Fresh Meat

Today was the first day back in Blue Jay camp and was it a long day. I was in the second group of physicals, so I had to be up and ready downstairs at 6:45 in the morning. Blood tests were first thing and I was ready to get mine over with because I hadn't eaten since six the previous night, plus I do not like getting blood tests. Once it was my turn I quietly asked if I could lie down and get my blood drawn to avoid the embarrassment of passing out in front of everyone, but I did not pass out luckily. Finally after I got through all my physicals I got to pick up my brand new Blue Jays gear which is a lot better than last years all black gear, it gets hot in the Florida sun. Our welcome back meeting happened around 11:15 and first practice was at 11:45.

I was pretty excited to finally get back on the field with the team, and I later found out I was going to be throwing a bullpen as well. The stretching was probably the worst part of the day. It was very hot and I made the brilliant decision to wear long sleeves. First we stretched normally followed by some calisthenics, then ending with agility drills. The pitchers and position players split up after that; pitchers throwing on field one and position players doing infield/outfield followed by batting practice. Once the pitchers were all done throwing, we were divided into two groups to shag batting practice. Batting practice, the most important time of the day for pitchers coaches always joke about.

After the first group of BP was over all pitchers that were throwing bullpens headed over to the main bullpens in between field two and three. I threw a 25 pitch bullpen throwing only fastballs and change-ups. I felt pretty good going in and out with the fastball while locating down with the change-up. Batting practice ended shortly after bullpens were over so the position players and pitchers got together on the turf field to go over some bunt plays. Once the bunt plays were reviewed we were dismissed to lunch and we were done for the day. So today's events consumed not even seven hours, but when the day was over I was worn out. As soon as I got back to the hotel I made a phone call to talk about my first day, but when that phone call ended I passed out and slept for three hours. I woke up, got some dinner, and did some laundry. So overall an exciting, exhausting day for the first day back from the off-season. Until next time.... As Adlin Sinclair said, "dream big, laugh often, and reach for the stars."