So, it's Florida time ... Tme to get pumped up? Time to get ready and take it another level for the "big" games?

No.  

Wait a minute ... are you serious, coach?  Yes, I am.  Please let me explain.  

Players, fans, coaches ... every one ... will be excited (some of us perhaps a little too anxious or excited) when we get to Auburndale to play.  So, actually, it's time to keep it on an even keel and just enjoy the ride.  

In doing this for a number of years, I have watched a number of our teams prepare to go to regional and later World Series competition, and what I have become convinced of is ... you find a process and plan that works during the season and you keep refining it during the season ... and then working it when you get to Florida. You use the same process, and you work it again.  And this ... works. 

So, we joke about "big" games with our players, because we teach them that every game is big.  If you make things too big, it's a good way to play small.  And we want to play big.  So, we play like we practice. Indeed, the mentality we are trying to bring is one of practice ... businesslike but relaxed, purposeful, fun ... getting the job done ... routine.  It's a mistake, in my judgment, to try to change things up now in any event.  A dramatic turn at this point, even if it were warranted, would be impossible and counter-productive.  So, we keep grinding and keeping on.  No rah-rah speeches ... Just get to the field and play. 

Here are some things to keep in mind as we head for warmer temperatures in the Sunshine State and the World Series: 

1) Routine -- All successful players and teams have these.  We do, too. You fans will recognize what we do in Florida ... ladders, stretching exercises, pregame, etc. For instance, you will note that we will do our in-and-out just like we do before all our other games.  We do this intentionally throughout the year, knowing that there will be no on-the-infield pregame in Fla.  Our pregame warmups will start 50 minutes before game time in Fla, just like we do in all our other games.  We continue to do what we do. Individual players ... work your Saturday game routines.  What a deal! Each day in Florida is like a Saturday (no school) with baseball.  So, work your routines accordingly.  Keep it as much as possible like you do in Texas.  Keep it routine; 

2) Expect and be prepared for it to be warmer in Florida -- We will all recognize what the temperature is, so players, please keep such observations to yourselves.  Note that it will be the same temperature in the other dugout, too.  Note also that it has been cool all over the country this spring (global warming?  Ha ha.), so every one is making the same adjustment.  Drink water ... early and often.  Be proactive in taking care of yourselves. 

3) Eat a good breakfast each day ... Players, this means eat more than sugar and bread.  During the day when we are playing later ... be smart in what and when you eat.  

4) Players, we are there to play baseball.  So, stay off your feet and out of the sun as much as possible when we are not playing.  And get good rest at night.  We will probably encourage lights out for players by 11 p.m. for a.m. games and midnight for afternoon games. 

5) Players, fulfill your contracts.  Parents and fans ... bring the same spirit and police your own.  

6) Remember your P's:  Keep everything in perspective.  Things will seem to go wrong in nearly every game ... even those that ultimately work out right.  But ... if you think this is life-or-death or the end-all-be-all of your life or baseball career, a) you're wrong; and b) you will play tighter than a drum and underperform.  So, keep it routine, focus on the next pitch and play, and play just like practice.  And finally, commit to and work our process or plan -- at the plate (the E's), on the mound (the T's), in the field (the R's), and on the bases (the S's).  If we do these things, we will be just fine; and (this is the really cool part) ....

7) Our players are prepared to play well, without question.  We always have been, and we will be this time, too. So, know this ... be confident, and remember ... please remember because these great times pass so quickly ... to have fun.  

See you on the field in Florida,