The day before the Turkey Trot and the nerves are starting to set in. First, the directors are scrambling to fill the remaining spots. The course has been baking in the afternoon sun and should be in prime condition for tomorrow's race. Gatorade powder is ready to go. Fruit, granola bars, and nature valleys are ready to go. The pasta lunch is ready to be consumed after the race by eager stomachs. The wood work is producing some usual running suspects.
The race is ready to go!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
John Wall is all set
John Wall debuts for the Washington Wizards tonight. The game is at 8 on TNT. Look for Washington to establish a presence on the boards while getting a boost from Wall's transition. Can the others keep up?
Unethical strategies
I have been studying for my comprehensive exams and having a good time doing it. The questions have brought to the limelight several issues that exist in business.
Whether it is the computer information, the management, the accounting, the finance, or the general business strategies, this exam will help me realize what I need to do and where I lack.
Whether it is the computer information, the management, the accounting, the finance, or the general business strategies, this exam will help me realize what I need to do and where I lack.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The season comes to an end
Last night, the Reds season ended thanks to Cole Hamels who utterly dominated the Reds bats, while pitching a complete game shutout. The Reds had a few opportunities throughout the game but couldn't quite get the ball to bounce in when they needed it.
It was a great year for the Reds. They posted an over .500 record for the first time since 2000. They won the NL Central for the first time since 1995 and also reached the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
Joey Votto is in the running for the MVP and could take home the hardware to be the first Red since Barry Larkin to win the award since 1995.
I was impressed by how this year's team battled back from gut-wrenching losses throughout the season. They also were able to manage the West Coast debacles that have crippled past team's hopes.
The pitching staff looking ahead is a bright spot for the Reds. The Reds have 7 possible starters vying for 5 spots come spring: Arroyo, Cueto, Volquez, Wood, Bailey, Leake, and Chapman. Someone will probably get traded among this group for a spot on the roster that is needed. Who would you trade? And which position player would you hope to receive?
It was a great year for the Reds. They posted an over .500 record for the first time since 2000. They won the NL Central for the first time since 1995 and also reached the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
Joey Votto is in the running for the MVP and could take home the hardware to be the first Red since Barry Larkin to win the award since 1995.
I was impressed by how this year's team battled back from gut-wrenching losses throughout the season. They also were able to manage the West Coast debacles that have crippled past team's hopes.
The pitching staff looking ahead is a bright spot for the Reds. The Reds have 7 possible starters vying for 5 spots come spring: Arroyo, Cueto, Volquez, Wood, Bailey, Leake, and Chapman. Someone will probably get traded among this group for a spot on the roster that is needed. Who would you trade? And which position player would you hope to receive?
Friday, October 1, 2010
Turkey Trot
1st Annual Turkey Trot @ Gleneagles
Saturday November 20, 2010
5 kilometer foot race (16,404.2 feet)
Race registration at 10:30 AM, race begins at 10:55 AM
Post race gala includes pasta lunch and awards
Registration fee includes official race t-shirt, water on the course, and banana fruit for potassium to avoid muscle contractions.
Fee will be announced at a later date, but current projections are between $8 and $9.
Please email or mail registration forms so t-shirt sizes can be accurately assigned and allotted. Email your completed form to turkeytrotatgleneagles@gmail.com or mail to Race Official, 205 Gleneagles Way, Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Saturday November 20, 2010
5 kilometer foot race (16,404.2 feet)
Race registration at 10:30 AM, race begins at 10:55 AM
Post race gala includes pasta lunch and awards
Registration fee includes official race t-shirt, water on the course, and banana fruit for potassium to avoid muscle contractions.
Fee will be announced at a later date, but current projections are between $8 and $9.
Please email or mail registration forms so t-shirt sizes can be accurately assigned and allotted. Email your completed form to turkeytrotatgleneagles@gmail.com or mail to Race Official, 205 Gleneagles Way, Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Friday, September 24, 2010
Let's train it up here, boss!
For those of you that loyally follow this here and want to train for the 1st annual Turkey Trot on Saturday November 20, 2010.
I adopted this training schedule from Hal Higdon and Hershell Walker so here goes:
As we sit, we are 8 weeks and one day away from the race.
So, let's say the training begins on Monday with week 1.
Week 1 Sept 27-Oct 3
Monday 1.5 mile run
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Around 50 Jumping Jacks, 50 push-ups, and 30 sit-ups
Thursday 3 mile run
Friday Jog it out til you feel like stopping
Saturday 3 mile run
Sunday Rest
I would repeat this schedule with fluctuating up on the running mileage or running faster.
Go easy at first though and never begin exercise before consulting your doctor.
See you out there!
I adopted this training schedule from Hal Higdon and Hershell Walker so here goes:
As we sit, we are 8 weeks and one day away from the race.
So, let's say the training begins on Monday with week 1.
Week 1 Sept 27-Oct 3
Monday 1.5 mile run
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Around 50 Jumping Jacks, 50 push-ups, and 30 sit-ups
Thursday 3 mile run
Friday Jog it out til you feel like stopping
Saturday 3 mile run
Sunday Rest
I would repeat this schedule with fluctuating up on the running mileage or running faster.
Go easy at first though and never begin exercise before consulting your doctor.
See you out there!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Roll up your pant legs, it chasing time!
On the eve to the eve of the Chase for NASCAR, I just put on four tires and gas up the seer machine as I look into what is going to go down over the next 10 weeks on the NASCAR circuit.
We must look to our past to guide us in the future.
Loudon: the last 11 races at the track have seen a different winner, 8 of whom are in the chase. Only Gordon, Edwards, Kenseth, and Jeff Burton didn't win in that span, but Gordon owns 3 wins and Burton has 4 wins at the track. So basically everyone knows their way to the victory circle. Let's go with Kyle Busch in a wreckfest. 19 lead changes and 13 cautions for 72 laps.
Dover: one of my favorites. Biffle outduels Johnson.
Kansas: Edwards visits the lane here.
Fontana: Who cares? In a bit of a twist, Hamiln wins and then is apprehended for misconduct and gets docked 50 points.
Charlotte: Johnson back in the points lead after dominating win.
Martinsville: Johnson dominates first 400 laps, only to see his brakes and his crewchief fall in the waning laps. Kyle Busch on to victory.
Talladega: A non-chaser takes this win by the name of none other than Brad "everyone thinks I'm a punk" Kesolowski. Half the chasers are eliminated by a wreck caused by Dave Blaney. Johnson sits 89 points back of Kyle with 3 races to go.
