ColumbusSports.com : Your place to stay informed and talk about the sports scene and sports teams in and around Columbus.

Hello Columbus Sports Fans!
The last time I posted I was on my way to Winnipeg, Canada to play for the Winnipeg Goldeyes in an independent league hoping for another chance in MLB. Things have changed quite a bit since then. A couple days after arriving in Winnipeg I received a call from my agent saying that the Toronto Blue Jays wanted to sign me into their organization. Although I was thrilled, I had to laugh thinking about the trip I had just made half-way across the country. An hour after I received the phone call I headed to Minneapolis, MN where I would fly to extended spring training for the Blue Jays in Dunedin, FL. Talk about a lot of traveling in less than a week.

Toronto Blue Jays Organization - Every organization in MLB have their own ways of operating. The Blue Jays seem to have a more laid back approach to baseball compared to the Detroit Tigers, who released me at the end of Spring Training. The Blue Jays have younger management who believe that being treated like a professional is reflected in the way that you play and act. Business is still business here, as it is in every organization, but the Blue Jays always try to remind players that baseball is still a fun game to play. There is one coach in particular who always approaches guys who have bad days saying, "Keep working hard and have fun because most people in the working world would be glad to trade places with you." There is definitely a lot of talent here, but you have to maintain that kind of mentality to make it to the big leagues.

Expectations with a Second Chance - After being released from the Tigers in early April I told myself never to take anything in baseball for granted. On the other hand, it's tough to think about getting released from an organization after playing one year and putting up pretty good numbers. Nevertheless, the Blue Jays have given me another chance and a new perspective. Instead of looking at stats and numbers all the time, I am just going to throw the best I can throw and let things work out for themselves. I've realized that in baseball it gets you nowhere worrying about things that you can't control.

Facing A-Rod - Last week my team in Dunedin got to face A-Rod in an extended spring training game. The dugouts were blocked off with caution tape and plenty of people showed up to watch the superstar. It was one of his last rehab appearances before being called back up to the big leagues. Needless to say he was one of the biggest guys on the field. Steroids did his body good. He was the third batter of every inning no matter what because the Yankees do pretty much whatever they want without any regard for anyone else. This enabled A-Rod to get at least six at-bats per game in a controlled atmosphere. He ended up going 1-for-5 with a walk and a lazy ground ball up the middle. Even though he didn’t necessarily have a great day at the plate, he definitely does not get cheated on his swings. He takes some of the hardest swings I have ever seen, which shows why he is one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.

Buckeye Baseball - I just wanted to make a quick note to Ohio State fans. Keep an eye out this weekend for the Buckeye Baseball team as they have a chance to win the Big Ten regular season championship. They are a half game back of Minnesota and are tied with Illinois for second place. They play Iowa at home for the final series of the regular season. Go Bucks!!!
Thanks again for reading!

Tags: a-rod, alex rodriguez, ohio state baseball, toronto blue jays