Adios Dickey

The fence has two sides on this one...those that wanted to keep RA Dickey since he was our best pitcher and a symbol of good on a bad team...and the other side which says trade him and get a million n prospects back.

SoulSlam is somewhere in the middle of the fence. I like RA Dickey. He's gutty, a stand-up guy, the type of guy you root for 100%. But he's 38. Everything tells me that if you can trade a 38YO for a 20-something guy, you do it.

So we say goodbye, pending a finalization by Tuesday. But know this: Travis d'Arnaud is a fine prospect, catcher by trade. We still have no MLB-type outfielders for 2013. Pretty sure we need some.

Early Tree

Here in the House of SoulSlam, which is always geared up this time 'o' year for the Christmas (not "the holidays")...we usually get a tree around 12/15, put up around 12/18 and keep it up. Getting a tree usually involves 3-4 stops at local places that sell these bastions of cheer. And here we go: We usually buy a 10 ft. tree. We only have 8 ft. (or so) ceilings, so I have to get carving.

For whatever reason, BWSS (beautiful wife of SoulSlam) decided we should get tree early. Asked me yesterday afternoon if I wanted to go. "Sure, I'm up for an adventure!"
Anyway we go to one place (where we never buy a tree) and found a 10 ft. specimen within 3 minutes. Bought and paid for, I drove the 1.5 miles home. Put it up this morning. It is a nice tree.

I Was Away But Now I Am Back

That just about says it all doesn't it?

I was in the vicinity of the Windy City...the O'Hare suburbs. For work.
Things I like about Chicago:

Portillo's

10PM shows are on at 9PM

Things I don't like about Chicago:

The Cubs. Actually all their sports teams, with maybe a pass for the Sox

What they do to hot dogs

The fascination with non-dairy creamer

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Anyways, we are in basketball season around here. OSSS is playing on HS frosh team...I went to a scrimmage today and I'm not sure the coach ever actually played the game. He seems lost. YSSS is playing 6th grade travel. He's a defender first. Gotta shake his nervousness with the ball. He'll come around.

And so you don't think I'm totally off the rez...I ordered a hitting net that will go in my garage attic. Boys can swing all winter. I'll update when it comes in.

"Uhhhh...the salad bar is open!"

Banner Night

So tonight is the official unveiling of last year's championship banner for my travel basketball ninjas. Hoopla, pizza and smiles all around I bet.

This year we've added two players and will play in two leagues. Right now I still look about 8 deep with 4 getting little minutes. That's the reason for two leagues...so everybody can play some this season.

Hoops.

Just Because This Is Funny

I'll bet A-Rod is laughing his A-SS off.

Got Something (W)right

After all the blather about sign-him/trade-him, the NY Mets have inked David Wright to a long-term contract...reportedly around 8 years, $138MM. That includes this upcoming option year.

So all you naysayers and Yankee fans can stop with the whole "too much" argument. The Mets will make back that cabbage in #5 Jerseys and Mrs. Wright t-shirts. For the Mets fan, it's finally a commitment to doing something that the fans want. And while you can't build a team around fans' wishes, you have to draw them to your ballpark and get them jacked about your team. That wasn't happening putting a AA infielder or utility guy in the lineup. That's already the OF situation.

On to Dickey. Then maybe somebody who can play OF. Or catcher.

Goodbye Van

After getting some calls and meeting the most interesting people in my quest to sell the Baseball van, I met a really nice guy tonight who looked at it, drove it, and bought it. For the asking price.

Why can't everybody be like this guy.

So the van has left. I am a little sad. But it's done. Time to move on.