We are here in the “Valley of the Sun” where are tons of people transplanted from Chicago. You see them in Scottsdale, Phoenix and of course Mesa, where theirCubs play spring baseball. Especially those who are transplanted from the north side of Chicago.  This is the 34^th season atHoHoKam Stadium in Mesa. It’s soon to come to an end. Recently, the voters in Mesa have approved for a new development in community including a new spring training facility,Wrigleyville West. This will be huge for the economic impact of Mesa. Voters saw it, and they sent their message in the polls for the 2010 for approval of this few development. The new training complex will be in a convenient location, which spans 96 acres at the southeast corner of the Loop 101 and the 202, directly 15 minutes east of downtown Phoenix. It will replace Riverview Golf Course and involves rebuilding Riverview Park, which will become Wrigleyville West. The complex will include retail and restaurants. It’s a huge move for Mesa and many homes in the surrounding area will be in high demand! I will show you some real estate in the vicinity of the complex.

Lets Talk Chicago Cubs Baseball:

I’m sure many writers in the national media will talk about the year since the Cubs last  won the World Series. I’m too generous not to give that reminder to something Cubs fans already know. They get it. Last year was another difficult season for the Cubs. The tention was running high amongst one of the players in the clubhouse, no name needs mentioned for the that unwanted attention. Plus, there were a stretches where the Cubbies were losing to teams including the lowly Houston Astros, a horrible New York Mets team, and the Pittsburgh Pirates who began to collapse in August. These teams are training in Florida again this year. Of course, many personnel changes had to be made on Chicago’s northside.

Forget about 2011. It’s the new Cubs! A proven two-time World Champion, general managerTheo Epstein is now in charge, coming from Boston. First time manager, Dale Sveum and his staff are up for the challenge in the 2012 campaign.

Looking ahead for the Cubs, I anticipate better times in the clubhouse this year. Yes, the National League Central will be competitive once again, but some of the big name participants from the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers are gone. That leaves the door open for the Cubs to make noise this year, but no major money is being spent doing so this year. Theo Epstein is going with young players to add the spark of this team, but offensively need a boast. Alfonso Soriano is their number one hitter for the Cubs, and will need to step up even more as young players develop. I believe first baseman Bryan LaHair will have has a chance to do something big for this rookie season at the clean-up position. His numbers at Triple-A Iowa sums it up. Once of which he batted .351 with runners in scoring position.

This Cubs pitching staff should be good this year and loaded for years to come. For one, they had a huge signing of a prospect, who more than likely will make the starting rotation. The 19-year old  Geraldo Concepcion should be exciting to watch. Matt Garza had a solid year, though his 3.32 ERA from 2011 really didn’t warrant just a 10 – 10 record. His good pitching with lack of run support still goes a long way for him.

Overall, I believe these Cubs will be fun to watch. I’m sure Cubs fans are excited to see what this young team can do with some of the additions, and additions by a major subtraction. No names mentioned, of course. With two National League Central playoff teams having major roster transitions with key losses, who knows what could happen to the Cubs this year? Could this team surprise everyone by making the playoffs? It’s up to the Cubs.

Mesa Real Estate For Sale for Chicago Cubs Fans:

In vicinity or walking distance of new Wrigleyville West:

Showing properties 1 – 10 of 86. See more 85201 zip code real estate.
(all data current as of 2/9/2012)

1. $68,000 : 1937 W 2nd Place, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,312 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,600 sq ft

   
2. $50,900 : 30 E Brown Road, Unit 2099, Mesa
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 981 sq ft

   Lot size: 82 sq ft

   
3. $58,000 : 1562 W 5th Street, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,224 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,411 sq ft

   
4. $300,000 : 460 N Orange Street, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 3,015 sq ft

   Lot size: 35,000 sq ft

   
5. $79,500 : 27 E Ivy Street, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,248 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,826 sq ft

   
6. $34,900 : 113 W 8 Place, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,310 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,534 sq ft

   
7. $58,900 : 538 N Santa Anna –, Mesa
   
   4 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,080 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,725 sq ft

   
8. $40,000 : 30 E Brown Road, Unit 2037, Mesa
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 981 sq ft

   Lot size: 787 sq ft

   
9. $30,000 : 930 N Mesa Drive, Unit 2003, Mesa
   
   1 bed, 1.00 baths

   Home size: 760 sq ft

   Lot size: 840 sq ft

   
10. $73,000 : 1832 W Decatur Street, Mesa
    
    3 beds, 1.75 baths

    Home size: 1,372 sq ft

    Lot size: 6,382 sq ft

    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

5 – 10 minute  driving distance from the new Wrigleyville West:

Showing properties 1 – 3 of 84. See more 85202 zip code real estate.
(all data current as of 2/9/2012)

1. $112,900 : 1020 S Santa Barbara Street, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,105 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,166 sq ft

   
2. $209,900 : 1258 W Laguna Azul Avenue, Mesa
   
   4 beds, 2.50 baths

   Home size: 2,651 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,658 sq ft

   
3. $169,000 : 2536 W Laguna Azul Avenue, Mesa
   
   4 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 2,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 16,888 sq ft

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Showing properties 1 – 3 of 79. See more 85210 zip code real estate.
(all data current as of 2/9/2012)

1. $107,000 : 837 W Kiowa Avenue, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 1.75 baths

   Home size: 1,544 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,724 sq ft

   
2. $46,900 : 839 S Westwood Street, Unit 291, Mesa
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,140 sq ft

   Lot size: 144 sq ft

   
3. $74,500 : 1041 W Kilarea Avenue, Mesa
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,227 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,410 sq ft

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer