2014 AZCentral Spring Training Guide

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

SPECTAB SECTION S

CACTUS LEAGUE GUIDE 2014

BETTER Better er an evEVER thTHAN

PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT

WITH THE NEW CUBS PARK, A NEW GENERATION OF STARS, AND FANS FLOCKING TO STADIUMS, RATION OF STARS , A NEWISGENE PARK NEW THE WITH THECUBS CACTUS LEAGUE FLOURISHING. AND FANS FLOCKING TO STADIUMS, THE CACTUS LEAGUE IS FLOURISHING ROBINSON CANO

YASIEL PUIG

INSIDE Not long ago, Arizona feared losing the Cactus League. Nowadays, it’s thriving with a record attendance of 1.7 million fans last year. PAGE 2

From Buster Posey behind the plate to Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Yasiel Puig in the outfield, there are stars aplenty to see. PAGES 6-7

Plan for a great day of baseball and eats with our stadium guide and listings of restaurants near the spring-training facilities.

The Diamondbacks look to break through this season after filling some holes on the roster. Read team-by-team previews. PAGES 15-34

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CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | HISTORY TABLET EXTRAS

Explore the new Cubs Park in Mesa with an in-depth look at the facility, including 360-degree panoramic photos, plus team reports and slide shows, and a look at the “prove it” season that is ahead for the Arizona Diamonbacks.

To download the spring-training issue on your iPad, go to az.azcentral.com.

The special issue will be available throughout spring training.

ON THE WEB

Go to cactus.azcentral.com to find our home for expanded coverage of the Cactus League teams. There will be team reports and daily updates to the coverage.

IN PRINT

Pick up the The Arizona Republic each day during spring training for detailed team reports, game results and previews of what’s upcoming.

GUIDES INSIDE

» Stadium guides were compiled by The Republic’s Features staff. » Dining guides were compiled by Taulleto Rodriguez.

COVER PHOTOS BY AZCENTRAL SPORTS AND USAT SPORTS

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

A MAJOR-LEAGUE RALLY How AZ came back from near extinction

By Bob McManaman azcentral sports

If you don’t build it … they will leave.

Long before the Cactus League became the field of dreams that it is today, a diamond in the desert featuring half of Major League Baseball’s 30 franchises playing mostly in sparkling new or refurbished ballparks, it first had to deal with near extinction.

The end looked almost inevitable only two decades ago. Only eight professional teams called Arizona home at the time and one of them, the Cleveland Indians, had just decided to leave for Florida and the Grapefruit League on the promise of a new stadium and state-of-the-art spring-training facility.

Other clubs were being courted and lured by the big money being tossed around in the Sunshine State. Suddenly, the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners were on the verge of moving, too. Even the newly christened Colorado Rockies were considering the mad dash to train in Florida along with their fellow expansion mates, the Marlins.

If they all left, who’s to say who wouldn’t follow next? The Cactus League was on pins and needles.

Something had to be done or spring training in Arizona would roll away like a tumbleweed and vanish. It was a desperate time.

“Oh boy, desperate is the right word. It’s absolutely the right word,” said Joe Garagiola Jr., who was named to a special task force by then-Gov. Rose Mofford to help save spring baseball in Arizona.

“There wasn’t anything we could do about the Indians. They were gone. But the absolute 2-by-4 to the forehead was the Cubs made it known they were entertaining propositions from cities in Florida. And the great unspoken fear was if the Cubs leave, we’re sunk.

They were the bellwether. I mean, it was the Cubs. And if the Cubs

Young fans at Salt River Fields helped set a Cactus League attendance record of 1.7 million fans last year. CHARLIE LEIGHT/THE REPUBLIC

could leave, it meant anybody could leave.”

Not surprisingly, Mofford tabbed the man who initially lured the Cubs to Mesa from Catalina Island, Calif., in the 1950s, Dwight Patterson, to chair the special task force. Patterson, in turn, appointed Garagiola as the vice chairman.

Mofford didn’t realize how perilous the situation had become until she wrote then-Commissioner Fay Vincent, inquiring about rising participation fees for foreign clubs training in the Arizona Instructional League.

“Fay Vincent wrote back, telling her, ‘Your whole spring-training situation is crumbling under your feet and if I were you, that’s what I’d be worried about,’ ” Garagiola recalled.

The task force immediately went to work, talking to teams about their needs and reaching out to civic leaders and multiple communities. Garagiola said Scottsdale and its mayor, the late Herb Drinkwater, were way ahead of the pack, already having enacted provisions through an election to build a new stadium for the Giants.

“That was the forerunner to it all,” said Garagiola, who led the effort to persuade Jerry Colangelo to pursue an expansion team, which became the Diamondbacks.

“Scottsdale gets what the Giants

mean. And I remember vividly going over to a press conference where he said at one point to the reporters, ‘You guys are all going to laugh, but the day is going to come when the Cactus League is going to draw a million people.’

“And of course, everybody laughed. But guess what? It did, and it does.”

A record 1.7 million fans attended spring-training games in the Valley last year and that number figures to grow thanks to the Cubs’ new $99 million Wrigleyville-themed ballpark in Mesa, which seats 15,000. It follows on the heels of the $100 million Salt River Fields at Talking Stick complex, which houses the Diamondbacks and Rockies, and the $158 million Camelback Ranch, which is shared by the Dodgers and White Sox. “I don’t think people thought it could get any better after Talking Stick,” said Garagiola, who was the Diamondbacks’ first general manager and presently serves as senior vice president of standards and on-field operations for Major League Baseball.

“But then you see what the Cubs have gotten and it’s just amazing. It’s great to see all these places. On the west side, you see the great ballparks in Surprise and Goodyear. Now, you’ve got a big

redo and facelift for Peoria. It’s so gratifying to think back at the desperate trouble we were in and to see where we have come from.”

When it was bad, the Angels were still splitting time between Palm Springs and the Gene Autry complex way out in east Mesa, the Padres were training in the Yuma dust bowl known as little Desert Sky Stadium and the Brewers were playing in a dilapidated facility in Chandler.

Conversly, Florida had new state-of-the-art facilities popping up all over thanks to the vision of civic leaders and a legislative tourist-tax component in which to fund the projects. Arizona was becoming a wasteland. Then-Florida Gov. Bob Graham said as much when declaring it was time for everyone to move to Florida.

“Oh, he dropped the gauntlet, big time,” Garagiola said. “It was right there and it was credible.

The governor was very forthright in saying, ‘Look, it doesn’t make sense for there to be all these teams in Florida and this handful of teams out there in Arizona. We have plenty of communities who are ready to step up and build facilities — and we have the money to do it.’ ” The existing teams had Arizona over the barrel. If things didn’t change soon, and the Cactus League didn’t start to grow quickly, they couldn’t train adequately enough to prepare for the season.

“The teams basically told us, ‘If we have to leave, we’ll feel really bad about it because we really, really like it out here, but ultimately, we will leave if you don’t step up,’ ” Garagiola said.

“The whole notion was look, people, states and cities spend tens of millions to attract industry and here we have an industry that we basically spent zero dollars attracting. … We were about to let it, through our inattentiveness, walk out the door.

“That got people going, it got our own legislation passed, and people started doing some things.

I’m as proud of my part in that as I am of anything I’ve done in baseball, and that would include the Diamondbacks.”

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SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | ATTENDANCE

New Cubs Park likely to provide bump in crowds

By Peter Corbett The Republic | azcentral.com

The recently completed Cubs Park in Mesa is almost certain to see a box-office surge this spring as the Cactus League’s shiny new toy.

The $99 million stadium and training complex steps ahead of Salt River Fields, now in its fourth season, as the league’s newest facility.

“It becomes the marquee venue and the Cubs have always been a marquee attraction,” said Mark Coronado, Cactus League Association president. “It’s kind of a grand slam for us.”

A rush of casual fans visiting the new ballpark could help the Chicago Cubs regain their top spot of attracting springtraining fans, something that has not happened for five years.

Cactus League baseball brings a flood of visitors to the Valley each spring and, proponents say, boosts the state’s economy. A 2012 study for the Cactus League Association estimated that spring-training visitors spend $230 million annually at hotels, restaurants, rental-car agencies and other businesses catering to tourists.

Even with a new stadium, the Cactus League will be pressed to match last year’s attendance record of 1.73 million, a 1.17 percent increase from 2012.

The league, with 222 games from Feb. 26 to March 29, will play 33 fewer games than last spring when some of local stadiums hosted the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament.

Attendance could also slip for the hometown Diamondbacks, with three fewer games this spring. Arizona will play the Los Angeles Dodgers in Australia on March 22-23. The rivals will open the regular season in Sydney before returning home to a play a few more preseason games.

“I’m anxious to see how that affects the final (attendance) numbers,” Coronado said.

The Diamondbacks have led the Cactus League in attendance since 2011 when the team moved from Tucson to Salt River.

Nearly 190,000 fans attended games that first season. It dipped to 182,447 last year.

The Cubs were the Cactus League’s biggest draw for at least two decades with a league single-team record of 203,105 fans in 2009, which included the first World Baseball Classic games.

But the Diamondbacks, San Francisco

Peoria

1

101

2

101

Phoenix

Surprise

TIMELINE OF BALLPARKS Cactus League stadiums span a half-century of spring-training history, from the new Cubs Park to Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The Oakland Athletics will play their final season at Phoenix Muni before moving in 2015 to a renovated Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. Here are the league’s stadiums and the years they opened:

a

17

60

Glendale 3

5

51

Scottsdale 87

4 Goodyear

10

6 River Salt

9

» Cubs Park, 2014.*

7 202

10 Tempe

» Salt River Fields, 2011.

8

Mesa

101

» Camelback Ranch Glendale, 2009.

10

» Goodyear Ballpark, 2009.

202

» Surprise Stadium, 2003. » Peoria Sports Complex, 1994. » Scottsdale Stadium, 1992. » Maryvale Baseball Park, 1988. » Tempe Diablo Stadium, 1969. » Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 1964. *Cubs Park opens Thursday, Feb. 27.

Giants and Colorado Rockies have eclipsed the Cubs the past few years.

Cubs officials are not making any predictions on attendance, but Cubs Parks could lead in attendance and possibly hit the 200,000 mark again.

Justin Piper, Cubs Park manager, said the team is approaching sellouts for many of its top games this spring.

Attendance always hinges on weather.

The formula for big crowds has always been sunny and dry here and a punishing winter in places like Chicago, Cleveland and Kansas City.

Julian Green, Cubs vice president of communications, said it should help that it has been a long, brutal winter in the Windy City.

“Chicago has seen more than 50 inches of snow” as of early February, he said.

“Chicagoans want to escape the snow and deep freeze.”

Cubs Park will accommodate close to 15,000 fans. That includes 9,200 seats, 4,000 lawn seats and 800 on a rooftop deck with lawn chairs and bleachers.

Elsewhere in the Cactus League, Peoria has spent more than $30 million renovating the two clubhouses for the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex. Another $7 million in stadium improvements are planned after this season.

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MILES

4

1 Surprise Stadium

6 Phoenix Municipal Stadium

2 Peoria Sports Complex

7 Scottsdale Stadium

3 Camelback Ranch

8 Cubs Park

15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise Teams: Kansas City Royals,Texas Rangers Tickets: 623-222-2222 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria Teams: San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners Tickets: 623-773-8720

10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox Tickets: 800-745-3000 4 Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix Team: Milwaukee Brewers Tickets: 800-933-7890

5 Salt River Fields

7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies Tickets: 480-362-9467

5999 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix Team: Oakland Athletics Tickets: 1-877-493-2255 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale Team: San Francisco Giants Tickets: 1-877-473-4849

2330 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa Team: Chicago Cubs Tickets: 800-843-2827

9 Goodyear Recreational Complex 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear Teams: Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians Tickets: 800-745-3000

10 Tempe Diablo Stadium

2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe Team: Los Angeles Angels Tickets: 800-745-3000

Go the distance

Mileage between Cactus League parks Sa Ph Te lt oe m Ri Ca Sc C G p n ve M u m e o o i Su x b ar rF od t D e P t s M r l eo yv sd ia pr b ie P y u ac ar ea bl al a ld r i n s i l o k e a e k e i. r s 9.0 13.3 11.5 17.9 14.3 16.6 23.0 18.2 Maryvale – 27.8 13.6 17.9 10.9 33.9 30.3 41.5 – 32.9 Surprise 18.2 38.2 26.0 29.9 26.0 9.7 5.5 – 9.0 32.9 Tempe Diablo 16.6 18.0 27.6 31.7 27.3 – 4.2 9.7 6.3 33.9 Scottsdale 17.9 6.0 23.9 27.8 4.2 – 24.0 5.5 4.9 30.3 Phoenix Muni.

14.3 11.2 12.7 23.1 – 36.4 27.3 24.0 26.0 10.9 Peoria 11.5 30.2 28.1 33.2 36.4 6.3 4.9 9.0 – 41.5 Cubs Park 23.0 8.7 – 12.7 27.6 23.9 26.0 28.1 13.6 Camelback 9.0 8.1 38.8 8.1 23.1 31.7 27.8 29.9 33.2 17.9 Goodyear 13.3 – 42.7 27.8 38.2 18.0 6.0 11.2 30.2 8.7 38.8 42.7 Salt River Fields – SOURCE: CACTUS LEAGUE, ARIZONA REPUBLIC RESEARCH

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CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | BEST OF THE BEST

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

A position-by-position breakdown by The Republic’s Bob McManaman

CATCHER BUSTER POSEY SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

FIRST BASEMAN PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

SECOND BASEMAN ROBINSON CANO SEATTLE MARINERS

MICHAEL CHOW/ THE REPUBLIC

USA TODAY SPORTS

SHORTSTOP HANLEY RAMIREZ

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

USA TODAY SPORTS

USA TODAY SPORTS

THIRD BASEMAN ADRIAN BELTRE TEXAS RANGERS

TIM HEITMAN/ USA TODAY SPORTS

Age: 26

Age: 26

Age: 31

Age: 30

Age: 34

Career stats: 1,635 AB, 503 H, 215 R, 61 HR, 263 RBI, .308 AVG, .377 OBP, .863 OPS

Career stats: 1,272 AB, 308 H, 213 R, 64 HR, 179 RBI, .289 AVG, .376 OBP, .893 OPS

Career stats: 5,336 AB, 1,649 H, 799 R, 204 HR, 822 RBI, .309 AVG, .355 OBP, .859 OPS

Career stats: 4,228 AB, 1,276 H, 758 R, 178 HR, 583 RBI, .302 AVG, .373 OBP, .879 OPS

Career stats: 8,596 AB, 2,426 H, 1,177 R, 376 HR, 1,307 RBI, .282 AVG, .334 OBP, .812 OPS

Why he’s a must-see: He handles a bat as well as any catcher we’ve seen since Mike Piazza and he’s a big reason why the Giants’ pitching staff has been so consistently good. He has won National League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors, is a two-time World Series champion, and remains rock solid defensively.

Why he’s a must-see: You may not see a kinder, gentler power hitter in baseball. But in addition to being fanfriendly and a good sport when it comes to autographs, Goldschmidt is on the cusp of potential greatness. His overall game is outstanding as he not only can hit for power and average, but play sensational defense and steal bases.

Why he’s a must-see: The former Yankees star signed a whopping 10-year $240 million free-agent deal with Seattle and everyone will want to see if he’s worth it and how quickly he is able to pay dividends. The expectations might be enormous, especially given his age, but Cano drove in 107 runs last season for a bad Yankees team so don’t count him out anytime soon.

Why he’s a must-see: The freeswinging Ramirez had one of the best seasons of any player last year and his numbers, if extrapolated without the time missed due to injuries, would bear that out. There was a time when he might have been the top player in baseball and the hunger looks to be back, which is good given he is entering a contract year.

Why he’s a must-see: He has been the mark of consistency during his 16 major-league seasons and he’s coming off three of his best four years ever.

