Spring Training Journal

Is it better to travel well than to arrive?

2008-10-10T15:13:00.009-07:00

Last year I took the Cubs playoff loss to the D-Backs extremely hard and couldn't bring myself to write about it here until mid-November. So in a conscious effort to update this blog more often and come to grips with the Cubs early playoff exit...Here we go. I don't want to rehash the three playoff losses to the Dodgers, you saw it. The list of reasons for the Cubs failure is long and extensive; no doubt you have heard them all by now so I will dispense with the postmortem inventory.

The build-up to this season was huge - 2008 being the 100 year World Series anniversary, the Cubs 2007 Central Champs, a new star from Japan, all of this going on before spring training even started. Expectations were huge for 2008, so the team goes out and wins a National League best 97 Games (the most for a Cubs team in 63 years), and THEN...The post season. As a Cubs fan I know you got that sinking "here we go again" feeling when Dempster served up that Grand Salami in game one.....and not the "oh we might be in trouble today" feeling, but the "doomed" numbness a prisoner might feel on a slow walk to the gallows before facing the inevitable.

Hey, I didn't want that feeling in my head and I quickly tried to push it away, telling myself at every turn - "Here is where the Cubs step up and change history", "Here is where D-Lee, A-Ram, Big Z, etc. come up with the big hit or pitch to stifle the insurgent Dodgers"...They didn't. Once again the Cubs playoff failure was a very bitter pill to swallow, you might think it would get easier...It doesn't.

The rest of the playoffs and World Series could be interesting but with the Cubs out, my appetite for such things has diminished. So where do we go from here? With the build-up to 2008 and incredible regular season I just can't see the same intensity level from the fans next year, after all "this" was the year. Then again, the one thing that Cubs fans seem to possess more than any other fans is...Resiliency. Going forward will the Cubs success during the season be judged on getting to and winning the World Series? Is spring training and the regular season only a preamble to what is important - the playoffs and World Series?

In the end I guess it depends on what success means to you, if the Cubs winning the World Series is your definition of success, then they are a very unsuccessful ballclub. If you define success as the Tribune Company probably does in terms of game attendance, apparel sales, and franchise value then the Cubs are very successful.

As a hardcore fan all these factors play a part in the Cubs appeal but there's something else; a visceral link formed with a Cubs player or a year (for me 1984). Since most often this link to the team is instigated and perpetuated by one of our family members the bond with the Cubs grows over time. Before you realize what has happened it's too late, you are a Cubs fan or as some might see it - one of the "Doomed". The team is woven so deeply into many of our families and memories that it's often hard to separate the Cubs and our own self-image. It tends to be especially difficult after a tough loss like this years playoffs to remember that baseball and the Cubs are in the end entertainment.

As most of you know I try to be realistic about the Cubs and not delude myself about what this team will do any given year. At the same time I am optimistic by nature so I can see potential in most Cubs teams given the "if things go right" caveat. After last years playoff loss the D-Backs it took me quite a while to start getting excited about spring training. For some reason that isn't the case right now, and it's not because I think the Cubs will be any better, that remains to be seen. It's probably a selfish desire to be around the team again and enjoy the great weather and feeling that Cubs spring training here in Arizona offers. Or perhaps it's an extension of an email that my friend George from Waukegan sent the other day, after talking about the Cubs failure and "Blue Funk' that had set in after the loss, George closed with this:

"See you in February pitchers, catchers and anyone else who wants to get an early start on winning it all in 2009! The Cubs Media guide will be updated with these grizzly 2008 stats...0-3 NLDS...but 2009 starts out like all the rest 0-0 Won-Lost and nobody knows what will happen, optimism reigns supreme!

The sooner winter comes, the sooner spring training starts!"

Thanks Geo, spoken like a true Cubs fan! The title of this blog is a quote from Buddha in which I switched the first two words, "It is" to "Is it" in order to pose a question.

Word is the Cubs will have 18 home games at Hohokam Stadium this coming spring. This is a photo of my view from the press box at Hohokam, walk up the stairs between sections 200 and 202 before the game and say hello...See you in March. Tim

Armed and Dangerous

2008-09-16T09:47:00.007-07:00

How bout those Cubbies! How bout Big Z! How bout the magic number down to 6! It really is hard for me to temper my excitement right now, this has truly been one incredible season...but it's not over yet. I just want to see the Cubs close the regular season strong and then...On to October!

After Big Z's no-hitter the other day, I was thinking back to the spring of 1998. I was sitting behind then Cubs President and CEO Andy MacPhail at Hohokam listening to him talk about a rookie pitcher from Texas who was going to be something special...Kerry Wood showed us why only a month and a half later with a one hit, 20 K game on May 6th against the Astros. Only two current Cubs players were in the organization back in 1998, Wood and a 17 year old kid from Venezuela who was getting his feet wet in pro ball with the Cubs Arizona rookie league...Carlos Zambrano.

So here we are ten years later with two home grown pitchers playing huge roles in the Cubs chances of winning their first World Series since 1908. Kerry Wood has certainly had an up and down injury filled Cubs career; no doubt the path has been different than the Cubs faithful had envisioned following that May 6th 1998 game. Wood has persevered during the last decade in spite of huge expectations and injuries by working hard and staying focused. This year's switch of Ryan Dempster to starter and Wood to closer has really payed off for the Cubs. It is however the final stretch and post-season when leaders like Kerry Wood must step up and take care of business.

Carlos Zambrano's no-hitter was a historic game to remember and another step in his pitching evolution. In 1998 few people knew anything about the 17 year old pitcher from Venezuela, in 2003 Zambrano won 13 games but when the Cubs made a push to reach the World Series he was overshadowed by the other young guns Wood and Prior. After the 2003 season things really accelerated for Z, while former phenoms Wood and Prior combined for 35 wins and 37 losses since 03, the Big Z has won 78 games and lost only 39. With Z having 12 days off because of a sore arm the no-hitter really came out of the blue, once again the Astros were on the other side of Cubs pitching history. Certainly the Cubs are capable of scoring more runs than in the recent past but this year's hopes will rest on the broad shoulders and continued evolution of Big Z come playoff time.

