Find something else to do: this blog will be on hiatus for the week as I head to Florida to get the fields ready for Spring Training; approximately three weeks until pitchers & catchers report.

Not only did I finally get to see The Suicide Commandos, Minneapolis' original punk band last night, I got my much sought after t-shirt from the aforementioned band. Playing as part of the local radio station - The Current - birthday party, it was great to hear some songs that I haven't heard in well over a decade. My quip of the night? "Punk's not dead; it's just been eating too much cheese." I also (somewhat) silently intoned my wishes for the bald and gray members to "please put your caps back on."

Also on the bill were Haley Bonar, Simms and Polica, the latter I had actually heard - sort of - as the singer had sang the "first dance" song at some dear friends' wedding a few years back. Further proof that this is a small town? The guy standing in front of me in the packed-to-capacity crowd was the guy who was the previous tenant in the place in which I now live. He had been telling his girlfriend about Lucero all night long (they're coming to 1st Ave. in April!) so he was extra-excited to see me in the band's t-shirt and he was double-fisting his drinks, so I'll excuse his exuberance in seeing me and for hugging me perhaps thrice; at least he didn't say, "I love you man who lives in my old apartment!"

Anyway- have a good week; let me know if something happens off the field that should come to my attention.

Thanks,
Brian

Just over 3 weeks until pitchers & catchers report for spring training and I'm feeling like I am nearly ready; seems like the Yanks will be, too. Andruw Jones? Signed. Boone Logan? Signed. They say A-Rod is healthy again and that can help a whole bunch. The latest name being seriously kicked around for the quasi-vacant DH slot this week is, drum roll please: Raul Ibanez. I am sure the Bleacher Creatures will be ecstatic if only because "Rauuuuuuuuul" would be fun to chant from right-field.

Vastly different from last year, the Bosox off-season acquisitions don't scare anyone: Cody Ross? Couldn't even hit enough in San Francisco where they don't hit a lick. Speaking of the Giants, I had forgotten they'd traded from their surplus of starting pitching (they did lock up The Freak for 2 years and roughly $40M) Sanchez to KC for Melky Cabrera. If I were the Giants I'd be worried that Melky's going to be a bad influence on the Panda. I envision many late night burritos from the Mission and the two of them not hitting their weight.

Nice pictures out of the Motor City of Prince Fielder and his son; reminiscent of Prince with his father, Cecil during his Detroit hey-day.

Can the Mets finish below last place in the NL East this season? You have to think it's possible.

Giants will beat the Pats... again.

Tonight, I'll attend Harriet Brewery's 1-year anniversary party. A friend's band is playing; the close friends DJ collective as well although the local paper othan nly called them "and others," but that's better nothing, right?

Tomorrow night after waiting for 20 years, I'll get to see the Twin Cities' original punk band, The Suicide Commandos, at 1st Avenue for the cool local radio station's birthday party. They may be old (may?) but I expect an entertaining night.

Okay, time to nurse the cold...

Cheers
B.

Most of the normal for this time of year baseball news has been the pre-arbitration contract settlings which saw the Yanks ink Gardner, Joba and David Robertson for 2012; I know Russell Martin's contract should follow along this week too.

But with Fielder still just kicking around (he'll probably sign with the Nats now that the Rangers finalized with Darvish and probably don't have the $$ to chase him) and the major trades possibly done for until the summer, the baseball news that's been filling in the blanks last week was of the odder variety and the sad.

Most notably was the news that the Indians' pitcher, Fausto Carmona, is not who he said he was (that's a fake name) and he's also 3 years older than the Tribe thought. He got nailed when certain documents didn't match up and got arrested in his home country. Gotta give it to him for a good pen name and for shaving the years, but in these post 9/11 days of increased security and scrutiny, you wonder how many more guys will get nicked for such offenses.

Ryan Braun accepted his NL MVP in the same week that he went to the offices of baseball to plead his case about getting caught for PEDs and his potential 50-game suspension at the start of the season. I don't know if this isn't settled by mid-February if he will be permitted to attend spring training for the Brewers. One columnist on yahoo thought he shouldn't have accepted the award, but if he really believes the failed test was in error, why wouldn't he take what he says he earned? And if you're going to fight the charges, turning down the award would appear as if he were admitting guilt. I was pretty tired of all the PED news, but this case really does need to be watched.

And rather sad news came from the family of catcher, Gary Carter; it looks like he is heading home for hospice care. I do remember he was the first God-Squatter whose autograph I got back when I was a kid; I was a little surprised to see the "God Bless" signed on my card over his name, but now I'll return that sentiment to The Kid, "God Bless, Gary Carter."

