Just OK

I just met a couple from Alaska. They are here to climb Mount Orizaba, the tallest point in Mexico. Orizaba is about twenty to thirty minutes away. It's a special place, they say once you get to the top you can look down into the valcano. That would be so cool to see. They say it takes a couple days to get to the top because the body has to get use the change in altitude. Cool couple, enjoying life and it's always nice to talk to someone from the States.
Today was a much needed off day. I woke up, ate breakfast and did my normal routine, checking my e-mails, reading a little and just enjoying myself. After breakfast we took off to the gym for a little work out. I was suprised at how weak I am right now. I haven't lifted in a while and I guess life and last season has kind of kept me from working out as much as I'm use to. I really didn't like to see the strenght I've lost, but it's all good. I got a nice start today and will continue to get my strength back. After the workout I took off to Wal-Mart with my roomate Jose Torres. Torres is from Cali, he's a cool cat, they call him Daddy Yankey around here. Haha. He's a good person and is always trying to look cool with the latest fashion trends. We just grabbed a few snacks, mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, along with some hygene stuff. We came back relaxed, hung out with the guys and ate dinner.
Last series we played Los Toros de Soledad. Their team is much better this season than last and our team is weaker. Sooo, as you probably could predict we had a tough time with them. We were lucky to walk away with one victory out of three. Every game it looked like I would have a chance to pitch because our pitching is so slim right now. I would love to get on the bump and get some people out. The third game we were getting slaughtered in the fifth and didn't have anymore pitchers. I was next in line. Then the rain came. It was perfect timing. They called everyone off the field and after about thirty minutes in the rain delay they called it. It really was a blessing because I don't think I could have thrown four innings, my arm was soar from the two previous days warming up in the bullpen and I haven't pitched since my shoulder surgery.
It's still difficult playing with this team and under these conditions. We've only been together as a team for about two weeks, the fields aren't that good, we don't eat great, and the fans are just OK. I spoke with a few guys about how they were feeling and they mentioned how much easier it is to play at a high level when everyone around has the same competitive drive. But, when the level is down it is really difficult not to play down to that level. I'm sure all of you can relate in some way. Idealy we would like to create an environment where we could play to the best of our ability. If the players all get on the same page I bet we could make it a more competitive environment, which would make the game a whole lot more fun and we would probably start winning more. So the team has many challenges right now; pitching, hitting, fire, passion, and we're still getting use to each other. We'll see how these issues are handled as the season progresses.
Personally I have been playing just OK. I'm averging about a hit every game, but still don't feel quite in the groove. I compared video from last season to this season and I noticed my front foot has been opening up a little, which causes my whole front side to leave early. This slight move causes a lot of things to go bad. First my head can't stay on the ball like I would like, so it's hard to keep my eyes locked in on the flight. Second, the outside pitch seems like it's a hundred miles away. Third, my barrel drags. And fourth, I am out in front of everything because I can't see it and my barrel is behind so I over compesate. But last game was much better because I analyzed the film. The game slowed down and it seemed much easier to see the ball and react like I know I can.
I've been solid defensively, the sticks OK, and I'm a little out of shape right now. I had a good day today with the workout and rest. It was a step in the right direction. One step at a time for myself and the team. We'll start picking up some speed and eventually I'll be able to write about exciting baseball in Mexico. Oh and the mosquitos are loving some of my sweet Texas blood, they are killin me right now.