Wednesday Mini Camp Experience....aka Xmas in March
by merkin on Mar 5, 2009 9:41 PM PST
46 comments
figure this is worth a fanpost
Our last day in Scottsdale was Wednesday. .
Afternoon flight, so figured we would swing by Indian School to see if anything was happening.
Knowing mini camp had started Tuesday, and minor league camp was starting Thursday we weren't quite sure what to expect.
So we packed up and check out the hotel and got to Indian School about 11:30 to flabbergasted by what we saw.
Apparently "Mini Camp" means the cream of the prospects not in Major League Camp. Villalona, Noonan, Rodriguez, Adiranza, Crawford, Fairley and a ton more notable prospects were going through various drills. After snapping a few pics and videos, then came the autos. I had two pearls with me, and almost immediately got Bumgarner and Rafeal Rodriguez on the sweet spot on the two balls, at which point I needed a new ball. SO I ran back to the car and dug in my luggage for the multi auto ball from the game at Surprise a couple days back and proceeded to get more Autos. The guys had showered and changed at this point, so how to tell who is who. Alderson was easy to recognize, Noonan and Fairley not as easy but I guessed right. Crawford was talking to the other dude getting autos when I realized who he was. Other then that I was asking for AUtos and asking what their name was at the same time. Ran out of room on the ball or I coulda gotten at least 10 more. I missed Adrianza, as I likely didnt recognize as he walked past. Kieschnick walked past when Bumgarner was already signing for me. Villalona remains a mystery. He was on the field, but went around the back way into the clubhouse never to be seen again. Likely took off the back way. Anyways, was a great wrapup to a great trip, and I think next year we are going to plan our trip around Mini Camp, bring a better camera, bring a case of balls...and get there early to see the actual workout.......
Click for pics from Minor League CampClick for videos from Minor League Camp
Click for Spring Training Autos, from both Major and Minor League Camps
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awesomeness
"I didn't know (after seeing a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch) whether to shit or go blind." - Former Giants Outfielder Harvey Kuenn on Willie Mays
by stealth snail on Mar 5, 2009 10:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
great stuff.
I love RaphRod’s signature: it is as if he starts scribbling on his signature after he’s done with it.
English’s is interesting, almost as if he’s attempting a katakana derivation of his name.
Adoptive Parent of Francisco Peguero. He can throw, he can run, he can hit(fastballs), and he's Dominican. What else do you need to know?
by haverecords on Mar 5, 2009 11:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I kind of like Gillaspie’s.
Also Noonan’s. He looks super young in that last pic of him with his back facing the camera.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Mar 6, 2009 6:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rodriguez
His auto actually looked like a third-grader signed it.
by Mrbasepaul on Mar 10, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Freakin' Awesome
Thanks, dude. This is really great stuff.
RafRod is so lanky. He looks like the unholy love child of Vlad and Omar Moreno.
In other news: I thought Crawford was black. Shows what I know.
Haven't been to The Examined Life? No wonder your life feels so empty.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Mar 6, 2009 2:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Hmm. I was also sure he’s black. And, when I think about it, the only thing I knew about him was that he’s very athletic, but unpolished. Apparently that was enough for me to assume he’s black. That’s kind of interesting. Or sad.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 7, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
HOLY CRAP HE’S NOT BLACK?
I guess I didn’t see all the pictures after all.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Mar 8, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spoke to Brandon briefly
Was a nice pinkish white hue.
Seemed like a typical UCLA kid complete with Bruin Blue Baggy Shorts and Logo shirt..
Nice kid, local boy from Pleasanton.
Majoring in US History, drafted as a junior trying to finish his degree this year..
.
Looks pretty white here too .
.
Images courtesy of CheckOutMyCards.com
Tommy Lasorda HATES GIANTSBOARD.COM
by merkin on Mar 8, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason, I also thought he was black, even though I’ve seen his picture several times before.
by Natto on Mar 8, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Color vision
Have you had your color vision checked recently. :) With regard to race it is good to be blind, but perhaps not with regard to color.
by sharksrog on Mar 10, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too. I thought Noonan was black as well which is pretty bad considering he’s been in our system for a couple years now.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 9, 2009 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WE ARE ALL RACIST!
Wait, Noonan? I’ve seen pictures of him on this site a few times.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 9, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I know, and I’m sure I’ve seen them before. For some reason in my mind, he was black. No clue why. I’m sure we could tie this into the music/standardized testing score easily.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 9, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks pretty white to me.
Haven't been to The Examined Life? No wonder your life feels so empty.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Mar 9, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crawford
I get him and Fairley confused, because they’re both talented and black…uh, wait, now I have a way to tell who is who! I guess before it was an issue with similar syllabic names (Wen-dell Fair-ley, Bran-don Crar-ford). Clap along with me!
by Mrbasepaul on Mar 10, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sweet pics...
and i think we have our first juan carlos perez sighting towards the bottom of the page… Perez was the GIants’ first pick on Day 2 of the draft last year— he put up absolutely ridiculous numbers in Div. II last year: .465/.530/1.102. I don’t care what level that’s at— it’s impressive. Will be intrigued to see how he does in his first year as a professional.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Mar 6, 2009 3:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The photos are awesome...
