Ducks work out outside for the first time in 2012
The Wiener Neustadt Diving Ducks have moved their workouts outside. With the weather finally warming up a little bit, Manager Fredi Heisler was pleased to see a pretty good first practice.
The workout started at 6 pm as scheduled, with a handful of players showing up early for extra work. Not long into the practice, the stadium lights were turned on to fight the early spring darkness.
Club President Raimund Amon was happy with what he saw: “most players looked pretty sharp for a first workout outside.”
“We still need to shake off some dust and get used to the distances (opposed to the small indoor gyms) and weather conditions, but overall I was very pleased with what I saw”, said Manager Heisler, adding that “we still have a lot of room for improvement”.
Most players were happy to get the first one out of the way and to finally get going. After the practice session all players made a quick exit to the clubhouse, only Catcher Armin Alteneder took some time to talk to the media: “You know, right now it’s just about getting out there, get a feel for the ball again and see how your body reacts. This time of the year, you just want to see where you are at and get comfortable and go from there. Today, I was just trying to get my feet right and make accurate throws to second, not trying to do too much. Thursday, we will start working on more things and go after it a little more.”
He also noted that all the pitchers who threw pens looked sharp.
The Ducks have their next workout scheduled for Thursday evening. They were set to scrimmage the local rival Crazy Geese on Saturday, but the Geese had to cancel earlier this week.
Hitters will get a chance to face live pitching regardless, as the Ducks are going to play an intra-squad game. The format of the game has not been determined, since Manager Heisler will have to adjust to the number of available players. “We have several options, it might be nine on nine or a rotation of three 5 person teams. I don’t know yet”
Saturday’s game will be open to the public and the media, players will be available for autographs and interviews afterwards. (Start time tba)
austrianhardball 
Interesting to see that coming up. If anyhow possible we try to stop by for a couple of innings!
z