Spring Training Journal

Former Cubs Talk About Staying

2010-01-28T18:26:00.012-07:00

So everything went down pretty much like most of us thought it would and the Cubs have agreed to exclusive negotiating rights with Mesa under a nonbinding agreement to build a new state of the art spring training complex. This is only the first step or as the East Valley Tribune equates Mesa has "merely gotten to first base". I'm confident that all the hurdles will be cleared and look forward to a sunny future in Mesa at the Cubs new Wrigleyville West complex.

So what do some former Cubs think about staying in Mesa, this article gives insight from Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, Ron Santo, Lee Smith, Big Daddy, and more. Without talking to Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams, I would guess they echo the positive sentiments on staying in Arizona as both have homes here.

Pitchers and Catchers...won't be long!

T

Not Official Until Cubs Say So, but...

2010-01-22T10:02:00.012-07:00

The Cubs have yet to give "official" word but the battle for the Cubs spring training future appears to be over as the team is poised to sign an agreement with the City of Mesa. As you've probably heard Mesa has provided the Cubs with a 14 page Memorandum of Understanding on a new training complex to be ready for spring of 2013. The Mesa city council plans to approve the proposal on Monday night with the Cubs expected to sign shortly thereafter. The project still needs to jump a few funding hurdles, none of which appear insurmountable.

The Chicago Tribunes Dave van Dyck said in an article yesterday, "the Cubs will retain their spring home in Arizona, under a tentative agreement reached for a state-of-the-art $84-million facility in East Mesa"...However, van Dyck doesn't tell how he knows of this "tentative agreement" or that he has an inside source for this knowledge.

Lending more credence to the "tentative agreement"; Dave Moulton columnist/sports radio host and one of those who helped promote the potential move to Naples posted this at 9:55 last night about not getting the Cubs: "it feels like we dated a married woman who had officially separated from her husband. We began to fall for each other and then suddenly when it came time to file the divorce papers, she went running back to her husband for the sake of the kids".

Even after the Cubs sign the agreement as expected with Mesa next week, much work will still need to be done to make this new spring training complex a reality. However the people of Mesa and Arizona have experience in these areas and a great relationship with the Cubs that goes back to 1952. Sure the Cubs new owners are interested in making money but if all goes as planned by 2013 the Ricketts and Mesa will be giving the organization and Cubs fans the best spring training experience in all of baseball. This can only help in the Cubs quest for a World Series Championship.

Sources Say, Cubs Stay

2010-01-21T09:59:00.012-07:00

Jude LaCava a local sports anchor at KSAZ FOX 10 (local FOX TV affiliate) here in Phoenix had this report last night about the Cubs keeping spring training in Arizona. Jude says sources close to the Ricketts say it's 99 percent the Cubs are staying.

I worked on Jude's show at FOX 10 about a dozen years ago, he is a good guy and knows his sports. However, Jude also said at one point before the NFL season that Michael Vick signing with the Minnesota Vikings was a "done deal" according to "sources", so take this for what it's worth.

Just Think Spring

2010-01-20T10:26:00.014-07:00

A belated Happy Holidays! Hope you enjoyed, or at least survived, the holiday season.

Here at Boys of Spring we are gearing up for our big season. Yep, hard to believe that less than a month from now pitchers and catchers will report for Cubs spring training. A lot has happened since I last blogged -- bye bye Bradley -- Hawk to the Hall -- Byrd in Center -- McGwire on roids -- Mad Dog back -- Cubs Convention -- and, of course, the always fun "It's Mesa...no it's Naples...no it's Mesa...no it's Naples" debate on the future home of Cubs spring training. I'll touch on some of those topics in this blog, but be forewarned, 30 days from now, for better or worse, I will be back blogging daily (or close to daily) on all things Cubs. It's Spring time -- my time of year!

Someone asked me recently what makes Boys of Spring different from other Cubs websites? I said part of it is that I'm a huge Cubs fan who has been lucky enough to be the Cubs spring training Public Address Announcer for soon to be 27 spring seasons. (I started this gig when I was 7 years old) So, I'm a fan, but I also sit and work in the press box so I can give a bit of an inside view during the season before the season.

The content you see here (my photos, video, and blogs) are exclusive to BOS. We take pride in the design of our website and DO NOT have any pop ups or cluttered advertising to bother you. When the Cubs arrive on February 18, you can expect my daily multi-media reports taking you right up through opening day. At BOS we focus on Cubs spring training -- that is what we do.

So, Milton Bradley has taken his game to Seattle and the spring schedule doesn't have the Mariners coming to Hohokam this season. To bad as I'm sure Cubs fans would have showed him some real love for his dedication and amazing effort as a Cub last season. The Cubs get Carlos Silva in return; I don't know what to say about him that his 5-18 record over the past two years doesn't say.

The Cubs signed free agent Marlon Byrd to play center field allowing Kosuke to move back to his best defensive position in right. Byrd never batted lower than .283 for the Rangers under Cubs new batting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Byrd had career highs last season in at bats, hits, doubles, HR's, RBI's, and SLG, but his OBP dropped to .329 from the previous years .380. Byrd gives all he's got on the field and his temperament should be better suited for the Cubs than Bradley.

Some great news this off season has been The Hawk getting elected to the Hall of Fame. Andre Dawson was the epitome of a hard working ball player. I remember the spring of 1987 when Cubs GM Dallas Green wasn't too keen on Dawson and his agent being in Mesa trying to leverage a deal to put The Hawk in the Cubs outfield. The blank check contract worked for Dawson, even though Green tried to get him on the cheap but Andre earned all the incentives for his amazing year. I've got some old photos I took of Dawson at spring training back then...I'll try to dig them up.

With Mark McGwire's recent, less than contrite steroid confession, it makes us Cubs fans wonder when the Sultan of Sammy will open up about himself and those crazy days of seemingly never ending home runs. I think Sosa's well-documented ego will eventually leave him wanting to reconcile with the team and city where he reached astronomical adoration and cult status before the melt down ending the 2004 season. It's been 5 years since Sosa left Chicago in January 2005; with passing time and new team ownership Sosa's exit wounds are less apparent. I think the Cubs would be inclined to ease the slugger back into some aspects of the organization if...Sosa comes clean about his knowledge and participation involving performance enhancing drugs. It would also help if he does it in a more genuine manner than McGwire. I believe Cubs fans will also be forgiving and eventually, (I said eventually) take him back as one of there own.

In the first round of the 1984 draft, the Oakland A's selected a tall and slim former pitcher turned first baseman from USC -- Mark McGwire. In the second round of that 84 draft the Cubs selected a skinny 6 foot, 150 pound high school pitcher out of Las Vegas. This kid sure didn't look like a future Hall of Famer, but it was Greg Maddux. Coincidently, 1984 was my first spring helping to do the PA announcing at Cubs spring training.

While Maddux played in the same era as McGwire and Sosa, he was one guy who steered clear of all the PED crap and had the body to prove it. The Cubs could not have brought back a better person to help assist GM Jim Hendry than the Mad Dog. Maddux will help in developing minor league players and lend his skills in talent evaluation as well as work with the spring training staff. This should pay big dividends down the road for the Cubs whole minor league system. Check out the mustache on young Greg...chicks dig the stache.

The future of Cubs spring training hangs in the balance as the Ricketts family weigh the options of staying in Arizona or moving to Naples, Florida. I've written a blog about this, you can scroll down and read it. The Cubs are going to make a decision any day now on giving one of the groups (Mesa or Naples) an exclusive bargaining window (probably a minimum of 90 days). This will allow the chosen group time to put a funding strategy in place and have a concrete plan to show the Cubs they can deliver a new Cubs spring training complex by the spring of 2012 or 2013. Mesa appears to have more hurdles to clear in order to fund such a project. I won't go into any more on this subject until the Ricketts make this first decision. Suffice it to say that if the first group selected can't come through, they will keep the second available as a fall back option.

The Third Annual Fergie and Friends Game will be held this March 17 at Hohokam Stadium. The charity baseball game pits Cubs Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins and a team of former MLB stars against a local All-Star team. Last season a who's who of Hall of Famers attended or played including Billy Williams, Rollie Fingers, Juan Marichal, Bob Feller, Harmon Killebrew, and other sports Hall of Famers, including the NFL's Bobby Bell, the NBA's Hal Greer, and the great Meadowlark Lemon. Former Cubs stars that attended or played in last years game include Ron Santo, Keith Moreland, Randy Hundley, Jody Davis, Steve Trout, Lee Smith, Dave Kingman, Bob Dernier, Bill Buckner, Jay Johnstone and Willie Wilson. Other MLB greats who played included Bert Campaneris, Tommy John, Dave Stewart, Amos Otis, George Foster, John Mayberry, and Bernie Carbo. This game is a lot of fun and raises money for many great causes.

29 days till pitchers and catchers!

T

Spring Training Schedule 2010

2009-11-19T07:28:00.010-07:00

The Cubs have released the Spring Training schedule, which includes a total of 35 games, 15 at HoHoKam Park, 18 road games in Arizona and 2 against the White Sox in Las Vegas.

