Video from the First Cubs Game of the Spring

The Cubs beat the A's on Thursday at HoHoKam Park, 9-3. It was a beautiful day for baseball ... and the Cubs' offense pounded the ball.

Granted it was just an exhibition game, but to see the Cubs on the field after such a long winter was more than a welcomed sight to see.

The Cubs are back ... and the CCO caught some of the first game on video, including Derrek Lee's home run, Marlon Byrd's first Cubs' at bat, Xavier Nady and Starlin Castro.

The CCO will post a full recap of Thursday's game, but here are a few observations.

Xavier Nady is expected to start on Saturday as the Cubs' designated hitter. Nady hit bombs in batting practice on Thursday. Nady also sprayed the ball to all fields with authority.
Chad Tracy looked good in batting practice, hit the ball hard.
Tyler Colvin was extremely impressive in batting practice before his 3-for-3 afternoon. Colvin hit the ball with power to all fields, especially center. Hit a BP pitch from Ryne Sandberg into the visitor's bullpen beyond the right field wall.
Carlos Silva was working out with Carlos Zambrano. Could really tell how much work Zambrano put in during the off-season. Carlos Silva is a very big man.
Aramis Ramirez and Starlin Castro loosened up together before the game ... the future left side of the Cubs' infield?
Marlon Byrd ran very well from first to third on Tyler Colvin's double in the first.
Starlin Castro was very smooth at shortstop on Thursday ... extremely strong arm.
Starlin Castro's triple to right center one-hopped the wall. When the ball hit the wall, Castro was already on second base.
Angel Guzman was spotted shagging balls during batting practice on Thursday.
Ted Lilly made an appearance during batting practice on Thursday.
Brad Snyder's home run was one of the longest I've ever seen at HoHoKam Park. Granted the wind was blowing out, but Snyder's blast went 3/4 of the way up the berm, clearing both bullpens over the right field wall.
The two best defensive plays on Thursday belonged to Derrek Lee.

The Cubs take the Field

The First Pitch of the Spring

The Bottom of the First - Derrek Lee's Home Run

Marlon Byrd's First At Bat - Tyler Colvin's First Double

Geovany Soto

Randy Wells

Xavier Nady - Kevin Millar Batting Practice

Mike Parisi

Starlin Castro in the Field

Starlin Castro's first at bat as a Cub

Chad Tracy's first at bat as a Cub

Esmailin Caridad

Check back for a full recap from Thursday's Spring Training Opener ...

slamdog sadowski

Same ole Colvin, just more of him, he's always had that ability, he's finally healthy and was able to workout for the 1st time in 3yrs and not rehab work.

agustin rexach

Neil thanks for the food!

SantoFever09

Great game!!!

Good to see the young guys swinging the bats. I know it's only the first game, but it looks like Lou is gonna have a GOOD problem to have...too much talent!

Also, I know it's minor, but seeing a zero next to the errors column in very nice!! Let's keep it goin'!

SuzyS

Great Stuff Neil, thanks.

I have a question though...on your Geovany Soto video...was that Nady taking a lot of practice swings from the

left side? (In the foreground)

If so, I wonder if that is part of his rehab...or if he's going to try switch hitting in ST?

Neil

Suzy, that is Bryan LaHair in the on deck circle.

John_CC

LaHair is big dude, I was impressed by the couple BP at bat I saw. How did he look to you, Neil? And if Marlon is truly 6'1" 245# it is a lot of muscle, I mean he looked stout to me, but not all that...I thought he looked pretty good. Those program listings are misleading.

Anyway, great day, eh all!? You're a lucky man, Neil, enjoy the stay. Any Maddux sitings? I didn't get to see him. Damnit.

Neil

LaHair is a big man, but in a good way. Then there is Carlos Silva ... I saw him today.

Byrd impressed me today. He runs well and hard, you are right he appears to be all muscle.

From what I understand, Maddux is not with the team right now. He will rejoin them in Vegas. Sutcliffe was there today hanging out by the cage with Jaramillo and Piniella.

It was a good day. Some of the young guys were impressive ... especially Colvin. Looks like a different player.

Dorasaga

So what exactly is Maddux doing? The last time I read about his job description, it's not coaching, but managerial duties and somehow player development.