Winston

Spring training is over and I am back in Winston-Salem now. Spring ended well, I threw 3 innings before we left, not allowing a base runner with 3 strikeouts only throwing 31 pitches.

Spring training went by super fast, it was only 3 weeks essentially. The last week of spring training can be nerve racking. That is the time when guys are getting released all around you. Some guys are done playing the game they love forever, some look for new opportunities. I have gotten several calls from ex-teammates who want my help finding them a new team or just have questions about the process because I went through it. Professional baseball is a harsh environment and is not always fair. There are many factors that go into filling out rosters and its tough when every year you have an influx of young guys straight out of college who they need to make room for. So you don't stay in this game long if you don't progress and make moves.

I used to really think about all this and put pressure on myself but now I have a different outlook. Honestly I am not worried about it at all. I am committed to just going out and pitching with confidence and enjoying it...Its simple really.

We are now in the Quality Inn. We have to find a place to live and I'm leaning towards living with a couple teammates. I thought about the solo mission but in the end its too expensive. I might get my car shipped out here too. Having that freedom is a huge plus for me.

We flew in yesterday and have an off day today. We are going to set up our lockers at brand new BB&T Ballpark today and then have a little batting practice tomorrow and then we bus to Charlotte to play our AAA team. Next 2 days I think we play our Low A team in Kannapolis.

We open up in Kinston on April 8th.

The Journey is the Reward