 Buck's
Blog
Former Mounts standout and Shippensburg grad Ross Buckwalter shares some of his daily experiences in professional baseball as a second-year relief pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays' Organization |
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In the 2007 Major League Baseball June Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected former Mount standout and Shippensburg grad Ross Buckwalter in the 26th round, making him one of only a handful of Ephrata High School baseball players ever to be drafted to play professional baseball. In 2008, "Buck" was invited to Blue Jays' Spring Training and is hoping to make an impression on the mound worthy of a promotion. This first-person narrative offers the unique opportunity to follow the 2003 EHS grad as he enters his second season of professional baseball as a right-handed relief pitcher. |
| Thursday, May 8, 2008 - Day #95 |
|
Tonight, we played the West Michigan Whitecaps, affiliate of the Detroit
Tigers. I started the 8th inning and faced two right handed hitters. We
were losing 2-0, so we were pitching to the situation to keep it a close
game and give us a chance to win. I got two ground ball outs and then we
brought a left-handed reliever in to face the lefty hitter. I threw my new
curve ball tonight and it worked very well! We ended up losing 2-0! Buck |
| Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - Day #93 |
|
Today
and yesterday, we played the Beloit Snappers, affiliate of the Minnesota
Twins. We lost both games, 4-2 and 6-1. I came in the game last night in
the 7th inning. I started the inning and struck out the first batter I
faced on a nice slider. The next guy hit a slider to the right-center gap
for a triple. We then had the infield in and I jammed the hitter on a
sinker and he fisted it to shallow center to score the guy on third. After
that I gave up my first walk of the season and then got two more outs to
finish the inning. I had a better 8th inning, getting a ground ball, line
out, fly out and gave up one hit. I struggled with the location of my
sinker, but should have kept throwing it instead of throwing off-speed
pitches. I have had some rough outings lately, but it's nice being a
reliever and being able to get back out there in the next few days. Buck |
| Saturday, May 3, 2008 - Day #90 |
|
Last
night, we played the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. I started the 8th inning,
while we were losing 4-2. I quickly got two ground ball outs to third base
before giving up a base hit up the middle. The inning ended on the next
batter when our catcher threw out the runner trying to steal second. I
then entered the 9th inning, still losing 4-2. I gave up a lead-off home
run on a split-finger that was belt high. After that, I gave up a few more
base hits, rolled a ground ball double play and a pop out to third base.
We ended up losing 5-2. I wasn't too happy with my outing last night. I
didn't have great command with my fastball and wasn't getting ahead in the
count. I hope to throw again shortly! Buck |
| Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - Day #87 |
|
I
just wanted to let everyone know that there are some really good pictures
on
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Ross+Buckwalter. Just type in my name
in the search bar and they will come up. Notice the number 23 for Coach
Shelley!!! Buck |
| Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - Day #86 |
|
Last
night, we played the Quad City River Bandits, affiliate of the Cardinals.
We played at the Cedar Rapid Kernels field because Quad Cities' field was
flooded by the Mississippi River. I had another tough outing last night. I
came in the 9th inning with a 3-2 lead, with the bases loaded and no outs.
