After Wednesday, Thursday really didn’t have anywhere to go but down. I tried to get excited about going to Maryvale. After all, I’ve really gotten to know the Brewers front office over the past few years. I was looking forward to meeting some of the people I’ve talked to over the phone and emailed so regularly.

Maryvale is located just northwest of downtown Phoenix. The ballpark is appealing from the outside and there appears to be plenty of parking. I guess they’ll build the lot any size when they’re going to charge you $6 to park your car. Lucky for me, I get to park in the media lot for free! I made my way to the Brewers office to pick up my credential and then up the stairs to the press box. There was ample space, but it was very warm. Apparently they don’t appreciate air conditioning in Maryvale.

What they do appreciate is food, however. There was a nice little spread which included a genuine Milwaukee bratwurst! I was excited. I had heard some much about Wisconsin brats and really wanted to try one. Well, let’s just say that I was not disappointed! I didn’t feel too well later, but for the moment, that was a damn good lunch.

Unfortunately, that was about the last good thing I witnessed at the ballpark this day. Well, actually, that’s not true. It was 82 degrees today (again!) compared to 33 degrees in Milwaukee and 22 in New York. And I did get to witness Prince Fielder and Bill Hall launch monstrous shots to right and center field respectively. Hall’s homer traveled about 450 feet to straight away centerfield and onto the overpass behind the batter’s eye.

The field at Maryvale is very well manicured. It’s a nicer park than HoHoKam but not even close to Scottsdale. If I had to rank the stadiums I’ve visited so far, I’d put them in this order: Scottsdale, Surprise, Maryvale, and HoHoKam.

Ok, now for the not so great stuff. I already mentioned the fact that it was very warm in press box. But on top of that, I was less than impressed with the media relations staff. Had I met them anywhere else in the park or on the street, I’d have no idea who they were. I introduced myself and was greeted with a blank stare. I then asked if there were any media guides available and was told they didn’t have any more. Hmmm, that was interesting because I just saw them for sale in the gift shop downstairs. And if that weren’t enough, every time they tried to make an announcement, they did so at the same time as the PA announcer, making it impossible to hear.

I’m not sure about the exact attendance, but the place was about half full. There were easily as many Giants fans as there were Brewers fans. The Brewers starting lineup including Ben Sheets only featured four starters and Geoff Jenkins. I’m not sure what to call him these days. I felt more like I was at a picnic than at a game. It was THE quietest ballpark I’ve visited…EVER! Maybe some people like that. But for me, that kind of ruins the atmosphere.

When you start off a game with half a lineup of reserves, it only gets worse from there. I understand this is Spring Training, but come on. It was very easy to lose interest between the lack of action and the anonymity of the players (and remember, I have a good knowledge of prospects). And oh yeah, did I mention the deadly silence? By the time I was ready to leave, I was ready for a nap, not another ball game. By the 5^th inning, I had already decided I wasn’t going to travel to Phoenix to watch the second half of the Oakland game. I was exhausted! No offense to Milwaukee fans, but I hope the Brewers are more exciting during the regular season at Miller Park.

As I was leaving the stadium, I decided to grab a soda for the road. I laid down my $3.75 for a large diet coke and made my way to the gate. I was quickly approached by two members of the “security” staff who told me that I was not allowed to leave the premises with the open cup of soda. It was my turn for a blank stare. What the hell were they talking about? I told them I have a 30 minute ride back to my hotel, and I’m taking the soda to my car. They then explained that I could not do that. I had to finish drinking the beverage within the park. Huh? They then proceeded to cite the Arizona alcohol or beverage law. “But it’s a soda!” I exclaimed. “It doesn’t matter sir,” was their reply. Now I can understand not allowing people to bring beverages into the stadium, but you can’t leave with them? That’s absurd!

I wasn’t about to get into an argument over the most stupid law I’ve ever heard, so I trashed the Coke and left abruptly. I didn’t want to spend any more time than I had to at this ridiculous place. I got into my car and floored it out of there!

