I wasn't intending to post for my stay in Arizona but the Tempe Travelodge just happens to have free internet access. So, voila, another blog entry.
Spring Training Arizona style just blows Florida out of the water. During our four years in Florida, my wife and I made an annual tradition of celebrating my birthday at a spring training game. This year, I'm blessed with the joy of renewing that great tradition with good friend and mentor, Rick Northen.
The ballparks in Arizona are superior to Florida's in terms of quality and proximity. All of the teams but three train in the greater Phoenix area and traffic congestion is a non-factor when moving through the Phoenix.
Wednesday, we did travel down to Tucson to catch the Rangers and the D-backs at Tucson Electric Park. The ballpark is home to the D-backs AAA team, the Sidewinders. The Rangers took the game, 9-2, and advancing up-and-comer, Ian Kinsler, raked two doubles. Kinsler is impressive, with a compact, quick swing that generates tremendous bat speed.
Yesterday, we made our way out to Surprise for our introduction to the Rangers three-year-old spring training home. Wow! The ballpark is phenomenal and the training facility, which the Rangers share with the Royals, is the best I've ever seen! We watched some of the 40-man pitchers work in simulated games. Saw Thomas Diamond, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Kameron Loe pitch. The A teams were playing an intrasquad game. That is pure baseball joy, being able to stroll back-and-forth between ballparks watching the major leaguers of tomorrow hone their skills.
Today, it is off to Peoria to catch the AA and AAA teams against the Padres, followed by the big club against the same Padres.
Thus far, I have been highly impressed with Ian Kinsler's style and skill-set. Nick Regilio pitched well yesterday following the Giants bombing of Kenny Rogers. Gerald Laird homered in his one at bat we've seen. Ryan Drese owned the D-backs during his outing on Wednesday.
Disappointments have to be Greg Colbrunn. He was brutal at the plate yesterday. Richard Hidalgo looks thicker than I remembered. Alfonso Soriano has been MIA for the duration of our stay.
These three days have reminded me of what I loved most about spring in Florida. With the superiority of Arizona spring training, it might just be time to develop a new family tradition. But being the only male in my family, do you think my girls would agree?