Games of note - The Cubs will play the White Sox five times but only once in Mesa on March 6, twice in Glendale on March 7 and 19, as well as the two games in Las Vegas on March 12-13.

The Cubs open the spring season at home in Mesa against the Oakland Athletics, and close the spring with a pair of exhibition games against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 2-3. The Cubs last home game will be at HoHoKam on April 1 vs the Colorado Rockies.

The Cubs are off on St. Patricks day March 17.

Individual game tickets for the 2010 Cubs home Spring Training games will go on sale Jan. 5 at 10 a.m. CT on cubs.com or by calling 1-800-905-3315.

The ticket box office at HoHoKam Park will open for individual game tickets beginning on January 12, 2010 at 9 a.m. MST.

Season tickets for 2010 at HoHoKam Park go on sale Monday, January 4 at 9 a.m. MST at the HoHoKam box office or by calling 480-964-4467.

Group tickets for catered events on the Patio, Tent and Suite areas are also available by calling (480) 664-2171.

Fans can direct ticket and additional spring training questions to info2010@mesahohokams.com.

The Cubs' 35-game Spring Training schedule for 2010 is below. All games begin at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time unless otherwise noted. Split-squad games are denoted with an (ss).

2010 Cubs Spring Training Schedule

March 4 vs. Oakland Athletics
March 5 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
March 6 vs. Chicago White Sox
March 7 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (ss) and at Chicago White Sox, Glendale, Ariz.
March 8 at Oakland Athletics, Phoenix
March 9 vs. Milwaukee Brewers
March 10 vs. San Francisco Giants
March 11 at San Diego Padres, Peoria
March 12 at Milwaukee Brewers (ss), Maryvale; vs. Chicago White Sox, Las Vegas
March 13 vs. Cincinnati Reds (ss); vs. Chicago White Sox, Las Vegas
March 14 at Los Angeles Angels, Tempe
March 15 at Colorado Rockies, Tucson
March 16 vs. Texas Rangers
March 18 at Los Angeles Dodgers, Glendale
March 19 at Chicago White Sox, Glendale
March 20 vs. Kansas City Royals (ss); at Oakland Athletics, Phoenix
March 21 at Cincinnati Reds, Goodyear
March 22 vs. Cleveland Indians
March 23 at Kansas City Royals, Surprise
March 24 at Texas Rangers, Surprise
March 25 at Arizona Diamondbacks, Tucson
March 26 vs. Oakland Athletics
March 27 vs. San Diego Padres
March 28 at Seattle Mariners, Peoria
March 29 vs. Cincinnati Reds
March 30 at San Francisco Giants, Scottsdale
March 31 vs. Los Angeles Angels (ss); at Milwaukee Brewers (ss), Maryvale
April 1 vs. Colorado Rockies
April 2 at Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field
April 3 at Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field

It's Up to the Ricketts but Mesa Sells Tickets

2009-11-05T15:39:00.012-07:00

First off, I would like to congratulate the Ricketts family who have recently taken controlling interest of the Cubs and wish them the best of luck and a long, prosperous ownership of our favorite team. Actual Cub fans own the team! Wow. What a concept!

With the conclusion of last night's Yankees-Phillies game, we come to the end of another baseball season. The evil empire got what they paid for and will put their 27th title trophy in the case. So, now the Cubs need to win only 25 World Series titles to catch the Yankees. Hey, I did wish the Ricketts "luck," didn't I?

You may have had a glimmer of enjoyment, or perhaps even more disappointment, depending on how you viewed the Yankees title knowing a kid from Peoria, Illinois, who broke into the majors as a Cub led the Bronx bankroll to the title. I'm not trying to take anything away from Joe Girardi, but I think most of us would like our chances as Manager with that lineup. So, anywho-hizzle, enough of that! The season is done, let's talk spring training.

The Ricketts family is in AZ this week, and on their to-do list is looking at potential new spring training sites here in Mesa. As you probably know already, an interested and organized group from Naples Florida is making overtures to lure Cubs spring training to the Grapefruit league. The Cubs have an escape clause in their current spring training contract so that they could pay the City of Mesa $4.2 million and leave in 2012. All the sweet new digs around the Cactus League have made the Cubs a bit jealous, especially the upscale and architecturally appealing Camelback Ranch complex shared by the White Sox and Dodgers in Glendale.

Now this may only be a blip of Cubs related news up in Chicago, but here in AZ it's a very big deal. So much so that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and a bevy of political who's who of AZ hosted a meet and greet at the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club for the Ricketts on Tuesday evening. Even John McCain got into the act with videotaped comments for the Cubs first family. The message to the Ricketts was simple, if not a bit wanton - PLEASE, STAY IN ARIZONA, WE WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE YOU HAPPY!

The Cubs want to consolidate their spring training into one campus like complex and, currently have Hohokam Stadium for the spring games and Fitch Park for training. The two baseball parks are a half mile apart. The team is looking for a minimum of 120 contiguous acres for the new site. The vision is of a 15,000 seat Stadium, another half dozen training fields, a large weight room, clubhouse and offices for an 11 month a year minor league and spring baseball operations headquarters. The term "Wrigleyville West" keeps coming up in the discussion and for Mesa this would include room to develop hotels, shopping, restaurants, and even a possible Cactus League museum around the Cubs complex.

How it all would be paid for is a whole nuther discussion and we're not at that point. Right now, it's locations, land and concepts. Several land owners and developers here in AZ gave brief pitches to the Ricketts family yesterday. A yet-to-be-determined private/public mix of funding is going to be looked at with any of these deals.

What I haven't talked about is the Naples offer, which right now is under wraps and a bit vague. There would also be financing issues as both FLA and AZ don't want to put more burdens on the taxpayer. So, if all things are relatively equal as to the type of "Wrigleyville" spring complex both AZ and Florida are willing to build, why would the Cubs move across the country?

We know Arizona and the Cubs have a lot of spring training history -- nearly 60 years worth -- but history doesn't mean much in today's financially driven society. Witness the Dodgers exit from Vero Beach and 61 years at Dodgertown. So let's put it on Florida to tell us why the Cubs should move there? Below are some of the main reasons expressed in articles and interviews about what Florida has to offer, and my responses.

1) The only marquee franchise the Cactus League has besides the Cubs is the Dodgers, while the Grapefruit League has the Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, and Phillies.

Besides the fact that this is "East Coast" bias at its best, with the Giants, Angels, and White Sox not considered "marquee", why would the Cubs want to dilute their brand and compete with the Yankees and Red Sox in the spring when the Cubs are king of the Cactus League? The Cubs own the top two ALL-TIME home spring training season attendance marks in all of MLB baseball, beating the Yankees. That's money in the Ricketts' pockets. With the Cubs top draw and number one here in the Cactus League, that's proven. In Florida we just don't know, no guarantees they have the same drawing power.

2) Including this year, teams who trained in the Grapefruit League have won 16 of the last 19 World Series. So, the Cubs should move because that's where winning teams train.

This argument sounds like one of the best reasons for the Cubs to think about moving but under closer scrutiny it's mushier than a Florida swamp. Consider that until 1998 only 8 teams held spring training in Arizona. That meant 20 teams in Florida, and until 2003, only 10 teams trained in Arizona. As you can see, the odds were huge in favor of the league with 20 teams as opposed to 8 or 10 teams.

Good teams win the World Series not spring training states. Despite being one of only 6 teams in the Cactus League, the Oakland As won three straight WS Titles in 1972, 73, and 74 playing spring ball right here in Mesa, AZ. Or how about the great Yankees teams from 1948 to 1953 who won 5 straight World Series? They trained in Florida from 1948 to 50, but in 1951 at the request of Giants owner Horace Stoneham, the Yankees switched training sites to Arizona for the 1951 season. Yes, the Yankees still won the series that year after training in AZ, then went back to Florida and won in 1952 and 53.

In recent years the Diamondbacks, Angels, and White Sox have all won the World Series. In the last seven years, 5 teams have moved from Florida to Arizona, and with the arrival this coming spring of the Reds to AZ, the Cactus League will finally be on even terms with the Grapefruit League with 15 teams each.

3) The Cubs would be closer to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico for scouting purposes by being in Florida.

While that would be true, the team has scouts who cover this territory anyhow. With the islands being only so big, it's not like the Cubs' scouts can't see all the talent available. Being in Florida would mean the Cubs are a lot further from the Arizona Rookie League and the Arizona Fall League in which the Cubs have teams and major interests, especially the fall league with the top minor league talent from all MLB teams.

4) The beaches.

AZ doesn't have the ocean right at our door, this is true, but Florida folks tell me if you can go snowboarding or skiing on a mountain slope during the day, then drive a couple hours and watch a spring training game in short sleeves that evening, as I did this past spring, that's not too bad. Arizona has a great central location in the Southwest so that just about the time it takes for you to drive a long stretch in the Grapefruit League from one team to another, you can be at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, LA, San Diego, or the Mexican white sand beaches of Rocky Point.

The bottom line on all this is that the Cubs are king of the Cactus League and Arizona knows it. The Cubs help generate a huge amount of money into the states economy -- $52 million a year according to a recent study.

