For the first time in the ten years since I moved to Los Angeles, the city is abuzz with Spring Training news and planning, despite the recent economic crunch. And for good reason too; the Los Angeles Dodgers have moved from Vero Beach, FL to Glendale, AZ and even though tickets are not on sale for the games yet, the Dodgers expect to open their 2009 campaign on the west side of the U.S. this year.
Anticipating the mad rush to book the LAX/Phoenix flight, I was forced to make Spring Training plans early.
I love Spring Training. It is truly one of the highlights of the season for me; a chance to see the new A's team up close and personal; to get great seats for $20-ish a ticket, along with the possibility of a chance meeting with any number of Major League Baseball players in a favorite restaurant.
It's a relaxed atmosphere where you are likely to see A's players, management, and broadcasters milling about; where hopes of the upcoming season are high, and excitement is in the air. Could this be the team? Will these be the players?
I know that some ANers have picked the second weekend in March as their Spring Training vacation, so if you are looking for some AN friends, feel free to respond in this thread. Likewise, if you are looking for a weekend to go, I'd recommend that one. A's home tickets went on sale in November, and many other parks will go on sale in the upcoming two weeks, including (I'm assuming) the brand-new Dodgers Spring Training Stadium.
So let's talk about Spring Training. Favorite restaurants, favorite parks, best seats, favorite players. Let's get ready for 2009!
0 recs | 74 comments
a little off topic, but Blez,
will all this new year count down stuff around, I started wondering if AN could get a countdown clock to show how many months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds until “pitchers and catchers report”, “full squad workouts”, “first exibition game”, and finaly “opening day”….
I think it would be fun and it’s probably very simple. The only questions are if there is room for and if anyone else thinks its a good idea…
tosk - December 31, 2008
PLUS THE GIANTS BLOG HAS ONE!
don’t be second best, Blez!
mikev - December 31, 2008
I would think theirs would count down how long until the season ENDS
Zing!
Nico - December 31, 2008
It's usually around May, isn't it?
Double-zing!
67MARQUEZ - December 31, 2008
Is that when Zito has made 6 starts?
Triple-zing in “Z” formation!!!!
Nico - December 31, 2008
yup, 15 innings of work, more or less...
skutch - January 1, 2009
ST Virgin
Whooo, glad this topic came up. It’s gonna be my first time heading out there, and had questions about what to do, what to see, where to eat, etc.
thx bbg
ironliver - December 31, 2008
What would you like to know? :-)
Ask away!
baseballgirl - December 31, 2008
I'd love to go,
but it isn’t going to happen this year. Maybe next.
alox - December 31, 2008
I had to make the choice
between a ST trip or season tickets. The tickets won, but I’m hoping to go next year.
lynnzgal - December 31, 2008
At least it was easy choice!
ST may be a blast, but I’d rather watch the games that matter.
alox - December 31, 2008
Exactly.
Is it April yet?
lynnzgal - December 31, 2008
was in advanced stages of planning to go
and then yesterday lost my job. wooo. so plans put on ice…
alea iacta est - December 31, 2008
Sorry to hear, but drown your sorrows at the Pink Pony!
First one’s on me. Like bbg, I’ll be there the weekend of 3/13-3/16. Come one, come all!
Nico - December 31, 2008
Lo siento mi amigo!
That’s a huge downer and sorry to hear that. Ninja Cat should cheer you up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLIPWjks_M
Taj Adib - December 31, 2008
eh
it’s not the end of the world (that happens tonight).
i’ll get another job. and i get to work on my screenplay. it’s about time traveling. was there ever a bad film about time travel? apart from back to the future three. which is only bad because the first two were so good.
but i’ll be renewing my mlb.com audion subscription – best ten dollars i spent all year! i’m expecting to hear ’let’s go AN’ chants in the background at every game. or i shall be ver dissapointed
alea iacta est - December 31, 2008
BEST Time Travel Movie Ever:
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.
Taj Adib - December 31, 2008
Yikes
Good luck getting back on your feet.
JLaff - December 31, 2008
more distressingly
there’s no mark ellis page on facebooks.
i am clearly doing no work on my last day here. sticking it to the man!
alea iacta est - December 31, 2008
We tried to warn you about that minimalist approach to the "flair" accoutrements ...
The Dogfather - December 31, 2008
Will be there the 2nd weekend in March...
Can’t wait, always my favorite trip of the year.
OaktownPower - December 31, 2008
See you then, OP!
