Last year, Pence was forced to suppress his characteristic zeal after enduring three injuries -- fractured left forearm, left wrist tendinitis and strained left oblique -- that sidelined him for 110 games. After missing 22 games from 2007-13, such inactivity was sheer misery for Pence.
Now he has healed ("Everything's been better than ever") and is prepared to approach the upcoming start of Spring Training with his usual gusto. Pitchers and catchers report to camp at Scottsdale, Ariz., on Wednesday, followed by position players on Feb. 22.
Pence's offseason was blissful and busy.