Rancher and businessman Dwight (Pat) Patterson, known as the "Father of the Cactus League," was a pivotal figure in bringing the Cubs here to spring train in 1952. He loved the Cubs and was also instrumental in getting previous Cubs spring stadiums built, including the current one that honors his name - Hohokam Stadium, (Dwight W. Patterson Field).

It will take the same type of perseverance and drive from Arizona leaders that Patterson exhibited to get a deal done and build "Wrigleyville West". Mesa and the Cubs have been a great match for a long time. I'm confident the Ricketts family will decide to stay west, as have Cubs greats Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins, and Ryne Sandberg, who all own homes in Arizona.

In spring of 2011, all 15 of the Cactus League teams will be playing in the greater Phoenix area. What a fantastic set-up for fans--one central location where you can see half the MLB teams with minimal driving and maximum sunshine. After you're burned out from another Chicago winter, head south to the Cactus League and the Valley of the Sun to watch the Cubs at Wrigleyville West. Yeah, that just sounds right.

Photos
Top - Tom Ricketts, left, talks with Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne
Sandberg, his wife, Margaret, and Mesa officials.
Photo by Ralph Freso, East ValleyTribune

Second down - Camelback Ranch, White Sox and Dodgers
new spring complex

Third down - The planned Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies
future spring complex on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community land

Fourth down - The Cubs current ballpark, Hohokam Stadium
in the PA booth, who is that dude?

"The Game" is Over

2009-09-21T13:29:00.012-07:00

One more year added to the books without a World Series for the Cubs...I know they're not "officially" eliminated yet but we have known the outcome for some time now. The year ending suspension of Milton "The Game" Bradley only puts a bold exclamation point on a disappointing season.

I will admit that while being skeptical of the Bradley signing, as a fan I was hopeful that he would provide a spark or attitude that seemed to be missing in the past two season's playoffs. Milton has attitude alright but not the type I had hoped to see, and unfortunately it wasn't much of a surprise. Last spring training had given hope that this leopard had changed it's spots or at least the spots had faded a bit.

Showing some attitude during Spring Training

Bradley came in early to Fitch Park this past February before position players needed to report. I took that as a good sign that he was dedicated and motivated to begin his Cubs experience and ready to show fans he deserved a $30 million dollar contract. He was focused and hard working and seemed to blend in well with his new teammates on the Cubs veteran ballclub. I already knew he wasn't a chatty type and during spring training his bat did the talking, finishing up the Cactus League with a .460 BA, .526 OBP, and .800 Slugging Average...Just more evidence not to give spring training stats to much importance.

So buoyed with past successful signings by GM Jim Hendry I became a Milton believer and by the time opening day rolled around I thought, maybe, just maybe this guy was the missing spark. In the end I was fooled, and even if Bradley had started the season hot instead of the Arctic coolness of his sub .200 batting average, I think it would have been inevitable that we ended up at this point...perhaps just a different route. The question is where do we go from here? What could the Cubs get for "The Game" if anything? We fans can speculate but it'll be Hendry and the Ricketts who must make the decisions on Bradley, the easy one, showing him the door, the hard one, does he walk with Ricketts $20 million?

The current upside of the Bradley suspension is that we will get a chance to see the Cubs Number 1 pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Tyler Colvin who has been called up to fill the outfield vacancy. Colvin played this season at Double-A Tennessee batted .300 with 14 homers, 12 doubles, seven triples and 50 RBIs in 84 games. Photo of Colvin below at Fitch Park spring 2008.

Cubs Looking for Mesa Pitch

2009-08-28T12:49:00.009-07:00

The Cubs season has progressed in less than stellar fashion since the team was leading the NL Central about a month ago. Now 9 games back of the Cardinals and 7.5 games back in the Wild-Card race...things are looking bleak unless something miraculous takes hold of the squad.

In a recent article Lou Piniella has taken on some of the blame for the Cubs failures this season but he doesn't do the actual hitting, pitching, and fielding. Injuries have contributed no doubt, however the list of Cubs players whose production is down this season is substantial. When the team left Arizona after spring training in March it was a far different team in terms of personnel than last season's 97 game winner. The fact is the Cubs and Jim Hendry didn't just tinker or tweak the two time division winning club prior to opening day 2009, they changed the face of the team...only to discover like Michael Jackson that face changes don't always turn out for the better.

The right "team chemistry" is a buzz phrase in today's sports world and with good reason, winning teams have it, losing teams are always looking to find it. So it hurts just a bit more when your team had it and then appears to have lost it.

The City of Mesa commissioned a study to gauge the Cubs spring training impact on Mesa, the valley, and Arizona...spoiler alert...it's huge! Upwards of $52 million per year, you can read the study here. So where does that leave Mesa and the Cubs who have an opt-out clause and can leave Mesa after the 2012 spring season?

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Arizona House Speaker Kirk Adams, R-Mesa along with some of the other city top dogs are headed to Chicago in September to talk with Cubs officials about what it will take to keep the Cubs in Mesa. Reportedly the Cubs want more seats at Hohokam and improved facilities at Fitch, to include larger locker and weight rooms along with another ball field.

Sure the Cubs want improvements to the Hohokam and Fitch facilities, but more than that I think they are angling for a new Stadium and complex. Who can blame them looking at the White Sox and Dodgers new digs along with the planned Diamondbacks/Rockies 140 acre spring training complex to be built on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian land...It's clear the stakes have gone up. The Cubs are the cream of the Cactus League in terms of attendance, revenue, and fan interest. With the sale of the team finally coming to fruition the Ricketts family is set to begin a new era for the Cubs.

The bargaining chip being used by the Cubs is mainly Naples Florida, however that city is a long way from being considered a serious threat at this time. Naples has only recently decided to form a committee to look into the idea of trying to lure the Cubs to Florida's Collier County. The current economic climate is an issue with both Mesa and Naples as both cities do not want to use any public funding or increase residents tax burden for spring training facilities.

Arizona's Cactus League has grown and prospered to a position where they will be on even footing with the Grapefruit League come next spring with 15 teams in each league. The Cubs are a mainstay of the Cactus league and have been training in Arizona almost exclusively since 1952. The Cactus League has a great set-up, much better than Florida in terms of the proximity of teams to one another and travel distances...with the DBacks and Rockies pulling out of Tucson by 2011 and headed up I-10 the valley of the sun will be the ultimate spring training Mecca.

The Cubs mean too much to Mesa, the Phoenix area, Arizona, and the Cactus League to see them move 2300 miles east. As I've said before, Mesa will do what's needed to keep the Cubs training here...what that is exactly, remains to be seen. The Mayor's trip to Chicago in September could yield some answers but the question remains, are short term improvements at Hohokam and Fitch going to satisfy the Cubs new owners long term spring training desires?

The Season is Heating Up

2009-07-30T10:53:00.007-07:00

Just a quick blog to let you know I haven't melted into complete oblivion down here in scorching AZ...Heck it's only going to be 106 degrees today, not the 115 of a couple days ago.

Good to see the Cubs getting things going again, amazing how much easier scoring runs is with a bat like A-Ram's back in the line-up. Randy Wells has sure been a pleasant surprise. Sori seems to be settling in down at 6. Reed out for a while does suck but hopefully he'll be back for the stretch run and 3 Central titles in a row.

Got to give a shout and big congratulations to my nephew Connor Sheridan and his Gilbert American Little League team who finished second in the Arizona State Tournament on Tuesday night...they had a great run but came up short in the final game.

In the district tournament Connor tossed a complete game no-hitter, he's only 11 so I'm not going to contact the Cubs just yet.

Go Cubs!

Connor Sheridan pitching a No-Hitter in the District Tournament

The proud uncle was on hand to take a few photos of his big game

Ho Lotta Fun - Windy City Weekend

2009-06-15T21:53:00.027-07:00

It sure would have been fun to be at Sunday's walk-off Cubs victory over the Twins on a beautiful sunny Chicago day; however I was on a plane back to Arizona. Instead the Mesa Hohokams and my family witnessed a couple less than stellar performances by the Cubs in two losses to the small market pests from Minneapolis last Friday and Saturday.

My party joining the Hohokams on their annual trip to Chicago consisted of two Wrigley Field rookies, (my mom and brother Todd), along with my beautiful wife Theresa.

Mom, Todd, Theresa and me

I won't go into each game and the reasons why the Cubs lost, you probably saw the games on TV or read about them, so instead I'll offer up some observations from my two days at Wrigley Field and then tell a bit about the long weekend we spent in Chicago.

Friday was the Milton Bradley game...like many fans at the park who were paying attention to the game, the split second I saw Milton striking a pose after catching the fly ball I knew he thought their were three outs...talk about a one of a kind souvenir for whoever caught that tossed Bradley baseball. While Bradley's mathematical misstep didn't cost the Cubs anything in terms of runs scored, the Milton moment felt like a microcosm of the Cubs play this season...unfocused.

