The Return of the Rain, Big Z, and Woo

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Not exactly your Mesa Chamber of Commerce weather today, in fact it’s been a downright cool and damp March thus far. It was touch and go before the game as to whether or not we would get the game in. It drizzled steadily for most of the hour and a half leading up to today’s game, and continued during the first couple innings. The beer vendors would have been better off selling Chicken Noodle than Old Style. After last weekend’s rainout, the powers-that-be were determined to get this one in. The drizzle and temperature of 44 degrees at the start of today’s game was more like some of those April games at Wrigley.

The Cubs had a split squad today, and came away with losses in both outings. Notable Performances from the Cubs 2 – 0 loss to the Texas Rangers in Mesa: Not much in the way of hitting for the Cubs, although Aramis Ramirez just keeps pounding the ball, he went 2 for 2. Ronny Cedeno, who has been struggling at the plate, hit a double. Jerry Hairston also had a double. As far as pitching goes, Carlos Zambrano got his first start at HoHoKam after returning from the WBC, and looks like he’s ready to get the season underway, going 5 complete innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits, no walks, while striking out 7. Scott Williamson, who pitched the 6^th inning, had another nice outing, striking out the side.

Rangers starting pitcher Adam Eaton was drilled in the forearm with a line drive off the bat of Marquis Grissom to start the 2^nd inning, and left the game. As Eaton was leaving the field, the frustrated pitcher punted the baseball into the netting behind home plate.

Ron Santo and Pat Hughes called the game for WGN radio, and because of the cold and wet weather, had a very full booth with many of Santo’s family joining the broadcasters.

The paid attendance was 9,148, although the actual number of those in the stadium as estimated by this P.A. Announcer was probably about 4,000. One of those 4,000 was Ronnie Woo-Woo, making his annual debut at HoHoKam, who was spotted patrolling the concourse in his Cubbie uniform armed with his traditional hula hoop party favors. Whether you love him or hate him, one thing you can say about Ronnie is he’s dedicated, the rain and cold didn’t seem to dampen his Cubs enthusiasm.

Matt Murton signs for fans before leaving to Phoenix for split squad game