Spring Training Journal

Double the Fun

2010-03-13T16:57:00.008-07:00

The Cubs hit the daily double winning twice today, 8-7 over the White Sox in Las Vegas and 11-4 over the Reds at Hohokam. What a beautiful day it was in Mesa with a high of about 75 degrees along with abundant sunshine, our 10 day forecast also looks fantastic. 11,825 fans made it out to see the Cubs host the Reds in the first ever Cactus League contest between the two teams.

Of the Cubs projected opening day lineup only Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano started in Mesa. Soriano needed the work, coming into today's game with a .077 BA, he upped that today going 2-for-3 with a double. Soriano's knee looks to be nearly 100%, he was running hard and fast from 1st base on a hit and run in the 4th inning. Cubs minor leaguer Darwin Barney has had a good camp and played both 2nd and 3rd base today. Barney was 2-for-4 and drew a 2 out walk in the pivotal 5th inning.

The 5th inning was a big one for the Cubs who were down 4-1 but that changed as Brian LaHair's 3 run blast tied it up. The Cubs continued the scoring onslaught in the 6th and the 7th scoring 3 and 4 runs respectively. Jim Adduci starting in RF was 3-for-4 with a double. Tyler Colvin continued his hot spring going 3-for-5 and is now batting .565. (Remember like all spring stats, take it with a grain of salt). Colvin was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double on a bang bang play, I like his hustle though. He's making a real case to make the roster out of AZ. Another one of the Cubs touted minor league infielders Hak-Ju Lee came in for Starlin Castro at SS and drilled a 2 run double. Like Castro, Lee has some wheelage.

The big leftie Sean Marshall got the start and looked good in his 3 innings, allowing 1 run on a Juan Francisco HR. Casey Coleman didn't fare as well giving up 3 runs in 2 innings including 2 HR's. Mike Parisi got the "W" tossing 2 scoreless innings. Jeff Stevens and Esmailin Caridad finished the game, each throwing a quality inning.

Ryne Sandberg was the 3rd base coach for the Cubs today and was involved in an interesting play as he first sent Chad Tracy home then abruptly stopped him, Tracy was too far past third and subsequently picked off. Darwin Barney made a nice diving stop then throw on a hard grounder by Yonder Alonso. Starlin Castro starting at SS didn't get a hit but it was good to see him hitting to the right side moving a runner from 2nd to 3rd. Sometimes those things are missed in the box score. Brian LaHair made a fantastic diving catch over the tarp roll into the stands in the 8th inning.

Some of the Cubs players took a little extra BP after the game, sorry kids you'll have to run the bases another day. After all, we are trying to put together a Pennant winning baseball team here.

One of our favorite 7th inning stretch renditions is Mark The Beer Guy and he didn't let us down today along with Bill Mauer leading an enthusiastic crowd. After the game I talked with local Arizona Cubs bloggers Ginger Russ and Lazy Steve from CIO, known for their irreverent site College of Idiots.

Here's a link to Nathan Reuck's flickr page with some Cubs spring photos...Thanks Nathan!

Four in Two

2010-03-12T16:50:00.011-07:00

The Cubs are playing four games in two days, with split-squad games today and tomorrow. They lost the first of those games this afternoon to the Brewers 12-3 in Phoenix, Jeff Samardzija started and was hit pretty hard. In his quest for one of the starting spots Samardzija allowed 4 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings, two of those hits allowed were Milwaukee HR's. Tom Gorzelanny, Samardzija's chief competitor for the open starting pitching slot toes the hill tonight in Vegas.

I would have loved to do the Vegas getaway and see the Cubs in Sin City but since we have a game at Hohokam tomorrow that was logistically impossible. As it stands, tomorrows game at Hohokam has a bit of historical significance...The first ever Cactus League meeting between the Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. The Cactus League isn't alone with rain issues, 10 games in the Grapefruit League have been canceled the past two days.

Derrek Lee was scratched from the line-up today because of a bruised foot after fouling one off his foot against SF on Wednesday.

Some of you have written and asked a few questions about the Cubs, I will answer those now.

1) Is Castro the real deal, and could he make the team?

After seeing him in action now for roughly three weeks and in the Fall League I can tell you, he's the "real deal". What I mean by that is, he's not awed playing with proven MLB stars like D-Lee and A-Ram. The 19 year old acts like he belongs but isn't cocky, more business like in his training and willing to work. Much different than say Bobby Hill, a highly drafted and regarded prospect for the Cubs a few years back out of the University of Miami. Hill's attitude in his first spring camps in Mesa was as if he were already a MLB star, a certain smugness that he was the next big thing.

In the Majors you have to earn it on the field and Hill had not...Perhaps that's why Bobby Hill has been playing for Newark, an independent minor league team the past two years when he should be at the height of his MLB career. Of course Hill was the "player to be named later" in one of Jim Hendry's best deals sending a used up Jose Hernandez, minor league Matt Bruback, and Hill (the star that never was) to Pittsburgh for Kenny Lofton, Aramis Ramirez and cash. Sorry for the digression but Castro is the anti Bobby Hill.

Aside from Castro's work ethic he has very good speed, great range at shortstop and a cannon arm. He's still going to make mistakes like the throwing error in today's game but D-Lee covers a lot of those up with his vacuum glove. Castro can hit and was outstanding in the AZ Fall League batting .376 but he hasn't played above AA yet and the Cubs of late have been very cognizant of bringing players up to soon.

Could he make the roster out of AZ camp, the feeling I get right now is, no. The brass wants to give him everyday playing opportunities and if Ryan Theriot is the ss, that won't happen. I also get the feeling that Lou is going to give Castro a very long look this spring, just in case the kid is one of those rare players who rises to the highest level and never looks back. I've heard many a fan express how they would like to see Castro at short and Theriot at 2nd base. Probably not going to happen this season but it'll be fun watching kid Castro here in AZ.

2) Is Angel Guzman's injury career ending?

