LAKELAND, Fla. — Ron Gardenhire’s office at Joker Marchant Stadium is beginning to feel like home. On the second day of spring training, a number of papers hung on a previously blank bulletin board. On his desk, notes were scattered around. His cigar humidor was on its way.
But for as much as Gardenhire is still getting used to his new surroundings, he’s trying to get to know his players even more. And though he’s yet to get his eyes on every pitcher, he knows exactly what the reporters crowding his office know: The pitching staff is a work in progress.