Category: Dailies

Off-day, Goodyear

For today’s off-day, enjoy some recent photos from the Reds’ new training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.  The facility is 75% complete and will be ready-to-go for Arizona Fall League play later this year.  Below are some views of the six practice fields:

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Picture 005.jpgBatting cage building:

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Clubhouse lockers:

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A sample of the exterior signage:

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An aerial view of Goodyear Ballpark on opening day of 2009 spring training:

Barton Malow 2-25-09019.JPG

-JM

This is my Milwaukee

With the Reds’ trip to Milwaukee later this month, the weekend series from May 29-31 in the Cream City provides a perfect opportunity for a road trip.  Should you decide to make the trip to watch the Redlegs battle our NL Central rivals, check out my suggestions below when visiting my home state.  I know you’ll already be at Miller Park, but here some other things to do while in Milwaukee while the Reds are in town (bars, bars near Miller Park, brewery tours, entertainment, fine dining, hotels, local fast food, near Miller Park, pizza, shopping).  I know I’m missing some things on this list, so feel free to post anything I may have left off.

BARS

Blu
www.thepfisterhotel.com
Atop the Pfister Hotel
424 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

This elegant, yet casual bar is a nice spot to relax and have a drink.  There is usually a piano playing and this spot also offers one of the best views of the city.

Smyth
www.theironhorsehotel.com
Inside the Iron Horse Hotel
500 W Florida St
Milwaukee, WI 53204

This bar and restaurant offers classic American comfort food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Soho 7
www.soho7milwaukee.com
231 E Buffalo St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, Soho 7 is the premier night club in the city.  Proper dress is required and there is sometimes a line to get in.  This is one of the spots to see local celebrities and sports stars.

Wolski’s
www.wolskis.com
1836 N Pulaski St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Tough to find, but worth it.  From the outside it looks like a house.  And even when you get inside, you think you’re at a dive.  But I guarantee that you have a blast if you stop here.  Free popcorn and metal-tipped darts highlight this experience.  If you stay until bar close, you also get a coveted “I closed Wolski’s” bumper sticker.  Mine is on my frig.

BARS NEAR MILLER PARK (Bluemound Road)
The following list of bars would be the place to go before the game, if you’re not tailgating.  Most of these bars offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the game.  You can simply park your car on the neighborhood streets and have everything else taken care of.  Each bar has some rules (i.e. two drink minimum, $10 tab, etc.) but it’s still cheaper and quicker than parking at the ballpark.  If you can, I would suggest the tailgate experience for at least one game.

Fiesta Garibaldi
www.fiestagaribaldimilwaukee.com
5108 W Bluemound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53208

Kelly’s Bleachers
www.kellysbleachers.net
5218 W Bluemound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53208

Long Wong’s
www.longwongs.net
5230 W Bluemound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53208

McGinn’s (my favorite)
5901 W Bluemound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53213

Rounding Third
www.roundingthirdsports.com
6317 W Bluemound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53213

Steve’s on Bluemound
5841 W Bluemound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53213

BREWERY TOURS

Lakefront Brewery Tour
www.lakefrontbrewery.com
1872 N Commerce St
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Cost for the Lakefront Brewery Tour is $6 and includes a souvenir pint glass, four pours of beer and a coupon for one free beer before 6pm at any many local bars.  Friday night tours, between 6pm and 8pm, are $11.  This includes a $5 voucher for the fish fry (a Wisconsin staple), a souvenir pint glass, and four pours of beer.

Miller Brewery Tour
www.millercoors.com
4251 W State St
Milwaukee, WI 53208

The indoor/outdoor tour covers the history of beer in Milwaukee and includes complimentary samples at the Bavarian-style Miller Inn.  Miller also provides postcards and will cover the postage to anywhere worldwide.  The tour is free.

Sprecher Brewery Tour
www.sprecherbrewery.com
701 W Glendale Ave
Glendale, WI 53209

Reservation required, 414-964-2739.  This tour goes through the brewhouse, the aging cellar, bottling line and warehouse. The tour ends in an indoor beer tent where samples are served.  All adults 21 and older get four samples of beer (chosen from up to 10 beers on tap) and a beer tasting glass to take home.  Cost is $4 for adults.