Texas: Hamlin thinks he can make a charge by taking the checkered flag.
Phoenix: Another none chaser comes through, Ryan Newman scores the sweep at Phoenix
Homestead: Johnson wins but loses the points to Kyle by 14. 3 through 12 are Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Harvick, Stewart, Edwards, Biffle, Kenseth, Gordon, Jeff Burton, and Bowyer.
Celebrate the 'ship til you move to F1 Kyle!
We must look to our past to guide us in the future.
Loudon: the last 11 races at the track have seen a different winner, 8 of whom are in the chase. Only Gordon, Edwards, Kenseth, and Jeff Burton didn't win in that span, but Gordon owns 3 wins and Burton has 4 wins at the track. So basically everyone knows their way to the victory circle. Let's go with Kyle Busch in a wreckfest. 19 lead changes and 13 cautions for 72 laps.
Dover: one of my favorites. Biffle outduels Johnson.
Kansas: Edwards visits the lane here.
Fontana: Who cares? In a bit of a twist, Hamiln wins and then is apprehended for misconduct and gets docked 50 points.
Charlotte: Johnson back in the points lead after dominating win.
Martinsville: Johnson dominates first 400 laps, only to see his brakes and his crewchief fall in the waning laps. Kyle Busch on to victory.
Talladega: A non-chaser takes this win by the name of none other than Brad "everyone thinks I'm a punk" Kesolowski. Half the chasers are eliminated by a wreck caused by Dave Blaney. Johnson sits 89 points back of Kyle with 3 races to go.
Texas: Hamlin thinks he can make a charge by taking the checkered flag.
Phoenix: Another none chaser comes through, Ryan Newman scores the sweep at Phoenix
Homestead: Johnson wins but loses the points to Kyle by 14. 3 through 12 are Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Harvick, Stewart, Edwards, Biffle, Kenseth, Gordon, Jeff Burton, and Bowyer.
Celebrate the 'ship til you move to F1 Kyle!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Down to 15
The Reds magic number is down to 15. Basically, the Reds can clinch the central division with a combination of 15 wins and/or 15 losses by the Cardinals.
Realistically, with 19 games to play, the Reds need to play a touch over .500 baseball and it will be extremely difficult for the Cards to catch them.
Reds remaining:
4 at home with Arizona
3 on the road with Houston
3 on the road with Milwaukee
3 on the road with San Diego
3 at home with Houston
3 at home with Milwaukee
With the current record at 81-62, the Reds can go 10-9 over the last 19 and finish 91-71. For the Cardinals to catch the Reds and force a tie, they would need to go 17-4.
St. Louis does get a break in the schedule with getting the Pirates and Cubs for 12 of their final 21 games. Or is it a break? The Cards are 4-5 against the Cubs and 6-3 against the Pirates this year.
Keep tuned!
Realistically, with 19 games to play, the Reds need to play a touch over .500 baseball and it will be extremely difficult for the Cards to catch them.
Reds remaining:
4 at home with Arizona
3 on the road with Houston
3 on the road with Milwaukee
3 on the road with San Diego
3 at home with Houston
3 at home with Milwaukee
With the current record at 81-62, the Reds can go 10-9 over the last 19 and finish 91-71. For the Cardinals to catch the Reds and force a tie, they would need to go 17-4.
St. Louis does get a break in the schedule with getting the Pirates and Cubs for 12 of their final 21 games. Or is it a break? The Cards are 4-5 against the Cubs and 6-3 against the Pirates this year.
Keep tuned!
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Reds magic number is 33
The Reds magic number is 33 going into play on August 27, 2010. Let's go Reds! Win that division crown!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
2011 NASCAR Schedule
It's been a while but I wanted to come back and give you a preview of the 2011 Nascar Sprint Cup schedule. Granted, this is only speculation but that is what this article is all about.
You will find three additions and three subtractions, if my sources are correct: Kansas and Las Vegas get a second race and Kentucky gets its long awaited first race.
The Kentucky race will be named the Meijer 400.
The second Vegas race will also be run at night and will not start until around 9 EST to combat some of the heat of the desert.
| 1 | Daytona | 20-Feb | |
| 2 | Phoenix | 26-Feb | Night |
| 3 | Las Vegas | 6-Mar | |
| OFF | 13-Mar | ||
| 4 | Bristol | 20-Mar | |
| 5 | Martinsville | 27-Mar | |
| 6 | Texas | 3-Apr | |
| 7 | Kansas | 10-Apr | |
| 8 | Talladega | 17-Apr | |
| Easter | 24-Apr | ||
| 9 | Richmond | 30-Apr | Night |
| 10 | Darlington | 7-May | Night |
| 11 | Dover | 15-May | |
| All-Star race | 21-May | Night | |
| 12 | Charlotte | 29-May | Night |
| 13 | Pocono | 5-Jun | |
| 14 | Michigan | 12-Jun | |
| 15 | Infineon | 19-Jun | |
| 16 | Kentucky | 25-Jun | Night |
| 17 | Daytona | 2-Jul | Night |
| 18 | Chicago | 9-Jul | Night |
| OFF | 17-Jul | ||
| 19 | Indy | 24-Jul | |
| 20 | Pocono | 31-Jul | |
| 21 | Watkins Glen | 7-Aug | |
| 22 | Michigan | 14-Aug | |
| 23 | Bristol | 20-Aug | Night |
| 24 | Las Vegas | 27-Aug | Night |
| 25 | Atlanta | 4-Sep | Night |
| 26 | Richmond | 10-Sep | Night |
| 27 | New Hampshire | 18-Sep | |
| 28 | Dover | 25-Sep | |
| 29 | Kansas | 2-Oct | |
| 30 | Auto Club | 9-Oct | |
| 31 | Charlotte | 15-Oct | Night |
| 32 | Martinsville | 23-Oct | |
| 33 | Talladega | 30-Oct | |
| 34 | Texas | 6-Nov | |
| 35 | Phoenix | 13-Nov | |
| 36 | Homestead | 20-Nov |
You will find three additions and three subtractions, if my sources are correct: Kansas and Las Vegas get a second race and Kentucky gets its long awaited first race.
The Kentucky race will be named the Meijer 400.
The second Vegas race will also be run at night and will not start until around 9 EST to combat some of the heat of the desert.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Let's talk about the World Cup
My background on the game where all you do is run around and kick a ball into a goal:
I grew up playing soccer along with other sports because I loved to sweat and run off anxiety.
