This week has been spent preparing for the tournament we have in Surprise, Ariz., this weekend.

This is the third time I've been able to play out in Surprise at the Coca-Cola Classic, where the Rangers and Royals have Spring Training. It is easily the nicest baseball field I have ever set foot on. We have been spending most our practice time this week working on offensive execution, like: hit and run, bunting and other small-ball stuff that we are known for being great at.

We play Gonzaga, Oregon State and Nevada at the tourney, and we will face a soft-throwing lefty on Friday against Gonzaga. Our game plan is to wait back on his off-speed pitches and hit the ball up the middle.

Last week, we swept Northern Illinois and started to see some things coming together. We will see how tough we really are when we face the No. 2 team in the nation on Saturday, Oregon State.

I bought the MVP 06 NCAA Baseball game for XBOX today along with the 2006 Torino Olympics game too. I love playing sports games like these; especially if I am in them! (Shameless plug!)

I am very excited to see the Olympics begin this weekend. It blows my mind to see these athletes who train for three to four years for just one chance to be extraordinary. They don't have a season to look forward to, just one event, a few minutes at the most. All the training, time and dedication for one short moment to shine, I admire that.

When I think about having a passion for something, these people come to mind. I can't wait to see these Olympians compete in the event they have been perfecting for years. It really motivates me to work on my baseball and get better day in and day out!

Talk to you next week!

Joe Pa

(photo courtesy of Arizona State Media Relations Office)