Before the game we took the El Train up to Wrigley from our downtown hotel, this is where we first noticed a lot of Twins fans. Once off the train in Wrigleyville it was apparent that Twins fans had circled this series on the calendar as soon as they saw the schedule and made plans for the 6 hour plus drive from the Twin Cities. Who can blame them with limited opportunities to see their team play at one of baseball's historic shrines. I have watched baseball games at the Metrodome, and it's the anti-Wrigley with carpet instead of grass and plastic baggies in place of Ivy. It wasn't apparent to me just how many Twinkie fans where there until Saturday because of our Friday Wrigley seating accommodations.

View from the Batters Eye Suite during Friday's BP

I have talked about the batters eye suite (the black glass windows below the scoreboard) in the past on this blog and that's where the Hohokams have been stationed in the first game of the annual trip since the suite was built a few years back. Watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field in the batters eye suite is kinda like eating a Chicago Dog made out of tofu - you don't quite get the full experience. Sure, it's a nice set-up having your own private bar, food buffet, TV screens, private rest rooms, and someone serving you, no doubt these are true luxuries at Wrigley but with comfort comes the loss of ambiance. Part of that is not having a full view of the outfield or being able to hear the crowd outside the box. It feels a bit disconnected from the fans and the game which is what makes Wrigley...well, Wrigley.

Unlike other suites at the friendly confines the batters eye has no outside the suite seating so you must exit the bunker and walk around, (which we did) to get a feel for the game, but without a seat outside the bunker you can't really watch the game action. At any rate, I'm not ungrateful or complaining for a second, I was thrilled and lucky to be there. I'm just giving my impressions of this particular suite and game experience. Of course my brother insists that the ease of having rapid replenishment of malted barley and hops beverages makes up for any and all other shortcomings.

Cubs management including Chairman Crane Kenney, Executive Vice President of baseball Operations Mark McGuire and GM Jim Hendry made the obligatory stop out to the suite to chat with the Hohokam group during Friday's game.

Robert Brinton, who is the "Big Ho" of the Hohokam and President of the Cactus League as well as Executive Director of the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau, threw a ceremonial pitch prior the game and talked with Len Kasper and Bob Brenly on WGN promoting spring training in AZ.

The Mesa Hohokams at Wrigley June 12, black windows of bunker upper left

I also chatted with Robert during the game and found out negotiations are still going on with the Cubs, City of Mesa, and the Hohokams regarding spring training activities and finances. Expect the powers that be for the City of Mesa and the Hohokams to find the funding for upgrades at Fitch Park and Hohokam Stadium...don't plan on the Cubs leaving Mesa anytime soon. A big topic of the congenial dialog surrounds ways to increase revenue during the spring season...hard to believe, I know.

One of the ideas floated was that of increasing the price of game day parking at Hohokam...don't get upset just yet, a feasibility study would most likely have to be done and it's only an idea at this point.

Seeing Twins star Joe Mauer hit a HR on Friday wasn't all that surprising because he had 12 coming into the game, but number 13 at Wrigley on June 12 was different. This number 13 tied the career season HR high for the St. Paul Minnesota native. While Mauer has always had a natural swing he had lacked power for a player of his size. It looks like this is the year his power numbers catch up with the rest of his game, his slugging average is currently .743.

Thinking back to the 2001 draft, the Twins who had the number one pick were roundly criticized for passing on a can't miss MLB ready pitcher because of the money it would take to sign the college hurling sensation - Mark Prior. They picked hometown high school catcher Mauer while the Cubs with the number two pick chose Mark Prior. Makes me wonder what would have happened if the Twins had picked Mark Prior instead...we'll never know.

Many Twins fans in the bleachers sported these ferocious baby blue T-shirts

Friday night we attended the premiere of the Cubs documentary movie "We Believe" at the historic Chicago Theatre. I'll post a separate review on the film in another blog this week.

Saturday's game saw Rich Harden pitching after his stint on the DL taking the mound against a 23 year old Twins pitcher named Swarzak who was 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA.

The weather was not very good, cold with rain and drizzle all morning delaying the start of the game. Before the game we ended up ducking into a bar on Clark called The Stretch mainly because we saw open tables and wanted to get out of the rain. Ended up having a having a very tasty omelet for breakfast while being served by the equally tasty female wait staff who would put any Hooters bar to shame...I don't want that last comment taken as sexist I'm just trying to paint an observant picture for the sake of blogging accuracy. The Stretch staff should also be commended for timely and cheerful service...as well as their smokin hotness...hey, I'm only human.

We had outstanding seats for this game, section 122 just to the first base side of home plate. It would have been perfect except for the weather and the Cubs hitting or lack of. The weather cleared during the game but the Cubs stayed cold at the plate losing 2-0...Harden pitched well but got a big fat 'L' for the effort.

Being outside in the stands on Saturday was when I could tell how many Twins fans were at Wrigley as they chanted 'MVP' when Mauer was at the plate. The Twins Jason Kubel who hit a long HR over the right field bleachers onto Sheffield got a "Let's - go - Ku-bel" chant when he was at the plate, "Let's - go - Ku-bel"...you've got to be kidding me...I just shook my head. Some Cubs season ticket holders I talked to said they couldn't remember other teams ever having as many fans at Wrigley, certainly not as vocal. Guess now we know what it's like for opponents when the Cubs play on the road and Cubbie fans permeate the stands.

Chicago's finest on horseback in Grant Park

One of the things we wanted to do while in Chicago was listen to some Blues music and our timing for the trip couldn't have been better as the Chicago Blues Festival was going on in Grant Park. So after the game we headed down to the festival, the weather was still a bit cool but it had become sunny and made for a fantastic evening. Part of the fun of a festival like this, apart from the music is people watching and Grant Park did not disappoint. We decided to walk back from the Blues Festival to the hotel and that's when the people watching got really interesting and I mean eye bulging, jaw dropping interesting.

Chicago Blues Festival at Grant Park

We heard this commotion down Michigan Avenue towards the river, police sirens (nothing unusual about that in Chicago) but as the noises got closer and louder I see the police clearing the way for a whole precession of bike riders...bicycles not Harleys. I'm thinking that''s pretty cool having a race or charity ride down the Miracle Mile so I step to the median to get a photo. That's when I noticed something different about these bikers, they were naked...yes sir...nude, in the buff, many clad only in shoes and socks.

I'm giving you a few of my 'stylized' versions of the bikers to keep it PG-13

Talk about the proverbial double take, I think I have a touch of whiplash from it. Hundreds of women and men, with all parts of the human anatomy exposed to the cool night air just rolling by, honking bike horns and whooping it up to the stares and grins of amazed bystanders most of whom like me seemed to have no idea what was going on. To be honest they were not all completely naked, they had varying degrees of clothing some just wearing bottoms, some wearing bras and panties, some wearing nothing but a mask on their face but all seemed to be having a great time. Did I say Chicago was my kind of town?

Trust me 'stylized' versions are much better, sometimes reality isn't pretty

Later after a google search I found out it was the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) - An international clothing-optional bike (or other person powered) event where participants ride en masse for the dual purpose of bringing attention to people powered transport and promoting positive body image. Their slogan is "Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people." Sounds good, just remind me to never rent a bike in this town; you don't know where it may have been.

Michigan Avenue surprise

Our time in Chicago was short, arriving on Thursday afternoon and leaving early Sunday morning but we packed a lot in while there...Reuniting with my spring training friends the Hohokams, eating Chicago style pizza at Giordano's, walking down to Navy Pier, breakfast at Tempo Cafe, stopping at a 1970's and 80's bar called the Reagle Beagle where we testing a few of their specialty drinks like the Mr. Tea (similar to a Long Island just more expensive) and the Caddyshack Attack which according to the menu is Van Gogh Vanilla, Grey Goose L'Orange, White Creme De Cocoa, Triple Sec, Blue Curacao, with a Baby Ruth candy bar...Oh Mrs. Crane, you're a little monkey woman.

We didn't end up going on the Architectural Cruise but visiting the Chicago Theatre was an architectural experience I won't forget, what an amazing building...and what a fun and fantastic city Chicago is.

The Cubs lost both games we attended but I did get to see the final innings of the Sunday win on WGN-TV after getting back to AZ. The clubs animated celebration after the victory seemed an exhale of emotions, finally getting a clutch win after losing many close ones. Perhaps the players will start to relax now and just have some fun and hit like they're capable. A winning series against the Sox and strong run before the All-Star game would give the Cubs more confidence and put them in good position for another Central title when A-Ram returns for the second half. At least that's my hope...

Check back this week for my thoughts on the new Cubs documentary "We Believe". I have a few more of my photos from the trip below.

Go Cubs!

T

Chillin to the blues

Millennium Park Gardens

Amphitheater at Millennium Park

Millennium Park Bean

Hello Chicago

2009-06-09T15:30:00.013-07:00

As mentioned in my last blog, I'll be joining the Hohokams on their annual trip to Chicago...that means I'll be seeing two games at Wrigley, this Friday and Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. Seeing the Cubs play in the friendly confines is really one of my absolute favorite things to do.

Yes, I know this Cubs team isn't playing as well as last year but don't judge the team's success by what they do in April, May, and June. As long as they don't fall too far back in the standings a strong finish in August and September is what really matters...Oh, and October, yeah, it would be nice to finish that month strong.

