The City of Goodyear is one of the far westernmost valley communities in the Phoenix Metro Area. West of Goodyear is the City of Buckeye, so there’s the Ohio connection just east of Goodyear, the spring home of the Buckeye State’s own,Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds.  Goodyear is surrounded by the Estrella Mountains and is a community of its own. They offer plenty of golf in these wide open spaces on the far west valley. As Goodyear continues to grow, the industries and activities in the area, which include the Airline Training Center of Arizona, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Sunfresh Farms, not to forget Spring Training bring an huge identity within the community. If you are at Goodyear Ballpark, will see an airport with many large planes including 747′s. These old planes are discontinued from commercial service and stored, but are later refurbished and put back to service.  Before I show Goodyear Real Estate, it’s time to talk where Ohio’s Interstate 71 revolves around these two teams, stretching from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

Lets Talk Cleveland Indians Baseball:

This Cleveland team this past year took good strides with manager, Manny Acta, who was in his second year as the tribe’s skipper. With many injuries and having to shuffle the lineup numerous times of the course of the year in a rebuilding mode, you can’t say the 2011 season was a disappointment when they were eliminated from contention in early September.  If they produced with runners in scoring position, especially with two outs, they possibly could have been a playoff team. Finishing 11 games behind the wildcard standings with Boston, Toronto and the Angels in front were too much to ask. None the less, the message to the league is that the Indians’ future is looking bright. Their AAA affiliate, Columbus won their championship for two years straight. Obviously, it give a sense of an idea of the direction and the future the Indians have, as a result of replenishing with supurb talent after letting go of players they could not afford, due to the current financial structure of the game.

Looking at the positional players for the Indians, you should see a little different after this past season. They have solid punches of Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo. The question remains, can Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore remain healthy? I do believe Sizemore will be a good lead off hitter if he remains healthy. Hafner really had a productive 2011 and had gotten his swagger back after a few bad seasons. Casey Kotchman is a huge pick-up for the Tribe at first and will be a major contributor in the lineup. Last and not least, I strongly believe Carlos Santana will be the answer at working those pitchers behind the plate and his numbers at bat. The key concern the tribe  has to do with getting runners at home. While in scoring position, especially with two outs, the Indians didn’t take advantage of the golden opportunities of driving runners home. If they greatly improve with that this year, then I believe this hitting team could put this team in contention.

From a pitching standpoint, there are some concerns from the starting position. It’s a shame of what took place for the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona. I don’t know what will happen down the road for him. Looking ahead, the Indians have promoted bullpen coach, Scott Radinsky to Pitching Coach. Looking what’s ahead for him, Justin Masterson will be the number one starter for the Tribe this year, which is well deserved with his 3.21 Earned Run Average this past year. I hope and anticipate Ubaldo Jiminez will have a better season, who was rough-up with injuries, which he couldn’t provide his best pitching mechanics. The signing ofDerek Lowe is a good signing to provide these young pitchers with some veteran leadership. I don’t doubt Chris Perez abilities to save games, but needs more opportunities if the hitters can score the runs first, so he can shut down his opponents in the ninth inning.

Overall, I like this young team. It will be an exciting team to watch this year once they address the flaws they have. Looking at the American League Central, it’s wide open. Just about all the baseball writers predict the Detroit Tigers to win the division this year, but who knows? If Detroit wins the division, I believe the AL Central can produce a wildcard winner. I strongly believe the Indians have the potential of doing that regardless what the national media thinks, especially when their favoritism only revolves around Boston and New York.

Lets Talk Cincinnati Reds Baseball:

Heading down Interstate 71 in the extreme southwest corner of Ohio, the Reds really had a tough run in the very tough division. Their record may had been slightly below .500, but the division produced two playoff teams, both of which completed for the chance to win the 2011 World Series, and St. Louis was that team as a wild card and won it all. The Reds really had their cut out for them, but a few holes here and there had put them in a position to make a few roster changes in the offseason, and strongly believe this could put them in contention for at least a playoff spot in 2012.

Manager, Dusty Baker‘s hitting team really has some depth. For one, they have a transition in the catching position and should be interesting to see what Devin Mesoraco can bring to the Reds his rookie season. The Reds have high marks for this catching abilities and keeping pitchers on edge.  Who they have in the lineup looks good. I don’t doubt Scott Rolen will have good season for Cincinnati though he had a limited workload from the past season.  We knowBrandon Phillips and JayVotto will add solid punches to the Reds near or at the top of the batting order. Overall, if this hitting team kicks in the high gear other than Votto and Phillips, this could be the year for the Reds to get back into the playoffs, as they did in 2010.

