It's All About New England Now

I'm really glad that the New York Giants played with heart and effort and actually tried to win that so-called meaningless game. They owed that much to their fans. But -- and I thought I would never say this about New York sports fans -- I feel bad for those fans. Not because their team lost last night, the Giants are still going to the playoffs and winning wouldn't have changed anything, but because they now have to put up with the New England/Boston fans.

After the Red Sox won the World Series, I knew there would be no living with the New England area. At that time, the Patriots were good, but it was still early. And the Celtics hadn't even started their season at that time -- all they had was Kevin Garnett. Now the Patriots are perfect in the regular season and the Celtics are, what? like 256-3? All this adds up to the sports fans in Boston being absolutely insufferable. Ugh. And if I feel that way, I can't imagine what New York fans are going through.

So, as cool as it was to witness a history-making game last night, I do pity New York for having to put up with their rival's obscene wealth of success. A little pity. For a little while.

Really? 23 Ways?

I just ordered the book "23 Ways to Get to First Base - The ESPN Uncyclopedia". It sounds like a lot of fun, and I think my kids might enjoy it too. But the main reason I ordered it is because I don't really believe there are 23 ways to safely reach first base. Without receiving the book yet, I think I can come up with about eight. Let's see:

1. 1B -- base hit
2. BB -- walk
3. HBP -- hit by pitch
4. FC -- fielder's choice
5. E -- fielding error
6. K/PB -- passed ball on third strike
7. CI -- catcher's interference
8. PR -- coming in as a pinch-runner

At least that's all I've seen in all the years I've kept score for my kids' youth baseball teams (I think -- I'm kind of out of practice here at the end of December). And I wouldn't necessarily count number 8 above -- it's kind of lame -- but I'm sure they did in order to get to 23. Unless they counted fielding errors by each of the positions (E1, E2, E3, etc.), but that would only bump it up to 16. There must be some obscure rules that I'm not aware of or that I can't remember.

Anyone else have any?

Update: I just thought of something...I'll bet that returning safely on a pick-off attempt would count too. Also, returning on a fly-out. Maybe.

Holiday Blessings

What a wonderful Christmas this year. For once, there's a nice layer of snow on the ground to make everything beautiful and white. I had the opportunity to spend some time with my mom, which was really nice. Spending time with family was fantastic, and hilarious because we're a goofy bunch. And hanging out with my kids was great because, well, they're great kids. All in all a great Christmas.

My loved ones sure have fun with the fact that I'm a Twins baseball fan. I received some very cool baseball-related gifts:

Book: Is this a Great Game or What? by Tim Kurkjian

Book: Tales from the Minnesota Twins Dugout by Kent Hrbeck

Movie: Everyone's Hero

A cool snowglobe thing where you try to put the baseball into the baseball glove

A baseball-shaped dip serving bowl with a bat-shaped spreader

Minnesota Twins calendar (too bad about half the guys featured are no longer or will no longer be Twins, but, oh well, good memories)

Minnesota Twins salt-and-pepper shakers

But the best gifts were the hugs and kisses and laughs and visits with these great people whom I have the privilege to call "family".

Merry Christmas!

I know this is done to death, but it's still my favorite....



Merry Christmas, Everyone.

Adiós Carlos

Looks like the Mariners signed Carlos Silva to a 4-year, $44 million deal.

Funny. I'm completely indifferent to that news, other than thinking that that's a lot of money. But then, I was always pretty indifferent towards Silva anyways -- I never really loved him nor never really hated him. He was just kind of *there*.

And now he'll be *there* in Seattle. Well, good luck Carlos, and good luck Mariners. I guess.

Update: Finalized at $48 million.

Fun Game

Since I don't have anything to say, I thought I'd post this cute baseball game I found. Too bad I suck at it -- I can't get through level 2. But it's fun anyways.


Play Games at AddictingGames

Edit: Yay for me! I've made it through level 4!

Special note just for Joel: neener, neener, neener!

Congrats Dolphins! and Are the Phillies Serious?

Well, the question I asked a couple posts ago was answered today. The Dolphins won their first game of the season today.

No team, no matter what sport, no matter what level, deserves to go winless for an entire season. Futility is very painful to endure. And, although I'm only a casual fan of football, I believe the Dolphins are a better team than their record would make them seem.

So, congratulations to the Dolphins and their fans.
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I saw this today, and just shook my head.

Phillies may sign Ponson to minor-league deal

Dear Phillies:

Before you do anything, give us a call. We'll tell you how well that plan worked for us.

Love,
The Minnesota Twins