Extra Innings by Joe Boesch

Here's a look at the following dates in the World of baseball. April 1: Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2008 salary. April 5: Opening Day, active rosters reduced to 25 players. June 9-10: Amateur Draft. July 14: All-Star Game, St. Louis. July 26: Hall of Fame inductions, Cooperstown, N.Y. July 31: Last day to trade a player without securing waivers. Until then, see ya at the park!

WBC Ratings With the World Baseball Classic over and Japan the winners again for a second time, the viewer ratings came out. 1.3 average rating for the WBC on ESPN up to the semifinals. A 37.8 rating in Japan for their first-round games. Interesting. November is Better One thing that must be pointed, and as I said in the past, November is much better for the World Baseball Classic . I wrote about this back in January and again, with the platform of MLBLogs , reiterate that the timing of this was not good. My mind was put to rest when Chipper Jones Long Island Newsday that the "Classic should be moved to the fall." His main concern, as is mine, is that the players are in "game-shape" and "injuries will probably be minimal. " All I ask is that the Classic is kept alive and going, but just move it to November after the World Series . It will be a homerun for everyone. Until then, see ya at the park!

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Baseball is a game that takes time to perfect; it consists of working hard, determination and grit. Most players develop and become good through the years of extensive training and practice. John Habyan, former Major League pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, California Angels and Colorado Rockies, knows the trials and tribulations that come with competing on the major league level. Just as in the movie The Natural , Roy Hobbs attributed his hard work to his father – when they made the bat “Wonder Boy” and practiced pitching and throwing in the opening segments of the film. Habyan attributes the same – making a pitching mound in the backyard of their home and practicing the mechanics of pitching. His father noticed his talent and sensed he was more advanced than the other boys were. “My father gave me good advice...he encouraged me and said, ‘I’ll help you make a career out of this if you want?’ I then started to work out with ...

At the moment, I'm reading Ira Berkow's new book: Full Swing: Hits, Runs and Errors in a Writer's Life. His writing is exceptional and as a young writer, I sought his expertise on writing and how I can become a better writer. I've been asked by many, including some on MLBlogs , my road to writing. Well, it's not easy and I must say I've had good times and bad with it. Though, I don't discourage anyone from being a writer , it takes a lot of hardwork and concentration to make it. So, in saying, I would like to share a letter from Ira Berkow and others on becoming a writer. Dear Joe Boesch: It's been a little busy around here so it's taken me some time to get around to responding to your letter. My first suggestion , above all others, is to read, read, read . Read all the good writers you can lay your hands and eyes on. That's true for anyone who wishes to be a writer. Make sure you read thoroughly E. B. White's The Elements of Style...