Shorter Day One Recap

\unfollows @Elboni_1

You don't know how much satisfaction that gave me.

The text in quotes below is taking from the imitable Joe Frisaro's first blog recap of Spring Training. I don't envy the beat writers who have to somehow put hundreds or words together about these largely meaningless days in February. They do get paid though, that's nice.

Body language is being observed at Marlins camp.

Manager Mike Redmond noticed it, and was looking for it, during the first day of Spring Training workouts at the Roger Dean Stadium complex.

...

The first few days, Redmond and his staff are watching players ease into things.
“I’m just watching to see how guys react,” Redmond said. “How they go about their business. How they work. That’s about it. How they throw. Energy levels. It’s a long spring. We’re here a long time. So we’re easing into it. But I can feel a good energy out there. A lot of young guys. I think they understand what’s at stake, and the opportunity, and kind of the sense of urgency. That’s a good thing.”

This is the most tired and overplayed storyline of every single team for the first few days of camp. "There's a good energy, buzz about the team." "Guys are excited and ready to work hard." It's all a load of crap. Here's the shorter Spring Training recap for day one: Players arrived, stretched and played catch. Nothing else to read into. Rinse and repeat for the entire first week.

Non-roster invitee catcher Craig Tatum has decided to retire. The 29-year-old, who last played in the big leagues in 2011, decided on Monday that he is ready to walk away as a player. The Marlins now have six catchers in camp and 73 players overall.

Love this. Dude probably spent the entire offseason trying to get in shape and gear up for one last go at playing ball and perhaps making it to the show. There's probably no better chance than with the anonymous, unproven Marlins (Astros?) and literally minutes into the journey he says, "Fuck this, I'm done." Dude would rather work a shitty 9-5 like us.

Onwards towards day two. Perhaps a game of pepper will break out and we can analyze some players' will to win from it.