Working in Vegas at Camp Tulo

LAS VEGAS — I don’t gamble. Don’t play cards. Not tempted to pull arms on slot-machines. But I placed a bet on my survival Wednesday. Against better judgment, I agreed to attempt a morning workout at Camp Tulo. “Are you really going to do this?” Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki asked with sarcasm befitting my lack of fitness. My life has trained me to write. Not fight. Or lift. Or do much to raise my heart rate, save for nightly deadlines. Still, I tied the shoes, checked my wallet to make sure I had organ donor checked on my license and walked to the first station at the Philippi Sports Institute. There I joined Tulowitzki, Jason Giambi, Dexter Fowler, Nolan Arenado and Josh Rutledge. Now I know how Lyle Lovett felt standing next to Julia Roberts. Mark Philippi, a famous strongman and trainer, delivered instructions. I am convinced that Phillippi could use me as dental floss. So I listened. There were nine stations, each more cruel than the next. The...