When a minor league baseball season ends, either in the regular season, with a playoff appearance or even a league championship, the players start to shift their mindset away from the game so they can unwind and recuperate and turn their attention to what they missed out on most, like family and friends and just time to themselves. But not to say that they would rather not play baseball, to the contrary, they live their lives each off-season preparing for the next baseball season with the hope that it will bring them closer to the big leagues.
A few prospects shared with me what they do once the off season arrives, and as most will say, family time is a top priority:
“When I am in the off-season, I like very much to spend time mainly with my family, go to church to give thanks to God for everything and I like to go with my childhood friends to the baseball stadium and watch the younger players who are fighting for an opportunity to sign like I did,” says Aderlin Rodriguez.
“I enjoy spending time golfing on the weekends with my friends and working on my Pre-Runner with my brother during the week at his auto shop,” shares Travis Taijeron.
“Family is so important and it is really great to see them. Growing up in Elmira, New York I come home for a few weeks after the season and then again for holidays, and I absolutely cherish the time with them! It’s great to see my friends too. I am most excited to use this time to reflect, learn and progress toward my goals for this year and beyond,” says Charley Thurber.
“In the off-season I look forward to vacationing with family and friends, enjoying a short amount of rest, and then working hard preparing for the next season,” shares Randy Fontanez.
“I enjoy spending time with all of the family. I also really look forward to doing some bow hunting. For me it’s a time to get away and enjoy the wilderness,” says Cole Frenzel.
“Definitely seeing my family and friends. Being from California, its tough to see them during the season when I’m on the East Coast, so when I get home its always a great feeling seeing them again,” shares Erik Goeddel.
After briefly spending time away from baseball activities, they venture on different paths, either by playing winter baseball or starting their off-season workout regimen. Either option allows them to get closer to working on their goals for a new season.
The prospects that choose to play winter ball, do so with an understanding that skills from the previous season need to be tweaked or improved, which they use what they have learned to attack the up coming season and continue in their development.
I asked a few prospects what part of their game improved while playing winter baseball:
“I feel like everything improved offensively and defensively, as well as learning to be an everyday catcher and handling the staff. Every part of my game was polished this winter,” shares Xorge Carrillo.
“Well I’m working hard to be the most prepared as possible for spring training in Port St. Lucie. I have been working on my infield and outfield defense to strengthen myself more in both and to be able to play more this season,” says Yeixon Ruiz.
“I feel that what I most improved is my consistency and in all areas mentally and physically,” shares Aderlin Rodriguez.
“This winter helped me a lot, I’ve been working on my delivery and my breaking pitches (curveball, change up). I feel that I improved the way I feel in the game; how to control my mind and command in a tough situation. I learned a few things that will help me to keep improving my game every outing,” says Marcos Camarena.
“This winter I’d say the main thing I worked on was my mechanics, trying to get some drag on my back foot leading to me letting the ball go closer to the plate. And making all my stuff break later and have the hitter see it for even less time,” says Randy Fontanez.
“I’ve been working on being more consistent throwing my pitches to where I want them. I got hurt last year leaving pitches up and giving the hitters a better opportunity to square the ball up, maybe not for home runs but for hard doubles or even triples. I’m excited about the invite to Major League camp more of as a learning experience than anything else,” shares Chasen Bradford.
The energy that each of the many prospects put out in order to make sure they are prepared mentally and physically for a new season, is exhausting if you really think about it, but this is their livelihood, this opportunity is what has been a dream for them and there is no other solution other than to work hard towards their goals. Each season is a challenge in itself and if they are able to take a step in the right direction, then each off season of preparation is a success. The future is in their hands and hard work reveals progress. It’s the ones that put in the work, that are able to be successful when it really counts.
The main idea is that the big club notices and when they do, all of the preparation is well worth it.
“I know Mets fans are not expecting a lot for our team but man the young guys we have coming up should really excite them for the future. I know everyone of those guys works tirelessly to come in the best shape to dominate the competition and all of them are winners,” adds Chasen Bradford.
That is all any true fan wants to hear. In a day and age where baseball seems to be just a business, sometimes we all forget that before it was a business it was a fun game. And watching and following the minor leaguers, helps you to remember the fun in the game, but with hard work comes results and even though at times it seems like all work and no fun, I guarantee you that each prospect is having fun doing what they love. It just takes some extra hard work to reach their goals, and aren’t we glad that the work is being put in, so that at the end of the day, we can appreciate them a bit more.