My mother likes to tell this story. I was around eight years old and Rick was my coach. My mother came to pick me up after practice and said, "Joe, it's time to go home." I said to hear in a bout of confusion, "But we haven't started practice yet!" In all actuality, Rick had just thrown out a couple balls and let us all have it for practice. Boy, did he pull the wool over my eyes! I enjoyed playing because I was left-footed and could fly around that left flank and score a goal or two. It happened a few times!
Soccer began to conflict with baseball so my ability for soccer were fleeing and I enjoyed baseball more so it won the right for me to attempt the next twelve years of my life. The lack of playing the fit game closed my mind and heart for a large portion of my childhood.
Not until living beside a soccer brute in college, did I realize that this game is strategic and takes the most athletics athletes to play it at a top level.
Enter World Cup 2006. Fresh out of college and without a job, I was fortunate enough to watch most of the matches in the cool basement of my house. I printed off standings for the pods and followed every shot. The final was a spectacle for the ages and a head butt towards the end of the game sealed the victory for Italy over France.
2010 has the make-up to be quite the tournament.
A brief look at the round robin round. Try saying that eight times very fast!
6-11 The first match pits host South Africa with Mexico. South Africa will get to enjoy the tournament for its three games and then sit back and relax to watch the elite battle it out.
6-12 Big day aside for me (Trust me, it will not be put aside anywhere), the USA will travel to Royal Bafokeng to take on the Englishmen. This game could hold a lot of chips for my hometown squadron because confidence is a fickle thing in sport and taking out the boys from across the pond could leap frog Donovan's gang into a top four finish this year.
6-17 Mexico and France. I only put this one here because the resort may be out of service while this match is being played.
6-18 Germany and Serbia. Two top 15 teams battle in Port Elizabeth
6-22 This will definitely not be a slow Tuesday as Greece takes to the pitch against Argentina and Uruguay finishes the round with Mexico. Never too much Mexico I say as Mexico hopes to avoid being eliminated in this game. Greece is still feeling its way around the ranking table, but has come on strong in the last couple of years. The Argentinians know there way around the first place trophy as they took the crown in 1986.
6-25 A preview of the final game will pit Brazil and Portugal together for this late afternoon start in Durban. Renaldo vs. the team that has five titles under their belts since 1958. When I think of the top in soccer, it starts and ends with Brazil. Can the Portuguese withstand the pressure of a high ranking going into the tournament?
Sit back and relax!
I grew up playing soccer along with other sports because I loved to sweat and run off anxiety.
My mother likes to tell this story. I was around eight years old and Rick was my coach. My mother came to pick me up after practice and said, "Joe, it's time to go home." I said to hear in a bout of confusion, "But we haven't started practice yet!" In all actuality, Rick had just thrown out a couple balls and let us all have it for practice. Boy, did he pull the wool over my eyes! I enjoyed playing because I was left-footed and could fly around that left flank and score a goal or two. It happened a few times!
Soccer began to conflict with baseball so my ability for soccer were fleeing and I enjoyed baseball more so it won the right for me to attempt the next twelve years of my life. The lack of playing the fit game closed my mind and heart for a large portion of my childhood.
Not until living beside a soccer brute in college, did I realize that this game is strategic and takes the most athletics athletes to play it at a top level.
Enter World Cup 2006. Fresh out of college and without a job, I was fortunate enough to watch most of the matches in the cool basement of my house. I printed off standings for the pods and followed every shot. The final was a spectacle for the ages and a head butt towards the end of the game sealed the victory for Italy over France.
2010 has the make-up to be quite the tournament.
A brief look at the round robin round. Try saying that eight times very fast!
6-11 The first match pits host South Africa with Mexico. South Africa will get to enjoy the tournament for its three games and then sit back and relax to watch the elite battle it out.
6-12 Big day aside for me (Trust me, it will not be put aside anywhere), the USA will travel to Royal Bafokeng to take on the Englishmen. This game could hold a lot of chips for my hometown squadron because confidence is a fickle thing in sport and taking out the boys from across the pond could leap frog Donovan's gang into a top four finish this year.
6-17 Mexico and France. I only put this one here because the resort may be out of service while this match is being played.
6-18 Germany and Serbia. Two top 15 teams battle in Port Elizabeth
6-22 This will definitely not be a slow Tuesday as Greece takes to the pitch against Argentina and Uruguay finishes the round with Mexico. Never too much Mexico I say as Mexico hopes to avoid being eliminated in this game. Greece is still feeling its way around the ranking table, but has come on strong in the last couple of years. The Argentinians know there way around the first place trophy as they took the crown in 1986.
6-25 A preview of the final game will pit Brazil and Portugal together for this late afternoon start in Durban. Renaldo vs. the team that has five titles under their belts since 1958. When I think of the top in soccer, it starts and ends with Brazil. Can the Portuguese withstand the pressure of a high ranking going into the tournament?
Sit back and relax!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Biggest lead of the year
The Reds on May 27th, 2010 are enjoying their biggest first place lead of the year: one game. I know what you're thinking Leo, it's early. And you're right, it is early....but it also feels really good to know that the team is seven games over .500 and cruising right along.
Injuries are starting to pop up: a sore shoulder here, a stiff neck there, a sore toe in the 'pen. That is what happens during the course of the season. The team just needs to avoid the big injuries that keep a guy out for extended time or the rest of the season all together.
As for me, the count is getting closer to single digits every day. I have ten more days to work, only one more Monday to work, and I could not be more excited!
The lake water temperature has risen almost ten degrees in the last few days thanks to some high 80 degree weather. Monday should be a great time to soak it up.
My pick for Indy: Will Power will overtake Rahal in the late stages to score the big win and drink the victory milk.
My pick for Charlotte: Matt Kenseth will outlast them all in the endurance race
Injuries are starting to pop up: a sore shoulder here, a stiff neck there, a sore toe in the 'pen. That is what happens during the course of the season. The team just needs to avoid the big injuries that keep a guy out for extended time or the rest of the season all together.
As for me, the count is getting closer to single digits every day. I have ten more days to work, only one more Monday to work, and I could not be more excited!
The lake water temperature has risen almost ten degrees in the last few days thanks to some high 80 degree weather. Monday should be a great time to soak it up.
My pick for Indy: Will Power will overtake Rahal in the late stages to score the big win and drink the victory milk.
