OGDEN -- When the final out is called, it all goes quiet.
So is the feeling for the Ogden Raptors, who now find themselves sitting and watching the postseason after a string of playoff appearances
Many different players and coaches use the offseason for a variety of purposes, but first and foremost, the Raptors are looking to get some rest.
"A lot of our players are coming off a long college season, and a half season of professional baseball -- a lot of them need to go home and rest," Raptors manager Damon Berryhill said. "Just take a month off and relax, and let the body recoup. Then, get in the weight room and start preparing for next year."
Offseason preparations are the focus of several players, including Justin Chigbogu.
The infielder, who hit nine home runs while also leading the team in strikeouts, is hoping to use the instructional league in Arizona as a place to improve his craft.
"I'm going to focus on getting stronger and just getting better," he said. "It's important to get rest, but you have to train. I'm willing to get better for next year, so I'm going to come back stronger."
To Berryhill, the instruction league is important in a young player's development.
"Those guys get a little more opportunity to play and learn from our other instructors," he said.
Jesmuel Valentin, who was third in the number of total hits with 71, is focused on playing winter ball in Puerto Rico.
"I played a couple games last year, but one of the things I have in mind is to just work hard and keep doing the same job I just did here," Valentin said. "I'm going to try to keep working on my hitting. I think that's one of the things I need; the most important tool I need for me to get better. If I get better with that tool, I can get faster."
On top of playing in a competitive winter league, the young shortstop is also focused on a rigorous training schedule to prepare for the grind of the following season. His regimen is also scheduled to include personal instruction from his father, former major leaguer Jose Valentin.
"I have a personal trainer back home, and my training is really intense," Valentin proclaimed. "We go from Monday to Friday, everyday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.. We do cardio or just agility or weight lifting. Then, at noon, I go hit with my dad."
In Valentin's mind, the offseason is when players separate themselves from their peers the most.
"You can't slow down when everything is right there," he said. "You just keep working hard and try to get better every single day. The offseason for me this year is going to be really, really hard."
Still, it is important to get away from baseball and refresh the mind as well.
Berryhill is looking forward to spending some time in Utah's great outdoors before he heads home for the season.
"I've got no plans until the 15th, when I have to get out of my place here," the Raptors skipper said after guiding his team to a 36-40 overall record. "I'm planning on taking a few days and doing a little fishing, relaxing and enjoying Utah."
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