Hey everybody! My name is Nate Spears and I play infield in the Chicago Cubs organization.  I played in Double A for the Tennessee Smokies this season.  I had a good 2008 regular season and the last three weeks they told me I was going to the AFL.  I arrived in Phoenix for the Fall League in late September and I did not know what to expect.  I’m staying in Scottsdale with two teammates, Steve Clevenger and Darwin Barney.  They sent me here to play more positions in the infield.  It’s been a success as I’m getting more comfortable.  After playing second base all season, I have been playing shortstop and mixing in a few games at third and first base. 

It has been a great experience out here.  Our team chemistry is amazing.  We have a lot of fun guys.  Rudy Darrow, a RHP in the Tigers organization, is always lifting people up in the clubhouse and making me laugh.  Van Pope, from the Braves, is another great teammate that always keeps you loose in the locker room.  I knew some of the guys that are on the Solar Sox, as I played against some of the Braves and Marlins.  Our staff of Rocket Wheeler, Ryne Sandberg, and Ray Burris are amazing.  They are amazing minds of experience to learn from.  Ryne has always been available to us, and he has helped me position myself on the field for defense.  Everyone has to find and get into a routine that works for them, and he has helped me find mine. You can’t ask for more than that on a staff.

Thank you for letting me share a little bit of my Arizona Fall League experience with you.

Nate Spears