Spring Training - Florida 2002
Day One: Phillies Camp - Jack Russell Stadium
(03/10/2002) Clearwater, FL - First stop has finally arrived. What better place to begin than at Jack Russell Stadium, spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies who were facing the Rangers. Well, some of the Rangers were there. I'm pretty sure all the big names were on the golf course. This presented an opportunity to evaluate some of the up and coming talent like Hank Blaylock and Kevin Mench. They didn't disappoint. The Phillies have been training in Clearwater since the 1950's, the second longest of any club tenure in the Grapefruit league. My first visit to a spring facility made it clear why everyone loves spring ball so much. With palm trees lining the walks and the history of players like Schmidt and Carlton everywhere, we knew we had stepped into history at Jack Russell. You can even get an authentic cheesesteak there to complete the experience. This is also the home of the group that peddles various toys and desk accessories made from Louisville Sluggers. You can get a toy car, a paper weight, a keychain, or the more traditional broken game-used bats for dirt cheap. Neat novelty items. On the field, Doug Davis took the mound for the Rangers, getting off to a tough start. He surrendered three in the bottom of the first thanks to some timely hitting by Philadelphia and poor infield defensive play by Texas. Thankfully it would not matter, as the youngsters would more than make up for this. Later in the game, Mario Ramos, acquired from the Athletics in the Carlos Pena deal, pitched three strong innings. He got into some trouble at one point and surrendered two runs, but overall showed good control and stayed in command. Right fielder Kevin Mench was particularly good, going 3 for 5 with two homers and five RBI - he was absolutely crushing the ball, and doing so off everyone he faced. We also kept a close eye on Hank Blalock, the third baseman rated as the number one prospect in the Texas organization by "Baseball America." We had heard a lot about this guy and were anxious to see him in action. In the bottom of the first, Blalock speared a hot shot down the line, moving to his right to help Doug Davis out of a jam. Later in the game, he climbed the ladder to steal another double, and he played solid D throughout the rest of the game. He did not limit himself to glove work, though, as he went 4 for 5 with two runs scored and two doubles. Watch out for him as he competes for a big league job. Gabe Kapler and Frank Catalanotto were the only regulars to play. Kapler also drove in two and played his usual stellar defense, including one fine diving catch after which he popped up and doubled a guy off of first. When all was said and done, the Rangers had posted a 9-5 win. After the game, Mench was all smiles. He roamed the on-deck area for about 20 minutes, wearing his glove on his head and bantering with the fans. This guy just looks and acts like a big leaguer, and I am predicting good things from him. He knows how to have fun and keep it light. Then again, after playing like that, I would be pretty happy too. As for our group, after spending three hours out in the sun, the Lizard proved himself to be a chameleon, having changed colors to a lovely shade of Phillie red. Clayton made his way down to the "Bats by Stan" stand and acquired an engraved mini-bat for his son Harrison, which will no doubt be used to bop friends and cousins on the head. I stopped off for my traditional key chain and program. And as for young Jake, wait, I think we left him somewhere in section J. |
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Day 2: Pirates Camp - McKechnie Field
(03/11/2002) Bradenton, FL - On the way into town Saturday, we noticed a Perkins Restaurant and Clayton became overly excited. So the first free morning we had, it was off for an excellent breakfast. The Lizard ate a plate so full of French toast that Mrs. Baird's stock shot up by 20% and he spoke with an accent the rest of the day. The Twins were playing in Bradenton against the Pirates, so after we finished up at Perkins we headed south around the bay. Pittsburgh has been training at McKechnie Field since the sixties and in this time they have developed a strong following. The fans cheered with an enthusiasm that shamed their counterparts from the previous day, and those around us were knowledgeable and obvious spring veterans. It's always nice to see folks keeping score, listening to the radio broadcast, and discussing the finer points of their favorite team. I engaged in one such discussion with an older gentlemen seated in front of us. He commented on my Rangers jersey, mentioning he thought Texas would be good. This lead to a discussion of the inequities between the AL West and NL Central divisions, where we noted the Rangers were playing in a four-team division, while the Pirates' group had six clubs. "I just hope we can finish at least fifth," he said. "Yeah, it would be bad for y'all to be the only team in all of baseball to finish sixth," I responded. He laughed (and never spoke to me again). This facility had an old time feel to it, though it had been renovated several times though the years. The