Spring Training -- and therefore baseball -- is back, and these photos will prove it

For more than three full months, we were without baseball. No cracking of bats, no balls hitting gloves, no real images of baseball players doing baseball things ever since Bryzzo recorded the final out in Game 7 of the World Series. 
But, be sad no more, for baseball is back.

Like, really back.

Yes, that's a baseball guy -- new Red Sox ace Chris Sale, to be exact -- smiling and in the process of throwing a baseball on a grass surface. 
His teammate, Dustin Pedroia, showed up a few days early himself to put in some work:

And here's Matt Harvey of the Mets doing some bullpen work:

Rockies slugger Nolan Arenado has a tall task ahead of him if he wants to lead the NL in homers again, so why not get some work in the cages early? 

And while not all teams' players have to report just yet, several clubs' social media accounts were extremely excited nonetheless. Again, baseball things happening after what feels like an interminable absence is cause for celebration:

Spring Training is here. #RedsST ???

?: https://t.co/c7Y68ihapl pic.twitter.com/RWRGvfVOxi

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 13, 2017

Nice day for a catch ????? pic.twitter.com/REvBRY1MoJ

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) February 13, 2017

PHOTO GALLERY: Check out today's #TribeSpring action from Goodyear, Arizona: https://t.co/erq8uJIYVN pic.twitter.com/zZFBhUJ3pC

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 13, 2017

Earlier today Mitch Moreland was asked what makes Sale so difficult to hit.
His response: "Just watch him & you'll be able to tell." ? pic.twitter.com/Dmct9gpAfG

— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 13, 2017

? pic.twitter.com/5p8x5fWoDt

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 13, 2017

Early birds. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/CJNNM3iowU

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 13, 2017

Welcome to spring training. pic.twitter.com/vLaCo0MB3A

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) February 13, 2017

For those about to rock, @zbritton salutes you. ??? #OrangeSpring pic.twitter.com/2dp9ReNaF4

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 13, 2017

Baseball happenings in the Florida sun. pic.twitter.com/feFfbNXKAZ

— Pirates (@Pirates) February 13, 2017

Welcome back.