisce on stories of earlier years. For new players it can be overwhelming to see so many faces and different cultures at one time.
Everybody always asks the same questions, “how was the off season?, How is your arm feeling?, and how is your girlfriend/family/wife doing?” Once those questions are asked and all the serious talk is out of the way, the joking begins and the good times roll. I’ve been told by other players that this is an extremely laid back organization than most others. There is a lot more trust between players and coaches and we are treated as adults. I believe these relationships play an important role in making our organization the best in the minor leagues (literally).
We begin the day by stretching followed by running or agilities, depending on what day your bullpen is on. We then go into throwing and onto come backers, covering first, pick off moves, going over signs and bunt defense. Laughing and having fun is stressed but if there’s question on lack of hustle, you will hear about it. All I can say is I’m glad to see the familiar faces and be able to have the opportunity to get payed playing a game I love.
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