Theodore came up with a big game of his own yesterday allowing only 1 hit in 7 innings work. The Cubs were having a good time in Milwaukee while the Brewers were in Philly melting down...Manager Ned Yost took the brunt of the heat getting axed with only two weeks left in the regular season. So now we have the Cubs and the Brewers going at it in Wrigley tonight with the Cubs able to clinch if they sweep the Brew Crew. I'm thinking that the Brewers will be a bit on the testy side for the series, all things considered. As Lou likes to say "one game at a time"; should be a good pitching match up this evening with Dempster and Sabathia.

Go Cubs!

Winning is in Fashion

2008-08-20T16:11:00.007-07:00

This has been one fun baseball season; the Cubs are doing what needs to be done and taking care of business. Haven't blogged in a while and was prompted to do so by an email from George in Waukegan. I met George this past spring; like the rest of us in Cubs Universe, he and his family are super excited about the Cubbies right now.

I was happy when the Cubs traded for pitchers Harden and Gaudin but was a bit leery of Hardens injury history. So far, so good, the Cubs are being smart with his pitch count. Harden has been as Soriano said "dominant"; he really gives the Cubs that needed starter for the end of season push and helps neutralize the Brewers Sabathia acquisition. Gaudin who was kind of an after thought in the deal to most Cubs fans has been a pleasant surprise.

The classic look

I saw that Bronson Arroyo is pitching against the Cubs tonight and couldn't help but remember that corn-row hairdo he sported with the Red Sox...man that was, well, less than flattering. Speaking of pitchers hair, in Jeff Samardzija's first major league camp at Fitch in 2007 he came in with the long locks. Let's just say Lou wasn't thrilled with the look, I shot some video of Samardzija that first day so I'll pass it along here. It's only about a minute long. Jeff is another Cubs pitcher that coming out of camp wasn't really expected to make an impact this season. It's great to see him help the club in a playoff race this early in his career.

I've been very busy on a couple projects and trying to stay cool down here in AZ...I hope to cool off while watching the Cubs in Chicago this October. Go Cubs!

No Offense but...

2008-07-22T08:18:00.011-07:00

Last night Rich Harden pitched outstanding, another 10 K's with only a loss to show for it. Harden made one mistake giving up a HR to Alex Romero, combined with no run support from the Cubs' offense resulting in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. It really was a tough loss as the Cubs hit Randy Johnson hard, but the balls went either right at someone or the DBacks made excellent defensive plays. It's a very good thing that Alfonso Soriano is coming back this week - provided he has no set-backs - the Cubs need an offensive spark. It's games like last night and the two losses in Houston where his bat could make the difference between winning and losing.

Good to see Soriano back (fielding during bp)

Some observations from last night's festivities at Chase Field: Man, it was HOT - I don't mean outside - but inside the building. I suppose some seats are better than others in this regard, but maybe the DBacks are trying to cut down on the cooling expenses because it was downright uncomfortable. At least at Wrigley, when it's hot you have a chance of getting a cooling breeze.

Cedeno started at 2nd

The introduction of the Cubs starting line-up was a joke. The barely audible PA Announcer rattled thru the line-up so fast if you sneezed you would have missed it. Very disrespectful to the visiting team in my opinion. Of course the intros for the DBacks were of the over the top basketball/hockey like variety. Randddddddeeeeee Johnnnnn-sonnnnnn, yea we get it...nothing like trying to artificially pump up the unresponsive DBacks fans. This stadium has some great amenities, no doubt, but what a contrast from my recent experience at Wrigley. Chase Field is the anti-Wrigley with it's Las Vegas style eye-tormenting cluttered neon and advertising everywhere you look.

Fontenot and Theriot have a laugh during bp

A huge amount of Cubs fans were on hand (as usual) displaying much more enthusiasm than the mostly stoic DBacks fans. The Dbacks also have between-innings live commercials with separate announcers who are doing bits or promos from different areas of the ballpark. At one point they are on top of the dugout doing a "let's make a deal" type giveaway. A Cubs fan selects the box which turns out to have a pail of water in it. Of course, the skit ends with the pail of water being thrown onto the fans and, you guessed it, not water but confetti. This skit wasn't even funny when the Harlem Globetrotters did it ad nauseum in the 1970s and 80s. Sorry about the rant but these things things seem more annoying to me when the Cubs lose.

I'll be watching tonight's game on WGN from the cool, comfort of my couch.

Things are looking up with Soriano back soon

Go Cubs~

Back Where It Started

2008-07-20T12:13:00.006-07:00

Sitting here watching the Cubs and Dempster on MLB TV trying to get a win in Houston, bases full of Astros with the Cubs up 3-0 in the 5th inning. Dempster just K'd Backe for out 2, wow Backe is pissed on the called third strike. Ramirez just caught the 3d out and the Cubs escape a bases loaded no out situation.

It would be nice to get a win today and start winning some road games; the Cubs come to AZ tomorrow and I will be at the game. I will post my photos from Monday's Cubs/DBacks game on Tuesday morning. It should be an interesting game with Randy Johnson facing off against Rich Harden. Alfonso Soriano is going to play tomorrow with the Mesa Cubs and then back with the big boys on Wednesday or Thursday. Soriano's return this week should be a shot in the arm for the Cubs' offense.

Theriot just drove in Fontenot, Cubs 4 Astros 0, bye bye Backe. Back here on Tuesday morning with a report and photos from tomorrow night's game.

Go Cubs~

Pops and Me go to Wrigley

2008-07-14T14:28:00.011-07:00

What a great trip to Chicago in spite of the crappy game we saw against the Reds on Thursday but the Cubs came back on Friday beating the Giants 3-1 in a thriller. As I mentioned in the last blog my dad and I went along with the Hohokams on their annual trip, which meant we saw two games at Wrigley Field (last Thursday and Friday).

Hey-hey, I'm at Wrigley

Those two games were vastly different experiences for us and not just because of the outcomes. In the Cubs 12-7 loss to the Reds we were in the center field suite, it's a nice set-up with lots of room and fantastic catered food and drink. The trouble is you are in this hermetically sealed room with no feel for actually being at a ballgame and no outside seating. It's more like a small bar with a great view but you can barley even hear the 40 thousand plus fans when they cheer after something exciting happens. Sure we stayed dry when it rained that day but I felt disconnected from Wrigley Field and the fans. The fact that the game lasted three hours and fifteen minutes and the Reds blasted Cubs pitchers for 7 HR's didn't help.

