With a poor internet connection in Eugene, it took me three extra days to be able to compile the list of former Boise Hawks still active in professional baseball. (Click Here to View June 19 Alumni Report)

Currently, there are 18 active players in the major leagues – including Jose Ceda, who was recalled by the Florida Marlins today after posting 18 saves with their AAA affiliate in New Orleans.  The biggest surprise on the list has to be Al Alburquerque, who has struck out 40 men in just 24 innings of work with the Detroit Tigers.

Look for a ton of roster shuffling over the next few weeks, as players will bounce from roster to roster or be released as the 2011 draft class is signed.  Movement can be expected from Tennessee to Iowa – as the Ryan Flaherty’s, Brett Jackson’s, and Josh Vitters’ may get their first taste of AAA ball, while a guy such as Justin Bour may make the jump from Daytona to Tennessee.  Same goes at Peoria, as the Greg Rohan’s and Matt Szczur’s – who have had an outstanding first half, may get to taste life on the Atlantic coast in Daytona.

On the injury front – it has been the year of the season-ending injuries for former Hawks, as Rich Hill, Casey Lambert, David Cales, and Robert Whitenack are all shut down for 2011, with the Cubs cautiously optimistic that Andrew Cashner may return after the All Star Break.  Both Jose Valdez (hamstring) and Jesus Morelli (hand) might have been candidates to move up from Extended Spring had injuries not sidelined them.

It has been a whirlwind four days for the Boise Hawks – arriving in Boise on Tuesday afternoon (meeting their host families), a Wednesday media day and scrimmage against the Idaho Cubs, a Thursday eight-hour bus ride to Eugene (mountains just outside Bend, Ore. pictured right), followed by Opening Day against the Eugene Emeralds, ending in a tough 5-4 loss. Listen to the game highlights here (http://yotestats.i8.com/hawks/highlights6-17-11.wmv). 

It was a weird game in the sense that the Hawks had a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning, despite having just one hit, a Yaniel Cabezas RBI double in the opening frame.  On the night, Boise drew eight walks from Ems pitchers, but also struck out 13 times.  Eugene wasn’t shy about utilizing their bullpen, trotting out six different pitchers in the victory before 3,352 fans.

Ben Wells had the chance for his first professional win for the Hawks – going five innings of five-hit ball, allowing two earned runs, but skipper said the Arkansas native had an off-game with his stuff, mentioning that he didn’t have the bite on his fastball that runs inside on right-hand hitters.  The skipper also mentioned jitters for both Jose Rosario and Hector Mayora – playing in front of a crowd for the first time in their careers.

I was impressed with the Ems, especially with the fact that their 1-3 hitters are all current or former first-round draft picks, including 2009 No. 3 overall selection, Donovan Tate.  San Diego has already sent 14 players to the Willamette Valley – while the Cubs have sent Boise just three picks.

NEWS AND NOTES: Lots of stuff from the Cubs other affiliates, as the Peoria Chiefs were featured Friday on ESPN’s Outside the Lines – this time for something positive (instead of the Julio Castillo tossing the baseball in the crowd incident a few years back).  They held a LeBron James replica NBA championship ring giveaway (giving away nothing since the Heat didn’t win the crown) – getting buzz from national media outlets. 

Playoff baseball will be heading to both Daytona and Knoxville, as the Advanced-A Daytona Cubs won the Florida State League North Division first-half pennant, while the Tennessee Smokies claimed the Southern League North Division first-half pennant (their fourth straight half won, dating back to 2009).

Also, it was announced that the Cubs will host their concert series again this summer at Wrigley Field, as on July 31, Paul McCartney will be playing on the corner of Clark and Addison.  That will be a tough ticket to get!

ROSTER MOVES: The Hawks have added a player in Eugene, as much-traveled Chad Noble returns to Boise for the second-straight year.  The product of Northwestern has had stops at Daytona, Peoria, and Extended Spring Training already this year.  Also, former Boise Hawk, Brian Dopirak, who hit 13 homers in 2003, was released by the Houston Astros organization after hitting .252 with six homers at AAA Oklahoma City.