Baseball Observations of the Day

• Prince looked healthy and legged it out every time he put wood on the ball. If he stays healthy, he’ll be a force. His power is unbelievable.
• Bill Hall’s bat speed is pretty noticeable. He can really turn on a fastball. And when he does, watch out.
• Ben Sheets looked solid for the Brew Crew despite giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 3 innings of work. He had good velocity and movement on his pitches which is all you can ask for at this point of the pre-season.
• Noah Lowry was equally impressive for the Giants. He threw more off-speed pitches than any pitcher I’ve seen this spring, and he kept hitters off balance.

General Observations of the Day

• The area around Maryvale was very pretty from what I could tell.
• The traffic in the Phoenix area doesn’t appear to be getting any better!
• At the urging of one of our readers, Barry Abrams, I started listening to AM 1060 on the radio while driving. It’s a much better all-sports radio station than the one I was listening to the other day.
• Our readers have stepped up and recommended some great restaurants. Thanks guys! I will concentrate on my fine dining on Saturday and Sunday evening. J

I'll have a few pictures up later this evening. As you know by now, I am in Surprise for a Friday doubleheader…the first game between the Cubs and Rangers and the second between the Angels and Royals. Another report will come your way by tomorrow morning.

Rangers 11, Cubs 9

Michael Young goes 4-for-4 and Sammy Sosa picks up 2 hits for the Rangers

Tyler Colvin had 3 hits, a homer, and 2 RBI for the Cubs, and Ronny Cedeno chipped in 3 hits. Matt Murton also had a home run and 2 walks for Chicago.

Inning 5

This will the last inning of today's "game blog" as there are far too many changes being made to fit it all on my scorecard! Just consider this Spring Training for blogging too.

Bruce Chen remained in the game for Texas and after allowing 2 hits to start the inning, he got out of the jam by getting Ronny Cedeno to fly out and Brian Dopirak to hit into a double play. Middle of the 5th - Rangers 8, Cubs 5

Ryan O'Malley took Cory Bailey's spot on the mound for the Cubs and pitched a perfect inning, one in which saw Miguel Ojeda strike out for the third time. End of the 5th - Rangers 8, Cubs 5

Inning 4

Bruce Chen came in to pitch for the Rangers and promptly walked Koyie Hill. Felix Pie tried to bunt but Hank Blalock made a nice play and threw out Hill at second. Chen then made a nice move to pickoff Pie who left for second way too early. Ryan Theriot lined a single off Chen's glove and Matt Murton walked but both were left on base when Mike Kinkaid flied out to center. Middle of the 4th - Cubs 5, Rangers 4

Howard remained in the game to pitch the 4th for the Cubs after a quick 3rd inning. He continued his strong effort by getting Freddy Guzman to ground out. He then struck out Miguel Ojeda before Ian Kinsler picked up his second hit of the game, a single to left field. Marlon Byrd then crushed a 2-2 pitch into the left field bullpen to give the Rangers the lead. Michael Young came to bat and picked up his 3rd hit of the day...a tapper down to third. Teixeira finally got things going when he laced a single to right field. That right there was the end of Ben Howard. Cory Bailey came in to pitch for Howard and wasted no time in walking Sammy Sosa with a wild pitch that allowed Michael Young to score. Blalock then singled to right bringing Teixeira around to score. Jason Botts finally ended the inning bouncing out to first base. For the second time in the game, the Rangers send 9 men to the plate. End of the 4th - Rangers 8, Cubs 5

Inning 3

Mark DeRosa led off the 3rd for the Cubs with yet another hit, and that was the end of Brandon McCarthy. Jose Vargas replaced McCarthy who finished the afternoon after pitching 2 innings, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits while walking one and striking out one. Back to the game, Vargas proceeded to get three consecutive outs to end the inning. Middle of the 3rd - Cubs 5, Rangers 4

Ben Howard replaced Neal Cotts on the mound for the Cubs and sent the Rangers down 1-2-3 in the last of the 3rd. End of the 3rd - Cubs 5, Rangers 4

Inning 2

The Cubs came out firing again in the 2nd inning when RF prospect Tyler Colvin and SS Ronny Cedeno ripped singles to start the inning. After Brian Dopirak struck out, Koyie Hill launched a 3-run homer into the Rangers bullpen in right field. The Cubs added two more baserunners that they'd eventually strand. Middle of the 2nd - Cubs 5, Rangers 0

