I traveled to AA Northwest Arkansas this weekend, and caught Saturday's contest against the Arkansas Travelers (Angels' affiliate) on Saturday.  I will travel out to the ballpark for Sunday's game (4:00 p.m.).
 
Several notes from Saturday's game:
 
- Daniel Cortes demonstrated some composure problems (which he had had in the past), shouting and hurling his glove against the bench following a frustrating performance.  Cortes allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings....not a bad performance but a particularly frustrating one given walks and defense.  It was probably a 'B' or 'B-' performance, overall.  His velocity appeared to taper off as the game progressed, and he did not consistently throw strikes, especially early....  It was a cold evening at the ballyard, for the record.  Nonetheless,  he'll need to improve to advance to AAA and eventually K.C. (hopefully, he'll get a cup of coffee in September).
 
- '09 Spring Training invitee and third baseman Corey Smith committed two errors, both of which were obvious routine plays.  He missed a towering popup and then later let a ball go between his legs. 
 
- The offense looked stale.  They drew six walks but struck out ten times, stranded ten runners, and only scored two runs.
 
- Relievers Victor Marte - a hard-thrower who I thought resembled Octavio Dotel - and Kyle Crist looked good, pitching 1-2-3 eighth and ninth innings.
 
- The crowd was rather prolific and into the game despite the fact that there were northerly winds blowing, and it was in the mid 50's, overall.
 
- Tonight was Kila Ka'aihue bobblehead night.  Unfortunately, though, I had to blow quite a bit of money on a Naturals hoodie sweatshirt.  It was coooold, and I only brought short-sleeve shirts, thinking that Mays in Arkansas were a little more "Sling Blade"-like and a little less "Fargo"-like.  (Two good 90's movies).
 
- Arvest Ballpark is beautiful, although it's seemingly in the middle of nowhere.  I encourage everyone with spare time and money to visit the yard.