Spring Training video from today

Another great day at the yard today watching the D-backs practice.  As promised yesterday, I grabbed some miscellaneous video from the happenings of the day:

Thoughts on Spring Training workout today

Finally got down to TEP today to see the D-backs first full-squad workout...and wasn't disappointed.  From the clear blue skies and snow capped Catalina mountains hovering over the outfield fences, to the reliable Susan with her energetic clapping and praising.

I'd give the team a B+ for what I saw out there today.  Mainly focusing on the newer guys, I thought Kelly Johnson really looked the part of a defensive second baseman.  For a guy that's pretty big for that position (6'1" and 205), he looked rather fluid in his fielding and quick releases to both second and first.  Backup Tony Abreu infielder also was impressive with his defensive skills.  If improving the D-backs defense this year is a priority, adding Abreu, Johnson, and the reliable Adam LaRoche (2 errors last year) to the infield will be a clear boost.

Mark Reynolds looked the part of the guy about to get paid...how about that wig of hair he's sporting right now...wow....

I was also trying to get a feel for the atmosphere of the team with it being the first time A.J. Hinch now running the show.  I have to say that it did feel a bit more serious than in years past.  Maybe that was due in part to the ever serious Matt Williams running many of the drills, but maybe just due to the fact that this team feels like it has something to prove this year...and that's not a bad thing.

Overall, was a good day out there.  But, then when isn't a day of Spring Training baseball a good day.  Heading back out there tomorrow and hope to get some video to return here.

Figuring out Spring Training

Trying to figure out exactly which games to attend this spring.....since it's the last year in Tucson, would like to see as many as possible.  The first date that jumps out to me is the March 16 game against the Reds.  Having Cincinnati in AZ for the first time this year is sweet.  I grew up being a huge Big Red Machine kid, and although I've lost interest in the team over the last 20 or so years, it still brings back so many good memories thinking of my heroes:  Rose, Foster, Bench, Morgan.......unreal.

Seeing the Dodgers would be good for obvious reasons....but the last time I saw them it was a total zoo at the park.  I quite frankly would rather go see the Royals or A's than the Dodgers or Cubs.  Those big draw games tend to get out of hand with some of the fans....I'd much prefer to sit around with some of the knowledgeable D-backs faithful any day.  And staying outside of the NL West is also a good thing...18-19 games for each of them coming in the next 6 months is quite enough.

So, that settles it.....A's, Reds, Royals to start...and maybe finish it off with the Rangers.  Sounds like a perfect March to me.

Pre-season prediction

It's still a week away now from pitchers and catchers, but here's a quick off the cuff prediction of the D-backs fate in 2010: second place behind the Rockies with a record of 88-74.