Final Observations from the Tucson Trip

[aboz56]

Well as you can see, I am back from Tucson safe and soundly. I had a horrendous day of travel with United Airlines, but I finally made it home last night. Anyhow, here's some observations from the trip.

 

First off, at Friday's game at Hi-Corbett Field I had the pleasure of sitting next to Crede's wife. I had no idea who she was until she sat next to me and asked if I could protect her from foul balls. That made me start to think (after what had happened last week) after I realized she had a baby girl with her and I asked if she was Joe's wife. The worst part of the whole thing was that a foul ball hit about a row behind us and with the Tucson sun it was impossible to see anything at all. The baby was adorable and she was a very nice lady. Carlos's wife was a row in front of us but I didn't really say anything to her (sorry Heather ).

 

Most impressive performances I saw:

 

1) Mark Buehrle - Yes, I may favor him above all else, but Mark did nothing with his performance Thursday to make me believe that he's going to have anything but a great season. It was a typical efficient Buehrle effort as he cruised through seven innings only yielding a HR to gasp...Julio Ramirez. Besides that blunder, I thought he looked excellent.

 

2) Frank and Mags - Both looked in mid-season form and that's basically all there is to say. Expect a great year from both of these guys as Frank looks like he's playing as he's got something to prove and Mags is playing for that contract.

 

3) Juan Uribe - Looked great with the stick all week as well. I hope he takes the 2B job over William Harris.

 

Thats about all for now.

 

AB

[WHarris1]

Thanks for the report aboz.

 

Except, why do you say Uribe deserves the job of Willie? He is batting like .220. Not trying to start anything, just curious.

 

I can't wait until Wednesday...

I am leaving for Tuscon, going to Sox games Thursday and Friday, and then Friday night driving to Phoenix to watch the DBAcks/Cubs in Bank One.

[Guest JimH]

Great report aboz.

 

I met Lisa (Joe's wife) last year and spent a few innings talking to her at a few of the games in Tucson this year. You are right, she is very sweet, a delightful gal.

 

Hi Corbett is a nice little ballpark, yes? But I like TEP much better. Hi Corbett is pretty ancient, originally built in 1922.

 

So glad you had a good time and got to talk to some of the players.

[aboz56]

Great report aboz.

 

I met Lisa (Joe's wife) last year and spent a few innings talking to her at a few of the games in Tucson this year.  You are right, she is very sweet, a delightful gal.

 

Hi Corbett is a nice little ballpark, yes?  But I like TEP much better.  Hi Corbett is pretty ancient, originally built in 1922.

 

So glad you had a good time and got to talk to some of the players.

I thought Hi-Corbett was a dump.

 

I've seen nicer high school fields.

[UofIChiSox]

Hi-Corbett was awesome because nobody was there. I was also at the game on Friday. My buddy's favorite player is Todd Helton, and we walked up and got two front row tickets a little behind the Sox dugout. Lee and his wife and kid walked right in front of me after he was done, he is a huge guy out of uniform. Has some monstrous legs.

 

The highlight for me there though, was that the entire away team (White Sox) got off their bus and crossed right through the concourse to get to the locker room. Got really close to a lot of players, got some sweet pics. Also I liked the ability to go down and sit 3 feet from the bullpens rather than looking down on them like at TEP. Overall, spring training is awesome and everybody on here should try to go next year. Tucson is an awesome town too.