Feb 16

      My annual stroll into the surprise sports complex for the first
time feels like the equivalent of a blessing from a holy person.   I
feel cleansed, renewed, and invigorated.   Spring training is literally
starting this weekend- uniforms are hanging in lockers, equipment fills
the floor, and sounds of...wait- where's the Frank Sinatra?

     Bizzaro behind the scenes factoid from spring training- clubhouse
manager Zack Minasian has nothing but old blue eyes jammin over the
speakers starting day one.   So today when I walked in, hearing some rap
music playing was shocking.  When you expect "start spreading the
news...", and you're greeted by "bringing sexy back..."- it's very
disorienting.

      Suiting up into my grey pants for the first time in 2007 is a great
feeling, kinda like being a little leaguer all over again.   Christmas
comes in february for me each year- size 13 running shoes and size 12
cleats await in my locker.   I've always preferred really tight cleats
when I pitch, it makes me feel more athletic I guess.

      When I sat down in my seat, I noticed that I was flanked by 'the
Pirate'- a.j. Murray.   Not too many people have any idea who he is, but
not only is he a new 40-man roster addition, but he's also
lefthanded.    I've always really liked A.J., and was really happy that
he's kept positive and fought so hard to regain a foothold with the team
after missing a lot of time with shoulder issues the last few years.

      When we both signed in 2001, he was cast as more of a David Wells
type, and I was cast as a Tom Glavine type.    Its kinda funny how those
things turn out- we both have turned out to be much more physically
blessed than those comparisons, although the hardcore success has yet
evaded us.   I've got a lot of confidence in him as a competitor and
really see him being able to contribute either as a starter or a long
reliever.

      Just a few lockers down is Nate Gold, fresh off the best award
acceptance speech at the sluggers of the west banquet.   He's got a big
smile on his face, and he's got that really humble, best buddy kind of
personality that really deserves rewards like coming to camp with the
big team.

     A lot of new faces and names this spring...