February 28th, 2006 - Giants Idol

It was an amazingly fun day at the ballpark today. It started out with Rob Schneider (all 4 feet of him) playing catch with 6'5" Jamie Wright. Couldn't Rob have found a smaller person to play catch with? He still would have been a head shorter than anyone else on the team...but it wouldn't have looked like Mutt & Jeff out there. Suffice it to say that Rob Schneider is not the most athletic person I have ever seen.

The "Giants Idol" competition was just hilarious. There were only 6 performers today. I found out when I got the park that there will be a SECOND day of competition tomorrow morning with the remainder of the rookies performing. There were hardly any fans there today, so I am guessing that when the word gets out, it should be a full house tomorrow.

Omar Vizquel acted as Ryan Seacrest and hosted the event. He introduced Ray Durham as Randy Jackson and then Jeff Fassero as Simon Cowell, but the real shocker came when Barry Bonds stepped out of the dugout, in drag, as Paula Abdul. Omar only announced Paula Abdul and did not say who it really was. I was surprised that a number of the fans didn't recognize Bonds. I had to tell about a half-dozen people who it was. Bonds in a wig and dress is still Bonds and is (IMHO) very recognizable.

Durham did a great impression of Randy Jackson, he had the voice and mannerisms down pat. Jeff Fassero was not good as Simon. He didn't even attempt a British accent. Neither Fassero or Durham wore any kind of costume. Bonds on the other hands was fully decked out in a wig and dress and had Paula Abdul down pat. He obviously watches American Idol. He talked in a falsetto voice, refused to say anything bad about a performer no matter how much they stunk; he was rocking out and dancing in his chair when he liked a performer and even twirled and fiddled with his necklace all the time (something I never noticed, by my wife swears Paula Abdul does it constantly). One of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. So much for Barry Bonds never participating in team events.

The performers were surprisingly in to this thing. I was sure that the performances would be half-hearted "get me off the stage" efforts. Not at all so. All of the performers sang along with taped music, with the exception of Billy Sadler, who accompanied himself on an acoustical guitar.

The first performer was Brian Wilson. He was dressed as Billy Idol and sung "White Wedding". He lipsinced the first part and only sung the chorus. He, like most performers, was pretty bad......but he made up for it with enthusiasm. The judges gave Wilson mixed reviews. Next was Brian Munhall, who sung Brad Paisley's "I'm Going to Miss Her". You have to know the song, but his props of a fishing pole (complete with a rubber fish on the line) and a bottle of Budweiser were spot on. Unfortunately, his voice was like fingernails on a blackboard. He was cut off very early by the judges, who just lambasted him.

The best singer of the day, by far, was Billy Sadler. He sang Tim McGraw & Faith Hill's "It's Your Love". Unlike the other performers, Billy played the guitar and sang a capella, without the help of the artist's recording. Billy was a little out of tune in a spot or two, and occasionally he had to slow down and look at his left hand on the guitar to get the chords right....but all in all he did a great job! The judges universally gave him a thumbs up.

Next came Justin Hedrick, who sang "I'm In Love With a Stripper". I had never heard that song so I have no idea who the artist who originally sang the song is. Justin had the best prop of the day.....a blow up doll with a pole stuffed up her........uh.......dress. I have heard better singers (I'm being nice to Justin here) but he had a lot of enthusiasm. He even yelled at the judges when they cut him off early. He actually wanted to sing MORE! Poor shy individual.

The last player to perform was Joe Bateman as Metalica. I don't know what the song was......I am not a metal fan. He was the most "in character" performer of the day. He was yelling and screaming an acting like he was a big rock star. He even jumped from the "stage" (the top of the dugout) down into the crowd when his performance was over. I am sure he had the trainers a little worried with that jump. That is not a short distance. I thought his singing stunk........of course I think Metalica stinks too.........so he may have been good for all I know.

The last performers of any kind were 3 Training Staff Interns (wanna be trainers). I don't know what it was they were singing.....but it was just about as bad as everyone else.

All in all, with the exception of Billy Sadler, the singing was pretty bad. I was however, shocked at how much effort the kids put into this. I was expecting half-hearted, shy performances.....but what I saw was in-your-face confidence. Can't act shy in front of your boys I guess.

Bonds was amazing and stayed in character until the very end. At one point he pretended that he disagreed vehemently with Fassero (Simon). Bonds jumped up and dropped out of his falsetto voice and acted like he was going to fight Fassero. You know that old Paula Abdul vs Simon Cowell stuff from the real show. Then he suddenly grabbed Fassero's head and thrust it into his fake breasts. Pretty darn funny stuff.

Oh......there was a practice after the Giants Idol competition..but I was laughing so hard I have no idea what happened. As I mentioned yesterday....the team seems to be enjoying itself more this year than I have ever seen. If camaraderie helps a team at all.....these guys should win the World Series. I can't wait until tomorrow's second episode of Giants Idol. The kids who will perform tomorrow have some tough acts to follow.

Another Group shot....L to R...Rob Schneider, Billy Sadler (Tim McGraw), Training Staff Interns, Jeff Fassero (Simon Cowell), Barry Bonds (Paula Abdul), Brian Munhall (Brad Paisley), Another Intern, Justin Hedrick (?), Ray Durham (Randy Jackson) and Joe Bateman (Metalica). Notice that Joe Bateman is STILL in character!

Group Shot.....all of the morning's performers plus the judges. Look at Barry's smile........still in character.

The judges......funny thing.......Barry kept feeling himself all morning long. I think he is a boob man.....of course......who isn't?

The judges; Jeff (Simon Cowell) Fassero, Barry (Paula Abdul) Bonds & Ray (Randy Jackson) Durham & host Omar (Ryan Seacrest) Vizquel

Randy Jackson (Ray Durham) gives his opinion to Ryan Seacrest (Omar Vizquel)

Paula Abdul (Barry Bonds) evaluates a performer......what a miserable man and a terrible teamate ;-)

The new Scottsdale Stadium scoreboard announces the morning's activities.

Brian Wilson (Billy Idol) sings "White Wedding"

Brian Munhall as Brad Paisley.......singing "I'm Going to Miss Her"

Brian Wilson as Billy Idol

Billy Sadler as Tim McGraw....singing "It's Your Love".......easily the best singer of the group.

Justin Hedrick sings "I'm In Love With a Stripper".....anyone know the artist? Showing either my age or my music preference I guess.