Reading some of the Cubs blogs and message boards around the net it seems there is an extra bit of angst among the faithful right now. As Cubs fans we can't expect to sail through the 2009 season with the team kickin arse and taking no prisoners like last year. Things are never that easy and it could very well prove to be even more difficult and trying before it's all over. This looks like a season where Lou Piniella is going to truly earn his money. This team has injuries and other issues so if Lou can keep this group together and get into the playoffs, that would be making a statement.

My friend Shepps over at Cubscast.com just wrote a blog, kinda playing Cubs GM for the day and detailing his views on the roster in "The Jim Hendry Scorecard".

Of course the recent big news in Cubdom is the expected announced retirement of Sammy Sosa, some of you like me were probably thinking "is he still playing?"..."big news" was sarcasm in case you missed it. Over at collegeofidiots.com Ginger Russ blogged yesterday about Slammin Sammy and his legacy, good stuff.

I may attend the premiere of the new Cubs documentary "We Believe" this Friday while in Chicago at the historic Chicago Theatre, if I do go I'll give you a review of the film on my return to AZ. This doc was made with backing or I should say, permission of the Cubs and MLB, so I hope it's more than just a long advertisement promoting the team.

I'll also upload some of my photos from the Chicago trip next week when I return from the windy city...like I did last season when I took my dad on the trip. (Blog from July 14, 2008)

Might get to see Rich Harden pitch on Saturday against the Twins so that could be interesting, it would be nice if he could get it going again.

Talk with you next week.

T

Calling Iowa

2009-05-27T10:29:00.007-07:00

It's been a while since I last blogged, as most of you know when the Cubs leave AZ after spring training my frequency of posts diminishes. This is by design and necessity, when the Cubs are here in AZ I have the access to provide what most of us die-hard Cubs fans want, photos, videos, and first hand information on the team's activities in the desert. The necessity is me catching up on things that fell by the wayside due to the time expended on the Cubs during spring training; as well as the need to devote more time to the running of my video production company.

Good to see the Cubs finally put up the 'W' again last night, doesn't matter if it's rain shortened or 14 innings it's still one in the win column...hopefully the start of some steady winning baseball. The Neal Cotts experiment is over, at least for now, and Andres Blanco is up from Iowa and put right into today's lineup at second base. Blanco had a very nice spring and should see some playing time with Aaron Miles going to the DL. Big Jake Fox may also see big league game action after tearing up AAA, where and when Lou plays Fox remains to be seen.

I'm getting very excited about coming to Chicago on the Hohokam's annual trip in June and getting the opportunity to see a couple games at Wrigley! Also planning on doing the Architectural Cruise for the first time. It will be a quick trip of only 4 days but any amount of relief from the summer 100 degree plus heat in AZ is appreciated.

I watched the "My Boys" season finale on TBS with Mike Fontenot and Micah Hoffpauir that was filmed in AZ during spring training. In case you don't know (I didn't, until they came to Hohokam) the show revolves around a group of friends, a couple of which are Chicago sports writers. Last night they had a montage scene where I saw several of our Hohokam spring training regulars, organist George Kiefer, Mark the Beer Guy, etc. but during the extended game scene sequence I noticed one thing missing...stadium public address sounds. While I never thought my voice would be a part of the show like it was in a scene from the movie "This Old Cub", I though perhaps it might be heard in the background similar to when WGN broadcasts from Hohokam...no such luck...c'est la vie.

I'm keeping an eye on WGN and today's game, it's a tight one...Big Z just got ejected with the score 2-2 in the 7th, Z did his own version of tossing the ump. Nice catch going into the Ivy by Reed Johnson. We'll see if the Cubs can pull this one out and make it two 'W's in a row.

Play Ball on My Time

2009-04-20T15:44:00.011-07:00

After a couple days without a Cubs game it's time to get these guys back on the field and finish the month of April strong.

I'm usually an early adopter of most technologies but for some reason I hadn't had DVR/Tivo until finally getting it after last baseball season. The ability to record programs and not have to watch commercials as well as the convenience of watching things on your own schedule is smart TV viewing at it's best. So this is my first baseball season with DVR and it's true brilliance came into play last Friday and Saturday with the Cubs games.

Friday I was working from my home office, with DVR I watched the Cubs game when I got a free minute or two. And what a game it was, after the 3d inning the Cubs seemingly always looking at a deficit, until Soriano and then Marmol put the birds away for good. The beauty of this is; I was able to work a full day and watch a commercial shortened version of the game in time to take advantage of a beautiful AZ spring afternoon/evening to visit Tortilla Flat.

When compiling the list of "Things to do in AZ" page here at Boys of Spring I realized that it had been a long time since I had been to some of the cool places listed on the page...Some I'd never been to. So I decided to head out to Tortilla Flat east of Mesa, I had been on this road many years ago when most of it was still gravel and on that trip came across a huge Tarantula sitting in the middle of the road. The picturesque drive to Tortilla goes NE out old Hwy 88 past Canyon Lake and is only about 40 minutes from my house. I had to take advantage of perfect weather, sunny with a high of about 78 degrees...It has since warmed up, high of 98 (ouch) expected today. At any rate I was able to work and watch the Cubs victory then be on the road to Tortilla by about 5 pm. I'm posting a few photos of the drive.

My only issue with the trip was missing some of the evening sunset because I had decided to go all the way to Apache Lake which is about 15 miles past Tortilla Flat, at least 10 of those miles on a very bumpy winding one lane dirt road hugging the side of mountains. By the time I was headed back from Apache and had ascended the switch backs up from Fish Creek the best sunset shots were lost.

The last 10 miles to Apache Lake made me wonder who in their right mind would think that a road should be built here and then go ahead and build it. I heard the road had been used as an old pony express route, not true, I found out it was built in 1904 in order to build the dam at Roosevelt Lake. By the looks of it the road is much the same as it was in 1904 except now you get the fun of meeting oncoming trucks on this one lane gravel road with sheer drops of thousands of feet. Don't let that scare you, the drive to Tortilla Flat is all 2 lane blacktop and pretty easy going, well worth a day or half day trip...Find out how Tortilla Flat got it's name and more info with links on our "Things to do in AZ" page.

The DVR did it for me again on Saturday as I got many things accomplished while enjoying the Cubs exciting 11 inning victory on MY time...How did I ever live without this device? Friday and Saturday's Cubs/Cards games were incredible, so many ups and downs and sub-plots and in the end sweet wins against the arch-rival evil doers. It won't be long until the Cubs are here to play the D-Backs and I'll be at at least one of those games. Go Cubs!

Canyon Lake on the way to Tortilla Flat

It's fun to ski or board and look up at the Canyon walls

This is pretty much the only business in Tortilla Flat, town population 6

I can't tell you if it's "good food" or not, didn't eat there

The road to Apache Lake, this was an easy driving spot

On the way you must cross several one lane bridges

A glimpse of Apache Lake

Sun on cliffs above Apache Lake

On the way back looking at Canyon Lake after sunset

Problems Already?

2009-04-16T10:08:00.007-07:00

The Cubs are 8 games and 10 days into the 2009 season and what have we learned about this year's club? According to some fans, Marmol needs to replace Gregg as the closer, Milton Bradley is going to be a waste of money, and Aaron Miles is no Mark DeRosa. While these topics may be debate fodder on Cubs message boards across the Internet it's really way to early to draw any such conclusions. More time to see how things develop is probably wise considering these guys will be playing regular season games for pretty close to the next 6 months. However, the next 10 games could give some interesting insight as to the Central Division pecking order.

The Cubs (5-3) are a game behind the Cardinals (7-3), with the two teams playing 7 of the next 10 games against each other. It's a big early season stretch for these rivals, while Milton Bradley may miss a few more games the Cubs want to take advantage of Cards pitcher Chris Carpenter going on the DL and take early control of the division. Will the same Gregg, Bradley, Miles chorus be sung by these fans ten games from now? If not, my guess is they will find a new set of Cubs problems to bring up...If the Cubs struggle during this stretch we may be examining those issues but if they are playing well, it's a lot more fun to talk about the positives.

It's just about time to put a beat down on the birds with The Marshall on the mound.

Go Cubs!

George Castle and Sweet Lou

2009-04-09T10:24:00.007-07:00

A good first series in Houston with the Cubs bats showing up last night to take the final game and 2 of 3 from the Astros. Good to see Dome bust out at the plate, I may have been a bit hard on him in my profile blurb the other day...but like last season, time will tell. Since the Cubs have today off before starting an important set at Wrigley North tomorrow, I thought I would bring you this interview.

Just before the regular season got underway I had the chance to talk with George Castle who wrote the book Sweet Lou and the Cubs. If you're not familiar with Castle, he's covered the Cubs since 1980 for various newspapers and magazines, including the Times of Northwest Indiana. He's written eight books and hosts a nationally syndicated weekly radio show about baseball called Diamond Gems.

As the back cover of the book indicates - "Sweet Lou and the Cubs chronicles from the inside out Lou Piniella's stirring and poignant quest to reverse the team's fortunes after the record 100 years without a World Series championship."

