Saturday, February 19, 2011

Spring Swing: All eyes on the Giants as showtime approaches

As we have every season since our debut, Big League Stew is hitting the road to cover spring training in Arizona and Florida. First stop on the caravan: The San Francisco Giants, reigning World Series champions.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — My ride pulled up to Scottsdale Stadium just before 8 a.m. on Friday, and the scene outside the home players entrance looked something like a Hollywood premiere.

There were screaming fans, hopeful autograph seekers and what appeared to be a small film crew digitally capturing each member of the San Francisco Giants as they walked from their cars to the clubhouse.

The squeals for Tim Lincecum, Brian Wilson and the like must have been something to behold.

Imagine the throng's disappointment when, from the back of a town car that had its back windows tinted to hide the identity of its passenger, I emerged.

"I'm not famous!" I shouted, as the fans sighed and giggled. And the film crew stopped filming for a moment. False alarm.

Thanks to Showtime's forthcoming series about the Giants, nearly every team movement is being recorded. It's already to the point that Lincecum was overheard during the team's workout jokingly asking if the cameraman wanted to follow him to the bathroom.

* * * 

New infielder Miguel Tejada suited up for the first time and was asked what he missed most about the Bay Area (he, of course, used to play for the Oakland Athletics).

His answer was awesome: "The playoffs."

Gotta love that. Tejada also said he would like to share his personal trainer with Pablo Sandoval, who continues to lose weight. Panda looks slimtastical. Sandoval would not reveal his weight, only saying he was happy with it.

* * *

I call it: "Madison Bum-Gardner," because it's Madison Bumgarner being watched by coach Mark Gardner.

I didn't bring my radar gun to Arizona and the Giants did not appear to be clocking their pitchers, but MadBum's pitches sizzled by and popped the catcher's mitt.

* * *

You big dummy. It's better than the rig used by the fictional Cleveland Indians in "Major League" though. More from the Giants camp in a bit.

Follow Dave throughout spring training on Twitter — @AnswerDave

Amy Smart Sarah Wynter Jaime Pressly Ashanti Jennie Finch

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