Justin Hedrick's girlfriend.....er prop.

Our old buddy Justin Hedrick as I don't know who because I had never heard his song before

Even after he left the "stage" Joe Bateman had a hard time getting OUT of character. He may really think he is a rock star!

Joe Bateman sings Metalica

The Singing Interns - The veterans even made the Training Staff Interns perform

Special Guest Star - Rob Schneider

Two Clowns......Rob Schneider & Steve Kline

February 27th, 2006

Yet another beautiful Arizona day. It hit about 80 today. The Giants had a short practice with both the vets and the youngsters finishing by 12:15. The Giants stetched, ran, had a bunting competition, had infield/outfield practice and finished with batting practice thrown by the coaches. No live batting practice today......as a matter of fact, I didn't see the pitchers do much of anything today. I assume they either threw bullpens or worked out on the half practice field, but since I can't get to those locations.......I can only guess.

I don't know if you have been following the press the last couple of days.......but the Giants camp is really becoming quite the little social setting. They held a bunting competition today. Omar Vizquel, Ray Durham and Steve Finley competed to see who could lay down the most bunts within little rectangles that had been drawn on the infield (see photo). The entire team gathered around (including Bonds) and cheered their favorites on. From the way they were hooting and hollering, I am pretty sure that some money must have been put down on the competition. They sounded like a group of Little Leaguers out there. Steve Finley won the competition with 5 perfectly placed bunts, Vizquel had 4. I didn't see how many Durham had, but I am sure it was less than Vizquel. At any rate.....I have never seen anything like that in a Giants practice....they are usually pretty business like. I don't know what (or who) it is, but there is a different vibe in the Giants camp this year. They all seem to be having a lot more fun. That can only be a good thing.

During batting practice, no one really lit the joint up today. Niekro, Alou & Finley each had 3 HRs to lead the team today. I saw Ellison hit for the first time in several days and he was spraying linedrives around the field. Bonds really did not hit well. He only had one HR and really only a dozen or so well hit balls. After he finished batting, Bonds grabbed Luis Pujols (who had been pitching) and wrestled him to the rear of the batting cage, all the while claiming it was Pujols' poor pitching that caused his poor batting practice session. Like I said......a lot more horsing around this year.

Tomorrow, the Giants are holding a takeoff on the American Idol series. The sixteen players who are in their first Major League camp, will be required to dress up and sing, with the vets acting as judges. Comedian Rob Schneider, who is in town and is a big Giants fan, will help out by hosting the "show". I had read about this event in the media, but I was surprised to find out today, that the event will be open to the public. The entire Idol parody, will be held on top of the 1B dugout and the park will open an hour earlier (at 8:00am) to let the fans in to watch. The Giants will be asking for voluntary contributions from the fans and the players have promised to match the contributions with the total amount to be donated to charity. I am really looking forward to this event. Even my wife wants to come & watch. Don't be surprised if the entire post tomorrow has to do with the "Giants Idol" competition.

Only two more days of workouts before Spring Training games start. I hope the Giants are able to find a little time between their social events to work on the art of playing baseball ;-)

Ray Durham, fielding a groundball at 2B

Firstbaseman of the future(?), Travis Ishikawa

Our new 4th outfielder, Steve Finley. I wish I looked like that when I was 41!

Pablo Sandoval.....just in case you need another view

Lance Niekro throwing to Kevin Frandsen during infield practice.

Omar Vizquel, heading to the dugout at the completion of practice.

Here is Bonds again acting like a loner. Actually, he was as much into the bunting competition as the rest of his teamates.

Two of the all-time greats.........Joe Garagiola and Mike Murphy

Kevin Frandsen, trying to make himself more valuable......taking groundballs at 3B.

Here is the "course" for the bunting competition.

Dan Ortimeier, waiting his turn to bat

Here is Bonds again by himself, not socializing. OH..no it's not. It is Bonds playing catch and talking with AA outfielder Fred Lewis.

Here is Barry Bonds all by himself, not socializing with his teamates. OH....no it's not, it is Bonds laughing and smiling and cutting up with his teamates.

Here is a sight you won't see every day. Reliever Tim Worrell taking groundballs at second base.

Sunday, My Day of Rest

Just so no one keeps checking back in looking for an update today. My bad back was acting up this morning, so I decided to take a day off today. Back at it tomorrow. Can you believe Spring Training games begin on Thursday?

February 25th, 2006

OK....I want to admit to a bone head move right off the bat. I took photos for the first half-hour of the workout or so before my camera display said the battery had run dead. No problem, I thought....I had just bought 3 jumbo packs of AA batteries two days ago. However,I found out that there was, in fact, a problem.....it seems that BUYING the batteries does you no good if you forget to actually put any of the batteries IN your camera case. So.........due to a totally preventable error on my part.......I do not have the number of photos to chose from that I usually do.

At any rate.......same workout drill today, except that before live batting practice, the team worked on rundown drills. With a full squad in the field, a pitcher would throw the ball home, a runner would start for the next base and a coach would hit a ball directly at a fielder in order to start a rundown play. I found it very interesting that the team really didn't seem to stress running the runner back to the base furthest from home plate. As long as the runner ultimately got tagged out.......the coaches didn't seem to care. So, next time you see a rundown at AT&T Park......and the Giants throw the ball back and forth 8 times before they finally tag the runner out sliding into the forward most bag, you will know why. Apparently, the old rule of running the runner back to the bag from whence he came is dead.

During the live batting practice round today, Armando Benitez, Tim Worrell, Jack Taschner, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez threw. The batters are catching up somewhat. They are now making contact 50% of the time, but the solid basehits are still few and far between. Moises Alou had another good day against live pitching. Barry Bonds hit a couple of line drives. Benitez did not seem to be throwing quite as hard as he was the other day, but the batters were still not making solid contact. I thought Taschner threw exceptionally well. The batters were consistently making contact, but they were late late late on practically every pitch. That tells me that Jack was throwing strikes.......but that he was throwing heat that the batters could not catch up to.

