Throwing Heat

Steve Popper at the Bergen Record describes batting practice against Ambiorix Burgos.

The first full workout included the first session of live batting practice. And the featured attraction were the first cuts at 22-year-old Ambiorix Burgos. Even by trimming his wild bush of hair for the first official workout, Burgos was still an intimidating presence.

Lastings Milledge was the first batter in and his first swing shattered his bat as the ball softly floated through the infield. His next swing was an equally weak hit and a joking shout of, "Ow." Ben Johnson, Damien Easley and Endy Chavez all took turns and even though the pitches were being called out loud most of the time, only Milledge managed one swing of solid contact.