Happy Opening Day Arizona Cubs Fans!

As I write this, 2/3 of COI (Angry and Lazy) are over at Hohokam Park tailgating for the Spring Training Opener against the Oakland A's. Right now I'm sure they're drinking a cold IPA and tossing washers while listening to some Wilco. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the opening day tradition with the other Idiots, but luckily will be making it out to Mesa the next couple days for clear skies, 70 degree weather, cold beers and of course baseball.

Today, rookie phenom Randy WWWWWWWWWWWWells (that's a W for each win last year, we can reset it after the real beginning of the season) takes the mound for the first pitch, although Lou will showcase much of his bullpen including Marshall, Mathes, Parisi and Caridad to see how they can help the club this year. Lou will also feature what we can only assume will be his Opening Day lineup, sans Fonzie in left who is still working on getting 100% healthy. Tomorrow Big Z will get the nod, followed by Fatty Shamu, Carlos Silva, on Saturday.

Yep, folks, it's the greatest time of the year around these parts. No doubt COI will keep you updated from the front lines. The greatest part of Spring Training (besides the tailgating, great weather and scantily clad women) is that you get to see these guys really having fun. Sure, some of the players are fighting for their jobs, but this year Lou's lineup is pretty well set, with only a couple question marks on the bench and in the pen.

And the laid back atmosphere translates to the crowd as well. You will be hard pressed to find your "classic" douchebag Cubs fan, especially during the tailgating or if you choose to sit in the lawn section. One example is a couple years ago I forgot to bring the rolls for our pork tenderloin sandwiches during the tailgate. No problem, I went out searching. Within five minutes I returned, not only with buns in hand, but also an ice cold beer someone happily gave me.

So welcome back Spring and the Boys in Blue! Keep tuned for highlights (and low lights) from COI.

Go Cubs!


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