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**Official Spring Training Thread**
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| **Official Spring Training Thread**
- Click HERE to go to the original thread with graphics
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| tommyp |
With pitchers and catchers reporting, it's now time to warm up for the season.
Anyone planning to see any teams?
Potential camp surprises?
Rookies on the scene who have impressed you?
Good hangouts in Fla./Az.?
Post thoughts here...and please, let's try to limit the Yanks/Sox argument. :rolleyes: |
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| Shocker54 |
| I am heading down to Clearwater March 4-11 for Phillies spring training! Fired up about it cause I am so sick of the grey jersey weather. I am looking for the good gentlemens clubs in the area. :cool: |
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| Hey Now MoFo |
| I wish I could down to Clearwater, but I have to stay in this miserable Philly weather. |
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| tommyp |
| And yes, I am forced to stay in NY this spring, so anything you guys can share would be appreciated. |
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| Shocker54 |
| Less then 3 weeks away from heading out. I am wondering if I should go to the doll house or not. :cool: |
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| dave24s |
| Is it difficult to get into Spring Training games? I would love to spend a week in or around Tampa hanging near Legends Field. Am I dreaming or can that really happen? |
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| Shocker54 |
Quote: Originally posted by dave24s
Is it difficult to get into Spring Training games? I would love to spend a week in or around Tampa hanging near Legends Field. Am I dreaming or can that really happen? |
For Yankees tickets its probably hard. But Phillies are easy. :cool: |
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| tommyp |
Quote: Originally posted by dave24s
Is it difficult to get into Spring Training games? I would love to spend a week in or around Tampa hanging near Legends Field. Am I dreaming or can that really happen? |
Dude, even if you can't get Yankee tix, there are plenty of stadiums within an hour drive of the Tampa area that host major-league teams.
But if you want to see the Yanks, I suggest you try online right now. |
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| tommyp |
Jon Heyman's Grapefruit Guide
For those considering a trip to Florida for spring training, here are my unvarnished scouting reports on the cities and their camps ...
Tampa (Yankees) -- The Yankees' part of town that was a succession of strip malls and strip clubs has been enhanced recently by new restaurants and shops. But it still seems to be a good place to find trouble, and you don't have to be a ballplayer to find it, either. Legends Field is nice enough but player access generally is limited to yelling from a catwalk.
Vero Beach (Dodgers) -- Beautiful grounds and a yard that would make anyone nostalgic. And wouldn't you know it, the Dodgers say they're leaving here after next spring, not for more money in Arizona, they say, but for "fan convenience." That isn't progress, that's a crime.
Fort Lauderdale (Orioles) -- The facility isn't up to par; the grounds are small and the clubhouse cramped. It's slightly better for fans, but if you get a seat in the shade, it actually can feel cold. Yet it's easily the best city that houses a team in Florida. There are restaurants other than just Friday's, Steak & Shake and Arby's, if you can handle the traffic and the wait.
Port St. Lucie (Mets) -- The grounds and town have been upgraded from abysmal to a little better. It looks like an OK place to live cheaply but you should expect (No) Tradition Field to be the highlight.
Jupiter (Cardinals and Marlins) -- One of the richest towns in America -- Jupiter Beach, technically -- houses one of the most nondescript spring sites imaginable. It reminds me of an army barracks.
Lake Buena Vista (Braves) -- It's a beautiful park in an idyllic, kid-friendly setting. But you better like Disney.
Viera (Nationals) -- Awful ballpark, awful team. It's hard for me to think of a reason to go there.
Lakeland (Tigers) -- With the Dodgers close to leaving Vero, Joker Marchant will stand as the best of the old-time stadiums. The city's not exactly Paris (or even Tampa), but there's history here. And there's actual culture -- a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed college for architecture buffs. No kidding.
Sarasota (Reds) -- Nothing ballpark in a very nice town. There's plenty to see and do and it's a respite from Cincinnati.
Winter Haven (Indians) -- It's hard to appraise since nobody's ever done anything but go to the game there.
Fort Myers (Red Sox and Twins) -- Applebee's meets the Third World. Players who make eight figures play alongside houses that appear demolition worthy. Stars in Jaguars, neighbors without shoes. This is a true snapshot of the great American divide. |
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