At Haymakers Camp

Annapolis, MD: There is excitment in the air here at the Haymakers spring training facility in the capital of Maryland as the early round draft picks make their way into camp. First round selection and uber prospect Madison Bumgarner is here as well as new slugger Corey Hart. Back of the rotation starter Clayton Richard is already working with the pitching coach. Even backup outfielder Jim Edmonds is drawing a crowd of autograph seekers. Add in new superstars Josh Hamilton and Chris Carpenter and it's almost a who's who of players in a camp where last season was almost the opposite.

Japanese league veteran Hisanori Takahashi speaks to reporters through an interpreter as he fields questions about what his role with the club will be. New Haymaker relief pitcher Matt Guerrier carries the bullpen catchers equipment as he takes a few jabs from the rest of the pen.

Even the thought ot riding the pine can't stop a player's excitement. Last year's lone star player Pablo Sandoval is not worried about it, "I'm going to do whatever I need to to contribute this season," he says, "I know they told me I need to work on some things and I'll be in the cage everyday so that I can be available whenever I'm needed." Sandoval said that team management made it clear to him that he is part of this team's future. "I'll just do what I need to do this season to bring a championship here," he added.

The fans are clamoring for tickets, as season ticket sales are up over 80% from last year. There is no doubt that the fans will get a great show in 2010 as some experts are considering Troy favorites to win Less Filling West.

And the loose and confident mood around camp seems to portray that feeling. "There is definetly a big difference in the feel of camp this year compared to last year," said closer and senior team veteran Huston Street, "it's very exciting. There is a lot of talent here." The team GM had a different approach; "We can't get ahead of ourselves. There is some good competition in this league and we haven't even begun playing games yet."

Here's a quick look at how the Haymakers will look in 2011:

Starters

1. Chris Carpenter

2. Brett Myers

3. Jon Garland

4. Clayton Richard

5. Madison Bumgarner

6. Homer Bailey

Closer: Huston Street

C: Geovanny Soto/Nick Hundley

1B: Billy Butler

2B: Brandon Phillips

SS: Jason Bartlett

3B: Jose Bautista

LF: Josh Hamilton

CF: Brett Gardner

RF: Corey Hart

DH: Mark Reynolds/David Murphy/Jim Edmonds

Can the team live up to the lofty expectations??