First off, I'm no doctor but at 28 years old it's not age that would keep Guzman from coming back after surgery if he elects to have it...It would be the condition of the shoulder and the damage that has occured. Guzman is one of those unlucky players who just can't stay healthy for any length of time, so that looms over his comeback chances. The other issue right now is his mind set. This injury is a big blow to his baseball career but after his brother was killed during the off season in Venezuela it's hard to tell what kind of passion he has towards baseball and a potential long rehab. Last year the Cubs were finally starting to see the realization of Guzman's potential with a career season high of innings pitched and a 2.95 ERA. I hope he's able to come back from this injury and continue his career, if he does though I'm not sure if it will be with the Cubs.

3) What about Samardzija, Gorzelanny, Marshall and the 4th and 5th starting spots in the rotation?

Well, Samardzija didn't help his cause today and Gorzy goes tonight so we'll see what that brings. Its really to early to get any real gauge on the pitchers and how they will fair in the regular season at this stage of spring camp. Marshall has been, well Marshall and looked good in his limited innings. The Cubs know what they have in him and he's a versatile pitcher, out of the pen or spot starter he's been consistent.

Gorzelanny had a very productive year in 2007 winning 14 games with the Pirates but since then his ERA has been hovering between 5.19 and 6.66. If he can get back to his 07 form he could be a real addition to the Cubs staff as a starter or out of the pen. We know how bad Samardzija wants to start and it's about time he shows the Cubs why they signed him to a $10 million contract out of Notre Dame. Piniella has mentioned not to forget about Carlos Silva being in the mix as well. Silva hasn't been a decent pitcher since he left the Twins, and that was three years ago. We'll see if he can put himself in position to compete for a starting spot as spring games progress.

Right now it's wait and see with all these pitchers as they build up their arms past more than a couple innings a game. It'll be interesting to revisit this question in 2 to 3 weeks.

Tough Third for Z

2010-03-10T17:30:00.013-07:00

A cool but sunny AZ day brought 9,381 out to Hohokam to witness the San Francisco Giants beat the Cubs 5 - 1. The Cubs outhit the Giants 9 to 7 but couldn't put more than the 1 run on the board which came courtesy of a Derrek Lee walk followed by an Aramis Ramirez double in the 4th inning.

Ryan Theriot was 3 for 3 but was picked off first base in the 1st inning, he did come back with a stolen base in the 3rd. The shortstop position continued to hit when Starlin Castro came into the game replacing Theriot and singled in both his at bats. A-Ram went 2 for 3 and Xavier Nady seeing his first game action as a Chicago Cub was DH today and singled in his first at bat.

Carlos Zambrano got the start and looked good in the first two innings but had some issues in the 3rd, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits including a no doubt grand salami by his hometown buddy Pablo Sandoval. Zambrano was followed by a succession of Cubs pitchers: Grabow, Parisi, Cashner, Diamond, Gaub, and Berg who each tossed a scoreless inning, allowing the Giants only 1 single over the course of the final 6 innings.

Derrek Lee left the game after fouling a pitch off his leg or foot, I couldn't see which. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Aramis Ramirez had a throwing error today but also made a great pick up and throw on a Juan Uribe hot smash with a runner on 3rd. The Cubs who had their normal batting practice pre-game also took BP after today's game probably making up for lost time due to weather. Or perhaps it's just that Lou doesn't like the Cubs only scoring 1 run in a game.

Cubs President Crane Kenney was hanging on the back of the batting cage chatting with Lou Piniella during morning BP. I found out from Gene a Chicago friend of mine that Kenney had flown into AZ on the same plane with him - in coach no less.

Cubs are headed to Peoria AZ tomorrow to take on the San Diego Padres and then will have split squad games the following two days including Friday and Saturday contests against the White Sox in Las Vegas. Rumor has it that while in Vegas on top of his managerial duties Ozzie Guillen will be starring in his new Cirque Du Soleil show "Viva Ozzie", Sox fans will eagerly await his Tweets from backstage.

Xavier Nady on deck today, courtesy of photographer John Antonoff

Nady gets his first Cubs hit- Photo by John Antonoff

More rain but we played the game

2010-03-09T18:58:00.010-07:00

Unsung stars of today's game - The grounds crew

The unusual Arizona weather continued today with a serious downpour causing the start of today's game to be delayed 48 minutes. Not only that, the temperature at game time was 43 degrees, and according to the Cubs media department it was 49 degrees in Chicago. In all the years I've been doing this I don't recall us being colder than the Windy City for a spring game. Throw in some gusty winds and we once again had a nice simulation for Wrigley in April.

The Brewers scored 2 runs in the 9th to break a 3-3 deadlock and earn a 5-3 win. Of the 8,475 in attendance at Hohokam I give a lot of credit to those 2000 or so fans who stuck around to the end on this blustery day.

Randy Wells got the start and continued to pitch well, tossing a seemingly effortless 3 innings facing the minimum 9 batters with 2 K's. Carlos Marmol came in for the 4th and allowed 2 runs only 1 earned. Cubs 2009 minor league pitcher of the year Casey Coleman did okay, surrendering 1 run in 2.1 innings but had two walks and hit a batter. Cubs Non-Roster Invitee James Russell struck out the side in the 8th and with the score 3 - 3, Blake Parker came in and surrendered 2 runs to the Brewers in the 9th.

Marlon Byrd and Alfonso Soriano hit back to back doubles, both scored, one on an RBI base hit by Mike Fontenot. Derrek Lee belted a HR in the 3rd inning to account for the final Cubs offense. Ryan Theriot went 2-for-3 and had a stolen base. Starlin Castro showed his speed and inexperience, after a base hit he had second base stolen cleanly only to slide past the bag and get tagged out.

Before batting practice Cubs third base coach Mike Quade did some base running coaching...Castro may need to go over it again.

Adding to the strange day our scoreboard was not working most of the game. I would have done a little play by play to keep the fans more informed however P.A. audio interference during play is not allowed.

I've received more Cubs questions which I'll answer tomorrow since today's game ran late.

A big thank you to Super Cubs fan Nathan Reuck for these sweet photos from today.

