by Jerry Keys

Every spring, training begins after Valentine's Day. Only the diehard baseball fans keep track of it. The wins and losses are meaningless as are the ERAs and batting averages, unless you are trying to make the club. Several superstars have historically poor springs, but turn it up once the regular season kicks into play. Back in the days when I could not watch enough baseball, March held a special place. Yes, there is the NCAA's March Madness, but it is the finality of the college basketball season. March also held the first televised spring training game.

Granted, this was in the day before cable subscribers could watch pitchers and catchers throw in February, if they wanted to buy the entire baseball package at an extremely high price. But I can't say too much about today's baseball fanatics. It was not that long ago I was one, too. The two national networks, TBS and WGN, would air the Braves and Cubs, respectively. The Cubs would usually have their first game aired before the Braves. I would plan the entire day around the spring training airing of the new year's first game. I always made sure I had a pizza in the oven the size of a manhole. Was I dieting then....maybe, but not that day! Spring was in the air and the cracks of the bats sounded like violins.

When the time comes to hang up the ball and glove, most are not able to do it on their terms. Dwindling talent may be the case, or pride. If a player is used to earning $10 million per year, a spring training invite and guaranteed $2 million if they make the club is not enticing. In their defense, if they invested their money wisely they can simply say 'no thank you' and live a comfortable life. The million dollar salaries are definitely missed, but many miss the spirit of competition. Plus the fact, in their heart they can be productive one more year.

Stars and superstars sometimes sign a spring training deal in hopes of pulling out one last year. Many do not make it and instead of being released, they simply retire. Many of these are not noticed unless you are engrossed in the culture of baseball.

A few years later most forget about it and remember their last regular season statistical year as their swan song. There are several players who are trying for that one last year. One player is the ageless Jamie Moyer. He turned 50 and still is looking for one more year. He is currently unsigned by a major league club. His career began when I was finishing up my last year at Bradley Junior High. Now I am in my forties...if you are not signed...you had a great run Jamie!

One player who has not seen major league action since 2011 and wants to continue his career is Vladimir Guerrero. Vlad spent time in the minors last year, but was not called up. His 2011 season was not historic compared to his earlier numbers (.290, 13, 63). Many thought he was still wanting the big money contracts, but had he felt this way, he would not have spent time in the minors. If he is not signed this year, it is a sure bet he will retire. His final numbers will be .318, 449, 1496...1st ballet HoFer. But he did play in the Steroid Era so who knows. His .318 average and 2590 hits should dispel the rumors but it all depends upon what the HoF voters think. Vlad, I would love to see you take another swing in the majors, but if you do not, you had a dynamite career.

Another old veteran who is eyeing a return to the majors is Miguel Tejada. Tejada did not see action in 2012 but signed a non-guaranteed spring training contract with Kansas City. He posted great numbers in the early 00's but was caught up in the 2005 Rafael Palmeiro steroid scandal. He has been linked by several other sources as being a possible steroid user. Tejada may want one more year in the big leagues, or to at least smell freshly cut grass in the spring. He was never suspended for steroid use and to an old baseball purist, he just wants that ride in the sunset. A former teammate of his, Rich Harden, is looking to bounce back as well.