Nice surprise, our player got an afternoon off and showed up at the door!
First time we have had a chance to sit down and talk over dinner about spring training. I won't go into all details but he is very glad he worked to the point of exhaustion during off season, spring training daily grind has been a lot easier for him than some others who showed up. Some of the guys think that st is time to condition, but like everything else, time to condition is way before you show up. You are trying out for a position just like you were in HS and college. In st some are competing not to get released, the younger guys are competing to move into the next level and not remain in the same one. The whole idea is the same at each level, HS, college, pro. Do this when you are young if you wish to pursue at the pro level, you must come prepared and a good habit to get into early.
I am just becoming familiar with his organization, don't know much about other organizations, but they will place a strength trainer with every level this summer. This will help prevent injuries, hopefully through better everyday conditioning. Great idea, IMO. The one in charge of minor league development has sure turned things around. He really feels that they really care about him and will do all they can to help him succeed, not just him but everyone.
He had a great chat with TLR who offered some great advice to him as a young pitcher. He will carry that personal advice with him as he progresses. I don't know much about TLR, but they say he is always watching or getting reports on all of the young players.
They made a few adjustments for him and they seem to be working. I think that watching the more experienced pitchers has been extrememly helpful in understanding what it's all about...experience. He does feel that his college baseball experience prepared him well.
Mine doesn't know most of the players who were released as they were older or he never crossed paths with them. Most were those with chronic injuries who never got in time, or were at an age (25-27) where they would not advance. It is hard and words spreads quickly through camp.
He is looking forward to the season to finally begin.
I think the strength trainer at every level is pretty standard. Players have to lift several days per week during the season....even when they travel.
He didn't have one at Batavia, he did his routine from what he knew at college. Maybe if there was one, he would have known how to adjust his workouts with a bum ankle. 
So maybe this was not standard in his organization.
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Tomorrow (Sunday) is "cut day". Everyone walking around the Complex on pins & needles. This will mean for some, the first time they have ever been cut from a baseball team.
Word from the bloggers say that at the Phillies Camp, they will need to let between 35 and 40 go.
Dreams... hard work... a lot of luck...the funnel gets smaller.
cadDAD
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Tomorrow (Sunday) is "cut day". Everyone walking around the Complex on pins & needles. This will mean for some, the first time they have ever been cut from a baseball team.
Word from the bloggers say that at the Phillies Camp, they will need to let between 35 and 40 go.
Dreams... hard work... a lot of luck...the funnel gets smaller.
cadDAD
.
Cut Day tomorrow for the Pads as well. Word was it was going to be Saturday...now Sunday (Happy Easter) as Sunday is the day meal money is handed out 
.
So Boy was in the lunch room early with some guys today, left his drink at his place and went to get a tray. When he comes back, a guy in sand-blasted pants (as worn at the Major League camp) is sitting in his chair. Guy says "my bad"; Aeden says "No, man, you're wearing sand-blasted pants, you can sit wherever you want!" "How many Spring Trainings you been to?" "This is my first." "Good. You learn fast. At my third, I said something to Trevor Hoffman when he cut me in the lunch line; he looks down at me and says 'you blanking say something to me, meat?' That's when I learned."
He's been catching some bullpens for the ML guys who have been very forthcoming with how to call a game, based on the pitcher's strengths merging with the hitters' propensities. Magic.
And.....anybody else heard about locker room football???
I sent him a Care Package the other day, including a twenty and told him to take Dirk out for a couple of beers from his fans at the hsbbweb. Dirk loved it!
.So Boy was in the lunch room early with some guys today, left his drink at his place and went to get a tray. When he comes back, a guy in sand-blasted pants (as worn at the Major League camp) is sitting in his chair. Guy says "my bad"; Aeden says "No, man, you're wearing sand-blasted pants, you can sit wherever you want!" "How many Spring Trainings you been to?" "This is my first." "Good. You learn fast. At my third, I said something to Trevor Hoffman when he cut me in the lunch line; he looks down at me and says 'you blanking say something to me, meat?' That's when I learned."