ENTERTAINMENT

Edelweiss Cruise
www.edelweiss.com
205 W Highland Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

The Edelweiss Cruise is a boat tour of Milwaukee that circles the area through the city’s rivers and Lake Michigan.  Food and beverages are served on some cruises and different packages are available.

Harley-Davidson Museum
www.harley-davidson.com
400 Canal St
Milwaukee, WI 53201

Recently opened in July 2008, the 130,000 square foot facility embodies the spirit of Harley-Davidson by showing how the iconic bikes are built, rare exhibits and intriguing artifacts.  Cost for adults is $16.

Milwaukee Art Museum
www.mam.org
700 N Art Museum Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53202

This lakefront museum offers over 20,000 pieces of art in 341,000 square feet of space.  The nearby War Memorial is also a must-see when visiting the museum.

Milwaukee County Zoo
www.milwaukeezoo.org
10001 W Blue Mound Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53226

The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 1,800 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles with more than 350 species represented.  Recognized as one of the country’s finest zoological attractions, it’s also a site for workshops, holiday celebrations, summer concerts and food festivals.

Milwaukee Public Museum/IMAX
www.mpm.edu
800 W Wells St
Milwaukee, WI 53233

The Milwaukee Public Museum opened in 1884 and contains a great dinosaur exhibit.  Before baseball took over my life at age four, dinosaurs were number one for me.  The IMAX is currently showing “Ghosts of the Abyss” and “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure.” 

Mitchell Park Domes
www.milwaukeedomes.com
524 S Layton Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53215

This horticultural observatory offers three uniquely themed domes.  There is a tropical dome, an arid dome and a “show” dome.  The “show” dome’s theme rotates each season.  It’s one of those places that everyone visits while in elementary school.  It’s really of cool how they get everything to feel authentic.

Pabst Mansion
www.pabstmansion.com
2000 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233

From the Pabst Mansion website: In 1892, the Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion of Captain Frederick Pabst, world famous beer baron, accomplished sea captain, real estate developer, philanthropist and patron of the arts, was completed. From the day the house was inhabited, it was considered the jewel of Milwaukee’s famous avenue of mansions called Grand Avenue and represented the epitome of America’s Gilded Age Splendor in Milwaukee.

Pabst Theater
www.pabsttheater.org
144 E Wells St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

The historic Pabst Theater was built in 1895 by brewer Frederick Pabst.  It was designed after the classic European opera houses and is the fourth oldest continuous operating theater in the United States.  It is not unusual for performing artists to comment to the audience on the outstanding acoustics, some even perform unplugged.  Concert prices vary.

Pettit National Ice Center
www.thepettit.com
500 S 84th St
Milwaukee, WI 53214

This official U.S. Olympic training center is used for hockey, speed skating and figure skating.  The facility is also open year-round for recreational skating. 

FINE DINING

Capital Grille (steak, chops, seafood)
www.thecapitalgrille.com
310 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Carnevor (steak)
www.carnevor.com
724 N Milwaukee St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Coast (seafood)
www.coastrestaurant.com
931 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Cubanitas (Cuban)
www.getcubanitas.com
728 N Milwaukee St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Kil@wat (contemporary American)
www.kilawatcuisine.com
Second Floor of the InterContinental Hotel
139 E Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Lake Park Bistro (French)
www.lakeparkbistro.com
3133 E Newberry Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mason Street Grill (steak, sandwiches, desserts)
www.masonstreetgrill.com
435 E Mason St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Mo’s – A Place for Steaks
www.mosaplaceforsteaks.com
720 N Plankinton Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Sabor (Brazilian steakhouse)
www.saborbrazil.net
777 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Saz’s (barbecue)
www.sazs.com
5539 W State St
Milwaukee, WI 53208

HOTELS
There are not any hotels near Miller Park, I would suggest that you stay at one of the downtown options listed below.  At worst, Miller Park is a 10 minute drive from downtown Milwaukee.

