Back from the Desert

by BrownE34 on Mar 6, 2008 10:32 PM CST Comment 5 comments

I just got back home (Iowa) yesterday from my vacation to Mesa. I went to the Cub game on Friday, 2/29, against the Giants. It was my first trip to a spring training game, and I thought I would just share a few observations I had. These aren't mind-blowing, original, or terribly insightful, but some of you may appreciate some additional first-hand opinions.

First of all, Zambrano looked like his usual head case self at the start of the game. He committed an error and almost looked like he was going to lose all focus.

Mike Fontenot really looked like he was playing hard and trying to make the team.

Cintron looked fairly comfortable at third. I was a little confused while I was in Arizona about why Ramirez wasn't playing. I didn't have computer access and the newspaper only seemed to write about the Diamondbacks. I had to text message a friend to find out what was going on.

Fukudome took some pitches and got on base. He has continued to do that since, which I am sure all of us are very happy about. I know this has been mentioned before, but he truly does have an arm cannon. He made a throw to third and I think the whole crowd gasped as one.

The crowd was well short of capacity and was pretty subdued, especailly when Welrond gave up the grand slam to basically put the game away.

On Sunday, I went down to Fitch Park around noon and watched what I believe were our minor league pitchers. They all looked so young. They were working on fielding ground balls, pick off attempts, and bunting. I wish I knew and could identify our coaching staff better as they all seemed fairly accessible (almost no one was there except me and my girlfriend's grandpa).

It was a good vacation and fun to see the Cubs. I think Lou (who is bigger and moving around slower than ever it seems) will have them ready for the season. It was nice to visit Arizona and I got to see most of the Valley and the Superstitions. The weather was great, especially coming from our record snow fall in Iowa. Still can't wait for Opening Day.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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nice work!

always appreciate hearing some first hand reports since I can't make it down there. Big question though, are we talking a bonafide paterfamilias?

It's hard to be humble when you're number one.

by JF8 on Mar 6, 2008 11:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lou

I remember the news from the Cubs Convention was that Lou was in much better shape. Surprised to hear he's "bigger and moving around slower".

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 7, 2008 7:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dome has an "arm canon"?

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 7, 2008 9:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Leaving Iowa

I know many of you are going to say why come back to Iowa! I'm leaving Iowa next Friday for Mesa and can't wait. I know I'll enjoy the trip, glad you had a good experience.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Mar 7, 2008 12:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Enjoy...

I spent last week there and am heading out again in a few hours. This time to see my cuz in Tucson and catch a couple games. Then its back to the grind on Monday.

by blackhawk24 on Mar 7, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs