Put Me in Coach: Angels Spring Training Opens

Greetings from Arizona, the best place to be on the west coast in March! The 2011 MLB Spring Training season is well underway and the first week of games for the Angels is in the books. California license plates and out of state vacationers have invaded Tempe, arriving to watch their Halos take on the other 14 teams that make up the valley's Cactus League. Multitudes of proud fans from all over vibrantly tint the green seats of the stadium wearing their red Angels jerseys.

Located in the Greater Phoenix area, baseball enthusiasts of all ages swarm to the Spanish-style stadium, Tempe Diablo. The intimate setting of the facility gives fans a chance to be up-close and personal giving a sense they are part of the game. Fans are able to observe a quick morning practice on the lower fields, watch batting practice in hopes to catch a homerun ball, or collect snapshots and autographs from their favorite players and up-and-coming stars.

Like every year, fans celebrate the anticipation of a new season with high hopes of the team's rejuvenation and better days ahead. The 2011 season starts off with a bang commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Angels franchise and work for the Angels is in full swing. Veteran players refocus and get back into routine while the pressure heats up for the rookies and minor league prospects. The purpose of Spring Training is to practice the fundamentals, work out the kinks, and assemble a winning roster before the regular season records its first pitch.

The crowds have been steady and more are expected when other clubs such as the local Arizona Diamondbacks, rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers, AL West Division Champions the Texas Rangers, and the 2010 World Series Champions San Fransico Giants visit Tempe Diablo. The gates officially opened on February 26 when the Dodgers came to play. Fans became rivals as red and blue sat next to each other in the stands, seeking who would walk out with the first win of the season. Fortunately, the Angels answered with a 4-1 win. As fans left the stadium, the feeling was that this will be a season worth watching.

With position changes, newly acquired players, and the minor league prospects looking to break in it seems like March will be a very good month. The outfield is set as former Owlz player Peter Bourjos, adjusts to his new digs in center field. He is flanked by veteran Torii Hunter in right and newcomer Vernon Wells in left. More former Owlz competing in the depth chart for the bullpen are Bobby Cassevah, Jordan Walden, and Michael Kohn. On deck to make the active roster are infielders Brandon Wood, Alberto Callaspo, and Mark Trumbo. After slamming monstrous homeruns this past week, expectations for Trumbo have strengthened his candidacy for the Angels' 25-man roster.

Considering the non-roster invitees, 13 former Owlz players are making their debut in major league camp this 2011 season: Ryan Brasier, Garret Richards, Andrew Taylor, Anel De Los Santos, Carlos Ramirez, Alberto Rosario, Gabe Jacobo, Efren Navarro, Darwin Perez, Jean Segura, Tyson Auer, Angel Castillo, and Travis Witherspoon (for a list of all 25 NRI's, click here. Top play of the game goes to center fielder, Travis Witherspoon. On March 3 when the Angels took on the Royals, Witherspoon duplicated his stellar diving catch from the 09 season robbing Clint Robinson of a hit on a sacrifice fly.

Plan to make a trip down to Arizona this month; it would definitely be worth it. Enjoy the sun, beautiful desert scenery, and fan-friendly atmosphere as you watch your Owlz prospects in action. You never know who will be your next All-Star.