Sure we know how last season ended but this book is about a lot more than that, giving plenty of inside information about Lou and some of his key players as well as coaches, front office, and fans. I particularly enjoyed reading about the things that molded Piniella in his early years to make him the type of manager he is today. This isn't a Cubs sugar coated feel good story, however if you're like me and want the inside scoop on what's really happening behind the scenes, this book is for you.

This is a phone interview (NO VIDEO) it runs 12:45 long, if you hear something in the background about 2/3's of the way through it's George's basset hound.

No Predictions, Just Cubs

2009-04-07T08:39:00.018-07:00

Getting ready for game 2 after yesterdays sweet victory in Houston, Big Z got the opening day monkey off his back and the Cubs are off and running. I was asked to give my predictions for the season and really it's such a crap shoot, most of us know what teams have talent and what teams may struggle. So many variables that like my NCAA basketball pool some picks would be right and some wrong so I'll leave the predictions to the experts in Vegas and instead focus on the Cubs.

I decided it would be more prudent to talk about the Cubs roster as we go into the 2009 season and mention how some of them did this spring. Spring training numbers can be tossed out the window but in some cases it just gives you an idea of how certain players fared, nothing more. These are my short blurbs about each player after having watched them in person for the last month and a half, probably nothing earth shattering but maybe some useful info.

This follows in alphabetical order starting with the pitchers.

Pitchers

Neal Cotts - The only lefty in the Cubs pen unless Sean Marshall is used in that capacity. Had a so-so spring but is a veteran who came to camp in good physical condition. Cotts will be counted on to get key outs in tough situations. He can be a bit inconsistent and the Cubs hope he's more like the 2005 1.94 ERA Neal Cotts than the 2006 5.17 version.

Ryan Dempster - Was very solid this spring, pitching the most innings of any Cubs pitcher, and like last spring came to camp in great shape. Nobody works harder than Dempster. He's a big key to the Cubs fortunes this season and looks ready for another strong year.

Kevin Gregg - Won the closing competition over Carlos Marmol who was MIA for alot of camp with the WBC. Gregg was lights out this spring not surrendering a single run and is completely healthy from his bad knee that hampered him last year. Gregg is another big strong Cubs pitcher who can hit the mid to upper 90's and should prove an effective closer.

Angel Guzman - Came into spring training in the best shape of his career, added a few pounds in muscle. Like Cotts he was up and down this spring, the Cubs have invested a lot of time and effort into Guzman and it's time for him to perform. He has teased with his live arm but struggled with injuries, hopefully this is the year he meets expectations.

Rich Harden - Started out behind the rest of the pitchers as the Cubs wanted to be extra careful with his injury background. Once Harden got going he had a few tough outings including getting roughed up by the Yankees last weekend. He has been an ace when healthy and as the 4th starter, Lou will make an extra effort to not overwork him during the season.

Aaron Heilman - Came over in a trade and was one of the most effective Cubs pitchers this spring, with a 1.89 ERA. Heilman will be counted on for long relief situations and his effectiveness will go a long way in determining how the Cubs bullpen fares this season.

Ted Lilly - Was MIA for quite a while this spring pitching for Team USA in the WBC. Lilly didn't have a great spring for Team USA or the Cubs but is a veteran lefty who can be counted on to eat innings. I think the Cubs would be very happy if Theodore pitches like he has the past two seasons.

Carlos Marmol - Was going to pitch for the WBC, then wasn't, then did. Missing a portion of Cubs camp didn't help him in the closer competition. He is big key to the Cubs success and I think Lou really likes him in the set-up spot. When he's on, he's nearly un-hittable.

Sean Marshall - Won the 5th starter spot with a very solid spring, pitched the second most innings 26.2 going 3-1. The lanky lefty has worked hard developing his pitches and consistency, he will most likely also be used in long relief out of the pen when needed.

David Patton - The Rule 5 guy and probably the biggest surprise of the spring. He impressed Lou with his veteran like presence and mind set even though he's never pitched above Single - A ball. It will be interesting to see how and when Lou uses the rookie this season and if the kid can make an impact.

Luis Vizcaino - If not for the money the Cubs owe him he may not have even made the roster. Vizciano had a 6.10 ERA in 10.1 innings this spring and also walked 6 batters. He's had some decent years in his 10 MLB season's but the Cubs are his 7th team during that time, so I think that says something.

Carlos Zambarno - The ace of the Cubs staff was pretty much lights out against opponents this spring. He's racked up 97 MLB wins before turning 28 years old, however some feel that if he directs his emotions into more focus on the mound the best may be yet to come. Z made no predictions this spring and the maturation process may result in his first 20 win season.

Catchers

Koyie Hill - What a great story for him to make the ball club after the table saw accident that severed 3 fingers and his thumb last year...In case you didn't know they were surgically reattached. Winning the back-up catchers job over veteran Paul Bako was probably a bit of a long shot in mid-February but Hill's knowledge of the pitching staff, solid defense and .385 BA, .558 SLG, and .458 OBP this spring convinced management.

Geovany Soto - Last year's ROY was gone with team Puerto Rico in the WBC much of this spring but started to come on as the Cactus League closed. Soto doesn't want to rest on last year's achievements and is solidly focused on improving his play this year. The experience of having a full year under his belt with the Cubs pitching staff can only help the chemistry and rapport.

Infielders

Mike Fontenot - A good spring helped cement Fontenot as the everyday second baseman. If he stays healthy his At-Bats will definitely go up from his 243 last year, even though Aaron Miles may platoon some in L/R situations. Fontenot could be ready for a break out year at the plate with the extra playing time and perhaps give the Cubs some unexpected power from the second base position.

Micah Hoffpauir - His play this spring gave Lou Piniella almost no choice in picking the power hitting 1B/OF for the final roster. Hoffpauir led the Cubs this spring in HR's (6 - tied with Soriano), doubles, and drove in 9 more runs than his closest teammate. Hoff is not a good defensive outfielder but played surprisingly well at 1B, although his glove may never be compared to D-Lee's. He gives the Cubs a power left-handed bat off the bench.

Derrek Lee - Started slow this spring because of a minor injury but picked up steam by the end of the Cactus League season. Always in great shape and wielding a perennial gold glove, his infield mates love having the big guy at first to clean up any errant throws. Lee is looking to get his HR number more towards 30 than last year's 20, something Manager Lou has indicated would be helpful.

Aaron Miles - Actually had a pretty good spring at the plate but is going to need to win Cubs fans over as many view him as a replacement for fan favorite Mark DeRosa. Miles brings versatility with him having played 2nd base, SS, 3d base, and even a few games in the OF. He's a switch hitter with a career .289 average, who also has a World Series ring.

Aramis Ramirez - Had a fairly uneventful spring training, came to camp in great shape and was given a number of days off due to the length of this years camp. He has become Mr. Consistent for the Cubs at 3d base, his blend of hitting power, high batting average, and solid fielding are not always easy to find...Thank you Pirates!

Ryan Theriot - Has come into his own over the past couple season's and if this spring is any indication more good things are on the way. His .412 BA and .488 OBP this spring put him near the top of both spring categories. He may not have the range at SS that some others have but he consistently makes plays and works hard at improving his game.

Outfielders

Milton Bradley - Another Cub who started slow this spring due to a minor injury but turned on the switch and finished spring training on fire, .460 BA, .526 OBP, and .800 SLG. He seemed to blend in easily with his teammates and set an example of hard work and professionalism. Bradley's drive towards perfection sometimes frustrates himself as he thinks he should get on base nearly every time. Playing regularly defensively is going be a new thing for Milton having started a total of only 78 games combined in the outfield over the last 3 seasons.

Kosuke Fukudome - Another Cub who missed a large part of Cubs camp playing in the WBC. The jury is still out on Dome as to his ability to consistently hit Major League pitching. He finished spring training with a .200 BA and also hit only .200 in the WBC, he did have a .407 OBP in the WBC. The longer MLB season compared to Japan's Pro Leagues caused Dome to fatigue; at least that was the reason many gave for his fall off at the plate as last season wore on. Cubs fans don't want any excuse this year, just hit, or...what's the Japanese word for "pine".

Joey Gathright - Came in early to Mesa and worked hard, he wants to be known for his baseball skills and not just his speed, but it's his speed that sets him apart on the Cubs. A true base stealing threat and defensive replacement, he was a key piece of the puzzle Lou was after. Gathright didn't disappoint as he made play after outstanding play defensively and stole 9 bases this spring, 2 more than all his other teammates combined. Finished the spring with a .408 OBP.

Reed Johnson - Came into camp in the best shape of his career and had an outstanding spring training. He's the reason many Cubs fans aren't overly concerned if Fukudome can't get his bat going as Johnson provides solid defense and clutch hitting. Johnson also provides the kind of hustling blue collar mentality that endears him to fans and teammates.