Nico - December 31, 2008
See you then too, OP, N, and BBG
Also, we’re going to watch my uncle compete in mounted shooting at some sort of rodeo event down there – Scottsdale I think. Basically, he rides his horse around a course and shoots balloon targets. The course changes with every competition, and has required a lot of training on his part (and the horse’s!) So a little baseball and a little rodeo/conservative propaganda…
Mark H - December 31, 2008
Interesting...
baseballgirl - December 31, 2008
You too Nico...
Look forward to seeing ya.
OaktownPower - December 31, 2008
I wish I could, but I'm broke :(
mikev - December 31, 2008
I'm going the 1st week of March.
Going to see the homes games the 4th, 5th and 6th against the White Sox, the Mariners and the Republic of South Africa (I think they are a team in Nico’s “forgotten” Sub-Saharan African Division).
I’m wondering if anyone knows of a decent, affordable hotel near Phoenix Muni. Every year I’ve gone out there I’ve either stayed with friends or stayed in a crummy hotel miles away from the park in the bad part of town and I’m kind of tired of doing both of those things.
Taj Adib - December 31, 2008
There's a Motel 6 just a few blocks from the ballpark, on East Van Buren
(the ballpark is at the end of East Van Buren). For those who see all accommodations as near equal because they won’t be there much anyway, it’s a good choice IMO, as it’s both cheaper and closer than any other option.
Nico - December 31, 2008
Rats!
Just czeched it out and there are no rooms available. Maybe the South African team is renting the whole place out for the week…
Taj Adib - December 31, 2008
You can
do a hotel search near the ballpark’s address on any of the travel websites to get a list of nearby hotels…
Phoenix Municipal Stadium
5999 East Van Buren
Phoenix, AZ 85008
jakebmill - December 31, 2008
Use light rail
The new light rail line will allow you to get to Muni from many parts of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. It won’t get you to Glendale or Surprise.
As for hotels, I suggest Tempe. There are several reasonably-priced chains there. Plus the people-watching on Mill is always great.
vertig0 - December 31, 2008
Thanks to the light rail construction,
I had a bad argument with my GPS thing in downtown Phoenix.
me: “I can’t turn left here…” {keeps driving}
GPS (in a snotty voice): “ReCALCulating. In point one miles, turn left.”
me: “I can’t turn left anywhere…” {keeps driving}
GPS: “ReCALCulating. In point one miles, turn left.”
me: “I’m making a 270-degree right turn around the block! BITE ME, GPS!”
The next day, that little m’f-er sent me to a WalMart in Coolidge, AZ when I asked it for directions to Hohokam Park.
Poppy - December 31, 2008
Is the computer made by Diebold, by any chance?
“I need directions to the hospital emergency room!!!”
“Turn left in point one miles and park at Walmart. Walmart good. Support Walmart if it’s the last thing you ever do. ReCALCulating…You have bled to death.”
Nico - December 31, 2008
I also recommend the Motel 6
It’s within walking distance and there’s also a bus stop right by the motel, if I believe. Then again, I went as a starving college student, so I was just happy with a bed and a locking door.
JLaff - December 31, 2008
I am going the first week also.
We usually go mid – late March, but have heard that earlier weeks are excellent. We like to check out Papago park as well, which isn’t far from Ph Muni. Going to the A’s/Cubs game on the 3rd at Hohokam as well.
This will be my 3rd time going in 4 years and I stay at a diff hotel everytime (haven’t found one I like yet). I stayed at a Red Roof that was just down the street from Ph Muni (on Van Buren) and it was horrible.
jakebmill - December 31, 2008
I would strongly recc using Priceline...
I got a nice place in Scottsdale for about a third of list price for that weekend. You can pick small pockets in the Phoenix area and name your own price….Worked amazingly well for me the last 2 years there.
OaktownPower - December 31, 2008
Ill be there the 3rd-4th week..
I will be attending the A’s/ Cubs game on the 23th of March.. and The Cubs/ Rockies game the next day (both of my cousins are Cubs fans)
Socalfan21 - December 31, 2008
I don't know what games we'll be attending or where we'll be staying,
But Mr. Poppy & I will be there sometime between March 21 and March 27, to coincide with my spring break from school. I’d much rather go earlier in the month, like we did last year — but I’m glad we get to go at all, considering the whole “supporting three people on 1.25 incomes” thing we’re working with now…
Poppy - December 31, 2008
Hoping to find myself in Phoenix come the second weekend in March as well,
just not set in stone yet.
pam5981 - December 31, 2008
can I crash on your floor?