Randy Wells

Yes, it's a bit cold

Marlon Byrd hits a double

If you're cold try dancing close

Fontenot

Is it really 6:55?

D-Lee HR trot

Some people don't feel the cold

Castro an easy steal

Oops, a bit too far

Food Drive at Hohokam Today

2010-03-09T07:17:00.004-07:00

The Cubs wives will host the 13th annual food drive to benefit Paz de Cristo today at HoHoKam Park. Starting at 10:30 am the first 500 fans making a donation of 10 non-perishable food items or $20 will receive a 5x7 photo autographed by a Cubs player (limit two per person). Please donate or bring non-perishable food items to the game even if you're not interested in a photo.

Strange weather we're having this spring, looking out from the KCUBS broadcasting tower here in Mesa we have a lot of dark grey cloud cover but an occasional spot of blue and it's going to be a bit cool today with a high temp of 54 degrees.

Some people have written me asking questions about the Cubs and certain players, tonight I'll answer those questions as well as post my game blog.

T

Monday on Sunday

2010-03-07T14:58:00.007-07:00

Hohokam about 1:05 today

It wasn't raining upon my arrival at Hohokam this morning, I thought, we might get lucky and squeeze this game in...no such luck. It started to sprinkle early but the Cubs were able to get most of bp done until they were forced off the field by rain. Then the wait came, as it rained off and on for about the next two hours. The Sky lightened and the rain stopped around 12:30 but it soon started again before the Cubs called an official rainout at 12:48 pm AZ time. I never like to be the bearer of that bad news (luckily it rarely happens here), but it's part of the P.A. job.

Normally I use the stairs to reach the pressbox level at Hohokam, unless like today I arrive dragging equipment with me. Only two of us were on the elevator, I recognized the guy standing next to me as former Cub and Dodger Rick Monday. I introduced myself and Rick said it already was raining very hard on the West side of the valley. Weather conversations aside he mentioned he'd been coming to Mesa since the days of Rendezvous Park (Cubs original spring home in Mesa). That was back when Monday played with the Oakland A's, when the Cubs were training in Scottsdale.

Rick has longtime ties to the valley playing college ball at Arizona State University, helping the Sun Devils win a national title in 1965. Monday earned College Player of the Year honors and was a Sun Devil teammate of then freshman Reggie Jackson, who he also played with on the Oakland Athletics. Older fans may remember Rick Monday having his finest pro season in 1976 as a Chicago Cub scoring 107 runs, belting 32 HR's and batting .272 from the lead-off spot. He is perhaps best remembered for snatching the American flag from a couple would-be flag burners at Dodger Stadium in 1976. Rick's been a longtime broacaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

I also met and chatted briefly with Neil from Chicago Cubs Online, one of the very informative websites in the Cubs blogosphere.

There's always something interesting going on a the ballpark, even when raining.

Xavier Nady laughing today during bp before the rain

Waiting on Weather

2010-03-07T08:26:00.014-07:00

I didn't blog yesterday because I had a dinner engagement after the game and also figured since it was on WGN most of you watched it or DVR'd it. I take notes during the game for this blog and I'll just share one of the things scratched on my note pad in large lettering from Saturday's game, "Silva - OUCH".

Yesterday's game didn't go the Cubs way but the weather was near perfect and I could see people having a fun time. That's one of the great things about spring training, the wins and losses don't mean anything and you can still have a blast in spite of the score.

WGN Cubs announcer Len Kasper was nice enough to take some time before the game and talk with me on camera about the team. Look for that interview and other Cubs goodies on the Boys of Spring video show this week.

Weather.com says we have a 70 percent chance of rain here in Mesa today but right now 5 hours before game time the sun is out, a darker gray mass looms in the western sky...cooler temps expected today with a high of 61, as for the rain...we shall see.

A look into the Cubs future?

2010-03-05T18:19:00.016-07:00

The Cubs made it exciting for the 11,775 fans at Hohokam today with a come from behind 9-8 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. A win capped by Brad Snyder's walk-off double that bounced off the center field batters eye, scoring Bobby Scales and pinch runner Sam Fuld.

Today the young Cubs made it happen as three former #1 draft picks started today's game, all contributed to the win. Tyler Colvin's (2006) started in left and stayed hot going 2-for-3 with 2 RBI's while hitting his third double of the young spring season. Josh Vitters (2007) getting the start at third base was 2-for-4 with a couple runs scored and Brett Jackson (2009) starting in CF reached base all four times he came to the plate. Jackson had a triple, two walks, and was hit by a pitch. Starlin Castro was 2-for-4 and Brad Snyder had 2 hits including the game winner.

Jackson got the Cubs scoring started with a blast that would have been out of most MLB parks, the ball hit 3/4 up the CF batters eye which is 410 feet. Jackson showed great speed on the play easily reaching third for a triple...The fans voiced displeasure at third base coach Mike Quade for holding Jackson at third. It was the right call with no outs and a good throw in from the DBacks outfielder.

Big Z got the start and made quick work of all six DBacks he faced in his 2 innings. Casey Coleman the Cubs 2009 Minor League Pitcher of the Year followed Z and looked strong allowing one hit in two scoreless innings. Jeff Stevens was the pitcher who got roughed up by the DBacks allowing 5 runs (4 earned) in his 1.2 innings of action including giving up a Justin Upton grand salami.

We heard rumors up in the press box that President Obama's Chicago based Senior Advisor David Axelrod was at today's game. Late in the game it was confirmed as we spotted him sitting in the stands behind the Cubs dugout...he stayed the whole game.

Cubs and White Sox tomorrow at Hohokam.

Starlin Castro shatters bat on this single in the 5th inning
Photo by John Antonoff

Cubs Baseball is Here

2010-03-04T20:57:00.007-07:00

Just a short minute and a half video I made from today's

festivities at Hohokam. Not a highlight package but it may

be the only place you can see Starlin Castro's triple.

What a great day!

Cubs Awesome Opening Win

2010-03-04T16:42:00.008-07:00

View from my seat during game

Today was just plain fun! Perfect Arizona weather, and a 9-3 hammering of the Oakland A's in the Cubs Cactus League Opener.