Sammy Sosa led off the bottom of the 2nd for the Rangers and ripped the first pitch just foul down the 3rd base line. Sosa wasn't going to be denied, however, as he tapped a ball back up the middle and hustled out the play for an infield single. After Hank Blalock fouled out to left field, Jason Botts blooped a single over Mark DeRosa for the second hit of the inning. The Rangers would then load the bases when Ronny Cedeno couldn't handle an in between hop to short, and Freddy Guzman reached first on the error. Miguel Ojeda proceeded to strike out, and after launching 2 balls about 375 feet and 350 feet foul, Ian Kinsler roped a double to left center, clearing the bases. Marlon Byrd then legged out an infield hit and Michael Young went 2-for-2 by lining a shot to right field. Once again Teixeira killed the rally by lining out softly to shortstop. End of the 2nd - Cubs 5, Rangers 4

Inning 1

In the first inning, facing Texas pitcher Brandon McCarthy, Ryan Theriot reached first base on a hit by pitch. Matt Murton later came to the plate and made McCarthy pay by launching a 2-run homer over the outstretched glove of Rangers' centerfielder Freddy Guzman. Cubs 2-0

The Rangers came to bat in the last of the 1st and mounted a threat of their own. After Ian Kinsler flew out to center, Marlon Byrd and Michael Young hit back-to-back singles only to see the threat dissolve when Mark Teixeira hit into a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning. End of the 1st - Cubs 2, Rangers 0

The Atlanta Braves today agreed to terms with free-agent left-handed pitcher Mark Redman on a minor-league contract for the 2007 season, with a non-roster invitation to spring training. Financial terms of the deal were not announced. Redman is expected to join the club in Florida tonight and will make his first start tomorrow (Saturday, March 10) in the Braves' spring exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Brewers returned RHP Luis Pena and RHP Vince Perkins to minor-league camp, optioned RHP Marino Salas to Triple-A Nashville and optioned RHP Mike Jones to Double-A Huntsville.

Cardinals pitcher Josh Kinney was diagnosed with a right elbow ligament injury following the game on March 5. After an MRI and examination by team physician Dr. George Paletta, surgery on Kinney’s right elbow has been tentatively scheduled for early next week. Kinney is likely to be unavailable to pitch for the entire 2007 season.

The Pirates unconditionally released outfielder Jody Gerut.

The Washington Nationals named Bobby Williams as Director of Player Development and Mark Scialabba as Assistant Director of Player Development. Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden and Assistant General Manager and Vice President, Player Development Bob Boone made the joint announcement.

The Reds have agreed to terms on 1-year contracts with RHP Matt Belisle, RHP Todd Coffey, LHP Bobby Livingston and RHP Gary Majewski; renewed the contract of 2B Brandon Phillips...all players on the 40-man roster are signed through at least 2007.

The Washington Nationals reassigned infielder Tony Blanco, infielder Melvin Dorta, outfielder Wayne Lydon, first baseman Jorge Toca, outfielder George Lombard, right-handed pitcher Felix Diaz, right-handed pitcher Anastacio Martinez, right-handed pitcher Eduardo Valdez, left-handed pitcher Luis Martinez and left-handed pitcher Bill White to minor-league camp. The Nationals also optioned outfielder Frank Diaz to Columbus of the Triple-A International League and left-handed pitcher Mike Hinckley to Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League. The club also unconditionally released infielder Tony Womack.

John Vukovich, former Major League player and coach, lost a second battle with brain cancer and passed away Thursday at age 59. He had been battling the cancer for several months.

Twins starter Matt Garza is expected to pitch today in a game against the Dodgers.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Cliff Lee (abdomen) will likely begin the season on the disabled list.

A couple of link notes…Curt Schilling has started a blog, and it’s not linked to those MLBlogs. It’s quite interesting and worth checking out, even if you don’t like Schilling. He even appears to be writing pretty regularly.

Thanks to Bill Chuck for this little bit of information. The Wall Street Journal published an article yesterday which they call Rating the Parks of Spring Training. The article doesn’t exactly rate all the parks though. Instead it just gives a review of the ones they visited. Anyway, here’s their little chart.