Finally, it has arrived. The day we have all been waiting for - and thanks to ESPN and MLB for scheduling the way they have, we have 12 hours of games. Who could ask for anything more?
Before I jump to the games in play today, I want to give you my take on the Cactus League which I checked out last week. Being in LA now, I have succumbed to being a Dodger fan - any Yanks fan on this coast knows that you must hate the Angels, but it's ok to be a Dodger fan. They are LA's family team, and it's more of a party to go to a Dodger game, then a sporting event. West coast folk don't think of baseball as a passion but more of a pastime. Interestingly enough, when I met Nomar Garciaparra last year at spring training, he backed me up - saying that in LA people might go to the game, or they might go to the beach - depending on their mood. But in Fenway, or Yankee Stadium - the fans are so intense and spirited. It is their livelyhood and there is no feeling like it. So from the mouth of one of the most recognized players of our time - we are the best fans. Be proud. Back to the Dodgers - I attended their last homegame of spring training and am posting a couple of the best pics for you all. Their stadium is brand new and is the largest stadium in the Cactus League seating 13,000. I have to admit, I wasn't that impressed with the attendence, but it was a Monday afternoon game.
Blake Dewitt, after being brought in in the 8th. I spotted his talent last year at spring training and have since been a big fan.

Manny, after commiting a huge Mannyism and backwards summersaulting to try and catch a fly ball then failing miserably and losing the ball to score two runs by the A's. Oh Manny, lets try to leave the shannanigans in AZ......
What did impress me was the Cubbie's stadium in Mesa. We saw them play the Indians in a soldout Sunday afternoon game. Apparently they have the highest attendence in the Cactus League and sell out most every game, despite the rather large 12,500 seating capacity. If you have a chance to check them out next year, don't forget to get a hot dog. Their dogs were the best I have had - and I am abit of a foodie - being that my real job is bartending in one of the most acclaimed restaurants in LA. So, take my word for it - the Mesa dog - with chili, cheese, fritos, and **** is sensational as well as the New york dog - with sauerkraut and mustard. We didn't get a chance to try the Chicago dog, but it looked just as great, with little cornichons on it. Delish...
Lastly, we caught a night game at the Padre's stadium in Peoria. It's a smaller, more intimate venue. For me, the highlight of that game was that I got my first baseball. Honestly, the amount of games I have been to, I don't know how this is the case, but nonetheless. The great thing about the Cactus League is that all the venues are so close together. Every stadium is less then an hour drive from the other, except for the Tuscon veune which the Rockies occupy. I haven't gotten a chance to get check it out yet - maybe next year.
Me and my girl Susy outside the Peoria Sports Complex with the ball we got at the game.
So that's my spring training experience. So far, much better then the current Yankee opener I am watching. Yanks are down by 4 in the 5th with the bases loaded. I am hoping we are about to take C.C. out of the game because this is not looking pretty. Hopefully this is not a preview of things to come from him. I have my fingers crossed. The most interesting part of the game so far was the animosity from the O's fans toward Texiera. It's like I always say - everyone loves to hate the Yankees......hey, bad attention is better then no attention right? More later........