Twins 2012 Spring Training games start on Saturday! Isn't it wonderful that they figured out to have practice games in Florida right at the time when baseball fans can't stand not having baseball anymore and Minnesotans want to go somewhere warm?
If you've never been to Fort Myers for Spring Training, I highly encourage you to go. It's a great family vacation, whether you love baseball, the beach, or both.
I've been to Fort Myers once, and I'm going again this year. I know several fans who've gone many times. If you're one of those fans, you can probably go on to read the next blog on your list because you already know everything I have to say (probably much better than I do).
But, if you've never been, and would like some tips on the baseball part (the beach part you can figure out on your own), well then, read on.
First of all, I'll refer you to fellow blogger, Thrylos98. He's written up a very nice Spring Training Guide to Fort Myers and a Fort Myers Culinary Guide (with a curve). Be sure to check them out.
I will focus on what to do once you're at Lee County Sports Complex.
The complex is comprised of several practice fields and the main field, Hammond Stadium. Hammond Stadium is the home of the Fort Myers Miracle Single-A affiliate and it's where the Spring Training games are played. It's kind of funny because it has a beautiful exterior, with a fountain and nice landscaping, but then the inside is really boring.
As you would expect from a minor-league stadium, it's pretty small. Which means there's not really a bad seat in the house. Even up in the second level, you're still pretty close to the action. Keep in mind that most of the Spring Training games are day games, and that the seats near the field are in the sun (hot!) and the seats "up high" are in the shade. There is also a grassy area where you can sit on a blanket and have a baseball picnic -- perfect if you have little kids who would rather run around than sit and watch baseball.
If you go to the complex in the morning, you can catch the players doing their drills or hitting BP. The minor league affiliates have their Spring Training there too, so there are a lot of players. They usually have a table set up near the entrance with roster sheets. Each group of players wears different uniform combos -- blue and red tops, blue and gray tops, white pants, gray pants, etc. -- and the roster sheet will tell you who's who (there may be a total of four or five guys who wear #7 and there are no names on the jerseys, so you want to be sure). Get a new roster sheet every day because the groups change their uniforms every day. Also, you should probably bring Seth Stohs' Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook with you so you're armed with information about these guys.
The atmosphere around the complex is relaxed and casual. Fans can wander from station to station watching players do their thing or even take some pictures. However, you have to remember that they're doing their jobs, so they may not have time for chit chat. They don't want to get in trouble with their manager after all.
You may be able get some autographs before games or walking around the practice fields, and while a lot of players will be as accommodating as they can, it's not really an autograph signing event. Many players will limit their autograph signing for kids, and other guys prefer to wait until after the game to sign.
If you're lucky enough to get a player willing and able to sign, be sure to help him out by having your item and pen -- cap off, ink flowing, and handed to him properly -- ready to go. Use a blue ball-point pen for baseballs (ball-point won't bleed into the leather, and blue won't fade like black does) and a Sharpie for everything else. Be nice; if he can't sign, he can't sign. Also, know who you're asking -- just because a guy looks like Jason Kubel doesn't mean he is Jason Kubel (yes, this actually happens more than you'd think).
Don't be in a hurry to leave after a game, because if you hang out near the exit where the players park (it's a fenced-off lot), you might see a player who is willing to hang out in his car and sign autographs for a while. But don't expect premier players like Joe Mauer or Justin Morneau to be doing this -- there is just way too much demand for their autographs.
Above all, relax and have a good time. Don't worry about the score of the game -- no one else does. Visit with folks. Enjoy the sunshine. Notice how everyone is happy.
Showing posts with label spring training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring training. Show all posts
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Start of Something Great
Do you know what's going on today?
Of course you do.
Today is the day when boys,
and men with boys' hearts,
gather by the hundreds
in places like Clearwater,
and Mesa, and Surprise,
and Fort Myers,
to participate in baseball activities.
They're perfecting their changeups,
and bunts,
and double-plays.
They're practicing covering first,
and running down flies,
and knocking the ball out of the park.
They're breaking in new gloves,
and new shoes,
and new routines.
They're greeting old friends,
and making new ones.
They're preparing their bodies
and minds for the new season.
And they're bringing their dreams.
Dreams as fresh as the grass beneath their feet
and as optimistic as the sun on their faces.
And their dreams may vary in the details
-- some dream of winning it all,
while some dream of making the big team --
their dreams are essentially the same.
