Jeff Williams supporters' website

TO AKI!

08/02/17

G’day fans.
Well our first phase of spring camp is now over and we are moving to Aki city tomorrow. Despite the rain and cool weather we had here in Okinawa, I feel we have made good strides in getting in shape for some real baseball games. It is always hard to gauge where we are in terms of performance for the coming season until we actually play games with our regular starters, but what is most important now is that every one is feeling healthy and getting their strength for the long haul ahead. I myself am feeling very good for this time of year as I have been able to move along at a good pace for a pitcher of my advancing age. That means I am taking it pretty easy so that I don’t fall over and hurt myself. Actually though I feel quite strong and have been spending most of my energy so far in the weight training room trying to improve my strength and power as I feel that this is the most important thing for a relief pitcher to achieve before having to get ready to pitch in every game.

I was able to throw batting practice on our last day here and I feel that it went very well. The first time you face hitters every year is a big test and lets you know how your well your pitches are moving and how your condition is. My slider is in good shape already and now I just need to improve my location and I’ll be ready for the season.

Tonight I am planning to meet up with some old teammates here on the island for dinner. Darwin Cubillan, Jamie Brown, and Chris Oxspring are all in Okinawa training with their new Korean league teams and so we are going to meet up for some reminiscing over good food and maybe a couple of beers. They are all nice guys and I’m glad to see them getting an opportunity to show their stuff in Korea.

Although I’m not really looking forward to the cold weather in Aki, it feels good to know we are onto the next phase of training and that much closer to starting the season and really enjoying some victories. Really the toughest part of camp is missing my family but I know that time will go by fast and I’ll see them soon after we get back to Osaka.

Ok, I must say bye for now but I’ll write again soon….
Until then….cheers
Jeff
17/02/2008