During batting practice thrown by the coaches, Barry decided to back off a little. Oh......he still lead the team with 4 HRs, but he was considerably behind yesterday in both frequency and distance. Steve Finley was hitting the ball well and was second to Bonds with 3 HRs. Lance Niekro continues to stroke the ball well. He only had two HRs, but he was hitting linedrives all over the field. I do not remember Lance having so much off field power. One of his two HRs was the opposite way, but he consistantly hit linedrive after linedrive, from foulpole to foulpole, that one or two hopped the fence. No one else, including Bonds had the consistant linedrive power to all fields that Niekro displayed. Like I said, I remembered him as a pull hitter. I must not have been watching closely enough.

I noticed what I would think was a strange relationship developing. During batting and outfield practice, Bonds and Finley are constantly talking with each other. They can usually be found somewhere within close proximity of each other and usually either laughing or talking about what the pitcher is throwing, or how far their last drive went or some other topic. I don't know why.......but I just think that is a strange pairing.

I tried to watch a little more of the prospect's batting practice on the secondary field today, but that is almost impossible to do. Fans only have access to about 1/2 of the 3B line in the outfield area and since the field is bounded by 1/2" thick iron bars......you can't see most of the field. I found that if I strained just right, I could see homeplate.....but I could not read the numbers of who was at bat. I could see who was pitching, and I could see the result of the batter's swing, but I could not tell who the batter was. Pretty hard to write a review of the young talent under those conditions.

One thing I did notice is that although both fields started the live batting practice at about the same time........the youngsters were still facing live batting practice after the veterans had completed the second round of batting practice thrown by the coaches. That would explain why only 5-6 pitchers throw live batting practice in the main stadium per day. It appears that ALL of the other pitchers in camp are throwing on the secondary field. Also, while the veterans were completely done with practice by 12:30, the kids were still going strong with live batting practice when I left at 12:50. The kids didn't seem to mind, towards the end of the day they were playing for ALL of the Major League coaches who came to the practice field after the vets were done on the main field. Just for info.......the kids are having even more problems facing live pitching at this point than the vets are. I don't think I saw a single ball hit out of the infield in about 45 minutes (off and on) of watching the kids take live BP.

Another beautiful day, 78 degrees, with a bright blue Arizona Sky. After the practice I made my first visit of the season to the Blue Moose. The Moose is a must visit bar/restaurant about 2 blocks from the stadium. If you go to Spring Training you must swing by and visit the good folks at the Blue Moose. Chances are once the games begin, you will find me there after most games.

This is the new patio above RF. They added the tables today. Looks like it is going to be a heck of a party!

Noah Lowry

Matt Morris - with Pedro Feliz, Jose Vizcaino & Todd Linden in the background.

Our old buddy from the Prospect Thread......Justin Hedrick

Mark Sweeney.....starting a rundown play

Another look at Brian Buscher......I don't think he is quite as "soft" as my photo yesterday led you to believe.

Kevin Correia, Tyler Walker, Todd Greene & Omar Vizquel...killing time

Another look at Pablo Sandoval

Armando Benitez - looking downright svelte

Rundown Drills

More Rundown Drills

Dr B...here is another shot of Sandoval. He is certainly not a "skinny mini".......but he is not the fat pig we were led to believe either.

Outfielder - John Bowker

February 24th, 2006

Today was another beautiful, sunny, mid-70's day in Scottsdale. The Giants went through their usual workout; ground balls to the infield, flies to the outfield and batting practice, but added a couple of drills I had not seen. One was a popup drill where a full squad, including pitchers, fielded popups from a pitching machine. The intent was to get the players to correctly call for the ball. Outfielders had to call off infielders when appropriate, infielders had to follow the infield protocol, ie: SS has priority, 2B next, pitchers last and so on.

I also saw the young outfielders complete a baserunning drill. In this drill the players practiced leading off from the bag and either held or took off for the next base depending on whether the coach (acting as a pitcher) held the ball, threw a strike to the catcher or threw the ball into the dirt. It was very obvious that the kids took this drill very seriously.......I wonder if the veterans would have done the same?

Also at the end of the practice I saw another drill I had not seen. The coaches used a pitching machine, set up at shortstop, to shoot balls into the ground very close to the firstbasemen, simulating an errant throw from SS. This drill provided a good way for the firstbasemen on the team to field shorthop after shorthop, thereby improving their skills in this area. I am amazed how they can take ball after ball into the dirt and not flinch.

The team again took live batting practice thrown by the pitchers, followed by a second round of batting practice thrown by the coaches. The pitchers today were; Noah Lowry, Pedro Liriano, Tyler Walker, Scott Munter, Michael Tejera and Kevin Correia. The batters are still behind the pitchers. The only HR of the first round of BP was Todd Greene off of Michael Tejera. It seemed like Lowry was having trouble throwing strikes. The batters only took half a dozen swings off of him on 40 pitches or so. Barry Bonds was the only batter that made solid contact sending one pitch to the warning track. The batters weren't swinging and missing.....they were just letting the balls go by.

In the second round of BP, with the coaches pitching, the batters fared much better. Barry Bonds had a monster round hitting seven, mostly very long homeruns. Barry hit all seven HRs toward the end of his round. At one point he hit back to back HRs, one of which CLEARED the patio in RF on a line and the second one of which landed about 4/5ths of the way up the grass berm between the RF power alley and dead CF. At another point, he hit back-to-back-to-back HRs. Not as long as the other two, but none of them were cheapies either. Yeah.........Barry can still hit. Moises Alou had a very good round, hitting linedrive after linedrive. Lance Niekro continues to hit the ball VERY well as does Todd Greene. Randy Winn still has not found his stroke. The kids took BP on the practice field, so I was not able to see any of them hit.

I have received a number of requests for photos of the younger, Minor League players. I tried to focus on that request today. The photos of the outfielders were taken during the baserunning drill. The photos of the infielders were taken during the popup drill. The photos of the pitchers were taken during the live batting practice.

I have not seen any noticible limping from Barry Bonds. Of course he really hasn't run hard yet either. I don't think he has gotten used to his knee brace yet, though. He doesn't limp, but he sort of drags the leg that has the brace a little bit. I have read in the media that the brace is a large cumbersome contraption. I am not so sure that is 100% correct. While the brace is visible through Bonds' pants leg, you have to be looking for it and he has to be in the right position for it to be easily visible. The press has also remarked how slowly Bonds moves around the field, but anyone who has ever seen Bonds around the park will tell you he has always walked very slowly when he doesn't have to exert himself. I really don't see much difference in the way Bonds walks now as opposed to the way he walked a couple of years ago. As an aside, Moises Alou is another player who has always moved very slowly from place to place . If Bonds and Alou had a race walking from the field to the batting cages.....I'm not sure who would win. Their slowness is not age or injury related though, they both have always walked as slowly as molasses in January.

