I’ll never pretend that watching ST games on TV is the same as being at a ballpark in Arizona or Florida, but it’s better than most things. Although I’ve never set foot in a ST park in Florida, I expect it’s as enjoyable as roaming around the Valley.

I imagine attending ST games isn’t quite as much fun for natives of either state. It’s probably more of a hassle having to deal with traffic etc. There is something special about a Saturday afternoon game at the ballpark (as a visitor). You don’t have to work the game in around chores or kids schedules. You’re on vacation and the vibe on Saturdays is different because most of the locals are operating on Saturday mode.

While I much prefer the design and layout at Sloan Park in Mesa, the vibe at Tempe Diablo (home of the Angels), and Scottsdale Stadium (home of the Giants) is even more chill. Tempe Diablo always feels like a giant frat party, and Scottsdale Stadium’ proximity to Old Town and Downtown Scottsdale is most similar to the pre and postgame, Wrigleyville atmosphere.

Anyone who has ever attended a ST game and tried to score the game correctly and completely appreciates what the broadcasters go through on a daily (spring) basis. Those calling the game (who have all the info in hand) make jokes about their inability to keep up with the managers, but because of more changes mid-inning, they’ll share some honest thoughts about the state of the game.

While they’ll never admit it, their job in Arizona or Florida is to hype the team’s chances and sell tickets. Maybe, they won’t get to share any honest thoughts about the team, but they might share some complaints about the game. During yesterday’s broadcast, HOFer, Pat Hughes, said that he wasn’t a fan of the new ML scheduling where every team has to play every team each season. He enumerated his reasons with the understanding what he thinks has no bearing on the commissioner’s thoughts. Editor’s note: I happen to agree completely with him on this issue.

The other day, a local pundit suggested mic’ing a manager during ST so that fans could play along with the manager and scrutinize his every move and his thought process. What the poor sap failed to realize, is that fans seated near either team’s dugout often get treated to that insight when the coaching staff sits on folding chairs on the field. I know Ozzie Guillen, Mike Scioscia, and Joe Maddon loved that interaction during Cactus League games.

I don’t know how many ST games are on the radio on Saturdays across the country, but in Chicago we have easy access to Sox, Cubs and Brewers games-a regular smorgasbord. And for whatever reason, I thought the Cubs-Dodgers game in Glendale and on the Cubs Marquis Network, would be called by the Cubs. Thankfully, the Dodgers crew is working. That means I’m enjoying Rick Monday and his tales in the Cactus League. He was named a member of the Cactus League HOF before today’s game (finally).

If you get the chance, get thee to a ST game in either Florida or Arizona!