SB Nation User Blog: BigJohnAZ

Cubs 2009 Spring Training Debut Photos

BigJohnAZ — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:03:49 -0000

Technically, this probably shouldn't be in the FanPosts, but I don't know how to insert multiple photos in a FanShot.

Al posted all the pertinent facts about the game, thank you sir. I didn't pay too much attention to the game, I was having too much fun with friends and the Old Styles lol

A small crowd, but Opening Day here usually is. All the kids are still in school and you don't get to see all the starters for the most part, so 99.9% of the fans here are locals like me and the snowbirds.

I just wanted to share a few photos and get everyone excited for another year of Cubs baseball.

I caught a BP foul ball and was lucky enough to have Ronnie sign it for me. He got a chuckle when I told him he signed a ball for me in 1969 when I was 10 at a Cubs rally. It was nice to see him on his birthday.

Me toasting the 2009 ST season!

A little bit of the late inning action, Cubs up 5 to3.

Taguchi on first, Koyie Hill at bat.

Caroline and Wanda

Some numbers at the ASB

BigJohnAZ — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:04:38 -0000

Just a few numbers to throw out.

W-57 L-38 1st place by 4½ games, 19 games over .500

Cubs Pythagorean record 57-38

Home record 37-12

Road record 20-26

Record in 1 run games 16-14

Record in extras 6-4

Runs scored per game 5.3

Runs allowed per game 4.2

In 1st place since May 11 (tied)

Longest winning streak 9 games 1x

Longest losing streak 4 games 1x

Vintage Baseball in The Valley of the Sun

BigJohnAZ — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:24:32 -0000

A nice article in the AZ Republic today for all baseball fans.

Vintage Baseball

Padres vs. Cubs, 3-13-08

BigJohnAZ — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:26:07 -0000

No need to recap as Al will do that, just wanted to post a couple of pics from today

BallHawk was also there, it was nice to finally meet you, Ken.

I left as I always do in the 8th inning so I didn't see the Cubs pull out the win.

Marquis pitched fine, Marshall did as well, he settled in after the HR he gave up.

Maddux was typical Maddux.

Fuld and Fukudome each made great catches against the wall in the same innning.

A view from the LF berm/lawn...

Al, Miriam and friend...

Kerry Wood 7-21-07 vs. SD Padres

BigJohnAZ — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 22:07:29 -0000

Hi all, was at the Peoria Sports Complex this morning to watch Kerry pitch one inning against the Padres Arizona Rookie League team. Obviously, it's not fair to rate his performance based on one inning, but I will give my impressions on that one inning.

I didn't keep a pitch count as I was taking pictures which can be viewed at this link http://home.att.net/~jvrabec/kw.html.

The leadoff man walked on 5 pitches, the next hitter rolled a comebacker through Kerry's legs that had eyes. It made it into the outfield. 2 on, no out. Next batter got a bloop hit to left and drove in one run. The next hitter grounded into a 6-4-3 twin killing and the last batter popped weakly to the SS in short left center.

I would say he threw maybe 20 pitches, more balls than strikes. His curve seemed to be snapping very well, he had trouble placing his fastball, but no one hit anything hard at all. No one hit anything farther than 120 feet and nothing that was hit, even the DP ball, was hit hard. Bunches of scouts in attendance, didn't see a gun. Velocity looked fine, but the Padres pitcher seemed to have a little more giddy-up on his fastball. Sorry, I don't know who it was. Only the scouts have a roster, I guess I could have printed one up before leaving the house, but I knew I wouldn't be staying after Kerry was done anyway.

It was very nice to meet him and wish him good luck after his stint. He mentioned to a confidante that he was heading up to Chicago this weekend. I can only assume that it might be to have a specialist look at him, just my very uninformed speculation. He may be going up for an event for all I know.

All in all, a very pleasant morning to watch his rehab, he looked thinner than when I saw him in Spring Training. He threw effortlessly, and used all his pitches. I would think after his outings this week which were all without pain or discomfort, he looks like he will most definitely be back in August. He will be a most welcome addition to the Cub's journey that is picking up steam! GO CUBS!