He's been catching some bullpens for the ML guys who have been very forthcoming with how to call a game, based on the pitcher's strengths merging with the hitters' propensities. Magic.
And.....anybody else heard about locker room football???
I sent him a Care Package the other day, including a twenty and told him to take Dirk out for a couple of beers from his fans at the hsbbweb. Dirk loved it!
.
It's 5AM and reveille is in 30 minutes (at least in our household). Took about 6 of the guys to dinner last night and verboten was any discussion about "how it happens tom'row morning. I've heard several say they don't want to "walk the driveway of death"... where the coaches meet you before you even get to the clubhouse. Many will be headed home today. Somehow they never teach you this stuff along the way...
Those that didn't spend enough time in the classroom seem to be the most worried. "Didn't finish college, still owe loans, what will I do next?" Several at dinner last night "on the bubble" but all seem to worry about the inevitable.
More later...
cadDAD
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It's 5AM and reveille is in 30 minutes (at least in our household). Took about 6 of the guys to dinner last night and verboten was any discussion about "how it happens tom'row morning. I've heard several say they don't want to "walk the driveway of death"... where the coaches meet you before you even get to the clubhouse. Many will be headed home today. Somehow they never teach you this stuff along the way...
Those that didn't spend enough time in the classroom seem to be the most worried. "Didn't finish college, still owe loans, what will I do next?" Several at dinner last night "on the bubble" but all seem to worry about the inevitable.
More later...
cadDAD
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...the music still plays, and, there ain't many chairs left.
well, dang
I'm on pins and needles too.
I'm on pins and needles too.
waiting anxiously.....
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ofcrKID made the cut. Right now headed to Lakewood, NJ when Camp breaks in a week. Still one more week of ST and more cuts coming, but looks good at this point. The AF has at this point said he can play. Very complicated as he could end up in Iraq late this year. Currently hitting .380 in ST, so hitting's not a problem.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and wishes...
cadDAD
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ofcrKID made the cut. Right now headed to Lakewood, NJ when Camp breaks in a week. Still one more week of ST and more cuts coming, but looks good at this point. The AF has at this point said he can play. Very complicated as he could end up in Iraq late this year. Currently hitting .380 in ST, so hitting's not a problem.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and wishes...
cadDAD
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Congrats!
Our son didn't indicate if this was a significant 'cut day' or not so I haven't a clue. Am sure there will be quite a few before the week is out. Hoping FB.Son gets good news in the way of no news. He had a chance to pitch against the big leaguers yesterday ... 1.1 innings, 1 hit, 1 BB, 1 K and a ST ERA (with the big guys) of 0.00 ... hope that helps keep him safe from the butcher block.
Every once in awhile - I post something like this. I know it sounds arrogant - or bad or whatever - but I dont care.
D gets told - after playing middle infield his entire life - welcome to Centerfield.
So - he gets his first chance as a professional CF with a player trying to score from second on a laser beam hit to CF.
And he guns him out at the plate. Laser beam came in faster than it went out. LOL
I dont think I ever met a kid - and I know I am being terribly biased here - who just doesnt give a **** where you put him - or what you make him do. Ever.
He justs say yes - and then he does it.
At some point this is going to end - I know that.
But - the last couple years - whether its a big thing - or a small thing like this play - it makes me very proud of this hard core, ornery and very competitive "S-O-B"
Go D - Go!
D gets told - after playing middle infield his entire life - welcome to Centerfield.
So - he gets his first chance as a professional CF with a player trying to score from second on a laser beam hit to CF.
And he guns him out at the plate. Laser beam came in faster than it went out. LOL
I dont think I ever met a kid - and I know I am being terribly biased here - who just doesnt give a **** where you put him - or what you make him do. Ever.
