Astros get unusual visitor to spring training clubhouse

KISSIMMEE, FL (KTRK) -- Two of the biggest dangers in spring training are boredom and monotony.

Most of the Astros day Thursday was just that. They practiced running to first base, over and over and over again. They also talked a whole lot and pitchers practiced fielding.

So how did they bring a little excitement to Kissimmee? Say hello to Sunshine the Burmese python.

Coach AJ Hinch snuck the snake into the morning, scaring at least the bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte half to death.

"We're having a good time and just trying to keep things light at the very beginning and then we can turn the switch when we get out on the field," said Hinch. "The attention is all about the baseball, but we'll have a little bit of fun."

Get the latest from Spring Training by following Greg Bailey on Twitter at @gregbailey13 and photographer Jaime Zamora at @13PhotogZamora