Bubba is back in Sarasota. He left the Bats today, heading to Florida to play in some extended spring training games.
This is good news. He's getting close, and they want him to play in some actual games.
Why extended spring training in Florida, instead of Triple-A with the Bats? Bats radio announcer Jim Kelch said it was the warmer weather. (Warmer weather supposedly keeps the muscles looser. Bubba did say cold weather bothered his shoulder.)
Also, extended spring training games are very informal - even more so than regular spring training games. They don't keep records. And the rules are often bent to accommodate rehabbing players. For example, they may throw the batting order out the window, and let a player lead off in every inning, just get him at-bats. They may not want Bubba to play a full game yet; that won't be a problem in extended spring training.
I believe extended spring training games are usually open to the public, but I haven't been able to find a schedule.