My pick for Charlotte: Matt Kenseth will outlast them all in the endurance race
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ending at the Barrel
Today marked the end of an era. For three years, I met every Thursday/Wednesday morning for a study/small group time. We read through various scriptures, devotional books, Backside books, and other studies. The fellowship was second to none and the friendship will be remembered for a long time. With every ending they say, a new beginning blossoms. As I reflect on the sad moments of ending the group, I smile upon the growth and fun that the group has enjoyed for the last three years.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Derby week
I am going to go all-out and pull for a horse right now. SuperSaver by WinStar Farms. Calvin Borel is aboard the mount. Borel is no stranger to the victory circle at Churchill, winning last year aboard Mine that Bird.
WinStar is five miles from my future home and I like pulling for the hometown team.
Todd Pletcher is training the horse so I know am going to get a horse that won't faulter coming down that stretch, but rather surge up into the money.
In other news, the hometown team played .500 ball last week, going 3 and 3 against the Dodgers and Padres. Dusty gave the team quite the post-game analysis on Saturday after a listless performance in the the midst of a 0-5 loss. Four hits, one including a pop bunt, were totaled by the Reds on a cloudy afternoon. Drew Stubbs gave a fan a souvenier after making a catch for the second out. Fortunately, no one was on base that would have come around to score. Stubbs has to improve or he will be riding the hardwood sooner than he would like.
And Ambrose didn't take Talladega. However, the race saw a NASCAR record 88 lead changes and 29 leaders en route to a crazy afternoon down in Alabama. Harvick slid past McMurray in the last bend to claim the checkered flag. I did enjoy the post-race banter from Jeff Gordon saying his patience with Jimmie Johnson was growing thin after Johnson blocked Gordon down the back and lead to a wreck. Will hotter tempers prevail on Saturday under the lights at Richmond?
WinStar is five miles from my future home and I like pulling for the hometown team.
Todd Pletcher is training the horse so I know am going to get a horse that won't faulter coming down that stretch, but rather surge up into the money.
In other news, the hometown team played .500 ball last week, going 3 and 3 against the Dodgers and Padres. Dusty gave the team quite the post-game analysis on Saturday after a listless performance in the the midst of a 0-5 loss. Four hits, one including a pop bunt, were totaled by the Reds on a cloudy afternoon. Drew Stubbs gave a fan a souvenier after making a catch for the second out. Fortunately, no one was on base that would have come around to score. Stubbs has to improve or he will be riding the hardwood sooner than he would like.
And Ambrose didn't take Talladega. However, the race saw a NASCAR record 88 lead changes and 29 leaders en route to a crazy afternoon down in Alabama. Harvick slid past McMurray in the last bend to claim the checkered flag. I did enjoy the post-race banter from Jeff Gordon saying his patience with Jimmie Johnson was growing thin after Johnson blocked Gordon down the back and lead to a wreck. Will hotter tempers prevail on Saturday under the lights at Richmond?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
First 'w' of the year and random notes
On a peaceful clear night with temperatures in the low 60's then dipping into the 50's, we witnessed our first Reds victory of the year 11-9 over the Dodgers. The game started poorly for the Reds and Homer Bailey. Bailey walked a couple and gave up a bases loaded double to Casey Blake before we even got settled and nestled into our right foul line seats.
The Reds battled back and took a 9-3 lead thanks to homeruns by Votto and Phillips, as well as a triple by Bruce and a double by Rolen. The offense looked as good as it has looked all year through 14 games. What a relief and a proverbial taste of cool water on a hot day. This team can play with the best of them when they put the ball in play. Only 3 strikeouts, and two of those were by the struggling thus far rookie, Drew Stubbs.
The game did get as tight as the seal on a peanut butter jar in the 8th inning. Unbenknownest to us, Coach Baker pulls a cruising Arthur Rhodes for the 2010 dissappointment Nick Masset. Masset comes in and promptly gives up a single, double, single and homerun to turn a 9-5 lead to an all noughted up at nine tie. Thanks Dusty!
Fortunately, the guy we hope can hit .250 pinch hit with two outs and drove Bruce home on a single to left field. The Reds got another one out of the play after Belliard bobbled a pickle throw.
Co-co came in and was lights out, kiss the baby, goodnight in the 9th. 12,965 of us drove home safely. Small crowd, but for a Tuesday with LOST, American Idol, and Glee all rearing their heads, attendance is directly correlated. It was the third smallest crowd out of 15 parks to see action in the MLB for April 20. Attendance across MLB averaged 21,480, which is less than 50% capacity on the average scale. HD TV and MLBTV have definitely hurt attendance in my opinion.
In other news, Jin and Sun were finally reunited after a 29 episode on-island separation by my count. Very touching and I am so glad they were able to embrace with no violence or death. At least not yet. Widmore is sending in those missles to the island with so-so precision. Jack flew in the air and was picked up by Flocke. I wonder if Jack will ever accomplish what he thinks he is supposed to do? Will it be clear for him? Three episodes left before the two hour finale on May 23rd.
My guilty pleasure is definitely Glee. Stef got me watching the show and I think it is such a great show. The actors/singers do an amazing job with the songs and this week's Madonna-centric episode is sure to please (even though I have only seen five minutes so far). The mash up of Halo/walking on sunshine was top of the line!
Post-Thunder, I see what the masses enjoy: loud noises and visual stimulation. I just can't get excited about either for some reason. Was I born without the 'lovefireworksbone'?
Talladega is this weekend and will be out of control. I predict Marcos Ambrose taking the checkered flag for his first win with only 21 cars finishing and 72 lead changes among 27 drivers. Look for Johnson to get caught up in a wreck but still manage to finish 7th.
I still love peanut butter and jellys! Going to go fix one now....
The Reds battled back and took a 9-3 lead thanks to homeruns by Votto and Phillips, as well as a triple by Bruce and a double by Rolen. The offense looked as good as it has looked all year through 14 games. What a relief and a proverbial taste of cool water on a hot day. This team can play with the best of them when they put the ball in play. Only 3 strikeouts, and two of those were by the struggling thus far rookie, Drew Stubbs.
The game did get as tight as the seal on a peanut butter jar in the 8th inning. Unbenknownest to us, Coach Baker pulls a cruising Arthur Rhodes for the 2010 dissappointment Nick Masset. Masset comes in and promptly gives up a single, double, single and homerun to turn a 9-5 lead to an all noughted up at nine tie. Thanks Dusty!
Fortunately, the guy we hope can hit .250 pinch hit with two outs and drove Bruce home on a single to left field. The Reds got another one out of the play after Belliard bobbled a pickle throw.
