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.
The Cubs wives will host the 13th annual food drive to benefit PazdeCristo 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.
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
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.
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
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 IsmailinCaridad 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
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.
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
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