GOD GIVEN TALENT: The Hawks had the opportunity to meet You Tube sensation, Domingo Ayala prior to the season opener – as the Latin ball player was on hand in Eugene.  Ayala, who has 13 videos online to “teach” people how to play the game, stopped by the radio booth and joined me – stating that his people are trying to negociate a deal with the Padres, but if it didn’t work out, he’d play for the Cubs.  As he told me, his “talent is God given.”

LOOKING AHEAD: On Sunday, the latest Boise Hawks alumni report will be released – with updated statistics for players from MLB all the way to the independent leagues.

The 43-33 record that Boise had during the 2008 was definitely not a fluke, as another cog in that season’s squad has made it to the Major Leagues, as Chris Carpenter became the 86th former Hawks player to make his MLB debut.

The former third-round pick out of Kent State was greeted rudely, as the first pitch he tossed at Wrigley Field was smashed for a double, but the righty, who it 99 mph on the radar gun, settled down to get a pair of outs to end the frame – a game the Cubs rallied to win in 10, 5-4.

Carpenter was 4-2 with the Hawks in 2008 – and joins Boise teammates Tony Campana, Josh Harrison, Casey Coleman, and Andrew Cashner, as MLB players.  In fact, Carpenter – who was called up from AA Tennessee, replaced Coleman on the Cubs roster, as the righty was sent to AAA Iowa to join the I-Cubs rotation.

NEWS AND NOTES: The Hawks arrived in Boise around 5 p.m. this afternoon and had a pizza dinner at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel, where they met the host families and received their living arrangements for the summer.  In looking at the team, there seems to be a good mix of speed and size – plus a lot of diversity, with players from Taiwan, Korea, Venezuela, the DR, Canada, and all four corners of the U.S.

ALL STARS: No fewer than seven former Hawks were named to the Midwest League all-star team, released last week.  2B Pierre LePage, SS Elliot Soto, OF Matt Szczur, C Micah Gibbs, LHP Austin Kirk, OF Greg Rohan, and 1B Richard Jones were honored for their first half play in Peoria.  In the Florida State League, three former Hawks – RHP Aaron Kurcz and 1B Justin Bour from the Daytona Cubs, plus SS Hak-Ju Lee of the Charlotte Stone Crabs, were named to the all-star team, while in the Southern League, eight former Hawks – C Steve Clevenger, 2B Ryan Flaherty, SS Marwin Gonzalez, 1B Rebel Ridling, 3B Blake Lalli, OF Brett Jackson, RHP Rob Whitenack and RHP Trey McNutt were named all-stars. 

LOOKING AHEAD: The Hawks will hold their first workout at Memorial Stadium around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, following a media session at the park.  The day will conclude with an exhibition game against the Idaho Cubs traveling team, coached by Hawks bench coach, Gary Van Tol.  The team will leave Boise at 11 a.m. on Thursday via charter bus to Eugene – preparing for Friday’s Northwest League season opener against the Emeralds, at 8:05 p.m. (MDT)  The game will be carried live on 1350 KTIK-AM, beginning with Hawkstown Tonight at 7 p.m.  The game can also be heard online at www.ktik.com or at www.milb.com as part of the MILB Gameday Audio package.

The Chicago Cubs announced the initial roster of the 2011 Boise Hawks, then an addendum, and another addendum – as the revolving door that is short-season baseball began.  When the Hawks staff received initial word of 27 players that would make up the squad – I was the first to make light of the list, taking a poll as to the over/under on roster moves prior to the first pitch being thrown Friday night in Eugene.

Take a look at the initial Hawks roster while learn a bit about the members of the 2011 Hawks (player profiles).