They dream of besting the competition:
the other teams,
the other players on their teams,
themselves.
And their fans are dreaming too.
On this day, we all have a small voice
that says "this is the year."
So our boys practice,
and play,
and prepare.
They'll bat,
and throw,
and catch.
And they'll make their fans very happy to see them.
Good luck boys.
Work hard and have fun.
The best is yet to come.
~~~
I wrote this poem about three years ago, so if you've been here for awhile, you might recognize it. I'm replaying it because I like it. Besides, I can't think of a better way to celebrate the start of Spring Training than with a hopeful poem.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Right Around the Corner
Now that the spectacle of the NFL championship is over, thoughts of green grass, and leather gloves, and wood bats take over baseball fans' minds. Spring Training is right around the corner, and I bet you can't wait. I know I can't.
And, by now, it kind of looks like the Twins are done adding players and the Spring Training crew is set. If you're planning on heading to beautiful Fort Myers to visit our boys or if you're planning on listening to some broadcasts, you'll want to know who it is you should root for. So I decided to compile a helpful list.
Guys With Whom We're Acquainted
I'm sure they're all ready to get this season started. I am.
And, by now, it kind of looks like the Twins are done adding players and the Spring Training crew is set. If you're planning on heading to beautiful Fort Myers to visit our boys or if you're planning on listening to some broadcasts, you'll want to know who it is you should root for. So I decided to compile a helpful list.
Guys With Whom We're Acquainted
- Scott Baker, RHP
- Nick Blackburn, RHP
- Alex Burnett, RHP
- Drew Butera, C
- Matt Capps, RHP
- Alexi Casilla, IF
- Brian Duensing, LHP
- Luke Hughes, IF
- Francisco Liriano, LHP
- Jeff Manship, RHP
- Joe Mauer, C
- Justin Morneau, 1B
- Tsuyoshi Nishioka, IF
- Carl Pavano, RHP
- Glen Perkins, LHP
- Trevor Plouffe, IF/OF
- Ben Revere, OF
- Denard Span, OF
- Rene Tosoni, OF
- Danny Valencia, 3B
- Joe Benson, OF
- Scott Diamond, LHP
- Liam Hendriks, RHP
- Lester Oliveros, RHP
- Chris Parmelee, IF
- Anthony Swarzak, RHP
- Brian Dinkelman, IF (non-roster invitee)
- Phil Dumatrait, RHP (non-roster invitee)
- Rene Rivera, C (non-roster invitee)
- Anthony Slama, RHP (non-roster invitee)
- Jamey Carroll, IF
- Ryan Doumit, DH/OF/1B
- Jason Marquis, RHP
- Josh Willingham, OF
- Joel Zumaya, RHP
- Oswaldo Arcia, OF
- Terry Doyle, RHP (new)
- Jeff Gray, RHP (new)
- Deolis Guerra, RHP
- Carlos Gutierrez, RHP
- Matt Maloney, LHP (new)
- Tyler Robertson, LHP
- Esmerling Vasquez, RHP
- Aaron Bates, 1B
- Jason Bulger, RHP (new)
- Sean Burroughs, IF (new)
- Jared Burton, RHP (new)
- Matt Carson, OF (new)
- Ray Chang, 3B
- Samuel Deduno, RHP (new)
- Casey Fien, RHP (new)
- Pedro Florimon, IF (new)
- Chris Herrmann, C
- Mike Hollimann, 2B (new)
- Danny Lehmann, C
- Steve Pearce, 1B (new)
- Luis Perdomo, RHP (new)
- Wilkin Ramirez, OF (new)
- Daniel Rohlfing, C
- Aaron Thompson, LHP (new)
- Daryl Thompson, RHP (new)
- JR Towles, C (new)
- PJ Walters, RHP (new)
- Brendan Wise, RHP (new)
I'm sure they're all ready to get this season started. I am.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Quick Notes: Mar. 2, 2011
The Spring Training games have started. It's still kind of early to really know much about anything, but it's certainly fun listening to live radio broadcasts of live pitching, batting, and fielding.
~~~
Justin Morneau is making good progress from his head injury, but he's still waiting to be cleared to play in games. Even though steady progress is good news, fans are still quite concerned. We all remember how Corey Koskie's career was cut short due to concussion symptoms, and no one wants a repeat of that. Concussions are so hard to predict and understand; there is no way to put a timetable on it. It is, after all, a bruise to the brain, and every bruise -- and every brain for that matter -- heals differently. Fans are also concerned about who would play if Justin can't. I think Cuddyer does just fine -- he's no superstar, but he's serviceable -- but there is no other depth at the position.
