I realize this won't mean much to those of you back in Los Angeles, but I also know this blog has something of a following around the country, and for those who are dealing with winter storms ... all I can say is, wish you were here. It's going hit the high 80s today, a lot of sun, a lot of humidity, a lot of old men wearing plaid shorts with black socks and sandals. I felt it as soon as I walked out of my rented condo this morning, and that was a little before 8. Expecting a long workout today, with any pitcher who hasn't done so yet throwing live batting practice for the first time. There is a mini-intrasquad game tomorrow (five innings), which will be informal, but it will signal the official start of the evaluation period for team officials. Things are heating up around here, and I don't just mean the weather.