He justs say yes - and then he does it.
At some point this is going to end - I know that.
But - the last couple years - whether its a big thing - or a small thing like this play - it makes me very proud of this hard core, ornery and very competitive "S-O-B"
Go D - Go!
We all need good news its! sounds like a great play!
That's awesome, its!
Thanks 55mom,
And it really isnt so much about a single good play.
Lots of players make those plays every single day.
It is more about attitude - and a burning desire - and the continued disdain - a sustainable and obvious anger - for all those that tried to hurt him.
It burns in him - and in us - every single day.
It burns bright and hot.
That fire never dissipated - in fact - it increased - and it continues to increase.
And it is fun to let it play out - and - believe me or not - we all enjoy it more every single day.
We are proud of it - and the way he has dealt with it as well.
And we remain disgusted by those that tried to stop him.
They are all gone now - they have run away like rats deserting a ship - but in our minds - they are still with us all every single day.
I guess everyone is motivated by something different.
His motivation is clear - when you see him play - when you see him run out to his position. You cant miss it if you really know the game.
His utter disdain for those that tried to hurt him. His unwillingness to compromise - or "make up".
And he has trampled over them - and I want him to back up - and run each one of them over again. And again.
And then one more time. For me and mom.
That is the fire I am talking about.
And that is what I am most proud of.
And it really isnt so much about a single good play.
Lots of players make those plays every single day.
It is more about attitude - and a burning desire - and the continued disdain - a sustainable and obvious anger - for all those that tried to hurt him.
It burns in him - and in us - every single day.
It burns bright and hot.
That fire never dissipated - in fact - it increased - and it continues to increase.
And it is fun to let it play out - and - believe me or not - we all enjoy it more every single day.
We are proud of it - and the way he has dealt with it as well.
And we remain disgusted by those that tried to stop him.
They are all gone now - they have run away like rats deserting a ship - but in our minds - they are still with us all every single day.
I guess everyone is motivated by something different.
His motivation is clear - when you see him play - when you see him run out to his position. You cant miss it if you really know the game.
His utter disdain for those that tried to hurt him. His unwillingness to compromise - or "make up".
And he has trampled over them - and I want him to back up - and run each one of them over again. And again.
And then one more time. For me and mom.
That is the fire I am talking about.
And that is what I am most proud of.
Its
That is great news. In the middle of positions change. Good performance and better actitude.
Congrats to Darin
That is great news. In the middle of positions change. Good performance and better actitude.
Congrats to Darin
and that is why they make those plays. There is a certain intensity - a desire to prove people right - and sometimes to prove others wrong. Prove it to yourself, thank your parents for all the support. Some times it seems like it is all wrapped up in a single play.
Son really wants to continue to play as long as he can. There are so many naysayers, but can't he dream? Maybe if we let our athletes dream big, we wouldn't be going off shore for young guys? I don't know?
I love hearing these stories. Your son sounds terrific. No problem posting.
Son really wants to continue to play as long as he can. There are so many naysayers, but can't he dream? Maybe if we let our athletes dream big, we wouldn't be going off shore for young guys? I don't know?
I love hearing these stories. Your son sounds terrific. No problem posting.
quote:Originally posted by 55mom:
I love hearing these stories. Your son sounds terrific. No problem posting.
its, I missed the arrogance. Keep reporting on D.
quote:Laser beam came in faster than it went out. LOL
...now if I could only overcome my apprehension about
Well done D.
Making those adjustments is what it is all about.
There were no cuts in camp yesterday, I think most have been made.
Due to weather, all levels on two teams played together (mixed levels) to get in their work, 12 innings each game. It was amazing how smoothly things were run by both sides.
Infidel,
If you don't start bragging about your son, I will do it for you.
Making those adjustments is what it is all about.
There were no cuts in camp yesterday, I think most have been made.
Due to weather, all levels on two teams played together (mixed levels) to get in their work, 12 innings each game. It was amazing how smoothly things were run by both sides.