Alfonso Soriano - Tied Hoffpauir for the spring HR honors with 6 and hit .325. Not the traditional leadoff guy but he provides energy and power, it's also hard to argue with the Cubs win-loss results when he's leadoff. Soriano's best base stealing days are over, he was 0-3 in his attempts this spring. He loves to play the game and when he gets hot at the plate it's fun to watch.

Go Cubs!

Tonight it Begins

2009-04-06T07:56:00.005-07:00

A new season starts this evening for the Chicago Cubs and like many fans I wonder will this be the year? Of course that question needs to be clarified, does it mean, will this be the year the Cubs make it to the World Series? Or will this be the year the Cubs WIN a World Series? The bottom line is every season is different and they need to make the playoffs first. The Cubs are two time defending Central Champs and that status puts a big target on their back.

This Cubs team is a different one than the 97 game winners of last season with many new faces, hopefully a retooled better version...One that has the talent and drive to persevere through the regular season and then find the will and resourcefulness to win in the playoffs.

Today however isn't the time to think or worry about a World Series it's the beginning of a journey, one that will have many ups and downs, unexpected events, and with any luck give all Cubs fans much enjoyment along the way. We can worry about the playoffs in 6 months but right now we will see how this reconfigured team will set it's course in a new season.

Think about it, what lies ahead during the next 162 games? Will Big Z or Dempster become the Cubs first 20 game winner since Jon Lieber in 2001? Will Milton Bradley stay healthy and keep his emotions from getting the best of him? Will Fukudome rebound at the plate or will he be a $48 million platoon defensive specialist? Will Kevin Gregg be a lock down closer? All of the answers to these questions and so many more are about to unfold for us beginning tonight. Let's play ball, go Cubs!

I apologize for not having the episode of CubsAZ for you today but the day before the final Cubs Cactus League game last Thursday I came down with a cold that developed into a brutal sinus infection and am only starting to feel a bit better today.

Cubs Leaving AZ After Dramatic Win

2009-04-02T17:30:00.009-07:00

Cubs fans got an exciting finish to their 2009 Cactus League Season as Reed Johnson scored on an Andres Blanco hit in the bottom of the 9th giving the Cubs a 9-8 victory over the Cleveland Indians. 7,933 came out on another beautiful Arizona day to boost the Cubs record setting Hohokam season attendance to 203,105 in 19 games.

Neither team had their full compliment of starters in the today's lineup, which for the Cubs meant not facing Mark DeRosa again. Of course, many of the Cubs big guns didn't play either, including D-Lee, A-Ram, Geo, and The Game (Milton). That didn't stop the Cubs from scoring 7 runs in the first two innings, highlighted by an Alfonso Soriano HR in the 1st, and a bases clearing triple from Koyie Hill in the 2nd. Joey Gathright was 2 for 4 and walked, stole 2nd, and scored on Mike Fontenot's base hit in the 4th. Koyie Hill was 2 for 3 and leaves the Cactus League with a .392 BA.

Ryan Dempster got the start went 4 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits, two of them HR's, but also struck out 7 Indians with no walks. Chad Gaudin was not real sharp giving up 3 runs on 6 hits in 2 innings. Carlos Marmol, Chad Fox and David Patton all worked an inning with Patton having the least success, blowing the save by giving up run on 3 hits in the 9th.

Ryan Dempster got a hit in the Cubs' big 2nd by basically flinging his bat at the ball dumping it into right field. Joey Gathright is showing that he has more than just speed to offer, however his wheels are what make him a valuable commodity as the Cubs strengths don't include great team speed. Gathright made several running catches covering alot of ground and had a stolen base where he easily beat the throw. Koyie Hill made a good throw nailing Wilson Valdez trying to steal 2nd. Reed Johnson has had a number of late inning pinch hit opportunities this spring and came through for the Cubs today. Either Lou is testing Reed in that capacity, or really just wanted to get the win today and get some momentum heading to the regular season.

The Mesa Hohokam organization rookies sang the 7th inning stretch aided by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith who mentioned before starting the song that he hopes the Cubs will be in Mesa for a very long time to come. An inside source close to the negotiations between the Cubs and Mesa tells me that things are going very well in spite of what you might read in the papers and not to worry about the Cubs leaving their spring home here in AZ.

It's been a longer than normal spring but I think the Cubs have accomplished most of what they needed to in order to prepare for the regular season. Like everyone, I am ready for the regular season to start and can hardly wait until Monday. Just a reminder, to help you celebrate opening day we will have a CubsAZ video show that will be posted in our media/TV viewer on the morning of the 6th. Go Cubs!

Boys of Spring photos of today's game once again provided by Garrett Craig.

Soriano gets things started going yard in first inning

Koyie Hill legs out a bases full triple

Joey G runs down another one

Chad Gaudin

Scales about to tag out runner at third

Marmol

Reed Johnson pinch hit single in bottom 9

Johnson beats throw after Blanco's single for Cubs win

A little celebration for the victory

Early Start on Get-Away Day

2009-04-02T07:47:00.003-07:00

Just a reminder today's game at Hohokam starts one hour early at 12:05 pm AZ time.

We will have a special CubsAZ video show on Monday April 6 to kick off the regular season, it will feature a roster analysis, interviews, Cubs music video, and preview the upcoming season.

I'll be back later this afternoon and give you the scoop on today's final Cubs Cactus League game against the Cleveland Indians.

Cubs Set Cactus League Record

2009-03-31T18:12:00.012-07:00

The hottest team in all of baseball this spring is the LA Angels of Anaheim and they continued today, beating the Cubs 8-4 to raise their (doesn't matter) spring record to 24-6-1. Attendance at Hohokam today was 9,165, smaller than our recent crowds but enough for the Cubs to set the all-time Hohokam and Cactus League home attendance record of 195,172 with one more game to go on Thursday. The Cubs held the old mark of 193,993, set in 2005. With more games this season the per game is lower than 2005's per game average of 12,125.

As for the actual game, Sean Marshall started and did well until the 4th inning when the Angels scored 7 of the 8 runs against Marshall. The Angels had 8 hits that inning with Torii Hunter getting 2 of the 8, one a HR. The Cubs relief staff of Patton, Heilman, Vizcaino, and Chad Fox did a good job holding the Angels scoreless after the 4th with Kevin Gregg making his first appearance in a week striking out the side in the 9th.

Derrek Lee is really starting to heat up going 3 for 3 today with a couple doubles and a RBI. Kosuke Fukudome had a two hits, one of them a triple. After his first hit Dome was picked off first base when his foot slipped awkwardly across the bag while a tag was applied. Two innings later, Ryan Theriot was picked off first base, it's still spring training but we are nearing opening day and you don't like to see this stuff happening. Micah Hoffpauir hit his 6th spring home run driving in Aaron Miles who had a pinch hit double ahead of Hoff.

The Cubs finished today's game with a lineup that included Carlos Perez, Cliff Anderson, Nate Samson, Jonathan Mota, and Nelson Perez leaving some fans scratching their heads wondering 'Who?'. Yes, I'll be consulting my Cubs Media Guide to find out about these guys.

D-Lee was signing autographs down the right field line all the way up to within 2 minutes of first pitch. Lou Piniella and his coaches had to avoid a Gary Matthews Jr. flying bat in the 7th inning as it slipped out his hands during his AB. Joey Gathright as he's made a habit of doing ran down a long Robb Quinlan fly ball to the RC gap making the catch only feet before the fence. He couldn't stop himself so he ran about 3 steps straight up the side of the wall. This guy is one heck of an athlete.

I had a nice visit with Al Yellon who created the website Bleed Cubbie Blue and his friend Miriam before today's game. BCB is a Cubs fan community with great discussions and a wealth of information.

The Cubs will head to Phoenix tomorrow taking on the A's and then close the Cactus League portion of the exhibition schedule on Thursday at Hohokam against the Cleveland Indians, Thursdays game will start one hour early at 12:05 pm AZ time.

Exclusive Boys of Spring photos provided by Garrett Craig, for more info about Garrett check yesterday's blog.

Marshall ran into trouble in the 4th

It may not look pretty but Dome gets a hit here

David Patton calls out a pop-up

One of D-Lee's two doubles

Heilman working

Theriot holds ball after force on second

Luis Vizcaino

"No, we didn't ask to see Mr. Matthews bat, please return it to him"

Dome on stand-up triple

Miles heading to second on pinch hit double

Hoff shows the power, 2 run dinger

DeRo Show at Hoho - The Photos

2009-03-30T10:05:00.010-07:00

As you probably know I take almost all of the photos you see here at Boys of Spring, however it is nearly impossible for me to take any shots during games at Hohokam since I am announcing and up in the press box. So I have enlisted the help of a fellow Cubs fan Garrett Craig for the final games at Hohokam. These were taken by Garrett yesterday except for the one I took of Dempster and Kerry Wood together. You can see more of Garrett's photos here at Flickr, and if you are looking for a freelance photographer with a good eye for sports in the Chicago area give Garrett an email at Flickr or here at info@boysofspring.com.