The hammering started early as Derrek Lee hit a line drive HR to the power alley in left center in the first inning. Marlon Byrd, Tyler Colvin, Brad Snyder, and Sam Fuld also hit home runs for the Cubs. Byrd was 2 for 2 and Tyler Colvin who started in left field in place of Soriano had a big day at the plate going 3 for 3 with two doubles and a HR. Colvin looks much stronger this year. He's an outstanding athlete, the future looks bright for him. Cubs hyped SS Starlin Castro got into the game replacing Theriot and showed his fine speed with a triple.

Randy Wells started the game and pitched smooth and easy in 2 scoreless innings, striking out 2. Sean Marshall tossed 2 hitless innings. JR Mathes allowed 2 of Oakland's 3 runs while Ismailin Caridad had a nice 1-2-3 ninth. A mid-week opener against a low drawing team like Oakland leaves us with the kind of attendance we had today 7,496....but those who were there had a good time.

Mike Fontenot had an awkward flip trying to avoid a tag at 3rd base, he was down for a while but appeared to be okay upon leaving the field. Derrek Lee picked an errant Ryan Theriot throw out of the dirt in the 4th. It's comforting to have Lee's gold glove saving potential errors. A's CF Gabe Gross played a Fukudome fly ball a little too casual and Fukudome ended up with a double but it should have been a fly out.

Clayton Mortenson came into pitch the 4th for the Athletics, and just as his girlfriend was taking his photo Marlon Byrd spoiled the Kodak moment by pounding a HR to center. Good to see Cubs fans tossing opponent's HR's back onto the Hohokam field, just like at Wrigley. This PA announcer had a brief freak-out moment when I thought I had messed up and completely missed the 7th inning stretch- I had accidentally written in the wrong inning column of my scorecard... that's why I use a pencil with a big eraser.

Tomorrow the Arizona DBacks come to Hohokam.

Just another day at the office...Me and the RT O'Sullivan's girls

Goodbye Fitch, Hello HoHo

2010-03-03T08:49:00.012-07:00

Hohokam looking ready for baseball, I shot this last evening before a meeting

The first phase of the Cubs spring schedule came to a close yesterday as the team finished practice at Fitch Park and moved up the street to Hohokam. Mapquest puts the distance from Fitch to Hohokam at 0.56 of a mile and a total travel time of 1 minute, from my experience if you miss the light at Brown Rd. it's going to take 2 minutes...Those times go out the window on game days.

With the Cubs ready to open Cactus League play tomorrow against the A's in Mesa, Lou Piniella said "Now we get into the fun part". Fun indeed, and lots of it as the Cubs start the spring season at Hohokam with a four game home stand. In fact in the first ten days of Cactus League play the Cubs have eight home games...On three of those days the Cubs also play away split-squad games. It's an exciting weekend as the Cubs will take on the AZ DBacks (Fri), the White Sox twice (Sat & Sun) as well as the Dodgers (Sun). I can hardly wait, one day away from the sights and sounds of a Cubs baseball game, gotta love it!

The weather looks great for the opener with an expected high of 72 degrees and plenty of sunshine. The ten day forecast also looks great with the exception of Sunday where we have a 40 percent chance of showers. We'll keep the fingers crossed for Sunday as the Cubs have two games scheduled with a split-squad.

Bruce Miles wrote an very interesting article yesterday on the Cubs recent top draft choices, expanding on what I was excited about in my Gen Next blog from Monday. One of the things Bruce brings up is: "It's believed to be the first time the Cubs have had four consecutive No. 1 picks in big-league spring training at the same time".

If you're coming to the Phoenix area during the month of March to see the Cubs be sure to check out our BOS websites drop down menu under the Spring Training header as we have loads of great information...With pages on Tickets/Schedule, FAQ's, Hohokam Stadium, Helpful Tips, and Things to do in AZ (when you're not watching the Cubs).

Just a note in the Tips section "Al's Chicago Style" on Val Vista and Elliott Rd. has closed, and the other Al's on Power Rd and Brown has changed names to "CHICAGOland Hotdogs & More". If you want a Chicago Dog without the ballpark pricing CHICAGOland is the place, they have an extensive menu and very reasonable prices. With Chicago Style Vienna Beef they offer everything from Polish Sausage, Sliders, Italian Beef, Sausage, and Steak Sandwiches, and more. If your feeling hungry make sure you add one of my favorites the Chili-Cheese Fries...You'll thank me, then hate me for those.

Be sure to follow us here at BOS and on Twitter as we start the Cactus League season, we'll have plenty of photos, video, and my recap of the games and happenings at the ballpark.

T

Gen Next?

2010-03-01T16:42:00.009-07:00

Some high stepping warm ups this morning

Word on the Cubs starting pitchers for the beginning of the Cactus League season is as follows: Thursday's opener - Randy Wells, Friday - Carlos Zambrano, Saturday - Carlos Silva, Sunday (split squad) - Jeff Samardzija and Tom Gorzelanny with Ryan Dempster on March 8 at Phx Muni against the A's. It also looks like Piniella might start kid Castro for the Thursday opener at Hohokam.

Many Cub fans are skeptical (with reason) about the team and media hyping or over-hyping young prospects. Touted talents have come and gone without reaching expectations...Bobby Hill, Hee-seop Choi, Corey Patterson, and Felix Pie to name a few. So, I'm hesitant to mention that I heard a Cubs coach call young Starlin Castro, "Star". This nickname obviously wasn't pulled out of the air it's merely the shortened version of the 19 year old shortstop's name. It did get me to wondering who will be the next young Cubs "Star" that actually lives up to the hyperbole and then mans his position at Wrigley for 10-15 years?

One of the special things about spring training is getting to see these up-and-coming players have an opportunity to play against the big boys, many for the first time. Quite a few of the highly regarded or highly drafted future Cubs are here this spring and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do...Not just Starlin "Star" Castro but, Andrew Cashner, Rafael Dolis, Blake Parker, Brett Jackson, and Josh Vitters among others.