Pirate logo was painted behind the plate, reminding me how much I love their current logo. In fact, everything about the Pirates appeals to me: their history, their color scheme, their logo. Too bad the team has been horrible for ten years. We had great seats under the overhang, right behind the plate. You just can't beat $10 for seats like that, and it was nice to be out of the sun, too. The game moved along smoothly, save for one major delay when a Twins player got the do-nut stuck on his bat and had to work quite some time before he could head to the plate. Rookies! The Pirates managed to beat the Twins 4-2 in a very "National League game," that is, no homers, playing for the single run. The home team twice led off innings with triples, and another two time with doubles, setting the table for their runs and the victory. Brian Giles doubled home the game winner in the sixth, and Pirates starter Jimmy Anderson allowed one run and four hits in four innings. (Giles is the real deal, OOBers - certainly one of the top outfielders in the game now.) One of the best features of the park was the very accessible Pirate bullpen out in far right. Fan interaction abounds, and I saw several players sign complete sheets of cards for the young folks. Despite their knowledge that they would probably end up on E-bay, the were happy to accommodate. The kids love hanging out near the players, and spring games foster this relationship. It's great to see them so aware of these young ones who look up to them. Not that I am naive enough to think that at least a few of the kids were there strictly for business purposes. It was out in that bullpen area where I had my first major meeting of the trip, former Pirates center fielder Bill Virdon, who once patrolled the outfield with the legendary Roberto Clemente. He was a part of the 1960 World Series champion team that upset the Yankees - it will be a pleasure to add his autograph (on the official Pirate logo ball) to my personal collection. He seemed to smile a little when he asked "where do I sign?" and I responded, with confidence, "sweet spot!" I think it would be nice to be in your early seventies and still having folks recognize your career. (Besides, outside of Giles and Kendall, Virdon was really the only guy I was very familiar with anyway.) As for young Jake, after nailing three free throws and winning a Pirates ball cap, he disappeared and was last seen frolicking with the Pirate Parrot on the mezzanine. |
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Day Three: Rangers Camp - Charlotte County Stadium
(03/12/2002) Port Charlotte, FL - Today I made my first trip to Charlotte County Stadium, where the Rangers were hosting the Pirates for a twin bill. It was destined to be a great day. Starting lineups posted around the park let us know we would see the Opening Day lineup in game one, save for Carl Everett, who still nurses a knee following off-season surgery. This group included Chan Ho Park, the biggest acquisition of the off-season. Park pitched 3.1 innings and logged some 70 pitches, far more than the club would have liked. Still, at times he looked sharp, managing to strike out six. They beat Pittsburgh 3-2 in the first game on the strength of a Rafael Palmeiro homer and a game-winning single from Frank Catalanotto. One major observation of interest concerns Pudge Rodriguez. Much has been said about his playing this season in the final year of his contract, and how this likely will be his last as a Texas Ranger. With his public statements about wanting to stay on with this team, we were surprised to see he had reported to camp some ten pounds over his playing weight. This extra baggage adversely affected his catching abilities, in my opinion. He appeared slower than normal, his throws did not have the usual pop of past years, and he let two pitches get past him on plays he traditionally has made. Both allowed runs to score (there might have been a play on the second ball, but he wasn't quick enough to get to it). In game two, the youngsters came out in full force and hammered the Pirate regulars 13-3. Once again it was Kevin Mench who provided the fireworks, and just as he did on Sunday, the slugger smashed two homers and drove in five. In just a week and a half of training, he has 4 homers and 12 RBI. Of course, Mench's chances of making the team remain slim, but Jerry Narron said he expects big things from him at Triple A. He certainly has developed into a fan favorite here in Florida. Jamey Newberg on Mench's chances: "One of the reasons Mench is not really a candidate to make the Texas roster is that, in addition to the group consisting of Juan Gonzalez, Rusty Greer (who returned to action as a DH yesterday), Gabe Kapler, Frank Catalanotto, and (if ready to go) Carl Everett, Chris Magruder is making a case for a spot on the bench. The switch-hitter is hitting .394 this spring, which leads baseball, and over the weekend he made a peg to the plate that I have heard described as one of the strongest throws a Ranger outfielder has made in a couple years, hitting the catcher on the fly on a shot off the wall." Before the first game I noticed two familiar faces. Orel Hershiser, hired as special instructor