3 replies to this topic

[Mike F]

3/21/08

Under 70F, sunny skies the Amigos met George Gcapalbo and his 10 year old son, George, for breakfast. We went to the complex and George the younger immediately got in line for a Pesky autograph.

The usual stretch, loosen, etc and some throwing. Interestingly Wake was paired with Dice. We noticed that Wake threw a few, not many, knucklers which were jumping around pretty good. I was concerned about a broken finger or the like before I noticed that Dice was catching everything one-handed with the
meat hand pretty much out of the way. Whew, another disaster averted. John Lester was throwing near us and both Dave and I were surprised at how much bigger he appeared. We’d read/heard about the 15-20 new pounds but seeing him up close really brought that home. He is going to be one of the interesting watches over the next month.

We walked over to field five and watched Goose Gregson run a couple of fielding exercises.
The 1st involved a mock wild pitch/passed ball and covering home. Each pitcher covered and took throws from 1st the right side, then the left side and finally from behind the plate. They worked on getting to the plate and getting the ball down for the tag without getting smashed by the runner.
The 2nd set involved fielding squeeze bunts and making a play at the plate.

Each of the 3 groups of pitchers who were not throwing today took turns on the field before moving to another field for a different exercise. There wasn’t a lot of verbal byplay by any of the groups but plenty of encouragement and instruction from Gregson.

We watched a few minutes of the NESN broadcast with TC and Jed Hoyer. Couldn’t help but think how difficult it must be to “do” four hours a day during a week where the mundane is what’s happening. My appreciation of TC is increased, even if he puts on his own makeup in the men’s restroom. Kudos also to his producer who is probably getting the interviews.

Tomorrow and the players arrive. Things should get a lot busier both in events and fan attendance. With a little luck and attention to detail the Amigos should have a lot more anecdotes and the like.

At breakfast we happened to spot the Globe’s Bob Ryan eating alone. After consideration I went over to say “Hi” and express my condolences at his recent loss. My lord in over 60 years I have not seen sadder eyes. May God bless Bob and his family.
Later, young George went over and received an autograph.

Subject: QANTAS AIRLINES
Subject: Gripe Sheets
(P = The problem logged by the pilot).
(S = The solution and action taken by the engineer).

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on backorder.

P: Number three engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

[PedroKsBambino]

Great stuff as always!

Do any of you fine Spring Training veterans know what time the players take the field tomorrow AM?

[Pearl Wilson]

9 am I think. At least, that's when NESN's coverage starts. According to TC, the workout starts 1 hour early due to a charity golf event afterwards.


I want to echo the thanks to the Mike and BSL for helping us see with their eyes and hear with their ears.

[gcapalbo]

We were honored to be able to spend time with the 'Amigos' at ST over the last number of days. I can't tell you how cool it was to be hanging out shooting the breeze with Mike and BSG while on the other side of the fence Dice-K and Beckett and all were going through their drills. (and we're heading back there for one more shot today).

Don't let their nonchanent attitude about what goes on here fool you-- these folks have this place wired (would you expect anything else from something Cheri is involved in) and they have made our experience here 100x more fun.

My son now believes that his signed baseball is worth at least 2x with the addition of his Pesky autograph.

This thing is a real 'scene' and the Red Sox do an excellent job of giving we great unwashed masses access to it all. It has to be seen to be believed.

My own observations so far-- Beckett is in fine shape, and all this bruhaha over his weight and condition is baloney. Ortiz seems to be moving around with no visible limp-- but Wake seems to have one, unfortunately.

I will have photos of my own posted when we get back to Boston over the weekend.

What Mike says about Bob Ryan... so true and as any of us with kids could imagine, unimaginable to be living through.