The wondering starts to become reality on Thursday.

Pics from today.

Follow me boys

Starlin Castro

A new TV show? Mad Dog and The Marshall

Biker gang took over one of the Fitch Park bleachers

Teddy was stretching it out during drills

It's raining, let's go to a museum

2010-02-28T08:56:00.017-07:00

Last night I awoke to a loud crash of thunder at about 2:30am and with the appearance of a small pond in my front yard this morning I'm guessing it must have rained all night. Right now it's around 45 degrees and still raining, so it's a good day for the Cubs...to simulate April conditions at Wrigley. Starting tomorrow the 10 day forecast looks outstanding and we're expecting partly sunny skies and a high of 70 for Thursday's opening spring game at Hohokam.

This past Thursday evening I had the pleasure of being invited to the Mayor's Reception for the opening of the "Play Ball, The Cactus League Experience" at the Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY). They've really added and expanded the story for the "Play Ball" exhibit at the new AMY location, it's close to Hohokam and well worth the visit. As you might have guessed the Cubs are particularly well represented in the exhibit having been in Arizona for spring training 58 of the last 59 years. The Mesa Historical Museum and it's Executive Director Lisa Anderson were very much driving forces in making this exhibition come to life.

At the reception Robert Brintion who holds so many titles it's hard to keep track, not the least of which is Cactus League President gave some background on spring training and then introduced Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. The Mayor gave some words and then opened the exhibit with former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford.

Governor Mofford in large part helped save the Cactus League from extinction in the mid-late 1980's when Florida was making efforts to become the sole MLB spring training league. The course of action set by Mofford and a host of influential Arizonans has obviously worked well; with the 2010 addition of the Cincinnati Reds to the Cactus League, Arizona now has an equal 15 teams to Florida's Grapefruit League.

At the exhibit reception I ran into many friends and met others whose time and dedication helped make this exhibit possible. One of the friends I talked with is Dave Dunne who oversaw the running of Hohokam Stadium since it opened in 1997, Dave is from Chicago and a big Cubs fan. This off-season Dave was given an offer too good to refuse and has left Hohokam/City of Mesa and is now Manager of Spring Training Operations for the Arizona DBacks. Currently his job entails the overseeing of the new DBacks/Rockies spring facility being built on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land. This job change is great for Dave and his family but he will be missed at Hohokam.

Here's a few pics from the "Play Ball, The Cactus League Experience", only a few though as you need to go and see it for yourself.

Former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford speaks at Mayors reception

Dave Dunne and his donated Mark Grace
autographed door from old Hohokam Park

Just a few of the Cubs items at the "Play Ball" exhibit

Yes, you can sing along with Harry at "Play Ball"

Fun at Fitch

2010-02-26T14:47:00.013-07:00

This is the point of the baseball season when things are as casual as they will ever get, Cubs players are having fun...sure they're working and focused but with a definite upbeat feel. That was never more evident than today when a series of drills had the players laughing and kidding each other as well as entertaining the onlookers at Fitch Park.

One of the early drills had pitchers fielding with a special "Incrediball" a kind of a soft rubber coated ball that really moves when hit. This helps the pitchers reflexes and fielding, and makes for some interesting viewing. This fauxball moves so fast and looks like a regular baseball that some players natural "pull your head away" defense mechanism kicks in. Early on Carlos Marmol had trouble fielding these shots but came around, then at the end of the drill Jeff Samardzija had some issues and needed several repetitions until he got it right. One of the players who stood out in this drill was Esmailin Caridad, he was like a hockey goalie with amazing reflexes...It may be easier for Caridad to get down low for this drill being only 5'10" as opposed to the taller pitchers.

While waiting his turn to field Big Z briefly showed some of his soccer moves using one of these spongy balls for bouncing maneuvers (think Hacky Sack) with his feet and was quite good at it.

The pitchers then got a chance to do some bp. Even though Big Z says he's willing to give up his pinch hitting this season, don't ask him to give up time in the cage. Z also gave Carlos Silva some encouragement during bp as Silva coming from the A.L. has a grand total of 27 MLB at bats in his 8 seasons. Greg Maddux was behind the batting cage while some of the pitchers took bp and at one point kept tossing a baseball into the chain link fence. I think Maddux is an excellent addition to the Cubs coaching staff and will help in many capacities but I got the feeling he really misses playing.

Ryan Theriot was practicing like normal today after being hit in the hand by a pitch yesterday, even drawing a compliment from Ryne Sandberg after a good round of bp.

Another fun to watch drill had baseballs being shot out of a machine from home plate to areas between players so the fielders had to call for it with a loud "I got it". A truly simple but valuable drill and I only saw one "near" collision...Some of the guys were giving Andres Blanco a bit of crap because Blanco seemed to call nearly every ball on the diamond. I did notice that the CF's (guys rotated in) who called "I got it" going towards left field really didn't have to call it...Soriano wasn't usually close and probably not running full speed yet...Or maybe he was, sometimes it's hard to tell.

My photos from today.

Z focused on Incrediball

2008 First round pick Andrew Cashner

Marmol awaits Incrediball

Rafael Dolis

Samardzija waits

And watches

Caridad with the glove save

Mad Dog pitching it off the chain fence

Maddux and Dempster

You want more spin?

Chad Tracy waits

Hoffpauir makes running snag

A-Ram on the move

Parties, Night Creatures, and Baseball

2010-02-25T14:12:00.017-07:00

In this part of camp (before Cactus League games) injuries are big stories, even minor injuries. Right now we have Soriano's knee feeling better, Guzman's shoulder a bit tender, and Theriot's wrist sore due to a Rafael Dolis plunking. So far none of this is really problematic to the Cubs chances this season. Sori says he'll be ready by opening day, The Riot is day to day, and Guzman was already out waiting on his scoped knee to fully heel, it's Angel's new shoulder situation that merits watching. Guzzy says the shoulder isn't a big deal but he's been a walking injury since joining the Cubs.

