We went to the Sluggers of the West Awards Dinner last night.  It was a fun night.  Lots of players there, including some minor leaguers.  Hicks even made an appearance.  Some notes from the evening.

1.  Millwood looks like he's lost a ton of weight.  They showed clips of him from last season doing charity work and his gut was substantial.  Last night he looked pretty slim.  There's no telling how good he could be if he starts the season in shape.
2.  C.J.  You're awesome, man.  But ... that ... hair.  It's time for a haircut.  Dreadlocks, ugh ....
3.  Hamilton looks like a beast.
4.  Marlon Byrd is a witty guy.  And he's genuinely likeable.  It's easy to see why he's a fan favorite and a favorite in the clubhouse.
5.  Kins (that's what Young kept calling Kinsler) looks at Mike Young like an idol.  They've been working out together at RBIA all offseason and are spending time together outside of baseball.
6.  Chris Davis is humble.  And stout.  Definitely a beast in the making.
7.  Mike Hargrove doesn't look too good.  It was great to see him, but I'm worried about his health.
8.  Jim Reeves looks as angry in person as he comes across in his articles.
9.  Baseball players don't marry non-hot chicks.
10.  Mike Young is a class act.
11.  Eric Nadel is the epitome of awesome.  And Rojas is a funny guy.  Lewin is still a bit of a dork.  Tom is ... Tom.
12.  JD and Wash might be gay.
13.  Those present:  Kins, Young, Byrd, C.J., BMac, Milly, Salty (who apparently signs autographs faster than anyone else), Tea, Davis, Jack Benoit, Duran, Whittleman, Mathis, Hank, Broussard, Hamilton, Kam Loe (I'm sure I'm missing somebody).  Non-players included Wash, JD, Sunny, Rusty Greer, Scott Servais, and Merle Harmon.  Jamey was there too.

Overall it was a neat evening.  It sounds like everyone is pumped for ST.  There was a lot of emphasis on not pressing this season, which was a big problem, as you can guess, during April and May last year.  I don't know how good these guys will be this year, but they ought to be a lot of fun to watch.