He’s an infectious personality in the Rangers’ clubhouse and while he may never have another pinnacle season like he had in 2004 with the Dodgers (48 home runs, 121 RBI), he remains royalty among all third basemen.

Hall of Fame worthiness: If he keeps improving, which is likely given his driven work ethic, Goldschmidt might get there in time but it’s far too early. He has been healthy despite rarely coming out of the lineup and playing in hitter-friendly Chase Field will help his cause. He already is an MVP candidate and he has the potential to be one of the greats.

Hall of Fame worthiness: His career numbers speak for themselves, meaning he is certainly on track for a possible induction. He has the star power and has shown the durability needed to sustain Hall of Fame-type numbers. Some think he may have hurt his chances by leaving the Yankees, which holds some merit. The lore of the pinstripes is real.

Hall of Fame worthiness: It probably didn’t help Ramirez that he played on only two winning teams during his 6½ years with the Marlins. It doesn’t help playing in spacious Dodger Stadium, either, which ultimately will sap some of his production numbers.

It’s an outside shot that he lands in Cooperstown.

Date of a game to go see him:

Date of a game to go see him:

Feb. 27 at Camelback Ranch vs. the Diamondbacks.

Hall of Fame worthiness: Only six third basemen have been voted into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America and Beltre is knocking on the door. He could become the first third baseman to finish with 3,000 hits and 400 home runs, which says it all. He’s also a great defensive player, as his four Gold Gloves will attest. He’s on the verge of being a lock.

Hall of Fame worthiness: There are only 13 catchers enshrined in Cooperstown and Carlton Fisk (2000) and Gary Carter (2003) are the first since Johnny Bench in 1989. If Piazza doesn’t get in, it’s difficult to think Posey will but he’s off to a pretty great start and if he is able to stay healthy and productive he may have a decent shot someday.

Date of a game to go see him:

March 5 at Scottsdale Stadium vs. the Angels.

Feb. 26 at Salt River Fields vs. the Dodgers.

March 12 (7:05 p.m.) at Peoria Stadium vs. the Cubs.

Date of a game to go see him:

Date of a game to go see him:

March 8 at Surprise Stadium vs. Dodgers.

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | BEST OF THE BEST A position-by-position breakdown by The Republic’s Bob McManaman

LEFT FIELDER JOSH HAMILTON

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

USA TODAY SPORTS

Age: 32 Career stats: 3,401 AB, 1,002 H, 544 R, 182 HR, 632 RBI, .295 AVG, .354 OBP, .884 OPS Why he’s a must-see: Hamilton

remains a nice comeback story and he’s a threat every time he steps to the plate to knock one out. He’s great with the fans and he’s striving to stay diligent on his path toward sobriety. Who can’t root for that?

Hall of Fame worthiness: Sadly, his rebirth to the game came a little too late to warrant any serious Hall of Fame discussion. He won’t be judged by the same pens that have barred performance-enhancing drug users from Cooperstown to date, but his own troublesome past doesn’t help his cause. Neither do his lack of sustainable numbers. He projects more as an outside Veterans Committee pick decades from now.

Date of a game to go see him:

March 4 at Tempe Diablo Stadium vs.

Rangers.

CENTER FIELDER MIKE TROUT

RIGHT FIELDER YASIEL PUIG

USA TODAY SPORTS

MARK J. REBILAS/ USA TODAY SPORTS

Age: 22

Age: 23

Career stats: 1,271 AB, 399 H, 258

Career stats: 382 AB, 122 H, 66 R,

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

R, 62 HR, 196 RBI, .314 AVG, .404 OBP, .948 OPS

19 HR, 42 RBI, .319 AVG, .391 OBP, .925 OPS

Why he’s a must-see: One of the most electrifying young rising stars in the game, Trout plays all-out all the time. He has already established himself as a surefire American League MVP candidate and the numbers he’s putting up are just sick. He’s a five-tool player with an unlimited ceiling. Catch him while he’s young so you can tell the grandkids about it one day.

Why he’s a must-see: He’s a bit like Trout, only a lot more raw and not nearly as sharp in certain areas of his game. That being said, you never want to miss one of his at-bats and he’s a treat to watch along the base paths. His throws from right can be pretty unpredictable, which is another reason to watch him. This is an important season in Puig’s development, especially as it relates to acting like a pro, so go see him and judge for yourself.

Hall of Fame worthiness: The only thing that could probably prevent a future induction for this kid is if he runs into some serious injury problems. With his reckless style, that’s a possibility, but it’s also what makes him great. Give him 10 years, though, and it’s a very strong bet his credentials will look Hall of Fame worthy.

Date of a game to go see him:

March 11 at Tempe Diablo Stadium vs.

Mariners.

Hall of Fame worthiness: He’s young enough to chart his own course and he seems to be totally in love with the game, which are two positives in his favor. It’s way too early to tell if he is capable of measuring up to Hall of Fame outfielders. If he can sustain some real longevity and work hard to improve his natural abilities, then you have to at least consider him a future candidate.

Date of a game to go see him:

March 9 at Camelback Ranch vs. Giants (ss).

STARTING PITCHER CLAYTON KERSHAW

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA/ USA TODAY SPORTS

Age: 25 Career stats: 182 GS, 1,180 IP, 341 ER, 77-46 W/L, 1,206 SO, 393 BB, 2.60 ERA, 1.09 WHIP Why he’s a must-see: The two-

time National League Cy Young Award winner, Kershaw is arguably the best left-hander in baseball. He’s a dominant strikeout pitcher and is affable around fans at spring-training ballparks. What’s great about him is he’s always striving to get better and he’s ultra competitive — a combination that could make him one of the all-time greats.

Hall of Fame worthiness: In 2011, when he won his first Cy Young Award, Kershaw won the pitcher’s version of the Triple Crown and became the youngest pitcher to accomplish either of those feats since Dwight Gooden in 1985. He has drawn comparisons to Dodgers lefty, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. So far, he has avoided serious arm trouble and if that continues, it would seem he is on his way to the Hall.

Date of a game to go see him:

Check local listings when available to see when Kershaw is scheduled to pitch.

RELIEF PITCHER AROLDIS CHAPMAN CINCINNATI REDS

USA TODAY SPORTS

Age: 25 Career stats: 205 G, 198.2 IP, 53 ER,

15-13 W/L, 324 SO, 98 BB, 2.40 ERA, 1.02 WHIP

Why he’s a must-see: There might be more effective closers in the Cactus League, but none have the filthy gas of Chapman, whose fastball has been clocked at 105.1 mph. He has had some wildness issues when it comes to location and he has been trying hard to pinpoint his accuracy. Whether he does or not, his gun is worth watching. The sound that fastball makes when hitting the catcher’s glove can be heard throughout the ballpark.

Hall of Fame worthiness: The theory is Chapman will have to reinvent himself over time to stay in the game long enough and be effective enough to keep registering big-time save numbers if he wants to be worthy of the Hall of Fame. Given how hard he throws, he could be easily susceptible to long-term arm problems. He’ll probably be a long shot at best.

Date of a game to go see him:

March 17 at Goodyear Ballpark vs. the Indians.

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8

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | OVERVIEW

a

NEW FACES, NEW PLACES

From parks to players, 2014 marks season of debuts in Cactus League

By Bob McManaman azcentral sports

Baseball fans hankering for a romantic taste of Wrigley Field in Arizona now have their wish, thanks to the creation of Cubs Park, the spacious and splendid new $99 million spring-training home of the Chicago Cubs.

But the 15,000-seat Mesa ballpark isn’t the only thing new in town this Cactus League season.

Just look at the rosters of the 15 major-league teams scattered across the Valley. New faces are everywhere, from second baseman Robinson Cano in Peoria with the Mariners to first baseman Prince Fielder back in Arizona and now in

Goodyear with the Rangers.

Three new managers also make their debuts this spring: Bryan Price with the Reds, Lloyd McClendon with the Mariners and Rick Renteria with the Cubs.

New also means young and there are a slew of rising stars training in Arizona who are ready to put their face among baseball’s best, including the Diamondbacks’ Paul Goldschmidt, the Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig and the Angels’ Mike Trout.

Just 22, Trout already is a two-time All Star and twice a runner-up as American League Most Valuable Player. The center fielder finished third in the AL last season in batting with a .323 average and belted 27 home runs to go along with 99 RBIs.

He also stole 33 bases and led the majors with a 9.2 WAR (wins above replacement), which measures a player’s total contribution to his team.

“His combination of speed and power is incredible. He’s an anomaly, a prodigy,” Tampa Rays manager Joe Maddon told the Los Angeles Times at the end of last season.

Asked how high he thinks Trout’s ceiling could be in terms of getting even better, Maddon replied, “The Sistine Chapel.”

Trout certainly will be a catalyst in the Angels’ quest to return to the postseason for the first time in six years. The hope for Anaheim is that the pitching staff can hold up and two of its

His speed and power make Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout a formidable opponent. AP

See DEBUTS, Page 9

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CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | OVERVIEW

a

DEBUTS

Continued from Page 8

more experienced sluggers, first baseman Albert Pujols and left fielder Josh Hamilton, can return to form and each smack 30 homers and drive in 100 or more runs.

Goldschmidt, Arizona’s sturdy young first baseman, has emerged as an MVP-worthy candidate in the National League following a 2013 season that saw him tie for the NL lead in homers (38) and win the league’s RBI crown (125).

He will be joined by another big bat in the heart of manager Kirk Gibson’s order, Mark Trumbo, who has averaged 32 home runs in his first three full major league seasons. Some scouts predict Trumbo could regularly hit 40 homers a year at hitter-friendly Chase Field.

Puig, meanwhile, captured the nation’s attention last season as a rookie. When the right fielder was recalled from the minors in early June, the Dodg-

ers were 8½ games out of first in the NL West. Puig immediately went on a profound tear to help Los Angeles roar back and easily win the division.

His 44 hits in June were the most by any player in his debut month ever other than Joe DiMaggio’s 48 in 1936. Though he is raw and has been a polarizing figure to opposing players, fans and the media, Puig has uncanny skills and with time, he could be a force for years to come. In 383 at-bats, he hit .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs. “He’s not Mickey Mantle yet,” Gibson said last season, “(but) he’s kicking everybody’s ass and some people are jealous of that.”

Another new Cuban sensation is in the Cactus League fold this spring, as the White Sox will welcome slugging first baseman Jose Abreu to camp after signing him to a six-year $68 million deal. His numbers were strong in Cuba, which included hitting 33 homers and driving in 93 runs in just 212 at-

COME AS YOU PLAN AS

Some scouts predict new D-Back Mark Trumbo could hit 40 home runs a season in Chase Field. THE REPUBLIC

bats two years ago.

“It’s going to be fun to see how this plays out over the next couple of years,” White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn told reporters.

Other new faces in new places include Justin Morneau now manning first base for the Rockies in place of the retired Todd Helton. Morneau signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal with Colorado.

Pitcher Tim Hudson, mean-

ARE,

YOU GO.

flagstaffarizona.org/spring-training 800.718.8123 AR-0008156306-02

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

while, is back on the West Coast after agreeing to a two-year, $23 million free-agent contract with the Giants. The Royals added infielder Omar Infante, signing him to a four-year deal worth $30 million.

And the big-bopping Fielder, acquired by Texas in a trade with Detroit, will be joining another new face with the Rangers in outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, a free-agent signee who gives manager Ron Washington a top-

of-the-order hitter with extrabase power.

But it was the Mariners who made the biggest splash in free agency, luring Cano away from the Yankees with a whopping10year $240 million deal. A career .309 hitter, Cano is sure to return dividends immediately, although his long-term worth may never match such a huge payout.

The Mariners, though, want to win now.

“We didn’t have that elite player on the field or in the lineup,” General Manager Jack Zduriencik said during Cano’s introductory news conference.

“We needed that position-player impact guy and we got the best one available.”

Not everything is new in the Cactus League this spring, however. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, built in 1964, will be hosting its final spring-training season this year. Next year, the Oakland A’s will be moving to a renovated Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.

9

10

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | STADIUM GUIDE

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK

CUBS PARK

Stadium a mix of culture, sports

Newest Cactus League field debuts

This 13,000-seat stadium is the Cactus League’s second newest. In addition to the main stadium, there are 12 fields split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

The Valley’s newest Cactus League park will debut this year. After decades of training at Hohokam Stadium, the Chicago Cubs have a new home.

Details: 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Reservation. 480-270-5000, saltriverfields.com.

Details: 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. 800-843-2827, cubs.com/mesa.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU VISIT

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU VISIT

Insider tips: Salt River Fields was the first Major League Baseball property built on Indian land.

Tribal influences incorporated throughout the park give information about the history of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. In addition, restroom signs are in Maricopa, Pima and English.

Insider tips: One of the park’s fun features is left-field deck known as Eighteen | 76. It features bleachers, a raised trellis and (hopefully) a party atmosphere. Tickets are $8 or $12, depending on the game.

Food and drink: Enjoy local favorite Crust Pizza & Wine Cafe. Salty Señorita serves tacos and margaritas. Add traditional ballpark food and authentic foods of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and you have diverse options.

Where to sit: There isn’t a bad seat in the house. For the cost-conscious fan, the grass at Salt River Fields is pretty expansive, even when it’s crowded. Bring a blanket or a towel; chairs are not permitted. The always busy hospitality levels, such as the Pepsi Patio, provide an amazing view of many mountains in greater Phoenix, from the McDowells to Four Peaks to Red Mountain.

Meet and greets: Autographs are widely avail-

ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC

able. At each Diamondbacks home game, an organized autograph session with two players is set up in the left-field corner. During batting practice at Diamondbacks and Rockies games, try to squeeze down to the front-row stadium seats near the bullpens.

Family time: Salt River Fields is a fan- and family-friendly facility. Near the first-base concourse, kids can play Wiffle ball with stadium personnel. Fans may also find some MLB coaches wandering over. Kids can run the bases after every Sunday home game.

Food and drink: The food is designed to be a blend of Chicago-style cuisine and Southwestern chow. If that’s not enough variety for you, a citrus grove inside the park will host four to five food trucks each game. Food trucks will rotate, meaning each game will have its own flavor from a food standpoint.

Hot tickets: The inaugural game is Thursday, Feb. 27, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and tickets are getting tough to come by. Fans who show up Opening Day will receive a pin to commemorate the experience. Cubs officials advise that the entire opening weekend is expected to sell out (the Giants plays on Saturday; the Royals on Sunday), so buy early.

Atmosphere: The facility was designed to

DAVID WALLACE/THE REPUBLIC

reflect the team, so there are touches that should feel familiar to any Wrigley Field denizen: a brick pattern behind home plate, a cantilevered roof, outfield-lawn seating and a scoreboard reminiscent of Chicago’s north-side stadium.

Family time: The Riverview Park complex, adjacent to Cubs Park, boasts 300 feet of rockclimbing walls, a 50-foot climbing tower, a netclimbing structure, a splash pad, interactive play equipment and a path that connects it to Cubs Park. The hope is that families will come early and stay late, enjoying the whole complex.

SCOTTSDALE STADIUM

PHOENIX MUNICIPAL STADIUM

Heart of downtown and of gold

Festive dates and a fond farewell

The home of the San Francisco Giants is in the heart of downtown Scottsdale.

The 8,000-seat Phoenix Muni has hosted the Oakland A’s since 1982. Next year, the team is scheduled to move to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, which the Cubs recently vacated.

Details: 7408 E. Osborn Road. 480-312-2580, www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium/springtraining.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU VISIT Insider tips: The stadium partners with the Scottsdale Charros, a community-support group that raises funds from banner and program advertising and by selling tickets to the Charro Lodge, an all-inclusive VIP area ($80-$135).

Charro Lodge and other fundraising proceeds, which total more than $7 million in the past 12 years, benefit youth education and non-profits and help fund scholarships.

Food and drink: If you’ve ever been to Old Town Scottsdale, you know there are scads of restaurants to choose from before taking in a Giants game. Citizen Public House has labeled itself a haven for Giants fans, but beyond that, options range from Dos Gringos for laid-back Mexican to Stingray Sushi for trendy Japanese.

