I know I was going to do my postseason blog with pictures, but unfortunately life threw me some curveballs and I needed to go on an extended offseason break, just like the players and coaches do. Between battling with an ongoing knee problem which has still rendered me in a brace and having had 2 cortizone shots, to things going on both at work and in my personal life, I needed the hiatus, if you will.

I am FINALLY back though, and attended the Arizona Diamondbacks Fan Fest this past Saturday at Chase Field. I had a great time, as it was my first time ever at said event. Despite the long photo lines, which kept me standing in the same spot for long moments in time, and not having a chair or anywhere to sit (I was NOT about to sit on the hard ground), I still enjoyed the festivities, saw many of my awesome friends, and have lots of amazing and wonderful memories to last me a lifetime. The only bummer for me was not having my beloved Jeff Salazar there, as the Diamondbacks released him in early December and he was picked up on a minor league deal by the Pittsburgh Pirates. I wish Jeff the absolute best and hope to see him when the Pirates come here to Phoenix in July, providing he makes the big club out of Spring Training Camp. My favourite part of the day was talking to my beloved Augie Ojeda and having pictures taken with him, plus the hugs he gave me I will never forget :)

These were my favourite pictures of course, but I have others that are just as awesome, as I FINALLY got one with Chris Young...and Conor Jackson together, one with Mark Reynolds & Chad Tracy together, one with Dan Haren & Chris Snyder together, & one just with Tony Clark...they were all so friendly and fun that day! A few of them even remembered that I have the knee problem and asked me how I am doing...that's very sweet!

It seems like just yesterday the Spring Training camps opened...and then the season started...and now, here it is, the end. Last weekend was the farewell at Chase Field, with the Colorado Rockies visiting for the last 3 games. My friends & I went to all 3 games and enjoyed the games and the time spent together, just hangin' out, watching our beloved Boys Of Summer:

I love both the Rockies & Diamondbacks and when they play each other, it's always a treat for this girl. They both provide me with fond memories each game I see also. I will be doing a Memories of 2008 entry here soon. I have so  much I can tell to you fans...and show you as well, with pictures and such. So stay tuned...

Both my teams won so I am happy...well-played games, lots of runs, and teams playing to their full potential...gotta love it!

However, I am NOT thrilled with Bob Melvin right now for ONE reason...the fact that my favourite player is relegated to barely any playing time now, no thanks to the recent acquisition of Adam Dunn. It's NOT fair that Jeff is being left out! He doesn't deserve this whatsoever!

My dear friend Mike Koplove, former Tucson Sidewinders and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher (second row, second person) is currently pitching for the USA Baseball team in the Olympics, and Jayson Nix, recently seen with my beloved Colorado Rockies is also playing on the team. I am proud of both these guys and wish them and Team USA the very best. Bring home the Gold Medal, Guys!

Arizona Diamondbacks Broadcasters Mark Grace & Daron Sutton entertain the crowd, both at Spring Training and of course during the regular season games on tv. I always thought that a good broadcast begins with good camaraderie between the broadcasting team and I believe that 100%. It doesn't make for good viewing on tv for us fans at home if the broadcasters don't have any connection, charisma, or camaraderie. We fans aren't fools...we know when there's tension in the booth.

Gracey and & Sutt keep me laughing each time I tune in. I've met both these guys in person before and they are both awesome. Who else could provide the insights to the Diamondbacks like they do? So they aren't Bob Brenly & Thom Brennaman, but they are a good combo and I like them!

Thank you very much to those of you who gave me the tips on how to post comments and respond on other people's blogs. Now that I know what to do, I'll be commenting more often. Thank you all again :) Please feel free to add my blog to your Links List too if you would like.

The BEST Spring Training ballpark ever, but hey, I am biased ;)

Todd Helton flashes us a smile as he goes out to prepare for the game...now there's a gamer and a total future Hall of Famer!

Teammates reunited: Todd Helton & Jeff Salazar

Jeff Salazar signing for fans during the Trace Adkins concert after a game @ Chase Field

So with that being said, I would like to know how I can comment on other people's blogs? I tried that with Daron Sutton's blog and it said "You do not have permission to comment here. Please sign out" or such nonsense. If anyone can help me out with this, I'd be grateful!

Daron Sutton is an amazing man...one with a very good sense of humor...he also is so informative and friendly, not to mention personable.

I met Daron one day during batting practice and he was very friendly, taking pictures and signing autographs for us and other fans. He found out right away who my favourite Diamondbacks are, those being Jeff Salazar and Augie Ojeda, as well as Miguel Montero, Orlando Hudson, & the newly-reacquired Tony Clark.

It was also this same man who would have to break my heart gently on July 4th, when he gave me the news about Jeff being designated for assignment, and he knew I was devastated when he saw the tears on my face.

Daron is also quite the blogger and I read his blog here on MLBlogs.com. He writes with such wit and wisdom and describes things that make you feel like you're on the journey with him. I like that in a blogger, especially one who is also a baseball fan like myself.

If you get a chance, I hope you will get to meet Daron. Tell him that April...aka Rockkstarr12...recommended you to him :)