Tagg @ BP ...

I went over the Padres' spring practice fields at the Peoria Sports Complex ... it was primarily minor league pitchers & catchers starting their spring training ... but a few hitters were taking "early BP" ... this is Tagg Bozied a favorite of Portland Beaver fans who, surely on track for at least a September callup in 2004, blew out a knee while jumping for joy on home plate following a game winning HR :-( He looked good in BP on this day ... I'm rootin' for him *big time* :-)

Cesar Carillo

I got to see Cesar Carillo pitch vs D-backs on Thursday, 3/9/06 ... gave up a run in each of his 2 IPs ... anyone understand why he straightens his knee as he releases the ball?

(note: that's *BIG* Walter Young playing 1B :-)

WBC & Spring Training @ AZ

Went to the first WBC game featuring USA vs Mexico @ Chase Field (aka BOB) in Phoenix, AZ on 3/7/2006 ... that's me & my folks waiting for the gates to open ... a festive crowd ... lots of sombrero's and Cubs/Yankees/Nats/etc caps :-)

The pregame pagentry featured flags and intros ...

Some students up from Mexico were WAY into it ... a good thing! (notice their green/white/red shirts spell M-E-X-I-C-O ... well done!) Even in defeat (USA 2, Mexico 0), the Mexican fans helped make it a fun day for all. Ole!