Where to sit: If you’ve purchased grass seating,

snag a blanket and settle in alongside other fans, some of whom will surely be sunbathing (read: wearing bikinis and swim trunks). Chairs aren’t allowed. If you’re looking for shade, head to the left-field corner where mature trees offer respite.

Meet and greets: Autograph seekers need to get to the game early. Hang out along the rail behind the first-base line near the Giants dugout and be ready to chat with some of the game’s biggest stars, such as Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval.

Getting there: Don’t be intimidated by Old Town parking or the limited access at the park.

The city’s trolley has a stop at the stadium’s Gate E, allowing you to park pretty much anywhere along the route and hitch a ride to and from the game.

Details: 5999 E. Van Buren St. 602-392-0074, oaklandathletics.com/spring

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU VISIT Insider tips: You might want to buy tickets early for a couple of games this season. On Friday, Feb. 28, the A’s will play the San Francisco Giants, traditionally a major draw. Monday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day, and the green beer will be flowing as the A’s play the Cubs. Also note: There will be one night game this season, Thursday, March 13, against the Colorado Rockies.

Food and drink: Fans are allowed to bring in non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed bottles.

But there is quite a bit to choose from at the stadium’s concessions. Check out the quesadilla or a double cheeseburger and follow with Sub Zero ice cream.

Where to sit: Muni has no grass seating, but its stadium seating offers a great view of the game from pretty much any angle. If you would like to

DAVID KADLUBOWSKI/THE REPUBLIC

grab a bite and not use your lap as a table, there are two picnic areas in right and left fields.

Meet and greets: If you’re trying to catch Jarrod Parker or A.J. Griffin, it’s best to hang out in the front rows along the baselines.

How’s your arm?: Antsy kids can test their skills at the speed-pitch cage.

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | STADIUM GUIDE

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TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM

Angels fans treated to accessibility Built in 1969 a stone’s throw from Interstate 10, this is one of the most easily accessible parks in the Cactus League. It has been home to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim since 1993.

Details: 2200 W. Alameda Drive. 480-350-5205, tempe.gov/diablo.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU VISIT Insider tips: Not all ballparks allow access to practice. Tempe Diablo does. Practices run daily from 9 a.m. to noon, and parking is free during those sessions. On game day, parking is $5 per car.

Food and drink: The stadium hosts more than a dozen vendors during spring training, but fans are allowed to pack soft backpacks (smaller than 16 inches by 16 inches) filled with food prepared at home. Each person is allowed one sealed bottled water. Don't bring in takeout food from an outside restaurant. At the park, for $5 to $10, expect to see footlong hot dogs, brats and sausages, monster chicken nachos, as well as bistro-style sandwiches.

Where to sit: If you're looking for shade, you're in luck. The upper pavilion on right field is shaded and offers an all-you-can-eat food ticket for $58.

Those tickets include table seating. And there’s lawn seating, too.

www.13847Canyon.com THE REPUBLIC

Meet and greets: It's always easier to get autographs as players come and go from practice than on game days. The best spot to catch Mike Trout and Albert Pujols is near the fence in the west parking lot between the stadium and practice fields. Otherwise, try to linger near the right-field line by the team's locker rooms.

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CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | STADIUM GUIDE

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CAMELBACK RANCH GLENDALE

SURPRISE STADIUM

The Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers share this facility, which covers 141 acres and has 13 practice fields.

The facility is the spring-training home of the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals.

Details: 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 623-302-5000, camelbackranchbaseball.com.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU VISIT

Great spot to shag a souvenir ball

Insider tips: At weekend premier games, visit Autograph Alley. There are not only autograph signings, but live music and concession items.

Mondays through Thursdays, active and retired military and people age 65 or older receive a 50 percent discount on infield box and baseline field box tickets. Valid on game day only.

Food and drink: Food and drink items include the favorites, plus such items as funnel cakes, barbecue and cheesesteaks.

camp out beyond the left-field wall of the White Sox replica U.S. Cellular Field during morning batting practice. It’s free.

Where to sit: Ticket options ranging from $8 lawn seats to $28 for the lower dugout area. Fans also can watch the game from the Budweiser Home Run Party Deck. For $30, you get a ticket to the game, entry to the party tent, premium viewing overlooking right field and one meal and drink ticket.

Meet and greet: Because of the size of the facility, there are several chances for fans to get autographs. The railings are low, so the left- and right-field corners of the stadium are good places to approach players on game days.

Meet and greet: The practice fields open at 10 a.m. Fans also can gather along the left- and right-field lines to try to catch such stars as Adrian Beltre and Alex Gordon as they walk from the locker rooms to the dugout when the stadium

After each Sunday game, kids can run the bases.

Where to sit: Fans looking to bring home a souvenir ball have a really great chance if they

Details: 15930 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. 623-222-2000, surpriseaz.gov/files/springtraining.

Insider tip: The 800-member Surprise Sundancers, founded in 2002, is the official springtraining volunteer organization of the city, the Royals and the Rangers.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU VISIT

Food and drink: The famous Dodger Dog and the Vienna Beef Chicago Dog are available every game and come with their authentic toppings.

Also check out the All You Can Eat Bullpen Patio, which sits above the Dodgers’ bullpen and features umbrellas for shade. Tickets for the bullpen include unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, Pepsi products and bottled water.

Rangers, Royals share facility

MICHAEL SCHENNUM/THE REPUBLIC

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX

THE REPUBLIC

gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch.

Promotions: Every Wednesday during spring training, senior citizens can purchase two-for-one plaza-level seats. Military men and women and veterans can purchase two-for-one plaza-level seats every Sunday. The Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic, featuring Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Manhattan, Gonzaga and Santa Clara, runs from Feb. 27-March 2 with games starting at 4 p.m.

GOODYEAR BALLPARK

Mariners, Padres call it home

Ohioans’ home away from home

The first park in Arizona to host two teams, Peoria Sports Complex opened in 1994. It’s home to the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres.

This is the spring home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.

Details: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 623-773-8700, springtrainingpeoria.com.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU VISIT Insider tips: On Sundays (excluding March 9), the stadium offers $40 Family Four Packs that include four lawn seats, four hot dogs, four small sodas and four bags of chips. And if your pooch is a big-time Mariners or Padres fan (or just wants to scout the competition), your four-legged friend is welcome Sunday, March 2, on the lawn with a $4 dog ticket. Proceeds go to the Arizona Humane Society.

Fireworks: For the first time in the park’s history, there will be a fireworks show after the game between the Padres and Mariners on Friday, March 21.

Where to sit: It’s always nice to stretch out on the grass on a sunny day. There are more than 3,000 lawn seats and they’re only $7.

Meet and greets: Autograph Alley is the place to score autographs. That’s where such players as

Details: 1933 S. Ballpark Way. 623-882-3120, goodyearbp.com.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU VISIT Insider tips: Goodyear Ballpark is a springtraining facility with its own mascot. Zizzy is out and about at all the games, dressed in his finest baseball duds.

MICHAEL SCHENNUM/THE REPUBLIC

Felix Hernandez and Carlos Quentin enter near the right-field corner.

Giving back: Baseball and music fans won’t want to miss the game on March 22. The city is hosting a postgame street festival, the P83 Party, from 4 to 9 p.m. that day featuring a concert from country singer Dustin Lynch (“Cowboys and Angels”). If you attend the game, concert admission is free; otherwise, tickets are $10-$25.

Food and drink: Ohio fans, rejoice. You’ll find the Skyline Chili dog for $4.50. The ballpark also stocks Bertman Ballpark Mustard. It’s rumored to be such a hit, managers have reported mysterious disappearances of the economy-size tubs of mustard. New this year is the Arizona Burger, a burger with pepper Jack cheese covered in chili with jalapeños.

Where to sit: Goodyear Ballpark has 1,500 lawn seats and 500 seats in its Right Field Pavilion. For ages 3 to 12, you can find half-price tickets for kids in the Outfield Box. If you’d like to get a little classier, reserve a Club or Premium Field Box seat, where you get a wider, padded seat and your own server.

CHARLIE LEIGHT/THE REPUBLIC

Family time: After Saturday and Sunday games, kids can run the bases. Bring a glove on Wednesday, March 12, and Friday, March 21, as visitors can play catch on the field after the game. Softtoss baseballs will be provided.

Keeping warm: On Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2, the first 1,500 fans through the gates will received a fleece blanket courtesy of Goodyear Ballpark.

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | STADIUM GUIDE MARYVALE BASEBALL PARK

Bobbleheads, sausage and baseball The Milwaukee Brewers call this west-side complex home. The main stadium seats 8,000.

DETAILS: 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix. 623-245-5500, phoenix.gov/parks/sports/marystad.html.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU VISIT INSIDER TIPS

BOBBLEHEADS

This is the only park where baseball fans can get autographs from sausages. The sausage mascots that race at Miller Park in Milwaukee also take a turn at Maryvale park during the sixth inning. You can get autographs from your favorite pork product, be it chorizo, bratwurst or sausage, on the concourse.

If you collect the souvenirs, Maryvale will be heaven for you this season. Nearly every home game will feature a bobblehead for the first 2,000 fans in attendance. The lineup includes Carlos Gomez (March 1); Hank Aaron (March 3), Ben Oglivie (March 6), George Scott (March 10), Gorman Thomas (March 17), Harvey Kuenn (March 22) and Ryan Braun (March 27).

WHERE TO SIT

If you can’t find a seat you like in the main stadium, find a cushy spot in the grass. But note that chairs aren’t allowed. You might catch some shade down the right-field line.

If you can’t find a seat you like in the main stadium, find a cushy spot in the grass. But note that chairs aren’t allowed. You might catch some shade down the right-field line. Anywhere you sit, you’ll see a mixed crowd but a lot of families.

MEET AND GREETS The best place to get autographs is during batting practice. The gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch for every game. If you miss that, wait along the right-field line or try to catch players when they leave the field.

NICK OZA/THE REPUBLIC

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SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

LOOKING TO GET OVER THE HUMP

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 26 1:10 p.m.

LAD

27 1:05 p.m.

LAD

27 1:05 p.m.

CHC

28 1:10 p.m.

COL

MARCH 1

1:10 p.m.

MIL

1

7:10 p.m.

CHC

2

1:05 p.m.

SF

3

1:10 p.m.

LAA

3

7:10 p.m.

COL

4

1:05 p.m.

SD

5

1:10 p.m.

KC

6

1:10 p.m.

OAK

7

1:05 p.m.

OAK

8

1:05 p.m.

CHW

8

1:05 p.m.

LAA

9

1:10 p.m.

SD

10 7:10 p.m.

SEA

11 1:10 p.m.

CLE

12 1:05 p.m.

LAD

12 7:10 p.m.

COL

13 1:10 p.m.

SEA

14 1:05 p.m.

MIL

15 1:05 p.m.

CLE

16 1:10 p.m.

MIL

21 1:00 a.m.

Australia*

26 1:10 p.m.

CHC

27 12:05 p.m.

CIN

27 1:10 p.m.

CLE

28 6:40 p.m.

CHC**

29 1:10 p.m.

CHC**

*Game will be played in Australia **Games will be played at Chase Field

New players might help Diamondbacks improve this year

By Nick Piecoro azcentral sports

The Diamondbacks added a power hitter in Mark Trumbo, a bullpen arm in Addison Reed and an innings-eater in Bronson Arroyo, but the question of whether they’ll return to the top of the National League West might have more to do with the players they already had on their roster.

The team the Diamondbacks thought they had never really showed up in 2013. At times, it was due to injury, like the broken hand that cost Aaron Hill close to half the season. Other times, the players the Diamondbacks were counting on just didn’t perform up to expectations.

Maybe the Diamondbacks can be healthier. Maybe they can perform more in line with expectations. And maybe the players who excelled in 2013 — think Paul Goldschmidt and Patrick Corbin — can do so again. If those things happen, it’s not hard to see the off-season additions being enough to finally tip the Diamondbacks past the .500 mark that has frustrated them each of the past two years.

“You try and learn from your successes, your mistakes, your failures, your relationships,” Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. “I scour constantly to try and be better and wonder how I can be better and how I can make the team better. We’re in ‘go mode’ right now. We’ve all learned a lot of life lessons along the way and we’ll apply those in a good, positive way.”

The Diamondbacks have some things going for them, starting with Goldschmidt, who won a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and was runner-up in the MVP race.

Right fielder Gerardo Parra also won a Gold Glove, and the Diamondbacks’ defense again figures to be a strength.

The lineup also has a chance to

The Diamondbacks will need more players like pitcher Patrick Corbin, who excelled last season, if they want to tip past the .500 mark. The season opener is in Sydney, Australia, against the Dodgers. STACIE SCOTT/THE REPUBLIC

be dangerous throughout. Every projected starter except for one — whoever plays shortstop — has posted a league-average OPS (on base plus slugging) at some point in his career, and many of them did so just last season. Catcher Miguel Montero, however, was far below average in 2013, hitting just .230 in what was his worst season since becoming an everyday player.

He’s probably the prime example of a player in need of a bounce-back. Reliever David Hernandez is another, and righthanders Brandon McCarthy and Trevor Cahill qualify, as well.

“We know what our strengths were and what our weaknesses are,” Gibson said, “and we’re going to try to do a better job in the areas that we were weak and continue to do things we did well.”

Aside from Hill, the club also lost outfielder Adam Eaton (subsequently dealt in the Trumbo

deal) for the first half of the season to an elbow injury, and McCarthy, Cahill, reliever J.J. Putz and outfielder Cody Ross also spent significant time on the disabled list.

“It really tested our depth,” General Manager Kevin Towers said.

“It happens with a lot of ballclubs. Every club is going to have injuries during the year. The more you can keep your core guys out there, I think the better chance you’ll have of being competitive at the end of the season.”

Arroyo’s signing also gives the club the option to tread lightly with prospect Archie Bradley, who seems likely to get his feet wet in the minors before a possible big-league promotion rather than competing for a job in spring training. But Bradley, one of the top prospects in baseball, seems all but assured of cracking the majors at some point this season.

D-BACKS DOWN UNDER What: The Diamondbacks will open the 2014 regular season with a twogame series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Sydney, Australia.

When: March 22-23. Arizona and Australia are 18 hours apart. The first game will start at 1 a.m. Arizona time March 22 (7 p.m. in Australia). The second game is set for 7 p.m. Arizona time also on March 22, which is 1 p.m. on March 23 in Australia.

Where: Sydney Cricket Ground.

This will mark the seventh time baseball has opened the season outside the United States, having opened in Monterrey, Mexico (1999), Tokyo, Japan (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012) and San Juan, Puerto Rico (2001).

15

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

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CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | COLORADO ROCKIES

EYES ON THE BULLPEN

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 28

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

CIN

2

1:10 p.m.

MIL

3

1:05 p.m.

SEA

3

7:10 p.m.

D-Backs

4

1:10 p.m.

SF

5

1:05 p.m.

TEX

5

1:05 p.m.

CHC

6

1:05 p.m.

MIL

7

1:10 p.m.

LAA

8

1:10 p.m.

OAK

9

1:05 p.m.

KC

10

1:10 p.m.

SD

11

1:05 p.m.

CHC

12

1:10 p.m.

CIN

12

7:10 p.m.

D-Backs

13

7:05 p.m.

OAK

14

1:05 p.m.

SF

14

6:40 p.m.

SEA

15

1:10 p.m.

LAA

16

1:05 p.m.

LAD

17

1:05 p.m.

SD

19

6:40 p.m.

CHC

20

1:10 p.m.

MIL

21

1:10 p.m.

CLE

22

1:05 p.m.

CLE

22

1:10 p.m.

SEA

23

1:10 p.m.

CHW

24

1:10 p.m.

KC

25

1:05 p.m.

CHW

26

1:05 p.m.

SF

28

7:05 p.m.

SEA

29

12:10 p.m.

