Spring Training 2015

Spring Training was so cool last year, that Syd and I couldn't pass up and opportunity not to see a game while in Arizona. The Giants were not playing at their home field in Scottsdale, but luckily Diablo Stadium where the Angels play was only one exit off the freeway away from where we are staying.













The stadium itself is pretty small for a professional venue, but it has seven practice diamonds to watch the players train and warm up before the games. We saw pitchers taking fielding practice and also a catcher working on his throw downs. It is a relaxed setting where players are walking around leisurely and signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.












There isn't a bad seat in the house at Spring Training because everything is so close to the action. Today we were sitting on the third base side behind the Giants dugout. Brandon Crawford warmed up his arm right in front of us!

The line up today didn't have many big names in it, but Lincecum was the starting pitcher. It was a little disappointing not to see Posey, Belt, or Panik. The Angles were playing only minor league scrubs and I think it has something to do with a day game after a night game or they were playing a split squad and the other guys were somewhere else.






Tim pitched okay, but he definitely was lucky not to have to throw to some of the Angels stars like Pujols and Trout. He was getting hit hard (line drives) but they were right to people and catchable. Crawford had a good game, making an amazing catch of a line shot and also turned a clutch double play. I was also impressed with the new 3rd basemen who replaced Panda. McGehee got a hit when needed and played solid defense.

View of the sunken stadium

The game was really close tied 2-2 until the 9th inning. The Angles ended up pulling out a win in their last at bat. Spring Training isn't about wins and losses though, it is just about getting good at bats and building the team for the season. Loyal Giants fans know we do our best winning in October.

Great day at the ball park! We have had a successful trip to AZ and I am looking forward to flying home and hugging Arthur tomorrow.