With minor leaguers officially reporting for camp tomorrow, we are doing our final preparations for the year. I wrote an article on Baseball America a few weeks ago that outlined a typical minor league offseason. This includes lifting activities slowing down and baseball specific activities ramping up. We are trying to best prepare our bodies for the rigors of the season.

A couple of weeks ago we began taking live batting practice off of pitchers. Last year I was unable to do this until the first day of camp, so it has been nice to get some live hacks in. The first pitch I saw looked about 110 mph, but since then my eyes and body have begun to adjust. It is quite a change going from batting practice to hitting live for the first time in months.

Last week I got hit on the thigh by an errant 2 seam fastball. I joked with Nate Roberts that I was now leading the HBP contest for the year. I am sure he will have the last laugh.

A recent highlight has been talking with veteran players. Virgil Vasquez and Doug Bernier are two new free agent signings that have been playing the game for a long time. Learning how they go about their business on a daily basis has been really helpful. Their knowledge of the game is amazing.

In a couple of days there will be close to 200 minor leaguers in the clubhouse and camp will begin. Games start fairly quickly thereafter. Like I said before, if you are here, I would love to meet and/or chat with you at the complex. I also hope the sunshine cooperates for everyone looking to get out of the slushy March weather in MN.

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Baseball season is just around the corner. I hope everyone is as excited as I am.

On a side note, my wife and I went to a Florida Everblades game last night. It was my first professional hockey game and they put on a good show. If you are planning on coming down for Spring Training, I would recommend checking them out.

You can connect with AJ through email (ajpettersen1@gmail.com) or on Twitter (@APettersen1)