Thoughts after Fort Myers
Last week, I experienced Red Sox spring training at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Florida. It was my third time going down and just as fun as the previous trips. I may not have gotten Johnny Damon or Lenny Dinardo's autographs, but this time around, I was able to drink a Corona in the stands. Life is good.
A few observations:
- The Japanese media stalking Dice-K is just as ridiculous as you've heard. There were no less than 10 journalists and camera people surrounding him when he came out to sign balls and jerseys for a few lucky fans... and it was during batting practice... before a spring training game... when he wasn't even pitching.
- I don't know who Manny Ramirez is anymore. The guy came trotting on the field to stretch before the rest of the team and was all smiles with Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, and Kevin Youkilis. Then (brace yourself for this one) he signed autographs for fans. Manny. Sheesh. Next thing you know, he'll be talking to the media.
- Saw ESPN interviewing my homeboy Alex Cora. Finally,
someone else is recognizing the awesomeness of Boston's unsung hero.
- The selection of beer at the park was quite impressive. For just $6.50, a steal at any sports facility, you had your choice of 8-10 domestic and imported products. I'd like to see this trend continued at other parks and arenas, because (I know, this is hard to believe) not everyone enjoys Bud Light.
- Alex Ochoa, a non-roster invitee, has one of the best arms I've ever seen. He played right field for a good chunk of the Red Sox-Pirates game I saw and made two incredible throws home to save a run or two. It takes having Johnny Damon on your team for a few seasons to truly appreciate plays like that.
- I had the pleasure of seeing Julian Tavarez relieve Kason Gabbard (who pitched lights-out for three or four innings) and subsequently load the bases, hit a batter, and walk in a run. He left the game after two, having given up two runs that ended up sealing a Pirates win. The only reason they could possibly have for keeping him in? Well, it was the Pirates and it was an exhibition game. His outing served as a subtle reminder that he does indeed suck. Let's hope he has a good April/May and we can use him as trade bait.
A few observations:
- The Japanese media stalking Dice-K is just as ridiculous as you've heard. There were no less than 10 journalists and camera people surrounding him when he came out to sign balls and jerseys for a few lucky fans... and it was during batting practice... before a spring training game... when he wasn't even pitching.
- I don't know who Manny Ramirez is anymore. The guy came trotting on the field to stretch before the rest of the team and was all smiles with Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, and Kevin Youkilis. Then (brace yourself for this one) he signed autographs for fans. Manny. Sheesh. Next thing you know, he'll be talking to the media.
- Saw ESPN interviewing my homeboy Alex Cora. Finally,
someone else is recognizing the awesomeness of Boston's unsung hero.- The selection of beer at the park was quite impressive. For just $6.50, a steal at any sports facility, you had your choice of 8-10 domestic and imported products. I'd like to see this trend continued at other parks and arenas, because (I know, this is hard to believe) not everyone enjoys Bud Light.
- Alex Ochoa, a non-roster invitee, has one of the best arms I've ever seen. He played right field for a good chunk of the Red Sox-Pirates game I saw and made two incredible throws home to save a run or two. It takes having Johnny Damon on your team for a few seasons to truly appreciate plays like that.
- I had the pleasure of seeing Julian Tavarez relieve Kason Gabbard (who pitched lights-out for three or four innings) and subsequently load the bases, hit a batter, and walk in a run. He left the game after two, having given up two runs that ended up sealing a Pirates win. The only reason they could possibly have for keeping him in? Well, it was the Pirates and it was an exhibition game. His outing served as a subtle reminder that he does indeed suck. Let's hope he has a good April/May and we can use him as trade bait.
posted by Pam at 2:10 PM
1 Comments:
please to be telling me i can down an ice-cold sammy in the stands behind the home dugout on friday. SPRING BREAK, TAKE TWO!
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