Co-co came in and was lights out, kiss the baby, goodnight in the 9th. 12,965 of us drove home safely. Small crowd, but for a Tuesday with LOST, American Idol, and Glee all rearing their heads, attendance is directly correlated. It was the third smallest crowd out of 15 parks to see action in the MLB for April 20. Attendance across MLB averaged 21,480, which is less than 50% capacity on the average scale. HD TV and MLBTV have definitely hurt attendance in my opinion.
In other news, Jin and Sun were finally reunited after a 29 episode on-island separation by my count. Very touching and I am so glad they were able to embrace with no violence or death. At least not yet. Widmore is sending in those missles to the island with so-so precision. Jack flew in the air and was picked up by Flocke. I wonder if Jack will ever accomplish what he thinks he is supposed to do? Will it be clear for him? Three episodes left before the two hour finale on May 23rd.
My guilty pleasure is definitely Glee. Stef got me watching the show and I think it is such a great show. The actors/singers do an amazing job with the songs and this week's Madonna-centric episode is sure to please (even though I have only seen five minutes so far). The mash up of Halo/walking on sunshine was top of the line!
Post-Thunder, I see what the masses enjoy: loud noises and visual stimulation. I just can't get excited about either for some reason. Was I born without the 'lovefireworksbone'?
Talladega is this weekend and will be out of control. I predict Marcos Ambrose taking the checkered flag for his first win with only 21 cars finishing and 72 lead changes among 27 drivers. Look for Johnson to get caught up in a wreck but still manage to finish 7th.
I still love peanut butter and jellys! Going to go fix one now....
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Bases, followings, and decisions for the lawn
92 games.....after 7 games, the Reds are on pace to win 92 games and lose 70. Call me crazy or wishful but the pitching so far this year has been better than average. The bats woke up last night in a 6-5 win over the Marlins.
In other news, Ryan Newman broke a 77 race win-less streak on Saturday night to win the Phoenix 600. After ole DW retired in 2000, I was without a driver to pull for on raceday. 2001, 2002, and most of 2003 passed by til I went with my dad to the fall Charlotte race. We were given pit passes and I was fortunate to see a 'backside' view of NASCAR. Newman attended the pre-race church service with his wife and sat on the front row. I was impressed. Not only was he given time to worship the LORD, he was doing it within a loving marriage. Hello Newman!
It's lawnmower season and I have paroused the market for what I want to take me into the '10 decade. I settled on a Honda push mower. Not a self-propelled mower, but rather a standard push with the Honda brand. I read consumer reports that the self-propelled need to be repaired more than the push. Plus, the cost is cheaper for the push. So the push it will be! If this mower can do half the job my Accord did, I will be satisfied.
In other news, Ryan Newman broke a 77 race win-less streak on Saturday night to win the Phoenix 600. After ole DW retired in 2000, I was without a driver to pull for on raceday. 2001, 2002, and most of 2003 passed by til I went with my dad to the fall Charlotte race. We were given pit passes and I was fortunate to see a 'backside' view of NASCAR. Newman attended the pre-race church service with his wife and sat on the front row. I was impressed. Not only was he given time to worship the LORD, he was doing it within a loving marriage. Hello Newman!
It's lawnmower season and I have paroused the market for what I want to take me into the '10 decade. I settled on a Honda push mower. Not a self-propelled mower, but rather a standard push with the Honda brand. I read consumer reports that the self-propelled need to be repaired more than the push. Plus, the cost is cheaper for the push. So the push it will be! If this mower can do half the job my Accord did, I will be satisfied.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wiley Joseph Goulash
With the future misses out of the town, the kitchen was all mine on Tuesday night. After a quick run to the store to pick-up the necessaries, I was ready to go where I have gone before: Wiley Joseph Goulash
Ingredients
2 1/4 uncooked rice
1 pound bag of frozen broccoli
1 pound of thawed chicken
1 can of Great Northern beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
2 cans of whole kernel corn
1 can of cream of potato soup (cream of mushroom is a substitute)
Pinch of garlic-optional (if you like garlic, add 2 or 3 pinches)
Hint of chicken chop seasoning
3 drops of grey poupon mustard
2 dabs of Italian dressing
5 squirts of soy sauce
In a pot, (2nd biggest in the kitchen) cook up the rice to the directions on the bag. Process should take around 30 minutes.
In a separate pot, (3 biggest in the kitchen) cook the broccoli as to the directions on its bag. About 15 minutes
In big pot, (biggest one you have), combine all the soups, beans, corn and seasonings. I put a half cup of water into the potato soup can to give the conglomeration a little moisture.
After rice and broccoli finish cooking, add those into the pot with the conglomeration.
In a grill pan, cook up the chicken on medium heat. Flip the chicken a few times. After halfway through cooking, dice the chicken into bite size pieces. After chicken is cooked through, add it to the rest of the ingredients.
Put the goulash on the stove at a shade under medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Mix well during this time.
Serve hot!
Total prep time: About an hour.
Serves 4-8.
Costs around $10.
Ingredients
2 1/4 uncooked rice
1 pound bag of frozen broccoli
1 pound of thawed chicken
1 can of Great Northern beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
2 cans of whole kernel corn
1 can of cream of potato soup (cream of mushroom is a substitute)
Pinch of garlic-optional (if you like garlic, add 2 or 3 pinches)
Hint of chicken chop seasoning
3 drops of grey poupon mustard
2 dabs of Italian dressing
5 squirts of soy sauce
In a pot, (2nd biggest in the kitchen) cook up the rice to the directions on the bag. Process should take around 30 minutes.
In a separate pot, (3 biggest in the kitchen) cook the broccoli as to the directions on its bag. About 15 minutes
In big pot, (biggest one you have), combine all the soups, beans, corn and seasonings. I put a half cup of water into the potato soup can to give the conglomeration a little moisture.
After rice and broccoli finish cooking, add those into the pot with the conglomeration.
In a grill pan, cook up the chicken on medium heat. Flip the chicken a few times. After halfway through cooking, dice the chicken into bite size pieces. After chicken is cooked through, add it to the rest of the ingredients.
Put the goulash on the stove at a shade under medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Mix well during this time.
Serve hot!
Total prep time: About an hour.
Serves 4-8.
Costs around $10.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Egypt experience
I have been reading through the Old Testament for the past two years. I started reading when my small group in Wilmore read through Joshua and I just kept going. So far, I have read 28 of the 39 books.
I am not writing to portray how much I can read of the Bible, but instead what I have taken away from reading. I have been reminded throughout how much Egypt keeps being brought up. The Israelites were led out of Egypt/slavery by God into the land flowing with milk and honey. At times during their trip, the Israelites complained and wanted to go back to Egypt! How often do I see a comparison in my life. So many times I see myself wanting to return to the "Egypt experience" in my life.