FYI
Listed as “Howell” should be Johny Monell. Just think of the Beastie Boys “John-y Mo-Nell”
"Don't trust anyone under the age of 30" - Brian Sabean
by Smotheredinhugs on Mar 6, 2009 5:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Also....
The 2 unidentified autographs. The first is Wilber Buccardo – 95% certain, even though he’s not on the roster.
The second looks like Juan Perez, I say that because he put the number 33 in the autograph, the first letter looks like a J and the roster has him listed as #33 along with F Peguero.
"Don't trust anyone under the age of 30" - Brian Sabean
by Smotheredinhugs on Mar 6, 2009 5:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet
Thanks for the knowledge
Tommy Lasorda HATES GIANTSBOARD.COM
by merkin on Mar 6, 2009 8:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I see some Mike Ambort in there, I really hope he can stay healthy this season. I like his bat.
by xanthan on Mar 6, 2009 6:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Me too
I’d love to see what he can do in a full season in the minors.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 9, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have you ever been mini-camp experienced?
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Mar 6, 2009 7:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well, I have.
Not necessarily baseball, but beautiful
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 6, 2009 7:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Great photos Merkin
Do you think you’ll be getting chance to sit in the photog pit again at the stadium this season?
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 6, 2009 7:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Most Likely
you ever been down there?
Tommy Lasorda HATES GIANTSBOARD.COM
by merkin on Mar 6, 2009 8:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No!
I always wanted to be down there. I would love to get some shots.
I’ve watched games right behind the pit and chatted with BLB for a second before his AB.
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 6, 2009 11:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
quien es ambort?
[Brayen] of sabean, your semi- conscious potato trip across "to gold winches" democratic pavement will bring Communist pride to the orange and black democratic perfection. your [randay] of Johnson – spy for the Russian Mafia. warn yourselves they warn themselves! you will purchase smirnoff the vodka
by Headhunter Rollins on Mar 6, 2009 8:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Witter now an Infielder?
It’s interesting that Witter is listed as an infielder and not a catcher on the roster in Merkin’s picture.
by nelson95 on Mar 6, 2009 10:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps this is well known, but I was surprised by the BIG RIGHT FIELD WALL MIMICING ATT PARK. It is a really cool concept and useful training aid.
Do other minor league camps do this? Boston I guess would be a natural. Perhaps Houston with their stupid grassy berm in center field?
Thanks for the post Merkin!
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
by bgunn on Mar 6, 2009 10:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That’s what I thought to. I was like, woah, that’s pretty cool.
by chilibean_3 on Mar 6, 2009 11:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
thought is was there because there is a main street (Hayden, Indian Street Rd??) with lots of cars and they were trying to protect the motorist and passengers
by wilriv21 on Mar 6, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Some more pictures of the complex
to give everyone an idea of the layout
The right field wall is most definitely meant to mimic AT&T,
in fact the dimensions of the field all around are AT&T
CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS OF INDIAN SCHOOL LAYOUT
Tommy Lasorda HATES GIANTSBOARD.COM
by merkin on Mar 6, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think all mini-camp stadium are built with the same dimensions of the parent park.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 7, 2009 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
only problem
there’s no way that wall actually mimics the way balls bounce off the RF wall at AT&T what with the brick mixed iwth chain link, etc.
Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis
by wjackalope on Mar 9, 2009 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Fairley sighting!!!
On the run from Johnny Law, aint no trip to Cleveland, or San Francisco.
by PAWarrior on Mar 6, 2009 3:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Looks like AnVil has the weight thing under control. ETA for when we stop hearing about his weight problems: 2 years.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 9, 2009 11:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If y'all like autos
here is a plate from a italian restaurant in San Diego.
Giants and Padres frequent this place……
(I’m not a stalker, just a stalker apprentice)
1 Todd Greene
2 Tim Worrell
3 Tyler Walker
4 Billy Hayes
5 Jason Schmidt
6 Pedro Feliz
7 Randy Winn
8 Omar Vizquel
9 Matt Morris
10 Moises Alou
11 Jose Vizcaino
12 Scott Munter
13 Mark Gardner
14 Dave Righetti
15 Willie Upshaw
16 Noah Lowry
17 Lance Niekro
18 Felipe Alou
19 Ray Durham
20 Mike Matheny
21 Jeff Fassero
22 Larry Baer
23 Peter Magowan
24 Barry Bonds
25 Dave Groeschner
26 Gene Glynn
27 Jamey Wright
28 Mark Sweeney
29 Ron Wotus
30 Jason Ellison
31 Jeremy Accardo
32 Jack Taschner
33 Steve Finley
34 Matt Cain
35 Armando Benitez
36 Louis Pujols
37 Joe Lefebvre
38 Steve Kline
And the restaurant link
But don’t bug them while they are eating, thats just bad manners
http://www.acquaal2.com/index.php
Tommy Lasorda HATES GIANTSBOARD.COM
by merkin on Mar 11, 2009 11:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Benitez was never a Giant.
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Mar 12, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t stop thinking about Adrian Gonzalez cooking.
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
by bgunn on Mar 13, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
SO late to the party.
Are these the fields on Hayden Rd , the ones surrounded by strategic pine trees?
OK if I adopt Randy Johnson?
"What kind of a stupid question is that?"
by victor frankenstein on Mar 16, 2009 11:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
AOT: tactical pine trees?
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Mar 17, 2009 4:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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