Only one week until we hear the umpires around the Cactus League say, "Play Ball"! That's right baseball fans our Cubs open at Hohokam next Thursday against the Oakland Athletics who will be bringing ex-Cubs Jake Fox, Eric Patterson, and Micheal Wuertz to the party.

Speaking of parties, I hear that Cubs legend Ron Santo is being thrown one in honor of his 70th Birthday which is today. Some of Ron's Cubs pals are flying to AZ for the soiree. Since I didn't get an invite there's a couple ways I can go on this...Head up to Ron's and pull a Salahi type party crash or take my camera and attempt gorilla paparazzi pics from the bushes outside Santo's bash. Better yet, I'll just choose to wish Ron a very Happy Birthday! And while I'm at it, Birthday wishes to Cubs broadcaster Bob Brenley as well!

I blogged on Saturday about Bruce Miles and the changing media, and now more evidence appears in the form of WGN Radio Host David Kaplan's blog. Kaplan put his mini-digi camera to work yesterday and caught some images at Cubs camp. One of his more artistic shot's is a Mapplethorpe-esk image of Starlin Castro's posterior (at left). Hey, David and Bruce are very good at what they do, but photography...well...I guess fans can never get enough Cubs.

I was noticing pools of drool around the stands at Fitch which seemed to coincide with some oohing and aahing from female fans when a certain new Cub was in the vicinity. Outfielder and Non-Roster Invitee Brett Jackson the Cubs recent draft pick from Cal is drawing praise for his play from Piniella as well as longing glances from the ladies. I get plenty of email from the girls requesting more photos of Jeff Samardzija, but...could be there's a new challenger to Samardzija's status as unofficial number one Cubs' hunk. Of course he'll need to make the team for that honor.

Aside from vapid talk of physical appearance, this Jackson kid can play some baseball. Picked 31st by the Cubs in the 1st round of 2009 MLB Draft, Jackson is the fourth highest player drafted in Cal baseball history. He left college after a stellar Jr. season where he hit .321 with 8 HR's and 11 Stolen bases. At 21 years old he's a talented fielder with a strong arm and above average speed, but will definitely need some minor league seasoning.

Born in Berkeley and a Sociology Major in college, you may guess that Jackson is...well...different. Something Gordon Wittemmyer confirmed today in his article where Jackson is quoted, "I was telling (teammate Josh Vitters) when they were sucking my blood out (for annual physicals), I kind of liked it. Isn't that weird? That's weird. I enjoyed it. I like blood."

This can only help Jackson's stock with the females as Vampires and everything vampire seems to be en vogue.

Only a week before we hear "play ball" at Hohokam, the Catus League really starts gearing up tomorrow. The Mesa Historical Museum's fantastic exhibit "Play Ball, The Cactus League Experience" is relocating to the Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY). The big debut at the new and larger space is tomorrow Friday February 26th, with an expanded story and never seen memorabilia the exhibit, is sure to be a hit. Yours truly has donated several items as well as some historic photos I've collected over the years. AMY is close to Hohokam so if you're in town be sure to check it out.

I was asked to post pics of some of the players that I haven't shown yet on the blog, so here ya go.

Brett Jackson last week

Marmol after conditioning runs

Lee and Nady

Fukudome

Riot with the buzz

Being Here

2010-02-24T13:04:00.007-07:00

I realized this afternoon that I had not given yesterday's blog a title...It has one now.

In my never ending quest to give you the best Cubs spring training coverage, instead of photos I've got some of today's practice on video. I shot this from outside the chain link fences at the Fitch fields, where the fans sit...So if you see the fence on occasion that is why. It's nothing fancy (editing wise) but I think it gives you a feel for being here.

Some of my focus was on young infielders, Non-Roster Invitee's # 67 Starlin Castro and # 61 Josh Vitters taking some grounders as well as pitchers doing what they do here, drills and more drills. One thing I noticed that you really can't see from my video is that Castro has a very strong arm. A former Cub pitcher soon to be headed to Cooperstown N.Y. makes a cameo at the end of the video.

I talked with Bill Keane today who's here from Waterloo, Iowa, he's been a Cubs fan for 72 years, Bill is one of those who can say he saw (or at least heard on radio) the Cubs in a World Series. At 78 years young Bill was in the Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp two years ago at the age of 76...We should all be so lucky.

Enjoy practice!

Forgot Blog Title

2010-02-23T15:05:00.006-07:00

Warm ups before today's practice

The rain has gone and the Cubs are all here, including the Ricketts family, new owners of the storied ball club. The team arrived on the fields for the first full squad work out at 10:20am, a bit later than the usual 9 to 9:30 am having met with the owners before practice. A-Ram, D Lee, Soriano, and Kid Castro all worked out today on the Fitch Park fields for the first time this year. While the team worked out the Ricketts family was out mingling with the fans at Fitch...It's not often you get the chance to tell an owner what needs to be done to win a World Series.

A-Ram, D Lee, and Soriano all look very fit and have rehabbed their various ailments, with Soriano saying he'll be 100 percent by opening day after having had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The other new arrival was Starlin Castro the 19 year old ss phenom who had an outstanding AZ Fall League. I've always felt that Cubs fans are some of the most knowledgeable of any in baseball, they know Castro may be a star in the offing...there was a definite buzz in the stands today about this kid. I had a good chat with two long time Cubs fans and self-proclaimed baseball experts Doc Lawson and Harvey Brown...It was fun watching the Cubs while joining them in conversation about what the Cubs need to do to win the pennant.

One of the good humor guys in camp is Kevin Millar, who sure keeps things loose. It was interesting to see the grizzled vet Millar working in the group defensively with Cubs youngsters Josh Vitters and Starlin Castro...Castro and Vitters were 2 and 3 years old respectively when Millar broke into pro ball with the St. Paul Saints.

This is the kind of weather we expect during spring training in AZ, lots of sunshine and a nice day for baseball with a coolish high of 65 degrees. On my way home from Fitch I noticed the recent storm had left some snow visible on Four Peaks (pic).

Enjoy today's photos.