Infidel,
If you don't start bragging about your son, I will do it for you.
its... That's great news about your son. I can feel the pride all the way here to Stone Mountain. Wonderful news!!!!
iitg ...
Great story about your son and the power of perserverance. He will go far with that work ethic and positive attitude. I know in the past you have mentioned the naysayers in his life ... many of our sons had some of their own ... but the best way to prove them wrong is just as your son has done ... on the field, with the glove, etc. Good for him.
Great story about your son and the power of perserverance. He will go far with that work ethic and positive attitude. I know in the past you have mentioned the naysayers in his life ... many of our sons had some of their own ... but the best way to prove them wrong is just as your son has done ... on the field, with the glove, etc. Good for him.
Thanks all for the well wishes and very kind thoughts.
It still amazes me how many of my friends here have been supportive through the years.
It means alot to me and I sincerely appreciate you all.
It still amazes me how many of my friends here have been supportive through the years.
It means alot to me and I sincerely appreciate you all.
First and foremost, major KUDO's to all in ST and still living the dream.
I hesitate to post since he's far from out of the woods, but Josh threw simulated game against live hitters today for the first time in over a year. He was limited to 25 pitches and gave up one double, five groundouts and one flyout to seven hitters. His shoulder is pain free and he felt rusty but good. Slider and change-up still lagging a little but overall happy.
Prayers and well wishes still very much welcomed. He knows he's but a small number in a large numbers game.
I hesitate to post since he's far from out of the woods, but Josh threw simulated game against live hitters today for the first time in over a year. He was limited to 25 pitches and gave up one double, five groundouts and one flyout to seven hitters. His shoulder is pain free and he felt rusty but good. Slider and change-up still lagging a little but overall happy.
Prayers and well wishes still very much welcomed. He knows he's but a small number in a large numbers game.
FrankF,
That's great news. We are all pulling for him and wishing him best of luck!
That's great news. We are all pulling for him and wishing him best of luck!
Frank,
Thank you for the news. Seems like a long series of very small steps for Josh.
I am rooting for him everyday and have a pretty good understanding of the efforts he has made to get to this spot.
Here is hoping the steps get bigger and the distance to go gets shorter.
Thank you for the news. Seems like a long series of very small steps for Josh.
I am rooting for him everyday and have a pretty good understanding of the efforts he has made to get to this spot.
Here is hoping the steps get bigger and the distance to go gets shorter.
frank
great news for josh. anytime a young man comes back from an arm injury thats great. when you come back at that level it's awesome.
heres wishing him well.
great news for josh. anytime a young man comes back from an arm injury thats great. when you come back at that level it's awesome.
heres wishing him well.
quote:Originally posted by FrankF:
First and foremost, major KUDO's to all in ST and still living the dream.
I hesitate to post since he's far from out of the woods, but Josh threw simulated game against live hitters today for the first time in over a year. He was limited to 25 pitches and gave up one double, five groundouts and one flyout to seven hitters. His shoulder is pain free and he felt rusty but good. Slider and change-up still lagging a little but overall happy.
Prayers and well wishes still very much welcomed. He knows he's but a small number in a large numbers game.
Position changing, fighting back from injury, and those just looking forward to another season in the sun. There's much to be proud of here.
Hooray and best wishes to Our Boys.
Hooray and best wishes to Our Boys.
FrankF
I am glad that Josh is getting back so good. I hope he keep his way back to normal.
I am glad that Josh is getting back so good. I hope he keep his way back to normal.
20dad
I just sent you a PM
I just sent you a PM
My pitcher found out the other day he will be remaining in Jupiter. They had to tell him because they needed to adjust his pitching rotation, he will pitch his first game next saturday, middle of the 5 man rotation. We are very proud of him, he has worked hard to be able to actually skip low A l and hope he is up for the task being that he hasn't really pitched that much in spring training.
