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This story was out there late last week, but...well, you know.

Frogs return with high hopes

A year ago, Everett opened by winning eight of its first nine games. But it was all downhill from there as the Sox finished 31-45 and sunk to last place in the Western Division.

The majority of those who took part in Thursday's practice - 12 position players and 10 pitchers - weren't around to suffer through last season's struggles. But whether they were here or not, everyone is eager to get this season started.

"Once we get so close like this, everybody starts getting anxious," said new manager Mike Tosar, who served as the team's batting coach last season. "We want the lights to turn on and we want to get out there and start playing some baseball."

The first practice was relaxed - for everyone except catcher Julian Henson. The only catcher in town so far, Henson not only had to go through the full practice, he also had to catch all the pitchers' bullpen sessions.

"(The first practice) went pretty smooth," returning outfielder Gregory Halman said. "Mike didn't put too much pressure on us, he just made sure we got it going and knew what we were doing."
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Usually returning to Everett is a disappointment for the players, who hope to advance at least one level a year. However, for a player like Halman who struggled at a higher level, it constitutes a fresh start.

The 19-year-old from the Netherlands, who was one of Everett's top offensive players a year ago before suffering a season-ending hand injury, began the year at Wisconsin, but batted just .182 in 52 games. Halman is hoping a return to Everett can help get him back in the groove.

"I got to Wisconsin after a very good spring training and I struggled from the beginning, and it only got worse from there," Halman said. "I started letting my head down a little bit. I tried to pick myself up again, but I lost a lot of confidence in everything. So this is a very fresh start."