Don't you WAND me baby?

My farewell letter to Carlos Beltran

2011-07-21T10:58:00.002-04:00

Baseball is a business. Ten years is how long it would take me as a kid to understand why my first favorite player, Nolan Ryan was pitching for that other team in Texas. As far as I knew, there was only the Astros. To me, he’s always an Astro. I have been spoiled. While Yankees fans celebrate the amazing Derek Jeter’s 3,000^th hit with accolades about him doing it with one team, I smile because they are probably so self-absorbed they act like he’s the only one to do it. I’m spoiled because I know what that’s like- to have your favorite player only play for your favorite team. When I was 11, Craig Biggio was in his second year and I was spending my summers just south of Houston and I was in love. His baby face, and his scrappy play (a catcher at the time) had me staying up every night to see if he would be interviewed on the late night news. In 6^th grade, I would draw hearts on my book cover with Biggio written inside. A young Roy Oswalt would pick on me for liking Biggio and the Astros both. I never knew enough about the business of baseball until later in life so it never occurred to me that Biggio might not be an Astro. Later, when Roy signed with the Astros, I thought he would be an Astro for life too. The relationship fans have with baseball players is love/hate. But not with your favorite players…with your favorite players, they are always going to come through, they are always going to make the diving catch, and they are always going to NOT play for your bitter rival. I was relieved when Craig Biggio retired as a Houston Astro. Obviously, when that happened, I was more averse in baseball politics and financial considerations and felt like I dodged a bullet.

Last year when Roy was traded to the dreaded rivals of the NY Mets, I got a dose of reality. Trying to marry the feelings of wanting him to win a world series with the feelings of how much I despise the Phillies turned out to be just as awful as I thought it would be. Torturous- like watching the Yankees and the Phillies in the World Series. So, I should be prepared for what’s about to happen. I should be, but I am not. I'm not ready to say goodbye to the moment Carlos will always be remembered for...striking out looking in Game 7 of the NLCS06. It was supposed to be different. Happen to another player- not Carlos. Not part of the heart and soul of the Mets...

Carlos Beltran was a Houston Astro and while I wasn’t surprised when he signed with the Mets, I also wasn’t a Mets fan when he signed with the Mets. But, when I was falling in love with the Mets in 2006, I was falling in love with a team that included (as Lucas Prada points out- not one Carlos, but two!), David Wright, Jose Reyes, Paul Lo Duca, Pedro Martinez, Billy Wagner, Tom Glavine, etc. I remember Beltran in the 2006 NLCS hitting homeruns that sounded like cannons going off. I thought the Mets were perfectly amazin. I couldn’t believe I could love a team and the players on the team so much after just a few months of Bulldog dragging me to see them play at RFK and listening to the Fan at night. Carlos has never been one of my “favorite Mets” or baseball husbands. In fact, since Craig Biggio, it’s been hard for me to have a favorite player at all. Just look at the list of NY Mets I have proclaimed as my favorite- Fernando Tatis, Omir Santos, Ryan Church, Frenchy, Angel Pagan.,.and of course my boy Murph. On a team of superstars, I have gravitated towards the not-superstar player. But when I think about the last five years, I have slowly watched through trades or injury, the team I fell in love with dwindle away. The 2006 Mets were supposed to win it all in 2007 and again in 2008. A team with David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran was supposed to do it all. Now, they never will. Much maligned because of his insane contract, Carlos Beltran never deserved constantly be the poster child for bad contracts. He was an easy target because he made so much money, yet watched strike 3 blaze past him in the bottom of the 9^th in Game 7. A year later, I would read a story in the NY Times about how his wife had mis-carried their first child the day before, yet he never mentioned it for months. His professionalism and his well-documented mentoring of younger players and even his peers makes him golden.

When Beltran went outside the team’s purview to have knee surgery, I think most Mets fans sided with him instead of the team. He became the poster child for injury mismanagement by the Mets. Sometimes he looks like he is the last standing remnant of the 2006 team…when David and Jose were both out of the line-up, he was. And this year, he has provided flashes of greatness on a team that is made of guys who probably want to refer to him as Mr. Beltran. His renaissance this year makes me think of what could have been…what should have been. I jokingly referred to him as KNEES this season because I could never remember which knee was frail or had been operated on. Sometimes he looked like he was in pain rounding the bases, and other days, he was playing when the Mets said he would get days off. When the Mets were grinding, a dozen games under .500, guess who was NEVER not in the line-up…Carlos Beltran. Yes, he is playing so he can play again next year somewhere with a nice chunk of change, but he has given Mets fans so much to cheer in a dismal season.

When he hit the 2 run shot last night to tie the game, I got emotional and on the verge of a full out ugly cry thinking “I’m never going to hear Gary Cohen say ….and Beltran ties the game” again. In the end, Carlos didn’t give the Mets what he was paid to do- win a World Series. Now, a world series ring 5 years ago would not even make a dent in how I feel about him today. I wouldn’t be happier now if I was sporting a Championship shirt from 2006. I wouldn’t somehow feel like it was his time to go. I see Carlos exiting state left more as a “it’s a shame the Mets couldn’t have given you more Carlos”…not the other way around.

Inevitably, his departure will leave a gaping hole in the heart of this Mets fan, not because he was my favorite, but because he gave so much and because he was part of “the core” of a team I barely recognize anymore. I know it’s part of the game. I feel like I’m getting dumped by the prom king and he then goes and dances with a prettier girl. It stings. It sucks. And at the end of the day, I will cry when he’s traded, and I won’t know if it’s because it’s actually Carlos we are losing or if it’s just the beginning of a long goodbye to Jose Reyes…and eventually David Wright. I can’t completely segment the departure of Beltran out of the bigger picture. The reality that fans have emotional attachments to baseball players and they have none to us is not unique to baseball. But the day in and day out rigors of a baseball season means that there will likely be less than 24 hours between jersey changes for Carlos. Another fan base is going to be elated….their boos for Carlos will be turned into crazy applause and t-shirt sales. His new fans won’t know which knee is hurt either…and they won’t know just how special he is because they are just renting him to win a pennant. His new team won’t have the same love/hate relationship that he had with the Mets. They will mostly just love him. I will mostly just be heartbroken. I want to apologize to him and tell him that I’m sorry our fans boo’d him and that our doctors couldn’t fix him and that he deserved better. Of course, those things probably just matter to me. He is a professional. I will likely have to go through this dozens of times in my lifetime (if I’m lucky) and the baseball gods have been too good to me through the years so I’m paying the piper now as a Mets fan. But, if there is ever a day when one of the good guys on my team has to leave because my team failed, and I’m not sad…that’s the day I’ll stop loving baseball. The Wilpons (Mets owners) giveth and now they taketh away. But in Beltran, what they gave us was a star and a thousand wonderful memories. In this instance, what he gave us is so much more than whatever he leaves with. He will outclass any outfield he joins…hell any team he joins. And I will get used to hearing,….and tonight in right field ________.

Goodbye sweet Carlos. Love, me

Swirlywand Baseball Awards - Week 4

2011-04-24T18:29:00.004-04:00

Fact: It's way more fun to reflect on the week that was...when the METS have a four game streak going. Fact: I don't love the Mets MORE this week than I did the dismal weeks before...that's not how I roll. I am slightly less crazy this last week...even though it didn't start out that way.

Things I learned this week: New York beat writers and bloggers are obsessed with the platoon phenomenon the METS seem to make an annual tradition. The release of Brad Emaus in favor of a Daniel Murphy/Phil Turner second base platoon has been in the "comment" section at the end of every game. I believe Daniel Murphy could turn 4 double plays, drive in the winning run in 3 games, and bat .500 and someone would still feel the need to pontificate on the "the decision at 2B"...For whatever reason, Mets fans feed into this journalistic point of view and at any given point on twitter, a Murph debate is raging. I know I have loved Daniel Murphy since he came up in 2008, and made to look like a fool on several occasions, but there seems to be a bandwagon forming...and yes, I'll be the first to remind everyone, I'm the queen of the Murph bandwagon.

Swirlywand Baseball Husband of the Week: It's nice to have a no-doubter in this category- DANIEL MURPHY. This kid has done EVERYTHING the METS have asked him to do...change positions 3 times, played winter league ball, rehabbed, been forced to make the team out of spring training every year, and once on the team, become the butt of countless jokes and jeers and boos from the faithful at Citi. Yet, he has never so much as mentioned frustration in his comments...he's always said "I will do whatever I can to help the team"....and that means going from the HR leader in 2009 and having all the accolades as a starter (a section in the team store!) to a certified "bench player"...He has handled his mishandling and misfortune with a great attitude and for the first three weeks of the season, he (along with Jose Reyes) seemed to actually give a damn. I'm even giving him his own award category this week!

That's My Murph Award: After bamboozling a couple of plays on Saturday, sweet Murph made an amazing play to end the 3rd inning in Sunday's broomstick bid. Is there anything more beautiful on defense than an across the body throw while falling to get a man out at 1st? I think not! Keep making plays like that Murph...and you'll prove Mets fans wrong! After all, you are supposed to suck worse than Castillo!

The Holy Roy Oswalt Award- Well, Roy flirted with a no-no on Thursday night....I was actually rooting for him...wasn't hard actually...it was easier than I thought. But, alas, the pitcher I'm giving this award to this week is actually no where near the same level as ROy O...but his performance this past week was 10000x more difficult than a no-hitter....Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mike Pelfrey- with an ERA higher than tornado warning count for Starkville, MS...and a mental roadblock that was causing him to overthink every breath out on the mound. MIke Pelfrey won his first game of the season, and he seemed to have that zip on his pitches that made him freaking amazing the first half of last year. Now, with a little confidence, I'm hoping good Pelf shows up in his next start.

The "Stay Classy San Diego" Award- Well, this week, it's actually going to the good folks in San Diego- after Roy's no-no was broken up, he received a nice ovation from the crowd at Petco...not rare in stadiums where baseball fans actually know something about baseball and appreciate rare feats or the attempt thereof. I was listening to the San Diego announcers on the radio and got a little teary eyed as they described the scene at Petco. Good job Roy- and even BETTER JOB- Padres fans!

Wait! Wait! Don't tell me... The Mets swept the Diamondbacks, not a good team....not a division team...not even the Nationals...
Okay- fine...I wouldn't have cared if we were playing the Anacostia Little League...the METS needed to dominate a team...dominate more than 1 game in a row...and thank God for the Arizona diamondbacks! But winning is contagious, and the Mets now come into WASHINGTON with some prosperity to build on...so I don't care if people devalue their winning streak because of the opponent...

The Aaron F****** Heilman Award- PLEASE - DJ CARRASCO- YOU ARE WORKING MY LAST NERVE...you and the kid Byrdak in the METS bullpen come out imitating AFH and Scott Schoenweis every other day...
Thank Goodness that Isn't My Team Award-
*** it's Easter...and I'm in too good of a mood to rag on another team***

Wand Rising: WELL, last week, I gave this to KNEES Beltran....and he did NOT disappoint- in fact, he and his KNEES celebrated a birthday today...and so far so good...I think it's safe to say the METS need to enjoy them while we can...get in contention- keep him around til the end of the year and let the chips fall where they may....But, this week...I'm giving the WAND rising award to an unlikely Met- Mr. Jason Bay. Not only did he do more in 3 games this season than it seemed he did ALL last season, but I think there mere fact he wasn't with the team during the dark sucking period actually put him in a better frame of mind than the rest of the lineup- thus he was able to contribute and get that contagious hitting/winning mentality going. I hope he continues to change my mind about him....

Wand Demotion Alert: HATERS. If you gave up on the mets 2 weeks ago, and you know who you are, then you are probably practicing hypocrisy right now....Patience and believing are two things required to love this team...I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired of HATERS...I realize some Mets fans will never be happy, and controversy and misery are more fun to egg on...but maybe, just maybe, if we all stopped over-analyzing every decision and just BELIEVE without qualifying language...good things will happen.

Swirly Prediction for the upcoming week: LAST WEEK: What the hell! WINNING STREAK OF EPIC PROPORTIONS. <---- Well, who looks like a FREAKING GENIUS now...HAHAHA. It was worth a shot....so this week, I'm predicting that Daniel Murphy hits a homerun FOR ME at Nats Park....and that the METS actually win ONE series this week...

Parting thoughts...I love this team. That's all.

Swirlywand Baseball Awards- Week 3

2011-04-17T22:09:00.006-04:00

The curse continues...last week's Baseball Husband- Chris Young went from probable to DL in the blink of an eye...My predictions failed miserably too except for the obvious- Jason Bay is still not back from the DL.

Things I learned this week: The 3rd week of the season felt like it lasted 3 months. I feel like I'm in mid-season form- already checking the NL East standings and worried about call-ups...but for all the wrong reasons this early in the season.
The Rockies are REALLY good and for all the grief they used to get for playing in a homerun friendly atmosphere, they came to the toughest ball park in the country and went derby on the Mets.
I really love baseball. I love the intersection of frustration and glimmers of hope. I love the communal if not universal (among fans) appreciation for the random nature of the game. My twitter time line would make Shakespeare proud in that the Mets fans have been through enough in the past five years to pull out comedic/sarcastic references for nearly every occasion.

Swirlywand Baseball Husband of the Week: I don't have the heart to curse another NY Met, and I honestly haven't watched enough baseball that is non-Met related to curse some poor soul on another team...but there is a tiny group of people who were my baseball heroes this week- the SNY gang in the booth. So, they don't suit up, and while I like other broadcasters to be objective, I found this past week's broadcasts to be very comforting because (esp) Gary and Ron talked an entire fan base through the psyche, the frustration and the circumstances of the Mets players. They sounded frustrated when I felt frustrated, and they offered great commentary on how to salvage any glimmers of hope. Kevin Burkhardt did an in-game update that brought tears to my eyes- not just the content, but because he sounded like he felt horrible for the team- the way a fan does, not the way an overzealous, "trying to get the story" reporter might condescendingly describe the same situation.

The Holy Roy Oswalt Award- I should probably give this to Jair Jurgens or one of the Rockies' pitchers, but the Mets make every pitcher look like Roy Oswalt these days.

The "Stay Classy San Diego" Award- Citizens Bank Park South aka Nationals Park. Yes, I remember when I once made a sign that said "Welcome to Shea Stadium- SOUTH" a few years ago during a weekend series when NY METS fans took over the stadium. Now, going to cheer against the Phillies at Nats Park is like being in Philly. Yes, if Nats had enough fans to go to games, this wouldn't happen...and yes, I know the weather was crappy and Nats fans can go any time (but Phillies fans had to come from Philly in monsoonal weather!). However, I followed along on twitter about the rude factor of the Phillies fans being out of control, especially during the first game when the phillies lost. But, the news that a Phillies fan punched out Thomas Jefferson during the Presidents' Race solidified my decision to remind Phillies fans to Stay Classy!

Wait! Wait! Don't tell me....The NY Mets are a disaster/circus/ _______. And while I may be blinded by orange and blue beams of light, I was not prepared for the amount of schadenfreude every radio host, sports reporter, and broadcasters are enjoying at the Mets expense. I suppose I don't blame them...Mets are an easy target, but there are two re-occurring themes in the commentary by outsiders that grates on me the hardest.
1) The Mets just need to hold on until Jason Bay comes back. LIKE JASON BAY IS THE METS SAVIOR! Was I high all last season? Do I have early onset dementia? What Jason Bay was so great for the Mets last year that his mere arrival will suddenly turn this team around? Not having the mysterious illness prone Jason Bay is NOT the reason the Mets are floundering (much like David Wright isn't the reason either...but he seems to be an easy target for Mets fans...). Okay, so he replaces Willie Harris....okay, then what? We replace mediocre with a higher priced promised superstar version of Willie Harris? Maybe the media just likes to harp on and remind Mets fans about another overpaid contract to a under-performing player so they bring Jason Bay up every chance they get.

2) Constant speculation in the Jose Reyes-to-Team-X sweepstakes. For the past six years, the media has been both enamored with the spark-plug and happy-go-lucky personality of Jose Reyes and critical of his "showboating/flaunting". To the latter, he has had an unfair amount of criticism for simply celebrating with his teammates and having fun- he's a baseball player not a surgeon. But now, the media can't stop speculating about which team would be SOOO lucky to get Jose- it's as if the only reason to cover the Mets at all is to throw it up in our face that this season is the long goodbye to one of our own. I'm in denial. My frustration the past week has been less about being the worst team in baseball, and more bitterness for the players complete lack of getting it together to keep JOSE...but they know better than I do that the end is inevitable and then they are left on a team with NO JOSE...what is the incentive? I know it's very "RUDY" of me to want a pre-game speech from Terry Collins that points out that our boys need to be playing TO KEEP THE TEAM TOGETHER- IN CONTENTION SO THAT WE DON'T LOSE JOSE. I know that would never happen, but when I see David miss a bare-hand throw to first or our outfield makes a boneheaded play or Emaus has another horrible at-bat....I'm screaming in my mind- "YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT JOSE AT ALL". Again, I'm completely irrational.

The Aaron F****** Heilman Award- DJ Carrasco? Mike Pelfrey? Heilman 3 or Heilman 4...or anyone in the bullpen who is not named Beatto. Even Pat Misch wasn't Awful this week, but he was sent down so we could keep the almighty, incapable of getting an out DJ CARRASCO...I know the Mets had to play 5 games in the span of 96 hours and that is brutal on a weak pitching staff, but our bullpen should be renamed after Heilman. You don't blow leads in 5 of 6 games in GRAND FASHION unless you have a bullpen that is smoke and mirrors. One blown lead a week is what a good team hopes for.

Thank Goodness that Isn't My Team Award-
Sarcastically, I'm glad the Rockies aren't my team....one loss on Saturday night, and rumors of injuries, slumps, and panic because Jim Tracy was 5 minutes late for his post-game presser...seems like an overreaction for the best team in MLB. I always thought Rockies fans were among the most sincere in baseball...they never give up, they stand behind their team when times are tough, and they are never obnoxious about success. But their irrational "the sky is falling" overreaction to ONE LOSS made me laugh. And then my brain cells churned out the following- success breeds entitlement and comfort. But the Mets fans benefit from another kind of breeding....epic failure. Epic failure, in this sense, breeds honesty and clarity. The Mets aren't really that good. But so what? The rest of baseball gets to say "at least we're not the METS"...and that's fine. There should be no expectation that Mets fans should just give up on their team though.

The Wand Says Bibbity, Bobbity, BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:
The Atlanta Braves broadcasters (TV and RADIO) and Joe Buck....Seriously, was there a worst weekend for baseball for the METS off the field? Don Sutton is a southern, more jabbing version of Bob Carpenter. And a simple catch in the outfield by Jason Heyward is described as something suitable for a biblical reference.

Wand Rising: I'm giving a sentimental shout out for this week's Wand Rising award. Carlos "KNEES" Beltran takes a lot of grief from everyone....he's selfish, he is the reason for every bad thing that has ever happened since he struck out looking in Game 7 of the NLCS. He is the poster child for the old Mets front office's HUGE CONTRACT addiction and thus unless he won a World Series for the METS, it wouldn't matter what he was being paid- it would be too much. But, in this 3 week span, he has jumped in as a starter without the benefit of full spring training, he has so many accessories on his lower limbs, it's amazing he can even walk, and he played 3 games in less than 24 hours this weekend. I am sure he probably needed a game off, but desperate times require desperate measures and the exhaustive effort to ink ONE WIN IN A CALENDAR WEEK included a Beltran start. In my mind, I like to think that he made the decision to start all 3 games because he wants to set an example of strength and giving it all for the team. If Carlos can do it, you can do it.

Wand Demotion Alert: Dan Warthen. I usually feel like this must be the worst job in baseball- and I certainly don't do baseball strategy well enough to do pitching match-ups and in-game adjustments. But, he has a string of bad luck with the Mets pitchers that appears to be systemic instead of acute. There are too many miscues and either poor pitch selection or inability to throw the requested pitch.
Swirly Prediction for the upcoming week: What the hell! WINNING STREAK OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.

1 outta 3 Ain't Bad...

2011-04-14T11:01:00.013-04:00

(okay, well, yes it is)....I figured I needed to get this post up about Opening Day at Citi field before I reached the 1 week mark, or the "oh wow, the mets haven't won a game in a week" mark and I might lose my early season, hopeful sparkle.

First, let me say that while this was my first Opening Day for the METS in New York...it came a week into the season, and after 2 pretty devastating losses against our hated rivals. I was a little down, I won't lie...and Bulldog and I were driving up in monsoonal rains so the whole day was kind of dreary to begin with. Bulldog, ever the optimist and desperately trying to appease my over-excited/roadtrip personality, made a dash ornament

Yes, that's scotch tape.

The closer we got to NYC, the less likely it was that we would go to Oceanside first and get the train and the more likely a sensible route straight to the ball park would happen. I don't know why Bulldog doesn't even like to get anywhere early and just enjoy the atomsphere...stand in line for whatever you want to do, etc...but on Opening Day, I shouldn't have had to beg so much. But, to his credit, he let me make the final decision...Early birds we would be!

My most favorite part of Shea was the Homerun apple...old, beat up, kind of arts-n-craftsy, and definately old! in 4 previous trips to Citi, not once did we get there in time to go find the old Homerun apple..so I was NOT letting up this time. Plus, it's right in front of Citi now, so it's hard TO MISS IT...I literally thought Angels were singing when I saw it. It's much smaller than I thought, but it was still grand. And Bulldog took the PERFECT picture of me in front of TWO things that make me smile even when I shouldn't! I was in pre-game, holy optimistic bliss.

I know I'm descriptive (emotional), loud (born that way!) and easily frustrated (have you seen this team play?!)...but my outlet to channel my overflowing and angst ridden fandom is the gift of Twitter. Bulldog always says that he's happy I'm part of the Mets fan base on twitter because he couldn't possibly be as attentive to my irrational grumblings as tweeps are...A couple of years ago, my friend Scott told me about the blog Metsgrrl...and I remember reading it for the first time, and sending it to Bulldog who immediately replied "OMG, it's like there is a YOU IN NYC"....So, we are both HUGE fans of Metsgrrl's blog probably more so than we are of metsblog and she's my twitter hero so of course, I wanted to meet her if I could...Bulldog said "let's find her!"...so off we went...to the Promenade Club where I actually used the term "Hi, I'm swirlywand"...I met Metsgrrl, Julie Rubes!, and CoreyinNY....the funny thing is that everyone was exactly as I pictured...I hate I missed Metschick though... the funny thing is that 2 of them asked about how I ended up a Mets fan..which I thought everyone knew by now...but mostly, I was happy that Corey didn't think I had a southern accent! LOL 11 years, but finally someone from NYC doesn't think I have an accent...file that in things I NEVER thought would happen.

I wanted to be in our seats for the introduction of players. I felt the need to cheer extra loud for Murph of course, and Angel...but I wanted to hear the reaction to K-Rod....is it a bit schadenfreude-est to want to see someone in charge of CLOSING OUT wins for MY TEAM get boo'd without mercy? I should want everyone behind him...maybe that would help...but for a moment, even on Opening Day, I wanted to see him hear just how MUCH HE SCREWED UP when he beat up his girlfriend's father last year. I know it doesn't change anything, but after I got my BOO out, and captured it on video, I was ready to move on.

Our Opening Day game versus the Nationals was pretty much a set up for frustration from the beginning. The Nationals always play the mets tough, and they have this misguided notion that they are someone rivals of the Mets...but Mets fans don't see it that way because we like to think we're better than the Nationals. But, lately, we've been battling the Nationals for the cellar ranking more than the other 3 teams in our division for a piece of the pie. I just saw this game on the schedule and knew that we would not be lucky enough to win...

there were a few high points...but not on Opening Day....the best part of Opening Day besides meeting tweeps, enjoying ball park food, and not getting rained on WAS THE MR. MET BOBBLEHEAD promotion. And this is no cheap bobblehead..it's full ceramic , heavy, bobble bliss. He gets to keep me company at work, and even did a little FACETIME with our favorite Venezuelan baseball journalist! Mr. Met now sits on the 2007 Mr. Met mousepad Bulldog brought me after I couldn't go with him to a game at Shea during the collapse. I should have burned it after that season....

So, we lost in grand "of course Pudge who hasn't had a hit all year would get one against the Mets" fashion. Unfortunately, my iphone was i-no-service during Opening Day...I couldn't even get a text through the system. But there was so much "this only happens to the mets" going on that I took out my trusty iphone and wrote out a list of "things I wanted to tweet" and emailed them to myself..So here they are..LOL...

After fucking pudge gets first hit of the year... It occurred to me that the only pitcher left for mets is KROD (YIKES!)

OH AND APPARENTLY NO ONE CAN THROW STRIKES

AND JAYSON WERTHLESS CONES UP TO bat.. I think OF COURSE... OF COURSE IT IS HIS UGLY ASS ....

Just fucking finish me off mets... Bring KROD in to just to make this perfectly sucky

I did not boo Bobby Parnell

We are staying til bitter end BULLDOG...don't even think it!

Did they put murph in just to torture me? (Editor's note from 4/13- I thought that having Murph come in just to then be the last batter of the game was torture)

Alas, the torture was over....and while the Saturday night game with the two Beltran homeruns would be memorable...the sour taste left after the Sunday blown save debacle is still lingering.

here are a few photos from the weekend...
The beauty of Citi is that it has the same location and flight paths as Shea Stadium...I love love love watching planes fly from LaGuardia and JFK over the park. The big planes fly over the outfield and my lil turbo and RJs fly over the home plate area. I love watching and hearing the planes fly over.

Okay- Saturday night and the moon was out....and Bulldog and I bundled up with handwarmers leftover from the JETS season and off to Angel's outfield we went filled with hope and endless optimism. But for our good fortune on Friday with seats not next to someone who has never been to baseball game before ran out, and Saturday night we were seated next to the METS fans your parents warn you about....the d-bags, the assholes, and the guys who yell out inappropriate things in front of children.

After a couple of trips to the team store, and nachos grande line standing, and 2 mildly chocolate flavored hot waters, we walked down to the field level to see if KROD could in fact not suck. He's my team's closer...I have to WANT HIM to not suck...but as he walked a batter...and the crowd grew antsy.,..I found myself wanting him to fail....I am so conflicted about him. But, good Lord....what was this...a KROD save?

Mets won. I slept 9 hours. Back to Citi we went...

On Sunday we sat directly behind homeplate in the 400 section...and honestly, why wait in lines for food in the outfield when you can do everything but Shake Shack and the Tacqueria in the promenade! YES PLEASE! I'll take one of everything...and what is this fried dough thing I keep seeing? WITH POWDERED SUGAR- take me away. We do not have this in the "everything we cook can be fried" South...but we should. And cinnamon...Yes please!

Chris Young is a beast of a man. He looks like a giant from all the way up in the 400 section....I took a picture of what most Mets fans would have remembered before the Bullpen gave up his nice 1 hit lead....
HIS FREAKING 1000.00 BATTING AVERAGE TO START THE GAME! :-)
Seriously, I felt horrible for Young...as I do most of our starting pitchers...they pitch to their arm nearly falls off, and then our bullpen comes in and can't throw a strike or get a groundball out. It's pathetic and it's really souring how I feel about this team of really good players who are at the mercy of a HORRENDOUS pitching staff.

I'm not recapping the end of the Sunday game....if you are dying to know what happened, there are 400 other places you can read about that. But suffice to say my heart broke a little. I know that's dramatic....no one died, Bulldog and I arrived back in DC safe and sound...there are people around the world dealing with actual heartbreak, loss of life, nuclear blah blah blah....I'm so lucky that the source of my sadness is a team that in the grand scheme of things means nothing.

I know, of course, what happened the past two nights....but I'm not going torture myself with more bullpen follies.

The season is still young, and I still believe...

Swirlywand Baseball Awards- Week 2

2011-04-11T15:26:00.004-04:00

Swirlywand Baseball Husband of the Week: I hesitate to curse another one of my favorite players with this title...I chose RA Dickey last week because he was out of control good...and fascinating all at the same time. Blessed with the Opening Day duties at Citi on Friday, he not only managed to force me to eat my words about Ubaldo Jimenez and his little finger nail problem...but he left me thinking that my BHW is truly a curse. But, rather than bestow the title on an opposing team's star player, I'm remaining TRUE to my heart. There is really no competition this week....Chris "I went to Princeton and I'm 800 ft tall" Young not only shut the Phillies down and had two hits in one INNING, but he threw a GEM of a one-hitter yesterday against the Nationals. Well, he went 7 strong innings....and Manager Terry Collins must have thought Chris was turning into a pumpkin and yanked him. Of course, Chris is now in very good company....Johan knows what it's like to watch SURE WINS turn into blown saves by shaky mets bullpens.