Brian

The unforeseen part about the Yanks trading Montero to the M's in the Pineda deal is that it freed up the DH slot that most thought would be occupied by the young slugging "catcher" is that is has sent shock-waves to every agent representing a possible replacement bat. In the few short days since the big, Friday the 13th trade some of the names bandied about have been familiar: maybe Damon will come back with a pay cut (it's funny though: since reading "Moneyball" and much about Johnny D. some of the "clutch-hitting" and "intangibles" points that are made about him in the papers may belie the actual truth of his value on the field), possibly a return for Hideki Matsui. I even saw one report that Jorge Posada would retract his recent retirement and platoon with Andruw Jones, much like last season, in the DH role. Admittedly, even that report said there was about a 1% chance of that; which means, essentially, the reporter made it up, but it was still nice to see Jorge's name back in the sports section.

Now, Raul Ibanez's name has been added to that growing list. So has Vlad Guerrero who would be my choice if we can "afford" him; everyone knows the Yanks do have the money, but there's a budget ... allegedly.

Now that it is a month to Spring Training I have to admit I'm getting fairly excited to see this Yankee team. Have to feel exceptionally hopeful.


Finished moving out of the loft space and setting up the home office. The latter part being a little extra difficult because of Thurman's damn agility. Yes, I have been forced in the past to re-re-arrange having not realized that I moved something that he used as a launching pad to a place where I permit him to go. But the new desk and file cabinet created some issues yesterday and I have had to move things around to keep him out of the book shelf and off the top of it where he really should not be. Things reached a head when he did make the 5 foot leap atop the book case knocking over and breaking a gift from some dear friends in LA (sorry, Mickey) and someone spent a time-out in the bathroom. He emerged sheepishly knowing that he did wrong, but now I can't exactly put things where I want them. Damn athletic cat; I guess it's my fault: people warned me about those Russian Blues.

Oh, well- too cold to go out; thanks heavens for books and netflix.

Cheers,
Brrrrrrrian

Well, while I was buying trying to sound content with what the Yanks had for a rotation, and half-hoping that Hank Steinbrenner didn't force Cashman's hand, the GM was apparently working hard. How hard? In two fell swoops, he turned the rotation from a weak spot - and this after stating at the start of the hot-stove league that his priorities were, 'pitching, pitching, pitching' - into a strong suit and potentially one of the finer staffs in the league.

Gone is previous untouchable, Jesus Montero, as well as Hector "Next Year's Ivan Nova" Noesi to the Mariners. What did he net? Oh, just some guy they call the "Pocket CC" -- huge, 22 year old right-hander Michael Pineda and another young arm that some of the scouts say has an even bigger potential. And instead of overpaying and over-extending the team with a long-term contract for Edwin Jackson, Cash signed Kuroda on a one-year deal for $10M, which is $3-5M less than what the Japanese pitcher - who will most likely slot into the #3 hole in the Bronx. Boom! Boom! Here comes the Evil Empire-- again.

And while time will tell how both pitchers stuff translates pitching in the AL East and in the more hitter friendly Yankee Stadium than their previous pitcher parks of Seattle and Los Angeles, what must be taken into account is the Yankee offense which can make up for even a notable increase in the pitchers' ERAs.

And if losing Montero's bat means that the Yanks re-sign Eric Chavez, well I will be rather happy with that as well. He's a veteran, he hits from the left-side with power and still plays a fine third-base to be able to spell A-Rod as well as picking up at first behind Tex. Of course, Posada's probably sitting at home thinking he should have waited a little longer before announcing his retirement; perhaps he could have gotten some of those DH at-bats previously thought to be those of the suddenly-expendable, and perhaps "over-hyped" Montero.

Perhaps the Cuban defector Cepedes could be next?

And the influx of new arms to the starters creates another "problem:" all of a sudden the Yanks have too many arms and not enough spots. How much would I like to see AJ Burnett go somewhere, anywhere? Oh, probably on a par with how much the Yankee brass would like to see the same thing. Reports are that the Bombers are willing to eat as much as $8M per year left on AJ's 2-year $33M albatross of a contract. The idea of moving Hughes now is far less appealing; he would be sold low at this point. I'd rather have him take over Noesi's role of long-man, spot-starter, etc. than letting him go at this point, although Freddy Garcia could also handle those roles. See? Such awful problems. Added bonus is that now moving Nova down to 3rd or 4th in the rotation lessens the pressure on him, although that didn't seem to be an issue last year for that youngster.

Friday the 13th didn't seem to frighten Cashman. And then next Friday the 13th (which also happens to be my birthday) is the Yankee home opener. And while the division won't be locked up just yet at that point (tongue firmly in cheek) the idea of having the starters hold on until the GM could make a trade-deadline deal for an upgrade in the rotation, right now that doesn't seem like the same concern.

5 more weeks til those pitchers and catchers report. I haven't heard much this winter on the health status of back-up catcher, Francisco Cervelli, moving Montero could land the defensively-lauded Austin Romine to that back-up role behind Russell Martin.

