Why I love baseball. Even during the offseason.

It’s officially the Major League Baseball season. The time when most bandwagon fans are sitting in their basements, staying warm from the winter blues. However, it’s during this time that some of the most intriguing decisions are made throughout the league. Teams look to build up for the anticipated season. Tough decisions are made. Teams part ways with veterans who were the face of the franchise, while establishing faith in a young unproven rookie. To the untrained eye these moves don’t seem like anything special, but they can make or break the upcoming season.

Let’s look at a few examples that have already changed the scope of baseball in the past few days. First off, the Marlins signed Giancarlo Stanton to a MASSIVE 13 year 325 million dollar contract. That’s the largest contract ever. In all of sports. Talk about crazy. But is that a good investment? Well, let’s break it down into two contracts. With an opt out for Giancarlo, that’s what it essentially is. A six year 106 million dollar contract, with a player option for a seven year 219 million dollar contract. For six years, the Marlins get a player during his best years for essentially the same amount that the Blue Jays gave to catcher Russell Martin. No offense to Russell, but he’s just not as valuable to a team as Stanton. Stanton lead the National League in Home Runs after playing half of his games in Marlins park, a pitcher friendly park with a deep center field. Did I mention he missed the last few weeks after getting hit in the face by a fastball? Ouch. Six years down the road, that seven year 219 million dollar contract may not be too ridiculous. With the way baseball contracts seem to get larger and larger, that money Stanton will be making may not be as ridiculous seven years from now. 

The Braves and Cardinals made quite the trade as well. Jason Heyward a two time gold glove winner, who after homering in his first MLB at bat quite simply has not lived up to offensive expectations. Atlanta will be opening up a new ballpark in 2017. Although it seems like Turner Field was just opened yesterday. Either way, the club wants to field a contender. After the Bobby Cox run of 14 straight division titles, Atlanta expects to win each and every year. Shelby Miller is a great young pitcher, who could develop into a solid starter. On the other hand, St. Louis is trying to sure up their defense in the outfield. By adding the gold glove winner Jason Heyward, they do just that. Who knows, perhaps his offensive numbers may rebound with a change of scenery.

The offseason for Biking for Baseball is just as hectic and just as critical. Offseason condition is at an all-time high. With college graduation from UW-Madison only a few weeks a way, the reality of being done with my undergraduate schooling is setting in. Between classes and work, I’m hitting the stationary bike for hours at end. I try to stay off the roads once the salt gets out, as its not too good for the bike. I train at the same place where the Big Ten Champion Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track team trains. Now those are the real athletes. As I pedal on the stationary bike, dripping in sweat, I watch these freak athletes with 4% body fat sprint past me at insane speeds, and I’m not moving an inch.

I’ll admit, sometimes it’s tough to bike through the freezing cold to the recreation center on campus, as I know I’ll be spending the next hour in a half pushing that heart rate up, sweating, breathing hard, and blasting those pump up jams. I’m an old school guy, so I tend to stick to The Who or Queen. Somedays I have no shame and even rock the wool socks. Slowly but surely, I’m working my way to be in the shape necessary to complete this big trip. I’m not there yet, but I’m liking the progress I’ve made. Sorry, ladies. I’ll probably never be rocking the six pack abs, but I should have some nice calves.

From my training rides, I’ve quickly learned that I am going to need a lot more music for my long rides come April. My few playlists have become far to repetitive. I’ll be open to new genres and artists. From Steve Miller Band to Lady Gaga, I’m ready to jam out to all sorts of songs. Though I’m hoping to avoid listening to Justin Bieber for the trip  in its entirety. Trust me, I’m open to almost any advice on new bands to listen to. My iPhone will be full of tunes by the time I leave on the trip.

The Amtrak has been officially booked for Seattle! Choo choo! The ride will last a few days, and from what I’ve heard the train is often delayed. Fortunately, Amtrak has a very bike friendly policy in that it’s pretty easy to bring bikes along as a checked item. All that needs to be done is to detach the pedals, take off the wheels, and twist the handlebars over to fit the bike in a box. Simple. I’m looking forward to traveling by train across the country. I’ll be able to see incredible landscapes in Glacier National Park, and cross off a few more states I’ve been to as well.

That’s about it, I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my views of a few other signings or trades that take place across Major League Baseball. It’s going to be a crazy offseason, not just for the MLB, but also for Biking for Baseball as we prepare to organize the trip! Can’t wait to keep you updated!

Hi5!