SEA

Rockies’ pitching suffered in 2013; key injuries hurt, too

AT A GLANCE

Manager: Walt Weiss.

Last season: 74-88.

WORTH WATCHING

By Nick Piecoro

Unlike last off-season, when the Rockies had a relatively quiet winter, Colorado made a few moves to bolster the pitching staff. Left-hander Brett Anderson was brought in from Oakland and figures to slot in as the No. 3 starter, and the Rockies signed free-agent relievers LaTroy Hawkins and Boone Logan, both of whom should hold down prominent roles in the bullpen.

azcentral sports

It doesn’t exactly take hardcore analysis to unearth the problems that have plagued the Colorado Rockies in recent seasons.

Given their challenging home park of Coors Field, pitching has been an issue. And, for whatever reason, they’ve also had trouble keeping their best players on the field.

They suffered from a little of both in 2013, failing to make the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

In some ways, the pitching was better than anticipated.

Right-hander Jhoulys Chacin and lefty Jorge De La Rosa had strong years in the rotation and young right-hander Tyler Chatwood was even better, albeit for only 20 starts.

But the bullpen, which threw the most innings in the National League, also posted the worst ERA in the league.

Then, of course, there were injuries, most notably to franchise cornerstones Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. Tulowitzki (rib cage) missed 36 games, Gonzalez (finger) 52.

Left fielder Carlos Gonzalez missed 52 games last season because of a finger injury. His absence and injuries to other key players figured into the Rockies’ losing record last year. AARON LAVINSKY/THE REPUBLIC

Last season The Rockies jumped to a strong start, winning 16 of 26 games in April, but failed to post a winning record in any of the season’s final five months.

Partly at fault was a bullpen that had only two truly dependable relievers (Rex Brothers, Adam Ottavino) from start to finish. Closer Rafael Betancourt landed on the disabled list on three occasions, the last time for

Tommy John surgery.

Aside from Chatwood, another encouraging sign came in the form of third baseman Nolan Arenado. Promoted to the big leagues in late April, Arenado held his own at the plate but was most impressive in the field; he became the first rookie in NL history to win a Gold Glove.

Old and new For the first time since the

early days of the franchise, the Rockies will open camp without first baseman Todd Helton, who retired last season after a 17-year major-league career.

Replacing Helton is another veteran left-handed bat, Justin Morneau, whom the Rockies signed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal.

Once one of the top hitters in baseball, Morneau, still just 32, has endured an array of physical issues, including a concussion and neck surgery, over the past four seasons.

“I don't think anybody will ever fill those shoes (Helton’s) in that organization,” Morneau told reporters. “I'm going to try and do the things I do well and not really try to replace anyone or be anyone else. Just help this team win ballgames.”

DINING NEAR SALT RIVER FIELDS OCEAN TRAIL

4TH FLOOR GRILLE & BAR

BARRO’S PIZZA

THE COVE TRATTORIA

This restaurant on the casino floor at Talking Stick Resort serves delicious Creole specialties such as Louisiana gumbo, and seafood plates such as the shareable platter of shrimp, crab, oysters, mussels and clams. Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. weekdays.

The Macho Tacos are two large grilled flour tortillas piled with meat, chipotle mayo, cabbage, pico de gallo and cheese ($10.95, $7.95 half-order). The Scottsdalian chicken sandwich is a marinated pesto chicken breast, topped with roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese on a grilled bun ($10.95).

At Scottsdale Pavilions, this pizza place is within walking distance of the ballpark. Create your own pizza, or choose a specialty such as the mega meat, chicken supreme or barbecue.

Barro’s, with locations across the Valley, also is known for serving great chicken wings.

This Italian bistro likes to combine classic and modern cuisine. Woodfired gourmet pizzas are topped with sauces made from scratch and fresh ingredients in an oversized brick oven. Choices include chicken and spinach pizza with grilled chicken breast, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, and goat cheese ($14.99).

Details: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Salt River Reservation. 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort .com.

Details: 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-949-1311, chaparralsuites.com.

Details: 8940 E. Indian Bend, Scottsdale. 480-302-6555, barrospizza.com.

Details: 7001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-951-8273, thecove scottsdale.com.

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | BEST TO WORST 8. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Strengths: The Royals lost No. 2 starter Ervin Santana to free agency and likely won’t be able to duplicate his 3.24 ERA from last season.

1. LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Strengths: Thanks to a payroll that will touch $215 million, the Dodgers are loaded at almost every position. Starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and free-agent signing Dan Haren are as formidable as any top four in the majors.

9. SAN DIEGO PADRES

Strengths: The Padres, cult favorites to make the playoffs this year, will again be buoyed by a strong bullpen.

2. OAKLAND ATHLETICS

10. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

3. CINCINNATI REDS

11. SEATTLE MARINERS

Strengths: Even with Mark Trumbo in left field, the Diamondbacks should be one of the better defensive teams in the National League.

Strengths: Oakland had a strong bullpen in 2013 — its 3.22 relief ERA was third-best in the AL — and the 2014 version might be even better.

Strengths: The Mariners should be a stronger team offensively than the 2013 version, which produced just 3.85 runs a game, fourth-worst in the AL.

Strengths: It’ll be hard to top the Reds’ rotation. Even after losing Bronson Arroyo to free agency, Cincinnati will return five young starters who performed well in 2013.

12. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

4. TEXAS RANGERS

Strengths: Even after winning just 74 games in 2013 and a relatively quiet off-season, the Brewers have a good chance to bounce back in 2014.

Strengths: With 4.48 runs per game, the Rangers had the eighth-best offense in the majors, yet it was Texas’ worst offensive output since 1995. That shouldn’t be an issue in 2014.

13. CHICAGO WHITE SOX

5. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Strengths: The Giants aren’t exactly dominant at any one thing, but it’s hard to find a glaring weakness.

6. CLEVELAND INDIANS

Strengths: The Cleveland offense should roll right along in 2014. While the Indians lack a player capable of topping 30 home runs in a season, they are remarkably balanced from a power perspective.

7. LOS ANGELES ANGELS

14. COLORADO ROCKIES

Strengths: The Rockies have a strong top three in their rotation in Jorge De La Rosa (3.49 ERA), Jhoulys Chacin (3.47) and Tyler Chatwood (3.19).

15. CHICAGO CUBS

Strengths: The Cubs are young at just about every position.

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Strengths: The Angels made some smart moves this off-season to shore up a bullpen that posted a 4.12 ERA in 2013, the fifth-worst in the majors.

Strengths: The Sox have room to improve across the board after a 99-loss season in 2013, but fans should be able to see into a more successful future even if Chicago struggles this year.

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SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | CHICAGO CUBS

SAME OLD, SAME OLD

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 27

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

28

1:05 p.m.

LAA

MARCH 01

1:05 p.m.

SF

01

7:10 p.m.

D-Backs

02

1:05 p.m.

KC

03

1:05 p.m.

MIL

04

1:05 p.m.

OAK

05

1:05 p.m.

COL

06

1:05 p.m.

CLE

07

1:05 p.m.

CLE

07

1:05 p.m.

LAA

08

1:05 p.m.

CIN

09

1:05 p.m.

MIL

10

1:05 p.m.

SF

11

1:05 p.m.

COL

12

7:05 p.m.

SEA

14

1:05 p.m.

LAD

15

TBD

15

1:05 p.m.

16

TBD

16

1:05 p.m.

CLE

17

1:05 p.m.

OAK

17

1:05 p.m.

LAA

18

7:05 p.m.

TEX

19

6:40 p.m.

COL

20

1:05 p.m.

SEA

21

1:05 p.m.

CHW

22

1:05 p.m.

CIN

23

1:05 p.m.

OAK

NYM* KC NYM*

24

7:05 p.m.

SD

25

1:05 p.m.

LAA

25

7:05 p.m.

SD

26

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

27

12:05 p.m.

CHW

28

6:40 p.m.

D-Backs

29

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

*Game being played at Cashman Field

a

Rebuilding hasn’t achieved results at major-league level yet

First baseman Anthony Rizzo is an emerging star for the struggling Cubs. There are other bright spots on the horizon, but those players are still in the minor leagues. GETTY

By Scott Bordow azcentral sports

The rebuild continues for the Chicago Cubs, who haven’t had a winning season since 2009 and have lost at least 90 games three straight years. The futility is even beginning to turn off the ever-faithful fans: The Cubs drew 2.6 million in attendance last season, their worst total since 1998 when Sammy Sosa was chasing the home-run record.

Unfortunately, the 2014 Cubs likely won’t be much better than the 2013 team or the 2012 edition or the ... well, you get the point.

The reclamation project begun by team President Theo Epstein has yet to bear much fruit in the major leagues.

Chicago’s minor-league system is flush with talent, most notably shortstop Javier Baez, outfielder Jorge Soler, third baseman Kris Bryant and pitcher C.J. Edwards. But until the kids reach the major leagues, the Cubs’ roster will continue to be an unappetizing mix of platoon players, guys in bounce-back years or players likely to be traded before July 31.

There are a few exceptions.

IMAGES

AT A GLANCE Manager: Rick Renteria.

Last season: 66-96.

WORTH WATCHING The main attraction is the team’s new facility in Mesa. The 15,000-seat stadium and complex includes six full practice fields and one half practice field, 12 indoor batting tunnels, and a 70,000-square-foot player-development facility. But it’s the ballpark’s design salute to Wrigley Field that will excite fans.

He probably won’t make the roster out of spring training, but Bryant will be worth watching in spring training. Bryant, out of the

University of San Diego, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft and did nothing but cement that status his first year in the minor leagues.

In 36 games split between rookie ball, low Class A and high Class A, he hit .336 with nine home runs, 32 RBIs and a .390 onbase percentage. He was then named the Most Valuable Player of the Arizona Fall League after hitting .364 with six home runs, eight doubles and 18 RBI over 20 games with the Mesa Solar Sox. Epstein has compared Bryant to Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria. The organizational plan is to start Bryant at Double-A this year. If he mashes pitching at the upper minorleague levels like he did in Class A, don’t be surprised if he shows up at Wrigley Field sometime this summer.

DAVE AND BUSTERS

PORTILLO’S HOT DOGS

THE GREEK PITA

The new Mesa Cubs Park is a short drive from Tempe Marketplace, with dining options for every taste and budget. At Dave and Busters you can eat, play and drink. Get a $10 game card when you choose one of eight eat-and-play combos, such as fried shrimp platter, Philly cheesesteak and Dave’s double cheeseburger, including sides ($16.99).

New to Tempe Marketplace, this Windy City transplant will appeal to Cubs fans. The restaurant features an atmosphere adorned with 1930s, ’40s and ’50s memorabilia. The hot dogs are served on poppyseed buns and dressed up with the usual fixings. Hot dog and chili prices range from about $3 to $4. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, shakes and desserts also are available.

For a taste of Mediterranean cuisine, the gyro is always a best bet with layers of beef and lamb thinly sliced and seasoned with zesty spices, then broiled on a vertical skewer ($5.35).

For a vegetarian choice, try the falafel, a blend of ground garbanzo beans, vegetables and spices, deep fried and served with tahini sauce ($4.25).

Details: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock Drive. 480-2818456, daveandbusters.com.

Details: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock Drive. 480-9677988, portillos.com.

Details: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock Drive. 480-5577482, thegreekpita.com.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo is an emerging star, Welington Castillo has the tools to be an aboveaverage everyday catcher, and outfielder Junior Lake hit .284 with six homers,16 RBIs and four steals in just 236 at-bats last year.

Last season This is how bad it was for the Cubs in 2013: The last time they were over .500 was April 4, three games into the season. Chicago had seven losing streaks of at least four games; it had one winning streak of four games.

The Cubs were 14th in the National League in runs scored, 14th in on-base percentage, 12th in ERA and they didn’t have a single pitcher win more than nine games. Only the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and Houston Astros lost more games.

The nightmare resulted in the firing of manager Dale Sveum.

Old and new

DINING NEAR CUBS PARK TOBY KEITH’S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL Stop by country singer Toby Keith’s namesake spot and try the She’s a Hottie Burger ($10.99), topped with melted pepper Jack cheese, fireroasted green chiles and fried onion straws. Enjoy live music or test your rodeo skills on the mechanical bull Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Details: 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa.

480-844-8629, tobysmesa.com.

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

a

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 26

1:05 p.m.

OAK

28

1:05 p.m.

MIL

28

1:05 p.m.

OAK

MARCH

EVENING THE ODDS If past is an indication, this could be a good season for Giants

Matt Cain was the Giants’ biggest pitching disappointment last season, but he has the talent to overcome an 8-10 record and a 4.00 ERA. GETTY

By Scott Bordow

1

1:05 p.m.

CHC

2

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

3

1:05 p.m.

SD

4

1:10 p.m.

COL

5

1:05 p.m.

LAA

6

1:05 p.m.

CIN

7

1:05 p.m.

KC

8

1:05 p.m.

SEA

9

1:05 p.m.

Futures

9

1:05 p.m.

LAD

10

1:05 p.m.

CHC

11

1:05 p.m.

CIN

12

1:05 p.m.

CHW

13

6:05 p.m.

TEX

14

1:05 p.m.

COL

15

1:05 p.m.

SEA

15

3:05 p.m.

OAK

16

1:05 p.m.

CLE

17

1:05 p.m.

LAA

18

7:05 p.m.

CLE

20

7:05 p.m.

SD

21

6:35 p.m.

OAK

22

1:05 p.m.

CHW

23

1:05 p.m.

KC

24

1:05 p.m.

LAA

DINING NEAR SCOTTSDALE STADIUM

25

1:05 p.m.

MIL

DON & CHARLIE’S

26

1:05 p.m.

COL

27

7:15 p.m.

OAK*

28

7:15 p.m.

OAK*

29

1:05 p.m.

OAK**

*Game will be played at AT&T Park **Game will be played at O.co Coliseum

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

azcentral sports

It’s an even-numbered year so look out for the San Francisco Giants.

San Francisco won the World Series in 2010 and then finished second in the National League West in 2011, eight games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Giants were champions again in 2012 before falling apart last year and finishing fourth in the NL. To repeat history, however, the Giants will have to get a lot more out of a pitching staff that underperformed last season. Newly acquired Tim Hudson should be an upgrade over Barry Zito, and it’s hard to imagine Matt Cain winning only eight games again.

The Giants also figure to get a boost from left fielder Mike Morse, who battled a wrist injury last season. If Morse can approximate his 2011 numbers, when he hit .303 with 31 homers and 95 RBIs for Washington, he’ll give San Francisco the significant upgrade it needed offensively.

The division is the Dodgers’ to lose, but if nothing else, San Francisco has this every-other-yearthing going for it.

This spot is a spring-training must-see with a vast collection of baseball memorabilia that will impress out-oftown guests. The restaurant is known for its juicy ribs, roasted chicken and impressive beer and wine menu.

Reservations can be made for spring training 30 days before the requested date, so start booking now.

Details: 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-990-0900, donand charlies.com.

IMAGES

AT A GLANCE Manager: Bruce Bochy.

Last season: 76-86.

WORTH WATCHING Manager Bruce Bochy gave third baseman Pablo Sandoval an offseason mandate: lose weight. The chunky Sandoval reportedly has done that, dropping at least 40 pounds from his 280-pound frame. The weight loss should help Sandoval bounce back from a 2013 season in which he hit only 13 homers and had trouble fielding his position.

games over .500 on June 19 but lost 12 of its next 14 games and never recovered.

Old and new

Lincecum was four games under .500 with a 4.37 ERA. The biggest disappointment: Cain, who finished 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA. The Giants also suffered from a Bay area power outage. Right fielder Hunter Pence had 27 homers, but no other player had more than 17. Only the Miami Marlins hit fewer homers in the NK, San Francisco was three

Which Matt Cain will show up in 2014? The pitcher who allowed 16 homers and had a 5.06 ERA the first half of the season or the pitcher who gave up seven homers and had a 2.36 ERA the second half?