We had the infield in and I got a weak ground ball, but it was between
third and short, which scored one run to tie it up. The next batter, I got
another chopper ground ball up the middle that went off the top of my
glove and the winning run scored. They were both ground balls that I
wanted, just hit in bad spots. Today, we are playing the River Bandits at
the Clinton Lumberkings' field. Buck |
| Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Day #84 |
|
The
past three days, we played the Clinton Lumberkings, affiliate of the Texas
Rangers. Before we left for our road trip, we played Thursday in the "Crosstown
Showdown" against Michigan State. We had pitchers come in from extended
spring training to throw during this game. Although I didn't get to pitch,
it was still a neat experience because there were over 12,000 people at
the game. I got to pitch again today in the 9th inning. I came in with
runners on first and third with one out, with a 1-0 lead. I gave up a base
hit fly ball to center field that scored the guy on third, which tied the
game. I got a fly ball to right for the second out and then gave up a base
hit up the middle that scored the winning run. I threw some quality
pitches and the game-winning base hit was a good slider down and away. I
guess that's the way it goes sometimes when you're a reliever. I hope to
get back out on the bump again soon! Buck |
| Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - Day #79 |
|
Tonight, we played the Peoria Chiefs, affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. My
fellow Shippensburg teammate, Nate Starner, started on the mound and threw
six shutout innings. I ended up closing in the ninth with a 7-2 lead. The
first batter I faced grounded out to the shortstop. I struck the second
batter out on a nice split-finger and then gave up a base hit up the
middle. I ended the inning with a line out to our shortstop. It was
another good outing and I felt very comfortable! Buck |
| Saturday, April 19, 2008 - Day #76 |
|
Today, we played the Kane County Cougars to finish up the series. We won
10-4 and I pitched the 9th inning. The first batter lined out to the
shortstop and then I got a ground ball to shortstop. The next guy hit a
single up the middle, followed by a triple down the line, which scored the
man on first. It was the first run I have given up this year. The last guy
flew out to center field to end the game. I was happy with the way I kept
my fastball down in zone. The base hits were pretty good pitches, however
they just took pretty good swings. Buck |
| Friday, April 18, 2008 - Day #75 |
|
Yesterday and today, we played the Kane County Cougars, affiliate of the
Oakland A's. We lost both games and I didn't get into either game. I hope
to pitch tomorrow in our last game against the Cougars. Thursday night we
had 7,600 fans because it was 70's Night and Thirsty Thursday! It was
pretty cool playing in front of that many fans! Buck |
| Thursday, April 17, 2008 - Day #74 |
|
Today, we finished up our series against the Burlington Bees, affiliate of
the Kansas City Royals. We went 1-2 against the Bees and lost our game
today. I entered the game today in the seventh inning, losing 7-3 with
runners on first and second with two outs. I quickly got the first batter
I faced to ground out to third on a sinking fastball. The next inning, I
struck out the first batter and got two ground balls, one to second and
the other to shortstop. We only scored one run in the 9th before falling
7-4. I was pleased with another good outing and hope to continue this for
a while! Buck |
| Saturday, April 12, 2008 - Day #69 |
|
Yesterday and today, we played the Cedar Rapid Kernels, the affiliate of
the Angels. We lost last night 1-0 in a pitcher's duel. Today, we won 3-1
in another close game. I got my first professional hold, pitching two
scoreless innings. I started the seventh with a 1-0 lead. I struck out my
first batter on a nice split-finger, then got a ground out before giving
up a base hit and a line out. We scored two more runs in the eighth to
make it 3-0. In the bottom of the eighth, I went 1-2-3, striking out one
batter. We then handed the ball over to our closer for the ninth. I
finished the day with two strikeouts, no walks, no runs, and one hit. The temperature for both games was in the 20's and it was snowing for most of the game today!!! I never imagined playing in anything worse than during my baseball career in Pennsylvania! Buck |
| Thursday, April 10, 2008 - Day #67 |
|
Today, we got the internet at our new apartments so I should be able to
write on a more daily basis. We had a rain out today against South Bend
and leave for Iowa tomorrow morning. We play the Cedar Rapids Kernels
Friday to Sunday, then head to the Burlington Bees for a three-game
series. Buck |
| Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - Day #65 |
|
Tonight, I made my first appearance in front
of the home crowd, entering the game in the seventh with us leading South
Bend, 9-3. I came in with two outs and a man on and rolled a ground
ball to end the inning. In the eighth, I gave up one hit and struck
out a batter. Then, in the ninth, I pitched a 1-2-3 inning, with
another strikeout. My splitter was working well and I was able to
keep my sinker down. My fastball had good movement and the hitters
were making a lot of their contact off the end of the bat. I don't have internet access here in my apartment yet, so in the meantime, I'll have to make contact via phone calls. Once I get hooked up, I should be able to post again on a daily basis. Buck |
| Saturday, April 5, 2008 - Day #62 |
|
Today, we played the Fort Wayne Wizards for the third time. We won 11-1
and I threw the eighth and ninth innings. I started the eighth inning and
was very aggressive with my sinker. We had a big lead, so I wanted to
pound the zone and get quick outs. I gave up one hit and had two
strikeouts in the 8th, and threw pretty well in the 9th. I hit one guy on
an inside fastball that got away from me, but other than that, I got three
quick outs! It was nice to get the first outing over with!!! Buck |
| Thursday, April 3, 2008 - Day #60 |
|
Tonight was our first game and we played the Fort Wayne Wizards. We lost
7-1 and I didn't get to pitch. The game was definitely a different type of
atmosphere from any baseball that I have ever experienced. It was pretty
neat with all the extra hype and things going on around the stadium. We
play a four game series here and head back to Lansing for our home opener
on Monday! Buck |
| Tuesday, April 1, 2008 - Day #58 |
|
Today, we had a light practice at a local indoor facility called "Frozen
Ropes". We stretched, tossed, did some team defense, quick PFP's, and
conditioned. In the evening, we had "Meet the Team" at our hotel here in
Lansing. It was mostly for season ticket holders and local fans. We sat at
tables in our uniform tops and signed autographs for about an hour, then
we were introduced one at a time to the crowd! Tomorrow, we are having
another short practice and then get ready for our road trip on Thursday!
