While listening to the dreadfull Indians v Blue Jays game on XM an interesting question was asked...
Which is harder for a player who's made the big time?
1) Being the "next big thing" sitting down in AAA in the middle of a big year. Getting the call to the big team late in the season and having to jump into things cold. You've got the pressure of being "the next big thing" along with going from the Mudville Flats to Broadway in the course of a day or two. Even though you are in the groove the pitching is faster/better, the balls are hit harder and the game is played faster.
2) Being the "next big thing" that finished a big year in AAA last year. You break camp with the team and head north to be an everyday player. You've still got the pressure of being the "next big thing" but now you've also not really seen any live pitching since last Septemeber. Your mojo may or may not have made the trip north. Also, while last September no one would have cared what you did because the team was out of it, now they REALLY care because every team is in the hunt come April.
I don't know...I thought it was interesting. Then again, I was driving from Paducah to Evansville.