Visiting the Visitors

It still amazes me where people view my blog from. I think it's even cooler that people from China are finding my blog about China despite that country monitoring and in many cases blocking the majority of outside websites.
Anyhow, I've decided i need to visit all the places that are visiting me. Especially that little guy all by himself down in Argentina!
=)
-David

Arizona - Baseball A's vs. Angels

Took in a great game today at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Mesa, AZ. The (deep breath) Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim and the Oakland A's (A's were running a split squad today and had the real fresh meat on the field).

We had some great seats for 10 bucks this go around. Spring training brings most of the farm raised talent to the field and and can be a real guessing game as to who is who, hence the program this gentleman had in hand.

The Angles brought out all their studs, above is Fransisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) and he's arm angles of impossibility. His elbow is literally behind his head....he's a mutant.

The A's catching someone in a pickle.

Classic baseball scene. Harden on the mound, 3-1 count, runner taking second...

Watching the A's second string outfielders take the field was like watching a bunch of circus clowns in a tripping contest...but with less skill.

Valdimir Guerrero. Grand Slam. Freak of Nature.

Stud.

Vlad the man.

The A's got shut out 6-0 with something like 3 hits. This was the only highlight...a cleanly fielded ground ball to short.


Great game. Not sure if Jessica and I will make any more this year, real life is calling us back. There is one more night game a couple hours before our flight...but if the aromas lofting from the BBQ in this backyard are any sign of things to come...I'm not leaving this sun drenched lounge chair if someone pays me.

Here's to the regular season opener on the 25th... 6 days 9 hrs and 50 minutes from now =)

-David

(Heard some rumors of the A's trading Harden to the Yankees today, saw the yankees scouts out in full force, and a guy from baseball prospectus didn't deny the rumors)

Arizona - Desert Flowers in Bloom

Took a hike in Phoenix yesterday. The desert bloom is in full effect and the foothills were blanketed with wild flowers like I've never seen:



On the Go John trail in Cave Creek Memorial Park.

Blankets of poppies and other wild flowers.

Poppies up close.


More on the baseball to come.

-David
See Jim and Joe's photos.

Arizona -Spring Training - A's vs. Royals

Major League Baseball Spring 08
Tempe, AZ.
Kansas City Royals vs. Oakland A's


Despite the Padres being split between Tucson and Beijing, Jim and I represented the club well.


The Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Tempe is one of the oldest parks in all of Phoenix. Despite its age, it is by far one of the most enjoyable venues. Simple food menus, good beer, and great seats for 10 bucks. The outfield is decorated with billboards marketing local establishments from bailbondsmen to steakhouses; truely capturing the essence of Single A baseball,cheap seats, cheesy fan contests and quality baseball. In stark contrast to the newer fields like Peoria who cater to the masses and sell out the sport like a cheap whore...OK well not exactly...but it's nice seeing baseball in a stadium that cares less about money and more about fans.

10 dollar seats.

100 dollar view.

Bannister, warming up for the Royals....who suck terribly...still.

Timing this shot was more blind luck than skill. Despite my camera gear, catching a 90 mph pitch and the swinging bat is practically impossible.





Great game. Enjoyed the company even more. Can't wait till tomorrows. I'll post pictures soon.

-David

Arizona - Cardinals and Baseball

Ahhhh Arizona. It's nice to be drenched in the desert sun, knocking back some ice cold brews, eating great food, hanging out with great people, and catching some early spring baseball.

I'll be posting some shots over the next few days of the various games we get to and hikes we go on. So Far we've taken in two games, yesterday we saw the Mariners take on the Brewers in Peoria, and today we got a glimpse of the Oakland A's and the Kansas City Royals over in Tempe.

For now, here's some shots of some Cardinals that showed up in Deborah's backyard early this morning.










This is a glimpse of some of the game we scored today. I busted out my 300mm lens for some much tighter shots, I'll post those up tomorrow, right now I'm being beckoned back into the spa and my beer is getting warm.

Joe's cooking us a nice filet and a couple whole chickens on the BBQ. Should be a rough night.
see Jim and Joes pictures here:

Joe's Blog

Jim's Blog


Check back tomorrow for more!

-David