This morning, we were fortunate enough to get a tour of the new facilities (photos below) from Susan Webner, who is Arizona's Minor League Administration Manager. She basically handles all the details of player movement (travel, etc.) and keeps the affiliates and the various managers up to date on who is going where.
After that, we watched a couple of scrimmage games between the various Minor League teams. It seemed as if Reno was playing Mobile and Visalia was playing South Bend (and rookie clubs).
A few notes on former Silver Hawks:
-Ramon Castillo is catching now since there is a logjam at first base in the system. He also has a full head of flowing hair.
-Bradin Hagens is being moved to a starting role, and we could possibly see him back in South Bend this season if he doesn't make Visalia.
-I had a chance to talk briefly with Charles Brewer, who is slated for double-A Mobile (along with Wade Miley, who I saw pitch an inning). I also said hello to Tyler Skaggs, who is impressing a lot of people this spring.
-Matt Helm took a minute to make fun of how pasty white my legs are (I've been in South Bend for 2 years and I have red hair -- what does he expect?), but he also mentioned that he's likely going to be back with the Silver Hawks to play third base (his natural position).
-I also saw Rossmel Perez walking around with a big cast/wrap on his hand. It appeared to be a thumb injury as best I can tell.
I'll have a lot more later, but for now, enjoy some photos of the facilities.
