Highly Recommended Reading: Todd Zolecki on Hunter Pence

Great read from Todd Zolecki about Hunter Pence, his preparation, and… chess:

Even when he is away from the ballpark, Pence seems to be doing something he can take back to the field.

He plays chess, although he found few willing participants in Houston. Pence recently asked Halladay if he played. He said he did, so Pence is thinking of picking up a chess board for the team's flights.

"I don't want to intrude on his time, but that might be my next opponent," he said. "I love chess, because it stimulates your mind in a similar way that baseball does. You have to respond quickly to figure out what they're trying to do to you. I think the game of baseball, being as mental as it is, it's another way to get better."

Hmm. I'm not sure I see anyone out mind-fucking Halladay. 

Must-read from Zolecki here.

*I apologize for the relative lack of updates the last few days, a lot going. Much more coming later today.