Day 6: ‘Bird Seed

Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com

Today marked the first full-squad workout of spring, as well as my first official sunburn… so I’m told. I don’t feel my back hurting just yet, and mom, I promise I applied sunscreen this morning.

Everyone reported on time, which isn’t always a small feat with the ever-common visa issues that pop up. The morning included a pitchers’ meeting and then a full team meeting, led by manager Mike Matheny. Speaking of Matheny, I hope you’ll enjoy this look at Matheny’s path toward becoming a big league manager. I know there was some skepticism when he was hired since he had never coached/managed before, but this gives you a look at how he’s been groomed for this position since before he even went pro.

Other news, notes and observations from the day:

• Adam Wainwright returned to the same Field 3 mound on which he stood last year when he felt something wrong in his elbow. It was during his first live batting practice session last year that all went wrong, which made this year’s first live batting practice session that much more notable. Wainwright continues to feel no discomfort, and his command looked sharp while throwing to Tyler Greene and Matt Adams on Friday. He’s right on track.
• I thought it was an impressive gesture to see Matheny and pitching coach Derek Lilliquist walk to the mound as Wainwright finished to shake his hand. Also, Chris Carpenter left his group on another field to stand behind the plate and watch Wainwright’s full session.
• Outfielder Allen Craig said he felt great throwing from 60 feet on Friday and expects to throw again soon. There’s still no running involved in Craig’s rehab from knee surgery.
• While Matheny has intentionally mixed up youngsters and veterans in the hitting and pitching groups this spring, he did not do so on defense. The infielders split up onto two fields for defensive work this morning and on the first field you had Lance Berkman at first base; Daniel Descalso, Tyler Greene and Skip Schumaker taking turns at second base; Rafael Furcal and Alex Cora rotating at short; and David Freese at third. It makes a lot of sense to use such a Minor League/Major League split during defensive drills, as you want those who are going to be on the big league club getting comfortable with one another now.
• Leave it to Berkman to lighten up the mood upon his arrival this morning. He arrived donning all-black attire, aviator sunglasses, a shorter haircut and a mustache. Rest assured, the mustache was fake, and it didn’t make it through the full workout. Asked afterward what was up with the disguise, Berkman played the comedy card: “I don’t know anything about that. There are some people who saw a dude walking around here. People have asked me about it, but I don’t know who that was or how he got in here. We might have to check with the security people because they must not be doing their jobs.”
• In addition to Wainwright, seven other pitchers threw their first session of live BP on Friday: Kyle McClellan, Jason Motte, Marc Rzepczynski, Brandon Dickson, Fernando Salas, John Gast and Shelby Miller.
• Four others — Nick Greenwood, Adam Reifer, Kevin Siegrist and Scott Linebrink – threw bullpen sessions.
• In addition to taking fielding drills and batting practice, hitters also worked on baserunning and bunting.
• Guest instructor Willie McGee has arrived on site and is wearing his familiar No. 51.

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