Daily Archives: February 19, 2009
Update, 10:20 am:
It’s funny, beause it looks and sounds like gym class. The trainers just keep barking orders, like, “Jump, now touch your toes, tuck in your shirt,” as Manuel strolls along, patting people in the back, holding a bat, like a General overseeing his troops.
Update, 10:15 am:
The entire team, everyone, lined up in row and are doing quick sprints to a series of little cones. They dip, touch the cone, then run back, but backwards.
Sorry, but, seeing Reyes run backwards, and quickly, I can’t help but want to yell, “No, Jose, watch the hammy.”
Original Post:
The players all walked out on to the field to stretch, greeted by a hundred or so fans gathered on the fence behind them.
It’s cool to see the players all smiling an enjoying the day, laughing and getting ready for action.
Wright, Maine and Pelfrey all walked out together.
Reyes has a huge spiderman-like web tatoo on his elbow, he’s hugging every one he sees it seems.
It’s still quiet here. There are equipment people out on all fields setting up cones, pitching machines, etc., while carrying out balls, helmets, and other items, in orange shopping carts. I love it. 2009, all sorts of technology, and still nothing can replace a good old-fashion shopping cart.
I’m in the media room, waiting for the players to take the field.
‘Hurry up and wait,’ I guess, just like Grandma used to say.
To keep an eye on my entire photo album from Tradition Field, including hi-res versions of the pictures in this post, click here.
Here is a video of my drive in from the hotel to Tradition Field:
Update, 9:03 am:
Jerry Manuel and his coaches are holding a closed door meeting with the team at 9:00 am, and plan to be on the field for the first official workout at around 9:40 am.
Original Post:
There is actually bumper-to-bumper traffic on the main drag in St. Lucie at 6:45 am. Crazy. Busy town, I guess.
I stopped for an iced coffee before heading to the field. 
I turn around, and Jeff Wilpon is in line behind me. We had a quick chat about Shea Stadium’s final hour, which I am still a bit sad about.
I love this time of morning at Tradition Field. Usually I am home, freezing cold, logged on from my counter-high table in the kitchen, making my morning posts. But, here, it’s quiet, warm, the sun is just coming up, player trickle in one by one in street clothes and always in sunglasses, the sound of sprinklers tick in the background and it’s just a more inspiring way to start the day on a baseball blog.
Naturally, I forgot the wire to transfer pictures to the blog from my camera. The bed in my hotel room looks like CVS and Radio Shack had a head-on collision – there’s medicine and wires every where. Typical me.
The team is expected to hit the field around 9 am for their first official workout, which I will try to live 
blog from the iPhone as it’s going down.
By the way, the Bacon, Egg and Cheese on a Waffle from Dunkin Donuts is well worth it. I had my doubts, but I was pleasantly surprised. It has small bits of syrup in the waffle. Yes, I know, McDonalds tried this with the McGriddle, but that was a flimsy pancake. The Waffle holds up much, much better. Try it.
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