The first three days of our Spring Training journey have come and gone quickly. So far we’ve been able to secure interviews with former Northwoods League players Nick Hundley (Padres), Mark Lowe (Mariners), Chris Jakubauskus (Mariners), Brett Hunter (A’s), Chris Frey (Rockies), Valentino Pascucci (Dodgers), and Clint Barmes (Rockies). There have been a few others that we had hoped to get a chance to talk with at this point but overall it’s been great. All of the players truly seem to have appreciated their time in the Northwoods League. It’s a great feeling for me knowing that when I introduce myself to these guys and they see the Northwoods League logo on my shirt that they’re going to instantly respond with a positive attitude.
Three days are gone but we’re just getting started. Today, Sunday, we’re off to the opening of Camelback Ranch in Glendale when the Dodgers and the White Sox play the first game in the history of their brand new, shared complex. If everything goes well we’ll have a chance to chat with Lance Broadway (White Sox) and Jeff Weaver (Dodgers) for the first time. They are two of the four NWL alumni to have been a first round draft pick (top 30 overall) out of college. Later in the day we’ll make our way to Packard Stadium at Arizona State University which houses an NWL MVP from each of the last two seasons. Both Carlos Ramirez (2008 MVP) and Kole Calhoun (2007 Co-MVP) transferred to ASU this past fall.  Come Monday, our journey will take us from the Cactus League of Arizona and carry us to the Grapefruit League of Florida. Check back periodically as I’ll update which other alumni we speak with during our travels. Also, as time allows, and as Spring Training develops, I’ll pass along which NWL alumni are impressing in the exhibition games, as well as those guys that unfortunately will be cut from big league camp.
 March is here! Another Northwoods League season is now less than three months away! First pitch is May 28th. 
Thanks for reading! Check back soon. 
 Curt Carstensen