A day earlier we were in the hermetically sealed black box

After Thursdays black box experience Friday was like being at another completely different ballpark, we had seats in section 122 behind home plate slightly towards the first base side. I looked at the starting lineup for the Cubs on Friday and saw Daryle Ward, Reed Johnson, and Mark DeRosa manning the outfield with Marquis the starting pitcher and was a bit apprehensive, then remembered the Cubs were facing the Giants. The game was a pitchers duel with Jason Marquis shutting down the Giants, the Cubs didn't break thru until the 8th when Aramis Ramirez hit a game winning 3 run HR. The game was even better for my dad and me because we sat for one inning in the first row behind the Cubs dugout; (courtesy of a friend of the Hohokams) those are simply amazing seats. We were also treated like kings over at Bernie's Bar before the game, a huge thank you to all those who made that happen.

A-Ram as seen from the front row

A-Ram takes a curtain call after 8th inning HR

The other hero of Fridays win Jason Marquis

If you've never been to a Friday day game at Wrigley, put it on your list of things to do in life, it's baseball meets Disney World. I know all games at Wrigley are special but Fridays just rock! This was my dad's first time ever at Wrigley; he's a fun loving guy from Irish American roots who has been known to bend an elbow on occasion. For him Wrigleyville was as if he'd found Shangri-La.

I've been to many of the bars around Wrigley but hadn't been to Murphy's Bleachers so that was a must this time. We stopped into Murphy's prior to Thursday's game only to hear the song "Friends and Family" playing on the sound system. While it certainly is a cool song and one Cubs fans can relate to, it has special meaning for me as my cousin Tracy played guitar in the band (Trick Turner) that made and recorded the song. Several years back I put the song on a mix CD that gets played at Hohokam every spring training. Murphy's is a very cool pub and much bigger inside than it looks from the outside. At Murphy's we met and chatted with some very nice ladies who had come to the game with there senior center, they had tales about bringing the kids to "ladies day" back when and were keen on swapping other Cubs stories.

Murphy's Bleachers after Thursday rain

Pops and I got the chance to go on the field prior to Thursday's game as the Hohokam group had their photo taken; I had one of the Hohokams take a shot of me and my dad on the field. That day ended up being a gathering of many of the Hohokam Stadium spring training crew at Wrigley as Stadium Manager Dave Dunne and Hohokam organist George Kiefer along with me and about 25 Hohokams all were in attendance. Robert Brinton the Hohokam Groups newly elected "Big Ho" (how's that for a title) talked with Len Kasper and Bob Brenly on WGN about spring training during the 3d inning of Thursdays game. Len Kasper was gracious enough to mention that we were at the ballpark and that my dad was attending his first game at Wrigley. The excitement and level of electricity in and around Wrigley was unbelievable, especially sitting in the stands on Friday...you just knew that one of the players was going to come through and the Cubs would win it.

Pops and me on the hallowed Wrigley sod

So here we are at the All-Star break with the Cubs sporting the best record in baseball (tied with Angels) with Soriano due back soon and Rich Harden in the rotation...it should be one hell of a second half. Being a Cubs fan the optimism is always somewhat guarded but I'll tell you what, I plan on being back at Wrigley to see the Cubs play this October! Enjoy tonight's Cubs game...er...uh...I mean All-Star game. T

Took this shot of Mike Fontenot while sitting in the front row

Speeding to the All-Star Break

2008-07-07T09:44:00.007-07:00

Great game from Cubs pitcher Sean Marshall yesterday, a series win on the road against the Cardinals is always fun, too bad the Cubs let one get away missing the sweep. At any rate extending the Cubs lead over those birds in the standings is huge. Now if the Cubs can follow up with a strong home stand at Wrigley before the All-Star break it will be a very successful first half indeed.

It's fantastic to see a franchise record 7 Cubs on the NL All-Star squad. The Cubs are getting a lot of national media hype and deservedly so, expectations will only be raised from here -- having those 7 guys along with the rest of the ballclub playing like All-Stars come October is what really matters. The Cubs have talent and offensive prowess (especially when Soriano returns) and in my opinion have the right Manager in Lou Piniella to get the job done.

Rookie All-Star Kosuke Fukudome

Rookie All-Star Geovany Soto

With the Brewers closing in the standings and acquiring CC Sabathia the second half of the season in the Central division looks like a three horse race. It will be interesting to see what GM Jim Hendry pulls out of his bag of tricks to possibly get another starting pitcher for the Cubs.

Last week while driving across country back to AZ I was pulled over in a small town for speeding (less than 10 mph over limit) and then something unprecedented happened. The first thing the officer said to me after seeing my Cubs ball cap on the dash was "Are you a Cubs fan?" being in Nebraska I wasn't exactly sure why he was asking but I said "yes, I am". He then goes back to the squad car with my drivers license and registration, upon returning he says "I'm going to give you only a warning but please slow down". At that point I had to ask, "Are you a Cubs fan"? "All my life" he says, so we proceeded to chat about the Cubs for several minutes. I told him I do the Cubs spring training public address at Hohokam and he should come out for spring training, he said he plans to make the pilgrimage some day. Then off I went, thinking how cool it was to escape getting a ticket because I was a Cubs fan. Unfortunately the Highway Patrolman in Colorado wasn't a Cubs fan.

Now the part I am really excited about - this coming Thursday and Friday I will be at Wrigley Field when the Cubs take on the Reds and then the Giants! The trip is with the Mesa Hohokams and I am taking my Dad along so it should be a great time. I love the city of Chicago and can't wait to get some of that great authentic Chicago style pizza. It's a quick trip Wednesday to Saturday, I will post photos and blog about the trip upon returning. Wrigley Field here we come!

T

Lou, Walt, and Buck

2008-06-05T10:15:00.005-07:00

Tough loss last night for the Cubs but the winning streak sure was fun to watch. I liked what Lou Piniella said after the game last night: "We had a nine-game winning streak, we've been playing good baseball...give their team credit for pitching well. Hopefully tomorrow we'll get another good game from [Ryan] Dempster and start a new streak -- a win streak, that is."

