Later spring training starts means some players are fresher

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Buster Posey gets going at Scottsdale Stadium around 7 a.m. most days of spring training, a couple of hours before he’s due to be there.

It gives him time for a quick bite to eat, to lift weights or do some extra baseball work then have a real breakfast ahead of the Giants’ formal workout.

Years ago, manager Bruce Bochy can’t quite recall when but at least three or four seasons back, San Francisco began starting spring training practices later in the morning. The Giants have consulted a sleep specialist at various times for guidance on issues such as when to travel – sometimes staying overnight and leaving the next morning rather than flying immediately after late games – or how to best turn off the mind or electronic device at bedtime.

Around baseball, many teams are now following suit – from the Cactus League in Arizona to Florida’s Grapefruit League.

“I will say for me what’s nice is I can get in at a little after 7 and if I want to get some work in taking care of myself as far as in the weight room, training room, food, it gives me time to do that before we’re on the field,” Posey said. “Whereas if you’re getting on the field at 9, it’s harder to do that, unless you’re going to get up and get here at 6. Just little maintenance stuff to take care of, I stay busy.”

Bochy believes there is a real difference in his players’ energy with a better night of sleep. They are fresher, more lively in