Down on the Farm with Aramis Ramirez & Reed Johnson

As everyone in the free world knows, Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson spent three days with the Peoria Chiefs in preparation for their return to the Cubs' lineup. My Ramirez love has been previously documented on this site, and as Peoria is only about fifty minutes or so from LeRoy, there was no way in hell I was going to miss the chance to see my favorite player for the super low price of 9 bucks a ticket. Minor League Baseball: It Fucking Rocks. In previous years I've seen Kerry Wood, Hank White, and Nomar Garciaparra play for the Chiefs whilst rehabbing various injuries and I also got to see a pre-Cubs Darryl Ward play in Nashville against the Iowa Cubs.

Both Reed and Aramis got good reactions from the sizable crowd on hand. The two Cubs both singled in the first, Johnson (wearing #22) scoring on a single by Peoria first sacker Rebel Ridling (Jesus, what a great baseball name!). Rami would finish the day 1 for 2 with a walk, departing after the fifth inning. He did hit a deep fly ball, which the wind knocked down, otherwise it might have had a chance at getting out. Johnson was 1 for 4, but turned in some solid D before leaving after 7. Ramirez didn't get many defensive chances, but did snag a foul ball with an over the shoulder catch. I believe this was his first appearence in the field since his injury, as he served as DH during his two previous rehab starts.

Johnson's run and Nelson Perez's solo shot weren't quite enough, as Beloit put up four runs. Peoria's player of the game was Michael Brenly, who was 3 for 4 with a double.

If you've never been to a Chiefs game, it's well worth the trip. O'Brien Field is a great little ballpark, one of the better minor league facillities I've been to. There isn't a bad seat in the house and you can get a whole family's worth of tickets for less than it costs to park around Wrigley Field. For five bucks, you can park in Caterpillar's lot, right across the street from the field. However, concessions are almost comparable to major league prices, with beer going for $5.50 a bottle. I guess they have to make their money somewhere, though.

Pictures: Top-Ramirez adjustng his $300 shades while holding down the hot corner, Middle-Reed Johnson scoring the first run of the game, and Bottom-Michael Brenly cruising into second with a double.