The Holy Roy Oswalt Award- I hate to do this because it's painful, but if you haven't watched Tyler Clippard pitch, you are really missing one of the more fascinating young phenoms in the game, IMO. Yes, he looks like the kid more suited for a Star Trek convention...and Yes, he has this crazy delivery where his arm kind of gets all disjointed...but whatever it is, it works. I've seen him pitch 3 times now, and he's pretty darn effective. Or maybe the two times he pitched against the Mets, they helped him out by being extra aggressive, free swinging, no contact hitters....

The "Stay Classy San Diego" Award- I dedicate this award to the complete moronic METS fans who surrounded Bulldog and me on the first two rows of the left-center field seats. I love the METS...and I even enjoy heckling NFL players on Sundays...and trust me, if Shane Dictorino was in center field last Saturday, I probably could have yelled a few choice words. However, if people hate METS fans, I think I know why...and I would even wager to say that the guys who were parading around in Wright and Santana jerseys and cracking themselves up with the most raunchy yells to the Nats outfield aren't even real Mets fans. They disguise themselves really well...but I heard one of them say "bring in Feliciano...where is Feliciano" which means either D-bag #1 can't read or that he just came to the game to go to the game. I listened to their complete "lack of actual Mets team" knowledge inning after inning...D-bag #2 was kind enough to leave our section a parting gift...a HUGE pile of vomit. I don't expect regular fans to know as much as I do about the Mets...I'm obsessed, constantly reading, and paying attention. But, if you have never heard of Daniel Murphy, ask where Jason Bay is, or not know who the MEts played at ALL LAST WEEK, please stop parading around like you are a Mets fan god! I was annoyed, and YOU WERE ON MY SIDE!

Wait! Wait! Don't tell me.... The Yankees have it soooooooooooo rough! Fire Girardi! Trade Joba! What is wrong with Gardner!??! Blah blah blah...I listen to NY Sports radio (technically, I listen to the Mets radio station, but you can't really tell) so I know how entitled Yankees fans are to their pristine image, clutch hitting, and supreme dominance. But during the first full week of the season, after a blown lead in the 8th and consequent loss, I thought I was listening to to Mets fans during the collapse of 2007. Seriously.

The Aaron F****** Heilman Award- Dangerously close to changing the name to "The Mets Bullpen Award" because Heilman actually won a game yesterday for Arizona. This is (unfortunately) very easy for me this week....Congratulations to the entire NY METS bullpen. I can't even remember your names, but only one of you (the one with the name that sounds like RedSox Ace- Buchholz) actually threw strikes last week. I know that you don't have a whole helluva lot to look up to in the bullpen when the man who has a name like K-Rod is really less K-Rod and more like Walk, put men on base, and give up runs-ROD.

Thank Goodness that Isn't My Team Award-
Well, they are my team this week, so no dice.

The Wand Says Bibbity, Bobbity, BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO: PUDGE
I know! I know! It wasn't exactly like I was looking into a crystal ball when I texted the following to Bulldog during Friday's Nationals vs Mets game. This kind of omnipotence comes with the territory of being a 150+ game watcher/listener/fan a year.... the Scene: bases loaded, close ball game, top of the 8th inning. The 83 year old catcher for the Washington Nationals who sported a 0.000 batting average (not because this was his first game mind you...but because he was still hitless 8 days into the season) comes to bat against Randon Mets Bullpen Pitcher #3.

Bulldog was buying something to drink, so I texted " OF COURSE, OF COURSE, PUDGE IS COMING UP TO BAT- 123% sure that he gets his first hit of the season here"

No sooner than I locked my phone did the inevitable happen. And then on Sunday, Pudge managed to knock in the run to tie the game too...so the Mets bullpen makes Pudge look like Pete freaking Rose!

Wand Rising: Jose Reyes is Jose Reyes again. I mean, he's THAT Jose Reyes that was considered the best sparkplug in baseball. He's sometimes the ONLY met I think that cares....and turned an amazing Double Play on Friday...Jose still takes my breath away with his speed and his heart. And he can do handshakes ALL HE WANTS.

Wand Demotion Alert: WILLIE FREAKING HARRIS. Still a MET killer.

Swirly Prediction for the upcoming week: Nationals Sweep phillies; Jason Bay does NOT return from the DL, and David Wright hits 2 homeruns!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards- Opening Weekend Edition (abbr)

2011-04-04T12:45:00.009-04:00

I know! I know! It's only been ONE weekend of baseball...and so far this is what we know...the phillies are going 162-0 and the Cleveland Indians are baseball's cruelest joke. Actually, I think we know a lot more than that...but I'll save the Overreaction of the Week designation for the awards section.

Back by popular demand (or, because 2 of my readers actually separately mentioned that they wanted the awards to return...and because just perusing my 2009 baseball awards, I laughed out loud so hard, that I can only imagine how I will look back on the 2011 season in a couple of years)

Since this is the first week, I'll put the criteria in italics...

Swirlywand Baseball Husband of the Week: Current Baseball husband Angel Pagan is excluded from eligibility. Honor bestowed upon player that I would most like to cheat on Angel with....based purely on their AWESOME factor for the week. I'm giving this week's Swirly husband award to RA Dickey....not only does he just ooze cool, but seriously, I think most Mets fans felt like the roller coaster of Saturday night left Dickey in a tough spot for Sunday...at least I did..I saw LETDOWN written all over yesterday's start by Dickey..but boy was I wrong. Love. Love. Love this guy...and his confidence, and his nonchalant attitude. I expect him to win 15 games this year. And if ANY metsies pitcher could actually throw a no-no, I think Dickey is the one!

The Holy Roy Oswalt Award- Given to the pitcher who wowed me the most over the week or the pitcher that the most sports analysts have decided is the next new thing.,..the next Roy O. for instance- not that there ever could be! This is a toss up between Chris Tillman- who totally ROCKED his first start for the Orioles- with 6 no-hit innings (and he wasn't even playing the METS)...and Doug Drabek's son Kyle Drabek (bless his heart....he will never just be Kyle until he does something spectacular for more than a night) who was once shipped from first to worst (phillies to Blue Jays) as the sacrificial lamb to get Roy Halladay,...threw a nice little gem on Saturday for the Blue Jays...and his performance pretty much dominated MLB-XM station yesterday morning...and it's hard to impress those guys....You know who WILL NOT BE RECEIVING THE HOLY ROY O AWARD? mets relief pitchers. I mean, EVER.

The "Stay Classy San Diego" Award- given to the incident, quote, or on-field play that best reminds baseball fans to "Stay Classy" and not disappoint Ron Burgandy. We've only had 4 days of proper baseball, so I thought this might be the hardest category to fill. After all, Opening Weekend is supposed to filled with happy fans (even Pirates fans are happy!)....no blood, and even less trash talking....the season is long....you can't go ape-shit crazy on weekend 1 (unless you are a METS fan dealing with KROD...then you have a golden excuse to wake up neighbors, slam doors, etc)

Wait! Wait! Don't tell me.... the Swirlywand version of "a good eye roll" in regards to baseball conventional wisdom...Well, the classic over-reaction to a mere series played in a season with 162 games makes this week's award hard to narrow down....I was tempted to make a snide remark about how Joba is going to win a Cy Young for actually getting some outs on Opening Night...but I think the overwhelming over-reaction is that the Baltimore Orioles are going to the world series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Aaron F****** Heilman Award- Seriously, does this need an explanation. I was hoping to give it to AARON HEILMAN this week, but he looked like Cy Young against the Rockies...okay, well, I think the bases loaded, but they couldn't score against him late in a tie ballgame...so unfortunately, I can't even give him the award named for his universal suckiness. I think Javier Vassquez would be a perfect recipient except that he didn't come in relief against the METS....and as much as I would like to point out how overrated he is when he can't throw a strike, I will leave that to another day. The only other team I was watching with enthusiasm during weekend One was the Astros...and golly gee whiz, if I didn't love them so much, I wouldn't have BEEN GIVEN THE GIFT OF BRANDON LYON. He came on to close a game where the Astros had a 4-2 lead against the phillies...against ROY HALLADAY'S PHILLIES....the Astros scoring 4 runs on him was a far more outrageous feat than whatever could have possibly happened in the ninth inning....I MEAN- if there was ONE OPPORTUNITY for the Astros to out wit the naysayers...ONE CHANCE to give their fans something to be giddy about...it would be 3 simple outs, right? Maybe the Astros haven't suffered enough walk off comebacks in Citizens Bank Park to appreciate how small a two run lead is...or maybe they had a little more confidence in their new $15 Million "non-closer- turned closer" pitcher, Mr. Lyon than they did in John Mayberry, Jrs pinch hit bat. BUT SERIOUSLY, and I admit, I have not watched Brandon Lyon pitch ever in my life that I know of, he looked worse than Brad Lidge circa 2005 playoffs. The Phillies looked like they were batting off a tee...and when that happens...an AFH designation is born. So, for the sake of my Astros,I hope I don't have to give their closer this award again!

Thank Goodness that Isn't My Team Award- In Metsville, it sometimes helps to have something worse to compare your team to....You know, like when Michigan State was getting hosed by Alabama in a NYD bowl game and they looked up and saw how Mississippi State was hammering their in state rivals- MICHIGAN....then they felt less awful. This was easy...sadly. The Washington Nationals just have too many players that I can't stomach (and that is with Alex "thumbs" Cora actually almost evening everything out) playing....BLESS THEIR HEARTS. I want my hometown team to do well....I want to see a packed stadium, and actually hear fans talk intelligently about baseball. I think half the fans in our section thought Adam Dunn was still on the team....and I'm not kidding. I shouldn't blame the Nationals for their awful fan building, but I think their fans need a good dose of "this is how baseball works"...and they can't keep trash talking opposing team fans based on a pitcher named Strasburg who may not pitch until September. I know the Nationals are all high and mighty in the eyes of Sports Illustrated who picked them to finish ahead of the METS, but Ian Desmond is NOT Jose Reyes (BOB CARPENTER!!!!!!!)...and Jayson Werth is still worthless.

The Wand Says Bibbity, Bobbity, BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO: Worst moment of the weekend.
The Grand Slam + Near No-No Assault of the Florida Marlins on the NY METS...on Opening Night no less. It was as if the baseball gods decided to throw the two things the METS avoid like the plague (no hitters and grand slams) in the Mets face on Opening Day...thereby solidifying in the back of their minds that they really are awful, last place contending, bankrupt, injured and soooooooooo 5 years ago. It was the worst Opening Night I can remember as a METS fan probably because we haven't lost an Opening Day game since before I was a Mets fan, but the way in which my boys could not overcome anything was especially stomach turning. Alas, we didn't give Josh Johnson a no-hitter....but it was too close for comfort.

Wand Rising: WILLIE HARRIS. Don't ask...I can't even explain how the baseball gods have laughed at me, and hung me out to dry on this one. If he never does another thing as a Met, he helped win the series against Florida, and made me eat my words. APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!

Wand Demotion Alert: BIG PELF. He's the METS ace in theory....but not in practice. I'm looking forward to ANYONE pitching but him this week.

Swirly Prediction for the upcoming week: METS SHOCK THE PHILLIES- take the Series in dramatic fashion...and Dickey shuts out the Nats on Opening Day at CITI FIELD!

Opening Day 1.0....the Warm-Up

2011-04-01T12:10:00.008-04:00

Seven. Seven years ago when the Expos were coming to town I remember thinking - YES- now I can see the Astros play at least once a year. I wasn't a METS fan at the time, but the Nationals coming to DC played a huge part in my Mets fandom. I moved from Houston, TX to the middle of Mississippi when I was 7, so I didn't exactly remember what it felt like to live in a city with real live baseball OPENING DAYS. I didn't know it was a day that is automatically scratched off the calendar. I didn't know that "you can't call yourself a baseball fan if you don't go to opening day"....I mean...I've been keeping score of baseball games since I was 16 and I will save you the geography lesson- I wasn't AT ACTUAL MLB GAMES FOLKS! I learned how to keep score so I could keep score for the Weir High School Baseball team. I don't think the coaches needed me to keep score....but I think they knew I would pass out from misery if I didn't get to do something with the baseball team. But, aside from high school games, I would watch baseball and keep my scoring skills alive via TV....so while I digress, I thought I could call myself a baseball fan without ever going to Opening Day.
But I know one thing....ONLY REAL BASEBALL FANATICS...would subject their psyche to a perfect attendance record on Opening Day in Washington, DC.

Bulldog and I started going to Opening Day for the Nationals and now it's been seven years. He may have caught a fowl ball at the ONE GAME I DIDN'T GO WITH HIM IN SEVEN YEARS...but he's only been to 6 Opening Days. Really, that's the only record I will ever have on Bulldog....he knows every umpire by name- so I guess we're even! Now, we go because we have the tradition of going, but root, root, rooting for the home team when the home team isn't one of your teams is tough. I do it out of respect, but I can't get amp'd up to watch Jayson Werth do anything. EVER. Seriously.

But 7 Opening Days....I've had 4 jobs in that time span. I've had a dozen broken hearts, 3 apartments, 2 cars, 4 hair donations to locks-of-love, and countless sleepless nights either because I was soooo excited about something that happened that day in Baseball...or because I was so disgusted. I was thinking about making an analogy to 7 Years in Tibet....but some might say I was being a bit dramatic. The truth is, with the exception of the Opening Day/Night when the Nationals new stadium opened and Ryan Zimmerman had a walk-off homerun to beat the Braves...Opening Days are for the most part forgettable. Well, as I typed that I remembered the opening series against the D-backs or Marlins...not quite sure who...but seriously, the Nats had a gozillion errors and played worse than a directional vo-tech intramural team. <---- SEE WHAT I MEAN ABOUT HAVING TO BE NUTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS EVERY YEAR?

I remember Presidents tossing out the first pitch....moaning and groaning about the security lines when the First Fan comes to the ball park....and I usually remember how long the lines are for drinks or hotdogs because on any other game day/night at Nationals games, there are NEVER lines.

And yes, there is baseball. On any other day, I would just have been suffering through cold, rainy, winter weather-- but yesterday, the winter weather carried an accessory with it...and oddly enough, it warmed me up more than the gloves I never put on yesterday...Winter weather baseball is still BASEBALL. And, that is what I remember most about yesterday....during a particularly long at-bat when I was trying to figure out if any of the players were older than me and the Braves fans behind me were especially annoying...I thought to myself "I've waited 6 months to be annoyed by Braves fans, bored by the between inning entertainment at Nats park, and even standing in line for the potty....BY GEORGE- IF I HAD TO WATCH THE PHILLIES PLAY THE YANKEES THREE TIMES YESTERDAY - i would have.

So, my first favorite team starts in a few minutes....and for the first time in 8 years maybe...Roy won't be starting for the Astros on Opening Day. He'll be sitting in the dugout or bullpen across the way with his co-Sports Illustrated cover models. And then tonight, the METS....for all their faults and all their unfullfilled promises from 2006...the METS take the field against the Marlins. It's not just another Opening Day for one NY Met...Big Pelf and all his quips and zany mental blocks and sly smiles is now the #1 starter for the NY Mets. I could NOT be more excited for him, even if I know that good Pelf and bad Pelf are usually just 10 seconds apart.

And, after 7 years of watching other team's Opening Days....next Friday, Bulldog and I are going to see OUR METSIES on Opening Day....it can blizzard, monsoon, come hell or high water...but we will be there to cheer whatever team is on the field. I will be inclined to cheer louder if the Mets haven't won a game at that point....because no team should start out with boo-birds. I just have a feeling that this year is different...I don't know why.

So....Let's Play Ball Y'all!!!

The Official Swirlywand Husband Alert and 2011 Predictions

2011-03-30T13:14:00.005-04:00

Soooooooooooo the last time I blogged, Luis Castillo was still a Met. Today, we learned that he was released by the Phillies. I would have thought it to be a little suspect if the Phillies kept the Mets left overs, but I think most Mets fans were hoping just for the drama factor that he would last a month or so on the Phillies.

I'm hopeful for 2011....Spring Training has kept me company during the afternoons in the office. A nice little soundtrack to accompany my endless hours of list management, convention planning, and faux accounting. But, tomorrow, it's all put-up or shut-up...Tomorrow, Bulldog and I go for yet another Opening Day at Nationals Park. This year, it will be 40 degrees and raining, but it will be baseball...and thankfully, it will not be a Phillies home game for the Nats like it has been the past two years....

What have I learned in Spring Training this year?
1. I still don't like Jason Bay.
2. Willie Harris makes me want to shoot myself...I don't care how many Grand Slams he can hit.
3. I will not dislike Brad Emaus just because my boy Daniel Murphy isn't the 2b. I want the mets to win...and I know that Daniel Murphy can help the mets even if he isn't at 2b. So, with that....Brad Emaus...you're it....DO NOT MAKE ME DISLIKE YOU.
4. David Wright is still David Wright....I may not consider myself Mrs. Wright anymore, but he still has that gozillion dollar smile, amazing flashes of brilliance with his glove at 3b, and a confident swing of the bat....I think that was missing most of the past couple of seasons, or maybe the weight of the team was just too much for him to get his bat on...I expect him to have a HUGE year this year....
5. Jose! Jose! Jose! Jose! JooooooooooSe....Jose! The Heart and Soul of the NY METS IS BACk...and in a big way....swiping bases, rocking the dugout, back to being JOSE REYES...best sparkplug in baseball. Remember last season when everything was just awful...he had a thyroid condition, couldn't play, it just zapped the team out of contention before the season even started. I think a healthy Jose goes a long way to giving Mets fans a productive David Wright...**KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL LIKE 2006***
6. Angel Pagan...half man, half ROCKSTAR....I. Love. Angel. He's a no brainer....he's my 2011 baseball husband....and So far, he hasnt' been hurt since I uttered the words a couple of weeks ago...

Opening Day Eve....Cheers to the 2011 Season

2011-03-30T12:58:00.002-04:00

last spring, I shared with you the impression of baseball my friend who isn't a baseball fan shared with me...it's like 162 first dates. It is. Indeed. I've been trying to find something equally as poignant as his assertion, and I haven't quite found the right words...but I love this poem from ESPN last season...

Let me show you a land
the greatest of all
with borders that stretch
from the spring to the fall

Emerald fields plush with diamonds
and pearls gleaming white
with meatballs becoming taters
soaring into the night

A land of hot corners
where hoses throw heat
into your kitchen
where there's plenty to eat.

There's pickles, there's pepper
there's peas, and there's cheese
And shoestrings making catches
with the greatest of ease

Many eye-pleasing sights
also found on display
An ace that throws dueces,
a tailor-made double play

Ducks on a pond
wait for springing line drives
to hitch a ride home
on pop-ups and slides

This land welcomes all
to dream and to play
This land is Baseball,
It's Opening Day.

~Source Unknown (if anyone knows it...please advise!)

But this is perhaps the greatest Opening Day essay ever written....by the legendary Ernie Harwell...voice of the Detroit Tigers...now just a baseball angel...

The Game for All America by Ernie Harwell

Baseball is President Eisenhower tossing out the first ball of the season; and a pudgy schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm.

It's the big league pitcher who sings in night clubs. And the Hollywood singer who pitches to the Giants in spring training.

A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from his dugout -- that's baseball. So is the big, fat guy with a bulbous nose running out one of his 714 home runs with mincing steps.

It's America, this baseball. A re-issued newsreel of boyhood dreams. Dreams lost somewhere between boy and man. It's the Bronx cheer and the Baltimore farewell. The left field screen in Boston, the right field dump at Nashville's Sulphur Dell, the open stands in San Francisco, the dusty, wind-swept diamond at Albuquerque. And a rock home plate and a chicken wire backstop -- anywhere.

There's a man in Mobile who remembers a triple he saw Honus Wagner hit in Pittsburgh 46 years ago. That's baseball. So is the scout reporting that a 16-year-old sandlot pitcher in Cheyenne is the new "Walter Johnson."

It's a wizened little man shouting insults from the safety of his bleacher seat. And a big, smiling first baseman playfully tousling the hair of a youngster outside the players' gate.

Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex. A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered -- or booed. And then becomes a statistic.

In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. Here the only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. Color is something to distinguish one team's uniform from another.

Baseball is Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin, asking his Brooklyn hosts to explain Dodger signals. It's Player Moe Berg speaking seven languages and working crossword puzzles in Sansrkit. It's a scramble in the box seats for a foul -- and a $125 suit ruined. A man barking into a hot microphone about a cool beer, that's baseball. So is the sports writer telling a .383 hitter how to stride, and a 20-victory pitcher trying to write his impressions of the World Series.

Baseball is ballet without music. Drama without words. A carnival without kewpie dolls.

A housewife in California couldn't tell you the color of her husband's eyes, but she knows that Yogi Berra is hitting .337, has brown eyes and used to love to eat bananas with mustard. That's baseball. So is the bright sanctity of Cooperstown's Hall of Fame. And the former big leaguer, who is playing out the string in a Class B loop.

Baseball is continuity. Pitch to pitch. Inning to inning. Game to game. Series to series. Season to season.

It's rain, rain, rain splattering on a puddled tarpaulin as thousands sit in damp disappointment. And the click of typewriters and telegraph keys in the press box -- like so many awakened crickets. Baseball is a cocky batboy. The old-timer, whose batting average increases every time he tells it. A lady celebrating a home team rally by mauling her husband with a rolled-up scorecard.

Baseball is the cool, clear eyes of Rogers Hornsby, the flashing spikes of Ty Cobb, an overaged pixie named Rabbit Maranville, and Jackie Robinson testifying before a Congressional hearing.

Baseball? It's just a game -- as simple as a ball and a bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, business -- and sometimes even religion.

Baseball is Tradition in flannel knickerbockers. And Chagrin in being picked off base. It is Dignity in the blue serge of an umpire running the game by rule of thumb. It is Humor, holding its sides when an errant puppy eludes two groundskeepers and the fastest outfielder. And Pathos, dragging itself off the field after being knocked from the box.

Nicknames are baseball. Names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy.

Baseball is a sweaty, steaming dressing room where hopes and feelings are as naked as the men themselves. It's a dugout with spike-scarred flooring. And shadows across an empty ball park. It's the endless list of names in box scores, abbreviated almost beyond recognition.

The holdout is baseball, too. He wants 55 grand or he won't turn a muscle. But, it's also the youngster who hitch-hikes from South Dakota to Florida just for a tryout.

Arguments, Casey at the Bat, old cigarette cards, photographs, Take Me Out to the Ball Game -- all of them are baseball.

Baseball is a rookie -- his experience no bigger than the lump in his throat -- trying to begin fulfillment of a dream. It's a veteran, too -- a tired old man of 35, hoping his aching muscles can drag him through another sweltering August and September.

For nine innings, baseball is the story of David and Goliath, of Samson, Cinderella, Paul Bunyan, Homer's Iliad and the Count of Monte Cristo.�

Willie Mays making a brilliant World's Series catch. And then going home to Harlem to play stick-ball in the street with his teenage pals -- that's baseball. So is the husky voice of a doomed Lou Gehrig saying, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

Baseball is cigar smoke, hot-roasted peanuts, The Sporting News, winter trades, "Down in front," and the Seventh Inning Stretch. Sore arms, broken bats, a no-hitter, and the strains of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Baseball is a highly-paid Brooklyn catcher telling the nation's business leaders: "You have to be a man to be a big leaguer, but you have to have a lot of little boy in you, too."

This is a game for all America, this baseball.

A game for boys and for men.

Test

2011-03-15T01:51:00.001-04:00

Test from iphone

Baseball getting closer....Adios February!

2011-02-28T17:26:00.002-05:00

So, I guess I have a lot on my mind....the beginning of Spring Training came and went without so much as a glance from me. All the counting down was a complete distraction from winter, but the truth is that the beginning of spring training means the harsh reality that the METS are a disaster...but they are like someone you love to pieces (like Charlie Sheen) with a drug problem...no matter how much of a disaster they are...I.Love.Them.

So, today...I was able to have the SNY feed of the METS/Nationals game on at work on my second monitor, and seriously I was like a kid on Christmas Morning. GARY FREAKING COHEN....and Ron Darling calling actual balls and strikes...the crack of the bat sounded like Adagio for Strings at 4:00 am...in other words: Heaven.

The best news of the day from METSville is the news that Carlos Beltran is unselfishly moving to Right Field to give a younger, more agile and HEALTHIER Angel Pagan his rightful center field position. I fell in love with Angel Pagan 2 years ago when he played so hard, he tore his shoulder up in a game that was out of reach during the world's WORST west coast road trip in the history of Major League Baseball. I may be a little dramatic, but seriously- it was a microcosm for all that is wrong with the Mets- and very little of it has been fixed. But, Angel Pagan came back last year and should have been the METS MVP- he was in the top 10 in batting for months, and he seemed to always come up with a hit, or a homerun when it mattered. He was clutch. People love to pick apart whether he's clutch or not by comparing him to Derek Jeter. I love his attitude (metitude), and I am so excited that we have this little outfield competition at bay before the season starts.

Other things I'm looking forward to: Daniel Murphy rocking. Luis Castillo doing well enough in spring training to get traded. My nights filled with baseball again. Very soon.

Offseason....

2011-02-11T13:25:00.002-05:00

I was explaining to a twitter friend of mine this morning that the time between the end of football season and Opening Day is considered my off-season. I'm grateful when the MSU Bulldogs and the NY Jets shrink my off season by having great seasons that keep me occupied, nervous, anxiety-ridden, and deliriously happy until almost February! Of course, the standard "pitchers and catchers deadline to report to spring training" phrase litters my twitter time line each week as NFL teams go down and I grimace with heartache knowing that my week is coming when I join the throngs of sports fans in the annual countdown. And as long as there is still snow on the ground here in DC, knowing that in south Florida my boys are fighting to get in shape and make the team....warms things up a bit.

I used to joke that there was nothing but ice skating and hockey (which I can enjoy in spurts, but not really) after the JETS break my heart each year....but before I change over everything in my life to orange and blue, I'm looking forward to a few weeks of stress free Sundays, movie watching, and scrapbooking. Also, unlike many of the previous years, I have the world's great job....and it's our convention season, so I can drown myself in work bliss! And do some totally nerdy database things....

I'm looking forward to Opening Day though....and reinstating my Daniel Murphy fandom provided he beats out Luis Castillo for the METS 2nd base position.

Before the big game on Sunday...I give you my TOP 10 Mo-Mos from this season

2011-02-04T20:07:00.013-05:00

J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

2010 may be considered the year of many things in the NFL...the long, pathetic goodbye of a true gamer (Favre)...teams suffering devastating injuries...replacement players...monumental disappointments....revenge....concussions....disastrous lack of discipline... and even a year of surprises. As a Jets fan, I feel like I experienced a lifetime worth of off-field and on-field discourse and victory. There were times when my twitter timeline read like a movie script that no one would read because it just could not possibly be true and there were times when I felt like making a first down was the single greatest moment in Jets history. So, looking back....I would be cheating my own sports history (and memory) if I didn't say my spiel about the most obvious things MOST people will remember about my beloved Jets season.

I don't have to be the head cashier at Wal-Mart to know that the NY Jets will always be remembered for this past season for the wrong things. I don't even need a law degree to know that the Jets are guilty of being guilty of many things...but I also feel like it's easy to hate the NY Jets...I mean, they are the NEW YORK Jets....I probably couldn't have told you the difference in the Giants and the Jets growing up and probably assumed that they were just about equal...I just knew NY was really far away and the people were weird. But, now that I've spent the past decade falling in love with the Jets, I see nearly all the drama and gossip completely different than I would have if they were just a team from NY "whattdoyaexpect"? But here's the kicker....The NY Jets are the closest thing the NFL has to a college football program....and I mean that in the way that some schools you just have to be an alumni of to LOVE all the traditions and get your heart broken year after year. To love the JETS, you have to not see a losing history and a thousand "almost" moments and ultimately, you get the "same ole Jets" but you don't see it (even when you DO see it).

I love Rex Ryan. I love that he believes that the JETS are going to be champions...I love that the players will run through a brick wall for him...he's real. Love him or hate him...he makes the term authentic shiver. I think a lot of people hate him because they secretly hate how much fun the JETS have....I love that for two years in a row, the JETS have gone as far as you can go without the ultimate prize. So, Rex gives JEts fans blue balls every year...I would sign up for it right now.