When the dust of the morning settled, a roster of 26 players (14 pitchers, two catchers, six infielders, and four outfielders) will head to the City of Trees for a 4:30 arrival at the Boise Air Terminal.  Of the group, seven have played previously with the Hawks, four will be making their debut in the United States, while three are recent draft picks that have signed.

Of the returners – Kyler Burke (’07/’08) and D.J. Fitzgerald (’09) are the old guard, as Burke, the 2009 Cubs Minor League Player of the Year, has made a conversion to the mound in 2011, utilizing the cannon of an outfield arm to pump mid-90s fastballs from the left side, with Fitzgerald looking to recover after a rough start to 2011 in Peoria, where he hit just .128 in 40 games.  Others include infielder Wes Darvill (’10), who was the starting shortstop in Yakima on Opening Day 2010, Pin Chieh-Chen (’10), who will play both infield and outfield after getting a morsel with the Hawks late last season, Dustin Harrington (’10), who was the everyday third baseman at the close of last season, along with pitchers Dustin Fitzgerald (’10) and Yao-Lin Wang (’10).

High-profile international players dot the roster – including catcher Yaniel Cabezas (Cuba), infielder Willson Contreras (Venezuela), and pitcher Jin-Yeong Kim (South Korea), all of whom signed for a minimum of a half a million dollars.

Of the players from Extended Spring, look for Luis Liria to be a key member of the rotation – having posted good numbers throughout his career.  Second-year pitchers from high school include Austin Reed and Ben Wells, while flame-thrower Charles Thomas may be a fan favorite.  Second-round pick Reggie Golden is raw but has a huge upside.

Of the first-year college players, Paul Hoilman looks to be a beast, having smashed 22 home runs in at East Tennessee State this season, despite the change to the BBCOR bats, while former Boston College shortstop Brad Zapenas and Kent State outfielder Ben Klafczynski will debut with the Hawks.

The squad will have their first workout at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, with an exhibition game vs. the Idaho Cubs travel team that night.  The squad will charter bus to Eugene on Thursday prior to Friday’s season opener at PK Park at 8:05 p.m. (MDT).  Hawkstown Tonight will air at 7:05 p.m. (MDT) on Friday, with the game to follow.

 

The fifth and final Best of the Northwest League (from 2010) is the top stadiums in the circuit.  I polled each of the broadcasters in the league and they came up with the list – not surprising to me.

 1.  Avista Stadium – The largest stadium in the league gets the top honor, as the Spokane Indians have led the league in attendance every season since Portland moved their franchise to Vancouver.  The spacious outdoor concourse level does not have a few of the field, but gives fans plenty of room to maneuver.  Recent upgrades to the seating bowl, the addition of the Grotto (homer porch), a kids park, and the Depot dining car have made it a destination place.  One broadcaster said – “Fair dimensions, cool features, excellent playing surface,” while another mentioned, “I love the new Depot in right field and it’s a great atmosphere with the fans.”

 2. Nat Bailey Stadium – The oldest park in the league has climbed the charts dramatically over the past five years after major renovations have improved fan experience at Vancouver Canadians games.  Expanded concessions and an updated concourse have spruced up The Nat, while the roof of the stadium covers well over 50-percent of the seats.  Throw in one of the best video boards in all of professional sports and it makes going to a C’s game fun.  “Excellent video board and tons of history,” said one broadcaster, while a second mentioned, “Great classic ballpark and best video board by far.”

 3. P.K. Park – The newest yard in the league replaced possibly the most historic, as the Eugene Emeralds moved this past season from Civic Stadium to the new home shared with the University of Oregon.  The stadium is the only one in the league where you can get concessions and still be able to see the action, plus the luxury suites give the Ems staffers an advantage most teams don’t have.  “Great place to watch a game with a great picnic area down the right field line,” said one broadcaster, while another mentioned – “You ought to be able to get a nice park for 19-million dollars!”