As a Christian, I know that God has lead me to where he wants me to be and provided all the necessary things I need to be satisfied. I don't need to be in Egypt to be happy.
I am not writing to portray how much I can read of the Bible, but instead what I have taken away from reading. I have been reminded throughout how much Egypt keeps being brought up. The Israelites were led out of Egypt/slavery by God into the land flowing with milk and honey. At times during their trip, the Israelites complained and wanted to go back to Egypt! How often do I see a comparison in my life. So many times I see myself wanting to return to the "Egypt experience" in my life.
As a Christian, I know that God has lead me to where he wants me to be and provided all the necessary things I need to be satisfied. I don't need to be in Egypt to be happy.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Food City 500 campground
My annual trip down to Bristol, Tenneessee for the Food City 500. It was 13th down to Thunder Valley USA and the trip gets better every year.
I went with family in the 90's but began asking friends to join me and my father. I am always interested to see someone attend their first race and hear their expressions of the race after the smell of the fuel and tires has settled.
In August 2008, I caught the sign of a campground that provides a family-friendly experience without a bunch of booze and drugs. I called and made a reservation for the spring of '09. I got my group together and had a great time. So much so, that I decided to do it again this year.
Eight of the thirteen decided to return with me, leaving five making the trip to Peaceful Valley for the first time. My friend Jeremy allowed us to take him and his 20 by 12 foot canopy tent. It is a massive structure for a small campsite.
We finally got down to the campground on Saturday afternoon after making stops at Wade's Corvair parts, Wal-Mart, Hardees, Chick Fila, and a Sunoco for gas.
Barry led us to section 'G' of the campground and we secured a similar spot to last year, which is fairly close to the church building containing food and restrooms. I asked one in the group to document the trip which he was glad to do with the help from his school's media department.
We ran into a minor burn victim situation last year so fire repelant was on hand this year. The grills fired up and cooked up the burgers and dogs. Fixins made it all very tasty. The sun went down and time passed by.
Countless interviews took place to give the consensus view and the night was fairly young. The camp had a quartet sing for about an hour. NCAA basketball followed on the big projection in the gym.
I only awoke two or three times due to snoring and snoring outside the tent. I used the compressed chest and mouth technique to quell the Gnasty's snoring and a rattle the tent cage technique for those outside. Somewhat effective.
The sun arose around 7:30 and it was time to do the necessary camp morning routine of raising the flag and racing to the mess hall. I opted for a bagel with strawberry cream cheese, made by my lovely fiance, and some cereal to compliment my grapes, orange, and apple.
The camp provided a church service at 9 and a minister from Racing Outreach. He shared a powerful messsage. The prayer requests were read aloud and one mentioned the hope that the health care reform would not pass. However, about 12 hours later, it did just that.
At 11, it was time to buy the tickets. My favorite time of the day. A lady drove up in a white Mercedes with tickets flaling out the passenger window. She said $5! Then the driver said $25 each with three total. I pulled out $15 and put it in her lap and took the tickets. She was driving away from the track so I didn't worry too much. She probably would have taken a lot less.
The next 10 tickets came at an average of $16 a piece so we all got in for good and cheap.
The lunch brought about a polish off of most of the remaining food and with the start of the race coming at 1:15 P.M. Overcast skies led to intermittent rain throughout the day but never stopped the race.
Pit road speeding, a big wreck caused by a faulty radio, and the same ole winner winning again took the headlines.
Bristol in the Fall? We'll see!
I went with family in the 90's but began asking friends to join me and my father. I am always interested to see someone attend their first race and hear their expressions of the race after the smell of the fuel and tires has settled.
In August 2008, I caught the sign of a campground that provides a family-friendly experience without a bunch of booze and drugs. I called and made a reservation for the spring of '09. I got my group together and had a great time. So much so, that I decided to do it again this year.
Eight of the thirteen decided to return with me, leaving five making the trip to Peaceful Valley for the first time. My friend Jeremy allowed us to take him and his 20 by 12 foot canopy tent. It is a massive structure for a small campsite.
We finally got down to the campground on Saturday afternoon after making stops at Wade's Corvair parts, Wal-Mart, Hardees, Chick Fila, and a Sunoco for gas.
Barry led us to section 'G' of the campground and we secured a similar spot to last year, which is fairly close to the church building containing food and restrooms. I asked one in the group to document the trip which he was glad to do with the help from his school's media department.
We ran into a minor burn victim situation last year so fire repelant was on hand this year. The grills fired up and cooked up the burgers and dogs. Fixins made it all very tasty. The sun went down and time passed by.
Countless interviews took place to give the consensus view and the night was fairly young. The camp had a quartet sing for about an hour. NCAA basketball followed on the big projection in the gym.
I only awoke two or three times due to snoring and snoring outside the tent. I used the compressed chest and mouth technique to quell the Gnasty's snoring and a rattle the tent cage technique for those outside. Somewhat effective.
The sun arose around 7:30 and it was time to do the necessary camp morning routine of raising the flag and racing to the mess hall. I opted for a bagel with strawberry cream cheese, made by my lovely fiance, and some cereal to compliment my grapes, orange, and apple.
The camp provided a church service at 9 and a minister from Racing Outreach. He shared a powerful messsage. The prayer requests were read aloud and one mentioned the hope that the health care reform would not pass. However, about 12 hours later, it did just that.
At 11, it was time to buy the tickets. My favorite time of the day. A lady drove up in a white Mercedes with tickets flaling out the passenger window. She said $5! Then the driver said $25 each with three total. I pulled out $15 and put it in her lap and took the tickets. She was driving away from the track so I didn't worry too much. She probably would have taken a lot less.
The next 10 tickets came at an average of $16 a piece so we all got in for good and cheap.
The lunch brought about a polish off of most of the remaining food and with the start of the race coming at 1:15 P.M. Overcast skies led to intermittent rain throughout the day but never stopped the race.
Pit road speeding, a big wreck caused by a faulty radio, and the same ole winner winning again took the headlines.
Bristol in the Fall? We'll see!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Six games in, .500 in the spring
Even though I only read Mark Sheldon tweets, the Reds box scores, and a trusty source, I could sense the tension for Joey Votto as he took an 0 for 9 skid into his game yesterday against the Brew Crew. Joey was swinging the bat but just not getting the hits to drop.