So, without further ado....my Top 10 are not necessarily my favorites...but they are the things I will remember most about the season that was.

From Twitter with love....
If 2009 revolutionized my sports fan experience by giving Jets fans a communal venting medium....then this past season can only be described as the year of The Hashtag Gone Wild. Yes, I enjoy following the Jets, NFL and assorted sports journalists/bloggers/broadcasters for the breaking news, the injury updates from inside locker room before an injury time out can be whistled over and of course the Xs and Os and must read article links. But the Jets fans....the comedic relief....the varied rituals and superstitions and near universal fear of choosing the wrong jersey for a game...Jets fans on twitter commiserate, pick each other's brains, pump each other up, and personally- CRACK ME UP...I thought Bulldog was funny...but he has some serious competition in the 140 character-liners....Also, twitter has made the world smaller...It's completely normal to banter back and forth with @officialbraylon @santonio10 @damienwoody @Mark_Sanchez....and with journalists.

The Return to Revis Island....
This year I got it. Last year I was caught up in the weekly "just how good is this Revis guy" hype...I mean, I remember his rookie season when it seemed like the PA announcer at The Meadowlands just had "tackle made by Revis" on repeat....I knew he was good, but this year, I didn't hear his name that much....with the exception of the Randy Moss over the shoulder touchdown right in front of our seats....and the shock that REVIS COULD LET THAT HAPPEN....I barely remember noticing him at all. And then, I started paying attention to his coverage. Instead of watching the QB as I have my entire life...I would zone in on #24 and it wasn't just his balance and his ability to stay a mere 3 inches step for step with any receiver...but his hips....his stopping on a dime. I was perplexed that anyone could have reflexes that good and I feel very lucky that he really is just one of the guys on the team. No hangover from his hold out...and simply amazing down the stretch.Cleveland ROCKS!....
If you're gonna go to a Browns game, and you don't do your due diligence to sit in the Dawg Pound....then you should turn in your fan card and never admit such in public. For goodness sake, sitting on bleachers at a NFL game is a throwback in itself...do it. Just do it. And, at the end of the day, people in Cleveland are NOT like fans in Philly....be respectful....have fun and take lots of pictures of the part drag show/part mardi gras costumed fans in the Dawg Pound....they like that. Also, tell them your boss is a season ticket holder and gave you his DP seats. If that doesn't work, make sure you have Santonio Holmes with 38 seconds left in Overtime. Bulldog and my first trip to Cleveland was 100% worth it, and even if we lost, it would make my Top 10 for a variety of reasons...but witnessing the return of Braylon Edwards (a pissed off Braylon is very dangerous) and the sheer violent reaction 65,000 fans can have for someone is a rare event.

In a New York Minute....
When I think of how easily the JETS could have lost the four games they eeked out at the end in insane fashion ...I think mostly that the JETS know more than most what it's like to have NOTHING come easy to them. Bleh on character building...it's hard. I uttered some of the meanest things to ever come out of my mouth a few weeks in a row and just minutes later I would be in tears craving hours of highlights and analysis. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't believe....Bulldog shamed me each week...he always knew we were going to win. The sting of the AFC Championship loss lingered longer than I liked and I blame the part of my heart that broke for Bulldog...a Bulldog who for the FIRST TIME was excited for a game because he just knew we were going to win....a Bulldog who bought hook, line & sinker into the "these are not the same ole jets"...and he would know. To me, the same ole jets means Chad Pennington playing injured and just general mediocrity. He remembers much worse. In a weird way, the Jets last drive victories (and even the one defensive hold against the Steelers in the Dec. game when Pitt was on the 4 yard line as time ran out) kept me from being complacent...expecting a victory....actually eating on game day. Even playing Buffalo was cause for one of my overly dramatic freak outs where Bulldog rightfully accuses me of being ridiculous.

Can we pretend that AIRPLANES in the night sky...like shooting stars...
I love the JETS airplane, arms out touchdown celebration....We are the JETS....gotta fly like a JET...and I know the players are professional millionaires and thus supposed to march to the drumbeat of the No Fun League...but HARK! What's that I see? it's a bird...it's a plaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnneeeeee. I rarely see a touchdown scored that there isn't some reaction by the team. I see teams down by 4 scores celebrating like it's 1999 (yes, I went their Redskins fans). The disdain over the JETS love of rocking the endzone and sidelines imitating their TEAM NAME is puzzling. Kind of like the Jimmy Rollins assertations that the METS high fiving and individual homerun handshakes IN THEIR OWN DUGOUT was showboating. Give me a break...athletes aren't out their recreating the UN Security Council or curing cancer...let the kids have fun. There were times when I thought the JETS were never going to score a touchdown (in fact, there were 3 games they lost where they didn't score one!)....I practically minted a coin in my seat when Dustin Keller (I think) finally scored the first touchdown for the JETS in September (against the PATS!). I like the Jets moxie...I like that they are unselfish and get really excited for each other...and yes, I love that Sexy Rexy RAN into the end zone and did a failed chest bump in the playoff game in NE....I mean, if there was ever a time to celebrate.

This little Piggy went to the market, this little Piggy stayed home....
After the Miss Mexico/Sports Reporter turned damsel in distress allegations against the Jets, the Braylon Edwards stupid and foolist DWI, Antonio Cromartie's unfortunate forgetful episode on Hard Knocks where he couldn't remember the names of his children, Trip-gate, an embarrassing Monday night football loss to the Patriots....I could have named 300 things that could have happened before I would have guessed that Sexy Rexy himself would be involved in a foot-fetish-sex-tape ________. I don't use scandal because a) he wasn't the JETS coach when he filmed it b) it's his wife c) it's his wife and they are very much in love so who cares what they did 6 years ago? It was a sqeemish sight- watching Our fearless coach finally "not have a comment"...it was like he was 7 years old and called into the principles office. But in some ways, I think JETS fans decided to embrace it...make fun of it ....and yes, girlie Jets fans even dedicated their toes to the cause...yes, that's me getting all pedicured in honor of the JETS for the AFC Championship game.

Brian Schottenheimer....
I can't even write everything I feel because engraved on my brain is 4 plays from the 1 yard line against the Steelers with future HOF Running Back L.T. PLAYING FOR THIS MOMENT...FOR THIS REASON...and the worst, most unorganized, disaster of a series of the year....Then I think about how much Rex and Mark likes him, and I think ...well, okay. Fine. But, then I think about how after two of the come from behind last second wins, Mark says that he and Santonio or Braylon were sitting on the sideline discussing what they would do if they got a chance....and I think about how Schotty wanted to kick a field goal on 4th and 1 in the first Steeler game...and Braylon convinced Rex to override the decision and go for it (TD!)....and the 2nd to last play of the Indy game when it was widely reported that Schotty told Mark "YOU CALL THE PLAY..."...and Mark and Braylon got the JETS in field goal range to advance to the divisional round. WHERE WAS THE ALMIGHTY SCHOTTENHEIMER DURING ALL THAT??!?!?!? I know that OC never get the credit they deserve,...blah blah blah...but in the MOST important moments of games, why was he not involved? Yet, we almost had a delay of game penalty called on 2nd and 1 because Schotty kept calling Mark over to the sideline for a play....WHY!?!?!? The Jets were on the 1.5 foot line....with 3 chances to get in the endzone....WHAT EARTH SHATTERING INFORMATION WAS COMING IN FROM THE SIDELINE!??!? RUN. THE. BALL. This would have been #1 on my list of things I'll remember most..but I don't want to give him that much credit...or let the most puzzling, most ridiculous win

The New Meadowlands Stadium...
First of all, the New Meadowlands Stadium is not called Giants Stadium, so we have that going for us. Plus, it's shiny and silver and very much a 5 Wand sports establishment. There is even a dedicated train that takes you to the Stadium...which means much less stressful trips thru Delaware. Fireman Ed is literally in Bulldog's seats from the old stadium....I no longer enjoy Row 1 comfort, extra leg room and that feeling of reaching out and touching a JET....Now, we're perched up 14 rows back in seats that seem HALF the size of the old stadium....and geniuses all around us. I mean...think of the most foul, redneck person from New Jersey you have ever met or imagined. THEN imagine you hear grown men yelling "FAGG-GOTT" constantly at a man 5 rows down. Then picture them sitting next to you and getting up to pee every 8 minutes. That's pretty much how the endzone is now. Fortunately, when we beat the Patriots, I would have sat next to Haley Barbour himself and been all smiles. It doesn't quite feel like it's "home" yet....still needs to add some memorable moments and a couple of banners and you gotta have some of those "remember when" stories to make it home...And I know it will happen....

CAN'T WAIT!...
Bart Scott. Epic/Authentic/Passionate/Unapologetic
It may be forgotten by the masses because of what happened in Pittsburgh, but Bart Scott mirrors the REAL factor of Rex Ryan. When the Jets signed Bart Scott, I called bulldog and said "okay, so do we like Bart Scott"...and he said "if Rex Likes him, then hell yeah, we will like him too..."...I haven't been the world's biggest Bart Scott fan over the past two years....I didn't dislike him, but he just wasn't one of what I would call "my boys"...but I loved the way he stuck up for Rex down the stretch, and I LOVE that he proudly boasts that he picked his family up and moved them to wherever Rex Ryan was going. The fan in me, loves to see players get fired up....and Bart Scott not only spoke the truth about how everyone just assumed the Patriots were destined for a repeat of the MNF game. But when he said "CAN'T WAIT"....I felt like he was not only speaking from Bart Scott's heart, but he was getting to stand on the field at Foxborough and yell passionately about BEATING THE PATRIOTS ...and thus, he spoke on behalf of all of his teammates, the water boy, and Jets fans everywhere...including the one who was almost passed out from the tension and the realization that the Jets might actually win the game. Note to the world: Please keep doubting the JETS...Jets (and fans!) can't handle prosperity.

MARK my words....
Mark Sanchez. Whatever quarterback ratings and Pete Carroll are supposed to sort out on the analytical side of the young Jets quarterback's "success"....apparently, neither really know as much as their reputation might indicate. I'll take a quarterback with a killer instinct and a sometimes Superman-like ability to NOT get sacked any day of the week...and about 10 times on Sunday. Probably the most memorable play I saw in person was the Sanchez to a hobbling Jericho Cotchery catch in Cleveland. It's on every year-end highlight film...and I remember looking at Bulldog and saying "did you see that?...Sanchez is hobbling around injured and checking down field....Jericho Cotchery pulls his groin and is just trying to get out of the way when Mark motions for him to go right and Cotchery lays out and donates his body to the JETS season at that point...one of the pretties and gutsiest and sick plays of the year. I felt good about the season because of that one play....for weeks. Here is a link, but unfortunately, the NFL must have made ESPN take the video down. It was simply the most perfect example of what Rex preached all year...Play like a Jet....

Reliving all these moments has worn me out....it really was a great season, and I'm sure I left some things out. And, no, I'm not cheering for the Steelers on Sunday. The picture on the right features one of my favorite parts of the walk to the stadium in Cleveland...the scads of anti-Lebron and yes....ANTI-BIG BEN shirts, caps, posters, etc...this cracked me up!

Also, I can't cheer for former Ole Miss Black Bear Mike Wallace. Ever. Soooooooooooo GO PACKERS! And Brett Favre...no one cares what you think about ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS THIS WEEKEND.

DC Blizzard 1 year later....

2011-02-03T16:25:00.008-05:00

I'm feeling a bit left out with all this SNOMG hashtagging and obsessing...so I thought I would reflect on how my WORST weather event- the blizzard was really one of the best things that has ever happened to me!

But first... any groundhog worth a darn wouldn't be up looking around for his shadow before o'dark thirty am...There are LOTS of things I don't see before 7:00 am. I wouldn't go around prophesying based on anything that happens before 7:00 am....

That being said, I would have SIGNED UP FOR a mere 6 more weeks of this torturous, 3 layers of clothes, balance beam walking composure, getting out of shower and running over to heater MISERY...but I mean, 6 weeks...that's it...I'll even go easy on the groundhog and say I'll take 6 weeks, but not a second more. Washington has been spared the worst this year, and I don't envy people who live west or north of here at all. I am just a summer person...no muss, no fuss. No angst leaving apartment in the morning...cuter clothes...SUNDRESSES...margaritas....Summer is just my time so I'm ready.

One year...it's been 363 days since the beginning of the Blizzard in DC (2010)...I learned a lot about myself during the blizzard.
1. I can't walk in snow at any level.
2. Someone else can build the snowman....I'm just not that into him...but great photo op!
3. Bulldog should get a tax deduction for not kicking me out of apartment for 8 grand days. Seriously, I am the luckiest girl in the world...he keeps me alive to suffer thru Mets and Jets seasons with him (I cry more than he does)...but I love love love my Bulldog.
4. 2 snow days are really enough for anyone. by day 3, thoughts like "is it ever going to end?" start creeping i
5. The capital of the United States...the most powerful city in the world can not function with an inch, much less 2 feet of snow. If terrorists want to do something in America...do IT during a snow storm. Seriously, terrorists are DUMB.
6. I learned that some people just see adventure....and when he waited for me for an hour and a half while I stood in line at Safeway so I wouldn't have to walk back to apartment by myself...i knew that "the guy always making drinks in Bulldog's kitchen" was actually going to be my new friend Erik/Tater Salad.
7. I really really like "Immortal Beloved"

Most of you know that I remember every detail of the first time I meet someone...I celebrate friend-versaries and for many of you it involves some kind of song on a dance floor somewhere...Yiannis was in a closet, Andy was on a box, Bulldog was at Soho at 3:30 in the morning...Andre was in the bathroom...Jen was struggling to name cities outside the US that start with the letter T...Jaime wouldn't talk to me b/c Mary Katherine told her to be mean to me (1st grade y'all)...Brad C. was in my freshman year experience class and when he said "kingwood, tx.." I melted and started visualizing what I for sure thought was my life as Mrs. Brad Carter....I am so blessed to have a memory that never lets me down....

So one year after the blizzard, I'm especially happy that I don't remember misery or the breakdown I had after learning that Maria Becker had passed away and NO one even told me she was sick...or dealing with an especially horrifying PBS Frontline special about the regional airline industry where my boss, in bad light, looked like he spent a week at the George Hamilton school of tanning....what I really remember is that it's when I spent more than 5 minutes with Erik...and suddenly life was an adventure. One of the first things I remember Erik saying to me when I was grumpy and complaining about something was "don't be like that...it doesn't suit you". WHA????????? well, excuse me for breathing.... Also...name one friend who doesn't check his/her phone or take calls when you're having dinner???? I can't even give him that courtesy...
So, one year later...the blizzard indirectly is responsible for 2 trips to Michigan, 2 trips to West Virginia, a Jimmy Buffet Road trip to Pittsburgh, a weekend at the Waldorf-Astoria, a couple hundred hours of movie watching, another hundred hours of 80s hair band and classic 70s country and western listening, best damn hot chocolate consuming ever, a visit to the green fairy, and a million fantastic one-liners.

My dear friend E...(sure I could post a good picture of us, but this is probably more like how we are when we're being silly)

So the next time I see a forecast for ungodly amounts of snow hitting DC...I'm gonna say "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"...

I'm baaaack

2011-01-31T16:41:00.003-05:00

Okay, so a complete stranger (ala twitter) mentioned my blog today, and I realized I really miss blogging about baseball...though my blog isn't a baseball blog. Maybe it is...writing about the JETS is just too insane...writing about my life is boring (I mean- I'm not going to wax poetic about the juicy details of my daily life)...and well, it would not be considered professional to blog about my work life. All you need to know about that is that I'm madly in love with my job. I have the greatest job i the world....So, that leaves baseball and politics...and whatever else my brain decides to spew out.

Happy New Year- I've been blessed to have had the most amazing past year of my life...I've never had so many adventures or fun times in my life...and I'm hoping that 2011 continues that path. It's hard to sustain such happy times (just ask me to remind everyone about the summer of 2001 when we all had just TOO much fun) so I'm a little antsy that my life is going to take a spill off the deep end. Mostly, I'm worried about WINTER doing that to me. I hate the snow, I hate the snow plows barricading my car from perfectly legitimate street parking...and I ESPECIALLY HATE THAT people in Mt. Pleasant don't salt their sidewalks. Note to self: don't live in neighborhoods filled with million dollar homes...it's doubtful anyone who lives in them actually cares about the peasants.

Things I want to do in 2011:

1. ROCK my job even more hardcore than I did last year....I want to have 1000 click thrus on my blast emails and 1000 followers on twitter...and not by spamming, but BY *INTEREST.

2. I want to visit 2 more ball parks or a new stadium...places I haven't been to before.

3. Jimmmy B. concert this summer with a FIERCE TAILGATE.

4. Actually develop pictures. Frame pictures.

5. Barb- I WILL ACTUALLY GET ON A MOPED IN MICHIGAN. Promise. Do I need a helmet?

6. Do happy hour twice a month- the right way.

7. Not fight with Bulldog.

8. At least one unplanned adventure.

Miss me? It's just summer...and I'm blissfully happy....so there!

2010-07-13T16:51:00.002-04:00

I figured if I made a list of all the things I need to seriously "get my blog on" about, it would actually encourage me to update my blog...

So, here is the teaser list (and my personal "to do" list) to keep me motivated.

1. Oh the places I have been...and none more fabulous than Michigan...2 trips though the best stories will never be written about- but stored in my mind, and safely retold only for the sake of smiling and laughing. Still it does deserve a shout out.

2. AMAZING convention for work...It turns out, I not only LOVE my job, but my job sort of loves me back and doesn't break my back or make me crazy!

3. The Boys of Summer- original version- baseball...I haven't created a single baseball award all season...probably because I've been caught up in having too much fun, working too much, or having too much fun....or sleeping. But, I think I'll resurrect my baseball blogging for the second half...that way when the Mets make me crazy, I will go less crazy.

4. Haley Barbour is my public enemy #1. End of Story.

5. On a more serious note, change. Change we can believe in...blah blah blah. the truth is, I've changed. My attempt to having less drama in my life has, in fact, been wonderful for me...others haven't seen it that way...and I can't help that. But, I think it deserves an entry.

6. I've rediscovered at least 10 things about myself that I lost sight of in the past 10 years.

stay tuned!

Zero Point Zero Zero

2010-04-12T19:34:00.002-04:00

It's not just for the Bronx Beat anymore y'all. I was so relieved the Mets weren't playing today that I forgot that the Astros were playing this afternoon...I would have loved an afternoon listening to Milo on the radio...

So, I'm working late and finally grew tired of my awesome 80s playlist on youtube (however, I'm NOT tired of listening to UB40 and REO Speedwagon)...switched to ESPN Radio for some Baseball Tonight. BAM. Want to know how many runs the ASTROS scored? 0. The last time the Astros started out 0-7, I WAS STILL LIVING IN HOUSTON, TX! When I see Goose Egg after goose egg in the box score...I can't help but think about this.

Okay- now, that I've made my sarcastic, funny-in-my-own mind comments about my beloved Astros, I have to go back to being Staci. Staci, who NEVER boos her team (except for Aaron Heilman)...Staci who once loved a Mississippi State football team during the Rockey Felker years...Staci who really believes fans can will their team to victory. It's too early in the season for me to think about next year. I plan entire half years around baseball schedules...I don't have the energy to come up with a back-up plan. Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle is the Rick Cleveland of sports in Houston. Yes, he's rocking the kool-aid, but he's also a fan...and as I suspected, he had an amazing post today. An excerpt:
If you're bailing out on the Astros after one week, that's on you. I'm remaining in their corner.
I beg you not to give up on these kids in their hour of need. This is the time to show you care, and the way you do that is by buying more tickets, merchandise, souvenirs, etc.
When the 1988 Orioles returned home with a 1-23 record, you know what happened? They sold out Memorial Stadium.
That's what real fans do. They let their boys know they care, and just because the Astros have had a couple of problems with hitting, pitching and fielding is no reason to give up.

Read the entire article here.

I'm going to recommend the Justice article to my Mets fans friends too...we are all so quick to be witty, sarcastic, and overly analytical sometimes pitch by pitch...we should leave the boo'ing to the Phillies fans who will take care of that for us when the Mets visit Philly (or the Phillies infiltrate Citi)...I get to see my Metsies next month...and I can't wait!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards- Opening Week

2010-04-12T04:10:00.003-04:00

"MISSING- OFFENSE, FIELDING, MANAGER".
Considering my two teams haven't REALLY been playing baseball during Opening Week, I could NOT in good faith give out any Swirly Wand awards for baseball this week.

It's too early in the season to call the bugles out for Taps, but suffice to say, after Opening Day, the week went from bad, to worse, and then just flat out embarrassing. The only person who deserves a mention is Roy (oswalt not halladay)- He has to have some kind of record for worst run support in the history of MLB...

So, instead of awards this week, I'm going make some suggestions for Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya. I'm a fan, but based on this past week's performance, they may need to ask FANS who are watching the games what is going on because it's clear, they don't have their heads in the game.
1. Why is Mike Jacobs the METS clean-up hitter? He was batting 0.047 before his homerun today. That's not a batting average, that is a blood alcohol level. I'll leave the "why is he the Mets first baseman?" question alone...I don't care if we have a substitute 1st baseman while The Murph gets back- but Frenchie, David, heck- EVEN Pagan or Cora or HEY- our new addition- JASON BAY (memba him?- all star, power hitter) would all make sense.
2. Is Luis Castillo on a path to the DL? He's been playing less than week, and has missed 2 games. I know things are bad when I'm worried we may LOSE Luis Castillo to the Mets medical staff merry-go-round.
3. Watch the MASN broadcast of Sunday's Nats/Mets game. Bob Carpenter said "the mets are a lot like the Nationals". If that isn't enough to figure out how to motivate a team, I don't know what is...

162 First Dates!

2010-04-05T20:46:00.003-04:00

First the long, cold winter plaguing DC came to an end with blinding sun, and breezy early summer temperatures. Then, the day that brings the biggest smile to my face- OPENING DAY. I’ve not missed an Opening Day in DC since the Nationals came to town. I’m not a Nationals fan, but I would like to see them not be horrendous.

In the south, someone would say “Bless their hearts” at the mere mention of their name.

Every team is in first place on Opening Day. It’s the best medicine for a disastrous season the year before, and it’s the beginning of rookie seasons, comebacks, and an entire summer of amazing plays, records, bloopers, blow-ups, parents bringing kids to the park for their first game, obnoxious Phillies and Yankees fans, and quality time with Bulldog!

It should be noted that my Opening Day post title was inspired by an unlikely source. For 3 years, Bulldog’s roommate has known me as a crazy girl who is constantly talking about baseball and is routinely at their place all summer long for baseball games. You would think after 3 years, I might be more memorable than that, right? But it wasn’t until the blizzard left me on bulldog’s couch for 8 days that I actually had the privilege of getting to know ELN! I don’t have nickname for him yet, but since I don’t routinely use real names in my posts, I’ll have to use initials until further notice. Anyway, the point is that ELN isn’t a baseball fan…he gets it, but it’s not his thing…which is why I think his description of my love of baseball was so perfect.

ELN, having no interest in baseball, but seeking to indulge me in a cocktail induced discussion of “the basics of baseball”, asked me about contracts, the draft, free agency, presidential first pitches, and finally- what did I love so much about this game. I always, ALWAYS, love it when my friends who aren’t into baseball, give me a chance to explain my fanatic take on America’s pastime. At the end of my mini-diatribe, I said the thing is- every day is a chance for something historic, something memorable, a moment that will make you cringe, cry, laugh, scream with excitement, or literally float out of your seat in bliss. There is always the promise of a great moment.

(okay, maybe not if you are Nats or Royals fans- but in theory- EVEN AMAZING THINGS have happened for both teams last year!)

So, after my very proper “in conclusion” –like finish, he smiled and said it’s like a first date, every day.

I can’t believe I NEVER thought of that…what a perfect description- especially for all the angst, heartache, misery, and frustration I go through each season. Of course, scattered with fleeting moments of joy and ridiculous happiness…Also, I it should be noted that he usually spends his time listening to really amazing people tell their stories of historical significance…and he listened to me go on and on and on like I was retelling the most important theory in the world. Note to all future people who want to know the way to a friend's heart: Awesome, active listeners > 99.9% of the world.

That was the end of my baseball tutorial…clearly my work was done. In preparation for Opening Day, I had to share my love of baseball with someone new. It’s like the Christmas story on Christmas Eve.

Sadly, today’s first date was a total bust! It started out magical- with the Presidential motorcade, then President Obama rocking THE FIRST FAN MOTIF by not forsaking his favorite team the WhiteSox (by wearing his Sox cap), followed by the Nationals scoring first against the dreaded Phillies. And then, the equivalent of your date putting ketchup on steak…IT WAS OVER. Also- the Nats do an AMAZING job of Opening Day fanfare...the Presidential First Pitch video was great..and the Ryan Zimmerman presentation of the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove was A+. Also, the introductions were very creative to show hope and promise for the Nats. It seemed like the team that was introduced during the line-up was a different team from the guys that actually played.

My disdain for Phillies fans is well documented. I think the players are actually probably less d-baggy than the fans. Maybe it’s because for the 2nd Opening Day in a row, I’ve had to sit in a 75% Phillies crowd IN WASHINGTON, DC…I used to call RFK, Shea Stadium South- but today was definitely Citizens’ Bank Park South. When we go to Phillies games, the fans make it nearly impossible to get out of the rows and up/down the stairs to concourse, they especially like to make it difficult for you in the rain if you are wearing a METS cap. In Philly, 6 year old kids are yelling like grown men at Mets fans, and old women with scorecards get angry when realizing she and her husband are sitting next to Mets fans. It’s just an uncomfortable place to watch a game. I don’t like feeling like that when I’m in my home city’s stadium. To the Nats fans credit (and to mine), they were perfect hosts to these extra-obnoxious breed of fan…we must have stood up 25 times so the Phillies fans next to us can could beer every 10 minutes it seemed. I thought briefly about making the statement that I would REALLY LIKE TO BE TREATING THEM WITH THE SAME COURTESY CBP TREATS VISITING FANS WITH…but by the time, I had the nerve to say that, Polanco had just hit a grand salami, and officially, my Nats experience for the day was ruined. On a side note, I was so irritated by the grand slam, that I gave credit to Chase Utley for it! I just assumed that Chase Utley was trying to make me MISERABLE (personally!).

Now, on to the good news. Technology has finally made “super-fandom” easy to achieve. Aside from reading the tweets of the 300 or so Mets fans that I follow on twitter (many were at opening day at citi!), I was following the Mets game and “In Johan we Trust” on MLB mobile. As I noted, David Wright a hit his first homerun of the season, 2 whole innings before Ryan Howard blasted one. I also was THRILLED to see that the Mets line-up of mostly nobodies was able to piece together some much needed run support for our ace. I could tell that Johan wasn’t lights out, but I could also tell that the Mets, at least for one day, gave an entire fan base who is usually laughing to keep from crying, something to be hopeful about. MLB has given us an entire day to enjoy it too with a day off tomorrow. I’m a Mets fan, but I’m not bitter like so many of the Mets fans I know. I haven’t been a Mets fan long enough to suffer like my Bulldog does…but I have never really been the type of fan that expects perfection. Yes, 2 of our all-stars are starting the year on the DL, yes, we have NO idea who our set-up guys is, and yes, our rotation is well…borderline comical. But, I like a scrappy team…a team that is better than the individuals on the team. I suspect that the term “same ole Mets” will rear its ugly head like “same ole Jets” comes to town every year. (yes, I know, New Yorkers are just too lazy to come up with different phrases instead of merely changing a letter!) but it’s the first week of the season- anything can happen, and we should all be positive until Luis drops A-Rod’s pop up. Really.

As I type this, I’m watching Roy pitch on ESPN2…ESPN sent their A-team to cover this game, and while John Miller and Joe Morgan make me crazy, I appreciate that this game wasn’t overlooked by the network. There was almost a mention of Roy being from Weir…but he gave up the 3rd out and then there was a commercial break. I’m putting the over-under on mentions of Weir, MS at 12 for national broadcasts this year.

So, if today was the first date of a season of first dates, I would definitely dump the Nats, and take the Mets home with me…it’s a 50/50 day…much like it across the country- half the teams will lose on Opening Day, and in the end, it really doesn’t mean anything. Plus, the MOST important thing is that the season is under way.