 4. Gesa Stadium – Another stadium that has steadily been improving since the Tri-City Dust Devils were purchased by the Brett Brothers.  The addition of the Sun Shade on the first base side has been a money-maker for the organization, as attendance has skyrocketed over that time, while upgrades at the stadium – bringing fans closer to the action, has also helped.  “Park is improving from where it was a few years back,” said one broadcaster, while a second said, “Looks great, but it is easier to score runs and hit homers in the Astrodome.”

 5. Everett Memorial Stadium – The yard shared with the Everett School District is a unique park in the NWL, as the Everett Aquasox truly have a home field advantage – playing 38 games a year with a short porch just 340 feet away in right center.  However, the Frogs have an outstanding variety of concessions for fans, a seating bowl that is close to the action, and a trio of mascots to keep fans entertained.  “Great view of the Cascade Mountains,” said one broadcaster, with another mentioning, “A downtown ballpark and a nice video board.  Playing surface is also improved, but loses points for the short porch in right.”

 6. Memorial Stadium – One of the older stadiums in the league that is in dire need of a facelift, as the Boise Hawks have played in the Garden City stadium since 1989.  A unique seating arrangement allows all fans to be right on top of the action – but the lack of shade on the first base side has hurt attendance during the summer.  The popular Hawks Nest, along with the diamond club and kids park make the facility family friendly.  One broadcaster mentioned, “Used to be a great park in the early 90s, but new ownership gutted it in 2000 and left a wasteland in its wake,” with another saying, “It’s on life support.”

 7. Yakima County Stadium – The smallest park in the league with the lowest attended games – yet can be loud every night for the Yakima Bears.  A new video board in left has improved the park, while the concessions are among the best in the league, with nice promotions keeping fans entertained. “ Aluminum bleachers and foot stomping can definitely make up for a lack of fans at a game,” said one broadcaster, while another stated – “Nothing has been done to this park since it was built in the mid-90s, the torn banners on the third-base side say it all.”

 8. Volcanoes Stadium – A six-month building process netted the city of Keizer a new ball park in the 90s, but not much has changed for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes over the years.  The lower seating bowl is right on top of the action with great sight-lines and the grass berm down the left field line is nice, but the lack of atmosphere at the yard is the biggest flaw.  “It took them less than six months to build it and it shows – cinderblocks,” said one broadcaster, while another mentioned, “Bland, with a great view of I-5 with piped in truck noise says it all.”

 Overall – in taking the broadcasters voting over the five categories (Best Hotel, Press Box, Stadium, Pre Game Meal, and Atmosphere) – the list of the franchises in the loop went as follows –

 Spokane 262 points, Eugene 244, Vancouver 211, Everett 182, Boise 163, Yakima 136, Tri-City 133, Salem-Keizer 73.

 Thanks to the 2010 NWL broadcasters for their help and support of this project.

A couple quick hits this morning – eight days from the opening of the Northwest League season.  The Cubs have completed all 50 rounds of the First-Year Players’ Draft, stocking up on 15 pitchers during the final 20 rounds of the event – including a trio of hurlers with Northwest ties (players from Sherwood High in Oregon, from Bellevue CC in Washington, and from the University of British Columbia).  The Cubs selected multiple college seniors – which my guess would think that a lot of those players will probably end up at Memorial Stadium at some point this season.

View the Final Draft Roster and view all 50 rounds of 2011 Draft Bios. 

Also, some shuffling of the deck as we get closer to the release of the initial Hawks roster.  Two players who might have been returning to Boise have been promoted up the ladder – as Matt Loosen, who had a tremendous Extended campaign, has been sent to Daytona, while Brandon May has been sent to Peoria.  The first piece of the Hawks’ puzzle might be D.J. Fitzgerald, who was an outfielder for the club in 2009, recently sent back to Mesa after struggling with the bat over the first two months of the season in Peoria.