in the off-season, and the legendary Nolan Ryan, in Port Charlotte for the week in a consulting capacity, were discussing the finer points of pitching. Being able to listen in on a conversation like this certainly served as a trip high-point for me. How can the pitching not improve with schooling from guys like this? Now for those of you who are ticketheads, I did have a run in or two with some on-air hosts yesterday in the press box. The Lizard wanted me to invite Greg Williams to dinner with us, and offered to pay for his steak if he would come. The exchange went something like this: JB: Hey Greg, I got a friend that wants me to ask you a question. Greggo: What's his name? JB: The Lizard. Greggo: Yeah? JB: Anyway, we're heading to the Outback tonight and he has offered to pay for your supper if you'd like to join us. Greggo: Oh MAN, I just had the Outback LAST NIGHT! Maybe later, though. JB: We'll be back Thursday and look you up then. Greggo: OK, you do that. You do that! I also saw the press box steward stop Mike Rhyner, who wasn't wearing his press pass, from going into the dining room. When the old steward said, "I don't know you sir," the Old Grey Wolf responded, "I left my credentials at the hotel... I'll get out of here." Later, I saw Greggo toting food up to the KTCK box for his on air counterpart, looking more than a little irritated. Our group continues to have issues with the Florida sun. The Lizard's game one miscalculation has developed into a healthy tomato-like hue, Clayton's lips appear to have white clown makeup around them, and I have not been thorough enough in the Coppertone coverage department and the result has been a lovely red polka-dot pattern on my face. As for young Jake, they apparently haven't covered the use of sunblock back at Texas A&M. He is approaching medium-well and spent this particular night rubbing himself with a cold Dr. Pepper can. (This time, I'm not kidding.) |
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Day Four: Indians Camp - Chain of Lakes Park
Astros Camp - Osceola County Stadium
(3/13/2002) Winter Haven, FL; Kissimmee, FL -
Games 5 and 6
Winter Haven, FL
Indians 11 Yankees 5
Kissimmee, FL
Marlins 4 Astros 3
Observations from our first two-camp day:
1. Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia, whom you all know I think should have been AL Rookie of the Year in 2001, is the real deal. He pitched a one-hit shutout over four frames against the Yankees. That fella boy can flat bring it, and he cracks me up with that crooked hat. As the programs said, "So Young - So Good."
2. Eddie Murray now serves as hitting instructor for the Indians. One of the finest players of our time, Murray looks like he could still pound a few homers. Is it possible a guy like him could be considered underrated in his time? I think so - you never heard him grouped with the stars of the eighties and nineties, but Murray should be right there with Brett, Yount, Smith, Winfield, Puckett, et al. And why not? His resume is impeccable. If ever there was a first-ballot sure thing in recent years, it has to be Eddie Murray.
3. Our group truly hates the Yankees, as any Rangers fan must. How much more disdain do we feel for them now that mound-charger Robin Ventura has joined their ranks? Hey, I've seen Nolan this week - and he could take you again, Mr. Ventura. More amusing was their DH this day, the erstwhile Ranger Kevin Elster. I cannot believe the range-less wonder is still in the league.
4. Clayton has moved into first place for the "most easily amused" award. Every street we drove down in Winter Haven elicited the same excitable response: "Wow! Oranges! ON TREES! COOOOL!" (He's not the only one - Jake thought oranges grew in cartons with missing people on the sides).
5. The Lizard has grown suspicious that some players are taking advantage of the increased security measures. He has commented several times how scarce they have made themselves, a major difference between this and the savvy spring veteran's previous trips. This has made autographs and chance meetings next to impossible, which is unfortunate. If you really work at it, you might get a signature or two, but we are too old to work on vacation.
6. News out of Yankee camp includes the release of Ruben Rivera for *stealing Derek Jeter's glove and bat*, then selling it to a collector for $2500. We got a big kick out of that one. I certainly hope that $2500 helps make up the $1 mil payday he won't be getting anymore! What an idiot. Rivera has apologized, saying it was a "rookie mistake," and that he "shouldn't have done it." Of course, he also said, "it's not like I murdered anyone," which may be the quote of the spring.
7. Between games, we visited the famous "Steak 'n Shake," where we all ate steakburgers and milkshakes. Dinner there remains a spring training favorite, and with good reason. The fare is great, and our total bill came to about $25, or roughly the cost of one hot dog at the ballpark.
8. Once we arrived in Kissimmee for the Astros game, the sun from five consecutive day games had sapped our strength. We enjoyed a night game in the cool breeze, though young Jake could no longer use his "I need to get out of the sun" excuse to go look for girls.