Buck |
| Monday, March 31, 2008 - Day #57 |
|
Today, we arrived in Lansing, Michigan. We spent a few hours checking out
the stadium and running through some photos and media things in our
uniforms. Tomorrow, we practice in a local indoor facility and have "Meet
the Team" back at our hotel for all the season ticket holders. Seeing the
stadium in person today was pretty surreal! Buck |
| Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Day #55 |
|
Today, I pitched against the Yankees for the last time this Spring
Training. I started the bottom of the 8th, and we were losing 7-3. I threw
very well again, especially the new split-finger. The first batter flew
out to center field. I then gave up a bloop base hit to left field and
struck out the next guy. I ended the inning on a fly ball to left field.
Tomorrow, we have a camp day and head out Monday morning for Michigan! Buck |
| Friday, March 28, 2008 - Day #54 |
|
Today, the final rosters were posted and I am heading to LANSING, MICHIGAN
on Monday morning!!!! I was the only guy from rookie ball last year to
make the Lansing squad! I pitch tomorrow, one last time against the
Yankees. We then have a camp day on Sunday and fly out Monday morning!!!!
Buck |
| Thursday, March 27, 2008 - Day #53 |
|
Today
was a much shorter day than most. We didn't have to be at the field
until late this morning and all we did was stretch, long toss, and play
our game. I didn't pitch today, but I did have to man the radar gun for
the Low-A Lansing game. The rosters didn't change much, however three guys
were released. Hopefully, the final rosters are up tomorrow!! Buck |
| Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - Day #52 |
|
Today, I threw against the Phillies Low-A team. I pitched 2 innings,
giving up one unearned run. I kept the ball down very well again today and
threw my split-finger for the first time. It was a pretty good pitch and
had a lot of break to it. My velocity was the best it has ever been
throughout my career. I was sitting 89-91 in the first inning and 91-92
the second inning that I threw. There were more roster changes today, but
I was still on the Lansing squad. Hopefully, they post the final rosters
tomorrow! Buck |
| Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Day #51 |
|
Today, there were new rosters posted in the locker room. They separated
the Low-A Lansing squad and put a lot of guys in Extended Spring Training.
I was still on the Lansing Roster, which I was very pleased to see. They
said the rosters aren't final, but most of the guys said they are probably
very close, with a few moves here and there. I hope to stay on that
roster. I pitch tomorrow against the Phillies at home. Buck |
| Sunday, March 23, 2008 - Day #49 |
|
Today
was not the usual Easter Sunday! We had a stretch at 8:15 am and then a
intrasquad game at 9:30 am this morning. I pitched for the High-A Dunedin
team against the Low-A Lansing squad. I pitched the 5th and 6th inning. It
was probably my best performance of spring training! I was sitting 90-91
mph with my sinker and threw a few good cutters. I had one strike out and
gave up two hits. One of the hits was on a badly located fastball on a 1-2
count. That was the only sinker I left up in the zone all day. I felt
very, very comfortable with my fastball today and was spotting it very
well. The pitching coordinator took me to the bullpen afterwards and had
me throw some more cutters. He also worked with me to start to
develop a split-finger. Buck |
| Saturday, March 22, 2008 - Day #48 |
|
Today, I was the back-up pitcher for the High-A Dunedin game again. We
played against the Phillies in Clearwater. During the game, Jamie Moyer
came to the plate twice in one inning. He walked his first at bat and
scored two batters later. As soon as he scored he got back in the box to
lay down a bunt. Our catcher and pitcher said that he was literally
standing right on top of the plate! I am scheduled to throw in a simulated
game tomorrow since we have a camp day. Buck |
| Thursday, March 20, 2008 - Day #46 |
|
Today, I threw in the Low-A Lansing game. I entered the game in the top of
the 8th with one out and a man on second. I quickly got the second out,
which advanced the runner to third, but I ended up striking out the next
guy to end the inning. In the 9th inning, I got the first batter to hit a
chopper to third, but our third baseman bobbled it for an error. I then
