Friday, December 23, 2005

Random musings

This is not (what will be) my usual blog. Usually, I'll be writing almost like my blog were an editorial or opinion column. At least, that is what I think it will be like. Who knows? Anyway, tonight was my next-to-last night at Chooch's (where I play Thursday nights) and next Thursday is my surprise (!) going-away party. I've been playing there every Thursday for the past two years and I have a lot of good memories of the joint. I'll miss it.

I am very proud of myself, I learned God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (the BNL/Sarah McLaughlin version) yesterday and performed it last night and tonight. It really sounds pretty good, considering. I got to hear a magnificent version at myspace while on the BNL page. They have a live version from the Vancouver stop of their recent tour. Check it out if you want to hear a great Christmas song.

In other news, I've been doing well in poker online the last two days and have been able to put $250 in my bank acct. from my online poker acct. Always good news!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Welcome!

This being my first blog with this page, I figure I'll tell you a couple things about myself. My name is Tony. I'm a 29-year old musician in the process of moving from NY to Arizona. I have an amazing girlfriend, Diana who is a teacher for special needs children in AZ. I play poker online often and spend as much time with Diana as possible. I have been a lifelong Yankee fan, and feel I am knowledgable about baseball on the field and off. I play softball, tennis and golf and this is starting to sound like a personal ad, so that's enough about me!

Damon to Yankees 4-yr, $52 million

I have a weird feeling that the Yankees knew all along they were going to make this move. They seemed way too content saying Bubba Crosby would probably be the centerfielder opening day. Bubba would have definitely been the most non-descript opening day centerfielder since, oh, I don't even know. Before Bernie (stints on DL notwithstanding), there was R. Kelly (not the Bump 'n Grind kind) then before him was... you get the picture. Looking back, it seems the last centerfielder before Bernie was Bobby Murcer. I realize there is about a 12-year gap there, but in the eighties, there was Winfield in right, Henderson for a few years in left, but never a "Yankee" centerfielder.

So, it seemed like this move to acquire Damon was predetermined. I like Johnny Damon in the clubhouse and I like his heart. There were no better options available without likely giving up one of the young studs. That said, Damon is on the wrong side of 30. This is a great move for the first two years - don't be surprised to see him score 140 runs - but after that, it'll be Bernie v.2.0. Hopefully Melky Cabrera (remember him?) will be matured and ready to take over by then. If not, just take all the editorials from this past year regarding Bernie and just substitute the name Johnny.

Just remember, all this is a moot point if Randy Johnson pitches like any 42-year-old not named Clemens, Mussina continues his inconsistencies of the last two seasons, and Pavano only manages to get in 17 starts. Wang and Chacon will not be able to carry the staff by themselves. Small will be coming out of the bullpen and making spot starts and Wright just sounds wrong.