Spring Training and New Beginnings

Well here I am again, we are alive despite my lack of posting the past couple months. I'll save you from the typical "catch up" (since I'm so behind anyways) and share our most recent chain of events.

Spring training, as always, came and went so fast. This year, minor leaguers didn't have to report until March 8th and there was only about 3 weeks of camp, so it was a short one. In that short amount of time though, Daniel absolutely crushed the ball! He hit well over .400 with 2 Homeruns, 5 Doubles, 1 Triple, he was stealing bases, dropping bunts, having fun & looked amazing! He had worked so hard this offseason and it absolutely blessed my heart to see him out there healthy and having fun.

We knew going into camp this year that Daniel would have to compete. Through trades and signings, the Mariners had completely packed out their outfield situation. We knew Daniel would have a possible disadvantage since he only played 25 games last season due to injuries. Despite that, the Lord had been preparing our hearts and filling us with so much peace even as we drove out to Arizona for Spring Training. This year as we left California and started making our way out there, we both shared on the drive that we felt a strong peace with everything and about baseball. There were years when we would make that same drive and secretly be full of anxiety or fear of the unknown. Through everything we've been through so far in this game (injuries, setbacks, etc), I've really seen how God has shaped our hearts and completely changed our vision towards this game. It has not been the easy road whatsoever, but we have most definitely been humbled, seen God glorified and have learned so much. 

As camp neared the very end, the Low A & High A teams had already left and the AA & AAA teams stayed in AZ a couple extra days to get some intersquad games in. We were told that the AA team (Jackson Generals) was set to go and that they would be breaking camp with 7 outfielders! Yes, seven! An outfield only consists of Left Field, Center Field and Right Field in which you would need 3 players for and usually a fourth as a backup. So when we heard they were trying to start a team with 7, we knew that was unheard of. We also knew this would mean not much playing time as well once the season started. The very last day of camp, before the team ships off, Daniel got to the field and was approached by one of the coaches. Daniel said as soon as he saw him, he knew what he was going to say. As much as we never thought this day would actually come, Daniel was released from the Seattle Mariners.

I used to envision what this day would be like at times throughout Daniel's career. I imagined a sobfest with lots of crying and feeling super upset. The funny thing is, when Daniel called me to tell me, I still had a complete peace. Of course we had mixed emotions here and there, but God's presence was undeniable. This peace we felt isn't in a way that we feel we are done with baseball. Not at all. Baseball is still very much in our hearts and the calling we have in this game has only been confirmed over and over again. The peace we felt is because we KNOW this just means there's something better out there. To be honest, we both feel very excited. We do see how being released can most definitely be a blessing in disguise and the best thing for Daniel's career. If he would have stayed with the Mariners, there would have been so much competition for playing time that it could have been hard for Daniel to get as many at bats that he needs at this point in his career. The Mariners have been good to us and we will cherish the memories we made with them. We are excited for what's next though and are resting confident that "ALL things work together for good to those called according to God's purpose". 

I KNOW my husband's talent is there and I still totally believe in my heart that Daniel can/will play in the big leagues one day. But that's not our ultimate goal in all of this anymore, our ultimate goal is to glorify God wherever He has us. I am married to such a fighter. He has been knocked down in this game more times then anyone I know, but his motivation to keep going has remained strong and his faith even stronger. I believe in him and will stand by him as he follows his dream (what has now become "our" dream) until the day he says "he is done". I am so excited for whatever God has in store for us next. His agent has been getting a lot of great feedback from different affiliated (associated with MLB) teams that sound interested in Daniel but are just waiting for a spot to open. He's also had about 11 Independent Ball (Professional but not associated with MLB) teams call wanting Daniel to be their everyday leadoff center fielder. I believe Daniel is a diamond in the rough and that his time to shine is coming soon.

Right now, Daniel is signed to play Independent Ball with the Lincoln SaltDogs in Nebraska starting in May. If he was to get picked up by an affiliated team anytime before then, he is still able to sign with them. He can also be picked up anytime by an affiliated team during the Independent Ball season. No  matter what happens though, we are still thankful for the opportunity to be apart of this game and desire to be used and be an impact wherever God has us this season. Thank you to all that have stood by Daniel & continue to believe in him and support us. We are so thankful to have such an amazing support group and prayer warriors behind us. Do know, we are doing so good and are truly excited for this next chapter :) Continued prayers are appreciated and I promise to keep you posted through this blog on whatever happens next.