gave up a double and three ground ball outs in a row to end the inning. I
was pleased with the way I pitched today. I kept my sinker down in the
zone and threw some pretty nice sliders! Buck |
| Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - Day #45 |
|
Today
and yesterday, we had regular practices in the morning, consisting of long
tossing, PFP's (pitchers fielding practice), team defensive fundamental
and shagging balls for batting practice! In the afternoon, we played games
against the Yankees and Rays. I was the back-up pitcher for the High-A
Dunedin team today, but didn't get in the game. I am scheduled to close in
the Low-A Lansing game tomorrow! Buck |
| Monday, March 17, 2008 - Day #43 |
|
Today, I had my first appearance against the Yankee's Single A team. I
started the 5th inning and had a rough start. I walked the first batter on
five pitches and gave up two hits after that, surrendering one run. I
finally settled down and got a ground ball and a strike out. The 6th
inning went much better. I got two ground balls and a fly out to right
field, throwing less than 10 pitches. I threw some quality sinkers when I
kept the ball down, but got hit hard when I left the ball up in the zone.
I was sitting 88-91 mph with my fastball, which I was quite happy about
this early in the year! I hope to throw in another day or two! Buck |
| Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Day #42 |
|
Yesterday, we had the awards assembly for last year's minor league season.
The Minor League Gold Glove award has been named after Tony Fernandez and
he was in attendance to present the trophy. He spoke briefly about his
career and gave advice about being ready for when an opportunity arises at
the next level. I am scheduled to throw second in tomorrow's game at the
Yankees Complex. Buck |
| Friday, March 14, 2008 - Day #40 |
|
Yesterday, we had a regular practice in the morning and games in the
afternoon against the Phillies. I was on the radar gun for the Triple-A
game. Today, I threw a 30-pitch live batting practice to four players on
the High-A Roster. I felt really good, but was leaving my fastball up in
the zone at times. I did throw a few decent fastballs that stayed down in
the zone and had some good sink. I hope to be in a game either Sunday or
Monday! Also, there were three pitchers released today, all from the Lansing Roster. Buck |
| Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - Day #38 |
|
We
had our first game today against the Phillies after a long morning
practice. The two single-A teams played at home, while the Double and
Triple-A teams played away. I believe I am still on schedule to throw a
live batting practice on Friday, setting me up for game action next week.
Hopefully, all goes well and I stay on schedule. I am looking forward to
pitching in a game situation! Buck |
| Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - Day #37 |
|
Today
I threw my last pen before I throw live batting practice. I moved over to
the right side of the rubber and started throwing 2-seam fastballs and
cutters. It was probably my best pen since I have been down here at Spring
Training. I threw around 50 pitches and felt really good! I am looking
forward to live Batting Practice this week and heading into games! Buck |
| Monday, March 10, 2008 - Day #36 |
|
This
past weekend we had two very long days. We did our fundamental work in the
morning and started live batting practice in the afternoons, followed by a
regular batting practice. It gave the pitchers a lot of shagging duty!!!!
I am still a pen or two behind, but threw another pen on Saturday. The
pitching coordinator was working on new grips for my slider. He also moved
me from the left side of the rubber to the right side. It feels a lot
different, but he thinks it will help me get better arm extension on my
pitches. I am scheduled to throw another pen tomorrow. Buck |
| Friday, March 7, 2008 - Day #33 |
|
Today
was another long day at the field. We had a later start because it rained
a lot last night and we had to wait for the fields to dry up. We had a
meeting for over an hour in the morning, which consisted of 1996 Cy Young
Award winner Pat Hentgen and long time starter Dave Stieb, talking about
pitching. It was cool to hear their stories and similar mental challenges
they had throughout their careers, which I now find myself experiencing.
