No, I didn’t get up at 3 a.m. to watch Opening Day in Japan. Maybe if the Padres had been playing, but the Red Sox? Meh.
(As an aside, is anyone else sick of the word “meh” to show indifference? I’ve used it here to sound hipper than I actually am, but I kinda hate it. I’m ready for the fad to pass.)
Okay, so we’re talking about Opening Day in Japan. My friend Dale lives over there, and he got to witness the game in person. He emailed me with a first-hand account, which I now share with you (it’s a …read more

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, one of the great things about attending spring training is that you have the opportunity to watch players hone their craft. This includes prospects getting their first taste of pro ball as well as future first-ballot Hall of Famers.
For reasons I won’t get into here, we missed Greg Maddux’s start while we were out in Peoria. But to me — and I can’t stress this enough — the games aren’t nearly as interesting as the practices. Fortunately, we did get to watch Maddux practice.
In the photo above, you can’t see it, but Maddux is standing on …read more

We’re taking a break from the “Who Am I?” segment that normally runs on Mondays. Don’t worry, it’ll be back, but with the season fast approaching and memories of my recent trip to the Cactus League still reasonably fresh, I thought I’d share some photos this week.
You can see all my spring training photos at Flickr, but I understand that you’re busy and may not have time to go clicking all over the place. With that in mind, here’s a shot of Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton:

Upton, for those who may have been living in a cave, is one of …read more

Photo by Geoff Young
Headed to spring training? If you’re thinking of going to the games only, think again. My latest article at Baseball Digest Daily provides a glimpse of what you’re missing if you don’t get out the ballpark early:
At the next field, pitchers are fielding bunts. And one field over from that, they’re practicing pickoff moves. Runners are stationed at first and second base. A batter stands at the plate. The pitcher throws to first and then runs to cover the bag as the first baseman chases the breaking runner.
After the pitchers are done, the catchers take their turn. …read more

I got out to my first game of the spring on Friday. San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks at Peoria Stadium. Even managed to catch a foul ball (first time ever, thanks for asking).
Anywho, I took a bunch of photos. Enjoy!
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
See full photo set at Flickr.

Just a few items of note for you this afternoon:

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard won his arbitration case and has been awarded $10 million for 2008. This is the largest amount ever received by a victorious player.
You may be aware that my colleague, Hunter Pence, was injured in a freak accident earlier this week. He’s got the details up at his blog. Here’s wishing Hunter a speedy recovery.
Another colleague, Albert Bianchi at Dejuiced, informs us that New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will be giving up a celebratory handshake thing he used to do. I can’t speak to that …read more

Hey, look, more audience participation:
{democracy:36}
I’ll be in Arizona the weekend of March 7 & 8. I am so ready…