Ambassador Hotel (in between downtown and Miller Park)
www.ambassadormilwaukee.com
2308 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Hilton Milwaukee (downtown)
www.hiltonmilwaukee.com
509 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Hyatt Milwaukee (downtown)
www.milwaukee.hyatt.com
333 W Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

InterContinental Hotel (downtown)
www.intercontinentalmilwaukee.com
139 E Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Iron Horse Hotel (near Harley-Davidson Museum)
www.theironhorsehotel.com
500 W Florida St
Milwaukee, WI 53204

Pfister (historic, downtown)
www.thepfisterhotel.com
424 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

LOCAL FAST FOOD

Culver’s
www.culvers.com
1641 Miller Parkway
West Milwaukee, WI 53214

Many locations, this one is closest to the ballpark.  Culver’s signature items are ButterBurgers and frozen custard.  A ButterBurger is a regular hamburger with butter grilled into the bun, it’s pretty tasty.  And for those of you who haven’t had frozen custard, do yourself and give it a try.  It’s like ice cream, but much creamier and a lot heavier than ice cream.  If you don’t have it at Culver’s, there are many other places in Wisconsin that serve it.

The Dog Haus
www.milwaukeefood.com
1433 E Brady St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Multiple locations.  Hot dogs made any way you can imagine.  Typically a late night option, the Dog Haus is open during the day as well.

Waterfront Deli
www.milwaukeewaterfrontdeli.com
761 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Waterfront Deli is an upscale experience that is far from the traditional deli restaurant.  Gourmet breads are served, linen napkins line the tables and the BLT even has lox.

NEAR MILLER PARK

Potawatomi Bingo and Casino
www.paysbig.com
1721 W Canal St
Milwaukee, WI 53233 

Potawatomi Bingo and Casino is located half-way between downtown and Miller Park.  It’s recently remodeled and sometimes even has a noteworthy concert.

Palermo’s Pizza
www.palermospizza.com
3301 W Canal St
Milwaukee, WI 53208

Palermo’s Pizza offers tours of their frozen pizza factory and also features “Palermo’s Villa,” a nice little lunch spot.  If you stop here, be sure to pick some of their pizza seasoning.  You’ll be sprinkling it on your pizza for days to come.

Sobelman’s Pub and Grill
www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com
1900 W Saint Paul Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233-2634

Like the website suggests, Sobelman’s features Milwaukee best burgers.  It’s still the best burger I have ever had in my life.  So good.

PIZZA

Lisa’s
www.lisasfinefoods.net
2961 N Oakland Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53211

This 41-year-old pizza parlor offers many types of pizza.  Lisa’s has an old-time pizzeria feel and only uses fresh ingredients.

Pizza Man
www.pizzaman.org
1800 E North Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

This isn’t a traditional pizzeria.  Pizza Man offers a casual, yet refined atmosphere and features one of the top wine lists in the nation.

Pizza Shuttle
www.pizzashuttle.com
1827 N Farwell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Technically named “Pizza” Shuttle, this pizza place also offers any other kind of food imaginable.  Traditionally a late-night option, Pizza Shuttle is also open all day.

Rocky Rococo Pizza
www.rockyrococo.com
2094 Miller Parkway
West Milwaukee, WI 53219

Many locations, this one is closest to the ballpark.  This is my favorite pizza on the planet.  You can buy ready-made pizza by the slice or whole pies.  Give yourself some extra time if you order whole pies, its thick crust and may require some prep time.

Zaffiro’s
www.zaffirospizza.com
1724 N Farwell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Classic pizza.  This is what you think of when you think Italian pizzeria.  Zaffiro’s also has a full-service bar.

SHOPPING

Bayshore Town Center (north of city, movie theater)
www.bayshoretowncenter.com
5765 N Bayshore Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53217

Mayfair Mall (west of city, movie theater)
www.mayfairmall.com
2500 N Mayfair Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53226

The Shops of Grand Avenue (downtown)
www.grandavenueshops.com
275 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

-JM

Gamenotes 5-12-09 at Ari

Gamenotes 5-12-09 at Ari.pdf

HALF-PRICE STUDENTS TICKETS: Throughout the month of May, the Reds are offering all students half-price tickets, thanks to First Student. From preschool to grad school, all students can receive half-price tickets for select seating sections at Reds games in May, excluding the Cleveland series May 22-24. Fans can purchase student tickets at the Great American Ball Park ticket windows or in advance at Reds.com.