Today as part of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball will hold a ceremonial selection of players from the Negro Leagues. Participation in the draft is voluntary, but most clubs are expected to take part as baseball continues its efforts to keep alive the history of the Negro Leagues. The Cubs will select Detroit Stars pitcher/first baseman Walt Owens who played in the Negro Leagues from 1953-55 and with the all-white Detroit Pepsi-Cola team when baseball integrated in Detroit in 1957. In doing a bit of research I found what Owens accomplished off the diamond was as impressive as anything he did as a ballplayer. "A teacher for 54 years, with 34 years at Northern Illinois, Owens has been a pioneer in many aspects of his life."

In the spring 2006 I had the opportunity to interview Negro League legend Buck O'Neil for the Boys of Spring documentary, here is a portion of that interview. O'Neil was hired by the Cubs as a scout from the Negro Leagues in 1955. This clip is 2 minutes.

What a Win

2008-05-30T08:02:00.012-07:00

As I write this the Cubs have been playing one of those games that give you pause to think, maybe this is the year. Kerry Wood is coming in for the 9th inning attempting to close this game against the Rockies...a game in which the Cubs were down 9-1 and now lead 10-9, and looking for their 5th straight win. Crap, Wood just walked the leadoff hitter...sweeeeet a double play and then Dome catches the third out! Cubs Win! I'm watching on MLB TV on the computer they are playing "Go Cubs Go" at Wrigley, the fans are all singing along, love it. Best record in baseball and 2 games up on the Cardinals, I can't wait to get up to Wrigley in July.

The video I shot a few springs back of Cubs Pitcher Ryan Dempster doing his Harry Caray impression has been pretty popular on you-tube, over 120,000 views so far. So I thought I would post another Harry Caray impression, I shot this one at Hohokam Stadium as well. The guy is Matt Wagner, at one time he worked at Harry Caray's restaurant in Chicago, maybe still does. You may have seen him impersonate Harry before, he is one of the best in my opinion...see what you think.

Cubs fan and actor Bill Murray's wife has claimed the Wilmette native is a violent alcohol, drug and sex addict in court papers related to the couple's impending divorce. Murray's wife Jennifer Butler Murray claims she has been physically abused, cheated on, and alleges her estranged husband is addicted to marijuana and alcohol. She says that Murray would leave the country frequently without her "where he engages in public and private altercations and sexual liaisons." The complaint also states that Murray physically abused his wife, and last November "hit her in the face and then told her she was 'lucky he didn't kill her.'"

Murray and wife Jeniffer Butler
Robyn BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Ouch...you never know what is true in these situations but she signed a pre-nup before they wed and will get $7 mill within 60 days of a final divorce decree. I met Murray during spring training back when Mark Grace was still playing for the Cubs, as a friend of Gracie's you know Murray has some serious elbow bending skills.

Here is a bit of un-Cubs related pop-culture video flying around the Internet, singer Mariah Carey supposedly throwing the worst Ceremonial First Pitch ever at a baseball game in Japan...I'll let you be the judge. I will say in my years as public address announcer for the Cubs at Hohokam I have seen many lousy "first pitches". During spring training we have been known to do up to 5 ceremonial pitches before a single game. I have seen athletic looking men who appear in good health throw some rag arm weak arse crap as bad as this Mariah Carey toss...yes they were deservedly booed by the fans.

A somewhat weird and perhaps disturbing element of this non-story to me was the comments people posted about Carey after watching the video. I had watched it on Yahoo sports then glanced at a few of the posted comments...wow! It was interesting to read the venomous things people were saying, not about the throw but about her personally. These comments were multiplying fast by the hundreds probably thousands by now. Many of them so harsh you would think she had spit in the Pope's face. I'm sure many of these were from kids now on summer vacation, still it left me scratching my head wondering were tolerance and civility has gone. It also made me think how easy it is to hide at home and be a computer bully, no one knows who you are, so you can say practically anything. I'm not a Mariah Carey fan myself but I bet 95 percent of these people if they met her in person wouldn't make a peep...probably would ask for an autograph or photo with her.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

T

What a Trip

2008-04-30T15:19:00.009-07:00

It's great to see the Cubs in first place after returning from 2 weeks in Ireland. My access to the Cubs and American sports across the Atlantic was a few occasional and brief Internet spot checks. You can easily see the similarities of the sports fans in other countries and how like us they have a great passion for sports, in Ireland that means Football (aka soccer), Hurling, and Rugby. It felt a bit strange to enter a pub and have the all the plasma screens tuned to Man U (Manchester United) vs Barcelona, after a couple pints of Guinness every sport seems to become a bit more interesting.

This was my first trip to Europe and it was incredible, the Irish people have a zest and vitality along with a welcoming friendliness. While there I was scouting locations for a cable TV project as well as doing some research for a potential magazine article. This meant a two week journey around Ireland, seeing the natural beauty and history of the land as well as observing and enjoying the local culture through food, music, pubs, and people...a wee bit of work mixed with plenty of fun!

American baseball doesn't seem well known or understood over there from talking with some of the locals, much like my understanding of Hurling. When mentioning the Chicago Cubs, it seems the head nodding is more of a recognition of the "Chicago" part of the equation. I was able to extrapolate the Cubs place in America's baseball history(condensed version) to a couple friendly guys at a pub in a village named Dromahair. I must admit this was after some pints of Guinness so I hope I wasn't too long winded, however our jovial bartender Kevin and new acquaintance, teacher/artist Eugene seemed genuinely interested. We enjoyed the Irish "craic" (lively conversation) in the pubs and met many great locals.

We met some tourists from Germany and the U.S., we passed a guy wearing a Cubs hat on the Cliffs of Moher only to run into him with his wife and friends later that evening at a pub. You guessed it he's a huge Cubs fan from Illinois, also that night talked with some great folks from Maine(Red Sox fans) who happen to have family that are also big Cubs fans...go figure.

In a Dublin Pub we met a beautiful young Spanish Au Pair from Madrid, she was working on improving her English...so it was our duty to help. I'll leave it at that and let your imagination work from there. I have plenty more stories to tell of the trip but lack the time to do so right now. Below are a few photos from the trip.

News on The Boys of Spring Documentary coming soon...stay tuned. Go Cubs!

Yes, that's a Cubs jersey...Me and my bro Todd.

Dingle Harbor

We had nothing to do with those empty kegs...Galway City

Kylemore Abbey

We met the big cheese himself, Seamus Sheridan...Galway City.
Irish hospitality, Seamus invited us over to his home for a magnificent lunch.