So, on this 2nd evening of baseball, I’m going to sleep with the world’s goofiest grin on my face…and dreaming in Blue and Orange.

My first baseball season 2010 blog post of the year is dedicated to my dad who made me a crazy fan, Bulldog for being the most reasonable fan I know- but lets me psychotic…and ELN for perfectly verbalizing my thoughts (and for the jalapeno-feta midnight nachos!)

Opening Day is just a month + 2 days away

2010-03-04T00:41:00.003-05:00

.The Jets shortened my wait until baseball season by surprising everyone with a great run through the playoffs....and it doesn't look like my Bulldogs are going to help pass the time by making a run into the tournament..so, I'm all baseball, all the time now....

More later....but just because the Mets B team made 4 errors in the 7th inning today DOES NOT MEAN THAT I AM WORRIED.

Also- I'm sooooooooooo excited that for my convention this year in Milwaukee- we're having our off-site evening event in a party suite at an Astros-Brewers game....I'll be stalking sausages and Bernie Brewer...all, the while wearing my Astros stuff....and my "where's weir" home of roy O. shirt....this will make the 4th stadium I've worn it to...though, the Astros are 2-4 when I wear it....Roy is 1-0 when I wear it....so I'm hopeful!

And yes, Opening Day is a holiday for me- I'll be at Nationals Park rooting against the Phillies....I haven't missed an opening day yet for the Nationals.

Things I learned in the snow....

2010-03-04T00:23:00.003-05:00

I just realized I haven't blogged since Jan. 20th- before my JETS rocked my world....before the BLIZZARD(s) from HELL...and before I started back to working 12 hour days.

I have lived in DC almost 10 whole years. I've seen probably 4 feet of snow cumulatively until February 2010. I doubled that in 5 days...and while I was having a mini-break down...my charmed, easy life in DC was made incredibly inconvenient...I started mirroring black bear hibernating behavior...and thought I would never see a day above freezing again...I learned some light-hearted things...and some extra bonus knowledge to carry me through to Spring.

1. I love being in the middle of an "event"...I want the story of where i was when ____ happened. I've experienced a ridiculous amount of "yep, I was there" things in my life...and I've had near misses...but I'm a weather junkie. So, if i missed the week of February 9th in DC, I would have felt a little bit left out.
2. You should always just FALL when you first step out into more than 20 inches of snow. a) you aren't really going anywhere near the ground b) it's funny and your best friend can laugh at you c) it will make you a much faster walker in the snow because you aren't constantly trying to balance yourself and "keep from falling"...you'll know it's not that bad.
3. Toilet Paper, bottled water, and milk aren't really the essentials....Diet Coke, ingredients to make more than 2 things, and a computer power charger are really the things that you'll start to clamor for by Day 3.
4. 1 Snow Day is fun. 4.5 snow days is a charlie-horse in your life. Unless you don't have a job...unexpected days off from work are pains in the butt.
5. I really like Safeway. Their store brands of everything hit the spot...and they had fresh produce most of the hell week. Also, I could survive on red seedless grapes and Safeway brand Homestyle Vanilla Ice Cream.
6. A snow event is a silent event. DC is not a quiet place to live- but it was eerily silent for days. no cars, metro, little police activity.
7. Speaking of police activity- I didn't get a crime alert from DC GOV for almost 3 days..and then people started breaking into people's homes again on Georgia Avenue.
8. The Hurt Locker was a horrible movie.
9. PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL PARTS OF THE CITY DO NOT SHOVEL THEIR SIDEWALKS. END OF STORY. It was a death march for days....and dangerous. And these aren't people living in crappy apartments...these are people who own 1/2 million dollar homes. I'm looking at you Mt. Pleasant.
10. Social Media saved me during the blizzard. NOt only was the humor outstanding on twitter...but I up'd 4 levels in farmville and a gozillion levels in Treasure Madness. I'm convinced all facebook games were designed by bored eskimos- or people in Buffalo.
11. Bulldog actually has a really awesome roomate that has lived across the living room from him for 2+ years, and I've never had more than 3 conversations with him.
12. I still can do a mass snail mail- mailing like the rockstar champion I was on the Amy Tuck campaign!
13. THE OFFICIAL WEATHER REPORTS WERE NO WHERE NEAR THE ACTUAL MEASURED AMOUNT OF SNOW ANYWHERE IN THE CITY.

Please don't let this feeling end...it may not come again...

2010-01-20T21:54:00.014-05:00

Regardless of what happens on my birthday- the J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets! have gone waaaaaay above and beyond what anyone could have possibly dreamed of earlier in 2009...So, I'm not jumping on the bandwagon...I helped build the bandwagon. There have been sooo many themes, takes, stories regarding the Jets improbably, if not damn near impossible run in the playoffs- I tweet way more than any human who isn't a hermit should- but I can't get everything out in 140 characters. So here goes...

Jets fans aren't like Yankees fans Like the METS, the Jets aren't even the most famous team in their city. Red-headed step children of the Big Apple...always in the shadow of the far more white collar & respectable NY Giants. I've only been a JETS fan for 9 years, and it didn't take me long to figure out that the JETS are the mississippi state of NYC...the Giants are Ole Piss. We aren't destined for anything. Jets fans don't feel entitled to win a championship- which makes our giddiness this week even more sincere- this is an uncommon feeling- to be in the same sentence with Favre, New Orleans, THE FREAKING MANNING QUADRUPLE MVP....we aren 't all going to jump off a bridge if we don't win on Saturday- we barely ever boo our team (at least I'm in denial that it happens).

This is NOT Eric Mangini's team
Sorry RC...sorry Cleveland.com....sorry the Brownie Blogs I read today. I have a soft spot in my heart for Cleveland- my amazingly fabulous boss is a season ticket holder, my friend Alvin played Defense for the Browns, and well, bless their hearts. Oh- and for the 5th pick in the 2009 draft. I read a blog post today that said "wouldn't it be interesting if someone asked Rex what it was like to cash in on all the hard work Mangini did in NY"....Yes, that would be interesting because i would love to hear T-Rex explain the roles that a General Manager (Mike "I drafted D'Brickashaw over Leinhart in the draft- yep- that's me" Tannenbaum) and head coach have in the Jets organization. At the end of last year, Mangini was the no-brainer to be let go- call it a scape goat or whatever, but Mangini made the JETS less Jets- and more Favre. By the end, the players were tired of a an offense and a season that was in tribute to Brett Favre. Fans watched our favorite, hard knocks quarterback, Chad Pennington- get shipped out like a pregnant teenager to boarding school- in favor of a farce. When Brett didn't deliver (hurt or not)- there was never a coaching move made to give the jets a chance to win....everything revolved around Brett. How were the other players supposed to feel? There were rumblings last year that players were getting restless under the Mangenious...
Just because Darrelle Revis and Nick Mangold were drafted under Eric Mangini doesn't mean that he is the reason they are stars. There was a master plan put into action before Eric Mangini came on board- I've heard Tannenbaum relay the pieces at least 3 times on the radio in the past 2 weeks. If it makes the Browns fans feel better to know that the same coach who fined players over a thousand dollars for drinking a bottle of water in a hotel room- also assembled the jets offensive line- fine, I'll give them halfsies on that one. BUT, here is a list of players who were not on an Eric Mangini team- Mark Sanchez, Bart Scott, Lito Sheppard, Shonn Green, Jim Leohnard.
Even more proof? There are 30 players that were either signed, drafted, or had contracts extended during the Mangini years (source- www.cantonrep.com)...that are still on the JETS team. Tell me how Mangini essentially did very little with them, but Rex has them walking through walls for him? If the proof is in the pudding, the pudding is Rex Ryan.
The Braylon Edwards Factor: in Cleveland, his behavior, his assault of King James friend, etc was a distraction. He dropped balls from experienced quarterbacks who (no offense- were awful)...every mistake he made was magnified by the surrounding horror that was the Cleveland Browns in 2009. Mangini couldn't harness the Edwards factor- addition by subtraction was the key phrase of that trade. Browns fans felt like he was garbage...Jets fans were happy to have a wide receiver to put in the mix for Sanchez. In the end, Rex took a "problem child" and made him a non-factor...he's just another player on the TEAM. If he doesn't succeed under Rex, he's probably not that gifted- that's my take on it. His performance hasn't improved while in NY, but his antics and showboating haven't continued in NY either. Mangini could never quite overcome the personalities of his players in NY....now, Rex has so much personality that he drowns out even the most robust gang green character.

Jets as Favorites????
As more and more "experts" start to make the sexy pic against the Colts, a strange, eerie feeling is building deep in my over-analytical mind that it won't matter. It's not about respect anymore...the people who think the JETS don't deserve to be in the championship game are never going to respect the Jets. The reason I've softened up on the experts starting to pick the Jets is that the Jets are already confident....they have the confidence of their coach, and no confidence from Jaws, or Mark Schlereth, or Mike Ditka is going to mean more to them or even infiltrate them more than the confidence that Rex Ryan has in them. I have to believe this. If I don't believe this, I'll go nuts.

Mike Francessa is either chemically imbalanced OR there is a conspiracy in NYC to make Jets fans so irate and angry from 1-6 each day that we go crazy.
This week has been something of a microcosm of my entire catalog of reasons why Mike Francessa has no soul.
Here are some of my counterpoints to his ridiculousness- and why don't I call in? Well, I've heard him say "I'm not going to listen to this", "you're an idiot"+hangup, and "why did you put ____ though, i'm not going to spend time on this"+Hangup no less than 17 times this week. I kept a small tally on my post it notes yesterday and today.
1. Couch fans. He has accussed everyone but the famous Ira of being a "couch fan"...because all "these jets fans" don't really go to games, and unless you go to every game, you can't possibly have the right to believe in the Jets. Translation: YOU AREN'T A REAL FAN.
Hold on just one DAMN minute Franny- that would mean, by your definition, that only fans who live within reasonable driving distance, or who have ridiculous resources to travel to every home game can really be fans. THAT IS CRAZY...just on my twitter feed alone, I know of Jets fans frmo California to south Florida, and everywhere in between. And trust me Franny- the Jets aren't a sexy team to pick if you are in the market for a NFL team to follow. I should know- I feel like the JETS picked me...not the other way around. I was a forlorn Houston Oilers fan with no team...and i was living in the middle of Redskins hell. I'm NO LESS A FAN just because I have to watch some games from the couch.
2. "the Jets Defense is good, but it's not great". Well, at least if Franny met someone who had suffered through unconciousness during the past 5 months, he would have something in common with them. If you are ranked #1 in total defense, and at least 3 other defensive categories, and in the playoffs, place kickers are 0-5 (including chip shot) fieldgoals...AND you have Darrelle Revis covering EVERY RECEIVER...you get to say you have a great defense. NOt the greatest ever- let's be real- this is NOT the best our Defense will ever be...the biggest room in the world, is the room for improvement.
3. The Colts don't talk- they just win. Okay- it's a personality thing. YOU CAN'T STAND THAT JETS FANS AND PLAYERS ARE HAPPY AND PROUD TO BE JETS FANS AND NOT JUST STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF THE GIANTS. The Colts can talk or not talk- but for the love of Revis- what is wrong with having players do interviews and be excited- Rex has done somethign amazing this year- players who are normally never even on an interview list are getting some exposure- it's fun for them...it's fun for the fans....and no harm no foul. It's not like the JETS are trash talking- they all give Peyton Manning respect and the Colts defense respect....and they are excited to go in as underdogs. Franny constantly acts like the Jets should just sit down and shut up and just be happy to be in the game. What good does it do if the only experience the Jets players have is of scared, silenced bodies?? Nothing to lose....and everything to gain...the only guarantee is the experience itself should be worthwhile.
4. Franny interview experts- ala Phil Simms or a Jets insider (mike Tannenbaum)- and he suddenly is respectful, quiet, calm, he doesn't say the outrageous, ignorant things he spews every 30 seconds on the air the rest of the show. Phil Simms echoed what many fans said calling into the show- and Franny didn't call him an idiot...didn't complain that his call got through. I have to wonder if Mike Tannenbaum knew everything that Francessa said each day, if he would still go on the show? When I know any of the Jets are going to be on 1050 ESPN- i always change the channel. I think Jets fans would switch to the "jets channel" if the Jets PR folks decided to just give him the silent treatment....he doesn't deserve to speak with the Jets...he is hateful and despicable.

The Jets have made it tough this season...ups and downs...loving and frustrating. If the JETS season was a novel, it would be hard to classify as a non-fiction because it's hard to believe anything that has happened is true. For all the years, nothing broke our way....for all the permutations that had to occur in order for the jets to overcome horrid displays on the field to make the playoffs...and playing on the road...it's the makings of an amazing story. I don't even care how it ends. The future is bright- and while not making it to the Superbowl would be a monumental disappointment to the other 3 teams...it would be a monumental surprise for Jets fans. That's the most comforting feeling of all...

I really want to start a campaign to get a Sexy Rexy Bobble Belly-head for Rex Ryan...how adorable is he? not only is he adorable, but he's funny...he's obviously, extremely intelligent....and he LOVES LOVES LOVES Being a JET.

Dreaming in Green and White tonight....

Oh, and Sports Illustrated can BITE MY BIG TOE. Apparently, they cursed Brett Favre 75% to Sanchez 25% b/c the Sanchez cover is only in the NY and parts of Socal market. :-)

On a side note- my favorite Mets blogger (www.metsgrrl.com) #followFriday'd me on Twitter. I'm kind of a dork (and I always feel like I don't communicate as well as I would like- but it was a HUGE flattering statement coming from her because I love love love her blog so much)- and her blog makes her seem like she's the cool, hip, actual New Yorker, version of me as a girlie baseball fan. I've read her blog for 3 years now...making Bulldog read her posts that sound sooooo like me...and laughing that I can't believe there is someone who sees baseball the way I do- it's uncanny. One day i'll tell her about my blog because she once said "I should have a blog" on twitter because- I HAVE A LOT TO SAY....but, I need to spend some SERIOUS time this baseball season, But it would be like Julie and Julia...what if she hated it?

J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!

2010-01-08T13:13:00.006-05:00

FINAL HOME GAME AT THE MEADOWLANDS!!!!!!!!! Staci & Bulldog!!!!! Sec. 122!
A little lunchtime blogging today, because today is really the LAST guaranteed day of bliss for Jets fans...it's the last day where everyone can say "WHY NOT US?"....I've only been a Jets fan for 8 years....so I don't have the baggage that Bulldog and lifelong Jets fans have...I never lived through the Cleveland game in 1986 or cursed the name of Mark Gastineau. I also missed the glory days of Wayne Chrebet and the Monday Night Miracle against the Dolphins. So, all I can do is enjoy what has been a glorious week of fun thoughts and happy dances. I'm finally thawed out from the Sunday night game against the Bengals...was the BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER FROM BULLDOG that we go- cheer loudly, freeze to death, check out the new train to the stadium, be crazy tired for MOnday at work, etc. Also, I think I took it like a champ! Being from Mississippi and all...I didn't complain about the cold!
I even sat in the outside seat so Bulldog could be shielded from the wind!

I love being a Jets fan! I love that the Jets are MSU...the blue collar, hard working, rowdy, crazy fans with little decorum. My boss, The Roge, pointed out that Giants fans would never act like Jets fans at a home game. I said "what do you mean?" and he said " you know what I mean"...okay- so I guess he means that Jets fans are a little nutty, crazy, and don't have good sense. Giants fans are more likely to be your doctor, lawyer, or your accountant. But, I've never h ad anything other than a GREAT experience at the Meadowlands...I love the grit and the passion and I learn a new way to swear each week. Also- I love that WE LOVE OUR TEAM no matter what. It's not exactly like the Jets have given their faithful a green light to the happy show! We're grumpy and expect the worst....and much like the link I posted last sunday on NFL films- we always expect the "same ole jets" to show up.

But, given the years under Mangini- I have the world's biggest non-sexual crush on Rex Ryan....he just speaks to my soul...when he gets excited, I want to start cheering....when he expresses confidence in OUR TEAM- I LOVE IT. I want the head coach of my team to think that we're champions....and it's not blind hope- if any other team in the playoffs lead the NFL in Defense, points off defense, Rushing, etc- they would be considered favorites. Oh, and we have a rookie quarterback that is responsible for at least 3 of our losses- so we're not even supposed to be this far. it's all GRAVY. If we win, I'll be elated. If we lose, I'll think- at least our guys got some playoff experience for the future.
I feel like the Jets have been in the playoffs for 2 weeks already, because we have.

Things this football season taught me- 1) I really do like Ocho Sinco. He's real and he loves his teammates, and he is playful and not mean spirited. Maybe it's just because he was so classy and funny about Darrelle Revis and his island, but I'm a fan now- just not when he's playing the Jets.
2) Braylon Edwards isn't horrible. He's not great- but can really tell if he's great? We don't have a quarterback with that much precision yet....I would give him ONE more year to gel with the Sanchize.
3) Darrelle Revis is MY MVP- and my favorite Jet in lieu of sweet Leon Washington, who has missed most of the season with a scary broken leg. Revis Island, Revis Christ, etc...he's just amazing. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
4) Mark Sanchez is still the most gorgeous quarterback in the league- yes, I'm a girl- so what- I heart him!

Congratulations Roy!

2009-11-20T17:31:00.003-05:00

Okay- so it's not a Cy Young award- but it's a new, yummy place to get catfish 5 minutes from my parents' house! Also- I think about the nearby gas stations and how this will be good for their business....and pretty soon, there might even be....TRAFFIC on highway 12! LOL okay, maybe not.
Only Roy could have an event that rivals high school playoffs. Kudos to the Class of 95's most successful graduate....HINT HINT- would be a great place for a class reunion! I'm afraid we may all be gray by the time we have a reunion...

I almost had a flawless Friday- lots of progress on the website at work- more fun with data, and I leveled up during lunch on FarmTown- I can now grow pineapples. HOLLA! Then, the HR lady at one of our member airlines called and accused me of not taking her seriously, and scolded me like I was 4 years old reaching in the cookie jar. Note: This is because she was worried about something that she had no reason to fret over in the first place- and when I explained that everything was fine- she demanded to speak to my supervisor about my poor performance. HA! In the end, she sent a message with the exact language I should use the next time this happens. which made me laugh- but still took away some shimmer from my flawless friday. THE MORAL OF THE STORY Y'ALL IS THIS: If you do everything to the BEST of your ability, and something out of your control sets someone else off- just roll with it.

So, it's off to see the BLIND SIDE, follow Weir's score on Clarionledger.com tonight....and tomorrow, plan Turkey with Yiannis!!!!!

19 days into the blog challenge...

2009-11-19T18:20:00.002-05:00

And, I have tons to say- just no patience to write it all down.

The Sarah Palin saga is the best free entertainment we've had in a long time. Everyday she talks, talks, talks...and then people in her own party, conservatives, and of course, the dems point out all the falsehoods and misstatements (to borrow a Bushism). She obviously, is a maverick, so much so, that she has not even a literary agent or manager to get her off the airwaves. To her credit, she doesn't seem to sound pissed that people are calling her out for writing a book of fiction.

I don't know how I feel about Haley Barbour running for President. Technically, his peeps paid for most of my last two years of college. Technically, the state of Mississippi is a mess. So, technically, I don't really think that someone who claimed that "people in MS were better than folks in Lousiana because we didn't need the federal government's help after Katrina" should really be in charge of making sure that an entire country of folks (some who desperately need the government to help them) are taken care of. Also, thanks to my friend Jason, I've learned all too well, how he boasted about all the medicaid fraud he's ended in MS because of his rule that people must have face to face meetings with case workers....yet, the truth is that there weren't even offices open in many of the counties where folks were kicked off the assistance....or there were offices with hours from like noon-5 on a wednesday afternoon. yeah...cuz....poor people and people with 9-5 jobs have all that extra time and access to a car to make that trip....only to find out it's not even open. It's his philosophy that everyone should be just like him that bothers me the most. Plus, everytiime it rains, my dad says the roads back home are so bad that school buses have trouble making the routes- sometimes school even closes. Granted, Weir is a tiny town in a rural county in the middle of a micro-populated part of the state....but, I expect the Governor to take care of ALL of Mississippi- and he doesn't.

The good ole boy network is so 1993....I think he'll make an interesting candidate because he's like Santa, and he's gonna "southernism" all his speeches and stories so much that I'll enjoy them...but, he's pretty easy to pick apart I believe. Also- I expect him to put his foot in his mouth within 6 months of hard campaigning.

He would be the first Mississippi State grad to be president though- but uhm, that's not enough!

I will BE HOME IN TIME FOR GREY'S TONIGHT.

Also- CUBS FANS REJOICE- AFH has been traded to the Diamondbacks...so he can reunite with his partner in SUCKINESS- Scott Schoenweis.

Free agency begins at midnight....and I'm hoping it's going to be a HAPPY HOLLIDAY or a HAPPY HALLADAY! Anything less is NOTHING.

Uh-OH! I almost missed my blog post today

2009-11-18T23:43:00.003-05:00

Why? BECAUSE I'm STILL AT THE OFFICE AT ALMOST MIDNIGHT.

So, here goes.

1. I'm a data nerd. I love everything there is to love about data- queries- and database structure.
2. I would NOT have listened to anyone who suggested I take classes in database management when I was in college.
3. Rex Ryan is a CRAZY AWESOME HEAD FOOTBALL COACH. At least he's real.
4. www.magnatag.com is the GREATEST FUN OFFICE ORGANIZATION SITE ON THE PLANET- I wanted everything....but managed to get everything RAA needs for less than $100.
5. Yiannis and I are planning Thanksgiving- if you're in town- and want to go to Manassahole- let me know!
6. I have the best parents in the world- should have probably made this #1.

Goodnight y'all!

Halfway Thru!!!

2009-11-17T19:42:00.002-05:00

Well, even without Baseball season to keep my blog fires burning- I'm more than halfway thru the National Blog Posting Month Challenge!

Today was the best and the worst of times....why is it that when something awesome is happening, somthing equally crappy also happens.

btw- Section 126, Row 14 will be my new home for JETS games. So, it's 13 rows back, but I feel incredibly lucky. Also- the new guy at work- PATRIOTS fan.

My boss had to go before congress again today- he should totally just change his zipcode. Hopefully, Congress is fatigued and tired of having the same hearing over and over- even if today's was about the state of the industry. Apparently, he made a joke about the Cleveland Browns....

Less Manic Monday

2009-11-16T17:28:00.002-05:00

I'm all website all the time, which means saving all the files from our current website. Which means tedious clicking and saving...work a prison inmate could do....Fortunately, I had a few things to break up the monotony of the day- Blade shuts it's doors (I only read it for the parties these days!), sent out a press release with an extra quote in it (I call it bonus, but sent out a revised version), followed up with mom and dad about Jets season tickets, met a new guy at work who went to LSU, saw a couple having sex on their couch with their windows open while I was on the roof a minute ago, had my weekly WHAT THE EFF IS WRONG WITH MIKE FRANCESSA AND HIS HATRED OF MARK SANCHEZ, Chipotle, Sunkist.

Now, have to get out of here in time to go watch Oprah at a friend's who Tivo'd it! WERD!

Same ole Jets? not for me...

2009-11-15T20:05:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday, I craved football...I must have thought 100 times that I would rather watch the JETS lose than not have any JETS love on a football Sunday. Well, a week later, I could have easily regretted thinking that - but I'll take the loss. A loss is a loss is a loss- 60-0 or losing in the final moments (as we have 3 of the past 4 games)...after a loss- I feel crappy- but I don't utter the words that every JETS fan I know says as they shake their head (or tweet!)- Same ole Jets. Bulldog said it as we walked back to his car after the stunning, frustrating, and miserable loss to a team that is as mediocre as the Jets....for him, he's lived this over and over like groundhog day since birth. He's got the entire repetoire of heartbreaking losses and the fleeting memories of the "greatest Jets games" of the past 32 years...more guts than glory. So, my best friend suffers from what all Jets fans suffer from- baggage. It's like Jets fans just haul around the biggest TravelPro suitcase filled with cinder blocks that represent numerous missed field goals, botched calls, poor clock management, prevent defenses that didn't prevent, touchdowns called back because of penalties, interceptions, lost fumbles, last second playoff losses, embarassing defeats, a slew of "let-down" game losses, moral victories, injuries, nostalgia, draft day scripts that turn into hysterical montages on youtube...you get the picture.
I've been schooled in Jets history- I get it- it's tough to be a Jets fan....always 2nd fiddle to the Dolphins forever, then the Bills, and now the Patriots...Just because I saw the Jets win 4 games during the first season I went with Bdog to the Meadowlands (including a playoff game against Peyton Manning's Colts) and I fell in love with a loveable, but injury prone Chad Pennington- doesn't mean that I thought (8 years ago) it was going to be as easy as a Republican winning a congressional seat in Texas! However, I have only 8 seasons of Jets memories...and the majority of them have been gut-wrenching, grunting, hand slamming down on table, silent car rides from the bar. So, today, as I stood with about 20 other Jets fans at the NY sports bar in DC....in stunned silence...I was disappointed, pissy with poor play calling, and baffled by the lack of defense- but I never had this overwhelming feeling that "THIS IS NEVER GOING TO GET BETTER".
The NY Jets are still magical and fabulous to me...I see some players (Revis, Sanchez, Pace, Thomas Jones) playing their hearts out- even if execution is lacking....the LAST thing on the planet I want to do is assume that I'm obviously a deranged individual because this team isn't worth loving. Do we really want Mark Sanchez to think that he's just another piece of a puzzle that is always missing 3 pieces? Is there a culture of doom that is in the Jets heads already?
Certainly, the Jets were a tease the first three games of the season- flashing their mighty defense and picking up Sanchez even as his rookie mistakes were woven into the story of 2009. And, to lose 3 games in the manner the Jets have managed to lose is definately disheartening. For those of us who are Mets fans too- we have an added layer of poo to wade through to get to the light at the end of the tunnel. True, I just assume that we can't stop the other team from scoring....I assume we can't convert on 3rd down, and that we will always have a holding penalty that brings back a big play. I'm a ball of nerves watching every game....I scream at the TV...and I yell "REALLY???" like I'm sitting at my desk with Al or something!

All this pontificating on a day when I took the first step in becoming a JETS season ticket holder. I can't think of any material thing that I want more than Jets season tickets...I'm so lucky that it's going to happen (fingers crossed). So, this is my team...even if my suitcase only has a couple of bricks in it....

btw- thanks to the Cowboys for sucking even more than the Jets did today...

Bama vs MSU- Paging: JOHN BOND

2009-11-14T16:19:00.004-05:00

okay- so I'm heading out to go watch the state game with BULLDOG....can you imagine if I went to Alabama? Would I have nicknamed him "TIDE"? I think not...lol.

anyway, he knows that I have trouble stomaching intense games and would probably change the channel if it weren't for him- practically TORTURING ME WITH EVERY PLAY. :-) j/k I mostly really need someone to listen to me scream and armchair quarterback and because I like to spread MSU love around the world...nothing like doing that with a couple of guys who went to George Washington University. lol BUT, Bulldog should know, if he ever wanted me to go to a GW football, basketball, or baseball game that I would totally be game for it.

So ,in case I'm miserable tomorrow, thanx Bulldog for suffering through ALL these seasons with me ...me on your couch....stomping and yelling in my non-inside voice.

it can happen y'all- GO STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

friday quickie!

2009-11-13T20:03:00.000-05:00

Forgot to blog for my blog challenge! And going to dinner and movie with Bully so have to try and bberry it! Friday turned out awesome....can't wait for MKE 2010! Wore maroon and MSU garb today! Hopefully- I can hear the cowbells all the way in DC tomorrow nite!

