Mission Kissimmee: Day 5-Prepping for Game 1

MAR 2nd, 2012-No workout today, and thank God for that. This heat is just awful.

Houston's first game of Spring Training is tomorrow, at home against the Washington Nationals. Since they had nothing going on at the Complex today, I didn't think I'd have anything to write about. And maybe I still don't, but...

It was noted by casual observers that 2B Delino Deshields, Jr. was seen looking quite dejected yesterday and walked off the field with his head down, dropping his glove about 10 feet from the benches. As I don't know the details behind this, or whether it's even noteworthy, I'm not going to expound on it (yet).

However, it has been mentioned in the past that the young prospect does not always seem to be giving his all, and I myself feel (from seeing him play in Lexington) that he often seems to be disinterested and going through the motions. Since one particular AB last year, when Deshields literally DRUG his bat up to home plate from the dugout, I've been less than enthusiastic about his chances. Most of what you hear about him has to do with his superior physical condition, excellent speed and upper body strength, which is all well and good; what I want to know is, how much heart does he have for the game?

So far, I've not seen much. I hope he proves me wrong. 

Mission Kissimmee: Travel Day 2-Arrival

FEB 28th, 2012-Good LORD. Finally.

After 13 hours on the road (granted, some of it was random meandering), and a thousand miles (give or take), I'm finally safe and comfortable in my hotel room. Here I stay for the next 9 days, floating about Houston's ST camp at Osceola County Stadium, burning up my camera and meeting with players. With even a tiny bit of luck, there should be plenty material coming your way on TGOG, and if you're a reader of The Crawfish Boxes or Appy Astros you'll see my links there, too, along with photos and other neat stuff.

My plan for tomorrow involves hooking up with RHPs Brandon Culbreth and Vincent Velasquez, so plan on seeing a spot o' news on those fellas. As it's very late now (or very early, depending on your point of view), I'm hitting the sack. When the sun rises, the Mission begins. 

Mission Kissimmee: Travel Day 1

FEB 27th, 2012-This year, for the first time since 1998, I'm going to Spring Training. God, how I love me some Spring Training.

Having driven 400 miles today, I finally decided to stop and rest for a bit. An early wake-up call and a spot o' breakfast, and I'm on my way to Kissimmee, Florida and Osceola County Stadium, the ST complex of the Houston Astros.

This year, my focus will be on Houston, as I plan to shoot somewhere around 5,000-6,000 photos, as well as new articles on Brandon Culbreth, Vincent Velasquez, Ruben Sosa, Murilo Gouvea, and much more. This is a big, big deal for me. I'm going to bust my butt behind the camera and I hope to bring you, the fan, as much coverage as I possibly can. Tune in to TGOG for photos and articles during the next 9 days, and as always, thanks for stopping by :)