D Lee at the cage

Aramis takes a grounder

Lou watches

Tom Ricketts talks with fan at Fitch

Laura Ricketts at Fitch

Starlin Castro

Soriano

A-Ram

Starlin Castro

Baseball Brain trust Doc Lawson and Harvey Brown

Four Peaks after practice

Full Squad - Full Sun

2010-02-23T07:39:00.003-07:00

It had rained intermittently for the past 3 days and curtailed much of the Cubs workouts at Fitch Park but the front has moved past and the 10 day forecast is looking good. Today is the official start of Cubs full-squad spring workouts, and from my vantage point here at the K-CUBS broadcasting tower in Mesa there is not a cloud in the sky. I'm looking forward to getting out in the sun and watching some Cubs baseball, besides I get bored just sitting around taking Sullivan's money in poker. Full report and photos later today.

Cubs Weather Report

2010-02-22T07:47:00.002-07:00

As you most likely know it rained off and on here all day yesterday, the Cubs didn't make it out to the soaked Fitch Fields and were confined to hitting in the covered batting cages.

Today's forecast: Intermittent rain showers. Cloudy with temperatures steady near the mid 50s. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

It's not raining right now but plenty of threatening clouds, so we'll see what happens. Hoping we're getting this rain out of the way for a clear and sunny March.

Rain Check

2010-02-20T15:00:00.014-07:00

Storm on the way...SW field prior to the start of practice, batting screens blown down

It's now partly cloudy with plenty of sun here in Mesa, not the case earlier as the Cubs practice this morning at Fitch Park was cut short by rain. When I arrived I could see the storm coming from the West past Center Street (photo), the temperature was in the 50's and gusty winds as well. The Cubs worked out for about an hour before the rain came and ended practice.

As you probably heard Ryan Theriot lost his salary arbitration and will have to get by on 2.6 million this year. Theriot and Fukudome are now in camp but didn't make it out to the fields before the rain. The Riot issued a challenge of sorts to Cubs kid SS prodigy Starlin Castro, "I am the shortstop and I have been for three years," Theriot said "I feel I've done a good job and he's going to have to come get it". Castro hasn't played above AA ball but tore it up in the AZ Fall League hitting .376 and is a top defensive talent. The 19 year old Castro is a non-roster invitee this spring and is one of only four position players yet to report, Lee, A-Ram, and Soriano the others.

The media is changing before our eyes, case in point Cubs beat writer Bruce Miles clicking photos on a digital camera for his blog. Bruce is outstanding in his Cubs coverage and writing for the DailyHerald but admitted in his blog that he's a work in progress as a photographer. Which is why today I offered Bruce my photography talents for his blog, he laughed and probably thought I was kidding. I wasn't, I shoot so many Cubs photos that go unseen, we would never have to duplicate pics from his blog to mine.

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time you know much of what I write is satirical and tongue in cheek. However if you're new to the blog you should know that once the spring games get going I do focus more on what happens on the field and how the Cubs are progressing towards opening day...Using my baseball eyes as it were but always from my own peculiar perspective.

I had a request for some Kevin Millar photos and we aim to please at BOS, so here are a couple from the other day...As well as a few shots from this morning.

Bobby Scales takes a grounder before the rain

Josh Vitters third overall pick in the 2007 MLB draft, works today

DailyHerald's Bruce Miles works the mini-digi

Millar a couple days ago

Same day Millar and Z

Going Camping

2010-02-19T13:51:00.003-07:00

Ted Lilly's MRI on the knee came out negative, which is great news. Other than that you might be thinking it's early in camp and not much to report... Heck, even Lou can't really shed much light on the line-up yet, it's all theory at this point. Competition for roster openings and starting spots hasn't really gotten underway either, but don't fret our crack BOS team (OK, me) have uncovered some intriguing stories at camp thus far.

Much of it revolves around weight loss or gain, Soto and Big Smaller Z have lost it, while Carlos Silva has...well...maintained it. Word around the net was that my Soto and Silva photos may have been photoshopped. No my friends I download then post-em, speaking of loads I'm posting another Silva photo from this morning, you be the judge of his size and conditioning.

Another breaking story from this morning concerns Angel Guzman. We know he had his knee scoped recently but that's not the story, Guzzy it appears has been having trouble with his golf swing. Not to worry Cubs fans all is not lost as Angel was able to get some one on one instruction today and appears ready to hit the links again...that is as soon as the knee is better.

Of course the Big story of camp thus far is a BOS exclusive. Last week I showed you photos of Jeff Samardzija with the long flowing hair. As I mentioned then, I thought he would be getting a trim when Lou caught a glimpse of it. Turns out Jeff didn't even allow Lou the chance to give him a hard time about his hair. Samardjiza showed up yesterday having had a significant reduction of his mane, he must really want that 5th starter spot.

Woong-Chun Cho (photo below) is a spring instructor with the Cubs this season. T

Silva in foreground

Guzman shows his backswing

Maybe it's the arm bend?

Make sure to keep the head down

Much better follow through

Samardzija earlier this week

Samardzija yesterday

Do I really need to comment on this?

Pitchers and Catchers!

2010-02-18T17:21:00.008-07:00

What a fabulous day to begin official workouts for the Cubs pitchers and catchers, sunshine and temperatures in the 60's during practice. Fitch Park is a great venue to see the Cubs, 4 ball fields with a central area where fans can easily walk from field to field following favorite players as they move through drills. It's a very intimate environment, probably too intimate for players sometimes as they have to use the available public restroom or make a much longer trek back to the clubhouse. Of course one of the best parts of watching the Cubs at Fitch Park is it's free!

I know it's early in camp, in fact so early that position players don't have to report until next week. However as I tweeted today: I'm getting a very good feeling about Marlon Byrd. Not going to make any predictions just yet on how he'll do this season but it's just a positive gut feeling after watching him for about 4 days now. Byrd looks to be in phenomenal shape and last year at 30 years old he doubled his previous career season high HR total from 10 to 20....He definitely has the build of a power hitter. Byrd and new Cubs hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo where together at Texas and during his 3 seasons with the Rangers, Byrd never hit lower than .283.