Play Ball!

This afternoon, the NY football Giants take on the Packers for the opportunity to play the 49ers next week (helluva game yesterday even if I was rooting for Nawlins over Frisco) and here's hoping Eli can stick it to Rodgers...

Cheers,
Brian

Congrats to Barry Larkin and his induction to the Hall of Fame. In a skinny year he does seem worthy. Bernie Williams got some votes (I think about 13%), but his chances especially with some shue-ins upcoming seem skinny, too. The next couple years with the steroid guys all becoming eligible should be interesting. I wonder how much in how the Ryan Braun situation plays out effects the likes of Bonds, Sosa, Clemens et al.

Hank Steinbrenner is putting his nose into the Yankee pitching situation this week much like he did last year with Soriano. Steinbrenner met with Boras about Edwin Jackson, who would be an upgrade over AJ Burnett (but, who wouldn't be?) and even Freddy Garcis, but if Nova keeps to make progress, if Hughes comes back full-strength and the pitcher he has been, the rotation looks sharper than what we had going into last season. Cashman is likening Hector Noesi to "this year's Ivan Nova" and while that may just be GM-speak for "we're not going to overpay for pitching," at this point with somewhat weakened competition in the AL East, that may carry the team at least until the trading deadline come summertime.

Pitchers and catchers report in about 5 weeks; a week later than usual, but that's okay. So far haven't been jonesing too much for a game. I do have about 2 weeks' worth of un-seen Yankee games that I can watch should the snow pile up and I've run through all I want on Netflix.

I hope no-one gives Manny a job. Period.

So I do have a date with the woman I met at the CVB/Cracker show- so there. That may be the last national touring act to come through here for a while, so I am glad that I made the most of it. Although when Lucero come the first week in April -- I got a pre-sale ticket through the band yesterday -- there very well may be snow on the ground. Finally turned cold here over the last couple days.

As for bar-tending school, after being scolded, "hold the bottle like a bartender" about a dozen times my first session in, perhaps I have that part down. Learned how to pour shots "like a bartender," too. The hardest part of my first set of lessons (outside of somehow cutting myself and bleeding all over the bar towel) was biting my lip - and keeping it bit - when I was being "taught" how to make a Bloody Mary. About the only thing my recipe and their's have in common is tomato juice and vodka.

I'll keep you posted, thanks for your concern...

Cheers
Brian

All the Yankee news from the weekend should be filed under "retired." Jorge Posada, despite rumors that there were other teams interesting in signing him for DH roles, decided to hang 'em up -- a Yankee for life. Hip, hip Jorge! I applaud that decision. Also having finally announced that he is actually retired, Bernie Williams made the eligibility list for the baseball Hall of Fame. And it's a good year to do so as there is no clear-cut electable player; Bernie has maybe about as much a chance as Barry Larkin to get that call, but this could be the year the writers don't enshrine anyone. And seeing how the Veteran's committee only picked the late, Ron Santo it could be a very quiet and small induction ceremony this coming summer in Cooperstown, NY. The year I attended it was Brooks Robinson and Juan Marichal; there's no one like those 2 eligible in 2012 for sure...

Making some minor revisions to the Rose cover and really hoping to be able to release the book on or around Valentine's Day; failing that, I suppose a month later Steak & a Blowjob Day would be the next appropriate date.

Was very happy to be able to see the great, touring double-bill of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker on Saturday night at the Fine Line. The former band is now the current one despite their "opening" standing on the bill. CVB played some new tracks which sounded more like Cracker songs, but they did light up the crowd with Matchstick Men, Club Med Sucks and Take the Skinheads Bowling (looking down from the balcony directly over stage-right we saw an awful lot of "skinheads;" it was not what you would call a young crowd) and a few others.

Cracker were dynamite. They played so much of what I wanted to hear and it all sounded great. The pretty Samantha, who I had my eye on but she was with a guy so it was just an eye, came over to me at one point (I don't remember which song) to tell me that I was the only one enjoying that one as much as she. I came back to her a little later to inform her that if they played "Been Around" I'd have all that I needed; she needed "Can I Take My Gun to Heaven." And although she didn't get hers, I did get mine -- and it was only made better when she waved me over for a nice, tight slow dance during my song.

Bar-tending school tomorrow. What's your order?

Cheers,
Brian

Yanks don't sign Japanese short-stop which is a vote of confidence for the Captain, a good sign for Nunez sticking around and most likely means that Chavez gets re-signed for this season and I approve of that. I thought that there was a chance that Zambrano would be in pinstripes (they'd need quite a lot) this year, but maybe Epstein won't deal with Cashman even though he's no longer in beantown. But I am pretty psyched from one standard to see Zambrano and Ozzie in the same dug-out. Things should be interesting in Miami this season. Actually the NL East could turn out to be the most exciting division in MLB this year. Unless you're a Met or a fan... Expect them to be cemented in the cellar. I hear that Tom Seaver has as big a chance of starting this season for the Mets as Johan Santana...