I continue to be surprised at the number of fans present each day. I imagine it is because it is MUCH more comfortable for the fans to watch practice at Scottsdale Stadium than it was at Indian School Park. The fans are also closer to the players at Scottsdale Stadium. It really is a good time for an avid baseball fan.

Batting Practice on a beautiful Arizona day.

Pitcher - Michael Tejera

Barry Bonds, up close and personal

Barry Bonds carrying hs bats to the batting cages.

Pitcher - Pedro Liriano

Firstbaseman - Chad Santos

Pitcher - Kevin Correia

Thirdbasemen - Brian Buscher & Pablo Sandoval

Shortstops - Jake Wald & Angel Chavez

Firstbaseman - Travis Ishikawa

Outfielder - Dan Ortmeier

Outfielder - Clay Timpner

Outfielder - Fred Lewis

Outfielder - Nate Schierholtz

Outfielder - Brian Horwitz

Michael Tejera and coach Mark Gardner

Merkin Valdez

The young outfielders, Nate Shierholtz, Fred Lewis, Clay Timpner, Brian Horwitz, Abraham Nunez, John Bowker and Dan Ortmeier

A group of the young pitchers, including Merkin Valdez, Matt Anderson, Brian Wilson, Brian Cooper, Erick Threets, Michael Tejera and Jeff Miller

A lot going on in this photo....Noah Lowry & Jason Schmidt talk in the foreground, while Lance Niekro fields a bunt and throws to Angel Chavez at 3B....meanwhile Merkin Valdez hits the deck so he doesn't catch the Niekro throw in his ear.

Kevin Frandsen with Angel Chavez in the background

Pedro Feliz & Angel Chavez at 3B

I have a lot of requsts for the younger players. Another Noah Lowry

February 23rd - My Day Off

Sorry folks. A friend of mine who I haven't seen for almost 15 years called and told me he was in town on business and was only free this morning I met up with him and caught up on old times instead of my usual ballpark routine. I did take him by Scottsdale Stadium, but we were only there for long enough for me to show him the park and watch just a little bit of batting practice.

The batters faced live batting practice against the pitchers again today. I saw Matt Morris, Armando Benitez and Tim Worrell pitch. If anything, the hitters did even worse against these three pitchers than they had done yesterday. Benitez was throwing smoke and it looked like he was throwing nothing but strikes. The hitters were totally overmatched. Barry Bonds did take Matt Morris to the warning track, but I didn't see many other hard hit balls.

I didn't take any photos. If I have time I will post a few photos that I took earlier but that haven't been posted here yet. Sorry......back to the normal routine tomorrow.

Live batting practice.....Scott Munter

Live batting practice.....Steve Kline

Live batting practice..........Tyler Walker

Live batting practice.......Jason Schmidt

Live batting practice.....Noah Lowry

Live batting practice......Brad Hennessey

Batting cage banter. Durham, Finley, Winn and hitting coach Joe Lefebvre

Angel Chavez and Kevin Frandsen turn the double play, while Omar Vizquel looks on.

My favorite young infielder, Kevin Frandsen, was added to the "big boys" group today. Here, he is fielding a groundball while Felipe Alou looks on. No pressure.

Ray Durham, turns the DP....trying not to be outdone by my boy Frandsen.

Just to give you an idea of how many players are in the Giants' camp. This is a photo of the pitchers and infielders only. The outfielders were clustered in the outfield.

February 22nd - The Bonds Watch Ends

Well, lets get this out of the way first. Barry arrived in camp today, as practically everyone in the world knows by now. The press coverage was ridiculous. I thought he looked in good shape and good spirits. He weighs probably 5-10 pounds less than he was last year....but not much more than that. He did a lot of smiling and a lot of visiting with teamates. He also participated in the same workout as everyone else.

Bonds took outfield practice and even made a behind the back catch. He did not move around too much, so it is hard to say how the knee was effecting him. One thing I noticed was when it was Bonds' or Alou's turn to catch a ball, the coaches hit the balls right to them so they didn't have to move much. When the coaches were hitting balls to other players, they made them run a lot more.

The team took live batting practice against live pitching (not coaches) for the first time this year. Jason Schmidt was the first pitcher, followed by Noah Lowry, then Brad Hennessey, then Tyler Walker, followed by Steve Kline and the final pitcher was Scott Munter. The pitchers were throwing to a catcher, taking signs and throwing both fastballs and breaking stuff. The hitters are WAY behind the pitchers, as is normal for this time of year. In over an hour of live batting practice, I don't think there were more than a dozen hard hit balls that would have been base hits in a game situation. The hitters did a lot of standing and watching the pitches go by, trying to regain their timing. Very few pitches were even hit into fair territory.

There was only ONE homerun.....as a matter of fact there was only one ball that was anywhere near a homerun. Guess who hit that? After looking not very good against Schmidt and watching a lot of pitches go by, Bonds, on about his 5th swing, hit a hard line drive that bounced off the facing of the new patio above the RF wall. That ball got out in a hurry and was still on it's way up as it slammed off the large steel girder that supports part of the patio. Seems like Bonds is ready to start right back were he left off.

After having some of the weakest swings yesterday, Moises Alou took some of the best today. Although no one really hit the ball hard off the pitchers, Moises made the most contact and actually hit a couple of hard line drives. I thought Noah Lowry was going to break Steve Finley's back when he threw him a nasty changeup when Finley was obviously looking for a fastball. For those of you worried about Scott Munter, he was throwing nice and loose with good sink on his pitches. He appears 100% healthy to me.

One encounter that I found pretty humorous occurred when Steve Kline was pitching to Lance Niekro. After looking pretty bad for most of their duel, Lance lined a low linedrive back to the mound that just missed Kline as it skipped into centerfield. Kline pretended to be upset, picked up a handful of dirt and threw it at Niekro. Both players had a good laugh. Of course, to show his competitive spirit, on the very next pitch, Kline threw Niekro an inside fastball and broke his bat. Niekro was complaining that his hands stung and Kline was telling him something to the effect of "that's what you get for almost hitting me". When Kline's session was through, he and Niekro got together and were having a hearty laugh about the whole thing. I really think Kline will be good for this team. The Giants need a joker like him to keep the team loose.