NAME GAME: The Florida Marlins’ Dolphin Stadium in Miami is now called Land Shark Stadium (three words).

HEALTHY CHOICE: SS Alex Gonzalez (strained left oblique muscle) threw yesterday, took soft toss and BP without pain. He will be examined again today.

ARMED FORCES: Last night’s outfield assist was Jay Bruce’s sixth of the season, the most by any National League outfielder.

BACK TO BACK: Last night, Reds batters produced their first set of back-to-back home runs this season.

REDS

Taveras 8
Hairston 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9
Hernandez 2
Nix 7
Rosales 5
Owings 1

===========

DIAMONDBACKS

Lopez 4
Montero 2
Upton 9
Reynolds 5
Byrnes 7
Whitesell 3
Young 8
Ojeda 6
Haren 1

Gamenotes 5-8-09 vs StL

Gamenotes 5-8-09 vs StL.pdf

FIREWORKS!: Tonight’s fireworks are presented by KOI Auto Parts…popular 700 WLW Radio personality and Senior Vice President of Player Procurement Bill “Seg” Dennison will serve as the official igniter of tonight’s fireworks show…because of an event at nearby Sawyer Point, the fireworks show cannot start prior to 10:00 p.m., regardless of when tonight’s game ends.

MOTHER’S WEEKEND AT HOF: Through Sunday, mothers can tour the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum for half the normal admission price…on Mother’s Day, the first 200 mothers who purchase a half-price ticket to the HOF will receive a free flower, courtesy of Jones the Florist…normal ticket priced are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and allow admission through December 2009.

LUNCH WITH MICAH: As part of the Share the Celebration program, this afternoon 8 young fans had lunch with Reds pitcher Micah Owings at the Kenwood Cheesecake Factory…4 of the kids who attended the lunch were Reds Head Kids Club members, while another child was hosted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION: The ribbon cutting for the Miracle League field, located at the Dunham Recreation Complex in Western Hills, will be held tomorrow at 10:00 a.m….among those expected to attend the dedication are Reds pitcher Aaron Harang and his wife Jen, who donated $55,000 to the project, along with Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman and Cincinnati Vice Mayor David Crowley…the synthetic turf field will provide children with disabilities a safe and permanent home for the Miracle League operated by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

CARDINALS

Schumaker 4
Rasmus 8
Pujols 3
Ludwick 9
Duncan 7
Molina 2
Greene, K 6
Thurston 5
Pineiro 1

===========

REDS

Taveras 8
Hairston 4
Bruce 9
Hernandez 3
Nix 7
Rosales 5
Hanigan 2
Janish 6
Cueto 1

Gamenotes 5-7-09 vs Mil

Gamenotes 5-7-09 vs Mil.pdf

ONLINE CHAT: Reds Vice President and Assistant General Manager Bob Miller will participate in an online chat at reds.com/chat tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. ET…fans can log on to that site and post their questions beginning at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH: The organization’s Minor League Players of the Month for April were Louisville’s IF Adam Rosales (17g, .431, 7 2b, 4hr, 15rbi, 2sb) and LHP Matt Maloney (3gs, 2-0, 1.86, 19.1ip, 18h, 0bb, 15k).

500: Tonight’s game is the 500th at Great American Ball Park…the Reds are 245-253-1 here since the ballpark opened in 2003, including 26-26 vs the Brewers.

BREWERS

Weeks 4
Hart 9
Braun 7
Fielder 3
Cameron 8
Hardy 6
Hall 5
Kendall 2
Looper 1

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REDS

Taveras 8
Hairston 6
Bruce 9
Phillips 4
Nix 7
Hernandez 3
Hanigan 2
Rosales 5
Owings 1