The Road to Arizona

The 28 hour drive to the Phoenix area was one of the nicest surprises I've had. Coincidentally, my friend Sue was going to her nieces wedding in Scottsdale. We drove out together.

We generally followed the interstate highways that trace historic Route 66. I had the lyrics in my head from the time we outran the predicted snow in Cincinnati Friday night.

From Amarillo on the natural landscape was exciting to see. I had never been this far west outside of two trips to Las Vegas in which I flew. Driving was a new experience. We drove through the White Mountains once we exited I-40. The elevation was over 6,000 feet. That's higher than Denver.

The roads were clear of snow but covered the landscape on the mountain.

Valley of the Sun My Ass

We arrived in the Phoenix area around 7PM local time Saturday night. We woke up Sunday morning and it rained all day.

I thought I took a wrong turn and ended up in Seattle.

I get my first look at the Reds new complex in Goodyear tomorrow (Monday March 1). I can't wait to get started.

Lincoln Is Elected

Mike Lincoln will start the exhibition season on the mound for the Reds against the Cleveland Indians.

The fifth spot in the starting rotation is one of two positions being decided here in Goodyear Arizona.

Lincoln had 19 major league starts before being used in relief exclusively. He last made a start in 2001 for the Pirates AAA affiliate in Nashville. He made four starts in the majors in 2000 for the Minnesota Twins.

The Truck Has Left GABP

The Reds clubhouse men, JD, Mort and Josh gathered 21,000 baseballs among other necessary items and headed to Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.

The New York Yankees have the exact same record as anyone else in the Major Leagues. Every team starts planning for a World Championship beginning in Mid-February.

This blogger will be there starting March 1st.

It is my goal to inform and entertain those that follow the Reds on this blog.

I am planning to include daily sound bites from Dusty Baker's daily meeting with the press. He will be discussing the progress of players and point out the daily goals to player and team development.

Baker is an excellent communicator and is candid and honest. He never ducks tough questions on any subject. He speaks his mind. One can disagree with him but he will back up anything he says.

I'm certain that if you follow the Reds on this blog, it will vecome clear to you as well.

I will give player anecdotes, take you inside the clubhouse, help you get to know the players on a more personal level and give insights to new players to the team.

I will also be your eyes and ears and scout the Phoenix area in case you decide to visit the area.

There is room to post discussions and if you have any questions please forward them. I will try to ask the players and coaches for you.