After that, the team took some more BP off of the coaches. I didn't stay for the entire session, but the hitters were doing much better against the coaches than they did against Schmidt, Lowry, Hennessey, Walker, Kline or Munter.

Bonds finished his day with about 45 minutes of press interviews in the dugout, while the rest of his teamates participated in the second session of BP.

I have posted several photos of Bonds below (as if even MORE photos of Bonds need to be posted on the web). I will post a few more photos of the other players a little later this evening.

Bonds after his first round of BP

Bonds waiting his turn in the cage

Bonds' HR swing off of Jason Schimidt. The only HR (or anyhing close) in over 1 hour of batters facing pitchers in live BP.

Bonds' first swing off of Jason Schmidt. A weak groundball to 2B.

Bonds getting ready or live batting practice

Outfield practice..Barry catches a flyball behind his back

Bonds returns to the dugout from the outfield

Bonds was chating it up with teamates when I first arrived

Billy Sadler

By request....Billy Sadler. Sorry..this is from the day I was not taking great photos. I will try to get you more.

February 21st - First Full Squad Workout

Today was the first full team workout of the spring. Pretty much everyone was present except for Barry Bonds. I must say.......full squad workouts are a lot more entertaining than workouts with just the pitchers and catchers. There must have been 50-60 fans there today, probably the most I have ever seen at a workout (excluding Sunday's Open House). It is particularly surprising for a weekday. Usually only us old retired guys are there during the week, 15 to 20 of us max.

Practice got started a little late. I am told that they had a 40-45 minute team meeting before taking the field. After team stretching, the pitchers disappeared (probably to bullpens and work on the half field) and the position players broke into a 7 position infield/outfield practice. The corner outfield positions fielded flies from a pitching machine while the centerfield position fielded ground balls. The 3 outfield positions then rotated regularly.

While that was going on, four coaches hit groundballs to 3B, SS, 2B and 1B. They did not work on throwing the ball around the infield, just on fielding the grounders. Jose Vizcaino rotated from SS to 3B to 1B. Angel Chavez rotated from SS to 3B. Pedro Feliz stayed at 3B, Omar Vizquel at SS and Mark Sweeney and Lance Niekro at 1B. Interestingly, Ray Durham was the only one fielding balls at 2B. By the way....the exact same workout was duplicated on the full practice field with the other half of the camp.

After this set of drills the pitchers rejoined the position players. The players then practiced called pickoff moves and the fielding the bunt. The coach would flash the signs, the pitcher would throw a ball to the plate (or to whatever base the coach had signaled for), the coach would then roll a ball out onto the infield and the players would field the "bunt" according to the play the coach had called when he flashed the signs.

After that, the pitchers again disappeared and four groups of four players took batting practice from batting practice pitchers (coaches). The first group consisted of Jason Ellison, Steve Finley, Randy Winn and Moises Alou. The second group was Pedro Feliz, Ray Durham, Omar Vizquel and Jose Vizcaino. The third group was Mike Matheny, Todd Greene, Mark Sweeney and Lance Niekro. The final group was Abraham Nunez, Angel Chavez, Dan Ortmeier and Todd Linden. As with the fielding drills, the remainder of the camp took batting practice on the other practice field.

Most of the players looked about like what you would expect in the first round of live batting practice of the year. The exceptions on the positive side were; Ellison who was spraying line drives all over the field from the time he stepped into the box. Niekro was just SMASHING everything. Rarely did he not hit a line drive and many of his hits went to the warning track, the wall or over the wall. Durham started out slow, but in the last half of his round, he was hitting the ball hard. Greene continues to hit the ball hard and Sweeney also did not look like he was coming back from a layoff. Pedro Feliz also had a good round of BP.

On the negative side; Moises Alou (a notorious slow starter) looked pretty bad. He was hitting an awful lot of weak groundballs. Winn also was not great, especially since he has been in camp all week. Linden was also not very good. Toward the end of his session, you could see that he was trying to the ball out and it was resulting in a number of weak flyballs. However, on his last two swings, Linden put both balls over the fence from the left side of the plate.

A number of players hit two HRs; Linden, Finley, Durham, Feliz, Sweeney and the kid, Daniel Ortmeier. Only one player hit more two HRs. Lance Niekro hit SIX homeruns, including two that went the opposite way and two that hit the top of the grass berm in back of the LF bullpen. In addition to that, Niekro hit an opposite field linedrive, that just missed going out by inches. That linedrive was just smoked and never went much higher than the fence during it's entire flight. Niekro was bouncing balls off the fence and off the warning track during his entire session. He looked to be in better than mid-season form.

The long drive of the day award went to Ray Durham (with honorable mention to Niekro for one of his drives to LF). Towards the end of his round, Durham hit a ball off the top of the new patio, which is on top of the hill, behind the RF bullpens. The fence at that location is about 380-390 feet and the patio roof is a good 80-100 feet behind the fence. In other words it was a very long drive for the first round of spring BP.

All in all a great day at the park. It was good to see all of the position players again. There is nothing that lifts your spirits like the sound of a wooden bat making contact with a baseball on a beautiful (almost) spring day. I almost feel guilty for having so much fun.....almost.

Ray Durham mugging for the camera.

Just another father & son day at the ole ballpark

An overall view of Infield/Outfield practice

Steve Finley making new friends

Ray Durham working on a drill to promote hand speed and reaction time

Ray Durham, Mark Sweeney and Lance Niekro take a little infield.

Mark Sweeney's FIRST batting practice swing as a San Francisco Giant

Steve Finley's FIRST batting practice swing as a San Francisco Giant.

Lance Niekro, Todd Greene and Mark Sweeney

Moises Alou......looking fit and trim.

Our new utility infielder (and once starting shortstop), Jose Vizcaino

Dan Ortmeier

Matt Morris and friends

Jason Ellison, Randy Winn and Steve Finley

Omar Vizquel & Moises Alou renew aquantances

Todd Linden

February 20th, 2006 - Short Day

Today was reporting day for the position players. The first full-squad workout is tomorrow. I got there a little late and found out that practice was shortened today because of the activity caused by the position players arriving, team physicals and the like. The only organized activity I saw today was one group of pitchers completing one drill and the same four catchers as yesterday (and the day before) taking batting practice. The workout was over before noon.