Buck |
| Thursday, March 6, 2008 - Day #32 |
|
The
days are getting longer here at Spring Training. We have more stations,
conditioning, and of course, shagging balls during batting practice, a
pitcher's favorite duty!!! I threw another side-pen today consisting of 30
pitches, mostly two-seam fastballs and change ups. My pitching coach from
last year introduced me to an ex-major leaguer who played many years with
the Blue Jays and was also a two-seam pitcher. He showed me a new grip for
my two-seamer and it worked great. I was last in the bullpen today and the
pitching coaches were giving me some positive comments, saying I looked
very good!! Hopefully I can keep that up!! Buck |
| Wednesday, March 5, 2008 - Day #31 |
|
Today, the rosters were posted, showing what team we will play games and
workout with for the remainder of Spring Training. I was on the low-single
A Lansing Lugnuts roster. Even though that sounds good, guys said that in
the past you play at one level below what you are posted at in Spring
Training, unless you dominate in your games. That means I would most
likely be sent to Extended Spring Training and play another short season,
either Short-A or Rookie ball again, hopefully not though! Buck |
| Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - Day #30 |
|
Today, I was able to throw a pen after going through three stations of
PFP's. I was limited to 25 pitches; fastballs and change ups. I was happy
with the way my pen went. I kept both my fastball and change up down in
the zone for the most part. Position players have physicals tomorrow
morning and we are working out in the afternoon. Thursday is our
first full workout with everyone there. Buck |
| Monday, March 3, 2008 - Day #29 |
|
The
second day of Spring Training was about the same as Day One. Our schedule
got altered because some of the big league guys had an intrasquad on one
of our fields. I ran through PFP drills and bunt defenses like we did
yesterday. We also got timed and tested during an agility workout at the
end of the day. Hope to throw a pen tomorrow! Buck |
| Sunday, March 2, 2008 - Day #28 |
|
First
day of Spring Training! Today was the first official day of Minor League
Spring Training for pitchers and catchers. We were all placed into a
specific group of eight to ten guys. That is the group that you go with
from station to station during your workouts. We had five stations today
after we stretched and threw. The stations were PFP's, towel drills and a
bullpen for our group today. Tomorrow, my group will switch and do PFP's
and bunt defenses the whole day. I didn't throw a pen today, but I am back
on the normal schedule starting tomorrow. I should be back on schedule for
a pen on Tuesday!!! Buck |
| Friday, February 29, 2008 - Day #26 |
|
Today, I long tossed and threw a short flat ground program. We have off
tomorrow and I will do the same thing on Sunday. The trainer said he will
then release me to the pitching coaches and hopefully they will allow me
to throw a pen on Monday or Tuesday. The rest of the pitchers and catchers
report on Sunday, which means things are going to speed up. Buck |
| Thursday, February 28, 2008 - Day #25 |
|
This
morning we practiced at the Spring Training facility for the first time. I
threw 2 sets of 25 at 90 and 120 feet today. The shoulder felt fine once
again. Tomorrow I am long tossing and throwing a flat ground. The
temperature was in the high 40's when we were warming up. The southern
boys weren't handling it to well!!! Buck |
| Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - Day #23 |
|
This
morning was another typical day at the field. The trainers increased my
throwing to 25 throws at 90 feet and 25 throws at 120 feet. My arm felt
great once again and they plan to move me back farther on Thursday. I
should throw at 150 feet, plus throw a flat-ground. That would put me back
on track for next week with throwing a pen. We move to the Spring Training
facility on Thursday so things should start picking up!!! Buck |
| Monday, February 25, 2008 - Day #22 |
|
Today
I had two sets of 25 throws at 90 feet. My shoulder felt great, stronger
than before. I told them I am ready to throw pens again, but since it is
early in the season they don't push it very fast. The trainer said I will
be ready to throw in spring training and will not be that far behind. I
hope I am up to speed by spring training because the guys said its not
good to be hurt during that time. Vince, who was my pitching coach last
year said not to worry, that I will be ready by spring training games. Buck |
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - Day #19 |
|
This
morning we had the usual stretch, throw, condition and lift. I threw a set
of 25 throws at 75 feet and another set at 90 feet. My arm felt really
good again, so hopefully they will allow me to throw a pen sometime soon.
We were informed today that we will be heading to the spring training
facility on Thursday of next week, as the big league guys will be coming
over to the stadium for the start of their season. Buck |
| Thursday, February 21, 2008 - Day #18 |
|
We
had our full physicals this morning, which lasted about two hours. The big
league guys were finishing up there physicals as we were getting started.
