Future Cubs Up Close?

One of the highlights of my spring training experience was Fitch Park, known for years to me as the "minor league camp" but with no idea of how much could be learned and seen at the camp. Four teams -- Iowa (AAA), Tennessee (AA), Daytona (A) and Peoria (A) -- work out at 9:00 AM on four diamonds,with all the backstops together. Well over 120 players are there, sometimes staying on an assigned diamond and sometimes moving in groups from place to place as the practice runs through its schedule. Each diamond eventually moves into batting practice and then breaks for lunch after 11:30.

Most days the two fields to the north will then feature minor league games at 1:00. Basically, the AAA & AA stay home while the two A teams travel or vice-versa. On Thursday, the Cubs sent the older teams to the Angels complex and the two A teams hosted the Angels. For a fan used to major league games in major league parks, the ability to get up close is unprecedented. It is easy to see the great plays and the errors, the tough pitches and the candy pitches, the great swings and the awkward swings. From right up close.

I already have plans to go to see the Kane County Cougars when they host the Peoria Chiefs this summer. Two prospects I was quite impressed with should be playing here on their way to the major leagues. Trades happen and prospects sometimes don't work out, but I think these two will look great in Cub uniforms in two years. Everyone knows the name Josh Vitters, first round pick third baseman who was rumored to be headed to San Diego in a proposed Peavy trade. He looks to be the real thing and has a major league swing. Catcher Mike Brenly, son of color announcer Bob Brenly, is about 6'3" and looks solid behind the plate, strong throwing, and a major league potential batter. It was great to see these stars up close and playing hard. Best of luck to them and to their teammates.

Next post on a neat museum in Mesa, longtime spring home of the Cubs.