
2011 MLB Spring Training: 10 Must-See Games from the Cactus & Grapefruit Leagues
As Spring Training is well underway, these are the 10 games that any baseball fans must see.
Whether you go watch the game live, listen to it on the radio or buy MLB.tv (which I highly recommend), these games will showcase top talent from both the major and minor league system of each respective team that any fan should witness.
Here are my top 10 games, what do you think should also be added to this list?
Cactus League: Chicago Cubs Vs. Cincinnati Reds
1 of 10
When: March 6th @ 2:05 PM
Where: Goodyear Ballpark
Why is it a must-see: The Cubs and Reds continue their NL Central rivalry and both teams will take this meeting seriously.
The Reds will showcase some young stars like Aroldis Chapman and Johnny Cueto, while the Cubs will be looking to start the year of on the right foot under new manager Mike Quade.
Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. San Francisco Giants
2 of 10
When: March 12th @ 12:05 PM
Where: Scottsdale Stadium
Why is it a must-see: The Giants renew their NL West rivalry as the Dodgers travel to Scottsdale to visit the 2010 World Champion Giants.
The Dodgers need to put a winning product on the field amid ownership problems and help fans forget about the team’s financial woes.
San Francisco Giants Vs. Texas Rangers
3 of 10
When: March 13th @ 1:05 PM
Where: Surprise Stadium
Why is it a must-see: In a rematch of the 2010 World Series, the Giants and Rangers will be looking to give fans a show as the two best teams of 2010 face off.
The Giants have slimmer Pablo Sandoval and 2010 Rookie of the Year Buster Posey looking to get off to the right foot as Neftali Feliz and the Rangers hope to get some revenge in this Spring Training matchup.
Cincinnati Reds Vs. Milwaukee Brewers
4 of 10
When: March 20th @ 3:05 PM
Where: Maryvale Baseball Park
Why is it a must-see: The Reds and Brewers relive an NL Central rivalry as the Brewers showcase a new crop of starting pitchers.
Zack Grienke, Shawn Marcum or Randy Wolf may be the start this day and no matter which team you root for, you’re bound to see a great pitching matchup.
Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto or Travis Wood will more than likely be tabbed to start for the Reds as the season draws near so expect an MLB-like atmosphere at the park on March 20th.
Chicago Cubs Vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
5 of 10
When: March 22nd @ 1:05 PM
Where: Camelback Ranch Stadium
Why is it a must-see: The Cubs and Dodgers, trade partners in recent years, will show fans an intense game over in the Cactus League.
Expect more of the everyday players to play during this game, as the regular season is just right around the corner.
Grapefruit League: Boston Red Sox Vs. New York Yankees
6 of 10
When: March 4th @ 7:05 PM
Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field
Why is it a must-see: Obviously with early spring games, results don’t matter.
But this is a Red Sox versus Yankees game so I’m sure each fan base will want to win this one.
Plus it’s a night game, adding to the aura that baseball’s opening day is almost here.
This has to be a must see for any avid fan.
Philadelphia Phillies Vs. New York Yankees
7 of 10
When: March 7th @ 1:05 PM
Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field
Why is it a must-see: In a rematch of the 2009 World Series, the Phillies and Yankees renew a new rivalry between the teams.
Again located in the Yankees home park, this game should be a must-see for those who want to enjoy a great game of fundamental baseball with a few surprises thrown in between.
Boston Red Sox Vs. St. Louis Cardinals
8 of 10
When: March 8th @ 12:05 PM
Where: Roger Dean Stadium
Why is it a must-see: This game early in spring will be a good time for fans to get a look at some veterans, like Albert Pujols and Dustin Pedroia, while also assessing the Red Sox and Cardinals prospects hoping to break camp with the major league squad.
Both teams will try to put up a fight early in spring to cement them as an early favorite heading into the season.
New York Mets Vs. Atlanta Braves
9 of 10
When: March 12th @ 1:05 PM
Where: Champion Stadium
Why is it a must-see: The Mets and Braves renew their storied NL East rivalry in a spring exhibition game where both teams look to answer some questions regarding their roster.
The Mets need to address the second base situation and the back-end of the rotation while the Braves need to see how their new acquisitions like Dan Uggla and young prospects like Craig Kimbrel will fair against major league talent.
Minnesota Twins Vs. Detroit Tigers
10 of 10
When: March 17th @ 1:05 PM
Where: Joker Marchant Stadium
Why is it a must-see: if you want to watch some slugger’s play, then this game will be a must-see.
Hometown hero Joe Mauer will face off against Miguel Cabrera and the rest of the Tigers heavy hitters.
This should be a good game of two AL Central rivals looking to one-up each other before the season even begins.