Until yesterday. He drove a ball off of Chris Capuano to break a 1-1 tie and propel the Reds to their third win of the spring.
The irony of baseball allowed for Jared Burton to come in in the fifth inning and blow the save, then pick up the win all in one inning of work. Burton is still trying to prove to the staff that he belongs in the pen and can be a set-up for Masset or Rhodes on their way to Cordero.
The Reds got smoked by the D-backs on Tuesday, but battled back with a win on Wednesday against the Angels.
Until yesterday. He drove a ball off of Chris Capuano to break a 1-1 tie and propel the Reds to their third win of the spring.
The irony of baseball allowed for Jared Burton to come in in the fifth inning and blow the save, then pick up the win all in one inning of work. Burton is still trying to prove to the staff that he belongs in the pen and can be a set-up for Masset or Rhodes on their way to Cordero.
The Reds got smoked by the D-backs on Tuesday, but battled back with a win on Wednesday against the Angels.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Chapman impressed in debut
Aroldis Chapman saw the mound for the first time as a Red in game situations on Monday afternoon. He gave a hit and a walk, but settled in to strikeout three in two innings of work.
What caught my eye was the 100 MPH fastball that was clocked on one of the radar guns. Coming from a tall left-handed pitcher, the batters have less time to react to this than the typical right-hand hurler or even Milton-esque speed.
The Reds offense also showed up in charge for the first time this spring by pounding out 13 hits and 14 runs.
Votto is still looking for his first hit in Goodyear but that is one of the beauties of spring training, stats don't matter. It's all about getting ready for opening day.
My tickets arrived yesterday so I am all set!
What caught my eye was the 100 MPH fastball that was clocked on one of the radar guns. Coming from a tall left-handed pitcher, the batters have less time to react to this than the typical right-hand hurler or even Milton-esque speed.
The Reds offense also showed up in charge for the first time this spring by pounding out 13 hits and 14 runs.
Votto is still looking for his first hit in Goodyear but that is one of the beauties of spring training, stats don't matter. It's all about getting ready for opening day.
My tickets arrived yesterday so I am all set!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3rd or February 31st depending on how you look at it
With Wednesday here on the ranch, we sit only two days away from the spring training opener of the year against Cleveland. Mike Lincoln is going to get the ball for the boys as he tries to win the fifth spot in the rotation.
I am not sure of Mike's stuff, but 2010 is a new season and he may be one of the surprises coming out of Goodyear, along with Dickerson and Heisey. Dickerson and Heisey both have legitimate opportunities to start in the outfield this year for the Reds. Even though Heisey hasn't played in the show yet, he will. Give it time. And Dickerson had the gumption last week to claim center field an open race, not just settling into Stubbs.
The game will be on Fox Sports Ohio at 3 P.M. Hopefully the DVR will do its job and give me a look at this year's team. I do want to take a moment to remember George Grande in the booth. Grande retired last year and will be filling his time at the pond fishing and with loved ones. Hey, how 'bout that! I liked Grande and felt he brought a little something to the broadcast. He will be missed.
Chapman is slated to throw in a intra-squad scrimmage tomorrow and many heads will be watching his outing. He will throw 25-30 pitches against some hungry, yet rusty hitters as they prepare for Friday. The matchup I would love to see would be Votto stepping into the box against Chapman. Joey would go to left field with his double and leave the Cuban shaking his head!
59 are on the roster as of today. Do some push-ups and sit-ups guys, only 33 days til Opening Day!
I am not sure of Mike's stuff, but 2010 is a new season and he may be one of the surprises coming out of Goodyear, along with Dickerson and Heisey. Dickerson and Heisey both have legitimate opportunities to start in the outfield this year for the Reds. Even though Heisey hasn't played in the show yet, he will. Give it time. And Dickerson had the gumption last week to claim center field an open race, not just settling into Stubbs.
The game will be on Fox Sports Ohio at 3 P.M. Hopefully the DVR will do its job and give me a look at this year's team. I do want to take a moment to remember George Grande in the booth. Grande retired last year and will be filling his time at the pond fishing and with loved ones. Hey, how 'bout that! I liked Grande and felt he brought a little something to the broadcast. He will be missed.
Chapman is slated to throw in a intra-squad scrimmage tomorrow and many heads will be watching his outing. He will throw 25-30 pitches against some hungry, yet rusty hitters as they prepare for Friday. The matchup I would love to see would be Votto stepping into the box against Chapman. Joey would go to left field with his double and leave the Cuban shaking his head!
59 are on the roster as of today. Do some push-ups and sit-ups guys, only 33 days til Opening Day!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Buying with the big boys?
I always like to see the challenge as a lesson in perspective. Do the patrons selling the tickets want to get stuck with the tickets they have and not get any money back for their paid-in investment?
Or would they rather "eat the ticket" than sell it to some obnoxious foozball from Kentucky?
Point #1 No price is ever too small to buy a ticket. The money for the seller is still green so don't feel ashamed for offering someone to pay you to take the ticket off there hands. My father actually had a guy pay him to take UK football tickets off his hands back in the Billy Curry days! Buy some hot chocolate he said!
Point #2 In a buyer's market, the seller is at the mercy of the buyer and thus will already be on edge because of a lack of confidence in getting a good price for his extra tickets. He's thinking, "Why do I buy 8 season tickets when it is just me and Margaret going to these silly races?" Great time to pounce.
Point #3 When buying, pull out the money you want to spend. Show me the money! Give the seller an end result to an already bad financial situation for them. If you give the seller some money for their trouble, they will go away disgusted because they didn't get top dollar but they are still going away with something. A good line is, "Come on, be done with it b/c I don't see too many others out here buying extras!" Always Be Closing....ABC Michael Scott.
Point #4 Using the Blystone/Austin/Rinehart or BAR technique, if negotiating isn't going well, have a buddy come flying in with a lower price. The seller may jump at the original buyer's higher offer. Just make sure you don't end up sitting next to the seller inside the track! Talk about an awkward 500 laps! Point in note: you can always find another place to sit.
Point #5 If negotiating isn't going well, give the seller the ole walk out! Turn your back and walk away. "I'm walking!" "You're going to eat those tickets!" Sellers usually don't like to see money walking away from them. This technique needs to be believable for the seller for it to work. So get your Jack Nicholsen on!
Point #6 I saw this with caution so as not to offend. Look for people with tickets that don't strike you as a hard core sellers. Normally their prices can be negotiated because they probably had a couple of buddies back out as well as not be on the hook for the tickets. Daddy probably came through on those so if you give them $10, they are happy with that. If they really don't care if they sell the ticket or not, a little Lincoln or Hamilton may change there mind.