~~~
Speaking of Michael Cuddyer, he returned to the Twin Cities to have a pesky wart on his foot removed. He figured now would be a better time than, say, April. I've had nasty plantar warts, and let me tell you, they're painful. And gross. He said that there is a 60% chance that it's gone. Yeah, that's the thing about warts; they're like dandelions -- the root runs very deep, and if you don't get it all, it comes back. With attitude.
~~~
Speaking of feet, Delmon Young still hasn't played because he's got turf toe. Seriously? Turf toe? He's been in Fort Myers, what, fifteen minutes? And they don't even have turf. Actually, turf toe is pretty painful and isn't as silly as it sounds. He must've been working hard preparing for Spring Training, and over-did things a bit. I'm sure it's sore, but it shouldn't be too serious.
~~~
Joe Mauer had some sort of lubricant injected in his knee. I imagine it was the equivalent of the Tin Man's oil can. A couple of shots of 3-in-1, and he's good to go. Some folks are wondering if this should indicate that maybe he shouldn't be catching. I don't think it's a big deal. He had cartilage removed from that knee, so it stands to reason that it would need some maintenance every 3,000 miles.
~~~
If Nishioka turns out to be a good player, I think he'll quickly become one of my favorites. He seems to be a really fun guy. And it sounds like he and Alexi are developing ways to communicate with each other. Dan Gladden said something about that they're using their mouths to indicate who has it -- mouth open for one, mouth closed for the other. I just hope neither one of them suffers a serious head cold and has to breathe with his mouth open.We'd all hate a rhinovirus-induced collision.
~~~
Gardy announced that he fully expects to give Brian Duensing a spot in the starting rotation. Good for Brian; I kind of like him. With Liriano and Pavano already locked in, that leaves three guys for two remaining spots. I've gotta believe Baker gets a spot. So that leaves Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn to duke it out. Personally, I think Slowey's pitching style is more fitting for starting and Blackie would be all right in the bull pen. But, we'll have to see how things shake out in Spring Training. Or, they could just play rock-paper-scissors for the job.
~~~
Justin Morneau is making good progress from his head injury, but he's still waiting to be cleared to play in games. Even though steady progress is good news, fans are still quite concerned. We all remember how Corey Koskie's career was cut short due to concussion symptoms, and no one wants a repeat of that. Concussions are so hard to predict and understand; there is no way to put a timetable on it. It is, after all, a bruise to the brain, and every bruise -- and every brain for that matter -- heals differently. Fans are also concerned about who would play if Justin can't. I think Cuddyer does just fine -- he's no superstar, but he's serviceable -- but there is no other depth at the position.
~~~
Speaking of Michael Cuddyer, he returned to the Twin Cities to have a pesky wart on his foot removed. He figured now would be a better time than, say, April. I've had nasty plantar warts, and let me tell you, they're painful. And gross. He said that there is a 60% chance that it's gone. Yeah, that's the thing about warts; they're like dandelions -- the root runs very deep, and if you don't get it all, it comes back. With attitude.
~~~
Speaking of feet, Delmon Young still hasn't played because he's got turf toe. Seriously? Turf toe? He's been in Fort Myers, what, fifteen minutes? And they don't even have turf. Actually, turf toe is pretty painful and isn't as silly as it sounds. He must've been working hard preparing for Spring Training, and over-did things a bit. I'm sure it's sore, but it shouldn't be too serious.
~~~
Joe Mauer had some sort of lubricant injected in his knee. I imagine it was the equivalent of the Tin Man's oil can. A couple of shots of 3-in-1, and he's good to go. Some folks are wondering if this should indicate that maybe he shouldn't be catching. I don't think it's a big deal. He had cartilage removed from that knee, so it stands to reason that it would need some maintenance every 3,000 miles.
~~~
If Nishioka turns out to be a good player, I think he'll quickly become one of my favorites. He seems to be a really fun guy. And it sounds like he and Alexi are developing ways to communicate with each other. Dan Gladden said something about that they're using their mouths to indicate who has it -- mouth open for one, mouth closed for the other. I just hope neither one of them suffers a serious head cold and has to breathe with his mouth open.We'd all hate a rhinovirus-induced collision.
