Dear Matt, MattyWEEEE, Beaters or whatever other nickname you go by,
Congrats, you've finally arrived. It's a big day for you and, of course fantasy managers like myself. There are huge expectations, heck, my Carsten Charles In Charges are in need of some of that Wieters magic.
But, as difficult as it maybe, block my team's future out of your head. There are probably other things to think about. You're probably a bit nervous. A bit anxious. And maybe just a bit excited to go out there and prove everyone that you can live up to expectations. Well, don't push it.
I did some leg work for you. Here are some guys who have made it and have some words of advice.
Something Josh (Beckett) told me that (Ryan) Dempster told him is when you get called up, that means you're doing something right. But you'll want to make changes, just continue doing what you've been doing.
Everything is a bit faster, but be yourself. Do what you did in Little League.
You're here for a reason, don't forget that. It's like any other step up, like AA to AAA. Just keep doing what you've been doing.
The way the guys up here can execute pitches, make plays to take away hits and not have they're not special plays, they're routine. Listen to the advice of the older guys, don't think you know it all. But remember, baseball is baseball.
Breathe. But remember when pitchers up here miss with a pitch, they'll be just barely off the plate. It's not like the minors where a ball is a way out of the zone.
The lifestyle is one of the biggest changes. Be ready for people to come out of the woodwork asking for things. Talk to them, because they're family but be honest. Us rookies don't make millions, you can't be afraid to say "No."
Just have fun.
At some point in everyone's career development, you'll face major adversity. Being able to push threw it is big.
And well, enough of the coddling, here's Heath Bell for you.
You're a catcher, you've seen a lot of sick pitches. But, if you're facing me - watchout! I'm a wild boar coming right at you. I'm scarier than anything you've seen. That and remember, just tell yourself, "Dude, I'm a professional baseball player." Just imagine you're back in Norfolk, don't get distracted by the surroundings.
That's it. Good luck tonight and with the career you have in front of you. So relax, close your eyes and forget out my team, despite us needing 5 hrs by Sunday to survive.
With love,
Fantasy managers of the world and Oriole Nation.