Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capustrano, it's the annual SoFlaFish and EvenLittler SoFlaFish pilgrimage to Jupiter for spring training. We hit the fields today (Sunday, February 21) and the workouts were lighter than in previous seasons. Didn't see any pitchers throwing off the mound, but there was still some good training to be watched. We'll be back next week on Sunday, except I'll have half of EvenLittler SoFlaFish's tee-ball team with me so that they can see that the major league players pretty much do the SAME drills they do on Thursdays and Saturdays.

 

And now . . . without further interruption, here are the 2010 installment of SoFlaFish Spring Training Pictures:

 

 

Ricky Nolasco getting in some fielding drills. My son was excited to realize that they were doing the same drill that his tee-ball team was doing on Saturday morning: fielding from the pitchers mound and throwing to first base for the out.

 

 

Andrew Miller tries to lay down a bunt into one of the two "zones" on the left. The one closest to the clay base path is the "Panic Zone," the one to the right of that is the "Hurry Zone." This is a new drill that we didn't see last season at Spring Training.

 

 

New first base coach Dave Collins goes over bunting techniques with the pitchers. Just standing there behind him for twenty minutes taught me SO MUCH about bunting. Stuff I had never even thought of!

 

 

My son gets Josh Johnson to sign his baseball card. It goes without saying, he was quite excited, JJ is one of his favorite Marlins players!

 

 

My son proudly shows off his Josh Johnson autographed baseball card.

 

 

Ricky Nolasco just finished signing ELSFF's baseball card.

 

 

Tommy Hutton (far left), Joe Frisaro (right) and Fredi Gonzalez (obstructed behind Frisaro) were deep in conversation . . . . about the new Anthony's Coal Fire Pizza that opened in Palm Beach Gardens. I kid you not! Gotta love Spring Training!

 

 

Chris Coghlan takes his turn swinging for the fences in the batting case during batting practice.

 

 

Mike Stanton awaits his turn to bat.

Wow, Great Pictures!

I hope you and your son enjoyed meeting the players and getting some autographs. I remember when i was 5 I went out to Spring Training and had a great time.

 

Also if you could it'd be great if you put up all the action pictures you can especially of the new prospects like Morrison, Stanton etc. along with some favorites like Hanley, Uggla, Cody and Coghlan.

Love the pics. Stanton is freaking huge, lol.

 

Miller bending down to bunt reminds me of a giraffe.

Awesome how up close and personal u can get at the practices! It's things like this that I'm sad I miss in the buildup to the baseball season. Also if u get a chance to speak to Chris Coghlan next time, tell him the random who tweeted him saying to come over and play Turnberry in Scotland is deadly serious!!! lol

Homey, great to have you back, kid's getting big...hope y'all have a wonderful spring and thanks for the pics !!

Were the players hospitable to all the fans? It looks like everyone had a great time. Now only if it felt like spring in NC. Get to go to work tonight where the temp will be probably just at a mild 30 degrees.

My face when I saw that picture of Michael Stanton

 

 

 

I mean, I saw him live at Spring Training last year, but just seeing the picture reminds me just how huge he truely is.

BASEBALL IS SO CLOSE!!! :jump

Were the players hospitable to all the fans? It looks like everyone had a great time. Now only if it felt like spring in NC. Get to go to work tonight where the temp will be probably just at a mild 30 degrees.

 

The players are always great to the fans, but you really need to know how to behave. I usually don't approach them unless they want to be approached. When you're there, you can tell. Sometimes, if I just mind my own business, they come to me. Today, Jose Ceda just walked up to my son and handed him a baseball. We weren't asking for it, but he just walked right up to us. Also, it helps a lot if you speak to the Latin players in Spanish - I guess that goes without saying.

 

I've been doing this for eight straight years (going up to Jupiter, that is), and I've never had a negative experience. Not once!

Thanks for the pictures and descriptions. Short-sleeved shirts....I can't remember the last time it was in the 40's(Twin Cities). I did notice that the 2nd Marlins/Twins game is scheduled be on local (for me) radio(1500 KSTP-AM). Thanks again...

Great pics!! Little SoFlaFish is getting big! Thanks for the pictures.

Great pics.

What camera are you shooting with?

I love seeing these pics but it makes me sad I can't go down to Jupiter. Hopefully, I can find a break during March and make the trip but I doubt it.

Damn, those are some fantastic shots. Keep em coming!

Love the pictures. They're nice for those of us who have difficulty making it to spring training.

I'm jealous....of the warm weather....and the Marlins too.

I can't wait till we see Stanton in a number lower than 80

Good to see that Collins is getting right into his "secondary" job of teaching bunting skills. Probably the real reason he was brought into the fold. It's such an underappreciated yet vital part of a total game. The lost art. One that we haven't been very good at in recent years.

I can't wait till we see Stanton in a number lower than 80

 

He looks like he could be wearing that number and starting at tight end for the Dolphins!

ty for taking those pic

I mentioned it in the FanFest thread but it's worth repeating: if you are an autograph nut, ST is by far the best time to not only get an autograph but even interact with the players and personalities at length.

Always love your photos! thanks for sharing!

Awesome pictures.

 

Mine will be coming soon :woohoo. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited for my spring break.

I'm planning on driving up to melbourne to visit some family, but wanted to stop by Jupiter and get a look at the players and possibly get some autographs. Do you know the times they will be out there or the best way to do it.

Great pics as always!!!

 

Thanks for the crash course on uploading pics....I'm still a newbie on posting in forums.