My interview with Tigers catcher, Alex Avila

When I first found out that I would have the chance to interview Tigers players, one of my top priorities was to interview Alex Avila. When I saw the All Star catcher walking from one of the practice fields and back to the clubhouse, I knew I had to go catch up with him. He was another really easy and fun interview and I enjoyed talking to him.

I warned him that these would be random questions and when I asked him my first question, he was stumped. I loved watching his face as he tried to come up with an answer! Anyway, without further ado, here are Alex Avila's answers!

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Uh. These really are random questions. Um.... [long pause] I don't know, I like war movies. So, any movie like We Were Soldiers or anything like that. I just saw Act of Valor, that was good.

What is your go-to snack?

They're called Powerberries from Trader Joe's. They're like chocolate covered raisin type of things, almost like raisinettes. They taste pretty good.

Who is the funniest guy in the clubhouse?

I'd have to say it's probably a tie between Gerald Laird and Jose Valverde.

Who is the smartest?

I'm going to go with Doug Fister.

What is one skill you wish you had?

I don't know, maybe sing, have a good voice.

What's your favorite thing about being a Detroit Tiger?

Definitely the tradition that the club has. Not too many clubs that have a hundred year history like the Tigers do and that's pretty cool to be a part of.

My interview with Tigers manager, Jim Leyland

After he was interviewed by ESPN and XM Radio, I managed to catch Leyland before he went into the clubhouse to prepare for the morning practice. Leyland has been managing the Tigers since 2006.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sleepless in Seattle.

What is your go-to snack?

Potato chips

Who is the funniest guy in the clubhouse?

Jose Valverde

Who is the smartest?

Max Scherzer

What is one skill that you wish you had?

Golf

What is your favorite thing about managing the Detroit Tigers?

Competition

Up Next: Delmon Young

My interview with Tigers pitching coach, Jeff Jones

I caught up with Jeff Jones before the Tigers and Braves game on March 8 to ask him a few random, off the wall questions. Jones is from Detroit and played for the Oakland Athletics from 1980 until 1984. He has been with the Tigers on and off since 1995 and was named the pitching coach after working in the bullpen during the 2011 season.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That's a good question. I always loved the movie Pretty Woman. I've probably seen it 5 or 6 times and I can probably watch it 5 or 6 more.

What's your go-to snack?

Popsicles. Tropical Pops by Popsicle brand.

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Probably Carraba's. I enjoy their food, I don't think I've

ever had a bad meal there.

What is one skill that you wish you had?

Jump. I wish I could jump. I've never been able to jump, I have white man's disease.

Who is the funniest player in the clubhouse?

Probably Jose Valverde. He's always happy, always smiling, always having fun.

Who is the smartest?

We've got quite a few of them but I'm going to say

Max Scherzer probably ranks right up there.

What's your favorite thing about coaching for the Tigers?

It's kind of a dream come true for me, being from Detroit. Just watching the guys get better, progress, and winning.

Up Next: Jim Leyland

Spring Training Playlist!

WELL! It's almost time for me to depart on my road trip to Lakeland, Florida. With the help of my friend, Carlie (@car724), we've come up with a playlist that you can put on your iPod for your road trip! Whether you're going to a Spring Training game or not, here's some feel good, summery songs that should make you happy. :)

1. In the Sun - She & Him

2. Take Me Somewhere – Tennis

3. Good Life – OneRepublic

4. Domino - Jessie J

5. Me and Charlie Talking - Miranda Lambert

6. Hip to My Heart - The Band Perry

7. Summertime – Kenny Chesney

8. Sunshine and Summertime – Faith Hill

9. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

10. Alright With Me - Kris Allen

11. Boy Next Door – Megan Joy

12. Daylight - Matt & Kim

13. Centerfield - John Fogerty

14. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

15. Drive My Car – The Beatles

16. Hey Jude – The Beatles

17. Summer of '69 – Bryan Adams

18. Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons

19. Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd

20. Love in an Elevator – Aerosmith

21. Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith

22. Runnin' Down A Dream – Tom Petty

23. Waka Waka – Shakira

24. Wavin' Flag – K'naan

25. Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me – Keith Urban

26. Somebody Like You – Keith Urban

27. Long Hot Summer – Keith Urban

28. Days Go By – Keith Urban

29. Get Out of this Town – Carrie Underwood

30. Paradise – Coldplay

31. We Are Young – Fun (ft. Janelle Monae)

32. Brighter Than the Sun – Colbie Caillat

33. Make it Mine – Jason Mraz (preferably acoustic)

34. Home – Dierks Bentley

35. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

36. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen

37. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

38. Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy

39. I Can't Remember – The Grand Magnolias

40. Sing Out – The Grand Magnolias

41. Sunday Morning – Maroon 5

    I'm definitely missing a TON of songs that I enjoy listening to whenever I drive to Florida, but here's just a sampling! Please leave your favorites in the comments so I can add them to my iPod. :)

Can you smell it?

Yes, the smell of peanuts and the sound of its crunch underneath your feet. The smell of the fresh air and sunshine that take over your entire being. The smell of the hot dogs, beers, popcorn, and sunscreen. If you weren't smelling it before, you're smelling it now.

But can you see it? The grounds crew pulling out the rakes and hose to prepare for the game. The mobs of fans assembling at the baselines for an autograph, picture, or a mere glimpse of their favorite player. The vendors walking up and down the aisles with food and beverages, yelling loud enough for the folks in left field to hear. The players lining up for the National Anthem. The players taking the field for the first inning of 2012 baseball. The first pitch. The first strike. The first ball. The first hit, out, home run. Baseball is here.

(Reuters Pictures)

I was on Twitter during the entire duration of the Super Bowl. The final throw was a Tom Brady Hail Mary to the endzone. When no Patriot came up with the ball, the NFL season was officially over. The New York Giants were crowned champs and the entire east coast exploded with happiness and misery. What I saw on Twitter was equivalent to New Year's Eve.

"10.....9.....8....7...6...5...4...3...2....1......HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!"

Replace the number countdown with Brady's pass and the "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!" with "BASEBALL IS OFFICIALLY HERE!" and then you get a taste of what my timeline looked like last night.

We're all on the same page. We're all fans of different teams. Some of us support the designated hitter, some of us think it's ridiculous. Some are excited about the prospect of two wild card teams, some think it takes away from the game. We all have different opinions, but we forget about it when we're all rejoicing over the return of baseball season.

The first team to report is the Seattle Mariners on February 11. Yes, our

first sight of baseball is in FIVE days. 5. Then in two weeks, they'll all be there. All 30 teams will be welcoming ballplayers from all over, some proven and some looking for their shot at the show.

If you're reading this, it means you are as excited about the start of baseball as I am. Whether you play it or watch it, we can all agree that it is the greatest game on earth. Its offseason is the most painful, right in the dead of winter. But then spring training begins, and every team has the same record. There is renewed hope for players, teams, and fans alike. 2012: We're ready for you.