Pitching is another factor of whether or not the Reds are a legitimate contender. Make no mistake, a pitcher with a 2.31 Earned Run Average in his 24 starts deserves the number one position in the starting rotation for the Reds. Keep your eyes on  Johnny Cueto and the stuff he provides. I felt the acquisition of Mat Latos  from the Padres is a huge pick up, which he produced extremely well while he was with San Diego. Bronson Arroyo had an off year, and it could be make or break for him in 2012, especially at his age at 35. I really like their bullpen. The addition of Ryan Madson at the closer role is huge along with a couple of good set up pitchers. Overall, they have some good arms, but it’s up to pitching coach Bryan Price keep them in shape.

The outlook of this team should be really good this year. I really believe with some of the transitions their divisional foes had this off season, we really don’t know who will win the National League Central division. If the Reds produce fundamentally and everything goes according, they should not have a problem of at least making the playoffs this year.

Goodyear Real Estate For Sale for Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds Fans:

Showing properties 1 – 10 of 462. See more city of Goodyear real estate.
(all data current as of 2/15/2012)

1. $215,000 : 14371 W Coronado Road, Goodyear
   
   4 beds, 2.50 baths

   Home size: 2,623 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,795 sq ft

   
2. $239,900 : 18160 W Wind Song Avenue, Goodyear
   
   4 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 3,432 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,928 sq ft

   
3. $365,900 : 3163 N 158th Avenue, Goodyear
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 2,154 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,280 sq ft

   
4. $395,000 : 14937 W Crenshaw Drive, Goodyear
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 2,246 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,664 sq ft

   
5. $234,900 : 13592 W Roanoke Avenue, Goodyear
   
   3 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 2,312 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,648 sq ft

   
6. $110,000 : 15254 W Jefferson Street, Goodyear
   
   4 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 1,818 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,938 sq ft

   
7. $169,900 : 3385 N 146th Drive, Goodyear
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,671 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,369 sq ft

   
8. $218,900 : 16177 W Glenrosa Avenue, Goodyear
   
   4 beds, 2.50 baths

   Home size: 2,842 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,450 sq ft

   
9. $163,800 : 15090 W Indianola Avenue, Goodyear
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,445 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,739 sq ft

   
10. $374,900 : 14928 W Whitton Avenue, Goodyear
    
    4 beds, 3.00 baths

    Home size: 3,401 sq ft

    Lot size: 12,027 sq ft

    

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

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

Surprise is in the far northwest community of the valley and has something for everyone. Surprise is a family oriented community with great places to enjoy life, work hard, and enjoy all the recreation it has to offer. They have the surroundings of beautiful mountain parks and open Sonoran desert lands. One place you may want to check out is the  White Tank Mountain Regional Park. This park consists 30,000 acres of rugged and beautiful deserted land, and is the largest regional park in Maricopa County. If you are tennis player and simply love the game, “you cannot be serious” of skipping out on the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. That’s what John McEnroe would tell you. This quiet community on the outskirts of the valley can make some noise too. It’s the crack of the bat and the hit of the mitt. Surprise is the spring home of of the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. On top of that, there’s plenty of real estate to choose from in Surprise! I’ll talk some baseball first.

Lets talk Texas Rangers Baseball! 

Wow… The Texas Rangers. This team made it to the World Series the past two years, but it goes to show how really good manager Ron Washington is. There is no denying that when he and his team were denied of world championships, twice. He could get blamed of the Rangers coming short over a couple of managerial decisions that many questioned. Make no mistake, he will learn from it and quite frankly, the CEO and president, Nolan Ryan knows it as he just extended Washington’s managerial contract through 2014.

The Rangers this year will not have an easier time as they did last year, nor the year before. Though, this team is really going to be hard to beat, but Rangers fans must understand  the moves other teams have made.  The team can’t worry about what other teams did in the off season. There’s not denying the Rangers are in contention. Honestly, the experience and keeping your team in tact are the key factors. The hitting is solid from top to bottom. You look at the hitting roster, including Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli, and Nelson Cruz, it’s stacked. If healthy, they will remain a threat in the American League.