An educated guess: Cain will again resemble the pitcher he was in 2012, when he was 16-5 and finished sixth in the Cy Young voting. Cain didn’t allow more than three earned runs in his final 11 starts last year and his ERA dropped by more than a full point.

If Cain is right, he’ll give the Giants an established ace at the top of the rotation.

DIRTY DOGG SALOON

RNR

BLUE MOOSE BAR & GRILL

Baseball helmets are as welcome as motorcycle helmets at this rowdy bar.

Happy hour runs 3-8 p.m. daily and features $1 off domestic beers, well drinks and you-call-it shots. Check out the live music on Thursdays and drink specials throughout the week.

Whether it’s a breakfast burrito before the game or a plate of sliders afterward, this spot has you covered for snacks, drinks, desserts, and specialty cocktails including the popular Chambord margarita.

Just two minutes from Scottsdale Stadium on Scottsdale Civic Center Mall., this bar and restaurant is a popular draw during the Cactus League season. This year, baseball fans and year-round visitors can enjoy an expanded patio and new craftbeer selections.

Last season Outside of Tim Lincecum throwing a 148-pitch no-hitter against the San Diego Padres in July, the Giants’ vaunted pitching staff hardly resembled the group that won the World Series in 2012.

Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner were the only pitchers to record double-digit wins, and

Details: 10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-368-8095, dirtydogg saloon.com.

Details: 3737 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-945-3353, rnrscotts dale.com.

Details: 7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale. 480-949-7959, search for “Blue Moose Bar & Grill” on Facebook.

21

22

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | OAKLAND ATHLETICS

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

THIRD TIME A CHARM?

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 26

1:05 p.m.

SF

27

1:05 p.m.

MIL

28

1:05 p.m.

SF

AT A GLANCE

Athletics look to finally win a playoff series

Manager: Bob Melvin.

Last season: 96-66.

By Zach Buchanan

WORTH WATCHING

azcentral sports

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

TEX

2

1:05 p.m.

LAA

3

1:05 p.m.

LAD

4

1:05 p.m.

MIL

4

1:05 p.m.

CHC

5

1:05 p.m.

MIL

6

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

7

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

8

1:10 p.m.

COL

9

1:05 p.m.

CHW

10

1:05 p.m.

LAD

11

1:05 p.m.

SD

12

1:05 p.m.

KC

13

7:05 p.m.

COL

14

1:05 p.m.

KC

15

1:05 p.m.

TEX

15

3:05 p.m.

SF

16

1:05 p.m.

CIN

17

1:05 p.m.

CHC

18

1:05 p.m.

CHW

19

1:05 p.m.

CLE

21

6:35 p.m.

SF

22

1:05 p.m.

SEA

23

1:05 p.m.

CHC

23

1:05 p.m.

SEA

24

1:05 p.m.

TEX

25

1:05 p.m.

CIN

26

12:05 p.m.

LAA

27

7:15 p.m.

SF*

28

7:15 p.m.

SF*

29

1:05 p.m.

SF**

*Game will be played at AT&T Park **Game will be played at O.co Coliseum

The Athletics are officially back, having made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the “Moneyball” years of the early 2000s. More impressive, they’ve done so against two divisional foes, the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels, with payrolls more than double their own.

The next step is to win a playoff series, something Oakland hasn’t done since 2006, and win the organization’s first World Series since 1989. The A’s will attempt that with a roster largely intact from 2013, but they face challenges in a revamped Rangers offense and a retooled Angels rotation.

That carryover is relatively new to Oakland, which had turnover in six of nine spots in the batting order from 2012 to 2013. How will shortstop Jed Lowrie, second baseman Eric Sogard and third baseman Josh Donaldson — who finished fourth in the AL MVP voting — fare in their second full seasons as everyday players?

Last season The A’s jockeyed for position atop the AL West with the Rang-

It couldn’t hurt to be in the stands when Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is taking batting practice, unless, of course, you’re not paying attention to where the ball is going.

The 28-year-old has hit 49 homers the past two years, and claimed the 2013 All-Star Home Run Derby title with 32 bombs.

Oakland’s bullpen, its biggest strength in 2013, should again be its forte. After losing Balfour in free agency, the A’s may be better by trading for former Baltimore closer Jim Johnson, the majors’ saves leader the past two years, and former Padres reliever Luke Gregerson.

Both relievers have posted ERAs under 3.00 each of the past three seasons. They’ll join lefty Sean Doolittle (3.13 ERA last year), Ryan Cook (2.54) and Dan

Otero (1.38). Every expected bullpen contributor is 30 or younger.

That makes the elder statesman of the pitching staff 30-yearold free-agent acquisition Scott Kazmir, five months older than Johnson and by far the most veteran with nine years of service time. But if Kazmir seems older than that, it’s because his career has already crashed, burned and risen again.

Kazmir was a rotation regular for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2005-08, but struggled in ’09 and was traded midseason to the Angels. He struggled again in 2010 and made one start in 2011, was banished to extended spring training and eventually released.

He spent 2012 pitching for the Sugarland Skeeters in the independent Atlantic League before making a comeback with a 4.04 ERA in 29 starts with Cleveland last year.

LOCO PATRON

HAP’S PIT BARBECUE

Loco Patron, on the ground floor of the Tempe Gateway building on Mill Avenue and Third Street, has a large dining room and patio, and the menu features crunchy tacos, wings, ceviche, chimichangas, mac and cheese, and steak salad. The bar menu features about two dozen tequilas and imported and domestic beers. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. daily.

Hap’s slogan is “smoked slow, served fast.” The hand-rubbed meat sampler comes with ribs, chicken and your choice of three: pulled pork, beef brisket, ham, lamb or hot links ($14.59). You can also order party packs to go or meat by the pound.

First baseman Brandon Moss hit 30 home runs last season. Can he come up big again this year? STEVEN BISIG/USA TODAY SPORTS

ers for much of the year before finally pulling away for good with a 19-8 month of September. Oakland took a 2-1 lead in its divisional-round playoff series against the Detroit Tigers, but dropped the final two games. Two of the Athletics’ three losses in the series came to AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.

Oakland enjoyed a big season from a few previously unproven players in the process. First baseman Brandon Moss hit 30 home runs, besting his previous high of 21 from the year before. Lowrie hit a career-best .290 in his first full year as a regular, and Donaldson jumped from 75 games, nine homers and a .241/.289/.398 slash

line in 2012 to 24 bombs and a .301/ .384/.499 line in 158 games while playing strong defense at third.

Old and new

DINING NEAR PHOENIX MUNICIPAL STADIUM OREGANO’S PIZZA BISTRO Fun atmosphere, big patio and Chicago-style pizza. What more could you want on a spring-training outing?

Plus, it’s not far from Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Details: 523 W. University Drive, Tempe. 480-858-0501, oreganos.com.

STOCKYARDS RESTAURANT AND 1889 SALOON This Phoenix landmark was surrounded by stockyards when it opened in 1947. Try the Saloon Snacks, available in the bar only, such as the prime-rib sliders and fries ($10) and a halfpound steak burger with fries ($12).

Get a shot of Jack Daniels in your root-beer float.

Details: 5009 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-273-7378, stockyards restaurant.com.

Details: 222 S. Mill Ave., Tempe.

480-699-0922, locopatron.com.

Details: 4801 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-267-0181, hapsbbq.com.

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | LOS ANGELES ANGELS

a

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 28

1:05 p.m.

CHC

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

SEA

2

1:05 p.m.

OAK

3

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

4

1:05 p.m.

TEX

5

1:05 p.m.

SF

6

1:05 p.m.

LAD

7

1:05 p.m.

CHC

7

1:10 p.m.

COL

8

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

9

1:05 p.m.

CIN

10

1:05 p.m.

CLE

11

1:05 p.m.

SEA

12

1:05 p.m.

TEX

12

1:05 p.m.

MIL

13

1:05 p.m.

CHW

14

1:05 p.m.

SD

15

1:10 p.m.

COL

16

1:05 p.m.

SEA

17

1:05 p.m.

CHC

17

1:05 p.m.

SF

19

1:05 p.m.

CHW

20

1:05 p.m.

KC

21

1:05 p.m.

KC

22

1:05 p.m.

MIL

23

1:05 p.m.

CLE

24

1:05 p.m.

SF

25

1:05 p.m.

CHC

26

12:05 p.m.

OAK

27

7:10 p.m

LAD*

28

7:10 p.m

LAD*

29

6:05 p.m

LAD**

*Game will be played at Dodger Stadium **Game will be played at Angels Stadium

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

A DIFFERENT COURSE

Angels try a low-key off-season to get team back into contention

AT A GLANCE

Manager: Mike Scioscia.

Last season: 78-84.

WORTH WATCHING

By Scott Bordow

How can you take your eyes off center fielder Mike Trout, now widely regarded as the best player in the game? All Trout did in his second full season last year was hit .323 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs, steal 33 bases, have an on-base percentage of .432 and finish second — for the second straight year — in the American League Most Valuable Player balloting.

azcentral sports

The Angels are at a crossroads. Owner Arte Moreno keeps spending, but all he’s gotten in return is a club that hasn’t captured the American League West or won more than 90 games in a season since 2009.

Perhaps in response, Los Angeles took a different course this off-season. It unloaded Mark Trumbo’s contract and received two young and inexpensive pitchers in return. It acquired third baseman David Freese in a deal with St. Louis, signed set-up man Joe Smith and picked up 41-yearold Raul Ibanez to be the designated hitter.

The understated moves, however, won’t do much to change the Angels’ standing in the AL West if they don’t get more out of stars Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton and the back end of their pitching staff. There’s no immediate help coming out of the farm system, either.

A fifth straight subpar season could mean some changes in the front office. Manager Mike Scioscia and General Manager Jerry Dipoto reportedly had their differences last season, although

One huge key to the success of the Angels is the play of two superstars, left fielder Josh Hamilton (left) and first baseman Albert Pujols. AP

both said the lines of communication have improved, and Dipoto is in the final year of his contract.

Last season For the second straight year the Angels made a huge off-season splash, signing Hamilton and pairing him with Pujols in what they thought would be the best buddy combo in the game.

Instead, Pujols was hobbled and Hamilton’s swing disappeared; he hit .250 with 21homers and 79 RBIs. But their limitations weren’t the biggest reason the Angels won the fewest games in a season since 2003.

The starting rotation beyond C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver was combustible. Jerome Williams, Jason Vargas, Joe Blanton and Tommy Hanson were a combined 24-35, and only Vargas had an ERA under 4.50. The Angels were 11th in the American League in ERA.

Old and new Pujols is 34 years old and coming off the worst year of his professional career, playing in just 99 games and delivering 17 homers and 64 RBIs. Pujols’ batting average has dropped each of the past five seasons, but he told re-

porters in the off-season that he’s healthy and excited about 2014.

The Angels, who handed Pujols a 10-year, $240 million contract in December 2011, aren’t expecting him to be the best player in the game, as he arguably was for a decade in St. Louis, but they’d take his numbers from 2012, when he hit .285 with 30 homers and 105 RBIs. Left-handed starter Tyler Skaggs, acquired from the Diamondbacks in an off-season trade, is at the opposite end of the spectrum, a 22-year-old whom the Angels hope will bolster their pitching staff. Skaggs, who was 2-3 with a 5.12 ERA last season, will get every chance to crack a rotation that featured five starters in their 30s last year.

DINING NEAR TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM CASEY MOORE’S OYSTER HOUSE

BOULDERS ON BROADWAY

HANDLEBAR & GRILL

FIREHOUSE TEMPE

Less than 5 miles from Tempe Diablo Stadium, this neighborhood sports bar and restaurant is a favorite because of its outdoor and indoor seating. You can find beer, specialty drinks and hearty food, including the Tempe cheesesteak ($9); fried zucchini and mushrooms ($8); and fried clam strips ($7). Happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

This bicycle-friendly, craft-beer-loving restaurant and bar is less than 3 miles from the stadium. The draft-beer list is always changing. This spot is known for its pizzas, with playful names like the Chuck Norris and L.A. Snob. The Fat Man Sandwich and Moose Drool Burger are sure to fill you up before or after a game.

This bike-friendly spot on Mill Avenue features craft beers on tap and in bottles, grilled bratwursts, sausages, fries and pretzels. It also boasts a full bar with beer and cocktails.

Part restaurant, part dance club, part sports bar, Firehouse caters to the Arizona State University crowd. The menu features well-executed bar food, such as nachos, pita sandwiches, burgers, wings and pretzel sticks.

Details: 850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe.

480-968-9935, caseymoores.com.

Details: 530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe. 480-921-9431, boulderson broadway.com.

Details: 680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe.

480-474-4888, handlebaraz.com.

Details: 4 E. University Drive, Tempe.

480-275-2116, ilovefirehouse.com.

23

24

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | LOS ANGELES DODGERS SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 26

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

27

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs (SS)

28

1:05 p.m.

CHW

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

SOLIDIFYING THE LINEUP

Dodgers keeping ’13’s NL West-champion team largely intact

AT A GLANCE Manager: Don Mattingly.

Last season: 92-70.

By Nick Piecoro

MARCH

azcentral sports

1

1:05 p.m.

MIL (SS)

2

1:05 p.m.

SD (SS)

3

1:05 p.m.

OAK

4

1:05 p.m.

SEA

5

1:05 p.m.

CIN

6

1:05 p.m.

LAA

7

1:05 p.m.

TEX

8

1:05 p.m.

TEX (SS)

8

7:05 p.m.

SEA (SS)

9

1:05 p.m.

SF (SS)

10

1:05 p.m.

OAK

11

1:05 p.m.

KC

12

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs (SS)

13

1:05 p.m.

CIN

14

1:05 p.m.

CHC

15

1:05 p.m.

SD (SS)

15

7:05 p.m. CHW (SS)

16

1:05 p.m.

20

1 a.m.

Australia*

22

1 a.m.

D-Backs*

22

7 p.m.

D-Backs*

27

7:10 p.m.

LAA**

28

7:10 p.m.

LAA**

29

6:05 p.m.

LAA***

COL

*Game will be played in Austrailia. **Game will be played at Dodger Stadium ***Game will be played at Angel Stadium

WORTH WATCHING

Compared to what fans are accustomed to seeing from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new ownership group, their off-season was relatively quiet.

The Dodgers made a few bigdollar acquisitions, signing Cuban second baseman Alexander Guerrero and right-hander Dan Haren, but they seemed more focused on trying to keep intact the team that stormed to the top of the National League West in the second half of last season.

To that end, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti re-signed two key free agents, third baseman Juan Uribe and setup man Brian Wilson, and lavished left-hander Clayton Kershaw, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, with the largest contract ever given to a pitcher in baseball history.

Kershaw, who had been eligible for free agency after the 2014 season, agreed to a seven-year, $215 million contract. With the deal, Guggenheim Baseball has taken on close to $1 billion in salary commitments since buying the team almost two years ago.

The Dodgers let veteran Mark Ellis leave as a free agent, paving the way for Cuban import Alexander Guerrero to take over the everyday job at second base.

Guerrero, 27, who received a $28 million deal in October, is known for his power and speed. But if he stumbles, the team doesn’t have much behind him in the way of proven depth. After Guerrero, the Dodgers might have to turn to Dee Gordon or perhaps littleknown minorleague infielder Miguel Rojas.

Last season On the morning of June 22, the Dodgers were 12 games under .500 and in last place in the NL West, 91⁄2 games behind the division-leading Diamondbacks.

But the Dodgers proceeded to go 42-8 over the next two months, registering one of the best 50game stretches in the history of the game.

Starters Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu performed well, and Kenley Jansen’s ascension to the closer’s role helped solidify the bullpen, but perhaps the biggest reasons for the Dodgers’ huge run were the performances of rookie Yasiel Puig and shortstop Hanley Rami-

Pitcher Clayton Kershaw helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a National League West division title last year and was rewarded with a Cy Young Award and the biggest contract given a pitcher in baseball history. ROB SCHUMACHER/THE REPUBLIC

rez.

Both put together the kinds of seasons that would have made them MVP candidates had they played in more games.

