Hi All,
I'll do my best to keep a running "blog" of the Rockies camp here in Tucson. I was at the field fairly early today- probably arrived around 10AM. It was a clear & sunny day- although the wind was blowing which made it chilly in the shade. There were probably 6 "graphers" (including myself) hanging out around the clubhouse today. Overall it was pretty decent day considering it was pretty light with pitchers and catchers reporting.
Here is who signed along with a quick blurb about them:
Clint Barmes - Signed 3 custom cards (thanks Kearns!). Super nice guy, we chatted for several minutes while he waited for his wife to show up. Clint says that he would like to finish his BA Degree then possibly coach when his playing days are over.
Josh Fogg- Signed 3 UpperDeck cards. He was very friendly and personable. See the photo below.
Scott Podsednik- He is hit or miss. I did get him to sign one card but he wasn't down for any small talk. This guy is all business.
Glenallen Hill- Signed 2 custom cards. He was in a good mood today- he even chatted about golfing. I caught him getting into his rental car. He was on his way to Phoenix to catch the NBA All-Star festivities.
Jeff Francis- Signed 2 custom cards. He was also in a good mood despite his sore shoulder. I asked him how he felt and he said "OK" and didn't elaborate. I could tell he wasn't feeling 100%. I wished him well.
Sal Fasano- Was just signed as a non-roster invitee a couple days ago. He was very friendly and signed a ball for me. We talked about the past Yankee catchers he knows- and mentioned he loves Thurman Munson and reminded me it's going 30 years since he passed away. And for you TTM'ers out there, you can send Sal cards c/o the Stadium but he requested that we not send anything to his house.
Don Baylor- This guy cracked me up. He came walking out of the clubhouse looking for his rental car. Well, someone must have played a joke on him and they moved the rental into a gated lot behind the stadium. So I helped him hunt around for a silver Hyundai, until I realized the car wasn't around. We asked security to help so they came over and picked him up in a golf cart to take him back around the stadium. He signed 2 cards + 2 custom cards for me. See the photo below.
Matt Murton- Nice kid. He signed a ball for me. I didn't realize how red his really is- and it's really, really red.
Aaron Cook- Was nice as usual. Signed 2 custom cards. He got a chance to go turkey hunting in the off-season so he was stoked about that.
Chris Iannetta- Signed 2 custom cards. He was taking BP by himself, I guess he was getting ready for the WBC. I wished him luck. And I'm glad he is representing the USA.
Matt Belisle- Another super friendly guy. He signed 2 custom cards. He commented on how cool they look. Thanks again Kearns!
Greg Reynolds- This kid is really tall! Signed 2 custom cards for me. He's not much of a talker but seems like a friendly guy.
Jorge De La Rosa- Signed 2 custom cards for me. He was in a hurry so he didn't say much. He was driving a rented Cadillac.
Alan Embree- I caught him checking in. Some friends of his dropped him off, and they cause a bit of a scene in front of the press. (the Rocky Mountain News + a local TV station were there) Alan was wearing a cowboy hat, and as he was walking up to the gate, one of his buddies yells, "Hey, did you feed the cows today?" Everyone started busted up laughing. He signed 2 custom cards for me.
Manny Corpas- Wouldn't sign the custom card but did sign 1 baseball card. He was also on his way to the All-Star game in Phx so he was rushing to beat the traffic.
Huston Street- Very nice guy. I sat next him on a bench while he waited for his wife. He was super friendly and accommodating to the few "graphers" that were left. He was the last player to leave the clubhouse. See the photo below.
Last but not least, I got a chance to say hi to Thomas Harding who is the Rockies beat writer for MLB.com. For my money, he's the best there is out there. He remembered me from last year which is pretty cool. Be sure to check out his columns on the Rockies website- they are well written. I also snapped a photo of him- see below.
More to come soon... To be continued.
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Originally Posted by Phish
"Pitchers did me a favor when they knocked me down. It made me more determined. I wouldn't let that pitcher get me out. They say you can't hit if you're on your back, but I didn't hit on my back. I got up." - Frank Robinson
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