21.   And then there was that little problem in spring training, when Strawberry took a swing and a miss on the final exhibition game at Anaheim Stadium.

22.   And there was the ugliness of spring training in which former teammates Pokey Reese and Dmitri Young said the Reds gave Griffey preferential treatment.

23.   And there were days in spring training when he felt soreness in his shoulder.

24.   And this is spring training.

25.   And though he played most of spring training after Velarde hurt his right elbow, Alicea never took anything for granted.

26.   And yet, because it is spring training, Howe will not be arrested nor placed under observation.

27.   And to think he was deemed unworthy of a roster spot at the end of spring training.

28.   And the Red Sox are in spring training, preparing for a season that offers its own opportunities for hardy perseverance.

29.   And when spring training began, he did pitch well, so well that the Yankees put him back in their plans.

30.   And the smelly ball cap he has been wearing since spring training.