So, I am out of the loft space, effective immediately if not sooner. Need to go pick up my stuff and it's okay. The energy has been changed and it's no longer conducive to writing in there. I will still be able to get it on a as-needed basis for events such as the book release party (more on that in a following paragraph) as a rental, but I wanted not even a drop of bad blood between myself and the friend who is the lease-holder. So it just makes sense...

As for Rose, I have a near-ready cover and although it meant changing something that I wanted, the more important things are what's between the covers and that it just gets out there. It feels something like a cork in a bottle, and even if much of the champagne winds up making my hands sticky and my feet wet, I will be okay with that. I think... But it's time and if I move with some haste, a release around the appropriate Valentine's Day holiday seems perfect. Failing that, there is always Steak & a Blowjob day a month later...

Working on the other project in a notebook for now. There is no other blog -- I swear -- so don't go looking for one...

Cheers,
Brian

New Year and new material. I resolve that "A Rose by Any Other Name" will come out in print this year and that I will hold at least 1 book-signing event, but hopefully be able to afford to take it on the road to other cities where I may have friendly connection sufficient to get me a location and a crowd. I will have to figure out how many books I will have to sell at each event to warrant a trip, but there's something that sounds a little exciting about that.

Also: I will get back to the novel, "Live Fast! (Die Out of Town)" and work on that so it too will be ready to either push out of the nest in the same manner of Rose or if that can be the book I can speak of when asked, "What's next?" I'm thinking that I may have enough distance - both physically and mentally - from Los Angeles and the business of screenwriting to roll up my sleeves on my Misadventures in the Screen-trade premise.

And if I can't get my own writers salon off the ground (and I do need a new name because of the bleeping bosox signing Nick bleeping Punto!) I will find other venues to present my work- either readings or spoken word. I suppose that the doing my own vs. participating in someone else's event sways in the balance as I decide in the coming month or two if I will stay in the loft work space or bail from it as it has been changed severely since I signed on. That may sound like bitching, and perhaps it is, but that doesn't mean it isn't true.

And as I finally commence my bar-tending school this week, I also need to consider whether the idea of doing a screenwriting workshop out of the space is a valid, moneymaking plan or not. I am pretty sure I can teach others the basics of screenwriting in 6 weeks or so and make myself available to the new writers afterwards as their screenplays develop. My biggest concern (outside of the standard: I haven't done this before thing) is that I won't be able to get enough participants (I believe I would need 8-10 to make it really worth my while, although I think it could still be okay if I get 6 enrolled) and have to toss the idea aside.

And last, but not least: I am in search of a muse, so ... you know: No reasonable offer refused...

Cheers
Brian

Big news from the Yankee front: they re-signed Andruw Jones. Yeah, not entirely world shaking news there. Cashman probably would have let it linger on for a while longer had reports not hit the papers that the bosox were interested. Those reports probably came directly from Jones' agents, but who could blame him? Perhaps, just perhaps, the Yankee brass is keeping an eye on the eligibility and availability of the Cuban defector who likes to be called "The Power" although in Spanish, where, I am sure, it sounds a lot less pretentious; maybe he should let his bat do his talking from this point forward.

Those dreaded sox did pick up a closer in Bailey and a decent bat in Sweeney from the fire-sale that is the Oakland A's. Having just read the book (see blog from last week, I think) mostly about A's GM Billy Beane, one has to wonder what is up his sleeve. Yes, a lot of this is predicated on the Athletics getting out of Oakland and into a new park in San Jose and I'd be  close-minded to think that Beane isn't up to something, but at this point? Really hard to tell as it looks like he's giving away anyone on their pitching staff who can actually, you know, pitch.

The NY football Giants, for a second week in a row, showed like they actually want to win some games and lo and behold, last night's strong showing send them to the playoffs and the cowboys home.

Here's how I know I was really planning on attending a friend's New Year's Day brunch yesterday: I bought vegetarian pate. Yes, I also picked up some legit stuff as well, but there's not a chance in heck I would have gotten the mock stuff. That is my story and I am sticking to it, but I didn't make it any further than Lund's yesterday. And no, I wasn't hung over, but was enjoying a day of chill and netflix. I'll find someone to feed the pate, but for myself last night it was a broiled lobster tail, Israeli couscous and some lightly steamed string beans with a Velvet Rooster to wash it all down with. So far, suffering is in full effect for 2012. Let's keep that  up.


Happy New Year! Tomorrow's blog will be completely different. Well, it won't say the same exact thing...


Cheers,
Brian