Kepler vs The Shift, Buxton's Knee & Taylor's Speed

I'll preface this question with I'm more of a 'feels' person. I know that ST is just an exciting time ... players getting back into it, they are with their teammates again, it's the fun moment where so much is possible. But do you discern a different attitude coming in this year? I saw quotes online about Buxton talking about getting that ring, Correa's leadership, Max's 'zen-like' approach, people excited ... is there a 'click' to this year, more so than other years? Or maybe a different mindset? Or is this all just 'It's the start of ST and everyone is just hyped up'? And maybe considering last year, and previous years with the pandemic, this year is the most 'normal' they've had in several years.