Old and new A question that loomed over the Dodgers for much of last sea-

son is popping up once again: How will manager Don Mattingly handle his outfield?

With Puig, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford, the Dodgers have one too many everyday players. The problem never really materialized last season because of injuries; the four were on the active roster at

the same time for only two games last year.

It could wind up being moot again, at least early in the year, as Kemp is still recovering from off-season ankle and shoulder surgeries.

If all four are healthy, Puig figures to be the only one certain to get everyday at-bats.

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | CHICAGO WHITE SOX

a

2013 REPEAT ‘UNACCEPTABLE’

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 28

1:05 p.m.

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

LAD

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

CLE

2

1:05 p.m.

TEX

3

1:05 p.m.

KC

4

1:05 p.m.

CLE

5

1:05 p.m.

SD

6

1:05 p.m.

SEA

6

1:05 p.m.

KC

7

1:05 p.m.

CIN

8

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

9

1:05 p.m.

OAK

10

1:05 p.m.

MIL

11

1:05 p.m.

TEX

12

1:05 p.m.

SF

13

1:05 p.m.

LAA

14

1:05 p.m.

CLE

15

7:05 p.m.

LAD

16

1:05 p.m.

TEX

17

1:05 p.m.

MIL

18

1:05 p.m.

OAK

19

1:05 p.m.

LAA

21

1:05 p.m.

CHC

22

1:05 p.m.

SD

22

1:05 p.m.

SF

23

1:10 p.m.

COL

24

1:05 p.m.

SEA

25

1:05 p.m.

COL

26

1:05 p.m.

CIN

27

12:05 p.m.

CHC

White Sox confident rebuilding efforts will reverse dismal record

AT A GLANCE 2013 record: 63-99, fifth in AL Central.

Manager: Robin Ventura, third season.

By Bob McManaman azcentral sports

WORTH WATCHING

Other than Frank Thomas being voted into the Hall of Fame, the Chicago White Sox haven’t had much of anything to celebrate lately.

Clearly, there is next to nothing worth remembering about the 2013 season, which saw the Sox lose 99 games and finish last in the American League in runs scored (598).

Quietly, however, General Manager Rich Hahn has taken the necessary steps to begin a rebuilding process that should at least make the South Siders more competitive than they were a year ago.

In addition to acquiring promising young right fielder Avisail Garcia, Hahn signed Cuban slugger Jose Abreu, a first baseman, to a six-year contract in November and then found a new starting center fielder and potential new starting third baseman in separate deals with the Diamondbacks to bring in Adam Eaton and Matt Davidson.

There is money available if the team shows some promise and, judging from a letter sent to season-ticket holders from a club top executive, that’s a given.

“Everyone with the White Sox

If you like hustle, and a player who always provides a spark, go watch Adam Eaton, the club’s new center fielder. Supposedly, he ruffled some feathers in the Diamondbacks clubhouse, but the White Sox and their fans will quickly grow to love this guy.

He’s a good kid who blossoms with a change of scenery.

This will be the last season for fan-favorite Paul Konerko, who is entering his 16th season with the

Sox, and it also probably figures to be the last in Chicago for Adam Dunn, who has hit .197 over the past three years.

Konerko’s role will be limited because of the $68 million deal given to Abreu and there are questions as to how effective he can be coming off the bench. He remains the leader and heart and soul of the franchise, but 2014 will be more of a send-off party for the former Scottsdale Chaparral standout.

All eyes will be on Abreu, 26, whom the White Sox hope can make an even greater impact than fellow Cuban defector Yasiel Puig has made for the Dodgers. He has been described as the “Barry Bonds of Cuba,” as evidenced by his remarkable 2010-11 season there when he hit .453 with 33 home runs and 93 RBIs in just 66 games.

SHOUT HOUSE

NATIVE NEW YORKER

Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale, who has topped 200 innings and 200 strikeouts, could be called the new face of the franchise. MARK DUNCAN/AP

is confident we will be competitive again, and soon,” wrote Brooks Boyer, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “We are going to be better. No one in the front office is willing to sit through another season like the past one. That is simply unacceptable to all of us, and I’m sure to you.”

Last season Not only couldn’t the White Sox score any runs, they didn’t play defense very well, either.

Only the lowly Astros (125) committed more errors in the American League than Chicago (121).

Injuries saw several players miss significant time, including

pitchers Gavin Floyd and John Danks.

The White Sox couldn’t solve the top two teams in the AL Central, going a combined 9-29 against the Tigers and Indians.

Left-hander Chris Sale topped 200 innings and 200 strikeouts for the first time in his young career, proving his worthiness as the new face of the franchise. He has emerged a legitimate Cy Young Award candidate. Fellow lefty Jose Quintana made huge strides as well.

Old and new

DINING NEAR CAMELBACK RANCH GLENDALE YARD HOUSE

This Long Beach, Calif., franchise takes drink-menu variety seriously.

Near Camelback Ranch Glendale in the Westgate Entertainment District, Yard House offers more than 125 beers on tap. Order one of the specialty burgers, such as the Hawaiian burger with chopped pineapple, pepperjack, aloha sauce and garlic aioli and fries ($11.55).

Details: Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, Glendale. 623-872-3900, yard house.com.

MCFADDEN’S RESTAURANT AND SALOON

This pub brings a bit of the Emerald Isle to Westgate, offering Irish-American fare and a full bar. The place is packed with party-goers on the average weekend, but it really comes alive during spring training. Enjoy happyhour deals, DJ music and 40 plasma televisions.

Details: Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, Glendale. 623-872-0022, mcfaddensglendale.com.

Keep the rowdiness of the game alive at this dueling-pianos bar at Westgate. In addition to live entertainment and bar food, one of the biggest draws is the 32-ounce Big Ass Beer Cup ($8, with $6 refills) of Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light or Michelob Ultra. Get there before 7 p.m., or bring cash on Fridays and Saturdays for the $5 cover charge.

Details: Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, Glendale. 623-772-1500, theshouthouse.com/az.

Wings and sports just go together.

Luckily, Native New Yorker is only a couple of miles away from the stadium and offers 16 wing flavors, including Asiago Parmesan, strawberry hot and spicy honey mustard. Dining in Tuesdays? Wings are 55 cents each.

Also, get the 22-ounce beer-of-themonth for $4 every day, all day long.

Details: 7273 N. 95th Ave., Glendale.

623-877-4500, nativenewyorker.com.

25

26

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | SEATTLE MARINERS

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 27

1:05 p.m.

SD

28

1:05 p.m.

SD

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

LAA

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1:05 p.m.

CLE

3

1:05 p.m.

CIN

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6

1:05 p.m.

CHW

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1:05 p.m.

CIN

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8

7:05 p.m.

LAD

9

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TEX

10

1:05 p.m.

KC

10

7:10 p.m.

D-Backs

11

1:05 p.m.

LAA

12

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CHC

13

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

14

6:40 p.m.

COL

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18

7:05 p.m.

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19

1:05 p.m.

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CHC

21

7:05 p.m.

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1:10 p.m.

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23

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24

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CHW

25

6:05 p.m.

KC

26

12:05 p.m.

TEX

28

7:05 p.m.

COL

29

12:10 p.m.

COL

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

BEYOND THE STARS Mariners sign couple of big names but support remains a question

AT A GLANCE Manager: Lloyd McClendon.

Last season: 71-91.

WORTH WATCHING

By Zach Buchanan

Arizonans haven’t had much of a chance to see Robinson Cano play in person. The former Yankee has trained every spring in Florida and has played only three times at Chase Field. He should be one of the biggest draws of the Cactus League.

azcentral sports

Can signing one of the best players in baseball and the hottest free agent available launch a team from prolonged mediocrity to contention in a stacked American League West? The Mariners sure hope so.

Seattle hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2009 and hasn’t made the playoffs since winning 116 games in 2001. Since then, six managers have roamed the dugout in a Mariners uniform, and new skipper Lloyd McClendon will be the seventh.

McClendon will have two of the better players in the game in 2010 AL Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez and five-time All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano, signed to a 10-year, $240 million deal this off-season.

The two certainly give Seattle some star power — Cano’s agent, Jay Z, might even show up at Safeco Field for a game or two — but how the rest of the roster performs will go a longer way in determining the Mariners’ success against divisional rivals Texas, Oakland and Los Angeles.

almost twice as often as he walked.

As for pitching, a team once known for its arms was distressingly thin behind Hernandez and Iwakuma, suffering through 81 starts from pitchers who posted a 4.98 ERA or higher.

Old and new

Last season Seattle began the season having moved the fences in at Safeco, a park so notoriously pitcherfriendly that the club had trouble attracting free-agent sluggers.

The move worked, as a Mariners lineup with new power additions Mike Morse, Kendrys Morales and Raul Ibanez clubbed 188 homers, second in the majors.

All that, including another strong season from Hernandez and a stellar sophomore campaign from fellow starter Hisashi Iwakuma, was largely for nothing. Seattle was under .500 from Games 7 through 162, and manager Eric Wedge opted not to re-

The Mariners’ pitching last season was distressingly thin behind Felix Hernandez (above) and Hisashi Iwakuma, suffering through 81 starts from pitchers who posted a 4.98 ERA or higher. GETTY IMAGES

turn to the team after suffering a stroke that cost him nearly a month in the job and, according to the Seattle Times, complaints of too much meddling from the front office.

The Mariners had several issues. Catcher was a revolving door of Jesus Montero, Kelly

Shoppach, Henry Blanco, Humberto Quintero and finally 2012 first-round pick Mike Zunino, none of whom hit better than .224.

First baseman Justin Smoak entered the season having supposedly figured out his issues at the plate, but hit .238 — including .192 against righties — and struck out

Last year’s marquee additions are gone. Morse signed with the Giants after the season, and Ibanez defected to the Angels. The Mariners also opted to not re-sign Morales.

The new season instead brings new solutions for those spots. Corey Hart, the former Brewer who missed all of 2013 due to knee surgery, signed on for one year and $6 million to DH. The Mariners flipped reliever Carter Capps for outfielder Logan Morrison, whom the team hopes will produce in a full-time role.

Of course, the most important new Mariner is Cano. The 31year-old has hit at least 25 home runs and posted an OPS of at least .871 in each of the past five seasons, and has played in at least 159 games every year since 2007.

Old is what he’ll be at the end of his contract, though. It’s doubtful Cano will be worth the $24 million he’ll earn as a 41-yearold, although the Mariners won’t necessarily be hamstrung by him for years. Only Cano and Hernandez’s contracts — the latter worth an average of $25 million a year — will be on the team’s books after 2015.

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | SAN DIEGO PADRES

a

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 27

1:05 p.m.

SEA

28

1:05 p.m.

SEA

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

TURNAROUND TIME

Can the Padres stay above .500 this season?

San Diego Padres outfielder Will Venable had the best season of his career in 2013, posting a .796 OPS with 20 home runs.

By Nick Piecoro KC

2

1:05 p.m.

CIN

2

1:05 p.m.

LAD

3

1:05 p.m.

SF

4

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

5

1:05 p.m.

CHW

6

1:05 p.m.

TEX

7

1:05 p.m.

MIL

8

1:05 p.m.

CLE

9

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

10

1:10 p.m.

COL

11

1:05 p.m.

OAK

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CLE

13

1:05 p.m.

MIL

14

1:05 p.m.

LAA

15

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SEA

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SEA

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CHC

25

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CHC

26

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KC

27

7:10 p.m.

Diablos Rojos*

28

6:10 p.m.

CLE*

29

2:10 p.m.

CLE*

*Game will be played at Petco Park

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014

azcentral sports

One night midway through last June, the San Diego Padres beat the Diamondbacks to pull a game over .500, the first time they had a winning record in 383 games. It didn’t last long. Ten days later, they were back under .500, where they stayed the rest of the season.

A lot of things did not go right for the Padres last season. They lost two everyday players (shortstop Everth Cabrera, catcher Yasmani Grandal) to suspension.

A handful of other position players, including first baseman Yonder Alonso and center fielder Cameron Maybin, missed significant time to injury. And three pitchers they hoped would help in the rotation, Cory Luebke, Joe Wieland and Casey Kelly, missed the entire year.

But after adding a trio of power arms in the off-season, there is hope things will be different in San Diego this year, that perhaps the Padres can do more than flirt with .500.

Last season The Padres finished at 76-86 for the second consecutive year, the fifth time in the past six years they’ve posted a losing record.

There were, however, some

MICHAEL SCHENNUM/ THE REPUBLIC

encouraging developments.

Right-handers Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross emerged as strong options in the starting rotation.

Second baseman Jedd Gyorko showed flashes of offensive potential, slamming 23 homers in 486 at-bats. Outfielder Will Venable had the best season of his career, posting a .796 OPS with 22

homers.

Old and new The Padres will be hoping Cashner and Ross are for real, that midseason pickup Ian Kennedy can return to form and that their off-season acquisitions deliver as hoped.

That group is led by right-han-

AT A GLANCE

Manager: Bud Black.

Last season: 76-86.

WORTH WATCHING With 175 innings pitched, right-hander Andrew Cashner more than tripled his career high, and he might have taken a significant step toward becoming a legitimate top-of-therotation starter. There’s no question he has the power stuff — his 94.5 mph fastball was the fifth hardest in the majors — and he showed he could navigate through a lineup three times and maintain effectiveness.

der Josh Johnson, whom the Padres gambled on with a one-year, $8 million deal. The injury-prone Johnson is looking to rebound from a rough season in Toronto.

Their bullpen also will have a different look. After subtracting reliever Luke Gregerson in a trade with Oakland that landed them outfielder Seth Smith, the Padres signed right-hander Joaquin Benoit and traded for Rays lefty Alex Torres. Both figure to slot in ahead of closer Huston Street.

“Our starting pitching finished the year strong,” Padres GM Josh Byrnes said. “We bring that group back, with a full season of Kennedy, hopefully Johnson is healthy and Luebke and Wieland are recovered. Our starting pitching, hopefully, has taken a couple of steps forward.”

DINING NEAR PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX SALTY SEÑORITA Stop by for the $7.99 Express Lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Dishes include steak quesadillas, grilled chipotle burritos and avocado steak salads. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. daily and features $4 margaritas, $3 Dos Equis, $2 Coors Light and $1 house shots.

Details: 8011 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-979-4822, saltysenorita.com.

HUMBLE PIE Whether you like pepperoni or potato and Gorgonzola on top of your pizza, this wood-fired artisan pizzeria has it all. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pastas, desserts and a daily happy hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Details: 15703 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

623-334-2700, humblepieusa.com.

BJ’S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE This spot brews beer, including the Brewhouse Blonde and Piranha Pale Ale. The varied menu includes individual deep-dish pizzas, Thai shrimp lettuce wraps and specialty desserts.

Details: 9748 W. Northern Ave., Peoria. 623-772-6470, bjsbrewhouse .com.

OGGI’S PIZZA AND BREWING CO. Those from Southern California will recognize this microbrewery and restaurant. This Glendale restaurant is the only location outside of California. This spot offers gourmet pizzas, salads and microbrewed beer.

Details: 6681 W. Beardsley Road, Glendale. 623-566-8080, oggis.com.

27

28

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | TEXAS RANGERS

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

COMMITMENT TO WIN NOW

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 27

1:05 p.m.

KC

28

1:05 p.m.

KC

MARCH

Rangers don’t waste time, retool lineup with key acquisitions

By Scott Bordow

1

1:05 p.m.

OAK

azcentral sports

2

1:05 p.m.

CHW

3

1:05 p.m.

CLE

4

1:05 p.m.

LAA

5

1:05 p.m.

COL

6

1:05 p.m.

SD

7

1:05 p.m.

LAD

8

1:05 p.m.

LAD

9

1:05 p.m.

SEA

10

1:05 p.m.

CIN

11

1:05 p.m.

CHW

12

1:05 p.m.

LAA

13

6:05 p.m.

SF

14

7:05 p.m.

CIN

15

1:05 p.m.

OAK

16

1:05 p.m.

