Grouper sandwiches ... sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico ... watching baseball played outdoors.

Traffic ... humidity ... roaches ... more traffic.

Florida is not all fun under the sun. But, for nine days in late March, it is not a bad place to be.

You can have the beach. I'll take the baseball. I leave Wednesday morning, flying into Tampa. This will be my fifth spring training spent on the Portland Press Herald's dime (yes, yes, I'm saving the receipts) and the first time I will be blogging my way through it.

Today's entry is sort of a test as I fool around with the doo-dads.

Like, I am supposed to be able to offer you links to other web sites. Say I want to tell you to check out The Red Sox: web site, then you should be able click and go to it.

Be patient. I am still more comfortable with a Smith Corona (kids, ask your parents) than a Mac.

Speaking of the Red Sox site, it will be busy on Saturday, when tickets go on sale for the Futures at Fenway doubleheader, featuring the Portland Sea Dogs, on Aug. 11. The day will feature two minor league games, starting with the Lowell Spinners vs. Hudson Valley Renegades at 12:05 p.m., followed by the Sea Dogs vs. Harrisburg Senators. Tickets range from $5 to $30. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, via the internet or by touch-tone telephone (617-482-4769).

There, I snuck some news in. I'll check back from Fla.

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