Anyway you go it's scenic beauty.

Ross Castle, Killarney National Park

Guinness for strength!

Upper Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains

Headed in the Right Direction

2008-04-08T10:05:00.001-07:00

It's been an interesting 7 days for the Cubs since I last blogged...the 12 inning game yesterday was not a work of art but a "W" nonetheless. Three wins in a row and now above .500, the team is moving in the right direction. The weather here in Mesa, AZ has been near perfect since the Cubs left town, and looks to continue for another 4 days before the temps creep up, possibly 90 degrees by the weekend.

Kosuke Fukudome has been a bit of a surprise to me thus far with his bat. I really believe he was working on different aspects of his batting in spring training and hadn't shown us the full "Dome" at the plate until the regular season started. Watching him this spring you could see he played a solid right field and had a strong arm as well as being very disciplined at the plate. At any rate, I think Dome in 7 games has put to rest some of the fears Cubs fans had this spring that he couldn't hit Major League pitching.

It's going to be an intriguing season and hopefully a great one for the Cubs. As mentioned in previous blogs I am headed to Ireland soon. While I will be working on another project there, I still plan to take the pulse of the locals and see what responses the words "Chicago Cubs" elicit on the Emerald Isle. I'm guessing the computer will be my main (possibly only) lifeline to the Cubs while I'm there...so we'll see how that plays out. I will be sure to raise a Guinness and toast to; Cubs success this season. Will also post some photos of the trip while there...Erin Go Bragh!

Go Cubs ~

Reflections on the Opener

2008-04-01T12:15:00.006-07:00

Yesterday's opening day game was supposed end with a Cubs victory and a Big Z - "W", of course it didn't go that way and now an undefeated season is impossible. 161-1 will have to do...all kidding aside, that Cubs fans feeling of dread hit me right when Kerry Wood plunked Rickie Weeks with the ball in the 9th. At that moment the "Cubs are going to lose this game" neon light lit up in my head, and I hate that frickin light. Dome's heroics brought hope that this game would be different but that sinking feeling inside me hadn't left, it was for the moment pushed aside by a new shining star from Japan. And then it was over, one of those coulda, woulda, shoulda games, and a loss to the Brewers no less. Perhaps like many fans I got a bit swept up in all the "opening Day" hype. Upon reflection of the days events my brain searched and soon found a little comfort. Yes, the ole baseball cliches rose up out of the fog of defeat and 5 months of dormancy to remind me - "It's only one game" and "baseball is a long season"...did I say "found a little comfort" I meant "found little comfort".

As many of you know I don't blog on a regular every day basis after spring training ends, preferring to let those closer to the action cover the Cubs exploits. I will however try to blog at least once a week from now on until next spring. Not all these will be completely Cubs related as some blogs may consist of the goings on in my life...such as my upcoming trip to Ireland. We are sending out the prizes to the winner of the quiz (Daniel J) about my 25 Cubs spring trainings as Hohokam PA Announcer. Some of the prizes included an autographed Ron Santo baseball card and Wrigley Season Ticket 2008. Daniel had the most correct answers (nobody got them all correct), so here are questions and correct answers to the 9 quiz questions my family came up with from last week.

1. The first Cubs player name Tim ever announced was? Ron Cey

2. How many Cubs Managers have their been since Tim started doing the Cubs spring games? 15

3. True or False. When Tim started they did not play music at old Hohokam Park games. True

4. True or False. At old Hohokam, Tim did the Public Address and played the music. True, did both jobs in the old park until it was torn down in 1996.

5. True or False. Harry Caray used to sing the 7th inning stretch using Tim's PA microphone? True, and still have that microphone.

6. True or False. Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins was on the Cubs Roster when Tim started?
True he was released by the Cubs March 19th 1984

7. True of False. Tim was paid $20 per game when he first started. False it was $10

8. True or False. Tim's favorite name to announce has been Mark Grace.
False it was Sammy Sosa, (only because it was fun to say, not based on how well I liked the players)

9. In Tim's first season of 1984, he announced 3 future Hall of Famers playing in the same game, who were they? Cubs Ryne Sandberg, Angels Rod Carew, and Reggie Jackson.

Go Cubs!

A Spring Thing

2008-03-30T09:30:00.004-07:00

It's too bad I can't ship some of this AZ weather up to Chicago for the next couple weeks, our Mesa 10 day forecast is very simple - Sunny with highs between 77 and 82. Since we are just waiting for tomorrow's opener, I thought I would pass along some of the photos I took this spring. Enjoy~

Tyler Colvin and Daryle Ward

Kosuke Fukudome

Fukudome

Felix Pie

Geovany Soto

Sam Fuld

Big Z

Pitchers Listen

Dome

Riot, DeRo, A-Ram, D-Lee

Tyler Colvin

Soriano

Jeff Samardzija

Jason Marquis

Mike Quade and Dome

Colvin

Dome at Fitch

New Doors at Hohokam this season

Sean Gallagher

Eyre and Wood

Ward shows Tim Buss where it went

Pie says...

Big Z

Theriot

Working at Fitch

Eric Patterson

Rich Hill tosses on the run at Fitch Park

Hill in pen at Phx Muni

Jeff Samardzija

Dome at Muni

Pie

RichHill

Dome

Kid in Candy Store

2008-03-29T09:36:00.012-07:00

That's what it felt like to me last night at the Fergie & Friends Charity All-Star game at Hohokam; getting a chance to talk with and later announce the introductions for an array of Baseball Hall of Fame members and former MLB stars.

The weather was perfect for the evenings festivities, besides meeting the ballplayers I ran into many friends including a group from the Central Illinois Cubs Booster Club, my favorite vendor - Mark the Beer Guy, and all my Hohokam pals (who all donated their time and effort to last nights event). I also met and talked with Author and Photojournalist Tammy Lechner who had a table selling her book "Our Team - Our Dream: A Cubs Fan's Journey Into Baseball's Greatest Romance", the book has over 300 one of a kind photos and narrates the Cubs fan's journey over a 15 year span. I have only scanned it briefly so far but the photos are fantastic, I'll give you a review once I finish the book.