I did find out that there is actually a drill for the fake throw to 3B throw back to 1B pickoff attempt. That was the one drill I was able to see today. Funny.....I thought that was something pitchers just improvised by the seat of their pants.......but no, they actually have an organized drill for it. No matter how long you watch and/or play baseball.....you can always learn something new.

The fans were back to being restricted to the area near the 1B dugout, so apparently yesterday was the only chance I will have to see the pitchers throw their bullpen sessions.....bummer. Activity should pick up tomorrow with the full squad workout. I don't know how long it will be before the pitchers actually throw batting practice, but I am looking forward to seeing someone other than Matheny, Haad, Knoedler & Greene swing the bat. Also on that note, Matheny hit his first HR of the spring (that I have seen anyway)....a towering drive that landed like a 9 iron about 30 feet beyond the LF (visitor's) bullpen.

The media really descended on the stadium like a pack today. All of the Bay Area TV stations were there as well as the local stations. I guess they don't care too much about pitchers and catchers...but when the position players start to show up, they take notice. Maybe they were all hoping to get a look at you know who, should he arrive today. At any rate....he hadn't by the time I left at noon.

That's about it for today. I took very few photos, a selection of which are posted below.

The coaches are really keeping an eye on Matt Anderson

Jeff Miller & Ron Perranoski......the new and the old

Michael Tejera & Mark Gardner

Matt Kinney

Merkin Valdez

Erick Threets

Ray Durham being set upon by the media

Noah Lowry

Brian Wilson

Justin Knoedler & Mike Matheny follow the fight of a ball that Todd Greene takes off the LF wall. Does Knoedler look worried?

Mike Matheny & Todd Greene

Justin Knoedler taking a practice swing

Justin Knoedler, Mike Matheny and Yamid Haad

February 19th, 2006 - The Players

One of the best things about the Open House is it allowed me to see a bullpen session for the first time this year. I had a great view of the gang bullpens and saw the below pitchers throwing their bullpen sessions. They all looked to be throwing well....although it is pretty hard to keep track of who is doing what when eight pitchers are all throwing side by side. I would imagine that is why they had six coaches for eight pitchers. At least it adds a slight degree of control to the situation.

The photos below are the only players I have throwing their bullpens. I have more than one shot of a couple of them......but no additional photos of different pitchers.

I didn't pay much attention to the remainder of the drills today. I spent too much time touring or watching the bullpen session. As I was leaving I did get a few more shots of the catchers taking BP again. Matheny was hitting the ball with a little more authority than yesterday and Greene was still hitting rockets. I included several photos above, just because I think they are better photos than the ones I posted of the same guys yesterday.

It was a good day at the old ballpark......of course.....is there such a thing as a BAD day at the ballpark????

This is what it looks like when you put them all together. Organized confusion.

Our new and former setup guy, Tim Worrell

Our new #2 starter, Matt Morris

The new guy competing for the 5th starter's spot, Jamey Wright

"The Franchise"....Matt Cain (no pressure)

Another young gun, Jeremy Accardo

Armando Benitez gets his throwing in, under the watchful eye of Mark Gardner

The old master, Jeff Fassero

Young Jack Tashner

February 19th, 2006 - Open House

Today was kind of cool because the City of Scottsdale sponsored an Open House at the newly remodeled Scottsdale Stadium. Anyone who wanted to, could take a self-guided tour including access to the Press Box and the new deck area above the RF wall. I spent most of the day walking around the park. The views from the new deck are great. As I said in prior posts, the deck is the only area of the park that affords a 360 degree view of the entire complex. Unfortunately, they have not been allowing fans access to the deck except for today's Open House.

I am splitting today's entry into two posts. One explaining the photos of the park itself and one devoted to the players. Below are a selection of photos taken from around the park. I think I included photos from pretty much every vantage point. I have more from different angles is anyone is interested. Since one picture is worth a thousand words, I think the photos describe the place better than I ever could......so I will let them.

I posted the City of Scottsdale website address once before. It details the improvements much better than I could, including a PDF format rendering of what the finished site will look like. I am posting that link once again below, in case anyone is interested in the details of both the Scottsdale Stadium and Indian School Park remodels.

Spring Training Facilities Renovation Plan

View of main stadium from down the RF line

This is the new full practice field. Also only fully visible from the deck.

View from Upper Reserved seats right behind home lpate.

These are the gang pitching mounds. They are only visible from the new deck in RF

This is the new half practice field. Also only visible from the new deck.

This is a view of the main field from the new private party deck

Conference Room in Press Box Area

Break Room in the Press Box......they treat the Press well

This is the new private party deck above the RF wall

View of the main field from the Press Box

View from dead Centerfield

Another Accardo

By request.....yes, I have seen Jeremy Accardo around (by the way.....that's Morris and Cain in the same photo)

February 18th, 2006

Beautiful day here in Arizona. They say it is only 65 degrees, but I spent from 9:30 to 12:30 at the park and was perfectly comfortable in a polo shirt. Great day for a little baseball!

Today was a pretty low key day. Not much happening in the main park. The four pitching groups rotated through a strictly lecture session where Alou, Righetti and Pujols seemed to be laying down the law as to how they expect things to be done. Omar Vizquel and Angel Chavez took a little infield. One thing that is encouraging to me so far is that Omar and Angel appear to be attached at the hip. Where Omar goes......so goes Angel. That is a GOOD thing. If ANY of Omar can rub off on Angel.......we may just have a future infielder.

Jason Ellison took some more flyballs along with Adam Shabala and another outfielder I didn't recognize. The early arriving position players are not wearing uniforms....so you need to recognize the faces........too many young guys for me to keep track of without uniform numbers. The lone exception was Nate Schierholtz, who was proudly wearing #46 as he returned from the batting cages. I also saw Todd Linden for the first time today. There seem to be an awful high percentage of position players already in camp. Off the top of my head, I have seen Chavez, Vizquel, Niekro, Ellison, Lewis, Linden, Schierholtz, Winn, Frandsen, McMains and Shabala so far........plus another 4-6 young players I didn't recognize. Darn good early turnout. I think these guys want to play!

I saw the first round of batting practice today. Catchers Mike Matheny, Yamid Haad, Todd Greene and Justin Knoedler took a full round of batting practice. I was busy talking with the security guy when the round started....the balls were hit so weakly that I thought the pitchers were taking live BP, until I looked more closely. The only exception was Todd Greene. He came out swinging hard and was spraying line drives all over the park. A full round of batting practice from the 4 catchers did not produce a single HR......although Matheny hit the wall once and Greene hit the wall twice. But mostly pretty weak. It must be hard to get your timing back after a long off-season layoff. These four were the only players to take live BP.

