When I awake from my druken stupor on New Year's day my first thought is to brush my teeth because I know my breath is kicking.  My second thought is to eat something, and my third thought is: When does Spring Training start?

When the new year starts my steps get lighter.  I start humming, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".  I sing "Tessie" in the shower (I know too much information.).  I break out my glove and start tossing my baseball in the air and catching it like I just saved the game. 

See baseball is perfect.  It fits neatly into a calendar year.  Once the new year starts, you can focus on the new season.  Baseball doesn't have to hypenate a season like basketball, football and hockey.  It's nice and neat.

To kick-off the upcoming season I'd like to share with all of you some of the things I'm looking forward to:

1.  Van Day:  I love when the Red Sox pack-up all there equipment and drive it down to Florida.  I love that they make a big deal out of it and turn it into a celebration.

2.  18 February 2010:  The first day pitchers and cathcers report to Spring Training.  I love watching pitchers fake a pitch and then run over to cover first.  It makes me smile.  I so want to do that once for the Red Sox.

3.  23 February 2010:  The first day all players can report.  Who are the no-shows?  Players taking physicals.  The excitement of seeing how players look.  So much fun.

4.  2 March 2010:  Mandatory report day for all players.

5.  The first team workout:  Seeing the joy of the players.  The smiles.

6.  Fort Myers, FL:  A beautiful city.

7.  Palm Trees lining the ballparks.

8.  Jacoby Ellsbury running: Nothing more electric than seeing him sprint from home to second, first to third, and second to home.

9.  David Ortiz swinging:  His spit, spit, clap routine is classic, but this thunderous cuts are legendary.  I can't wait to see him swing free and easy.  I pray it is pain free.

10.  I love watching the pitchers and catchers in a row throwing bullpen sessions.  It just looks really cool.

11.  I love watching pitchers sprint in the outfield during Spring Training games.

12.  Jason Varitek:  Seeing him work with his pitchers is the epitome of professionalism.  Plus this may be his last spring as a player.  

13.  John Lackey:  I'm eager to see what kind of shape he will be in.  I want to see him act like an ace and perform like one too.

14.  Mike Lowell:  How will he comeback from the thumb injury and how will he handle to trade rumors?  He is pro's pro so I know he will be great.

15.  4 April 2010:  Opening Day.  YES!!!  The season is here. 

There is much more to love about the game and the upcoming season but that is what I'm longing for.  Go Red Sox!!!  I think 2010 will be a special year!!!