As the sports information director at The College of Idaho and the Radio Broadcast Manager for the Boise Hawks – it is very difficult to find time to take a vacation, in fact, typically one week a year is all that I am able to squeeze in for some R&R (something that my wife would love to see changed – but it currently is the nature of the beast).

So, when we were able to get cheap airfare and a $12 a day rental car out of Milwaukee – it was off to the Midwest to see family and friends, and the Cubs.  A night in the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Chicago, an evening at Navy Pier (with dinner at Harry Carey’s Grill) was the precursor to a Wednesday day game in the Friendly Confines.

Myself and photographer Bill “Sport” Smith (of http://sportsmithfishing.com) had media passes for the game – in which we were able to get sound and photos from batting practice.  Including watching Carlos Zambrano demonstrate how to break a bat over his knee, Marlon Byrd chatting for the first time about his facial fractures, and Mike Quade discussing how to turn the ship around.

I was able to chat with WGN color-commentator, Bob Brenly – who joined me in the booth in 2008 while his son, Michael was with the Hawks, and spent time with Cubs’ beat writer Carrie Muskat from MLB.com and Bruce Levine from ESPNChicago.  I was also able to get 1-on-1 interviews with both Sean Marshall and Tony Campana. 

What was amazing was spending time in the press box – meeting Pat Hughes and Keith Moreland from WGN Radio and TV play-by-play man Len Kasper.  It was great to put a face to the voices that I hear throughout the spring.  I can now see how Harry Carey had issues calling games – you were so far from the action (they must use the TV monitors to see the play better).

Even better were the seats that the Cubs gave the six of us – second row from the field, next to the camera well…literally on top of the action (which was a bit dicey when a left-handed batter was up, considering we had three kids under 4 in the party).  Though the Cubs lost 3-1 to the Astros, it was as intense as I have ever been involved as a fan at a game – since we were nearly in the action.

It was outstanding to see familiar faces – former roving pitching instructors Lester Strode (bullpen coach) and Mark Riggins (pitching coach), along with base-running rover Bob Dernier (first-base coach), while seeing the Geovany Soto’s, Lou Montanez’s, Tyler Colvin’s, Randy Wells’, Tony Campana’s, and Sean Marshall’s up close and personals.

It was a day that I’ll never forget and am guessing that I will be talking about the afternoon (probably not about the traffic that we endured down I-94/I-90 leaving the park) all summer long.

It was a great way to get the body, mind, and soul energized for the rigors of the 76 game, 79 day Northwest League season.

Over the years, the Chicago Cubs have made it clear that during the Rule 4 First Year Players’ Draft, they will pick the best available player on the board.  In 2011, that was definitely the case – even if the parent club of the Boise Hawks strayed away from their recent trend, selecting high school players with 12 of their first 15 picks.

Here is the roster through Round 30 of the Cubs selections (Cubs Draft Roster (Rd. 30)), plus bios on each of the first 30 picks (Cubs Draft Bios (Rd. 30))

Ninth-overall pick, Javier Baez, a high school shortstop from Florida, hit a gaudy .773 during his senior year of high school and many think he has the best bat of all the prep stars on the board.  It is interesting that the Cubs would take a shortstop – considering Starlin Castro could play the position in the friendly confines for the next 10-15 years – with the pick, and the fact that Josh Vitters, the third-overall pick in 2007, looks to be the heir apparent to Aramis Ramirez at third.  Throw in either 2008 picks Ryan Flaherty or D.J. Lemahieu at second and the question as to where Baez will play in 2015 has to be up in the air.

Now, for second-round pick Dan Vogelbach – also a high school product of Florida, he was a necessity.  A big slugger at first-base, hammering 17 homers in high school this year – many comparing him to Prince Fielder.  With just Rebel Ridling and Justin Bour ahead of him in the organization, he has the chance to rise quickly through the organization.

