Optimism, Lunacy Often Confused During Spring Training

Blame it on optimism or naivete. Blame it on a dizzying sun or even cabin fever.

Whatever the reason, when pitchers and catchers report for spring training in Florida and Arizona in a few days, they’ll all be expecting to still be playing baseball in October.

Of course, only eight teams will extend their seasons into the fall, but that won’t stop players, managers and fans from dreaming in February and March that this is their year.

“There’s something about Florida in March that makes you hallucinate,” New York Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

Ya gotta believe. And when Cleveland’s pitchers and catchers walk on the field at Chain O’ Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Fla., next week, you can be sure they will. So will the Pittsburgh Pirates, who’ll unpack their bags in Bradenton, Fla. And out in Tempe, Arizona, the Anaheim (don’t call us California anymore) Angels will begin winter workouts with a new name and several new faces.

So ignore that frozen thermometer on the porch. It’s time to talk baseball. Baseball played in the warmth of a baking sun and under the palm trees. Iced tea anyone? Sun screen?

With all respect to the groundhogs of North America, the truest indicator that winter’s end is near are these warming words: pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report.

Players are set to begin arriving Wednesday, and all 28 teams expect to have their full compliment of invitees in camp by Feb. 21. Once in place, players will begin preparations for a 1997 baseball season that is already quite distinct.

For the first time in five years, there’s no potential work stoppage looming, thanks to a labor agreement reached between players and owners last December. And for the first time in history, teams from the N.L. will play those in the A.L. during the regular season.

Yes, baseball purists, that dreaded day has arrived - inter-league play is here. The San Francisco Giants will visit the Texas Rangers on June 12.

First, though, there’s spring baseball and all the promise that its arrival brings.

So what’s new that’s worth watching in Arizona and Florida between now and Opening Day on April 1? In Phoenix, the Oakland Athletics’ Bash Brothers will perform together again, when Jose Canseco is reunited with Mark McGwire. While in Peoria, each pitch thrown by Randy Johnson will be scrutinized as he returns to the Seattle Mariners after off-season back surgery.

In Florida, there’s Albert Belle joining Frank Thomas and the White Sox in Sarasota. And there’s Roger Clemens wearing a Toronto Blue Jays’ uniform in Dunedin.

“It’s a great opportunity to start over and try to work things out,” said Belle. “There is definitely a happy medium out there. And I’ll work hard to meet that happy medium.”

Say, this really could be a different baseball season.