CHW

17

6:05 p.m.

KC

18

1:05 p.m.

MIL

18

7:05 p.m.

CHC

20

1:05 p.m.

CIN

21

1:05 p.m.

MIL

22

1:05 p.m.

KC

23

1:05 p.m.

SD

24

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OAK

25

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CLE

26

12:05 p.m.

SEA

27

5:05 p.m.

Tigres*

28

5:05 p.m.

HOU**

29

11:05 a.m.

HOU**

It’s an interesting time for the Rangers. After failing to make the playoffs for the first time in four years, they were active in the off-season, trading longtime fan favorite Ian Kinsler for power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder and signing outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to a seven-year contract reportedly worth $130 million.

Those moves signal a commitment to win now, but Texas also refused to extend the contract of manager Ron Washington, whose lame-duck status surely will be brought up if the Rangers get off to a slow start or, at some point, suffer through a prolonged losing streak. That’s a distraction Texas doesn’t need.

Texas will score; with Choo, Fielder and third baseman Adrian Beltre in the lineup every day, that’s a given. But will the pitching staff hold up? Projected No. 2 starter Derek Holland will be out until at least midseason after suffering a knee injury in January and left-hander Matt Harrison missed almost all of 2013 because of a back injury. The Rangers can count on Yu Darvish and 22-yearold Martin Perez, but more help is needed.

One thing to remember: As a big-market club, Texas has the money to make a major acquisition. Don’t be surprised if the Rangers make a run at Tampa Bay’s David Price or swing a deal for an arm at the July 31 trading deadline.

*Game will be played at the Ballpark in Arlington **Game will be played at the Alamodome

Last season For the second straight year, Texas had to watch another team celebrate on its field. The Rangers were eliminated by Tampa Bay in the wild-card tiebreaker game 5-2.

To its credit, Texas won seven

The Rangers can count on Yu Darvish (above) and 22-year-old Martin Perez, but more help is needed. Darvish had only one win after Aug. 12 in part because Texas’ offense went AWOL. JIM COWSERT/USA TODAY SPORTS

straight to end the regular season simply to get to Game 163, but all the winning streak and sudden exit did was point to the Rangers’ collapse in early September. Texas was 21⁄2 games ahead of Oakland on Aug. 28 but was 3-13 over its next 16 games.

One reason: Ace Darvish had only one win after Aug. 12 in part because Texas’ offense went AWOL.

Old and new Remember Neftali Feliz, who saved a combined 72 games for the Rangers in 2010 and 2011?

Well, after making only 14 ap-

pearances the past two seasons because of Tommy John surgery, Feliz enters 2014 as the favorite to reclaim the closer role after Joe Nathan signed with the Detroit Tigers.

A healthy Feliz was one of the game’s dominant closers; if he’s healthy he’ll solidify the back end of the Rangers’ bullpen. If he isn’t, Texas has a couple of options. Former Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria had scoreless outings in12 of his final14 appearances last season, and set-up man Tanner Scheppers could move back an inning. Scheppers was 6-2 with a 1.88 ERA. If Feliz can handle the job,

AT A GLANCE Manager: Ron Washington.

Last season: 91-72.

WORTH WATCHING Texas’ infield could be the best in the majors, with sluggers Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre at first and third, respectively, and defensive specialists Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar gobbling up everything at shortstop and second base.

however, the Rangers would have a potentially dominant bullpen, with Soria handling the seventh inning and Scheppers the eighth.

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | KANSAS CITY ROYALS

THIRSTY FOR PLAYOFFS

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 27

1:05 p.m.

TEX

28

1:05 p.m.

TEX

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

SD

2

1:05 p.m.

CHC

3

1:05 p.m.

CHW

4

1:05 p.m.

CIN

5

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

6

1:05 p.m.

CHW

7

1:05 p.m.

SF

8

1:05 p.m.

MIL

9

1:05 p.m.

COL

10

1:05 p.m.

SEA

11

1:05 p.m.

LAD

12

1:05 p.m.

OAK

13

1:05 p.m.

CLE

14

1:05 p.m.

OAK

15

1:05 p.m.

CHC

16

1:05 p.m.

SD

17

6:05 p.m.

TEX

19

6:05 p.m.

CIN

20

1:05 p.m.

LAA

21

1:05 p.m.

LAA

21

1:05 p.m.

CIN

22

1:05 p.m.

TEX

23

1:05 p.m.

SF

24

1:10 p.m.

COL

25

6:05 p.m.

SEA

26

12:05 p.m.

SD

28

7:10 p.m.

MIL*

29

1:10 p.m.

MIL*

*Game will be played at Miller Park

KC Royals hold record for longest postseason drought

First baseman Eric Hosmer hit .302 and was one of four Royals batters to drive in at least 79 runs last season.

Kansas City won its only World Series title in 1985, but there’s reason for hope this year with Hosmer entering his fourth season, and newly signed players like Jason Vargas. AP

By Bob McManaman azcentral sports

It has been 28 long years since the Kansas City Royals last appeared in the playoffs — the longest active postseason drought in all of professional sports.

Of course the last time they got there, they also happened to win it all. But it has been one heck of a lonely wait for Royals fans since Kansas City won its first and only World Series title back in 1985.

Could this be the year that they finally snap the skid?

There is reason for optimism following an 86-76 finish in 2013, which represented the club’s most wins since 1989 (92-70). Last year’s Royals also led the major leagues in stolen bases (153), had the best ERA in the American League (3.45), the best bullpen ERA (2.55) in the AL since 1982 and the most strikeouts (1,208) by pitchers in franchise history.

“We’ve made tremendous progress as an organization,” manager Ned Yost told reporters.

“We’ve taken a huge step forward. We haven’t taken a step forward, two steps backs. We’ve taken a huge step forward.”

The Royals return their core group of young, homegrown tal-

ent and have added help by signing left-hander Jason Vargas for four years to replace Ervin Santana, acquiring right fielder Norichika Aoki to fill the leadoff spot, and adding second baseman Omar Infante from the divisionrival Tigers on a four-year deal.

Last season The Royals got off to a 17-10 start only to fall into a tailspin that saw them lose 22 of their next 28 games. But they showed their mettle by getting back on a roll and their 42 wins after the All-Star break were the second-

most in the majors behind the Dodgers’ 45.

Maybe it was Hall of Famer and team executive George Brett taking over as the club’s hitting coach for a two-month stretch that did the trick.

“I don’t know (what changed), but we came back a different team,” Yost told reporters of his team’s second-half surge. “Sometimes you don’t need to know the answer, it just happened.”

Closer Greg Holland set a club record with 47 saves and his 103 strikeouts tied the team mark by a reliever. First baseman Eric Hosmer hit .302 and was one of

AT A GLANCE Manager: Ned Yost.

Last season: 86-76.

WORTH WATCHING One of the team’s more complete players is Alex Gordon, the starting left fielder, and he’s always fun to watch. He led the club with 20 homers last season and he’s brilliant defensively. Not only does he make some acrobatic catches, he tied for the majors lead in outfield assists with 17.

four Royals batters to drive in at least 79 runs, joining Salvador Perez (79), Alex Gordon (81) and Billy Butler (82). James Shields (3.15) and Santana (3.24) finished among the AL’s top 10 in ERA.

Old and new Right-hander Jeremy Guthrie turns 35 in April, but he set career highs last season with 15 wins and 211 innings pitched, and helps anchor a steady rotation behind James Shields, 32, who has posted double-digit win totals each of the past seven years.

The cornerstone of the franchise might rest in the Royals’ two young corner infielders, Hosmer, 24, and third baseman Mike Moustakas, 25. Both are entering their fourth major-league season.

DINING NEAR SURPRISE STADIUM MACAYO’S This Valley Tex-Mex joint serves such favorites as fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and combination plates. On weekdays, it offers $6.99 lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and happyhour specials from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Details: 15565 W. Bell Road, Surprise.

623-214-5950, macayo.com.

CULVER’S

EDDIE’S EUROPEAN BISTRO

BABBO ITALIAN EATERY

If you’re in a rush to get to the game and want something more than peanuts and popcorn, make a quick stop at this Midwest import, known for its butter burgers and frozen custard.

Eddie’s is an eclectic bistro where $10 gets you a corned-beef sandwich on rye with spicy mustard and pickle or a Greek feta cheeseburger. Stop by from noon to 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays to hear the sounds of Mike Nace.

The extensive menu at Babbo (“Daddy” in Italian) features wild mushroom and roasted asparagus crostini, cacciatore chicken, roasted brussels sprouts and pancetta pasta, chicken fettuccine, and shrimp Fra Diavolo.

Details: 16145 W. Bell Road, Surprise.

623-218-6575, culvers.com.

Details: 16846 W. Bell Road, Surprise.

623-583-8632, eddieseuropeanbistro.com.

Details: 15609 W. Bell Road, Surprise.

623-825-1919, babboitalian.com.

29

30

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | CINCINNATI REDS SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY

11

1:05 p.m.

SF

26

1:05 p.m.

CLE

12

1:10 p.m.

COL

27

1:05 p.m.

CLE

13

1:05 p.m.

LAD

28

1:05 p.m.

CLE

14

7:05 p.m.

TEX

15

1:05 p.m.

MIL

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

COL

16

1:05 p.m.

OAK

2

1:05 p.m.

SD

17

1:05 p.m.

CLE

3

1:05 p.m.

SEA

19

6:05 p.m.

KC

4

1:05 p.m.

KC

20

1:05 p.m.

TEX

5

7:05 p.m.

LAD

21

1:05 p.m.

KC

6

1:05 p.m.

SF

22

1:05 p.m.

CHC

7

1:05 p.m.

SEA

23

1:05 p.m.

MIL

7

1:05 p.m.

CHW

24

1:05 p.m.

CLE

8

1:05 p.m.

CHC

25

1:05 p.m.

OAK

9

1:05 p.m.

LAA

26

1:05 p.m.

CHW

10

1:05 p.m.

TEX

27

12:05 p.m.

D-Backs

27

1:05 p.m.

MIL

a

GREAT EXPECTATIONS New skipper Price tasked with helping Reds make deep run

By Bob McManaman azcentral sports

The Cincinnati Reds have made the playoffs three of the past four seasons, but it’s what they’ve done — or haven’t done — once they’ve gotten there that keeps leaving the franchise unfulfilled.

They just haven’t won.

It has been18 years since the Reds won a playoff series.

They lost their last six games to conclude the 2013 season, including the National League wild-card game to Pittsburgh, which ultimately cost manager Dusty Baker his job.

The year before that, the Reds squandered a 2-0 series lead and lost

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the San Francisco Giants in a bestof-5 playoff series.

Pitching coach Bryan Price, who served in that role for the Diamondbacks from 2007 to 2009, was elevated to take Baker’s place and the expectations haven’t changed. The edict is to take a team that has been a contender for a while now, get it over the top, and make a run at the World Series.

“It’s great. I don’t mind expectations,” Price told reporters during the winter meetings. “… I think the cup is definitely half-full in this situation because we’ve gotten to the point where we’ve turned the corner just from expecting to make the playoffs. We’re expected to do a lot more and I’m really tickled to have the opportunity to maybe be that guy to do that.”

Last season Cincinnati’s pitching rotation was

AT A GLANCE Manager: Bryan Price.

Last season: 90-72, third in NL Central.

WORTH WATCHING Want to get an autograph from a former Reds great and even a Hall of Famer?

Then, head out to Goodyear Ballpark, where the Reds often bring out former stars such as Johnny Bench, George Foster and Joe Morgan for meet-and-greets and free autograph sessions during spring training.

again one of the best in the National League, finishing third behind the Dodgers and Cardinals with a 3.43 ERA. Three pitchers (Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo and Homer Bailey) went 200-plus innings and three (Latos, See REDS, Page 31

SPECTAB MIDWEEK » FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | CINCINNATI REDS REDS

mates feel about what I’m saying right now, because it’s truth.”

Arroyo and Mike Leake) each won 14 games.

Injuries hurt the club for much of the season, however, as left fielder Ryan Ludwick spent four months on the disabled list following shoulder surgery and staff ace Johnny Cueto went to the DL three times because of a strained lat muscle.

Key relievers Sean Marshall (shoulder) and Jonathan Broxton (forearm/elbow) also missed significant time.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips moved to Ludwick’s spot in the cleanup role, but the Reds struggled to find a capable No. 2 hitter because of it. Phillips and right fielder Jay Bruce gave the Reds their first 100-RBI teammates since 1977.

The season will be remembered most for how the Reds limped into the postseason, losing their last five games and then falling to the Pirates, failing to score more than three runs in any of those contests.

“We choked,” Phillips said after the last loss. “I don’t care how my team-

Old and new

Continued from Page 30

Price is a longtime pitching coach who has worked under some very good managers: Lou Piniella, Mike Hargrove, Bob Melvin and Baker. It will be interesting to see how he develops his own philosophies and how much he borrows.

He is well-liked throughout baseball and is known for his cerebral approach as well as his rapport with players and coaches. The Reds will want to play hard for him.

Top prospect Billy Hamilton is pegged to take over in center for ShinSoo Choo, who departed to the Rangers as a free agent, and all eyes will be on the speedster, who was successful on 13 of 14 stolen-base attempts after his September call-up from the minor leagues.

Hamilton became the first player in the modern era to record a stolen base in each of his first four games. He also became the first player since 1920 to steal four bases in his first start. The converted shortstop will likely be given the time to develop.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips (right), who was moved to the cleanup spot, and right fielder Jay Bruce last season gave the Reds their first 100-RBI teammates since 1977. GETTY IMAGES

31

32

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | CLEVELAND INDIANS

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

DOING MORE WITH LESS

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 26

1:05 p.m.

CIN

27

1:05 p.m.

CIN

28

1:05 p.m.

CIN

Cleveland Indians’ 2013 turnaround led to best record in six years

AT A GLANCE

Manager: Terry Francona.

2013 record: 92-70.

WORTH WATCHING

By Bob McManaman

MARCH

Cactus League fans can perhaps observe the experiment with Carlos Santana at third base. He has split time at catcher, first base and designated hitter, but he wants more playing time and this could be a way to give it to him. Lonnie Chisenhall remains an option at third, but he has yet to deliver.

azcentral sports

1

1:05 p.m.

CHW

2

1:05 p.m.

SEA

3

1:05 p.m.

TEX

4

1:05 p.m.

CHW

5

1:05 p.m.

SEA

6

1:05 p.m.

CHC

7

1:05 p.m.

CHC

8

1:05 p.m.

SD

9

1:05 p.m.

MIL

10

1:05 p.m.

LAA

11

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

12

1:05 p.m.

SD

13

1:05 p.m.

KC

14

1:05 p.m.

CHW

15

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

16

1:05 p.m.

SF

16

1:05 p.m.

CHC

17

1:05 p.m.

CIN

18

7:05 p.m.

SF

19

1:05 p.m.

OAK

21

1:10 p.m.

COL

22

1:05 p.m.

COL

23

1:05 p.m.

LAA

24

1:05 p.m.

CIN

25

1:05 p.m.

TEX

DINING NEAR GOODYEAR BALLPARK

26

1:05 p.m.

MIL

27

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

DILLON’S AT WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO

28

6:10 p.m.

SD*

29

2:10 p.m.

SD*

* Game will be played at Petco Park in San Diego

For his next trick, Terry Francona had better have something really good up his sleeve.

As surprising as it was for him to even take the job as Indians manager last year — we’re talking about a team that was coming off a 94-loss season — it was even more of a shocker to see what Francona did with the Tribe in 2013.

Despite working with a payroll of just $80 million, which was a little more than half of what the division-rival Tigers got to spend, Francona guided the Indians to their best record in six years as Cleveland finished one game behind Detroit.

The Indians did more with less than perhaps any team in baseball, earning an American League wild-card spot even though not a single hitter collected more than 22 home runs or 84 RBIs. They didn’t have an everyday player bat above .300 and not one of their starting pitchers worked 200 innings or had an ERA below 3.00.