Two other prep standouts have familiar names – Trevor Gretzky and Shawon Dunston Jr., as the California athletes’ dad’s are well known (NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky and former Cubs’ first-round pick, Shawon Dunston).  If and when the players make the trek to the City of Trees, many will wonder if “Pops” will follow.  Another interesting pick was fifth-round selection Tayler Scott – hoping to be the first big league player from South Africa.

Of the college players – Tony Zych of Louisville looks to be a clone of former Hawk Andrew Cashner, boasting a 94-97 MPH fastball and a power slider.  Also Paul Hoilman, a first-baseman from East Tennessee State, ranks second at the Division I level in homers this spring with 22.

A pair of local players from the Boise metro were selected as well, as former Bishop Kelly star Josh Osich was picked in the sixth round by the Giants and former Capital star Tyler Barrett was picked in the 20th round by the Tigers.

I was able to take my lone one-week vacation of the year last week – so appologies for the lack of posts, as the Safford’s went to the Upper Midwest – Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois (more on the trip on the next blog – including pictures from our trek to Wrigley Field).

Bunch of news while I was gone, including the 85th former Boise Hawk to play in the Major Leagues, as Josh Harrison was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates last Monday.  The 2008 Northwest League All-Star was hitting .321 with two homers, eight stolen bases, and 11 RBI in AAA Indianapolis before getting the promotion.  He joins former Boise and college teammate, Tony Campana, in the Show.

Harrison and Campana, along with Al Alburquerque and Brandon Guyer, mark four former Hawks that have made their debut in the Major Leagues in 2011.

More on the MLB front – Rich Hill (’02/’03) injured his throwing elbow a week ago and has been placed on the 15-Day DL by the Red Sox, with all reports out of Boston not good, as it could be a season-ending injury.  Tough news for the tall lefty, as Hill had found a niche as the lefty specialist out of the Boston pen.  John Lackey (’99) replaced Hill on the active roster, removed Sunday from the DL.

The carousel for the Cubs has continued – as Lou Montanez (’04) and Tyler Colvin (’06) were both promoted from AAA Iowa after injures to Reed Johnson and Alfonso Soriano depleted the Cubs depth.  Two other former Hawks flip-flopped – as Welington Castillo (’06) returned to Iowa after Geovany Soto (’02) was removed from the 15-Day DL.

On the minor-league front, Alberto Cabrera (’06) has been called up to AAA Iowa – but replaced former Hawk, J.R. Mathes (’04), who was released after seven seasons in the Cubs organization.  Mathes, who helped the Hawks to the 2004 NWL pennant, was the all-time leader in Iowa Cubs wins – spending four seasons in Des Moines, but had a ballooned 8.93 ERA.  Larry Suarez (’09/’10) has been promoted from Extended Spring Training to Low-A Peoria, with Jeff Antigua (’09) promoted from Extended to High-A Daytona.  Aaron Shafer (’08), who was released by the Cubs at the conclusion of Spring Training, was signed by the Atlanta Braves.

Extended Spring Training came to a close over the weekend – with those players who did not earn a spot on the long-season squads playing 56 games at Fitch Park and surrounding Spring Training facilities.  Thanks to updates from The Cub Reporter’s  Arizona Phil, the Mesa/Boise squad went 16-27-7 in games that he was able to attend – with some impressive numbers put up by 2010 Hawk Matt Loosen (2.25 ERA in 28 IP, 40 K’s), along with 2010 Hawk Pin-Chieh Chen (.295, 5 2B, 8 3B, 11 RBI).  For a look at the complete “unofficial” Extended stats click here (Final Extended Spring Stats), along with the final Extended Spring roster – which will help make up the initial Hawks roster next week (Final Extended Roster)

Look for complete coverage of the Cubs selections in the First Year Players Draft in the coming days – as the Hawks are just ten days away from the season opener in Eugene.

 

It may be nine months late, but finally the fourth of five installments of the Best of the Northwest League.   A survey among the eight broadcasters in the Northwest League in 2010 has revealed their thoughts on the best team hotel in the league.