They also told them so that they can begin looking for a place to live.
Unfortunetly South Florida is not like the midwest or south where families open their home to strangers. That means finding a place to rent month by month and not signing a lease to get stuck with, very expensive. Right now it looks like a condo on the beach, for him that's not unusual life here in FL, for the others from out of state, it's amazing. As independent as he is, he seems to be pretty happy we will have more opportunities to watch him pitch as a pro than in college. Ironically his pitching mates will be a former summer team mate and the pitcher who prevented us from going to Omaha in 2005.
In a way baseball right now has come full circle for him, playing in Jupiter back fields at 22 when he did starting at 14 until he went off to college and having the opportunity for friends and family to come watch him that couldn't when he was so far away. He feels very much "at home".
Best of luck to all of our pro players!
They also told them so that they can begin looking for a place to live.
Unfortunetly South Florida is not like the midwest or south where families open their home to strangers. That means finding a place to rent month by month and not signing a lease to get stuck with, very expensive. Right now it looks like a condo on the beach, for him that's not unusual life here in FL, for the others from out of state, it's amazing. As independent as he is, he seems to be pretty happy we will have more opportunities to watch him pitch as a pro than in college. Ironically his pitching mates will be a former summer team mate and the pitcher who prevented us from going to Omaha in 2005.
In a way baseball right now has come full circle for him, playing in Jupiter back fields at 22 when he did starting at 14 until he went off to college and having the opportunity for friends and family to come watch him that couldn't when he was so far away. He feels very much "at home".
Best of luck to all of our pro players!
TPM
It is a great news that your son will pitch at high A, I wish to him a great season, if he does it who knows where he finish pitching this year.
About Marcos, he just learned yesterday that he will play at New Hampshire AA, I am very proud of him because he also is jumping a level(high A). He just got back the year he lost to knee injury(2006). God has been good to him. He is really happy, and me too.
It is a great news that your son will pitch at high A, I wish to him a great season, if he does it who knows where he finish pitching this year.
About Marcos, he just learned yesterday that he will play at New Hampshire AA, I am very proud of him because he also is jumping a level(high A). He just got back the year he lost to knee injury(2006). God has been good to him. He is really happy, and me too.
Good News TPM and Racab! How exciting for your sons! and their families
TPM....High A and close to home...congrats on his hard work and your good fortune to be the official TEAM MOM!
Congrats to Josh, David and Marcos!!!
D got assigned - movin' on up from short season to Lansing A. They got him slated to be hitting in the 3rd spot.
Doggie better hit the ball LOL
D got assigned - movin' on up from short season to Lansing A. They got him slated to be hitting in the 3rd spot.
Doggie better hit the ball LOL
Son will be starting out in Wilmington De. and I'm thrilled! He will be home tonight and I will get to watch him play!
Exciting news all around --- and am I jealous of those of you with the great fortune to have your boys so close to home!
The Pads are leaving the news until exceedingly late. Right about now, his big suitcase knows where he's going, but he doesn't! They had to pack up to get the bulk of their stuff trucked to their teams; the guys will get their assignments tomorrow.
Fingers crossed, candles lit, live chickens sacrificed......
The Pads are leaving the news until exceedingly late. Right about now, his big suitcase knows where he's going, but he doesn't! They had to pack up to get the bulk of their stuff trucked to their teams; the guys will get their assignments tomorrow.
Fingers crossed, candles lit, live chickens sacrificed......
The woodman and I don't live all that far from the Kane County Cougars. When your sons play against them, let us know; we'll try to make it out to see them play. And of course, if YOU happen to come to watch your son play there, well, please give us a call. We'd LOVE to meet you!
Congratulations to all of our hsbbw boys.
FrankF...I'm also praying for your son to make it all the way back...Just a matter of time. You'll see.
FrankF...I'm also praying for your son to make it all the way back...Just a matter of time. You'll see.