A few photos are posted below. Someone requested a photo of Merkin Valdez throwing off the mound. I can't do that right now, so I included a photo of Merkin warming up. The bullpens where the pitchers do their throwing are hidden behind the deck you see in the photo of the RF area below. They are limiting the fans to the area around the 1B dugout......so I can not get to an area where I can watch the bullpen sessions. I wish I could. I would love to be able to get up there on that deck. You would have a 360 degree view of the entire facility. Without watching bullpen sessions.....the first workouts with pitchers and catchers only is a little boring. But as I have always said.....any baseball is better than no baseball at all.

At any rate, I only took 68 photos today as opposed to the 119 I took yesterday. I think the quality is a lot better today. I told you it would get better. I just had to play with the camera a little bit and remember how I did it last year. As I said yesterday....I will continue to do my best to fill specific requests for photos. It might get a little harder as time goes by, I have been a little surprised at the volume I am getting here. It's fun......but it's time consuming too. I will do my best.

The vets & the braintrust discussing the day's workout schedule

New scoreboard

Scott Munter throwing nice and loose, while Jason Schmidt looks on

Mike Matheny in the cage

Players warming up. Also a good shot of the new RF configuration with the new party patio above the bullpen.

Yes prospect fans....there was a Nate Schierholtz sighting

Our new backup catcher, Todd Greene in the cage. Everything he hit was on a line!

More warmups.......no change to the LF area of the park

To answer someone's question......Todd Greene is wearing #78. Geez, couldn't they find a better number for a Major League vet?

Another Jason Ellison photo......to further the discussion as to how long he spent in the weight room during the off-season.

Merkin Valdez warming up

Noah Lowry warming up

Omar Vizquel.......still working hard for his WBC appearances

The Skipper, Felipe Alou

Angel Chavez & Omar Vizquel.....practicing the DP

Mike Matheny.....is that a tumor in your left cheek??

For Dr B....another shot of Erick Threets. That uniform is hanging on him.

Requested photo....Jack Taschner

Requested photo......Jeff Miller

Requested photo....Jack Tashner

Requested photo......Jeff Miller

Requested photo......Jeff Miller

Requested photo.......Noah Lowry. Not a good photo, I will get more over the next few weeks.

Requested photo.......Scott Munter looks healthy and ready to go.

Second Day of Workouts - MUCH Better

I guess I should have waited a day before complaining about the lack of access at Scottsdale Stadium. I went down to the park this morning and was surprised to find that I was let in. The Security guy said it changed from minute to minute and that they were just told this morning to allow fans in. Fans were limited to the seats behind the 1B dugout, so we were limited in what we could see......but any access is better than none at all. I still had no way to view the bullpens or the other practice fields/locations, but I had a GREAT view of what was going on inside the main stadium.

Basically, the entire morning was taken up with 4 different groups of pitchers being lectured on and working on drills that had to do with holding runners on base. The workout itself was a little boring (as pitching drills usually are), but I got to see all of the pitchers that were invited to camp as well as the various position players who drifted by and took infield or chased flyballs.

I don't think there is any doubt that Armando Benitez is a good 20-30 pounds lighter than he was at this time last year. His legs in particular, were lighter and he appeared less flabby all around. Jason Schmidt looks good. I worried that he was too light at this time last year. I was shocked at how skinny he was when he reported to camp in February of 2005. This year, it looks like he is 10-15 pounds heavier and is closer to his physique prior to last year. I would think that would help his stamina over the course of the year. I might be wrong.......but Lance Niekro also looked less flabby than I remembered him. Tyler Walker on the other hand.....still looked pretty darn soft.

I apologize for the quality of the photos. It was overcast today and it usually takes me a couple of days to remember how to take the best photos.....so the photos from today are grainy. I used the "sports action" setting for most of the shots......it looks like that was a mistake. Hopefully, the photos will get better as time goes on. I took 119 photos, including most of the young pitchers. I am posting only a small selection here. If you have any specific requests, let my know by clicking on the "comments" link. I will either post the photo you want if I have it already.......if not I will try to get it at one of the later workouts.

Kevin Frandsen.....already in camp and ready to go!

Fresno Grizzlies (AAA) pitching coach Trevor Wilson....remember him?

Benitez may have lost weight......But Tyler Walker sure hasn't

Randy Winn....in camp early to prepare for the WBC

Timmeeehhhhh (Tim Worrell) is back and looking like he is in great shape

Omar flashes his gold glove style

Yes, there was an Omar Vizquel sighting

This is what I saw all day. Coaches explaining "Hold the Runner" drills to 4 groups of pitchers.

Lance Niekro is in camp early

Matt Cain.....the pitching savior, preparing for an interview

Mike Matheny

Armando Benitez.....still a big man, but you can see where lost a lot of weight compared to Spring Training last year.

Jason Schmidt..I called him TOO skinny last spring. Looks like he has put on a couple of pounds

Jason Ellison practicing in the outfield

First Day of Spring Workouts

The first day of Spring Training finally arrived......but what a bummer it turned out to be. I drove down to Scottsdale Stadium at about 9:00 this morning. When I arrived, I found that they were not allowing fans into the stadium. No problem, I thought, when I was here in January, the entire practice facility was surrounded by chainlink fence and was easily visible from all around the exterior. The only vision obstructions were the centerfield areas, which had a high "batter's eye" made of a green mesh material. So I walked around the complex, looking for a good spot to watch the action, once the players dispersed from the main stadium area.

To my great disappointment, I found that the exterior chainlink fence, was now lined with the same green mesh material as I had earlier seen with the batter's eyes. This is the type of material that they use at Little League and recreational fields to create shade. You can sort of see shadows through it......but you can't really see what is going on or take photos through it. I walked around the exterior of the entire complex and almost the entire perimeter was obstructed by the green mesh.

The only area visible to an interested fan (such as myself), was a few yards of the fence around the infield area of one of the practice fields. I couldn't tell if they just hadn't hung the mesh up there yet, or if they were going to leave it open. Half of the open area, the 1B side, will not be accessible in any event because it parallels Osborn Rd, where they were in the process of planting trees and other landscaping to block the view. I am pretty sure the City of Scottsdale won't want fans trampling over the new landscaping to get a peek at the players.

