The long, slow crawl of spring training is a source of hope for fans aching for some sunshine. For players, it's the annual month to brush up on fundamentals, meet new teammates and either get acquainted or re-acquainted with their coaching staff. It's an opportunity to flee the cold for players hailing from chillier climates, but spring training remains a long, competitive, often arduous stretch intended to get players in shape and finalize a 40-man roster. Positional battles are borne, sleepers are discovered and habits are formed in Arizona's dry heat and Florida's humidity. And when baseball isn't being played, there's plenty of time spent in the weight room and in card games.
When the Fans Are Away: A Look Behind the Clubhouse Doors of Red Sox Spring Training