I may be fabulous...BUT

2009-11-12T19:27:00.004-05:00

I can NOT run a meeting. Maybe it's payback for all the times I used to talk in class, or get in trouble for passing notes or writing love letters to Jody Bailey in 5th grade. Typically, I've always felt that wherever I'm working (or for whichever candidate I worked for) that there was something uniquely special about [insert cause, candidate, campaign]. But, what I've realized is that all business is the same...all campaigns are the same. And, people worry about the same things in EVERY company or campaign- there are always risks and differences of opinion. I've never had an easy job- ever. I love my job now, but it's not an easy job. I work with amazing people who all are very devoted to our industry and to the association. I'm the new kid on the block- and while ignorance is bliss....I feel strong enough to look at all pieces of a puzzle and say positively that "this is what we're doing....we're not the first people to do this....have a little vision". So, far, I'm barely batting on the mendoza line (wiki that if you don't know what that is).
I request things in person, by email, walking to the bathroom, on the phone....[insert crickets]. Maybe it's the southern in me- I can't bring myself to say "you are holding up this project- just give me the darn list!" or "I have no idea what part of the plane you just described" or "can you explain that to me like I'm 3 years old" (I mean, I need help too...I don't understand a lot of what folks talk about around here- it's not my job to understand the rules on the tarmac or how wind shear (sp?) affects [insert some other really technical aviation term]. I want to understand- but it's not imperative that I have more than a working knowledge of these things. I understand the basics- I get that taking off and landing require more skill than auto-pilot...I understand why planes don't take off in ice storms, and I now know OODLES of fun stuff about fatigue management. Everyone is Soooooo helpful- and all our members (probably without even realizing) educate me on a daily basis about the nuts and bolts of aviation. I'm so grateful to everyone who has taken half an hour to explain something really complicated to me- especially for my boss who understands that it's not always apparent what every relationship is between the mainline and regional partners...these are things that I'm learning- but i'm not a rocket scientist.
I. am. however- in love with my job...and meetings, and membership, and public relations, and dealing with nasty phone calls, and making our associate and airline members happy. Oh- how could I forget the database and the website- these things make me SMILE, not ANGST CRAZY!
Some think I'm an over-planner- that I want to plan everything out and set things in concrete and that's that- nothing could be further from the truth. I'm sure after today, people think I can't handle dissent- but I would say "no, I can't handle it when everyone illogically jumps to conclusions". I don't want to ruin any part of our convention or our association in general. But, I can NOT take eyes, and non-verbal signals, and huffs, and puffs...and people talking over people- I don't understand how I missed this very important part of business- running a meeting. There were times today, when I couldn't even CORRECT people- and, I guess my argument wouldn't have been very good anyway because I don't understand how we can be so different that we can't try new things.

In the end, the meeting was a disaster, save for ONE component that I truly feel victorious about- registration. My boss would be so disappointed in me for spending 4 hours in a meeting and having really only 1 thing to show for it. All I can do is try and make the next meeting better. But, I'm so sad right now that I can't communicate properly.

There is no golden glove for being fabulous!

2009-11-11T18:52:00.002-05:00

The National League Gold Glove awards were released today- and pretty much no surprise. CONGRATULATIONS to Ryan Zimmerman- 3rd base- Wasington Natinals. I tend to heart the z-man because he really likes playing in the baseball butthole of the world- and even though Bob Carpenter really irks me with his assertation that the METS SURE WOULD LIKE RYAN ZIMMERMAN (uhm, over David wright- I doubt it BOB)- I will not let that destroy my appreciation for baseball played the right way. Also- congrats to Michael Bourn- the amazing Astros centerfielder who makes the most ridiculous catches and assists.

I just woke up from a 3 hour nap- Fall Meeting is always tough because it's in DC- and it's weird to not stay in the hotel where you do the meeting- I find it to be less fun and more tiring...or maybe it was the 6:30 arrival I had this morning to the Hilton...either way- my presentation went fine. AMC is a tough crowd- I smile a lot, they don't. I am thrilled at the who the AMC selected as their new chair because he is ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE ON EARTH. and, he smiles and hugs.

Gil the thrill, john, pepperlicious, The Lundie, mamma Faye (yes, I made an analogy to the new RAA website and Faye's baby Julian) were all fabulous- and the incredible Mary ellen sent me all kinds of links to the most amazing eyeliner sparkle stuff. must. have. immediately.

Oh- and for you night/early morning owls- I sat thru an amazing fatigue study Dr. Hans from WSU presented- apparently, if we're up for 12 hours or 80 hours...there are times of the day when we can still be amazingly alert....though there is an increase in errors after 9:00 am the more hours you stay awake. was the most interesting non-aviation but aviation applicable thing that I learned about.

3 Nuggets: Burger King cheesy tots get an A+; my boss is still funny when it comes to technology; i'm still not an office manager.

Randy Babbitt, Amanda Sena, John Karamanian, and the most AMAZING BOARD OF DIRECTORS EVER

2009-11-10T21:38:00.005-05:00

Okay- so I was afraid I wasn't going to make my post for the day. BUT, I owe y'all this.

1. Randy Babbitt may be the nicest political appointee I've ever met. Also, he made a point to thank me for working with his office to set up his big speech at the RAA meeting today. He gets bonus points for eating his hotel chicken.

2. Amanda Sena is one of the coolest girls I know- and y'all know how annoying I find many girls= well, she's an army vet/PR guru/Miss DC/tweets more than I do/can handle press better than me/bikes 6 miles every morning before I even hit my snooze button.

3. John Karamanian- has been comign to RAA conventions since before I was born. He gives then best hugs, and ALWAYS says thank you.

4. Our board is made up of all airline CEOs....and no, I don't make the analogy to "Mad Men"....they are all very smart, and very nice, and carry the weight of the world on their shoulders- the airline industry gets dumped on, and kicked around, and no one ever pays attentino the amazing things that they give this country every day.

also- the amazing Faye re-appeared. We aer SOOOO lucky to have her working for us on the hill. <3s!

It counts!

2009-11-08T18:01:00.003-05:00

This is a super skinny blog post because I'm swamped at the office- and it's dark on a Sunday night.

1. I'm over my anger about the Stupak amendment in the House healthcare reform bill. By my being angry over ONE aspect of an incredibly progressive healthcare bill- I'm letting one issue define progress. I refuse to be as close minded as the Republicans who feel they are ordained by Jesus himself to legislate morality.... though, how many of them voted to help their neighbors last night. ONE man. Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao- (he's the man who replaced William Jefferson in SOLA)

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-tang/ahn-joseph-cao-the-surpri_b_150038.html&cp

2. Steny Hoyer- is a ROCKSTAR.

3. I would rather have the stress of a JETS game than not. I find that this weekend has been a big heap of blahhh.

4. Tomorrow- our fall membership meeting begins- everyone, get ready to do the Safety dance! Even PBS will get into the action on tuesday- sending a camera crew from Frontline to cover FAA Administrator Babbitt's speech. So, far today, everything went smooth except for one person who felt like we were NOT giving her her due 15 minutes of fame.

On the 7th Day...

2009-11-07T18:04:00.004-05:00

Soooooooo I actually blogged everyday this week- So, TAKE THAT NATIONAL BLOG POSTING MONTH GURUS! :-) If only I could commit to something more important than my blog for an entire week- like no carbs, no NY sports radio, actually taking the bus to work every morning, etc.

So, I didn't go into the office today- instead I did laundry, had a manicure and got my eyebrow waxed. Tomorrow, I will get everything done though- I did start working on my presentation to the AMC... and let's remember that I am a powerpoint princess- end of story.

Watching Parking Wars-Philly- one of the ticket officers is actually crying because this man said he couldn't afford to buy diapers now b/c she gave him a ticket. So, the tally of nice people in Philly is up to 7.9. I always feel better about whatever little insignificant thing is bothering me after I watch Parking Wars.

*sigh* I can NOT wait for the Fall Meeting to be over- and then it's time to start planning Turkey Day!!!!!!!!!! paging; YIANNIS.

NaPoBloMo - day 6- swirly musings

2009-11-06T22:42:00.002-05:00

Okay- so I was having a little bit of a meltdown before "documentary movie night" worried that i may not be able to pull bulldog off the computer long enough to get a few sentences in for my blog posting challenge.

I thought I might have 49 pink cows today at my fabulous job. Note to self: if you are an excel guru, and you impress the socks off your boss during your first few Excel-challenges- he will think that there is NOTHING you can't do (or in this case REDO 5 times). Truth: Everyone at RAA is ridiculously busy- but NOT everyone is busy redo-ing things that were final 18 times.
Also- if people attending meetings would learn to follow instructions like deadline for hotel blocks, registration deadlines for head counts (helleaux- WHO WANTS TO HAVE NO FOOD AT THE END OF THE LINE- or worse, what if we run out of imported beer becuase YOU (x40) didn't let us know you were coming), and do it all with a smile- the world of association meetings would go much smoother. Thankfully, I work with awesome people who let me be a little crazy- and no one expects me to be superwoman either- plus, I love my job that I kind of enjoy the chaos.

We're watching a documentary (made by a guy bulldog was friends with growing up in upstate New York)- called Moving Midway - about a town in the south who is tearing down an old plantation- and the divide it causes between white and black residents. I'm looking forward to it even though my first response was "what does anyone from upstate New York know about race relations in the south"? Then I remembered that my best friend in the world is from upstate New York and he has never made a single presumption about me or Mississippi- so I'll give the documentary a chance.

Plus, since there is no chance Ole Miss will lose this weekend playing a junior college in Arizona, MSU is on a bye week, my jetsies are on a bye week, there is not even Yanks/philies baseball, nor college basketball to distract me- I thought I might as well learn something instead of aimlessly wandering through my weekend- though, i plan on working all day tomorrow building the NEW RAA website, and then spend Sunday working on my (not that important- but very needed) presentation to our Associate Member Council- who I call "my peeps" becuase these are the associate members (non-airlines) who make the planes, fix the planes, engineer greener more efficient planes, provide ground support to planes, train aviation professionals, etc- these are the the folks who make my job necessary- so I'm thrilled that I get to actually do a presentation about our plans for the next year- more than that, I'm thrilled that 12-15 executives from amazing companies care what I have to say. I spend a lot of time posting things about our airline members- but many times, the most colorful characters in our industry are the suppliers and manufacturers.

It's quite chilly out in DC tonight...it's a good thing that it's Gingerbread latte season.

Ft. Hood- Is War worth it?

2009-11-05T20:10:00.004-05:00

I was extremely busy today- I didn't even know until I called Bulldog around 4:30 that anything horrible happened today. After a company wide town hall meeting where the financial situation seems pretty dire, resigning myself to paying extra for healthcare next year, and thinking big picture- I have a great job, and just because there will be no raise or no bonus does NOT measure the value of my work or my value to the company. I got more worked up about the announcement that a task force was formed to discuss the use of "out of office" messagees in Outlook. Corporate America can be funny. I feel valued though, and that's something I have the perspective to undertand doesn't always happen.

But no matter what anyone at the Smitty B feels about their job, none of us are Dr. Nadel crazy- none of us are so petrified of doing something that we feel like we need to go on a shooting spree. Perspective y'all.

but, a larger issue is whether or not the mental health of our soldiers can ever really be treatedZ? seeing horrible acts of war - a war that has NO clear goals and NO end in sight must seem futile for many. I never bought into George Bush's idea that somehow the folks in Iraq attacked America. It has been proven over and over- maybe the people who don't understand the definition of communism, or who thinks that Sarah Palin has foreign affairs experience are blind to this, but certainly EVEN if we were retaliating against Iraq- is the cost of war still worth it? Iraq is not going to attack America- I'm sorry world- it's just not going to happen- We're more likely to have poor people in America killing and keeping bodies of 11 people in their home or shooting their family...or 75 suicides at Ft. Hood in the past 5 years. Chris Matthews made a great point that folk sin WWII hardly talked about the war. (except for my Uncle Mike who loved to tell me about the battle of the Midway)- now, the pressure is to talk, talk, talk and now this horrible situation sheds light on the enormity of war. My heart just is so sad that anyone would destroy the lives of our brave men and women like this...

One year ago today, bulldog and I watched the election returns come in, i cried, we drove by the white house- the ENTIRE CITY was electric- people hugging, dancing in the street....I still can't believe the magic of Obama's election- it's sad that 1 year later, someone in service to America destroyed civility and the lives of so many people.

NaBloPoMo Day 4- Swirly Musings

2009-11-04T20:27:00.004-05:00

If Yanni and Paula Deen had a baby- it would be biscuits and feta. Also, if you don't get home from work until 8, and you put your hot pink flannel PJs on for the first time of the year, wander into the kitchen, open the fridge and see maybe 8 things and start mentally arranging the options - that's also what you end up with. I have to say- me likie!

Had to kill a ginormous house centipede that clearly was preggers b/c the moment I sprayed it with raid and trapped it with a cup on my bedroom wall...it expelled a string of baby centipedes. G.R.O.S.S. Folks think Mississippi has strange critters- but here was have the creepiest crickets that look like aliens and these house centipedes that apparently are great for eating spiders, etc- but, I'm pretty great at killing spiders so I don't need nature's help. Really.

Today, our fabulous COO, Julie Silverstein (COO of "the company" SmithBucklin not of RAA) was our featured speaker at our monthly STAR meeting (okay, I admit- this was the first STAR meeting I've attended in the 18 months I've had the most fabulous job ever. But, Julie rocks- and she would be an amazing SNL character because she's very animated...and funny. Also, she (like the famous Diana Lundie) was once a coordinator at SmithBucklin- LIKE ME- so it's very inspiring to have someone leading your company who totally knows what it is like to do exactly what you do. The only downside- I learned she is a Yankees fan. In the grander concept- she believes that being a rabid sports fan actually is very healthy for the soul- a great way to escape everything else. Since she has lived in Chicago for eons- I was disappointed that she hasn't adopted the heart of a Cubs fan...Also, she never got a masters degree and doesn't see a Masters as a "must have" to be successful. She believes in intangibles- things that can't be taught- things that you learn and develop in the real world. That's a relief to me who sometimes worries that because I graduated from college early, and jumped into work and never got a masters that somehow I'm less valuable. Glad to know that it's a personal preference for many folks.
If anyone is interested, I really did plan to attend the GW Graduate School of Political Management- but in the 3rd year of my first job in DC when I was working for a successfuly political consulting firm- my boss asked me to make an outline and help him with a presentation - because he was going to guest lecture at the GSPM. Many of the guest lecturers I was working with anyway on a daily basis- I figured, i could save my money and just learn on the job. My only educational regret is not learning more statistical analysis or very high-end database management.

Oh, is there a baseball game on tonight?

NATIONAL BLOG POSTING MONTH- DAY 3-

2009-11-03T23:04:00.001-05:00

I'm really really tired...but I'm trying to keep my promise to myself to blog everyday for a month- it's not as if I have nothign to say- it's that I'm a sleepy gal.
I met up with my cousin Mary Katherine tonight for supper- at the Dubliner- complete with an irish lad singing. On christmas eve each year, Aunt Katherine always makes Reuban sandwiches for mom, dad, aunt Kathleen, MK, Patrick, me and Uncle Harvey. Since Mary Katherine is always with her inlaws at Christmas now, we decided to have corned beef reubans tonight- since it's been years since we've enjoyed it during Christmas. That might not sound that exciting-and it certainly doesn't make much sense for a family in the middle of Mississippi to have something so unsouthern as corned beef- but I think part of the fun used to be what an accomplishment it was for Aunt Katherine to find corned beef..,and for many years, you had to drive 40 minutes or so to find a place that sold swiss cheese- so we always looked forward to it. do I sound like I'm 80 years old with this story? probably.

Bulldog pointed out that this weekend both MSU and the JETS have off weeks- and baseball (barring a hurricane or massive rain storm) will be over by the weekend so there will be absolutly NO fan opportunities for me. I guess it means I won't be moody- no chance for any of my teams to lose, but it's one of the ONLY weekends all year that I don't have some kind of "going to watch the game" plans. Hopefully, the .awf site will be ready and I can work on moving the entire RAA website this weekend. I feel like I just can't take anytime off until that is done. It's the most ambitious project I've ever worked on since I gave up doing the political thing in 2004- and we're doing a data audit at the same time, so I'm making lots of decisions with people who know nothing about our association- and today, I actually heard myself getting louder than usual and finally said "I don't think any of you can read my mind, so just tell me who I need to talk to about _______". Isn't that the MOST frustrating work relationship ever?

I forgot that today was election day. Does that make me a horrible person? I hope not- I don't believe that Virginia and NJ are representative samples of the rest of the country. Very few people are actually from Virginia- and Republicans in New Jersey are like the left wing of the Mississippi Democratic Party.

Philadelphia Newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer Accidentally Hails Phillies As World Series Champions After Game 4 Loss - WPIX

2009-11-02T17:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! My favorite time of year- baseball season may very well end tonight. Apparently, the awesome folks at the Philly Inquirer thought that it ended last night. There is a time machine in the bathroom.

Philadelphia Newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer Accidentally Hails Phillies As World Series Champions After Game 4 Loss - WPIX

I've been listening to WFAN's Mike Francessa all afternoon- parlaying all the reasons the JETS suck and all the reasons why the NY Yankees are destiny's darling. Why do I listen to this crap? I might as well be listening to the Ole Miss campus radio station or something. He is just so biased and mean. He doesn't understand what it's like to be a fan. He thinks Mets and Jets fans are stupid and miserable. I mean- why would you ever be a fan of the 2nd class teams of NYC when you can take the easier route- Well, before I ever met my favorite ambassador from the state of NY, Bulldog, I hated the Yankees. Except for Yogi Berra who always gets a pass because he is 48 kinds of awesomeness!!!!!!

True, I haven't been a JETS fan forever- but I fell in love with the JETS after game 1...and Bulldog has educated and schooled me well in all the heartache and frustration and lost brain cells that ensues. Still, I was unable to NOT LOVE the J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!

Today, Mike Francessa was just horrendous- why would I want to STOP BEING A JETS FAN BECAUSE WE HAVE NO SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY MAKERS!???!? That's ridiculous....I've been a MSU Bulldog my entire life without a championship. I mean- REALLY- for some New Yorkers, winning is everything- it's the only thing- it's perfectly normal to believe that if you have the most money, you win. If you have the establishment, you win.

Fine. I'm not a New Yorker- but I would align the Jets & Mets with pretty much in line with all my other beliefs- try hard, do your best, love 'em even when it's tough, never give up, winning isn't everything, heart always beats bank accounts.

that being said- it's 103 days unti pitchers and catchers report. I can NOT wait.

Sundays and all that stuff

2009-11-01T21:46:00.002-05:00

I'm trying the National Blog Posting Month thing because last year I failed miserably with the national novel writing month project- I think better in small doses I guess. Also, I have a lot to say and it's never really organized that well, so blogging is better.
Of course, if this was during baseball season, I would haven no problem rambling on with my musings. Now, it's the beginning of hibernation for me- the long, dreaded winter which I still don't like even after living here for almost a decade.
There is NO length requirement for daily blog posting that I can try and be more rockin' later this week.
In the meantime- I love my BULLDOGS, I want to throw a hotdog at the JETS special teams players, and as long as the Yankees and phillies series keeps going and I can watch both teams completely self-destruct in the process- I call it a WIN! I have a crazy busy week at work on the horizon- I'm the only one who does what I do per se at the office- sometimes, like this week, I wish I had a clone of myself.
Also- thinking about Thanksgiving- I'm hoping we do the peasants feast thing again this year- so I can go all Paula Deen on my friends again. I should start stocking up on butter now. Yiannis, I'm looking at you.

Y'all want some swirlywand awards?
Swirlywand JETS husband of the week: Mr. Braylon Edwards- for being exactly WHO I was afraid you wouldn't be and nothing like I was afraid you would be.

The "I really love you- and you'll be great one day- but stop spiking the ball" Award: MARK SANCHEZ. Hotdogs or not- we needed a win today. And though no one at the bar saw the illegal shift that kept the JETS 5 points down- it's your job to get in the endzone.

Best. Movie. Location. Ever Award: STATE OF PLAY for so prominently featuring Heller's Bakery and the Mount P! Even if it's not an El Savadoran neighborhood. lol

Football Season is in the air!!!!!!!!

2009-09-11T18:48:00.006-04:00

Thanks to the METS playing only for pride, there were no distractions for me this coming weekend- like going to Philly for the Mets series...which means, I'm all football all the time- at least thru September. Now, some of y'all may remember that last year when MSU played Auburn, it was the worst sports disaster weekend ever for me- b/c we lost 3-2 in FOOTBALL to Auburn (i mean, really guys...), Brett Favre looked like CRAP in the JETS home opener (which we witnessed in person) against the Patriots, the Mets lost to the Braves in ridiculously awful fashion and thus were on their way to coughing up the division for the 2nd straight year. BUT, the kicker- and this is where I'm sure I'm the only person who was able to experience the sports disaster trifecta because as an Astros fan (they were just a game out of the wild card at this point), I thought we would at least END the Sunday drive back from NY by listening to the Astros game...but Hurricane Ike meant- they were playing IN MILWAUKEE (not a smart move b/c how can you expect players to play when their families are riding out a hurricane!- but anyway aside from being moody about that - they were in a pennant race for goodness sake)- against the Cubs (hello- home game for the Cubs) and NOT ONLY DID THE ASTROS LOSE - but they managed to lose in grand fashion- with Carlos Zambrano throwing a complete game NO-HITTER. So, by the time Bulldog dropped me off at my place on Sunday night...I was convinced that the combination of being a MSU, Jets, Mets, Astros fan was a psychological hazard.
SO- with that behind me!!!!!!
And with that being said, there is NO way that I can be disappointed by all 4 teams this weekend...this time, I'm hopeful that either the Bulldogs or Jets will make my heart smile. But I have a secret weapon too...I'm not expecting great things this year from either team- both with new head coaches, new approaches, and NEW players (helleaux- Mark Sanchez!). It's just the excitement of watching young players try and do something, anything...and I'm crossing my fingers that MSU will score more than 2 points this time- thus making anything an improvement. :-)

I'm picking the Jets to go 9-8, but just miss the playoffs. I'm picking the Patriots to win the division. That pains me to say...but, I'm realistic. At least this year, we have a quarterback..our own quarterback- not some semi-retired, egotistical, secretly injured, hard headed hall of fame quarterback who was 3 years older than our head coach. So, for better or worse- at least we have a work in progress...not a one and done mess.

I'm overly excited to watch the MSU vs Auburn game tomorrow night...with my baby cowbell safely seasoned from David Wade Stadium/Scott Field (whatever it's called now)...there are so many things to be proud of, and with all the attention on that other school to the north- very little pressure for MSU to be anything but average at best....and I embrace the underdog or in this case (the underbulldog!)....and I'm also learning patience! So, LET'S GO STATE! Play your hearts out....and uhm...give Dixon the ball.

Also, Fall has started to Fall upon us in our nation's capital. It's crisp, rainy, cool, and definately not flipflop weather anymore....I wasn't expecting this as I have all my long sleeve MSU shirts packed up somewhere- so that will be my project tonight. After being home with my parents for 2 weeks, I'm feeling like my apartment is too messy...my mom is "miss clean and neat and uncluttered"...I think it's a safe to blame my complete opposite behaviour on the fact that I'm adopted and thus, did not inherit the spic-n-span gene from my sweet mom. But, that's my other project tonight....also, packing up the baseball stuff and replacing it with with football stuff...

Swirlywand Baseball Awards (August 10-23)- 2 week edition

2009-08-24T10:56:00.003-04:00

The "If it hasn't happened since 1927, there was NO way it would elude happening to the NY MEts" award- goes to Eric Bruntlett who after having 2 errors in the bottom of the 9th inning managed to turn an unassisted triple play. A feat so rare that it became the 4th more searched term on google late yesterday afternoon.

The "Aren't you glad football season starts soon moment" Award: A complete microcosm of the NY Mets season was wrapped into this past weekend. But, I think Oliver Perez's inability to get 3 outs in the top of the 1st sums it up best. Bring on my Bulldogs and the J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets.

The "Diamond in the Rough" Award: Even with Daniel Murphy's walk off on August 16th...I have to be honest and say that Jeff "Frenchie" Francouer has become my darling of the Mets. Not only does he play like he gives a darn, but he is brand new to the Phillies rivalry, and gets it- even if we aren't in it, he gets it. He and David Wright are like smiley twins...and I like it. his amazing catch yesterday in the bottom of the 8th inning (that kept the METS in it) may put him on the official Mets rite of passage- the DL...but, Frenchie, I was wrong, I say I'm wrong- I LOVE YOU.

The "Party like it's 1969" award: NOLAN RYAN! I LOVE YOU. I love that you finally made it back to a jets jersey- if for only one night. I love that when I was a kid I used to proclaim that you were my neighbor (except you were really just about 3 miles away from where I lived)...I love that you laugh at pitch counts today....and I love that when I was falling in love with the NY Mets, my dad said "well, nolan ryan was a Met first- I think it's okay for you to be a mets fan".

Of all the things that has happened this season- Church missing 3rd base which cost us a game against the Dodgers, players running past each other on the bases, walking in the winning run, etc....OH Luis Castillo's pop up against the Yankees- all of those people are off the hook in the Mets 2009 because they were trumped by baseball history yesterday. But, as 2 of my fave radio guys on WFAN said "let's get all this nonsense out of the system this year"...because these things DO NOT HAPPEN TO OTHER TEAMS. I dare you to find a more bizarre team in baseball ever- this aside from the 92 different line-ups the Mets have had this year, and Scott Boras completely #($&)#* ing the mets with an overpriced Ollie P, and the record number (I think we're up to 18) of folks on the DL - from the 40 man roster-- I don't think that it's possible to find one.

I just hope we can get being the victim of a no-no or perfect game out of the way today. Maybe that will make Phillies fans happy- since they seem to still be wanting to fight the METS fans...I don't know what else they want.

Upstate NY is a lot like Mississippi

2009-08-18T10:46:00.004-04:00

But with the baseball hall of fame, Jets training camp, and "the track"....
1192 Miles in 3 days. I wouldn't call it a vacation...because there was no relaxing...and trust me when I say, driving in a car with us is not relaxing because we laugh more than any two people on the planet. I'm very grateful for this...I don't think there anyone else on the planet that I could spend this much time with routinely in small, confined places - like his car!

Anyway- I've posted many pics already- and I'm likely to be completely useless talking about anything else for a while because this really was the most fun sports weekend in a long time. Now, I have a gozillion things to do at work...it's Annual Report time, it's everything time all the time- and the 2010 convention is creeping up on me...so I'm leaving y'all with the photo album from the weekend. If I can get the video to load, i'll post it too!

Upstate NY Sports-travaganza Roadtrip

A week's worth of random thoughts....

2009-08-13T12:02:00.008-04:00

Dog Days of Summer! I've been compiling a lot of stuff lately to post....

Yesterday: I actually have a lull in work today….I’m between a thousand projects, and on the cusp of the maddening 2010 convention which takes up just about all my time from Labor day to Memorial Day (minus Opening Day! Ha!)….I came in super early this morning, and my boss asked “why?”- my boss ALWAYS thinks that everything takes about 3 minutes to do, and can’t possibly imagine why I would be in early. He makes me laugh- and I’m so lucky to have The Roge who is light years ahead in communication and work morale than my previous boss The “Catch the Door” Lady. I don’t need to devolve into those stories, but some days/weeks I feel so fortunate to not only love my job, but work in a place where I’m appreciated and HAPPY. And while current events mean that it’s not always sunny in regionals land….it is always sunny on the east side of the 8^th floor!

Today: The USDOT office of inspector general came over to interview The Roge on pilot fatigue, experience, etc...I have to say I was pretty impressed- and endlessly fascinated by the industry I work in...though, I'm on the periphery of the aviation industry- so regulations and labor laws and auto-pilot are not my area of specialty here so anytime I can learn more about the guts of the industry, I'm in heaven! I also like getting a glimpse of how vital what we do every day is to America's economy. Regional airlines will fly over half (51.6%) of departures in August 09- that's not folks flying from NY to Los Angeles- it's people who have to fly from Atlanta to Houston or Jackson, MS to anywhere.

Normally, I look forward to afternoon baseball games on the radio- to serenade me with great calls, useless information, etc while I dive headfirst into iMIS or clean my shelves. Now, I kind of feel like it’s listening to really bad comedy stand up guy…except that the METS are still my team. Even though I sent Bulldog a nasty message last night telling him that I HATE BASEBALL AND I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT BOTH OF MY TEAMS HAVE DESTROYED MY LOVE OF THE GAME…Of course, I didn’t mean it. The truth is I would be the world’s biggest hypocrite if I “hated baseball” just because both my teams are struggling. I love baseball… as Tommy Lasorda says “It’s your duty, Judy!”….and any day (even for teams not in a pennant race)- anything can happen- something amazing- something that’s never happened before. For the Astros, I’m confident in their ability to get it together- they are still in the race….and apparently, they have the Cardinals number…so I’m not jumping ship.

