The crack of the bat as it meets the ball, the smell of a freshly cut lawn (about one month out for those in the Pacific Northwest) and the feeling of pure elation when one swing changes the entire course...

There are plenty of negative speculations about Spring Training. Some say it is too long for batters and too short for pitchers. Some say it is for monetary value and not for the player's benefit. Regardless...

I love Julio Rodriguez and you should too. Julio is the perfect blend of everything that makes baseball brilliant. His youthful energy, contagious smile, appreciation and service to the fans, precision...