~~~
Gardy announced that he fully expects to give Brian Duensing a spot in the starting rotation. Good for Brian; I kind of like him. With Liriano and Pavano already locked in, that leaves three guys for two remaining spots. I've gotta believe Baker gets a spot. So that leaves Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn to duke it out. Personally, I think Slowey's pitching style is more fitting for starting and Blackie would be all right in the bull pen. But, we'll have to see how things shake out in Spring Training. Or, they could just play rock-paper-scissors for the job.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Short Notes - Feb. 19
Nick Punto Day Recap
Wow! I can't believe it's already been a week since Nick Punto Day. It was a ton of fun to participate in, and it was a blast to read all the various opinions and takes on our own #8.
I'd like to give a shout out to everyone who linked to my entry, specifically Seth Stohs in his StarTribune Our Voices blog and Howard Sinker in his StarTribune A Fan's View blog.
How Can I Watch Winter Sports When Spring Training Is So Close?
It's hard, but I'm managing to keep two seemingly mutually exclusive notions in my head at once. So while I'm anxiously awaiting baseball, I'm quite entertained with snow and ice events. Besides, what else am I going to watch? I really enjoy the Winter Games; I always have.
A year ago, I wrote a poem-like piece about Pitchers and Catchers Reporting. I'm pretty proud of it, so it's hard to top. If you want to check it out, it's here.
Hello Old Friend?
Last week, the Twins signed Jacque Jones to a minor league contract. Yes, the same Jacque Jones we all were in love with in 2002.
So we'll see if he makes the squad as a 4th outfielder. I'm rooting for him -- not necessarily because he's still good at baseball, but because he's still cute as a button. Now we just need Dougie, Corey, and Torii back, and it'll be a reunion party.
Wow! I can't believe it's already been a week since Nick Punto Day. It was a ton of fun to participate in, and it was a blast to read all the various opinions and takes on our own #8.
I'd like to give a shout out to everyone who linked to my entry, specifically Seth Stohs in his StarTribune Our Voices blog and Howard Sinker in his StarTribune A Fan's View blog.
How Can I Watch Winter Sports When Spring Training Is So Close?
It's hard, but I'm managing to keep two seemingly mutually exclusive notions in my head at once. So while I'm anxiously awaiting baseball, I'm quite entertained with snow and ice events. Besides, what else am I going to watch? I really enjoy the Winter Games; I always have.
A year ago, I wrote a poem-like piece about Pitchers and Catchers Reporting. I'm pretty proud of it, so it's hard to top. If you want to check it out, it's here.
Hello Old Friend?
Last week, the Twins signed Jacque Jones to a minor league contract. Yes, the same Jacque Jones we all were in love with in 2002.
So we'll see if he makes the squad as a 4th outfielder. I'm rooting for him -- not necessarily because he's still good at baseball, but because he's still cute as a button. Now we just need Dougie, Corey, and Torii back, and it'll be a reunion party.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Random Stuff
- I turned my Twins calendar to the new month today (yeah, I know the month is almost a week old, but that's kind of how I am -- a late calendar turner), and Mr. February is....
Luis Castillo.
I almost forgot about him -- well not quite. I do miss him, but I was happy to see that he signed an extention with the Mets.
- Speaking of the Mets, it looks like Johan will be wearing his usual number 57 for them. I don't know why I thought he would wear a different number, but I did. I suppose he has an attachment to the number, good luck or something, but I was just hoping that he'd keep #57 his Twins number. Silly me.
But I'll bet he'll be happy to meet up with his buddy Luis in spring training.
- Speaking of spring training, it's only 10 days away. I'm very happy that the season is getting close. I bet a lot of the guys are already down in Florida getting ready. Good for them, because it's supposed to get super-cold again this weekend (not that any of them actually live here).
God, I wish I was traveling to Florida.
- Speaking of traveling to Florida, I had to chuckle at one of LaVelle's recent blog entries where he says:
"It’s time to lay low as much as possible until Feb. 16 when the 60-hour work weeks begin in Fort Myers, Fla."
Poor guy. He has to go in Florida. In February. To watch baseball.
Actually, I wouldn't want the routine of being a sports beat writer. Too much traveling, days that are too long, and too much responsibility. So in a way, I'm glad it's him and not me. Then again -- Florida, February, baseball.
That's all I have for now.
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