Astros Spring Training notes from Day 1

Astros pitchers and catchers arrived this morning at the team’s Spring Training facility in Kissimmee Florida. The first mandatory workout is scheduled for tomorrow morning, but a number of players took part in a voluntary workout today. Early bird position players who are already in camp include Jose Altuve, Matt Dominguez, Nate Freiman, Tyler Greene, Marwin Gonzalez, J.D. Martinez, Justin Maxwell, Brandon Barnes, Jake Elmore, Marc Krauss, and Brett Wallace.

New manager Bo Porter is wasting no time in his attempt to get the players motivated. He has brought in the “flywheel’, a motivational tool created by Jim Collins. That’s only one of a plethora of motivational posters plastered throughout the entire complex. Porter also has the players wearing motivational T-shirts.

The new boss told reporters:

"We have to play with a different energy. We have to play with a different focus. We have to prepare differently. Because we want a different outcome."

Porter did more than talking though. He also took a hands on approach, throwing batting practice to those hitters who were in camp. Porter expects a lot from his players and you’ve got to like his enthusiasm.

On another note: Left-hander Erik Bedard was missing this morning but eventually showed up a few hours late.

Stay tuned to Climbing Tal’s Hill for more Spring Training coverage.

Osceola County Stadium (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)