As far as the Mets go…well, I have to say that the past 2 years when the Mets blew 1^st place over the course of the final 2 weeks of the season, it was a sudden, desperate, plunge to concrete…I used to say “it sure is nice to be in it (the race)”…but now, I think the long slow end of the season is better. Bring on some hope for next year…start filling in the future of the Mets so the off-season becomes meaningful….not a gut-wrenching wait to see what happens. The team psychology has been totally screwed since Carlos Beltran watched strike 3 in the bottom of the 9^th in 2006….I’m not on the “break up the CORE-now” side of the argument. I want Carlos Beltran every day. I want Jose Reyes and David Wright everyday. I want KROD, Johan, and Big Pelf EVERYDAY. And I even want Frenchie….and of course, my 09 baseball husband, Daniel Murphy EVERYDAY. That was the team that was supposed to happen this year…but that team has been destroyed by injuries. I’ve been saying for weeks, if you lose 1/3 of your team to injury- it’s not fair to say they don’t have passion, heart, will to win. What they don’t’ have is everyday starting talent….So, while my twitter page rants and raves with crazed late night bleeps of baseball agony. The truth is that I love baseball…no matter what.

Last year, I wrote a really nasty post about Scott Schoenweis (pictured below in the black sweatshirt) who after the final game of 2008 said “some things are more important than baseball”- his wife Gabriella had just given birth to a premature baby that was in critical condition. He was just so unmoved by the end of the season- and just the week before, I watched him NOT take part in pitching drills- but instead sign autographs with the dreaded Aaron Heilman up and down the 3^rd base side. I was floored by his disinterest in improving his crappy game…and wondered how he could be walking around laughing and joking with folks when the Mets hadn’t won a game in eons at that point and were now a game or 2 out of first place. And, yes, everyone felt awful about his baby….I think most mets fans thought – well, he probably shouldn’t be at the game if he’s just going to offer non-motivational support by reminding everyone baseball doesn’t really matter (even if in the grand scheme of my life – it doesn’t matter- it’s just a game)…BUT IT IS THEIR JOB. They are professional baseball players, it is their job to care every day. When I don’t care…when the press doesn’t care…THEY are supposed to care. I can’t just walk into work and say “it is what it is”…. So, the news yesterday that Scott Schoenweis was going back to the DL with depression (after he spent 3 weeks on bereavement leave following the mysterious death of his wife and mother of his 4 children)- made me very sad. Mets fans were so hard on him…we boo’d him…we yelled at him…stomped our feet…some called him scum (I don’t believe in that)….others (me!) wrote entire rants and raves about HOW HE DIDN’T DESERVE TO WEAR A BASEBALL UNIFORM….well, what the eff do I know? I got all teary eyed while driving and listening to his manager talk about how Scott was still keeping all 4 kids with no help except family and planned on being a single father. I think baseball might be the only job where it’s darn near impossible to NOT have help to be a single parent…because of the road trips- having a 8 month old is pretty tough…so, I was stunned by his devotion to his family. Everyday he must feel unimaginable pain, and obviously, if the family has sealed the cause of death, it can’t be a pretty scenario that he has to deal with. So, Scott Schoenweis, I was wrong- you actually aren’t a horrible person. I wish you NOTHING but the best, and I am SO sorry for your loss.

I’m excited about this weekend on the horizon…it’s not quite a vacation because it involves getting up at 3:00 am, and then again at 6:00 am and then again at 6:00 am and then my return to work on Tuesday at 9:00 am…but, I am going to cram as much of upstate and western New York in as I can! I love New York City…but not as much as I love the other parts (like Westchester County- where I could literally spend a lifetime I think in Hastings-On-the-Hudson! It’s like Weir, but it’s a 20 minute train ride from Grand Central!

I’m coming home to Weir at the end of the month….and get to be home for my parents 45^th Wedding Anniversary, eat lots of catfish, and see MSU play football…and see Niles and Jason! Hopefully, even get a little time in with some old classmates from Weir!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards (August 3-9)

2009-08-10T12:54:00.005-04:00

First, let me start off by saying that I hate the Yankees. This isn't breaking news, but the Yankees "Boston Massacre - circa 2009" has revived my hatred of America's most over-paid, group of individuals, impersonating a team. My dad raised me to hate the Yankees....he, of course, is a RedSox fan from back in the day b/c as he likes to say "it's the only game he could tune into in Panhandle that wasn't the Cardinals"....so, way before I was a fan of the other "bless their heart" team in New York, I hated the Yankees. (except for Yogi Berra- who I still have a soft spot for- again, thanks to my Dad who I think must know every Yogi-ism in history). But my incredible dislike for the Yanks has intensified after spending way too much time in the Big Apple...they complain when they win, they complain when they lose, their fans even walk around with an arrogance that would make Paris Hilton proud. They are the only team in baseball who has no spending cap. They set a HORRIBLE example- there is no hard work ethic, no playing as a team-- just simply- hire the absolute best people no matter what the cost. Money can buy you anything.

To my two loves- the Astros and the Mets both took one step forward and a gozillion steps back this past week. Mets won 2 games. Should have won 4....but Blow-Rod blew 2 saves in the 9th....the Astros made it through the week without Roy and Wandy....but still won a series against the BrewCrew....and WANDY was great yesterday in his return (ROY comes back tomorrow!). The season is not over...I refuse to believe anything close to that. Remember, the 2005 Astros? Who made the greatest comeback to make the playoffs (before the Rockies did the next year!)....and what about that nice 11 game cushion the Mets had in 2007? HA! Exactly- if we can lose the last two weeks of the year, why can't we shock folks and win the last two weeks of the year. Both my teams have something play for.... Some things I'm looking forward to:
Roy finishing with 15 wins- it could happen!!!!!!! HE has to be PERFECT the rest of the way..but I'm confident he'll at least get to 12.
Daniel Murphy (HEARTS!!!!) should play EVERY single day even if Delgado comes back.
Billy Wagner could get mangled in the waiver wire and go back to Houston to finish his season- as an extra closer to help build him up as a free agent. (I'm still so confused about how this works- so, I'm not using "cleared waivers" )

Swirlywand Baseball Husband of the Week: I'm picking the dark horse- Nelson Figuerora....he was on my SSL (short sh*t List) after lasting barely an inning in his 2nd start of the year- he came in and ROCKED the Cards and hit a triple...on a day, when there was NO way anyone would have given the METS a chance in heck to win anything. So, he narrowly beats out Jason Michaels (some Astros guy I didn't even know was on the team until he became a homerun, double hitting machine....I LOVE it when I don't pay attention, and then am drawn into a guy's big comeback! good job Astros!) AND JOHAN SANTANA who continues to be a show stopper- and while all the other Mets abandoned their facial hair pledge- JOhan is still rocking his beard- why? because he isn't giving up. And that's a great attitude to have!

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: It makes me giggle now when I give out this award b/c well....sadly, they are still my team. Last week, we lost our starting 2nd baseman when he was running up out of the clubhouse steps to come back on the field- presumably, the most expensive tinkle break in history. And, then Jon Niese (a pitching prospect so fabulous that he has been mentioned as a deal breaker with the Indians, Blue Jays, and Natinals) who was starting in the place of Fernando Nieve who was starting for the injured John Maine got hurt- they Mets are now letting relief pitchers "audition" for starting rotation spots. Yes, laugh. It's that funny. What wasn't funny was the pitch that sealed Niese's fate- if you watch the replay- where he throws the pitch and then crumples to the ground- it is very very painful to watch.

"Stay Classy San Diego Award"- Well, this past week was flooded with nominees. Nominee #1: Brad Thompson throwing a pitch at David Wright's head in a game where the Cards were losing miserably. Truth is, PuPu wasn't hit intentionally. David Wright's got a pretty head- please leave it alone opposing teams. And, REALLY? Is it a compliment that zinging David's head means that the Cardinals think David Wright is somehow equal to the PuPu? No one could ever be the Pu Pu, but I'll take David Wright anyday over the Pu Pu. Not because I'm blind, but because I like scrappy.
Nominee #2: Josh Hamilton- bless his heart- I have friends who have done all the things Josh Hamilton was photographed doing back in March in Arizona. I don't think it's a big deal that he had a drink of alcohol...or that he let a girl do a shot out of his pant's zipper (to each their own- I'm not judging)....but to envelope yourself in the cloak of family values and have about a gozillion "how-to" Christian videos published about you and your beautiful wife- is a little overboard. I think we all would have liked you just fine if you were just yourself- human- not Superman. Just look at Alex Rodriguez....he's proof- America loves a winner! ha! I will still cheer for you....
Nominee #3: Shane Dictorino...really? YOu didn't think charging the infield to go after the UMPIRE AT HOME PLATE would cause you to get ejected? As Al would say "really, diane?"...People are ejected from games for argueing balls and strikes...any show of violence from 100 feet away would definately illicit a toss. His quote after the game: "Never, ever in my life would I have thought that," Victorino said yesterday after the Phillies lost to Florida, 12-3.
Nominee #4: Prince Fielder I LOVE YOU- because you did something so ridiculous that you automatically earn swirly points. AND, can I say, if there was ever a pitcher who deserved to get his block knocked off- it would be GUILLERMO MOTA (aka NO MO MOTA EVER)....for BEING SUCH A BAD A PITCHER that Mets fans presumed he was sleeping with someone in the front office or something to keep his job...he was Heilmann-like in his ability to blow games....

The Wand Says No NO No: To playing for next year....Mets, I'm talking to you. Can we at least get the guys to play their hearts out until Sept. 1....tide me over to JETS season? If the Natinals can win 8 in a row...anything can happen.

Best Minor League Player Impersonating a Major League Player for the NY Mets: Clearly, in the very quick and bizarro fashion that Jon Niese arrived into the starting line-up makes me think that he NAILED it.

And finally, the "Makes Swirly's heart smile award"- goes to first time papa- BIG PELF...Mike Pelfrey and his wife welcomed a bouncing, throwing strikes, baby boy last week- and they named him Chase Michael Pelfrey (which someone tweeted is exactly what Chipper Jones has been doing for years..hahaha!). No word on whether or not a special mouthpiece will be given to Little Pelf! But, congratulations! Baby mets are good things....it's not all about baseball boys!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards- RECAP SPECIAL

2009-08-03T14:58:00.003-04:00

Coming soon! I've been too busy with work, during lunch, and catching up on sleep to entertain my 3 readers of my baseball awards...that being said.

the "I can't believe I actually like this guy" award: JEFF "FRENCHIE" FRANCOUER (thanks for batting almost .400 since leaving Tara-Wood for the big apple)

The "why are you still playing baseball" award: goes to 2003 rookie of the year Angel Berrora (Yankees left overs) who is now doing absolutely nothing but taking up a roster spot for the NY Mets (which should tell you something about our depth- we're shallow- like Jessica Simpson shallow)

The "HOLY ROY OSWALT" awards: Bud Norris- great first start of your career for the Astros against the Cards yesterday. ilu

The BEST CALL OF THE WEEK- is a tie between the Buehrle perfect game after the catch- and H OWIE ROSE'S CALL OF THE ANGEL PAGAN (yes, I would love to have his babies- YUM-O!) GRAND SALAMI AGAINST THE SNAKES ON SATURDAY NIGHT. Brought tears to my eyes...

which leads me to the SwirlyWand husband of the week: ANGEL PAGAN. Someone buy your mom some season tickets!

NO more mets games for me until the LAST WEEK OF THE SEASON- I'm going to be home in Mississippi when the METS come to town next...so Bulldog will have to carry the METS fires burning! And yes, I will still go see the METSIES play the last week of the season at Natinals Park b/c I love them...whether they are winning or not. Kind of like how I bleed maroon and white no matter how few games my Bulldogs win. And, I can only hope that the final week o the season- i can convince Bulldog that we need to go see the Astros play @CitiField....b/c hopefully, one of them will be playing for something.

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 12 (July 6-July 12) ALL STAR EDITION

2009-07-14T15:35:00.010-04:00

Well, I took Monday off because it's the All-Star break, and I figured no one was hanging on my awards for the last week....it was such a dismal week for the METS, yet for the Astros it was all fabulous with them pulling in to a 3 way 2nd place tie heading in to the ASB. On the other hand, the Mets were able to muster up 1 win out of 3 against the best team in all the land, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though, even with his gozillion RBIs...I loathe Manny Ramirez and his lazy play- mostly because he decides when he is done playing and when he'll play for his team.

But that is another story...this past weekend was Bulldog's 32nd birthday...which meant, he wanted the METS to win...and he wanted to go tot he game on Sunday with his mom (and I suppose me...or maybe he just knew how disappointed I would be if he didn't let me go!) Either way... it was one of the most bizarre games (and that's saying ALOT for the Mets this year)....most of all, we were up by 6 runs which meant when the homerun apple didn't appear on cue after Fernando Tatis' homerun- pandamonium broke out in full force. Was nice to be having so much fun at a game that we could get all crazy like that...HA! And...well, Daniel Murphy has wormed his way back into my good graces....he's hitting the ball, he's fielding great at 1st base..and he made another supeman play on Sunday...so all is well in Swirly baseball land!

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week (and half season!): Daniel Murphy- oh how I missed you. Not only did you make the WEBGEM OF THE YEAR according to ESPN's Baseball Tonight- but you did it on a nationally televised game, against the Dodgers...when Oliver Perez started....and when everyone had been screaming for you to be traded, sent down, etc....except for the boys at OHMURPH, and me...I never stopped thinking you were the cat's meow....and you need to smile more. we all like to see you having fun. LOVE THE FIST PUMPS and the CLAPPING! We need you to "youth"enize [sic] the Mets. So, I love that the half season ended just as it started- with Daniel Murphy as my baseball husband and future rockstar! :-)

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: The NY Yankees- You know, I listen to Sports radio all day at work- so I know the Yankees are in la la land, but Mike Lupica made a good point- why in the world do you need Roy Halladay if you already have a 200 million payroll???? If you can't win a division with CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Texmex, and Jeter- YOU do NOT DESERVE THE LIKES OF ROY HALLADAY. LOL..I'm sorry- you have a completely healthy baseball team- you have no reason to lose any games, ever.

The Wand Says No, No, No to: People trying to force me to like Jeff "Frenchie" Francouer. I'm not sold on the trade- I heart Ryan Church (see previous blog posts)...Jeff Francouer as a MET would be like hiring JOhnny Rebel to be the bulldog mascot- it just doesn't work. I will slowly grow to love him if he plays hard, acts like he playing in New York (that would be the opposite of K-Rod who is still devestated to not play for the Angels).

Puzzler award: I'm giving this award to the JERRY-GO-ROUND again...REALLY- you have to stop letting the Mets find out what their role is as they are walking in to the clubhouse. Give the boys a chance to play.

My impressions of the first half- the Astros are REALLY good...the Mets aren't really that good but they are all injured and not even in the clubhouse or working out with the team (sans Delgado and Reyes who actually **gasp** fielded infield hits on Sunday)....The Phillies are STILL may be really good, but I can't stand Shane DICKtorino's attitude or the fact that Jayson Werth is replacing Carlos Beltran (AS IF!) on the all star team. Daniel Murphy is amazing....he may never smile, but he is amazing.

Welcome Back OLLIE P! Congrats to Roy Oswalt for another stellar half - season! I was miserable when he left the game on Friday with a blister....on his pitching finger...I mean- REALLY- do you have to pitch that hard to the Natinals!??!

Btw- Manny Acta should get a statue at Nationals Park- here is a manager who literally picks his injured players up off the field...who answered for their ridiculous plays (or lack thereof), and did the best he could with the awful team he was given. Would love to see him with houston or NY!

I'm getting used to Citi Field...I like how it feels when things are going well...like on Bulldog's birthday. I don't like how quiet it can seem if the game is out of reach- that's a fan issue, not a stadium issue. I think the seats in Section 515 are amazing. perfect view of the whole field.

I still think the METS will make the playoffs....

I was reminded while at the game on Sunday why I love baseball so much...I never really forget- I may scream **** when we lose a lead...or I may even lose sleep when Daniel Murphy makes the play of the year b/c I didn't want to miss a single recap of it on the overnight ESPN replays. I'm a little crazy with my love for baseball...I plan everything around it. But even with all I love about baseball- it's best shared with friends. And, I look forward to many games with Bulldog & Co. before the end of September.

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 12 (June 29-July5)

2009-07-06T13:10:00.004-04:00

Well, like I mentioned, this week's baseball awards are pretty tough to do...I mean, one of our 20 year old call-ups made the Not-Top 10 as #1....the Mets are now the laughing stock of MLB...not even A-Rod's trysts can curb the appeal of folks to make fun of NY's other 3rd baseman, David Wright. I'll take David Wright any day of the week over A-Rod....but, he got ZERO hits against the Phillies. That. is. Unacceptable. More on david below....this will NOT be an all Astros edition...b/c the Astros do not deserve the awards for crappy play.

Congratulations to Hunter Pence, Miguel Tejada, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, K-Rod, and the Johan (Santana)....for making the All-Star team. And Congratulations to baseball fans for NOT VOTING IN Alex Rodriguez or Manny Ramirez.

Pop Quiz: 2 of the Mets All-Stars were also Astros at one time...Johan Santana was in the minor leagues with Roy! And Carlos Beltran rocked the 2004 post-season for the Astros- and then the Astros couldn't afford him and he became a NY Met. So, I think this bodes well for the Astros farm system...except, uhm, they basically released the Johan! Can you imagine- Johan Santana and Roy Oswalt on the same team?!?!?!? *YUM O*

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: Making a splash in this year's BHOW after quite a long absence is FIRST TIME ALL STAR, Astros Right field, should have been NL rookie of the year in 07, absolutely adorable, homegrown talent- Hunter Pence. He was my 08 version of Daniel Murphy this year. Not only is he batting over .300, but he's doing it consistently. Plus, who doesn't love a guy who's first inclination upon hearing the all star selection news was to call his parents and think THAT was the coolest part of the selection. And unlike the National League leading 4 all-star players for the METS, when he got up to bat yesterday in San Fransisco (with our Roy O. pitching for the 'Stros)- HE HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK in a close game to give Roy a 2-0 lead. Plus, he plays on a team that has 3 HUGE bats- and he holds his own....and I love that. So, here is to you tall, lanky, goofy looking, fabulous Texan...Hunter Pence!

The Almost as bad as a division II-AAA college baseball game Award: [insert dramatic music] Meet the MESS, Meet the MESS...step right up and greet the MESS. Bring your pistol, bring your knife, guarenteed you might even think twice. The NY mets theme song- which has many off color versions about jumping, shooting yourself in the head (hello- I can't use that one b/c of the McNair tragedy)...and every single one of them is exaggerating how bad things are- but let me put this way- the METS are a AAA team right now...a really bad one at that. But, it's important to remember that we only have DAVID and Ryan Church right now in our arsenal.

In fairness, the Astros didn't score a run in the first 2 games in San Fransisco...but, lucky for them, they are being compared to the NY Mets....so they can't win this award!

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: Well, that IS my team. So....

"Stay Classy San Diego Award"- Shocking! This goes to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who instead of putting the METS logo on the jumbotron, put "the Flushing Fizzle" next to all our players names. Probably because there was some jawing by Beltran who said it was embarassing to lose to the Pirates (which I appreciate b/c at least he showed some anger- so get up and fight)....I thought maybe that was a little much...but then, on Friday night....reports started coming out of Philly that the Luis Castillo dropped pop-up against a team NOT EVEN THE PHILLIES (it was the Yankees)....was being played over and over on the jumbotron...why? A) that was sooo one month ago and b) it wasn't even a game featuring the Phillies c) it's not even funny anymore, it's just mean...not that I thought the phillies were going to send flowers or anything- just try and have a little class. I remember being really annoyed when Mets fans were going to wear wife beaters to watch Brett Myers pitch...b/c I thought it was classless.

The Wand says NO NO NO to: (last week, I said METS FANS who boo our team....) Well, this week- I'm looking at you again. Our Mets are coming back to Citi against the BEST TEAM IN ALL OF BASEBALL. If you think boo'ing David Wright is going to bring him out of his slump, or is going to make Nick Evans field the ball better...think about how hard it is for these guys- they are trying....they are just not playing very well. Remember last year when everyone boo'd Delgado at home...and then one day, everyone applauded and cheered him on and he hit a 3 Run homerun???? Even the fox news guys were like "If there was ever a crowd who thinks they willed that homerun by their cheers, it's the crowd here at Shea"....let's try this again! I'm going up to see the METS for Bulldog's birthday this coming weekend....and I will even practice what I preach, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I WANT TO YELL "BOTH HANDS" on every pop up. I will not.....Oh- AND OLLIE PEREZ RETURNS FROM THE REALLY DISABLED LIST (and by disabled, I mean, the OMG- how could you possibly havve thought you were worth a 40 million dollar contract last off season b/c you can't throw a strike if your life depended on it disabled list)....which means, everyone will have to TRY really hard not to boo. Let's give him a shot. One more chance to endear us...make us love him. I've already said - if he wins 2 in a row, I will bling out a shirt that says "I heart the Ollie P"...and I'll even make a sign the next time the mets are in town to play the Natinals that says "I WAS WRONG OLLIE- YOU ROCK".

Also- I'm saying, screaming NO to Manny Ramirez. First Fox Sports should issue an apology for cutting in to real baseball players playing baseball, just to show Manny at-bat. Is this how we glorify players who cheat? I agree with Roy on this one- people like Manny Ramirez have CHEAPENED the real players out there....he got hits off of pitchers who were NOT cheating...he just flat out quit playing for the RedSox last year...and then acted like an angel for Joe Torre (who for all his flaws, actually can manage a clubhouse)....and then went all nutso again in the off season- so much so that he started ingesting hormones usually taken by pregnant women. And for Fox Sports to act like he was so IMPORTANT, that they had to break away from REAL GAMES THAT REAL FANS OF THE TIGERS, WHITESOX, PHILLIES, METS were watching....just to show Manny do whatever the EFF he was going to do- IS just disgraceful. And, then they admitted that they were showing the Dodgers game in the Boston market...which I'm sure was great for all the Phillies and Mets fans in New freaking England. I didn't need another reason to dislike Fox Sports- Ken Rosenthal is like the best NON-SCOOPER in the world (just ask Manny Acta). and they disgraced the game of baseball on Saturday. So- welcome to NY Manny. Expect an earful.

The Aaron F*CKING HEILMAN Award returns: Livan Hernandez, where did you go? Batting practice, really? I have faith in you that you will turn back the tide of bad starting pitching...You were so bad on Saturday, that you overtook K-Rod/BLOW-ROD's Heilman award from him! btw- in the interest of full disclosure- Apparently, Aaron Heilman threw 1.2 innings of baseball on Saturday without walking anyone. That, in Chicago, was big news in cubland. [insert really loud annoying laugh here...I still dislike AFH very very much]

Best Minor League Player Impersonating a Major League Player for the NY Mets: I give this to Nick Evans who actually (even with his fielding problems) actually seems like his head is in the game. I attribute his inability to throw the right cut off man to the inexperience of Jerry-go-Round infielders...all signaling different things to him...and not knowing what they are doing. See, you can either have an inexperienceed infield or an inexperienced outfield....put them both together, and you have the cluster**** which was the NY Mets last week.

Puzzler award: (reminder; this is the most puzzling managerial call of the week)- Definately goes to Jerry 'merry go round" Manuel....Daniel MURPHY has got to counted on to step up in a big spot...playing him here, and there, and everywhere is not working- but he has been a good pinch hitter- and HE HIT TWO HOMERUNS last tiime we were in Philly....so why was he sitting yesterday? WHY was Luis Castillo who was previously batting over .500 against Joe Blanton- BATTING in the 8th spot (and please, it can't be because it would have been ridiculous to bat him 9th...I know you probably wanted to!)....Luis Castillo bats in the top of the order almost every day for the METS...except for the day when we're about to get sweeped by a team he actually hits well against.

Prediction: I'm going out on a limb and saying 4-2. I have no reason to think we'll actually win against the best team in baseball...but, I'm hoping that someone in the clubhouse says something to the team....anything. Paging: Lee Iacoka anyone!

I'm also predicting that Mannywood will strike out 4 times. At least one time looking. I really hate Johan isn't pitching against him.

btw- last week, I NAILED IT- I predicted 2 wins. Isn't that sad?

Lots of baseball left y'all!

2009-07-06T12:12:00.003-04:00

Yes, the METS were swept back to NY by the evil Phillies. But, didn't Johan pitch his heart out yesterday? Doesn't anyone notice the effect that Jerry-Go-Round of line-ups and position changes has on the METS who don't really know from day to day where they are playing? Generally, I would say, outside of little league, if your outfielders are also your 1st, and 2nd basemen some days, you are in trouble defensively. I would really hate to come to work every day and have a different assignment. Hey Stace- today, you're just going to watch everyone else work, but tomorrow, you're going to be doing databaese work, and then on Friday, we're going to send you over to finance to work with the accountant. .

During my morning coffee and even last night, I was reading all my favorite Mets blogs, I'm devestated by the folks who are "throwing in the towel"....isn't this when we are supposed to LOVE OUR TEAM the most? When it's hard....isn't that what we hate about the Yankees fans these days- they are always winning, they have all those rings...of course, it's easy to root for them....Maybe I'm not cut out to be a an of a team from New York- I was born in to Astros fandom and was a HUGE Houston Oilers fan. Then, HA! I was born to bleed maroon and white as a MSU Bulldog...these are not teams that it is easy to love...but these teams have never known success- so I don't know what that's like (other than the Astros in 2005...and they are competitive, so hey- it's nice to be in it!)...I have some guts and some iron will to cheer for incredibly awful teams. When I moved to DC...I could have chosen a multitude of NFL teams to align myself with...successful ones even....but, I went with Bulldog to the GANG GREEN side...and now, am a proud- nearly decade long NY JETS fan...and let me tell you, that isn't easy either. So, to all the METS fans out there who are ready to jump off the Tapenze Bridge....or drive off the Roosevelt bridge...don't.
geez...
Let's Go METS! I don't care how annoying you play, how many balls you drop, how much I scream the EFF word at the top of my lungs at David Wright, or how many bases loaded walks our pitchers give up. I WILL NOT THROW IN THE TOWEL JUST BECAUSE OUR AAA TEAM IS NOT THE METS I LOVE.

And now, I feel motivated to do my swirlywand baseball awards during the few minutes I have left of lunch! hmpfh!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 11 (June 22-28)

2009-06-30T17:27:00.009-04:00

Beautiful night for baseball!

I have to admit y'all...that going 3-4 on the week and in truly embarrassing fashion takes alot out of me...and my enthusiasm for giving out sarcastic awards- I feel it is time to create two new awards 1) Best Minor League Player Impersonating a Major League Player for the NY Mets and 2) Puzzler award (given to the weirdest play call of the week) . Am I a little down and out? You betcha...my pitiful Mets took the field on Sunday night (was amazing to be at the game...I will say that...not quite playoff atomsphere, but nice to be all squished in like sardines up in the heaven decks!) with our ENTIRE LINE UP equaling one year of AROD's salary. Overmatched? Absolutley. Our AAA team has run out of answers to professional players....and the worst part? I can't really be irritated b/c these are kids out there playing- KIDS- who didn't ask to be rushed before their time thru the minors. Not everyone is David Wright y'all...and I can't be upset that NIck Evans (who is YUMALICIOUS) and Daniel Murphy aren't David Wright...and it's unfair for Mets fans to boo them or call them BUMS. I'm talking to you ROW OF METS FANS WHO WERE YELLING NASTIES OUT AT EVERYONE BUT DAVID WRIGHT ON SUNDAY NIGHT. Do NOT boo your own team. do NOT boo Luis Castillo..and do not boo our 19 year old prospect who speaks like 18 words of english who is our TOP PROSPECT in the farm system- and WE WILL LOVE HIM DAMMIT. IT IS NOT HIS FAULT THAT OUR FIRST 2 STRINGS OF OUTFIELDERS ARE INJURED OR HAVING TO PLAY FOR OUR INFIELDERS WHO ARE ON THE DL.

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: I'm looking at you Nick Evans. Not because you did anything really spectacular- in fact, you made the third error of an inning against the Yankees, but you know what- YOU ROCK...You smiled for my video footage during batting practice...you tower of Pat Mischkechekehcke (who? exactly)...and you have beautiful blue eyes. I'm a sucker for you...I hope you don't mind sharing baseball husband duties with Daniel Murphy- b/c ONE DAY I'm going to be the first person to admit I always knew you could be a star with Ole Murph! Hang in there...and buy some earplugs b/c apparently Mets fans are jerks to their call ups.