1. Spokane – The Top-3 hotels were all separated by just six voter points in the poll, but the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center took the top mark.  For years, teams stayed downtown Spokane and the historic Ridpath Hotel – which was nice for downtown access, but you cannot beat the Mirabeau Park – a great hotel, a great late-night menu, and a location that has endless eateries within walking distance.  One broadcaster mentioned – “Best hotel in the league, bar none.” (Here is a look outside the hotel – http://www.youtube.com/user/msafford34#p/u/74/Yey-T_nPU8o)

2. Boise – A close second was the Owyhee Plaza hotel, located in downtown Boise.  Recently renovated, the Owyhee Plaza has a prime location for Northwest League teams, located in the heart of downtown – with countless eateries and local pubs within walking distance.  Two of the broadcasters noted the same thing – “There may be better hotels in the league, but there is so much within four blocks of the Owyhee Plaza Hotel.” 

3. Eugene – It has been a carousel of hotels over the last few years for the Ems, bouncing from different properties in Eugene and Springfield, but returning to the Valley River Inn along the Willamette River in 2010.  One of the larger hotels in the NWL, it is adjacent to the Valley River Mall – which is a bonus for the players, while for me, the proximity to the Willamette River and its miles of walking trails, is outstanding.  One broadcaster said, “What a nice part of the world,” while another said, “What a scenic location, with a great mall and movie theater closeby.”

4. Vancouver – A surprising fourth to me is the Accent Inn in Richmond, B.C. – although not the best hotel in the loop, it is in the biggest metro area in the NWL.  A full-scale casino with a free shuttle from the hotel, which also is a stop for the Canada Line SkyTrain to downtown Vancouver is a plus for the hotel.  The hotel is basic, but has good internet access and there are restaurants nearby – but not many fast-food options for the players.  One broadcaster said, “World Class city,” while another mentioned, “Best surrounding area if you want to pay for a cab ride.”

5. Tri-City – Another hotel that has plenty of eating options within walking distance, although it will take a couple of blocks to get there.  The Red Lion Columbia Center has a nice pool, large rooms – but the restaurant is not open late, and options after the game are limited to a Shari’s or an Applebee’s (if the game is completed in time).  One broadcaster said, “Near a mall and the lounge is open after weekend games.” (A look at the room at the Red Lion Columbia Center – http://www.youtube.com/user/msafford34#p/u/70/qrq-1B_KF5U).

6. Everett – For years, teams stayed at a Best Western in Everett, but the last few seasons, teams have stayed at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Everett.  Good continental breakfast in the morning and nice rooms – though multiple broadcasters mentioned that not having ESPN on the TV listing was a negative. I like the Hunan Village restaurant across the street and the Buzz Inn Steakhouse has great late-night meals.   Another broadcaster mentioned, “Not much around the hotel, but nice rooms.”

7. Salem-Keizer – One of the better hotels in the NWL is the Comfort Suites in Salem in terms of a hotel, but the location for a baseball team is awful.  Rooms are spacious, comfy beds, good breakfast – but outside of a Denny’s a half-mile down the road, there are no eating options within a mile and a half or more.  One broadcaster said, “There is truly nothing around the hotel, nothing,” while another said, “In my years in the league, it is the worst hotel in terms of hospitality (nothing around it unless you have a ride, which we don’t).”  Here is a look at the walk to the eating options in Salem – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4XLsgLBw6M.

8. Yakima – I think the folks at the Best Western Ahtanum Inn in Yakima have the best hospitality in the NWL, they are so friendly and have been helpful to my family when they have accompanied us on trips.  A warm pool and the snacks in the room are a plus, as is the continental breakfast.  Others do not agree, feeling that there isn’t much in Yakima – “The Outback Steakhouse next door is the biggest tease in the league, since it is open 4-10 p.m.”  Another said, a half mile walk to a half-filled mall is the only entertainment.”