Less than two weeks!

Hey guys, in this edition I will be writing about how the excitement is building up for the season, as well as what I am doing to physically and mentally prepare for the next couple of months. Let me first start by saying I've never been more excited for anything in my life. In college, we would play just about everyday, although there were some off days in the middle of the week. There were also classes that would always get in the way, and homework, and all that other nonsense. The idea of being able to play ball every day without having to worry about anything else is truly amazing. I am eagerly anticipating seeing our daily schedule. Everyone that I have come in contact with, be it teammates, league officials, media, or anyone has been fantastic. It is all very exciting.

I came home to Cleveland on Wednesday to see my friends and family before we leave. Before I go any further I'd just like to say GO CAVS ! If anyone out there wants a Daniel Gibson "Shoot Boobie Shoot" shirt let me know…The Indians are also in first place and playing some very good ball. One thing that I like to do to prepare for baseball is to watch games and try to think along with the managers to try to get into it mentally as much as possible. Luckily my father was able to get tickets to the Indians vs. Royals 'Businessman Special' 12oclock noon game yesterday (Thursday) so we were able to get in some great baseball (Indians 8 Royals 3). If you have been following Indians baseball this year, and I'm sure you have (sarcasm), you know that Paul Byrd is having much more success this year than last year, with pinpoint control (his last non-intentional walk was April 26th !) and a reinvented curveball. He credits this curveball to he and reliever Tom Mastny playing catch with a HOCKEY PUCK, to get the over the top, tumbling spin on the ball. Needless to say, I went and got a brand new hockey puck which I will play catch with later on today...I'll let you know how it goes.

Aside from the hockey puck, my physical preparation for this summer is pretty plain. I run a lot. Sometimes it’s in the neighborhood, sometimes its down at the field. I try and get my running in when it’s really hot out to get ready for the Israeli summer, but often times that’s tough to do because of work. I try to throw everyday. I'm not a big believer in pitch counts, arm rest, or ice after I throw. I figure, the more you throw, the stronger your arm will get. Pitch counts be damned, if you’re at 100 pitches and you are still locating down in the zone with good velocity, your staying out there. Ice? They never used ice in the old days when guys would routinely go on four and three days rest. Other than that I do some stretching, and core abdominal work, but that’s it.

The season is getting very close, and that is very exciting. We'll be in Israel in less than two weeks. Playing games in less than three. Phenomenal.

I'll be back soon for another update before we get there...