9. Lizard and I hung around the Astros' bullpen for a while, where we overheard former Rangers backup catcher Gregg Zaun making fun of starter Brad Ausmus's technique. He had everyone in stitches with his routine - these things are simply not seen outside of spring training. Octavio Dotel was also yucking it up with the fans.
10. Tim Raines, 42, is trying to make the Marlins' squad, and after one early game play, we predict he will do just that. In the second inning, he ran full speed into the left-center alley and laid out to catch a blazing liner. How amazing. Everyone knows his credentials, yet in a meaningless spring game, he is out there busting himself to be excellent. How many of today's young stars would even attempt that play in such a game?
11. Clayton is making the rest of us crazy what with all the Perkins Restaurant sightings. Every time we pass one, he goes absolutely nuts. So if you want to open your own can't-lose business, bring Perkins to Texas. The rest of us think he will keep you in business single-handedly.
Astros Camp - Osceola County Stadium
(3/13/2002) Winter Haven, FL; Kissimmee, FL -
Games 5 and 6
Winter Haven, FL
Indians 11 Yankees 5
Kissimmee, FL
Marlins 4 Astros 3
Observations from our first two-camp day:
1. Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia, whom you all know I think should have been AL Rookie of the Year in 2001, is the real deal. He pitched a one-hit shutout over four frames against the Yankees. That fella boy can flat bring it, and he cracks me up with that crooked hat. As the programs said, "So Young - So Good."
2. Eddie Murray now serves as hitting instructor for the Indians. One of the finest players of our time, Murray looks like he could still pound a few homers. Is it possible a guy like him could be considered underrated in his time? I think so - you never heard him grouped with the stars of the eighties and nineties, but Murray should be right there with Brett, Yount, Smith, Winfield, Puckett, et al. And why not? His resume is impeccable. If ever there was a first-ballot sure thing in recent years, it has to be Eddie Murray.
3. Our group truly hates the Yankees, as any Rangers fan must. How much more disdain do we feel for them now that mound-charger Robin Ventura has joined their ranks? Hey, I've seen Nolan this week - and he could take you again, Mr. Ventura. More amusing was their DH this day, the erstwhile Ranger Kevin Elster. I cannot believe the range-less wonder is still in the league.
4. Clayton has moved into first place for the "most easily amused" award. Every street we drove down in Winter Haven elicited the same excitable response: "Wow! Oranges! ON TREES! COOOOL!" (He's not the only one - Jake thought oranges grew in cartons with missing people on the sides).
5. The Lizard has grown suspicious that some players are taking advantage of the increased security measures. He has commented several times how scarce they have made themselves, a major difference between this and the savvy spring veteran's previous trips. This has made autographs and chance meetings next to impossible, which is unfortunate. If you really work at it, you might get a signature or two, but we are too old to work on vacation.
6. News out of Yankee camp includes the release of Ruben Rivera for *stealing Derek Jeter's glove and bat*, then selling it to a collector for $2500. We got a big kick out of that one. I certainly hope that $2500 helps make up the $1 mil payday he won't be getting anymore! What an idiot. Rivera has apologized, saying it was a "rookie mistake," and that he "shouldn't have done it." Of course, he also said, "it's not like I murdered anyone," which may be the quote of the spring.
7. Between games, we visited the famous "Steak 'n Shake," where we all ate steakburgers and milkshakes. Dinner there remains a spring training favorite, and with good reason. The fare is great, and our total bill came to about $25, or roughly the cost of one hot dog at the ballpark.
8. Once we arrived in Kissimmee for the Astros game, the sun from five consecutive day games had sapped our strength. We enjoyed a night game in the cool breeze, though young Jake could no longer use his "I need to get out of the sun" excuse to go look for girls.
9. Lizard and I hung around the Astros' bullpen for a while, where we overheard former Rangers backup catcher Gregg Zaun making fun of starter Brad Ausmus's technique. He had everyone in stitches with his routine - these things are simply not seen outside of spring training. Octavio Dotel was also yucking it up with the fans.
10. Tim Raines, 42, is trying to make the Marlins' squad, and after one early game play, we predict he will do just that. In the second inning, he ran full speed into the left-center alley and laid out to catch a blazing liner. How amazing. Everyone knows his credentials, yet in a meaningless spring game, he is out there busting himself to be excellent. How many of today's young stars would even attempt that play in such a game?
11. Clayton is making the rest of us crazy what with all the Perkins Restaurant sightings. Every time we pass one, he goes absolutely nuts. So if you want to open your own can't-lose business, bring Perkins to Texas. The rest of us think he will keep you in business single-handedly.