The Almost as bad as a division II-AAA college baseball game Award: NY Mets Inning 2 on Friday night vs the evil empire. Note to Mets Infield: IF YOU make 3 errors in any one inning and you are not the Royals, Diamondbacks, or Natinals, you need to enlist the help of Coach Gant from Weir, MS who will make you pull tires until you turn blue. I'm just sayin....now is not the time to make the blooper real boys.

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: HAHAHAHAHAAH Wait- are they wearing blue and orange? Is that a really big headed person crying on the dugout? I thought so...YES, ladies and gentlemen...THAT IS MY TEAM. The NY Mets prove that their fans seriously have guts of steel....and the brain activity of ravenous buzzards. Speaking of- I believe I see the buzzards circling overhead. Should I tell them that our Carlos I is going to be okay after the ASB? Even I'm not convinced. On the other hand, My Astros have been rocking and rolling...and are only 3.5 games out of first place (as of Sunday night- last night's Roy O victory will be mentioned next week!). Basically, the Astros and Mets are even right now....but I have more faith in my Astros...b/c they have Roy, and 4 power hitters....and they have fans who don't boo their prospects.

"Stay Classy San Diego Award"- Hey- you're a PHILLY now...Looks like JC Romero and Bretty Myers have a lot to bond over now- assault charges. Of course, Romero, at least beat up someone who he probably confused with Adam Eaton's little brother- and not his wife....but still...seems like JC Romero is having a little anger management problem coming off the juice.

The Wand says NO NO NO to: Mets fans who boo our ReplaceMETS, Yankees fans who yell at children about losing weight, Yankees fans who pound their chest after Goliath actually beat David (literally- the Yankees beat David Wright), and finally- I admit, I'm a little nervous about the Phillies series. Last year, July 5th marked a turning point for the METS...this year, I'm more worried about not drowning in Philly, and not because of the rain.

The Aaron F*CKING HEILMAN Award returns: Sean Green, Pat Misch, Bobby Parnell, Mike Pelfrey, Tim Redding, Brian Stokes, and YES- I'm giving K-Rod a big ole AFH medallion this week b/c he walked home a PITCHER on Sunday night. I may never recover from that.

Best Minor League Player Impersonating a Major League Player for the NY Mets: I really really still like Fernando Nieve. He wasn't anywhere near as great as he was the first 3 starts, but he kept us in the game. the Mets outhit the Yankees thru 6 innings on Sunday night- so it wasn't like Nieve was awful...it was timely hitting on the Yankees part. Honorable Mention goes to F-Mart for making ONE AMAZING play on Sunday night. It doesn't make up for his dismal batting average, but it does make me a little happy to know we kept the Yankees from blowing it out in the 2nd inning thanks to F-Mart. Just give it a little time!

Puzzler award: Know who is the happiest about the interleague play ending on Sunday? Joe Girardi. Knock! Knock! Who's there? DOUBLE SWITCH. Joe: who? - my point is that Joe Girardi tried to look all like "i'm so on top of this double switch thing"....but he looked more like me trying to throw curve balls in Hastings on Saturday night to Bulldog using a tennis ball. Really? You may think you do it well, but everyone else is laughing.

Prediction: I'm going 2-6 for this week- with us getting swept by the Cards. boo. Last week- We actually won 3 games so my 2-6 prediction was beat! (which I like)...but if I knew we were going to suck, why did it hurt so bad??? Probably b/c I thought we were going to get swept by the Cards when the truth was worse. It's always worse to be swept by the Yankees. ALWAYS.

Bonus footage: I met the METS PINMAN. For obvious reasons, I heart this guy.

Also- love the LIRR ads! I liked the Mr. Met ones last year- but this will do.

Belated Happy Daddy's Day

2009-06-22T17:25:00.005-04:00

1979- My First Baseball game- Ken Forsch threw a No No for the Astros. Consequently, this is the last No No I've ever been witness too.

Christmas 2008 with Mom & Dad

Just a few pics of the greatest Dad ever...including one from my first baseball game :-) in 1979. And one more recently...

My dad is amazing, and I'm very lucky. I was adopted so I sometimes thing God gave me to my parents...and I have no reason to ever look for my birth parents. It never crosses my mind, but it does cross the mind of every single person I have ever told that I'm adopted. I think there must be some kind of social norm violation for people who ask that...but alas...that's another post!

Staci and her Daddy! Wendell Lamar Morgan- Baseball fan, true MSU Bulldog, democrat, and the person who made me practice making change after I scored "below average" on my 2nd grade achievement tests....FOR HOURS....

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 10 (June 15-21)

2009-06-22T14:03:00.005-04:00

The "GEEZ it's a wonder we're just 2 games out of 1st place, and at least we're not the Yankees" Week Edition! I'm just happy last week is OVER...but there was some comfort in last week, when I take a look at this week. Last week, we had Carlos Beltran...last week, we were going to play the FREAKING ORIOLES...the world famous, awesome Orioles now! (*giggle*)...and David Wright was swinging a hot bat. Now, PuPu Holes comes to Queens...and then we have to play the Yankees (who no doubt will be anxious to take some aggression out on the Mets)

I wasn't expecting to go 2-4 last week. Yes, this is DEJAVU!

Bulldog and I had a great time in Baltimore- really- it is the MOST PLEASANT place to lose a game. Plus, it's beautiful...and I have a lot of bad memories in Bmore (thank you RJ!)- so it was nice to see so many nice and wonderful people out enjoying a baseball game last week. And good for the Orioles- who, unlike the METS, manage to actually play decent baseball- with very little pressure on them. Maybe that's what the METS need....enough already with the pressure!

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: I came dangerously close to making Fernando Nieve my baseball husband of the week- but alas, this week's goes to BRIAN ROBERTS. Why? Because he did something in Baltimore that may have saved the METS season. And, he seems like a great guy- and a real old school baseball stud...so here here!

The Almost as bad as a division II-AAA college baseball game Award:
The NY Mets - now brought to you by Johnny Cash "I walk the line"...When Carlos Beltran came in to the bottom of the 9th to guard against a ground ball run with the bases juiced- I thought Well, this is as bad as it gets....this is it. Our season has come down to playing 5 people in the infield against a sub .500 team. I should have never said that-b/c it did get work.

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: Well, I think it is official- THEY ARE MY TEAM. Even my Astros have found a way to claw their way out of mediocrity. Roy pitched a complete game loss b/c he's a FREAKING work-horse...and instead of wishing he was going to waive his no-trade clause to come to NY....I realized that I love him as an Astro...I don't know if I want my friend to end up in the drama which is NYC. The press will eat him alive, he would be a #2 guy behind Santana....and I'm afraid that the Phillies would munch on him. It's hard for me to think about Roy ending his career in a city that is not nice to people on the other end of their career. I mean, it's already hard for me to read coverage of Roy that talks about how he's showing his age, etc- uhm, b/c we're the same age! lol...but I don't think the Houston press would be so hard on him. Though, it's not exactly like the Astros have made the best decisions about players last years (ie NOLAN RYAN)....so we'll see. In other Roy news- Dad says that the slab has been poured for the Homeplate Steakhouse....but that it looks really small...which we both think is kind of cool...that in the middle of nowhere- there will be Roy's little steakhouse! I can't wait to try it out when I'm home in August! (If it's open by then)

Aaron Heilman Award: Bobby Parnell...I didn't want to do it. But, you haven't gotten a batter out in a month of Sundays...I used to just hope and pray that Aaron Heilman would make me take back everything nasty I said about him- that one day, I would bling out the AFH!!! shirt....that I would make him a baseball husband...but that day never came. I want to BLING OUT A MRS. PARNELL shirt...I want to drive my friends nuts talking about how fierce you are. Please...don't let Mets fans down...we were soooo close to having a lights out bullpen.

"Stay Classy San Diego Award"- You know, I really can't give this award out enough to the great fans of Philadelphia. During the Wednesday night Orioles/Mets game at Camden Yards...the only JERKS that I ran across were Phillies fans who were pointing to their NL East Championship caps and shirts and chanting METS YOU SUCK. Okay, fine, I get it....you won the whole enchilada last year. You got your gold star...but couldn't you just resist the urge to be extra annoying and let Mets fans enjoy an away game in peace. I guess not. I only wish I could have returned the favor when the Os were shutting you down in your own house. Oh, except I would never do that.

The Wand says NO NO NO to: the PU PU HOLES. Albert made me tear up yeesterday talking about being a dad...I get it- Prince Albert does no wrong, he's a great guy- blah blah blah. I appreciate it that- except I'm afraid he's going to make me cry for the next 3 days too...

Wand Rising Award: Our boy Brian Schneider- 2 rocket shots (#1 & #2 on the year)...and I would like to remind the NY Mets faithful that last year when the Mets started their winning streak on July 5th- it was Brian Schneider who broke open the game in the 7th inning...with a double that dropped down right in front of the Flying Hawaiian. yes, I hold on to these things...b/c July 5th is officially the day that start to freak out.

Prediction: I'm going 2-6 for this week- with us getting swept by the Cards. boo.

Last week- Well- I predicted 4-2.....

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 9 (June 9-14)

2009-06-15T10:57:00.005-04:00

I'm just happy last week is OVER. (Yes, this is deja vu from last week).

I wasn't expecting to go 2-4 during Rivalry Week.

I was expecting the Mets to prove all of baseball wrong- to grow out of mediocrity into New York's golden apple. Boy, was I wrong! Sure, there were moments of joy- but, mostly disappointment. There are even some stats that will astound you- Carlos Beltran and David Wright are in the top 7 in batting average- it seems like all they do is strike/pop out. We were even leading the league in batting average with runners in scoring position with less than 2 outs (last Tuesday)....but you would never know it. 2 extra inning losses to the Follies...and the laughable error loss on Friday night...and then, well, there was Sunday.

Fortunately, Bulldog and his mom and I went to the Newseum so we weren't even watching on TV....and, about the time I checked twitter and saw it was 11-0, we were in the middle of the September 11th exhibit- and there were people in tears all around me (it really is a great and very moving exhibit)- so I had the comfort of perspective. I did see a guy with a cap on that looked like a Yankees cap- but it actually was a "y" and a "h" and on the side it said "yankees hater"...he was holding his crying mother's hand at th exhibit, so I decided not to compliment on his hat- and how much I really liked it. Again, perspective. The Mets will be fine. Not because I'm an optimist, but I'm holding on to last year's record at this time, when we were way below .500.

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: Fernando-Mania! Fernando Nieve- you stepped up after the Castillo error on Friday night, and actually pitched like a MLB pitcher. I laugh b/c my Astros let you go- like you aren't better than Mike Hampton! Astros Loss- Mets Gain! It may be beginner's luck...but thank you for the only really solid pitching performance of the week!

The Almost as bad as a division II-AAA college baseball game Award:
(this is so painful)- LUIS CASTILLO. We had the Yankees beat...we beat Mariano Rivera- and then you dropped a routine pop up. For goodness sake, KROD already had his fists in the air...Omir was about to do the *happy Dance*...and you blew it. You stood by your locker and cried though- so I'm not angry anymore. I know you feel worse than anyone.

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: Uhm...er...Fine- THE NEW YORK METROPOLITANS. Oh-wait- they are my team...hold on...let me think- OH, that's right- the Washington Nationals have provided even MORE ways to lose a game this weekend in Tampa. And, I'm happy that at least my teams have talent- it's not the manager's fault- it's the underachieving. Manny Acta deserved better- I love him- and I hope he comes to NY! Jerry- we have Omar on line 2!

Aaron Heilman Award: Johan Santana. He is a man...he is amazin'...and yesterday, he was Amazingly awful. But, just when the Mets think that things can't get worse, our baby jesus Johan came in to remind us that even he is human. He was more like a stoplight than a stopper yesterday. A bright blinking red light - did anyone in the front office see this? What else do the METS have to do to prove to the front office that this team is need of another arm, and a big bat? Too bad it was our Johan....but, no game is a definate. Maybe now, they will play like it.

"Stay Classy San Diego Award"- This goes to the Yankees disabled list/relief pitcher/class act jerk/pussy- Brian Bruney. It's one thing if you have a bad taste in your mouth for a player on another team- but it's another thing if you think that your no-name, no-contract, barely on the roster, part of one of the worst bullpens in the majors, self goes after the closer for another team- A CLOSER WHO DID NOT LOSE THE GAME- but A CLOSER WHO WAS VICTIM OF A DROPPED POP UP. If your team wins on an error by the other team, keep your mouth shut. Oh, and don't then try and talk smack to him the next day. You so belong in pinstripes.

The Wand says NO NO NO to: A huge let down in baltimore. The Os are red hot- after a couple of great games against the Braves. And the Os have some power...maybe we can get one of their power hitters while we're there...LOL

Wand Rising Award: Manny Acta. I really want him to come to NY. Really.

Predictions: Mets go 4-2- with a sweep of the Rays. David only strikes out 1 time, and Daniel Murphy hits 2 out of Camden Yards & I WILL FINALLY GET BOOG BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last week- UHM- I was 1 for 2. Maybe I'll be better this week!
Mets beat Philly with The Johan, David hits 3 home runs in that other stadium.

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 8 (June1-7)

2009-06-08T17:14:00.008-04:00

First things first- CONGRATULATIONS USM! You beat Florida, and you're not Ole Miss- so that makes you perfect! :-)

I'm just happy last week is OVER. As baseball goes, it was a rainy, soggy, miserable, gloomy week for me. If the Astros mirrored the Mets last week, I probably would have jumped- the Astros aren't plagued by injuries to the extent the Mets are- so, I blame general malaise for their early (typical) season slump...but I'm very hopeful! Normally, seeing 3 Mets games in a row means I'm on Cloud 9....but, I didn't even know half the line-up on Friday night...these guys kept coming up to bat, and I was lukewarm. I went to 3 Mets games this weekend, and didn't see the METS score a run until the 3rd game (we missed the 1st inning on Friday night...and left before the 10th inning rally- shame on us!...and Saturday...we left in the 8th inning but heard a loud sarcastic applause halfway back to Bulldog's place and figured we must have scored)....So...this week's awards are less bursting with flavor and more a matter of record. Btw- in the picture above- this is how happy Bulldog was to be sitting on a row with 7 fully donned out YANKEES fans...

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: **drum roll please** I have no choice- Andre Ethier, LAD- step right up! It was bound to happen- I had to look west to find a baseball player who wowed me this week- and against the Phils no less. Thanks to Mr. Ethier, the Mets dismal performance on Saturday caused nothing but embarrassment- not another game loss.

The Almost as bad as a division II-AAA college baseball game Award: (it would be TOO easy to give this to the METS this week)...but out of respect for II-AAA teams, I'm not going to give it to the Natinals again. I really do want to give this award to Adam Dunn who gives about 3% effort to field a ball, and then when he misses it, he kind of turns to stone.

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: Hey- guess what? THIS WEEK IT WAS MY TEAM! With a total of 2 starters in our line-up, even the magic of David Wright could not bolster together enough might to fight through the cellar of the NL Central to keep pace with the Phillies. I wonder if anyone ever gives them a pep talk...does anyone ever stand up and say "WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?!"....Carlos Beltran was completely, 100% right- it was an embarrassment to get swept by the Bucs....thank goodness for the rainy reprieve so it wasn't a 4 game sweep.

Aaron Heilman Award: Remember the Maine! The John Maine. Not unlike the historical reference- Our Maine is built to be strong, yet inferior to his contemporaries...and for added bonus, John even SUNK (or his pitches didn't...I forget). The thing is- I freaking love John Maine- as much as I loved Endy Chavez for his catch in Game 7- I LOVE John Maine for his 2nd to last game of the season against the Marlins before Tom Glavine doomed us. I will always love him for showing his best...for STEPPING UP....so, it pains me to see him NOT stepping up...if he's hurt, that's one thing...but I feel like he need to tell someone- 'hey- I'm hurt'. It bothers me most becuase his ego is so fragile it seems...

Isn't it IRONIC that last week, I got rid of my "Stay Classy San Diego Award"- well, in light of Adam LaRoche's comments about how unprofessional and classless Carlos Beltran is- I'm reviving the "SCSD" Award...just for him! ...I don't want anyone on my team who doesn't think they are the best- I love Carlos Beltran because when everyone else rolls over and plays dead- #15 says what I'm sure others are thinking...I like the fight. I like the drive. I like the emotion. And, perhaps, Mr. LaRoche would like to take a look at our record against them...we're tied at 3. Stay Classy Adam!

Wand Rating Demotion Alert: Big Pelf. I have a bumper sticker that says "GOT PELF". I don't adorn the wandmobile with players names unless I REALLY LOVE YOU. I know you won't let me down....right?

The Wand says NO NO NO to: Rivalry Week! Really MLB? you just had to have us play the Phillies and the Yankees back to back? It's bad enough that our interleague schedule has us playing the Rays, Yankees, and RedSox...But, it seems a little unfair....you know- the folks in the NL Central and NL West are just going to kick back and have some fun interleague games....because they get to play the Royals, Indians, and White Sox. (last week, I totally called a BUCS SURPRISE...so it bothers me that I'm predicting that we only win 1 from both the Phillies and the Yankees).

Wand Rising Award: This was a close call this week- since no player was absolutely stellar- I think Jay Horwitz (and his recent 30th anniversary with the METS as their fierce PR guy) deserves a wave of the swirly wand. Plus, he got to issue a statement that had Swine Flu and Carlos Beltran in the same sentence. Need I say more? lol

Predictions: Mets beat Philly with The Johan, David hits 3 home runs in that other stadium.

It's time to WILL THE METS TO VICTORY!

2009-06-03T17:01:00.002-04:00

Jose Reyes- suffers set back- left EST game....(-10)
Ramon Martinze- out 6 weeks with surgery on pinky finger (-3)
Carlos Beltran LOST 10 pounds in 5 days with the stomach (not swine) flu- (-20)

And that was just THIS AFTERNOON'S Mets injury news...

I'm not going to freak out, but I would ask that if there were EVER A TIME WHEN METS FANS need to rally around our team- it's now. Come down to DC to the nearly empty Natinals Park....cheer on our team (with me!)...we can get down on them all we want, and we can *sigh* and be angry that Johan wasn't a stopper or that Jose is back to square one, but the negativity of Mets fans calling in to the Fan and the general lack of enthusiasm surrounding our situation is beyond dismal. Yes, it could be better. BUT, it could be a lot worse. One positive in all this would be that all our AAA call ups and our bench are going to be darn near seasoned started by the end of the season when we need all hands on deck. I'm confident that there will be a plus side to this in the end...there just has to be...or at least that is what I tell myself.
Come will our team to victory in DC this weekend!

If there were ever a time when I wish I was a sports medicine doctor! Clearly the METS have doctors who got their medical degree in Guam.

With the METS making me down...

2009-06-03T12:04:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be a good time to post one of my favorite pictures from my trip to NY to see the Mets play in April....Mr. Met's shoes! How adorable!

And it makes me smile. And don't they look comfy!

The SwirlyWand ponders....

2009-06-03T11:42:00.003-04:00

What was more likely this baseball season?

1. Roy Oswalt would only have 2 WINS to this point in the season?

2. The Mets would have a closer that is perfect.

3. Swine Flu strikes extended NY METS family!

4. Omir WHO would warrant a blinged out shirt for me to wear on Friday night in DC?

Here! Here! I know what you're thinking-if this were January, I WOULD BE CRAZY! But the thing is, and there is really no way for me to think about these things than with a giggle- the great thing about baseball (other than enjoying it with people you love!) is that it's the unexpected that makes the season so special. There is a new highlight reel every night in baseball. And, while I'm fixated on the Astros and Mets, I'm sure there are other blogs out there that say "these things can only happen to _________".

Soooo, I'm just fastforwarding through until Friday (minus the 3 hours tonight to see Randy Johnson's #300- come on NATINALS do not mess this up for me!) when I get to see the METS play 3 times in a row!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards Week 7 (May 25-May 31)

2009-06-01T20:42:00.005-04:00

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: Omir Santos. If this were Baseball Tonight - I would give my husbands counts like web gems..but I can NOT get enough of Omir Santos- I'm so excited about blinging out my shirt for Friday night...in honor of him! He may not have enough starts to warrant an officially licensed mlb shirt, but he officially warrants one in my heart. 3 of our wins are a direct result of his timely hitting, his little boy base running, and hit attitude. I love that when he was in danger of getting demoted to make room for our starting catcher off the DL, he just smiled and said "it's up to god"...he's unassuming and takes nothing for granted. Read: he is the OPPOSITE OF SPENCER PRATT.

The Almost as bad as a division II-AAA college baseball game Award: The Washington Natinals. I always suffer through their series in NY b/c I have to watch them on MASN...and that means listening to the lame Carpenter and Dribble. However, the inexcuseable execution by a "professional MLB" team is really embarassing...I almost feel sorry for them. Bless their hearts. What else can I say? OH- PLEASE DO NOT TRADE NICK JOHNSON TO THE METS. (I have no idea why we would want anymore of Natinals- yes, I'm talking about Tim Redding who is gonna get an award this week!)

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: It would be cruel to give this award to the Natinals again- so I'm giving them a pass.

Aaron Heilman Award: Ladies and Gentlemen- TIM FREAKING REDDING. Just proves you can take the pitcher out of Washington, but you can never take the Washington out of the pitcher. I'm kind of dismayed that with a better team (albeit, the AAA version of the real mets), he did not step it up a bit....ideally, if you can't throw strikes, you shouldn't be playing professional baseball. I'm a fan of great pitching, so I take this as a great insult that the Mets have so many starters stepping up- and yet, Ollie's position is like the blackhole of funk. He gets one more try before I really get out of control. :-)

The Lebron James Sportsmanship Award: Bob Carpenter, who was so lame calling the natinals vs mets on Wednesday night, that he was making personal attacks on all things Mets. Including the Mets fans who were NOT boo'ing Debbie Matanapolis....but actually boo'ing the plays....Juxtapose their behavior to that of Gary, Keith, and Ron who always give props (when due) to the opposition. It's the mark of a PROGRAM....regardless of your record- that you have a little class.

Wand Rating Demotion Alert: hey- we're winning with our AAA Team- so it can't be all bad. But, I think the Mets trainers and doctors deserve this award for being unable to either condition the Mets in to not getting hurt in droves...or the inability to quarantine and help the stop of the MTF (Mets Tummy Flu).

The Wand says NO NO NO to (a swirly wand's hope for the coming week)-- a BUCKS SURPRISE! The Mets needs to win 3 of 4 to keep pace with the Phillies on the West Coast where they never seem to struggle....also, I say no, no, no to RUDE Natinals fans. Yes, I'll be all METS'd out, yes, I'll have a fabulous sign, and yes, I'll applaud the Mets. But I will also be keeping score, courteous, and non-confrontational. Have fun, life is too short.

Wand Rising Award: F-Mart (thanks for not ending up as K-Mart)...and all the AAA Bisons who have found a welcoming home in Flushing. We know you aren't necessarily ready for the big leagues, but you have ALL (in your own way) contributed so much to the spirit of the Mets. I'm patient...and know that when folks say that the METS have no edge, or no heart or that "look at all that money, and you still can't win"- that YOU "the replacement Mets" are the counter arguement. You are all putting "team" to the test!- And winning! Thank you.

Special editor's note: (ha- always wanted to do that)-- I try and have fun with my blog- good, bad, shotty, funny- I write a lot about baseball and politics (more about baseball now that I've found a happy home in "corporate america with a heart")- but there are things so much more important than my favorite pasttime- today's plane crash over the Atlantic Ocean, war, death, just about everything else on the planet is more important than baseball. But, I'm a very serious person in real life- this is NOT supposed to mirror that part of my life. However, I would like to point out that a very serious moment became part of baseball yesterday, when the NY METS let an amazing 18 year old throw out the first pitch. Most of y'all know that I think my dad is the greatest dad on the planet...I love him so much, so I know if something happened to him, I could NOT even breathe- but this 18 year old Jordan Weiner managed to throw a no-hittter for his high school baseball team in the playoffs- the DAY AFTER BURYING HIS FATHER. His father a life-long Mets fan would have been so proud yesterday, as his son Jordan, threw a curveball right over the plate. :-) Sometimes, everyone gets it right....God Bless you and your family Jordan.
( i mean that sincerely, and not in the heidi kind of way!)

SwirlyWand Baseball Awards will appear every Monday during my Lunch Hour (OR at some point during the day!

1st Place Phillies- not soo bad!

2009-05-30T21:42:00.004-04:00

Ryan Howard- you are a freaking amazing ball player. And, you're the only Philly who doesn't make me want to pull my hair out. I wish you nothing but the best. (I just want you to not be on the 1st place phillies!)

After former Natinal, Tim Redding proved that it's impossible for the Natinal to ever really come out of the pitcher today for the METS....I thought, well, maybe the Natinals would play like a professional team...possibly, for a few innings...but alas, even Bob Carpenter and Rob Dribble Dibble are horrified at the play of their ball club. Manny Acta (bless his heart!) has even stopped looking like he cares....how can he? I would be fighting mad if I were on that team....and if I were a Natinals fan, I would be outraged that we brought baseball all the way to DC for it to just be embarrassing.

So, the Mets lost pretty bad to the Marlins today. The fish were not fried, broiled, or even scalded by Tim Redding. But, to be fair- Carlos Beltran (THE ONLY STARTER WE HAD PLAYING TODAY) had the stomach flu and apparently kept throwing up in the clubhouse...left in the 6th- so then there was truly our AAA team on the field. Against a pretty good pitcher in Josh Johnson.....the Marlins are not the Natinals....and the METS are in no way assured that they can even keep pace with the Pirates this week....so, I'm hoping for a split this coming week- and then we'll have Jose back, Churchie back, and hopefully a Figgy pitching.

Had a fabulous day today- still a little feverish- but well enough to hang out and watch the game this afternoon with Bulldog...make orange and blue bead necklaces for next weekend's mets series in DC, and then a trip to the craft store for the Omir Santos bling for my HEART SANTOS shirt for next Friday night.

And, it's not so bad...do you know where the METS were this time last year?!?!?! Oh, I do- about a gozillion games below 500, a manager with a no-confidence vote, and a concussed Church...the METS are leaps and bounds better this season...even with the injuries- we have some stars on the rise...some guys who are REALLY stepping up. And when I listen to the Natinals announcers say that their team is young and no leader really comes to mind- I think about Alex Cora who got called up for the MEts and is apparently, MR. Clubhouse...and always thinking baseball....so, I give him props...and listen less to excuses by other teams.

I'm almost unpacked from SLC! ha!

Baseball (and non-baseball) goodies for your friday

2009-05-29T10:28:00.000-04:00

1. A-Rod is shacking up with Kate Hudson. GOOD FOR HER! MADONNA'S ex, Alex Rodriguez, is nursing his hurt ego with Kate Hudson. They've been together for little more than a week, but already Hudson is following A-Rod around. She even stayed with him at the Hotel ZaZa in Dallas Wednesday night after the Yankees played the Texas Rangers.

2. I am completely NUTSO in love with anyone who can come up with a fabulous slogan/logo for Zambrano-Ade!

3. New Rule: Redsox, Phillies, Cubs, Rays, can NO longer complain about injuries hurting their team. The Mets have lost their 3rd starter, their 1st baseman, 2 shortstops, 3 outfielders (One of the outfielders is now learning to play 1b- LEARNING I might add...LEARNING- he is not a 1st baseman), and their starting catcher, and we have a set-up man (putz) who complains constantly that he's hurt or he can't handle anything but closing- I can't remember which it actually is anymore, and our fabulous closer K-Rod was rushed to the hospital in Boston with back spasms but is pitching thru it. We have exactly 2 people on our bench. So, I'll take my Replacement Mets and raise you 2 if anyone wants to make injury excuses. :-) I'm just sayin!

4. The cleveland radio broadcast team deserves an emmy or something- I laugh until I cry listening to their calls -all week long...just awesome!

5. Sad news: Carlos Delgado (the mets ON FREAKING FIRE 1st baseman until he succumbed to the AROD/UTLEY HIP INJURY) said last night that he may never play baseball again. It's the equivalent to the Youk or Ryan Howard going down...it's sad b/c he is amazing, and fun, and seems to really enjoy being a MET....so, now...the possibilities of the METS **GASP** trading any of our good players for a Natinal (EEEk) is very real. I mean- any of our AA pitchers would be better than the Natinals starting 5....so I could live with giving up one...but I would much rather let Daniel Murphy play 1st (b/c I have the freaking t-shirt!).