The game itself was as you would expect very loose and fun, as expected Fergie & Friends beat the AZ All-Stars 10-6 in the 7 inning affair. Jon Warden who pitched briefly for the Detroit Tigers in 1968 before a shoulder injury cut his career short helped add some humor as he had a microphone down on the field. Warden might have had a short MLB career but he may want to try stand-up comedy, some of his jokes were a bit off-color, which of course I enjoyed.

Great to see the former Cubs especially those who played on the 1984 team; my first spring working at old Hohokam. Next year though I don't want to do the announcing, I want to play...even if it is against Fergie and his talented Friends. Guess I could play and do the PA announcing at the same time however I wouldn't want it to take away my concentration, even if the game doesn't "count". The Fergie Jenkins Foundation gave away a lot of checks to deserving causes last night and that was why we were there in the first place, a win win night at Hohokam. I also got to have my photo taken with Fergie and Billy Williams...like I said, kid in a candy store!

By the way the Cactus League set a new attendance record this spring with 1.31 million fans with the Cubs leading the way. Tomorrow I will post the favorite photos I took of the Cubs this spring, can't wait for opening day. Go Cubs!

Hall of Fame members Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams, and the P.A. Guy.
Photo taken by the magnificent Tessa Lee!

Not All the Cubs Have Left the Building

2008-03-28T11:14:00.006-07:00

The Cubs are playing Vegas tonight, I have gone to those games in the past but tonight I will be at Hohokam Stadium for the Fergie & Friends game. Sure the quality of the play on the field won't be at MLB level but it sure will be fun. Seeing all the Cubs greats and doing a special All-Star Public Address introduction for them will be sweet. It's all for charity and only costs 10 bucks.

If you thought Alfonso Soriano was not giving it the full effort in the outfield this spring, you may be right. Here are his Alan Iverson-esque comments:

"it's Spring Training and a lot of people aren't concentrating 100 percent. They know these games don't count. When the season starts, people will see more from this team. I think we have a very good team. On March 31, I think you'll see more because those games count."

I guess that's why spring training tickets cost less, although the food and beer isn't discounted. Sure would be nice if we didn't have to pay "100 percent" of those costs. Really how hard is it to concentrate for the 6 or so innings these guys play in a spring game? I guess I'm old school in that you always do your best so those habits come thru when it counts. Perhaps I'm reading more into these comments than I should; the upside would be that Soriano will be playing better defense in leftfield come March 31st...I hope that's the case.

A Not So Perfect 10

2008-03-27T17:32:00.006-07:00

The Cubs and Brewers battled it out for 10 innings, finishing with 10 runs apiece in front of another packed house (12,782) at Hohokam. The Cubs finished with a spring home attendance mark of 181,280, the best in the Major Leagues and third highest figure at Hohokam. Today's final AZ Cactus League contest for the Cubs left them with a 14-14-2 spring training record. Two more games in Las Vegas this weekend against the Mariners will close out the Cubs' spring season.

As for today's game, it was a wild, homerun-filled affair. As I mentioned this morning, we were to see several minor league pitchers, which we did- including Cory Bailey, the Cubs starter today, who was shelled by most of the Brewers expected regular season lineup for 6 runs in the 2nd inning. Other Cubs pitchers who saw action today, and maybe you'll see some of them down the road apiece, were Matt Avery, Rocky Roquet, Ed Campusano, and Tim Lahey. The one guy who should have an impact this year that pitched today was Sean Marshall, and he didn't look sharp- 1 run allowed on a hit along with 3 bases on balls (1 intentional)in 2 innings pitched.

The Cubs scored 10 runs with a big game from Micah Hoffpauir, who played RF and 1B. He crushed 2 homeruns but couldn't get it done in the 10th with bases loaded. Also joining the HR derby, were Ronny Cedeno and Alfonso Soriano (2for2, 3RBI). Henry Blanco went 2 for 3, with a couple doubles. Mark DeRosa was 2 for 3, including a triple in the 4th. However, DeRosa was thrown out at home - he tagged up on a sac fly, then didn't slide into home plate, if he had, he would have easily scored the run. When I introduced DeRo in his next at bat I could here some boos and comments about him not sliding from the fans below me.

Ronny Cedeno made a nice diving grab on a Mike Cameron liner in the 1st. Felix Pie continued his outstanding defense, with a sweet running catch falling to the ground in short right center, after calling off the other outfielders. Cubs new acquisition Reed Johnson was wearing jersey #9 today, instead of 13.

While the Cubs have left for Las Vegas, there is another game at Hohokam tomorrow night, the Fergie and Friends celebrity Allstar game. Where you can see many of the Cubs stars of year's past, including Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Fergie, as well as other former Cubs like Randy Hundley, Jody Davis, Bob Dernier, Keith Moreland, and Lee Smith. Also on hand tomorrow night will be non-Cubs stars like Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers, Juan Marichal, Meadowlark Lemon and many other former MLB greats. It should be a fun night at Hohokam to raise money for charity. Tickets are only $10, there's lots of fun stuff going on beforehand - card and memorabilia show, and a Cindy Standage concert.

Early Game at Hohokam Today

2008-03-27T08:07:00.004-07:00

Once again the spring season draws to a close, today is the final game for the Cubs in AZ. Then it's off to Las Vegas for a couple final exhibition tune ups vs the Mariners before opening day. Today it's the Cubs vs Brewers at Hohokam (starting one hour early at 12:05pm AZ time) a match-up you will see again on March 31st for the regular season opener at Wrigley Field.

Today's game will be much different than the opener as many "minor league pitchers" are headed to the mound, probably some minor league guys at other positions as well. This game is one that I usually get a list of guys from the Cubs media dept. who aren't on any rosters we have. A chance for some single A, AA, and rookie league guys to get into a game at Hohokam. I will give you a full report on today's game this afternoon.

Questions Answered?

2008-03-26T12:34:00.002-07:00

In today's audio blog I examine some of the Cubs issues that needed to be sorted out during spring training 2008. 14 minutes

Pie is the guy, and a quiz

2008-03-24T17:47:00.007-07:00

The Cubs pulled off an exciting 7-6 victory over the Texas Rangers in front of 12,757 sun-drenched fans at Hohokam. The game was tied 6-6 when Felix Pie hit a 2 out triple in the bottom of the 9th, followed by an Eric Patterson single up the middle to knock in the winning run.

Cubs were fueled by Mark DeRosa's 3-run homer in the 1st, he looks to be recovered from the flu that kept him out yesterday. Felix Pie has really had a good spring, both in the field and at the plate, besides the triple, he also had a single and a run-scoring double along with a sacrifice bunt. Pie covers alot of ground in centerfield, and has been making outstanding running catches all spring. Daryle Ward came in to pinch-hit in the 8th, and promptly smacked a base hit. Ronny Cedeno had an RBI single, stole 2nd, got to 3rd on an error, and finally scored on a Soriano sacrifice fly. Soriano also drew a walk in the 1st inning. Derrek Lee was 1 for 3, with a run scored.

Ryan Dempster, who has won a spot in the rotation, started today went 4 and 2/3rds innings, gave up 4 runs on 8 hits. He struck out 5 Rangers, but also walked 3. John Lieber who will be a Cubs long relief man (probably because he's willing to do it) pitched 3 innings and gave up 2 runs. Carlos Marmol came in to a tough situation, with bases loaded and 2 outs, he got the K to end the 5th inning. Les Walrond held the Rangers scoreless in the 9th.

Clydesdale's at Hohokam Stadium today.

A warm day at the park, 82 degrees at first pitch. The Anheuser Busch Clydesdale's made a visit to the ballpark. They carried Hohokam ticket manager Nancy Hunter, who's celebrating her 10th season, around the warning track to home plate. I was behind Steve Stone in the press room lunch line and he got the last of the chicken fajitas. Today's game was the 10th sell-out of the spring training season for the Cubs at Hohokam. The Cubs have the highest spring home attendance in all of Major League Baseball. Combined with their road attendance, the Cubs are the most seen team this spring. Kosuke Fukudome had the day off, coming into today's game he had the 2nd most walks in the majors.

The Cubs head up to Scottsdale tomorrow to take on the Giants, Rich Hill looking to get back on track after his last disappointing outing.

As I mentioned Saturday, my family and friends surprised me with a party to celebrate 25 Cubbie springs PA announcing. One of the cool things they did was have a 25th Anniversary quiz for guests. I thought it might be fun to put the quiz on here and make a contest out of it. Here are the 9 quiz questions. Whoever correctly guesses the most answers will win: an autographed Ron Santo baseball card, a copy of Wrigley Season Ticket 2008, a dvd -"Vince Lloyd, The Voice of Summer", and 2007 and 2008 Cubs Spring Training Programs and anything else I find to throw in.

Email your answers to info@boysofspring.com by end of Cubs Opening Day, March 31st.

1. The first Cubs player name Tim ever announced was?
2. How many Cubs Managers have their been since Tim started doing the Cubs spring games?
3. True or False. When Tim started they did not play music at old Hohokam Park games.
4. True or False. At old Hohokam, Tim did the Public Address and played the music.
5. True or False. Harry Caray used to sing the 7th inning stretch using Tim's PA microphone?
6. True or False. Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins was on the Cubs Roster when Tim started?
7. True of False. Tim was paid $20 per game when he first started.
8. True or False. Tim's favorite name to announce has been Mark Grace.
9. In Tim's first season of 1984, he announced 3 future Hall of Famers playing in the same game, who were they?

In the event of a tie, the people with the most correct answers will be put into a drawing for the prize. Good Luck!

One Week

2008-03-24T08:55:00.004-07:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter, the past day and a half have been kind of a blur for me (more on that later today). The Cubs are back in action at Hohokam today against the Texas Rangers, with only one week left before opening day. Today's game is on Comcast Sports Net and MLB TV.

Lou Piniella will finalize the pitching staff today, Wood as the closer seems a lock. The fight for rotational spots has been interesting this spring with Lieber a bit stronger overall than Marquis and Dempster. I'll examine Lou's choices and how the overall roster looks during this week. We have a lot going on here at CubsAZ for the final week of spring training, so check in often. I will be back after today's game and fill you in on what happened at Hohokam as well as some other fun stuff.

Wild One Ends Tied, Then Surprise!

2008-03-22T17:27:00.003-07:00

The Cubs came back to tie the White Sox 3 times in today's game the first time was with 4 runs in the 6th inning, then 1 run in the 9th and finally 3 runs in the 10th inning to finish with an 8-8 tie. I was planning my usual blog after the game but it will have to wait as my family and friends surprised me on arrival with a party to celebrate my 25 spring trainings announcing the Cubs games at Hohokam. I will post more tomorrow as I am being called away...very cool of them to do this!

Have a great night.

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

2008-03-20T17:42:00.004-07:00

The good. Plentiful sunshine, 76 degrees at first pitch, and a Cubs 8-6 win over the Colorado Rockies in front of 12,885 (the 4th largest crowd ever at Hohokam). Matt Murton going 2 for 4, with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. Henry Blanco 2 hits in 2 at bats, including a 2 run HR in the 2nd. (Maybe his lucky # is 2) Blanco was replaced by Geovany Soto in the 4th and later Casey McGehee, all-told Cubs' catchers were 4 for 5 today. Daryle Ward, pinch hitter extraordinaire, pinch hitting in the 6th knocks in the go-ahead run with a base hit. Ryan Theriot manufactured a run in the 3rd. He drew a walk, took 2nd on an errant pick-off throw by Rockies pitcher Franklin Morales, then stole 3rd, finally scoring on a wild pitch.

The good, defensively. Mike Fontenot had a sure ESPN web gem (if anyone was shooting it) ranging far to his right, hurling an off-balance throw that D-Lee did a full scissors extension, getting Ryan Spilborghs at 1st. This was followed the very next play, with another potential web-gemmer by Aramis Ramirez, who made a diving catch on a hard line-drive across his body to rob Marcus Giles of extra bases. Felix Pie made a nice running grab deep in Centerfield to record the 2nd out in the 9th inning.

The good, pitching. Michael Wuertz 1 1/3rd scoreless innings, no hits, and 2 K's. Just about the only other good pitching was the fact that Kerry Wood was actually able to pitch today, although he did allow a run on 2 solid hits by the Rockies in his 1 inning.

