NCAA in Arizona

It is a college basketball fans dream. The games start at 9:30 and finish four hours before last call.

The St. Mary's vs Villanova was finishing up in the visitors clubhouse in Scottsdale where the Reds prepared to play the San Francisco Giants.

St. Mary's is in Moraga, California about 20 miles east of San Francisco.

While in Dusty Baker's office for the pregame meeting with the media, a cheer came from the clubhouse. We all knew that the Gaels were up on Villanove late in the game.

"Contrary to what the rest of the country thinks, the can play basketball in California," Baker said dispelling one of two rumors.

Baker has been given a reputation for ruining young pitchers. Many ill informed Cubs fan blame Baker for Mark Prior's arm problems and Kerry Wood's arm problems. The criticism persists even though neither player blame Baker. Both remain good friends with him and have stated over and over that Baker had nothing to do with their arm problems.

A SF Bay area writer asked Baker about Dick Pole and his replacement Bryan Price as pitching coach.

"It was an organization decision. Dick is a friend of mine. Bryan came to us recommended. He developed a good reputation with Seattle and Arizona. Some guys from Seattle last night came up to me ant told me that I was lucky to have him," Baker said. "Con

Today, young pitchers Travis Wook and Mike Leake are pitching. Both will probably start the season in Louisville but both have been impressive.

"This is another day for them. I hope they continue to do the same thing. I had never seen Wood but I heard a lot of good things about him. Tom Brown (the pitching coach at Carolina) told me a lot about him. I trust him big time. He told me he was small in stature but he pitches like a big man."

After the meeting we all went out to watch the conclusion of the game. Baker walked by, "come on home boys.""

Never mind that five members of the St. Mary's team are from Australia.