I was signing papers today sitting next to Scott Rolen at one point, and
then David Eckstein at another station. I also got to stand next to Frank
Thomas and saw Vernon Wells. In the afternoon, we had a quick stretch and
throw with only the pitchers and catchers. I threw a little more today and
backed it up to about 90 feet. The trainer said everything looks good so
he is going to accelerate my throwing program. My arm feels back to normal
and better then ever so hopefully things we speed up fast. Buck |
| Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - Day #16 |
|
Today
went well. I got to throw up to 90 feet again. The shoulder felt back to
normal, so hopefully they will excel my throwing program. I would like to
be throwing a pen again by the end of this week. Besides the throwing, I
got to meet Frank Thomas in the training room. I am not sure why he was at
our facility, but he seemed to be working out there for the day. We were
being treated by the same trainer and he was standing right next to me and
said "Hey! Whats up?". He's even bigger than you could imagine!!!!
Buck |
| Monday, February 18, 2008 - Day #15 |
|
More
guys have started to arrive this week. The locker room is getting pretty
packed. I started throwing again today, only at about 90 feet, but it felt
good. I hope to stretch it out a little longer tomorrow if I am allowed.
Buck |
| Friday, February 15, 2008 - Day #12 |
|
This
morning I went through an extensive shoulder stretching program with the
trainer. I took the day off from throwing and continued to condition and
lift. My shoulder feels much better, and I have the weekend off, so I plan
to begin throwing again on Monday. The trainers gave me some new
strengthening exercises for my back and stretches for my pecs that should
prevent the impingement from happening again. My arm feels a lot better
already. Buck |
| Thursday, February 14, 2008 - Day #11 |
|
Today
I was supposed to throw another side pen, but had a little set back. My
shoulder soreness got worse and I had some really bad pinching. I got some
treatment from the trainers for most of the day. They believe its an
impingement, which I have had in the past, and heals with a little rest
and strengthening. Hopefully, it will only shut me down for a few days.
Buck |
| Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - Day #10 |
|
Today
was our day off for the week, but I decided to do some cardio since we
don't do much long distance running at the field. Yesterday, we did the
usual stretch, throw, condition and lift. I got to long toss and really
stretch it out, but my shoulder wasn't feeling the best so I took it easy.
The soreness is most likely from the new arm angle and release point that
I have changed in my new mechanics. Buck |
| Monday, February 11, 2008 - Day #8 |
|
Today
I threw another 25-pitch side pen, all fastballs. Vince was working with
me on my mechanics again, which felt very awkward. It is tough to change
the mechanics you have used your entire life. My location wasn't very good
but Vince told me not to worry about it considering I am altering my
delivery. Buck |
| Friday, February 8, 2008 - Day #5 |
|
Today was a typical day at the field. We stretched, long tossed, ran
through a lower body circuit and lifted. I worked on new mechanical
changes in my delivery during a short flat ground. Hopefully, the sink
on my two-seam fastball will be improved from the adjustments. Buck |
| Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - Day #3 |
|
I got to throw my second bullpen today. It
was only 25 pitches, all fastballs. I felt pretty good but wasn't locating
the ball that well. My pitching coach from last year, Vince Horsman (who
is an ex-major leaguer), was working with me on my mechanics. He said I am
throwing across my body too much and am not stepping straight. He felt my
control and weight transfer will be much better if I concentrate on my
lower body action. Buck |
| Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - Day #2 |
|
Today, the minor league guys moved to the High A stadium in downtown
Dunedin. We will be working out there for the rest of February. The
facility is actually bigger and nicer than the spring training facility.
We also got our new workout gear and own personalized lockers. I got to
long toss, condition and lift at the stadium. The conditioning wasn't as
bad as I thought. Of course, it makes it a little easier when the temperature is 80 degrees rather than the 30 degree PA weather!! Buck |
| Monday, February 4, 2008 - Day #1 |
|
The first day down here in Dunedin,
Florida went well. We arrived at the field at 8:30am and were only allowed
to stretch and throw because we didn't receive our physicals until late in
the afternoon. I did get to meet starting Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch
and I walked past Roy Halladay in the training room. There are a handful
of big league guys working out and hanging out at our facility. Buck |
|
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