Happy Friday!

Love, Mrs. 1st Place Met!

Get your broom on!

2009-05-28T09:24:00.003-04:00

The METS never sweep anyone in a 3 game series, so it was nice to actually not leave The Johan hanging on for dear life (uhm, pitching coaches yelling at umps about strikezone= 0) against the "bless their hearts" Natinals. I guess I'm still shell-shocked from September's past that I didn't realize that we really own the Natinals. It seems like they ALWAYS beat us...so, a sweep to me, was even more sweet (even though apparently, we've really beat up on them- maybe I just can't get over AARON FREAKING HEILMAN giving up the grand slam last year in DC).

Last night was a weird, weird game. Johan is human- I think we learned that last night. But, I think the mark of a great team is that when he struggled, our team picked him up and won this game for him. The irony and the ecstasy...of Daniel Murphy continues- he has 5 ribbies, and 2 errors (though only charged with 1). I am not ready to evict him from my baseball husband status- just yet! Also, the METS should consider sponsoring some HD review equipment or something since we have benefited more than any other team from the use of homerun reviews. Now, there are two schools of thought on this 1) it slows the game down, it's the umps job and 2) it's more important to get it right. I subscribe to #2- even if the calls weren't going the METS way- the truth is that we have basically won 2 games because of this review system, and if we ended the season 2 games out of first, with 2 blown games due to umpire error- then how fair would that be? Yes, there are steals and tags that are mis-read or even blown- but those are judgement calls (kind of like how the 2nd baseman isn't always on the bag when he turns the double play- and is never called for it)- and would entirely slow down a game. Pitchers I'm sure loathe the review system- did anyone notice the length of last night's game? I drove from downtown to Falls Church, VA- had a fabulous dinner at Yiannis's place (thanks BFF CHEF!), watched Throwdown with Bobby Flay, drove back to my apartment in the city, hopped in the shower, and still had 1.5 innings left to play on the tube. I mean- that was a long game. Especially when you consider that there were 26 strikeouts in the entire game- you would think that it was a fast moving game....ha! Anyway, I loved it....mostly b/c we won...and b/c of the quirks of the game. What I don't love is the MASN announcers Bob Carpenter and Rob Dibble. GEEZUS, they are ridiculous....and I was so angry just listening to them that I thought "I can't even enjoy the win"...the truth is that the Natinals were swept by the Mets AAA team- save for David and Luis....I'll throw Sheffie in too just b/c he's clearly not minor league, but he's also not supposed to be a starter for the Mets.

Bob Carpenter complains about everything- I don't hear other hometown PBP guys complain about everything- I certainly would not expect Gary or Ron to ever say something like "I can consider it a honor to be boo'd by the Nats fans"....but, finally, after Rob Dibble made me crazy on Monday and tuesday nights- he finally took Bob Carpenter to task and shut him up about the replay....and he also showed a little passion for the Natinals that clearly no one else in the clubhouse has ever thought of saying to the players (and I HEART MANNY ACTA- I WANT HIM MANAGING IN NY- I think- well, maybe....hmpfh)...Dribble Dibble made the point last night that the Natinals care more about traveling with their families, and all these off field causes, when they really should be traveling on the road with focus, playing baseball, doing their jobs, and then they can enjoy everything else- but they make bush league mistakes and they don't even show improvement from day to day. here here! As a DC resident who doesn't necessarily enjoy watching the Natinals suck day in and day out- I go to a LOT of games... I expect them to play professional baseball.

The worst part last night was when Johan walked in the run (he is a METS pitcher after all-HA!), I got this image of those ridiculous Natinals commercials on MASN where the fan talks about a game 2 or 3 years ago as if it were winning a pennant- and then the fan makes some snide remark about the other team- that is supposed to make the Natinals seem less lame....I was convinced that if the Mets won last night, there was going to be a commercial about how the Natinals showed Johan who was boss "yes, they did Johan"....These commercials are so lame- and I have the same response to them that people who are afraid of puppets have to marionnettes. It's so sad...

In other news...the weather in DC is gorgeous! I'm slowly recovering from our convention in SLC....and looking forward to the METS coming to DC the first weekend in June!

Back from Salt Lake City

2009-05-24T12:37:00.003-04:00

no magic underwear....but I did love the mountains.

I slept for almost 12 hours last night.

hearts for Niles.

I'm starving.

I guess I have to go see Yiannis spin tonight.

I heart my hot pink toenails- thanks mimi!

I do NOT see a broom in the mets future today- however, I expect to give out some fun baseball awards by tonight!

Just sayin'

2009-05-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

I know the Phillies say this was just another series....I hope they play this way all year- b/c the METS finally had some life...finally, the fans sounded in to it...maybe the Mets just needed some apple action to feel at home...maybe seeing our stars finally step up- was just what we needed. And for anyone who blames Jerry Manuel for getting ejected- perhaps, THE FLYING HAWAIIN should stop making illegal contact wiht his elbow. I know the Phillies play dirty- I don't expect they will always get away with it.

Let's go mets!

Swirlywand Baseball Awards: WEEK 2

2009-04-27T13:51:00.002-04:00

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week:
Carlos Beltran for leading the METS and most of the NL in "WOW", Hitting (when clearly NO ONE ELSE IS FOR THE METS!), and even though he's scared to slide anymore, he's still Amazin..on a team of folks who AREN'T! Congratulations Carlos!

Dan Quayle Award : Bulldog! He managed to send an entire text message to me without using the letter "o" in honor of the Natinals!

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: The NY Yankees- the best money can buy! TWO WEEKS IN A ROW BABY! It wasn't just the gozillions of dollars wasted by the Yankees up at Fenway, it's the idea that AROD himself is going to salvage this team. Plus, this takes the pressure of the MEts, who would normally be leading the backpage war of NYC!

Aaron Heilman Award: I'm giving this to the entire METS team (sans Carlos Beltran)....REALLY!?!?!? you blew 2 games in which we lead against the Cardinals...you played like you didn't care (just like Heilman pitches)....and you got murdered by a couple of no-names for the Nationals! Sometimes, you gotta sweep the crappy teams....not be the crappy team! Get it together Mets.

Stay Classy San Diego Award: the crowd at Citi Field for applauding the NO HIT 12 yr old girl from Jersey!

Wand Rating Demotion Alert: My 2009 baseball husband Daniel Murphy acted like he was playing FOR THE Nationals instead of against them...I can still get this baseball marriage anulled....get it together honey!!

Best Broadcasting Call Award: this is a CLOSE CLOSE TIE 1) Albert PuPu Holes grand slam- by the St. Louis Cardinals radio announcer! 2) John Miller's ESPN call of Ellsbury's swipe of home...in mid-sentence, he just explodes with IT WORKS...was hysterical...and amazing...especially considering that I don't care much for him....

The Wand says NO NO NO to-- Florida Marlins & Phollies...it's RIVALRY WEEK FOR THE NY METS!

Wand Rising Award: Pudge Rodriguez...he betta WERK y'all...and he's saving the Astros....

And the sparkly Swirly Wand goes too... JACOBY ELLSBURY- not only did you embarrass Andy "I had to leave houston to win a championship" Petite (yes, I know I mispell it- to match his stature)...but that really was the most exciting play to see...the most unusual...and you deserved the curtain call. WHAT DRAMA! the Redsox have it all...hats off! The SwirlyWand Baseball Awards will appear every Monday during my Lunch Hour!

STOP THE PANIC

2009-04-22T14:30:00.002-04:00

Okay- I'm the biggest "OH NO" baseball fan on the planet....I don't sleep well at night when we lose...even though the Astros won last night...I was just beside myself with annoyance for Ollie P- who I totally love normally...but really? Finally, Mets come thru with RISP...and then BAM...it's like we can't get all wheels turning at the same time. So, why might you ask...am I asking everyone to just stop the panic? Because we are 2 weeks in to the season. Some players don't even have apartments set up yet...it's COLD...everyone's brain is coming off the long winter of our discontent.

Did Carlos Beltran play sloppy? Yes.

Should we crucify Daniel Murphy ? NO

Should we trade David Wright for a power outfielder? Absolutely not...

Loving the Mets isn't easy...but we can't bail in week 3.

Field of Dreams

2009-04-21T13:45:00.006-04:00

Bulldog and I were ecstatic last week to go to Citi for the first time...and watch the first win...watch Gary Sheffield hack a few non-500 homeruns...

I've documented this all on facebook...Spring is so magical, with baseball's arrival...and so much QT with bulldog that even I get tired of me! ha!

I've designated Daniel Murphy as my baseball husband for 2009...and I'm still ridiculously happy that Ryan Church is able to play this year...but two things have miffed me in the past few days that makes me nervous for players...nervous that they don't have any room for error...that they can't be trusted to do their best....and that be okay. It is as if they are in a permanent no-fail zone...does this effect their inability to get runners home? I'm hoping a road trip for the METS will calm the bats down...without thinking "gotta get a hit! gotta get a hit"every time they come to the plate....maybe, just maybe....*sigh*

My two issues that make me nervous...

1- Bring Figgy back...the only team that could get him that would make me less angry would be if he were rocking the Astros with Roy O! Plus, that would get him out of the NL East...just imagine how awful it would be for him to be with the Phillies. I know feel good stories don't win championships, but I would rather have Nelson Figuerora on my team than not! He didn't fail the Mets on Sunday- the METS FAILED THE METS ON SUNDAY. Jerry Manuel also failed the mets on Sunday....which brings me to #2...

2- On Sunday, you have to play Church (pun intended). Homerun #501 is not significant to Gary Sheffield or Mets fan. Winning games and sweeping less talented teams is significant to the METS....Ryan Church had done nothing but come back from a partially Mets induced concussional nightmare...to be among the league leaders in many offensive categories- plus, he has always stood at his locker and answered the tough questions...he's played by the team's rules, said all the right things, and BAM...he gets rewarded by sitting on Sunday...when Manual already replaced Castillo with fan fave Fernando Tatis. I worry that Ryan Church may lose love for the METS if they continue to treat him like he's 2nd class.

So, i'm anxious for METS baseball tonight...I love it any time we get a chance to beat up on the Pu-Puholes!

Please consider donating your cell phone to the American Red Cross!

Oh, and congratulations Ryan Zimmerman...I was wrong- you are a great guy who is unselfish...and though I think you deserve better than the "Natinals"...I wish you all the best and will be cheering for you as much as I can! (especially against the phillies)!

Swirly's Baseball Awards for Week 2!

2009-04-20T13:05:00.001-04:00

SwirlyWand Baseball Husband of the Week: Luis Castillo (I'm sorry that I doubted you....but I'm on record of saying that I didn't think folks at Shea should boo you last year)

Dan Quayle Award *special this week*: Washington Natinals (maybe they hate Bmore so much they decided to leave the O off their jerseys)

Thank Goodness that's not my team Award: The NY Yankees- the best money can buy!

Aaron Heilman Award: Hands down- Brad Lidge (think of it this way, if it weren't for AFH!!!!, this award would be the Brad Lidge award) for getting annihilated (finally!) in the 9th inning- after many near misses last year (Phillies fans don't remember the games he ALMOST blew- at least 5 or 6). Anyway, as an Astros fan who was terrorized by Lidge after the 05 Pu-Pujols Homerun in Game 6 of the NLCS when Lidge was just mentally unable to save a game...nightmarish...never got over it until he was traded to the Phillies...where he continued to TERRORIZE me...albeit for a much different reason...

Stay Classy San Diego Award: Washington Nationals moment of silence for Harry Kalas prior to their home opener against the Phillies.

Wand Rating Demotion Alert: my dear David Wright...baseball husband emeritus...get it together...I don't want them to boo you at Citi!

Best Radio Call Award: Cubs walk off on Saturday where you hear the guy in the background scream noooooooo siiiiiirrrrrrrrr. *Cubs Win!*

The Wand says NO NO NO to-- Florida Marlins

Wand Rising Award: My freaking fantasy league team is KICKING ASTEROIDS...who knew when I picked Luis Castillo (Batting 9th in league!!), Carlos Delgado Dan Uggla, and Wandy Rodriguez (fanned 10 and shutout!)- that I was going to be as happy with them as I am with Johan Santana and Lance Berkman!

And the sparkly Swirly Wand goes too... Gary Sheffield for #500. We didn't want you, and we barely have to pay you. And you tied the game....so, welcome to New York Sheffie!

What baseball taketh away....

2009-04-12T12:55:00.004-04:00

Last night, with the illustrious international DJ superstar Chris Cox spun at Town...there were shades of all the things that used to make Saturday nights so amazing. Nearly EVERYONE (minus Bulldog who was out of town)in one ginormous room...dancing, smiling, laughing, dancing, hugging, exchanging "miss you"s all night, and the obligatory mention of our old playground Nation. Back before the Baseball Stadium development took DC's premiere world famous nightclub away...everyone was together every Saturday night...there were no calls, confirmations, decisions to be made- it was Saturday, the club was open, we were there. Now, everyone spends so much time trying to catch up with everyone else, that it's just not the same. We are all so rarely together, just living life to the fullest, escaping from life's challenges, reality, even escaping from our our real hair color! Chris Cox, more than any other person- can bring that feeling back to us- nostalgic- YES...hot- YES....and ultimately, just b/c the venue has changed, it's nice to know that he still loves spinning for his friends in DC...and he's genuinely flattered that he can make us feel like we did "back in the day".

But, I was thinking on my way home this morning about the irony- the baseball stadium took away the first venue I set foot in on June 22nd, when I came to DC from Mississippi. I wanted baseball so badly, and a new stadium would really be a treat so close to where I live-- but the benefits of a pretty new sparkly stadium have not outweighed the loss of Nation. Since Nation was reduced to rubble, I've replaced it with baseball- akin to how the stadium replaced the club. It's like I'm still in the same block...(well, the same 2 block radius to be exact)...

I live and breathe baseball (especially from February-October)...but I didn't even think one time about baseball while I was on the dancefloor last night. OH- and I was told by Dr. Spencer (OKAY- BLESS HIS HEART- HE QUIT HIS CLINIC PRACTICE TO MOVE TO DELAWARE TO HELP THE DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS - "Inmates are human- and have such shitty healthcare- that I wanted to help them) that I look like I'm 26...and then 10 minutes later in the bathroom, Daniel (adorable 29 year old guy helping his friend) said he was sure he was much older than me...HA- I have to say that going to a place that takes 6-8 years off of me is also a pretty good way to spend an evening! You know where it catches up with you though? WHEN YOU RUN IN TO PEOPLE YOU MET YOUR FIRST NIGHT IN DC! HA! No escaping that it's been almost 9 years...a decade almost, and we're still fabulous.

Okay- I'm signing off to enjoy the mets and marlins on TBS- where I always get a kick out of Skip Carey...hey everybody- holy cow

P.S. my boss is going with me to Opening Day at Nationals Park tomorrow...and then I'm heading off to NY to CitiField for Wed/Thursday night with my Bulldog!

Alone with his grief in baseball cathedral - Los Angeles Times

2009-04-10T13:31:00.002-04:00

This is almost too sad to read...but beautifully written.

Alone with his grief in baseball cathedral - Los Angeles Times

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From Angels to an Angel

2009-04-09T18:30:00.001-04:00

The news this morning that a California Angels pitcher, Nick Adenhart, had been senselessly murdered by a drunk hit-n-run lowlife scum running a red light was sobering. Just when all the glory of spring training gave way to the joys of first pitches...BAM...life cut short, and suddenly some perspective. Life is short- so short. Having finally reached his dream, the highlights of his first start of his real rookie year haunts the Angels website and other sports sites just a few stories below the tragic news that he was dead. Just as this could be anyone's family member, it could be anyone's favorite player on anyone's favorite team. I was struck by the choking up of his agent, Scott Boras...who epitomizes the nastiness, greed, and headline grabbing nature of some players. Suddenly, he wasn't the man who is trying to ruin baseball...he was human, experiencing a real human emotion of loss and pain. My heart goes out to him, but mostly to his family, and his friends...who must have been elated and then destroyed in a matter of hours. It's the sudden end to a young person's life that is the most tragic. That this could have been prevented is almost unbearable for me. I kept bursting in to tears listening to soundbytes from the press conference and local Los Angeles news- It's just so sad...I know it happens thousands of times a day. There are many more tragic victims of drunk driving who have families grieving today-- Not that life is fair. For anyone.

Baseball is just a game, and I know I get all worked up and like to yaya about how much I hate the Phillies and Yankees....I say a lot of things that I don't mean out of emotion or team spirit. What I don't lose sight of though is that it is just a game, but the players who play the game are real humans, with feelings, emotions, families, and beating hearts. People like to point out that baseball is a business to the players- that's why they dont' usually give hometown discounts or sign immediately after entering free agency. But, players also have hearts...and just as they can be stars on the field...they can also be examples. In this tragic case, Nick Adenhart serves as an example that no matter how fabulous your life may be, you're just one red light from your last breath. Tell the folks you love that you love them. Be careful. And please, be nicer to your friends...just in case. God Bless the California Angels family, and mostly the Adenhart family.

WOW- I wish we had Derek Lowe now...

2009-04-05T21:07:00.001-04:00

Seriously- Phillies Chops with Bulldog courtesy of my culinary skills...was followed by a homerun derby by the BRAVES...makes me nervous. I mean- watch Brett Myers turn in to a rockstar against the METS....lol

But, so far so good...good for the Rookie (from the MIssissippi Braves) hitting a homerun in his first at bat- Schaeffer....As bulldog reminded me when I was all "AWWWW"..."it's okay, staci, we'll hate him soon enough"....

Indeed.

Happy OPening Night America...Tomorrow, I get to NOT EVEN LISTEN TO THE METS Game b/c work calls- and TRUST, if I still worked at the place which shall not be named, I would be miserable...but b/c I'm freaking annoyingly happy with my current gig...I would work thru almost ANY Mets game (please see that I'm planning a convention-moon in 10 days in NYC)...BUT, I get treated in the evening watching ROY in the Astros home opener versus the Cubbies. GOod Luck Ole Roy!

Countdown to Opening Day= 0

2009-04-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

Well, first let me say- just the walk over to Nationals Park from Bulldog's place last night gave me a spring in my step. Yes, it was just the Orioles and the Nats....but it was very much baseball.....complete with seat section nazis who were checking seats on a game that had maybe 8000 people (in a 42,000 seat stadium). We paid 5 bucks and sat in the 35 dollar outfield seats.....not bad for a spring saturday night....saw a grand slam. It doesn't erase the grand slam that Aaron Fucking Heilman gave up to the Nats when I was there last April sans the Bdog.....when I called and yelled at Bulldog over the phone....but it was nice to see the Nats not play awful last night....and it was the Orioles- who cares!

Everybody's team is #1 today. The excitement of NEXT week is overwhelming- 2 games at Citifield!!! Oh, and Obama throwing out the first pitch for the Nats.....so, I've officially decided that Daniel Murphy is going to be my new baseball husband. David wright will be baseball husband emeritus. What is a baseball husband? Baseball Husband= the all-around good guy that one adores in a complete non-romantic, totally innocent baseball way. (Can definately be easy on the eyes too....). I just love a homegrown guy who seems to be very Wright-esque in his ability to tune out the distractions....a smart player that I have loved from day 1. I even remember saying "who?" The first night he rocked out as a Met.

I have been listening to a lot of MLB homeplate- and honestly, if I hear one more person explain how wonderful Phillies fans are, I'm going to scream. A) if you like 10 year olds cursing Mets fans. B) kids who can't spell phillies (ha- see previous blog post) c) rude old ladies who get in your face- then, yes- they are fabulous fans. I just don't get it. Stay classy y'all.

I hope the season is played out with a heap of good luck, good health, and some surprises along the way. May my astros win more than 50 games (was that a real prediction mlb analysts????)...and meet my mets on the final weekend of the season for games that count...for both of them. Yes, I would suffer thru that.

Play Ball Y'all!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

HAPPY OPENING WEEKEND!- NOT

2009-04-03T15:26:00.001-04:00

NOT!

The only the way the METS could RUIN the start of a pristine new season- is to sign GARY FREAKING "CRYBABY/TATTLE TALE" SHEFFIELD....another REALLY OLD guy for the METS! What? And we gave up Moises Alou for this clown!?!??!!? Apparently, he has said he will NOT sit on the bench...meaning that my beloved RYAN CHURCH will not be starting in right field. Apparently, if he does get benched, he bad mouths the 0-4 guys asking WHY THEY GET TO PLAY while he's sitting on the bench. This is just awful news. I have a FREAKING RYAN CHURCH BUMPER STICKER that says "GOT CHURCH?"....well, I guess not.

This is almost as bad as I felt when Super Endy was traded away like last year's paisley suit.

News: Mets sign Sheffield

By Matthew Cerrone - Apr 3, 2009 3:13 pm

According to SNY's Jon Heyman, of SI.com, free-agent OF Gary Sheffield has signed with the Mets.

Heyman reports a deal could be announced later today.

Baseball Fever!

2009-04-03T10:50:00.001-04:00

Okay- if only the METS would stop terrorizing me with all this Gary Sheffield talk...REALLY? I heart Ryan Church...and I LOVE Tatis...I do NOT want to NOT give Ryan Church a chance to be a star this season- he was so close last year, and barring injury, how do we know that he wont' be effective again? Exactly. We don't. But if you bring another OLD guy (And yes, I realize that the METS are the kings of last chance, nursing home, end of career, salvaggers of one last season) in...Mets fans will have a collective migraine.

I am a little nervous because of the Sports Illustrated Curse....did they have to pick the METS? Now, I guess Greenie will pick them too. I find myself so optimistic about the season, without any hints of Aaron Heilman to torture me...I don't feel the need for long diatribes about how nervous I am. Bulldog and I are doing a traditional Sunday night opening night viewing party at his place on Sunday to celebrate "hopefully" the first Phillies defeat of the year. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, it's raining (warm- NOT SNOWING), My scarves and mittens are packed away until next winter...and I'm fretting over my fantasy line-up for next week...THIS IS THE NICEST TIME OF THE YEAR. Every team is in first place...everything is overhyped...and everything is beautiful.

On a side note, my dad didn't have to got the hospital! Thanks for all the warm thoughts sent his way!

Now, let's go mets!

And, GOOD LUCK ROY O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Making Weir proud..again on another opening day! Loves it!

busy Busy BUSY

2009-03-31T09:32:00.001-04:00

With our annual convention in the SLC just 48 days away, my morning coffee is spent sifting through upwards of 10 "special requests"....when I would rather use my morning brain waves to do a little baseball blogging. I can't tell you how excited I am for the season, but I always expect real life to get in the way. Thank goodness I have a wonderful boss who rewards hardwork with time to enjoy the game! I'm tired of speculating and hoping and strategizing weekend trips....I'm READY to live and die by my mets text alerts! Seriously, Bulldog and I are watching Opening Night on ESPN at his place- cheering against the Phillies...which means...uhm...yes, we'll be saying "GO CHIPPER!" [isert gunshot here].

I ordered a new orange lady-like messenger bag suitable for stadium checkpoints yesterday- perfect for my scorecard, my pencil, camera, blackberry, bottle of water, moula, and handi-wipes! (Thank you airline crew discount!!!)

I'm making an honest attempt to stick to fantasy baseball this year. I joined a "PHILLIES BLOW" league to encourage myself! ha!

6 days y'all!

MY FREAKING FANTASY TEAM

2009-03-30T09:37:00.001-04:00

Gave me JOhan and Roy...and Daniel Murphy...

And can you believe someone tried to trade me BRETT MYERS and DEREK LOWE for Johan Santana!??!?! HA!

Please...

Now, this time next week, baseball season will be under way.

And two weeks from Wednesday, I'll be sitting in CitiField!

Holla!

OH- btw- CitiFIELD- do NOT play "Sweet Caroline". Please. thank. you.

WBC is done...now what to do for the next 12 days!

2009-03-24T18:57:00.001-04:00

So, unlike all the other people on the planet who continued to whine and complain about the World Baseball Classic (congratulations Japan- I think!)...I was thrilled to see baseball return in any fashion- To see my 2 favorite players (Roy Oswalt and David Wright) play on the same team was super exciting for me...to get a glimpse of how awesome K-Rod and the Carloseseses were for their native teams- SO exciting! When the season ends every year (granted 2 of the past 4 have ended abruptly!), I start the countdown- I'm a hot stove priestess..I have google alerts and everything else set up for any tidbits, glimmer of hope, etc..I can't wait to get that pit in my stomach in the 9th inning. I can't wait for this season to kick off- I'm so bummed b/c I have to wait a whole week to see live baseball after the season starts- the Nats and the Mets both in week 2, but that seems like an eternity!

Spring can NOT come soon enough- I'm dying in this 40 degree weather...no matter how many years I live in the "north"....I can't get used to it. I refuse to wear a scarf the rest of the winter. I'm putting my foot down on cold weather. If I don't give in with coats and scarves, maybe Mr. Winter will give me a break.

Other news and notes from the world of Swirlywand.

THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS HAVE DESTROYED SCREECH. Really. Watching that mal-appropriate, eagle in his oversized body was a true high point during boring National games. Plus, even when I was decked out in Mets stuff- he always came up and gave me a peck. Did Screech turn in to a coke-head? Did he go on Jenny Craig? What happend to Screech....what if Mr. Met turned in to Santa? Exactly.

2 months until the R*A Annual Convention- I'm working like crazy, but honestly, I've never been happier- I feel like a completely different person than I did last year at this time. I'm a month away from my one year anniversary here. And the best part- I get off for TWO baseball games the 2nd week....

I'm still picking Daniel Murphy for my baseball husband for the year.

Happy Tuesday night everyone!

Re: My First Baseball Game

2009-03-20T16:55:00.001-04:00

So did he get the no hitter?!

------Original Message------
From: Staci Allison Morgan
To: swirlywand.mets@blogger.com
Sent: Mar 20, 2009 3:53 PM
Subject: My First Baseball Game

I have pictures of me from this game....which I'll put on facebook if I can get them scanned in....but, I thought I would send y'all the link to the historic game that I first watched at the Astrodome in Houston...now Bulldog will appreciate this- my dad sent my mom, his friend James, and me home...b/c I was tired (I was 2.5 years old!!!!) and he didn't want to miss a no-hitter in progress...so, technically, I didn't see the last 2 innings...but I still have the cap! And I still wear it- super vintage, tragically beautiful orange Astros cap from April 7, 1979
http://www.astrosdaily.com/history/19790407/ <http://www.astrosdaily.com/history/19790407/>

Enjoy! And get yourselves ready!!!! I'm less hopeful about my beloved Astros, but cautiously optimistic about my Metsies!

(oh- and for Jamie- baseball season is all we have left!!!!!!!!! POO)

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

My First Baseball Game

2009-03-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

I have pictures of me from this game....which I'll put on facebook if I can get them scanned in....but, I thought I would send y'all the link to the historic game that I first watched at the Astrodome in Houston...now Bulldog will appreciate this- my dad sent my mom, his friend James, and me home...b/c I was tired (I was 2.5 years old!!!!) and he didn't want to miss a no-hitter in progress...so, technically, I didn't see the last 2 innings...but I still have the cap! And I still wear it- super vintage, tragically beautiful orange Astros cap from April 7, 1979
http://www.astrosdaily.com/history/19790407/

Enjoy! And get yourselves ready!!!! I'm less hopeful about my beloved Astros, but cautiously optimistic about my Metsies!

(oh- and for Jamie- baseball season is all we have left!!!!!!!!! POO)

the Greatest Game Ever! (and the funniest)- to Swirlywand's baseball Palooza

2009-03-18T12:25:00.001-04:00

Okay- so I resisted the urge to send y'all a OMG DID YOU SEE CARLOS BELTRAN ROB BRIAN MCCAN or DAVID WRIGHT- nuff said EMAIL ....but, This was just TOO FUNNY. Basically, this improv group turns a little league game (parents and players had NO IDEA) into a HUGE deal...bringing in tons of fans, jumbotron, and a NBC announcer....the reactions are PRICELESS....oh, also- body painters at a little league game? mascots? ?!! THIS IS REALLY- ADORABLE...and FABULOUS- and hey- baseball season is in the AIR! So, enjoy! And, get those rally caps ready y'alL!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nbkbss7i5s