I would be interested in seeing data on the at-bat results immediately following coaching visits to the mound.  Obviously some visits are purely to allow time for the bullpen to get warm, but I would be interested in knowing the effectiveness of pitching coaches settling pitchers down and getting positive results from their visits to the mound.  Would this be an effective measure of the ability of the pitching coach?  Does the demeanor of the pitcher have more to do with the situations?  Does anyone know if any data has been collected on this before? 

I just got back home (Iowa) yesterday from my vacation to Mesa.  I went to the Cub game on Friday, 2/29, against the Giants.  It was my first trip to a spring training game, and I thought I would just share a few observations I had.  These aren't mind-blowing, original, or terribly insightful, but some of you may appreciate some additional first-hand opinions.

First of all, Zambrano looked like his usual head case self at the start of the game.  He committed an error and almost looked like he was going to lose all focus.

Mike Fontenot really looked like he was playing hard and trying to make the team.  

Cintron looked fairly comfortable at third.  I was a little confused while I was in Arizona about why Ramirez wasn't playing. I didn't have computer access and the newspaper only seemed to write about the Diamondbacks.  I had to text message a friend to find out what was going on.  

Fukudome took some pitches and got on base.  He has continued to do that since, which I am sure all of us are very happy about.  I know this has been mentioned before, but he truly does have an arm cannon.  He made a throw to third and I think the whole crowd gasped as one.  

The crowd was well short of capacity and was pretty subdued, especailly when Welrond gave up the grand slam to basically put the game away.  

On Sunday, I went down to Fitch Park around noon and watched what I believe were our minor league pitchers.  They all looked so young.  They were working on fielding ground balls, pick off attempts, and bunting.  I wish I knew and could identify our coaching staff better as they all seemed fairly accessible (almost no one was there except me and my girlfriend's grandpa).  

It was a good vacation and fun to see the Cubs.  I think Lou (who is bigger and moving around slower than ever it seems) will have them ready for the season.  It was nice to visit Arizona and I got to see most of the Valley and the Superstitions.  The weather was great, especially coming from our record snow fall in Iowa.  Still can't wait for Opening Day.