I haven’t decided yet if I’m going, but if I do, that would be the weekend…
gigglingone - December 31, 2008
That would be awesome!
baseballgirl - December 31, 2008
Just gotta work out the details...
and the money and vacation time too…little things ya know.
pam5981 - December 31, 2008
Sounds like an AN Day at Phoenix Muni
LongTimeFan - December 31, 2008
I went to spring training once,
and I remember the long drive out into the desert, and prodigious amounts of alcohol, and naked painted people and techno blaring at all hours of the day…
…oh, wait, that was Burning Man…
Gaijin_Suketto - December 31, 2008
Angels sign fuentes
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081231&content_id=3730695&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp
greenpaddedgloves - December 31, 2008
This posting lines right up with my anxiety...
Can rotoworld get a different top story for the A’s now? Geez, I am tired of seeing that GA crap. How about a Dunn/Sheets/Lowe/Burrell rumor? For the love of all that matters!
Buck Turgidson - December 31, 2008
Not sure when but I'll be there
Not sure why but seems like I end up going in odd years…same thing with AN Day
easyraider - December 31, 2008
Where to eat?
Anyone have recommendations on some nice restaurants to eat near the stadium or in the Phoenix area?
ironliver - December 31, 2008
I'll be there...
3/12-3/16. Although my friend and I are skipping the Giants game Saturday (we always seem to catch that game). Think we’re gonna go check out the new White Sox (and Dodgers) park that day.
SwisherGirl33 - December 31, 2008
Seems like we're on the same vacation schedule ;-)
pam5981 - December 31, 2008
We must connect, ladies!
It’ll be a whole ANapalooza-extravaganza!!!
Nico - December 31, 2008
We ran into SwisherGirl33 and friend in Seattle the last weekend in September, too.
This time we can make sure to do it on purpose :)
pam5981 - December 31, 2008
huh.
I’m going then too!! although I’m staying longer. maybe I’ll see you guys, if I’m not too busy attacking Swooney and Unicorn for autographs. :-) Sounds like this spring training is going to be more fun than last year. whopee!!
{yawns} Happy new year, everyone!
#14fan - January 1, 2009
3/12 - 3/15
I hope to be at ST too.
I also recommend the Motel 6 in Tempe,. it’s a little farther than the one on Van Buren but a nicer neighborhood and not far from downtown Tempe.
geogrman - December 31, 2008
And folks, avoid the Motel 6 Black Canyon
It’s far from the ballpark and it’s located in a neighborhood where you can find hookers and drug dealers within a block.
And I don’t want them to sell out all their rooms before I have a chance to make reservations.
Nico - December 31, 2008
Yea ive gone past 3 years
I stay in scottsdale, that area is so nice. Great golf to when your not at a game. Not going this year though, had somethign else coming up. Yea you see the players everywhere. I saw travis buck and Dan johnson out a couple years ago at bar. Travis buck was drinking water lol. Go Majrlies bar in phoenix downtown and also a resturant, place is awesome and alot of suns players go there if there in town.
buckfan6 - December 31, 2008
I googled Gregorio Petit and see he is hitting .315 with an 800 OPS
in 203 at bats in the Venezuelan league FWIW
In case anyone is interested.
There are stories that you need subscriptions to, to be able to read the full article.
Trainman - December 31, 2008
Too bad the A's hate him
I rather like him.
Nico - December 31, 2008
Me too.
I don’t really see why Hu would be any better than him…
muffinpryde - January 3, 2009
Way more pop
I think the A’s concern is that Petit will hit like Crosby (.240/.300) but with even less slugging. Hu actually could slug .400+ if he can hit major league pitching at all.
Nico - January 3, 2009
Really looking forward to going.
Been using my high-speed camera for various things and I can’t wait to use it for its intended purpose. :)
Kyle Boddy - January 1, 2009
Porn?
alox - January 1, 2009
Baseball groupies gone wild!
The Dogfather - January 1, 2009
going again, for the umpteenth time...
it’s how I hooked my wife on baseball (she could see hunky dudes close up).
a couple of good things to do:
—go to Phoenix Muni around 9:30 or so on game days, especially road days, and watch BP etc. The gates are open and there’s no one there— it’s a blast if you like to watch practice (which I do).
—spend a few mornings at Papago watching the minor league camp. you can wander around at will, see the next wave, maybe bump into Billy, shag some home run balls near the parking lot.
—if you’re on a budget, but have a car, try the Motel 6 in Scottsdale next to Fashion Square. Nicer than the others, still cheap, and next to the Pancake House (Dutch babies).
—or try to the Country Inn and Suites on Scottsdale Rd @ at I-60. It’s a longer walk to Phoenix Muni (half an hour if you motor, but a nice walk through a desert park), but a step up from Motel 6 on Van Buren.
skutch - January 1, 2009
So looking at you, at point blank range, with a magnifying glass,
still doesn’t satisfy the “hunky dude up close” need?