The pitching rotation is something in question. CJ Wilson was picked up by the Angels could be a huge blow for the Rangers.  Matt Harrison is back and a pitcher to perhaps to look out for is a young and talented ace  Yu Darvish. He should fill the void after losing Wilson. Neftali Felizwas man in the pen, looks like the fifth spot in the rotation is his calling. The Rangers will need some work in pitching, but feel they will be good enough to keep this team in World Series contention. I like the move that will shift Feliz into the starting rotation. He had a solid starting experience from the minors. I expect the pen to really stand out with a two potential closers ofJoe Nathan and Mike Adams, who is a very good of setting up for closers, and could close a few games this year.

Overall, the experience will go a long way for Ron Washington’s club. It’s the matter of can the team stay healthy and can this pitching staff hold up to get this team going in October?

Lets talk Kansas City Royals Baseball 

Kansas City seems to take their patience one year at a time. You look at this team, they have to have the players they can get, but they still played a competitive competitive season, but again, they were below .500 in 2011. Due to the financial structure of the game without a salary cap and the small market, this team is labeled of not having superstar talent. Sometimes, these excuses are not the answer. Ask Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. St Louis is not a major market, but still have a huge fan base and the team wins championships. The Royals need to seek trends like those three. Don’t ask Pittsburgh for help.

The Royals do have some good young talent on the team, and very optimistic they will compete this year in the American League Central division. It won’t be easy against Detroit, and I do feel Cleveland is on the rise. I like some of their talent where some could become All-Stars this year, representing with the home fans. From a hitting stand point, there’s no deny the Royals. There’s plenty of young talent. I do like Eric Hosmer at first base. His skills at the plate are what Kansas City needs. He’s driving in runs and came close of batting .300. Jeff Francoeur is still young in the outfield with 7 years in, has shown his above average skills. Not to forget  the two remaining outfielders are both young and produce good numbers for the Royals in the likes of Alex Gordon and Billy Butler. Both were shy of 100 RBI’s and batted around the .300 mark. The outfield for the Royals is really good in my opinion. A young batting team could help this team grow, and who knows?

The pitching rotation had its issues from last year, and that was primary reason why they struggled. Though, their best starter, Bruce Chen will be back with decent stuff  and feel he will provide these other pitchers the veteran leadership they need. Pitching coach Dave Eiland will have his work cut out for the remaining of the rotation go get their Earned Run Average down, for sure. Felipe Paulino and Aaron Crow will have to be ready in the rotation.

Overall, this team is really going to hang strong this year. Yes, the pitching in question. Make no mistake, I believe this hitting team is really going to be good this year. Manager Ned Yost can only work with what he has, and he has developed with some young players in the majors. If the pitching gets any better, plus the hitting remains consistent or improve, plus improve the fundamentals on field, I would not be surprised if the Royals are in the playoff race in September.

Surprise Real Estate For Sale for Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals Fans:

Showing properties 1 – 10 of 500+. See more city of Surprise real estate.
(all data current as of 2/8/2012)

1. $129,900 : 14250 W Hearn Road, Surprise
   
   5 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 2,714 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,960 sq ft

   
2. $180,000 : 13561 W Caribbean Lane, Surprise
   
   5 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 2,999 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,785 sq ft

   
3. $149,900 : 17720 N Phoenician Drive, Surprise
   
   2 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,401 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,407 sq ft

   
4. $100,000 : 17682 W Red Bird Road, Surprise
   
   3 beds, 2.50 baths

   Home size: 2,115 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,555 sq ft

   
5. $154,900 : 11735 N 153rd Avenue, Surprise
   
   5 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 2,881 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,095 sq ft

   
6. $103,900 : 15640 W Maui Lane, Surprise
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,423 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,500 sq ft

   
7. $87,500 : 15906 W Elm Street, Surprise
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,199 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,110 sq ft

   
8. $159,900 : 13645 W Ventura Street, Surprise
   
   4 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 3,065 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,245 sq ft

   
9. $147,000 : 14606 W Lisbon Lane, Surprise
   
   4 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 2,511 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,406 sq ft

   
10. $147,000 : 17050 N Winding Trail, Surprise
    
    2 beds, 1.75 baths

    Home size: 1,247 sq ft

    Lot size: 3,528 sq ft

    

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