One of the important things that need to be accomplished in camp is getting the pitchers arms and legs in shape. In the early stages it's more about the legs and the pitchers did a lot of running today closing out practice...many laps on the warning track from foul pole to foul pole, followed by short drill runs. The day had warmed up by this time and I was standing by the players as the finished some of these runs...I can tell you that while certain guys are in better shape than others most of them were really feeling the intensity of it. That of course is a good thing right now.

After bp towards the end of practice new hitting instructor Rudy Jaramillo called the position players together and gave them his run down on the 5 steps to effective hitting.. All the guys seemed very focused and attentive on what he was saying and as Rudy finished he said "I'm going to over and over this stuff". Then closed by telling the guys he's always available if they ever have any questions. I think Jaramillo is going to be a great addition to the Cubs staff.

I met many cool Cubs fans at Fitch today including Dan and his dad Garth originally from Iowa, Dave Bell from Watseka, IL and Elan Kane and his family who are here from New York and Palm Springs. To my surprise Elan said he reads my blog and had even seen my tweet from this morning about coming to the ballpark. During today's practice I saw Ryan Dempster toss a ball over the fence to a fan, I found out later that fan was Elan. That's a sweet souvie for a Cubs fan to take back to New York.

Enjoy today's BOS pics.

The SW Fitch field as it looked this morning before practice

Marlon Byrd

John Gaub looks on

Dempster

Cubs first round pick in 2008 Andrew Cashner

Sean Marshall

Hall of Famer Billy Williams watches bp

Mike Fontenot

Carlos Silva

Gorzelanny, Dempster, and Mitch Atkins

Dempster and Atkins starting to feel it

David Patton definitely feeling it

Today and Tomorrow

2010-02-17T13:07:00.009-07:00

Today is the report date for all Cubs pitchers and catchers with the first official workout to begin tomorrow...yes it's nearly upon us, the start of the Cubs quest for the 2010 World Series title. As you know many of the players have been here in Mesa working out already with more arriving daily. The media showed up en masse today as well, and Fitch Park is starting to buzz...I already miss the quieter, gentler times of last week when I was the only person at Fitch with a camera.

Observations from today: Geo is gone, I don't know where he went but I did see some skinny dude impersonating him. Seriously, Soto looks great, the conditioning and loss of weight should really help him as he looks to bounce back this season. Big Z was giving Geo a bit of a hard time about the old larger Geo (photo below). Marlon Byrd is built like an NFL LB, 6' 245 lbs, the guy is ripped and comes to the Cubs with his not so secret weapon, hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Geo and Big Z were attempting to teach Kevin Millar some Spanish today with results that had all of them howling in laughter.

Boys of Spring got a nice mention in the Chicago Sun Times from Elliott Harris and his always fun Quick-Hits column. I don't know about you but I'm stoked for tomorrow...Pitchers and Catchers! I'll have a report and photos here after tomorrows practice.

Enjoy my photos from today's workout.

Non-Roster Invitee Kevin Millar

Slim Geo

Rudy Jaramillo in Cubs blue

Soto

Bench Coach Alan Trammell hits some infield

Z, Dempster, and Lilly looking for some action

Jaramillo learning his way around Fitch Park

Soto and Byrd

Blanco and Bigger Z giving Soto some grief about last year's weight

Geo looking fit

This Twitter Thing

2010-02-16T10:14:00.004-07:00

All right I may as well come out and say, I was pretty skeptical about this whole Twitter thing...after all I was resistant to the cell phone for quite a while because I didn't want people to reach me anywhere at anytime. My thinking on Twitter was, what is the point of these 140 character statements? Just another way to chat with friends and talk in very brief terms on useless garbage...After all, do I really care if you got "way bent last night" or that "you're going to see Avatar for the 27th time"?

Of course then I started looking a bit deeper at Twitter and saw the particular applications and how it could be useful. From my unique vantage point as P.A. Announcer during spring training I could convey near real-time information to Cubs fans everywhere about the happenings on the Fitch Park Fields or what took place in bp before the game at Hohokam. Stuff that hard-core Cubs fans like me would love to know and can't hear anywhere else.

This is the start of year 6 for the Boys of Spring website and I'm proud of what this site offers as your Cubs Spring Training eyes and ears. I feel very lucky to have one of the best seats in the house at Hohokam during this kick-ass fun time of the year. I want to thank all of you for coming to BOS, I truly enjoy passing along my blogs, photos, videos, and now Tweets to all my Cub fan brethren! And thanks to those of you tweeting and re-tweeting about BOS!

Who knew that you could also learn plenty on Twitter, this tweet from the Iowa Cubs last night: Happy President's Day! Harry Truman (33rd Prez) was the 1st president to attend a night game of baseball on August 17, 1948 in Washington DC 7:48 AM Feb 15th

Go Cubs! T

President's Day at the Park

2010-02-15T15:07:00.007-07:00

Pretty low key over at Fitch Park this morning as we're still a few days away from pitchers and catchers actual report day of Wednesday. However new Cub arrivals are filtering in to Fitch, including Koyie Hill who took some bp today.

The highlight of this mornings session was a monster blast during bp by none other than Big Z. I know it's only batting practice but the shear power of this batted ball was something to see...Carlos hit it over the 30 foot high batters eye in dead center, it's 400 feet just to that wall. You can see on the last two photos below, the look on Z's face, then the following photo of where he hit it.

Below are some of my photos I shot this morning...as far as I know BOS is the only place on the internet that is giving you pics of what's going on right now at Cubs camp...pre-camp if you will. Enjoy - T

Fitch Park has one concession window, not open yet.

Koyie Hill during today's batting practice

Big Z signs

Tom Gorzelanny

Jeff Stevens

Gorzy

Smarge

Serious Sam Fuld

Z

Hill

David Patton

Smarge

Tim Buss throws bp

Z and Colvin check out Z's monster shot

Need a higher wall to keep Z from hitting it out