I value your thoughts, comments, objections, and advice...
Or would they rather "eat the ticket" than sell it to some obnoxious foozball from Kentucky?
Point #1 No price is ever too small to buy a ticket. The money for the seller is still green so don't feel ashamed for offering someone to pay you to take the ticket off there hands. My father actually had a guy pay him to take UK football tickets off his hands back in the Billy Curry days! Buy some hot chocolate he said!
Point #2 In a buyer's market, the seller is at the mercy of the buyer and thus will already be on edge because of a lack of confidence in getting a good price for his extra tickets. He's thinking, "Why do I buy 8 season tickets when it is just me and Margaret going to these silly races?" Great time to pounce.
Point #3 When buying, pull out the money you want to spend. Show me the money! Give the seller an end result to an already bad financial situation for them. If you give the seller some money for their trouble, they will go away disgusted because they didn't get top dollar but they are still going away with something. A good line is, "Come on, be done with it b/c I don't see too many others out here buying extras!" Always Be Closing....ABC Michael Scott.
Point #4 Using the Blystone/Austin/Rinehart or BAR technique, if negotiating isn't going well, have a buddy come flying in with a lower price. The seller may jump at the original buyer's higher offer. Just make sure you don't end up sitting next to the seller inside the track! Talk about an awkward 500 laps! Point in note: you can always find another place to sit.
Point #5 If negotiating isn't going well, give the seller the ole walk out! Turn your back and walk away. "I'm walking!" "You're going to eat those tickets!" Sellers usually don't like to see money walking away from them. This technique needs to be believable for the seller for it to work. So get your Jack Nicholsen on!
Point #6 I saw this with caution so as not to offend. Look for people with tickets that don't strike you as a hard core sellers. Normally their prices can be negotiated because they probably had a couple of buddies back out as well as not be on the hook for the tickets. Daddy probably came through on those so if you give them $10, they are happy with that. If they really don't care if they sell the ticket or not, a little Lincoln or Hamilton may change there mind.
I value your thoughts, comments, objections, and advice...
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Let's talk opening day
As of February 20, we might as well start talking about opening day.
Batting order
CF Drew Stubbs
SS Orlando Cabrera
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
3B Scott Rolen
RF Jay Bruce
LF Johnny Gomes surprise!
C Roman Hernandez
P Aaron Harang
Even though Dusty Baker said on Friday (2-19) that Harang is not a shoe-in for opening day job. Arroyo stays up late in the night and isn't very effective in the 12:35 and 1:10 P.M. starts. Cueto could pitch but is still young. I wouldn't mind seeing Homer Bailey out on the hill at all considering he controlled St. Louis on July 3rd last year only to lose the game. These reasons are why my nod still goes to Harang.
In other news, Mike Lincoln is vying for the 5th starter job. I haven't seen much out of Lincoln in his two seasons for the team.
Batting order
CF Drew Stubbs
SS Orlando Cabrera
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
3B Scott Rolen
RF Jay Bruce
LF Johnny Gomes surprise!
C Roman Hernandez
P Aaron Harang
Even though Dusty Baker said on Friday (2-19) that Harang is not a shoe-in for opening day job. Arroyo stays up late in the night and isn't very effective in the 12:35 and 1:10 P.M. starts. Cueto could pitch but is still young. I wouldn't mind seeing Homer Bailey out on the hill at all considering he controlled St. Louis on July 3rd last year only to lose the game. These reasons are why my nod still goes to Harang.
In other news, Mike Lincoln is vying for the 5th starter job. I haven't seen much out of Lincoln in his two seasons for the team.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Hockey
Let's all tune in Sunday night to watch the USA hockey team take on the Canadian hockey team. Both teams have won their two pool play games and this could decide the number one overall seed in the tournament.
Puck drops at 7:40 EST
Puck drops at 7:40 EST
Pitchers came yesterday
Aroldis Chapman settled into to the Reds camp yesterday with his first official workout for the head honchos. Catcher Ramon Hernandez felt that Chapman threw in the mid 90's with decent control. A test will come on Wednesday when the likes of Votto, Rolen, and Phillips may get to take a hack or two at Chapman's offerings.
Opening day is 45 days away and many 'battles' will be settled for the team. Who is going to play left field? Possibly a platoon situation? Harang is slated as the starter, but who will win that fifth spot in the rotation? And will Janish get to play any shortstop?
Opening day is 45 days away and many 'battles' will be settled for the team. Who is going to play left field? Possibly a platoon situation? Harang is slated as the starter, but who will win that fifth spot in the rotation? And will Janish get to play any shortstop?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The spring before the training
Optimism is growing by the day as a fan of the Cincinnati Reds. The team signed Cuban Aroldis Chapman in mid-January to a multi-million dollar contract. The word is that Chapman wanted the opportunity to pitch in the major leagues this year and the Reds were a team that could give him that opportunity. The Yankees and Redsox? No such opportunity.
Chapman, a 6-4 lefty, can supposedly throw the fastball around 100 MPH! Try catching up to that high stinky cheese Mr. Pujols!
And just this week, the Reds dealt Willy Taveras and Adam Rosales to the A's for Aaron Miles and a pesky player to be named later. With Taveras out of the picture, Drew Stubbs can relax out in center and become a star in the outfield.
Orlando Cabrera also signed with the team. He is a bit more of a risk than I would have liked. I understand his bat has a lot more pop than Janish, but I like Janish and felt his double play abilities with Phillips were the best combination the team ran out there all year. Janish's .211 batting average extinguished his starting ability.
Time will tell with this team. I have a 20 game ticket pass which gives me the option for Opening Day and the post season. Playoffs? That's right, I am very optimistic!
Chapman, a 6-4 lefty, can supposedly throw the fastball around 100 MPH! Try catching up to that high stinky cheese Mr. Pujols!
And just this week, the Reds dealt Willy Taveras and Adam Rosales to the A's for Aaron Miles and a pesky player to be named later. With Taveras out of the picture, Drew Stubbs can relax out in center and become a star in the outfield.
Orlando Cabrera also signed with the team. He is a bit more of a risk than I would have liked. I understand his bat has a lot more pop than Janish, but I like Janish and felt his double play abilities with Phillips were the best combination the team ran out there all year. Janish's .211 batting average extinguished his starting ability.
Time will tell with this team. I have a 20 game ticket pass which gives me the option for Opening Day and the post season. Playoffs? That's right, I am very optimistic!
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