Cardinals Rev Up Conditioning

(Tuesday’s) practice was probably the toughest in terms of conditioning that we have had so far. It was not out of punishment or stemming from a problem we had. Rather it is just something we need to do, especially at that level of intensity, every now and again to make sure we can push ourselves. I think it is best when it comes out of nowhere and surprises people. That way you can really see who is willing to push themselves to go a little harder when they are tired. It goes without saying that baseball is not a contact sport; never has and never will be. However, the grind of the season (40+ games in two months) is what can wear down a player. Conditioning is a huge part of being able to make it through those doubleheaders in Florida and four games on a weekend.

We now have less than three weeks until we head down to Myrtle Beach and there isn’t a person on the team who can wait for it. I try to tell them that these next three weeks are just as crucial as any practice during the season. These are what will prepare us for our first games and we cannot afford to just “get by” all of them. We need to continue to stay focused and work hard and only then will we be ready for our first game. I think everyone has continued to work hard, whether they are pushing themselves or feel like they are being pushed to do more, and it continues to be a major positive in what we are trying to accomplish this season.

#17 = Matt Burns