Dempster and Woody pre-game

Wonder what Jim was thinking about the DeRo trade after the game

Theodore on the mound

One of two HR trots

Theo

Not a HR but a monster smash

DeRo's ball hits near top of batters eye

Sometimes a Managers job is a lonely one

Wood on the mound

Beardless Gaudin

After A-Ram doubles, German pinch runs

Reed Johnson followed A-Ram's double with a pinch hit HR

Gathright puts on the brakes on 8th inning double

Signing for the fans

Man of the hour talks with the press after big game

DeRo Show at HoHo

2009-03-29T17:03:00.005-07:00

The Indians first visit to Hohokam Park in nearly 20 years was successful as they beat the Cubs 7-5 before 13,097 fans on a gorgeous Mesa afternoon. Mark DeRosa who started at 3rd base today for the Indians got a very warm reception from the Hohokam crowd as he came to bat in the 1st inning and promptly smoked a Ted Lilly pitch for a 2 run dinger. Two innings later DeRo pounded out a solo HR. His next at bat might have been more impressive even though it only ended up as a double because he crushed a ball to dead center that nearly cleared the 35 ft. high batters eye at 410 feet. The ball bounced about 5 foot from the top of the wall back into play. DeRosa finished his big day going 3 for 4 with 4 RBI's to the chagrin of many a Cub fan.

As for the Cubs Milton Bradley continued his hot hitting with a HR and 3 RBI's and Ryan Theriot was 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored plus a couple of walks. A-Ram went 2 for 4 one of those being a double. Reed Johnson came in as a pinch hitter in the 8th inning and eventually worked his way to a 3-2 count then smashed a 2 run HR. Joey Gathright started in centerfield played the whole game went 3 for 4 including a double. One of the hits was an infield chopper that Gathright used his speed to beat out. With Reed Johnson having an outstanding spring and Gathright's solid play, it leaves me scratching my head a bit about how much playing time the Cubs will give Kosuke Fukudome.

Ted Lilly got his first Cactus League start since returning from the WBC. He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits with 2 bases on balls and 8 K's. Chad Gaudin shaved his goat beard sometime recently I hope it's not the source of his pitching abilities because he had a tough outing going 2 innings giving up 3 runs on 3 hits, 1 base on balls, 2 strikeouts. Kerry Wood got a chance to pitch today against his former teammates for an inning holding the Cubs scoreless.

Kerry Wood and DeRo arrived at Hohokam today in street clothes and gave many hugs to former teammates, Wood sat for a bit having a conversation with Ryan Dempster. Peter Gammons from ESPN was at the ballpark today. The Cubs head out to Surprise tomorrow to take on the Royals and then back at Hohokam on Tuesday to host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The photo below is Mark DeRosa circling the bases on one of his HR's and was taken by a talented young photographer named Garrett Craig. Garrett is helping out Boys of Spring this week and I will post more of his photos tomorrow, so check back then.

The Last Week

2009-03-28T11:00:00.008-07:00

With the Cubs final spring game only one week away, I'm getting very excited for the start of the regular season. As I've mentioned in the past, it's bitter sweet for me because when the Cubs leave AZ I won't be around the team on a day to day basis. So I got to thinking, what are some of the things that make spring training so much fun.

Great weather, lots of sun and less clothing required.

Relaxed fun environment, for players and fans.

Close proximity to players.

Get to see young Cubs prospects for the first time.

Hohokam pressbox offers panoramic mountain views

BP closer to game time, making it easier for fans to watch.

Opportunities for anyone to sing 7th inning stretch.

Smaller more intimate environment means you're more likely to see Hall of Famers, current players, broadcasters, coaches and staff just walking around.

Can snow ski on a mountain in the morning, go to a game later the same day.

St. Patrick's Day is during Spring Training.

March Madness is during Spring Training.

First Official Day of Spring is during Spring Training.

Two Words: Spring Break

Cubs Knock Their Sox Off

2009-03-27T17:02:00.007-07:00

Anytime the Cubs beat the White Sox it's a cause for celebration. They did that today in fine fashion 9-4 in front of a single game Cactus League attendance record audience of 13,327. The game started off at a cool (for Mesa) 60 degrees, but the Cubs bats came out hot as they plated 7 runs in the 1st inning on Sox starter Clayton Richard who couldn't make it out of the 1st inning.

Carlos Zambrano pitched a steady if unspectacular 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 3 K's and 2 BB's. Angel Guzman gave up a HR to Brian Anderson, and Chad Fox pitching in the 9th allowed the other run. Luis Vizcaino pitched a scoreless inning.

Kosuke Fukudome made his first start in the Cactus League upon returning from Japan's successful title defense of the WBC tourney. Dome promptly got a base hit to the delight of the Hohokam crowd. Uncle Milty went 1 for 2 and also got a couple free passes, it's nice to have a guy who can hit for power, average, and a high OBP. Alfonso Soriano had a very effective 1st inning at the plate notching 2 hits in the first as the Cubs batted 11. Aaron Miles starting at 2nd base had a nice game going 3 for 4, Koyie Hill had a 2 RBI double in the Cubs big first. Derrek Lee also had a couple hits including a double.

Bradley made a sweet running grab and then fired a very strong throw, nearly doubling up the White Sox runner at first. Soriano made a nice running catch in the 4th although it probably shouldn't have been as difficult; Soriano at first moved slowly and then as if he thought 'hey, I could catch this' turned up the speed to make the grab. White Sox centerfielder Jerry Owens robbed A-Ram of an extra base hit with a beautiful diving grab in right center.

We're getting towards the end of spring training but it's still a pretty relaxed time for players who know they're going to be on a MLB roster. I'm guessing in a regular season game you won't see White Sox pitcher Octavio Dotel jumping on the back of Bobby Jenks for a piggy back ride between innings walking across the infield to the bullpen as he did today. Today's attendance record is probably going to stand until we break it again this season or most likely until next spring because the Cubs won't play again at Camelback Ranch this spring. The only way that either the Dodgers or the White Sox can break the record at the Ranch is if they play the Cubs, so the record stays at Hohokam for at least another year.

Cubs travelling to Tucson tomorrow to take on the Rockies and back to Hohokam on Sunday where we'll play the Cleveland Indians for the first time in Mesa. It'll be good to see Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood even if it is in a different uniform.

Field of Dreams

2009-03-26T07:18:00.009-07:00

Every once in a while you get an opportunity to live out a dream and last night's Fergie and Friends Game was one of those times for me. Getting to play baseball and hang out with Cubs Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins, and Billy Williams, and other MLB Hall of Fame players like Rollie Fingers, Harmon Killebrew and Bob Feller, as well as former Cubs stars Ron Santo, Randy Hundley, Keith Moreland, Jody Davis, Lee Smith, Bill Buckner, Steve Trout, Dave Kingman, Jay Johnstone, and Bob Dernier was an incredible experience.

The 7 innning game was all to raise money for charity, while seeing these MLB greats of years past and having some laughs along the way. The master of ceremonies was former Detroit Tiger Jon Warden who did his part to keep the fans laughing and engaged...he's quite the cut-up. Jon was very funny however next year he can probably cut down on the number of flatulence related jokes and not miss a beat. 90 year-old "Bullet" Bob Feller jogged to the field during the player introductions and tossed a ceremonial pitch to kick things off for the memorable evening. I was lucky enough to play in the game while my usual Public Address duties were handled by AZ Diamondbacks PA man Chuck Drago, who did a great job.

For me playing in the game was very surreal, being in the same dugout as these great players and hearing all their chatter and stories was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I played only 2 innings because we had many players on the Arizona All-Stars including Olympic gold medal swimmer Amy Van Dyken, former NHL goaltender Sean Burke and many local radio and TV personalities, so all of us saw limited game action.

My one time at bat came against former Cub Steve "Rainbow" Trout who went 13-7 in 1984, the same year I started at Hohokam. I fouled off the first two pitches and was quickly in an 0-2 hole, the last thing I wanted to do was get a called third strike, so on Trout's third pitch which was a bit high and outside I drove the ball to right field. Playing rightfield at the time was Peoria Illinois native and former Toronto Blue Jay Pitcher Tom Gilles the youngest member of the Fergie and Friends team at age 46. As I ran to first base I could see Gilles was on his horse and might have trouble getting to the ball, he made one of the better fielding plays of the game leaping and catching it over the shoulder.

My two innings in the outfield were pretty uneventful other than a hit down the line which I made a solid throw to the cutoff man who relayed to third where a very slow moving Bernie Carbo was tagged out.

Some other highlights for me were talking to Billy Williams about how special being a Chicago Cub was to him and chatting with Keith Moreland about the 1984 Cubs division winning team. Another thrill was talking to Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller about the 104 mph fastball he threw in Chicago at an exhibition in Lincoln Park. We also talked about his 1940 opening day no-hitter against the White Sox and other highlights of his career.

By the way, Fergie and his Friends beat our AZ All-Stars 7-2. However, the only numbers from this game that really matter are the amounts donated to worthy causes and the number of great memories everyone will have from last night's game.

The Cubs have a rare night game in Scottsdale against the Giants tonight after yesterday's day off, and then they're back to Hohokam tomorrow against White Sox.

AZ resident Harmon Killebrew during introductions

Fergie with his friends

Bob Feller ready for a ceremonial pitch