Francona, the AL Manager of the Year, got the Indians to believe in themselves and they never played scared. He’ll need to keep that culture alive in 2014

This restaurant known for its Kansas City-style barbecue has a 60,000gallon aquarium. Try the fried mushrooms ($7.29) or sweet and spicy wings ($8.99) for an appetizer, or dive right into one of the barbecue combo plates.

Details: 16335 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. 623-535-4249, dillonsrestaurant.com.

Cleveland Indians star Jason Kipnis became the first second baseman to lead the Indians in RBIs outright since 1948. CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

Old and new

ing 4-0 with a1.09 ERA in September and winning AL Pitcher of the Month honors. Cleveland went 21-6 during the month, including a 10-game winning streak to close out the regular season.

It marked the first time since 1995 that the Tribe won at least 20 games in any month.

Jason Kipnis made the AllStar Game, becoming the first second baseman to lead the Indians in RBIs (84) outright since 1948 (Joe Gordon). He has great speed (30 stolen bases) and decent power (17 home runs) and should be a star for years.

Catcher Yan Gomes, acquired from Toronto before last season, seized control of the starting job earlier than anyone expected and has made the position a real strength.

With Scott Kazmir and Jimenez leaving, the Indians have some decisions to make about their starting rotation.

They feel good about righthander Danny Salazar, who got the start in their wild-card loss to the Rays. Salazar, 24, had 65 strikeouts in 10 starts, the most by an Indians pitcher in his first 10 career outings since 1955 (Herb Score). Time will tell if he’s able to be the No. 2 man behind Masterson.

Cleveland has multiple options, but the most intriguing remains former Diamondbacks prospect Trevor Bauer. The 22year-old got absolutely lit up in four starts, which included four straight walks to open his debut.

His control problems followed him to Triple-A Columbus, but he spent the off-season making some serious adjustments.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

TASTE OF ITALY

AUGIE’S SPORTS GRILL

This popular national sports-bar chain started with two New Yorkers who couldn’t find decent chicken wings when they moved to Ohio. Now, Cleveland and Cincinnati fans — and everyone else — can visit the Goodyear location famous for its 15-plus signature sauces.

Baseball fans will feel at home at this laid-back eatery. The family-owned spot is convenient before or after the game, serving submarine sandwiches, calzones, pasta, pizzas and chicken wings.

Stop by for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays for a half sandwich with choice of fries, a cup of soup or a side salad, and a drink ($5.95). Daily happy hour starts at 3 p.m. and features specials such as $2.50 domestic drafts and select discounted appetizers.

more than ever because Cleveland didn’t do much to churn the roster after adding a dozen new faces a year ago.

“I’m hoping that it’s kind of a springboard into next year as opposed to a nice little year that ended quicker than we wanted,” Francona told reporters after the season.

Last season A fast start, which saw the Indians win 18 of 22 games through the middle of May, set the tone for a productive season. The Indians kept pace with Detroit throughout, but their 4-15 record against the Tigers ended up making them fall short.

Ubaldo Jimenez stepped up when ace Justin Masterson went down with a strained oblique, go-

Details: 13311 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear. 623-935-4081, buffalowild wings.com.

Details: 3810 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. 623-932-2272, tasteof italygoodyear.com.

Details: 15605 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear. 623-932-0001, augies sportsgrill.com.

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33

34

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | MILWAUKEE BREWERS

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

FAITH IN THE FOUNDATION

SCHEDULE Indicates home game

FEBRUARY 27

1:05 p.m.

OAK

28

1:05 p.m.

SF

MARCH 1

1:05 p.m.

LAD

1

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

2

1:10 p.m.

COL

3

1:05 p.m.

CHC

4

1:05 p.m.

OAK

5

1:05 p.m.

OAK

6

1:05 p.m.

COL

7

1:05 p.m.

SD

8

1:05 p.m.

KC

9

1:05 p.m.

CHC

9

1:05 p.m.

CLE

10

1:05 p.m.

CHW

12

1:05 p.m.

LAA

13

1:05 p.m.

SD

14

1:05 p.m.

D-Backs

15

1:05 p.m.

CIN

16

1:10 p.m.

D-Backs

17

1:05 p.m.

CHW

18

1:05 p.m.

TEX

19

1:05 p.m.

SEA

20

1:10 p.m.

COL

21

1:05 p.m.

TEX

22

1:05 p.m.

LAA

23

1:05 p.m.

CIN

25

1:05 p.m.

SF

26

1:05 p.m.

CLE

27

1:05 p.m.

CIN

28

7:10 p.m.

KC*

29

1:10 p.m.

KC*

*Game will be played at Miller Park in Milwaukee

With return of key players, Brewers believe they can win

bounce back, with a possible shot in the arm from Garza. Playoff contention could be wishful thinking, but a winning record might not be.

AT A GLANCE

By Zach Buchanan

Last season

Want to see the next Chris Davis? Try Khris Davis, Milwaukee’s 25-year-old slugger who is set for a full-time role in left. The Cal State-Fullerton product hit 11 homers in just 136 at-bats — only Chris Davis hit them more often.

azcentral sports

Milwaukee enters the 2014 season hoping to compete in a stacked National League Central.

Aside from the Chicago Cubs, who could end up the worst team in the majors this year, the Brewers will jockey for position with three playoff teams from a year ago, including the World Series runner-up St. Louis Cardinals.

To gain ground on the Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates, you’d think you would need a flurry of off-season additions. Instead, Milwaukee General Manager Doug Melvin largely stood pat. His moves of any note were trading outfielder Nori Aoki to Kansas City for lefty reliever Will Smith, and signing pitcher Matt Garza to an incentive-laden, four-year deal worth $67 million, including $50 million guaranteed.

The core of last year’s team is intact, though. Six of eight position players who started at the end of last season will be back, led by Gold Glove winner and AllStar center fielder Carlos Gomez.

Garza will join a rotation of Kyle Lohse, Wily Peralta, Yovani Gallardo and Marco Estrada.

The Brewers feel last year’s group just needed a chance to

Who knows what would have happened in 2013 had the Brewers started better? The Brewers were 2-8 out of the gate, immediately falling into last place in the NL Central and 4½ games back of first. Milwaukee briefly rebounded to pull within a halfgame of the lead at the end of April, but it all went downhill in May when the Brewers went 622.

The starting rotation bore the brunt of the blame after posting a horrid 6.34 ERA in the first two months, although Lohse, Gallardo and company rebounded with a strong 3.60 mark from June through September. Lohse, who finished with a 3.35 ERA, didn’t record his second win until his 12th start, on June 9.

The Brewers were further hurt by the absence of a couple of cornerstones. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez — who hit .300/ .360/.540 with 105 RBIs, 27 homers and a whopping 50 doubles the year before — was limited to 92 games while dealing with a nagging knee injury. That hole was dug deeper by having to give his playing time to Yuniesky Betancourt, a poor hitter and possibly worse fielder.

Most significant were the 101

Manager: Ron Roenicke.

Last season: 74-88.

WORTH WATCHING

The Milwaukee Brewers are counting on their core players. At the top of that list is All-Star center fielder Carlos Gomez. CARLOS CHAVEZ/THE REPUBLIC

games missed by Ryan Braun — the 36 from a thumb injury and the last 65 due to a performance enhancing drugs suspension.

Old and new Former Diamondbacks Lyle

Overbay and Mark Reynolds will be in camp on minor-league deals with hopes of making the roster.

The 37-year-old Overbay began his career with Arizona from 2001-03, and then returned in August 2011 to post a .840 OPS for 18 games as the Diamondbacks won the NL West. These days, he’s not much of a batting threat, but is a natural first baseman, unlike 2013 stopgap Juan Francisco.

Reynolds also broke in with Arizona, starting at third base from 2007-10, hitting 121 homers but also leading the majors in strikeouts three times. After the 2010 season, he was traded to Baltimore, where he began seeing more time at first.

One, if not two, will likely make the roster. The Brewers lack a strong alternative on the 40-man roster and got miserable production out of first last season, to the tune of a .206/.259/.370 slash line.

DINING NEAR MARYVALE BASEBALL PARK LA PIAZZA AL FORNO

PRESTO PIZZA & WINGS

PURPLE TURTLE BAR & GRILL

LOS REYES DE LA TORTA

Chef Justin Piazza’s pizzas have put Glendale on the Valley’s pizza map.

The white pizza is exceptional. Even though this pizza parlor is in historic Glendale, it’s only about 4 miles from Maryvale Baseball Park and worth trying out — Guy Fieri did for “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

Presto is right around the corner from the stadium. It’s popular after games because you can get two extra-large one-topping pizzas and 40 wings for $37.99. If you don’t want to share, get two slices of pizza (one topping) and a drink for $3.99.

This typical bar is just down the street from the stadium. You can get food, beer and cocktails and play a game of pool, or just hang with friends after sitting for about three hours at the baseball game. Food choices include appetizers, wings, salads, burgers and sandwiches. A full bar is available.

The signature torta here is the aptly named Torta del Rey. It’s fit for a king, a monster two-hander filled with pork, ham, thin-sliced breaded beef, chorizo, cheese, fried egg, avocado, beans, lettuce, tomato and jalapeño, packed in a crusty Mexican roll.

Details: 5803 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 623-847-3301. lapiazzaal forno.com.

Details: 5127 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 623-247-6368, prestopizza andwings.com.

Details: 4105 N. 51st. Ave., Phoenix.

623-247-3424.

Details: 4333 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-269-3212, losreyesdela tortaaz.com.

User: dwillis Time: 02-19-2014 10:29 Product: PNITab PubDate: 02-26-2014

Zone: Spectab

Edition: 2

Page: SP35

Color: C K Y M

SPECTAB WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 a

CACTUS LEAGUE 2014 | DAY-BY-DAY SCHEDULE Wednesday, Feb. 26 Athletics at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Dodgers at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 27 Brewers at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks (ss) at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks (ss) at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28 Brewers at Giants (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Giants (ss) at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 Rangers at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Dodgers at Brewers (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Giants at Cubs (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Diamondbacks (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Cubs (ss) at Diamondbacks (ss), 7:10 p.m.

March 2 Sunday Athletics at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Padres (ss) at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Padres (ss), 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 3 Dodgers at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Mariners (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners (ss) at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Diamondbacks (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Rockies at Diamondbacks (ss), 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4 Rangers at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks at Padres , 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Giants at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5 Athletics at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies (ss) at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies (ss) at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Dodgers at Reds, 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, March 6 Dodgers at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox (ss) at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at White Sox (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Friday, March 7 Cubs (ss) at Angels (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Cubs (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Reds (ss) at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Reds (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Giants at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Angels (ss) at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 8 Diamondbacks (ss) at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners (ss) at Dodgers (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Mariners (ss) at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Dodgers (ss) at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks (ss) at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Sunday, March 9 Reds at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers (ss) at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Giants (ss) at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Giants Futures at Giants (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Brewers (ss) at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 10 Cubs at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Mariners (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Mariners (ss) at Diamondbacks, 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 11 Mariners at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Giants at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Dodgers at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12 Brewers at Angels (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks (ss) at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Angels (ss) at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Rockies (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Cubs at Mariners, 7:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks (ss) at Rockies (ss), 7:10 p.m.

Thursday, March 13 White Sox at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Giants at Rangers, 6:05 p.m.

Rockies at Athletics, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, March 14 Diamondbacks at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Dodgers at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies (ss) at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at Rockies (ss), 6:40 p.m.

Rangers at Reds, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 15 Rangers at Athletics (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Dodgers (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Athletics (ss) at Giants (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Diamondbacks at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Giants (ss) at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs (ss) at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Dodgers (ss) at White Sox, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 16 Mariners at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Indians (ss) at Cubs (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.

Indians (ss) at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 17 Giants at Angels (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Angels (ss) at Cubs (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Royals, 6:05 p.m.

Tuesday, March 18 Athletics at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers (ss) at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Giants at Indians, 7:05 p.m.

Padres at Mariners, 7:05 p.m.

Cubs at Rangers (ss), 7:05 p.m.

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Wednesday, March 19 Angels at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Royals, 6:05 p.m.

Cubs at Rockies, 6:40 p.m.

Thursday, March 20 Mariners at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Giants at Padres, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, March 21 Royals at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Royals (ss) at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Athletics at Giants, 6:35 p.m.

Padres at Mariners, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 Mariners at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies (ss) at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox (ss) at Padres, 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Royals, 1:05 p.m.

Giants at White Sox (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Mariners (ss) at Rockies (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Sunday, March 23 Indians at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Athletics (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics (ss) at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Padres at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 24 Giants at Angels, 1:05 p.m.

White Sox at Mariners, 1:05 p.m.

Athletics at Rangers, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Reds, 1:05 p.m.

Royals at Rockies , 1:10 p.m.

Padres at Cubs, 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday, March 25 Reds at Athletics, 1:05 p.m.

Rockies at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Giants at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Angels at Cubs (ss), 1:05 p.m.

Rangers at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Mariners at Royals, 6:05 p.m.

Cubs (ss) at Padres, 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26 Angels at Athletics, 12:05 p.m.

Royals at Padres, 12:05 p.m.

Mariners at Rangers, 12:05 p.m.

Rockies at Giants, 1:05 p.m.

Brewers at Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Reds at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.

Cubs at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.

Thursday, March 27 Diamondbacks (ss) at Reds (ss), 12:05 p.m.

White Sox at Cubs, 12:05 p.m.

Reds at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.

Indians at Diamondbacks (ss), 1:10 p.m.

Friday, March 28 Rockies at Mariners at Peoria , 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 Mariners at Rockies, 12:10 p.m. (ss) = split squad for the game

Maracay Homes Offers More Choices For A Home That’s Uniquely You. All Maracay homes include Two Year Door-to-Door Warranty and 10 Year Structural Warranty.

FlexDesign® options to customize your home with LivingSmart® and Energy Star® features for efficiency and cost savings.

FLEXDESIGN® YOUR NEW HOME AT MARACAYHOMES.COM Visit our communities in the East Valley | West Valley | Tucson. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Friday 1 to 6 p.m.

EAST VALLEY Artesian Ranch Chandler | 480.802.0833 Arch Crossing – Bridges at Gilbert Gilbert | 480.458.7160 Hastings Farms Queen Creek | 480.346.2670 Kinetic Point at Eastmark Mesa | 480.840.9647 Lumiere Garden at Eastmark Mesa | 480.988.7490 Lyon’s Gate Gilbert | 480.397.2016 Montelena Queen Creek | 480.699.1640

Trestle Place – Bridges at Gilbert Gilbert | 480.432.3507

The Reserve at Plaza Del Rio Peoria | 623.388.4016

Vaquero Ranch Chandler | 480.584.6308

Verrado Buckeye | 623.236.9034

Villagio Queen Creek | 480.699.8433

TUCSON

WEST VALLEY

Deseo at Sabino Canyon The Foothills | 520.546.2422

Calderra at Palm Valley Goodyear | 623.466.0257

Dove Mountain Preserve Marana | 520.572.2028

Los Vientos at Palm Valley Goodyear | 623.594.2800

Rancho Del Cobre Oro Valley | 480.346.2670

Northlands Peoria | 480.658.6210

Tortolita Vistas Marana | 520.572.9650

Equal Housing Opportunity. Maracay Homes reserves the right to discontinue or modify all prices, plans, design, specifications, features, materials and financing at any time without notice and obligation. Models or house plans that have the same or corresponding plan numbers may reflect changes or options that are different for each community for the city that model homes or house plans are located in. All square footage is approximate. Marketing promotions/incentives only available through approved lenders.

Prices, terms, incentives, materials and availability vary between Maracay Homes’ communities, and are subject to change without notice. No unconditional offer for sale or lease made be made and no unconditional offer purchase or lease may be accepted prior to issuance of an Arizona Public Report. Broker/agent must register their clients in person or on the client’s first visit at each community for a broker/agent to receive a commission. ©2013 ROC #172120

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