Nico - January 1, 2009
that would be, "Hey dude, you're too close!"
skutch - January 2, 2009
If you like watching practice . . .
go before the games begin (I’m taking my family 02/15 thru 02/21) and hit Papago Park. Players report around Valentines every year and they will be at Papago going thru infield, bp, situations, etc. all morning every day. You can hear every conversation near the backstop and practically mingle with the players & coaches. Also, intra-squad games are awesome. The best part is that it is free. If you are there to be close to the players – especially stars – and watch them play ball you can’t beat workouts at Papago. This year should be really good for Papago also because of players working back from injuries, so they should report early as should the new guys like Holliday, ManRam {crosses fingers}, et al.
As for food – Pete’s Fish and Chips is a fast food staple that cannot be missed. Also, there is a great authentic family-owned Mexican restaurant on VanBuren and 48th-ish (Los Jaritos?) and an awesome bbq joint on VanBuren between 40th and the ballpark called Honey Bears. Besides all of the trendy places in old Scottsdale that are cool too . . . .
bvank - January 1, 2009
still paying attention to this post?
you’ve made this pre-ST trip before? when do the major leaguers and near-major leaguers split off and do their workouts at Phoenix Muni? Not til the ST schedule starts? I’m all over this—especially since I have little kids who can’t sit in one spot for three hours.
skutch - January 2, 2009
I have 100 of those
Nico - January 2, 2009
only 100?
Howard Jarvis must be spinning in his grave (he is dead, isn’t he?).
skutch - January 2, 2009
Sorry, been a busy couple of days
When we went four years ago we got there the day that games began and only managed to see Scutaro, Byrnes and Charles Thomas taking bp on one field. The next day was an off day and the day after that was wall-to-wall minor leaguers. The minor league days are cool too because there is activity on every field, batting cage, practice mound etc., but they are minor leaguers.
I’m looking forward to bringing my toddlers for the same reason you are. Have a great time!
bvank - January 3, 2009
and by the way, that Country Inn is @ 202 and Scottsdale...those freeways all look the same
skutch - January 2, 2009
Just drove by yesterday...
and I think you meant the Country Inn and Suites on Scottsdale Road and the 202, not I-60. I-60 would be a bit of a hike… :)
ChandlerAsFan - January 4, 2009
Light Rail/Restaurants/Hotels
I happen to make my home in the Valley of the Sun, so I’m a bit spoiled… I take a week off every year in March for my birthday and some spring training games. Love it. Love it alot. I just happened to read this article the other day right before this post originated and it has some good suggestions for where to eat along the light rail route:
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2009-01-01/restaurants/all-aboard-for-the-best-eateries-on-the-light-rail/
I can personally vouch for Matt’s Big Breakfast… pretty much the best breakfast gig in town. Pane Bianco is awesome as well (see below re: Pizzeria Bianco, the same owner).
The rides are only $2.50/day for unlimited boardings, so you could also hop off downtown and check out Chase Field (the food’s not great, but Friday’s Front Row has a balcony overlooking the field that’s pretty cool). Immediately west of the park on Jackson Street is Alice Cooperstown… fun, kinda rock-n-rolly/sporty/drinky kinda atmosphere. (http://www.alicecooperstown.com/)
Also, if most critics (myself included) are to be believed, the best pizza in the USA is at Pizzeria Bianco. Be warned. It opens at 5:00 p.m., and if you’re in line later than 3:30, you’re not getting seated until 7:30 or 8:00. If you have a long wait, put your name in at the restaurant, and go next door to his bar and kill the evening with appetizers and drinks, the food is awesome. Nice wine selection too, if that’s your thing.
http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/
As far as the hotel situation… rates skyrocket in March, so it’s kinda hit and miss. You might do a search for homes or apartments for rent by the week… Homeaway.com has some nice listings. I can definitely second the advice about the Motel 6 next to Scottsdale Fashion Square and The Original Pancake House. It’s a quiet, almost upscale property, not what you might expect. Also, the Motel 6 on Chandler Blvd. and Interstate 10 is clean and quiet, about a 10 minute drive from Tempe/Phoenix Muni if you have a car. The light rail system will be helpful too… if you can find a decent property along the line say… in Mesa, or downtown Phoenix, you might save some money on a hotel and just travel a bit farther by train (of course, if any of you ride BART, our system will seem kind of quaint I’m sure).
ah hell… now I’m all psyched for ST to begin again and it’s 2 months away. Sigh…
ChandlerAsFan - January 2, 2009
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