The Bad and the Ugly. Rich Hill, who had been sketchy this spring, really was bad today. He could not find the strike zone at all, walking 5 of the first 6 batters he faced to open the game. Amazingly, he got out of the 1st only allowing 1 run. His control issues didn't go away in the 2nd, as he walked the first batter. The next batter reached on an Aramis Ramirez throwing error, finally and mercifully Hill was pulled after Yorvit Torrealba hit a double. Unless Hill works on keeping runners on base, opponents will run at will, as the Rockies had 4 stolen bases on the lefty. His replacement Tim Lahey didn't pitch alot better, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and a base on balls in 1.2 innings. Cubs pitchers gave the Rockies 12 free passes in today's game.

Henry Blanco, who had a good day with the bat, was picked off of 1st base in the 4th. Kosuke Fukudome, starting in Centerfield for the Cubs, struckout 3 times in 4 at bats. They say it takes time to adjust to the Major Leagues after coming over from Japan, the adjustment needs to happen pretty soon, because opening day isn't far off.

Last night I was talking Cubs with some of the Central Illinois Cubs Boosters. A couple of the concerns raised about the current team included: Rich Hill, Fukudome's bat against MLB pitchers, Alfonso Soriano's fielding, and whether Ryan Dempster can be consistent starting pitcher. Don't get me wrong, that wasn't all we talked about because overall they're very excited about this year's team and the talent the Cubs have, but it's spring training and these are some of the things they're talking about.

The Cubs are off to Tucson tomorrow to take on the Rockies once again. I won't be able to make it down, will be watching on ESPN2. The big Windy City grudge match follows on Saturday (if you can call a spring training game such a thing) as the White Sox come to Hohokam.

First of Two

2008-03-19T15:38:00.004-07:00

Things I saw today.

Ryan Dempster pitched outstanding. Today's Cub's starter, pitched 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out 7, only allowing 1 hit. The battle for the fifth starting pitcher is a close one, the good news is that Dempster and Marquis have both looked solid this spring, outside of Dempster's last go-around at Hohokam.

Fukudome's strong arm was exhibited on a perfect throw in the 6th inning to nail A's catcher Kurt Suzuki at the plate. Dome had another strong throw to the plate to Cubs catcher Henry Blanco, which would have probably gotten the runner at home but it bounced about 3-5 feet in front of Blanco and high hopped over his shoulder. Dome was charged with an error on the throw, allowing the runner to take 2nd.

Derrek Lee charged a ground ball to cutoff a run at home in the 8th inning, Henry Blanco and Aramis Ramirez made a perfect run-down play to record the out, and keep Danny Putnam from scoring.

Kevin Hart and Carlos Marmol both struggled today, allowing the A's to score 4 runs in the 8th and1 in the 9th. Each pitcher walked in a run to the chagrin of the home crowd. Hart was especially ineffective, allowing 4 runs, 2 hits, and 2 bb in 1/3rd inning. Sean Gallagher walked 3 batters in the the seventh to load the bases, he was bailed out by Les Walrond who ended the inning by striking out 2 A's hitters.

Derrek Lee started off slow, hitting into a first inning double play, striking out in the 4th, and then finally delivering a HR in the 7th while the game was scoreless. Aramis Ramirez went 2 for 3, with a walk that scored him on a Henry Blanco RBI double in the 7th.

The Cubs did load the bases in the 9th, but Felix Pie was unable to keep the game going, making the final out.

The craziness for a PA announcer during spring training that doesn't happen in the regular season, was in evidence today-as four Oakland Athletics entered the game as defensive replacements in the 6th inning. None of them, however, were on any roster I had. Included in the four, were two number 52's. Since the Athletics don't have names on their jerseys, it made it all the more difficult. The Cubs media relations department with help from the A's sorted it all out so I could announce the names.

The Cubs have the rare day/night split-squad double header playing at 7pm tonight against the Giants in Scottsdale. John Lieber will get the start tonight in Scottsdale. Cubs are back at Hohokam tomorrow at a regular 1:05 start, AZ time, with Rich Hill slated to start for the Cubs.

Today's Game Starts Early

2008-03-19T09:11:00.002-07:00

Just a reminder today's game at Hohokam starts one hour earlier than normal at 12:05 pm AZ time, 2:05 pm Central time. I expect some fans will arrive around 1pm and be happy to see how light the traffic is coming into the park only to find we are in the 3d inning or so.

Cubs Walk-off Win

2008-03-18T17:50:00.005-07:00

The Cubs came from behind with 2 runs in the 9th inning to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5, in front of 12,772 sun-drenched fans in Mesa. The comeback runs were supplied by consecutive hits from Felix Pie, Ronny Cedeno, and Casey McGehee.

Cedeno only played the final four innings, but his bat went to work immediately. He hit a single in the 6th, a double in the 7th, and the game-tying RBI triple in the 9th. Aramis Ramirez hit an opposite field HR in the Cubs 3-run 6th inning. Mark DeRosa had a RBI triple in the 2nd. Frightening moment for all watching, after drawing a walk Fukudome stole 2nd base but on the throw was hit with the ball thrown by Royals catcher Matt Tupman. It looked like Dome was hit in the face with the ball as he slid into 2nd. I'm glad my mic. wasn't on when that happened because the crowd might not have appreciated hearing "Oh, #@*%!" over the PA, although many of them were probably thinking or saying the same thing. Turns out Dome was hit in the neck/shoulder area and appeared to be okay, although Eric Patterson came in and pinch ran for him.

Every Cubs pitcher pitched well, except for Tim Lahey who gave up 4 of the Royals 5 runs in the 7th inning. Starter Jason Marquis allowed 1 run in the 1st and nothing after that in his 5 innings. Scott Eyre threw a scoreless sixth. Jose Ascanio and Kevin Hart recorded 1-2-3 innings in the 8th and 9th respectively. Hart has looked especially good this spring, and has most likely locked up a spot in the bullpen.

The Georges talking pine tar and politics...just a guess.

A couple of well-known Georges at Hohokam today-Hall of Fame member George Brett with the Royals, and Pulitzer Prize winning writer George Will. George Will, an Illinois native and known Cubs fan, was seated in the 1st row just off the Cubs dugout sporting what looked to be a new Cubs ballcap. A foul ball hit by Geovany Soto in the 6th partially shattered the top window of the booth in which Len Kasper and Bob Brenly sit, they were announcing today's game for Comcast Sportsnet. The Central Illinois Cubs Booster Club sang the 7th inning stretch today, doing a great job as they do every spring.