In looking around the complex, I found it was impossible to see any of the pitching mounds (the "gang" mounds where several pitchers get in their work at the same time), the half practice field, the batting cages, most of the full practice field and you could only get a tiny glimpse of the main field from way down the LF corner about 500 feet from home plate. I posted the view of the main field below.......as you can see, it is too far away to really see anything. The other photos below will give you an idea of the material that surrounds the fields. No way would anyone stand and try to watch what is going on through that stuff.

By the time I left at about 10:15, no one had appeared on the practice field where there was a small viewable area. I would imagine when the position players arrive, there will be more action on that field. As of right now.....there isn't really much reason for a fan to go down to the Scottsdale Stadium complex at all. Spring Training, before games start, has reached an all-time low. I have been saying that it has been getting less and less fan friendly for years now. But to shut out the fans almost totally is something I never thought I would see.

Now.........to further cloud up the issue. As I was driving back to my condo from the stadium, my cell phone rings. It is my son telling me I must be happy because he read in the San Francisco Chronicle, that the Giants would be opening the stadium up to the fans this year. When I got back to the condo......I check the Chronicle on-line and sure enough....Henry Schulman says "In a departure from past years, fans will be allowed into Scottsdale Stadium to watch the first two weeks of practice because most players will work out there, rather than at Indian School Park."

Chronicle - Giants Notebook

So now......I don't know if they WILL open practices up to the fans at some point, or if Schulman's article was just incorrect. I have e-mails out to several sources now, trying to get that question answered. As of now.......I would say don't bother going down to the practices.....it would pretty much be a waste of your time.

Oh....as a side note, I went down to Indian School Park to see if anything was going on there. There were about half a dozen players, not in uniform working out on one of the fields. I assumed they were Minor Leaguers who arrived at camp early, since Minor League camp doesn't open until March 2nd, I hear. Other than that, nothing was going on at Indian School Park.....so unless Schulman is right and the Giants start opening up Scottsdale Stadium.......us mere fans will not be able to see much of the Giants until the first Spring Training games. How disappointing.

View obstruction of practice field caused by green mesh

View of Scottsdale Stadium playing field - 20X zoom

Best view of Scottsdale Stadium playing field - No Zoom

Feeling Nostalgic

Well, here I am only 2 days before leaving for Scottsdale. I thought I would make one more post from the Bay Area. I was looking through some of the older photos and feeling a little nostalgic, so I decided to post a few photos of some of the 2000 team. All of these photos were taken at Spring Training 2000. Gosh, I miss some of these guys........or more accurately......I miss what they used to bring to the team.

Of course.....Russ Davis and Marvin Benard.........I just included them for comic relief.

Robby Thompson.......a coach in 2000. One of my all-time favorites

Robb Nen......a real warrior

Russ Ortiz

Billy Mueller.....mugging for the camera

Marvelous Marvin......remember how he refused to allow his helmet to be cleaned?

Felipe Crespo.....one of the few players, not named Bonds, to hit McCovey cove more than once

Marvin Benard......swinging and missing.....AGAIN!!

Jeff Kent.......another bat that was never replaced

Rich Aurilia

Rich Aurilia, JT Snow and Kirk Rueter

Ellis Burkes........have the Giants missed his bat or what?

Russ Davis....Rooooooooos

Bobby Estalella.....aka Bobby CHESTalella

Aaron Fultz

JT Snow

Cactus League Stadiums

Posted below are four Cactus League ballparks. I was sure I had taken photos of every park, but I have not. I have taken photos IN every park, but I have not taken photos OF as many parks as I had thought.

The top three parks are three of the best parks in Arizona. Surprise, Peoria, Maryvale plus Scottsdale stadium are my four favorites. They are all beautiful fields that are always kept immaculate.

The bottom park, Hi Corbett Field, is one of my two least favorite parks. Phoenix Muni, where the A's play, is my other least favorite park. Hi Corbett is little more than a high school park with only four rows of box seats. It has one of the smallest (I believe THE smallest) capacities in the Cactus League. At least it does have some history. Hi Corbett used to be the spring home of the Cleveland Indians. It is where the Spring Training scenes from the movie "Major League" were shot.

I will try to remember to get photos of the other parks when March rolls around. I still need to add Phoenix Muni (A's), Tucson Electric Park (Diamondbacks & White Sox), Ho Ho Kam Park (Cubs) and (Tempe Diablo Angels). The only one I am not going to this year is Mesa.

By the way.....If you click on any of the photos, you will get a larger, clearer version.

Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria AZ - Home of the San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners

Surprise Stadium, Surprise, AZ - Home of the Kansas City Royals & the Texas Rangers

Maryvale Stadium, Phoenix, AZ - Home of the Milwaukee Brewers

Hi Corbett Field, Tucson, AZ - Home of the Rockies

Will There be Access to Practices at Scottsdale Stadium?

I am leaving for Scottsdale on February 15th, and I still have no idea whether the Giants will be allowing public access to the practices at the new Scottsdale Stadium practice facilities. In his article on the Giants website, Rich Draper was non-committal regarding access at the stadium.

Fan Guide : San Francisco Giants

I e-mailed Rich to find out whether he definitively knew if fans would be able to view the practices at Scottsdale Stadium. His response was :

I asked the Giants that very same question, but the response was, "We don't know ... check with us in Scottsdale." Indian School was nice in that regard -- you could get real close to the players. But with the new configuration at Scottsdale Stadium I guess they're not sure what to do. Maybe there's added expense with more security. I guess we'll find out when we get there. --Rich

So.....even the guy who writes all of the articles for the Giants' website has no idea. I hope he is wrong about it being a "cost issue" though. I have never seen more than about 20-30 fans at Indian School Park at one time and that is only on weekends. I have never seen any problems of any kind at the practices (even though the Giants have 2 security people and usually Scottsdale PD has an officer there also). The practice sessions have always been very laid back. At 51 years old I am the YOUNG guy at the mid-week practice sessions.

So considering the Giants are now getting $23.00 per seat from me once the actual Spring Training games start (when I can remember paying $5), I sure hope that cost of a couple of security guards (who aren't needed anyway) won't be a reason for closing spring practices to the fans.

I guess Rich is right. We will find out when we get there.