TEMPE, Ariz. - Arkansas made the most of its down time during its trip to Arizona on Tuesday, spending time during the day with the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs' spring training complex is located in Mesa, Ariz., just 15 minutes away from where the Razorbacks stayed in Tempe.

During the morning visit, the Razorbacks watched the Cubs take batting practice and met players such as outfielder Alfonso Soriano. They also visited with Cubs manager Lou Pinella and bench coach Alan Trammell, the former Detroit Tigers shortstop.

"(Pinella) was real friendly," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "He stood and hung out with us. We talked baseball, and we all got our pictures taken with him."

The visit was arranged by former Arkansas trainer Mark O'Neal, now the head trainer for the Cubs. Also visiting with the Razorbacks was Cubs bullpen coach Lester Strode, the father of Arkansas tennis player Blake Strode.

Ex-UA Players Pay Visit

Brian Walker was one of several former Razorbacks to pay a visit to the team before Tuesday night's game.

Walker, the former Arkansas catcher, is currently in the Phoenix area while taking part in minor league spring training camp with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Walker was taken in the 29th round by the Angels in the 2007 draft.

The Angels' minor league complex, where Walker is training, is located in Tempe, near the ASU campus. Walker expects to wind up with the Angels high Class A affiliate in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

"It's a fun gig," Walker said. "I'm getting a chance to play, and hopefully I'll just keep moving up the ladder."

In addition to Walker, former Arkansas pitcher Nick Schmidt, rehabbing from elbow surgery after being drafted in the first round by the San Diego Padres, was expected to visit with the Razorbacks on Tuesday.

"It wasn't a problem to come out," Walker said. "I haven't seen them, but I've been watching them on the Internet."

Razorbacks Enjoy Local Flavor

After arriving in Arizona on Monday, the Razorbacks enjoyed dinner at the home of junior Andrew Darr, whose parents Chris and Carol cooked for the team.

Darr, who is from Gilbert, Ariz., is one of two Arkansas players from the area. Junior catcher Ryan Cisterna is also from Gilbert.

After dinner, the Razorbacks went through a short practice in Packard Stadium.

Bring On The Sun Devils

Arkansas opens Southeastern Conference play this weekend at home against Georgia, while the No. 2 Sun Devils don't open Pac-10 Conference play until March 28 when they host Southern California.

Van Horn said before the game he scheduled the game to see how the youthful Razorbacks would do against top competition. Also, ASU will travel to Arkansas next season.

"I wanted to get out here and get them back next year," Van Horn said. "It will be a great chance to see some great competition early, just to get ready for conference play."

Rain, Rain Go Away

The temperature at the start of the game in Tempe was 81 on Tuesday night, and rain isn't expected in the area until Sunday.

That didn't keep showers from being an issue in Packard Stadium.

While Arkansas was warming up before the home half of the second inning, the infield sprinklers briefly came on. Freshman pitcher James Mahler quickly went looking for cover from the water, which went off after about 25 seconds.