Spring Training baseball thread (AZ edition) (1 Viewer)

[Zow]

So I have the luck of now living in the Phoenix area and having some decent free time the next month or so. Going to be hitting mostly Cubs games but trying to get to all the others (I have a buddy on the Dodgers, so definitely checking them out). I've never done spring training before. Any suggestions for stadiums or places to sit? Anyone else going to games?

 

[azgroover]

I haven't been to all of them, but I'd rank the ones I've been to as follows:

1. Giants - best location for pre and post game fun, loads of talent

2. Dbacks/Rox - great crowd, awesome shiny new stadium that's often filled to capacity with ladies suntanning on the lawn. Best stadium and it's not even close.

3. Angels - it's closest to my work

4. Dodgers/White Sox - they built it too big, but it's nice though

5. A's - nice, easy location. all bleacher seating sucks though. ETA: Nevermind the bleacher thing. They upgraded it last year. In fact, I sat in one of the new dark green plastic seats and burned my ### off.

6. Mariners/Padres - it's been a few years since I've been. it was nice enough, but nothing stuck out about the experience

 

[azgroover]

One important pointer: always consider which way your seats will be facing. Your day can be totally ruined if you're facing the sun and you forget your shades and chapstick. Conversely, if you forget sunscreen on your neck while facing away, it will also be problematic.

 

[Zow]

I haven't been to all of them, but I'd rank the ones I've been to as follows:

1. Giants - best location for pre and post game fun, loads of talent

2. Dbacks/Rox - great crowd, awesome shiny new stadium that's often filled to capacity with ladies suntanning on the lawn. Best stadium and it's not even close.

3. Angels - it's closest to my work

4. Dodgers/White Sox - they built it too big, but it's nice though

5. A's - nice, easy location. all bleacher seating sucks though. ETA: Nevermind the bleacher thing. They upgraded it last year. In fact, I sat in one of the new dark green plastic seats and burned my ### off.

6. Mariners/Padres - it's been a few years since I've been. it was nice enough, but nothing stuck out about the experience

Hit up the Diamondbacks vs. Cleveland game on Wednesday. Really nice new park. Sat in the lawn and it was very relaxing. As for the game, Cahill didn't look good at all. Left plenty of balls up. Hannahan absolutely crushed one. Yesterday I went to Mesa for the Cubs game. Sat right behind the Mariners' dugout. Older stadium (hence the new one next year) but the "feeling" was strikingly similar to Wrigley despite not looking like it: tons of crazy Cubs fans (D-Backs game you'd see any random jersey, I stuck out like a sore thumb w/ my Mets on), very basic concessions, big crowd, and the Cubs were terrible. Awesome time though. As for the game, Millwood pitched and spotted his pitches well but didn't have much velocity. Soriano absolutely murdered one. The Mariners' SS, Kawasaki, impressed the hell out of me. Despite laying down a bad bunt, he stole a base and clearly showed he is going to be one of those "annoying" little guys (kinda like a Timo Perez). Defensively, Olivo's home to second time is ridiculously fast. For the Cubs, Marlin had some good ABs but otherwise it was a pretty poor showing. Marmol left numerous balls up and got shelled. Tolbert made a bonehead play at second. Brenly (Bob Brenly's kid) had a horrible AB and, in contrast to Olivo, looks like he doesn't even belong.

BTW, the Angels are also closest to my work...

 

[Wrigley]

PM Hook, he lives out there and writes for a fantasy baseball rag.

Buddy on the Dodgers......interesting, I've got a buddy interviewing for their open BP coach as we speak

Tell coach Kash#84 I said hello.

 

[Captain Hook]

I haven't been to all of them, but I'd rank the ones I've been to as follows:

1. Giants - best location for pre and post game fun, loads of talent

2. Dbacks/Rox - great crowd, awesome shiny new stadium that's often filled to capacity with ladies suntanning on the lawn. Best stadium and it's not even close.

3. Angels - it's closest to my work

4. Dodgers/White Sox - they built it too big, but it's nice though NO SHADE IF ITS REALLY HOT

5. A's - nice, easy location. all bleacher seating sucks though. ETA: Nevermind the bleacher thing. They upgraded it last year. In fact, I sat in one of the new dark green plastic seats and burned my ### off.

6. Mariners/Padres - it's been a few years since I've been. it was nice enough, but nothing stuck out about the experience

You left off Surprise Stadium - easily #3 on your list (if not higher)Also worth a visit is Maryvale - not great part of town but fine for day games - nice little ballpark with better food than most

New stadium in Goodyear is small but nice but over a mile to the Indians and Reds practice fields - way out 10 in Goodyear

 

[Zow]

Checked out the Dodgers/White Sox stadium on Sunday for the Dodgers against the Cubs. Incredible stadium. Love the rust desert look. really nice lawn areas.

And the Cubs were again terrible.

Going to the Giants stadium tomorrow.

 

[Zow]

Hit up the Dbacks/Angels yesterday.

Haren looked awesome. Bobby Abreu yawned a lot. Dbacks better start getting the bats moving.

 

[azgroover]

I haven't been to all of them, but I'd rank the ones I've been to as follows:

1. Giants - best location for pre and post game fun, loads of talent

2. Dbacks/Rox - great crowd, awesome shiny new stadium that's often filled to capacity with ladies suntanning on the lawn. Best stadium and it's not even close.

3. Angels - it's closest to my work

4. Dodgers/White Sox - they built it too big, but it's nice though NO SHADE IF ITS REALLY HOT

5. A's - nice, easy location. all bleacher seating sucks though. ETA: Nevermind the bleacher thing. They upgraded it last year. In fact, I sat in one of the new dark green plastic seats and burned my ### off.

6. Mariners/Padres - it's been a few years since I've been. it was nice enough, but nothing stuck out about the experience

You left off Surprise Stadium - easily #3 on your list (if not higher)

Yeah, I've been meaning to get up that way. I've heard good things. I live in the complete opposite corner of the valley though. I usually only get up to Surprise if I'm driving to Vegas.

 

[Zow]

Checked out the Angels game last week. Really didn't like the stadium despite the convenient location. Everything felt on top of each other.

Trying to make a Giants game before the season ends. Will for sure be at the Cubs game on 3/30 because, well, I'm proposing on the field afterwards.