Asides

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sports

Tribe outlook and update.

2569120142_8e64d7525a.jpgWhen last I briefed you on the Indians, here is where I stood:
“So, it’s December and we are still without a closer, a healthy, power-hitting DH, 3 spots in the rotation are up for grabs and we don’t have a 3rd baseman. Needless to say, I’m a little concerned for next year.” So, have the holes been filled? Let’s take a peek.

Closer – Well, the Tribe did it. They went out in the free-agent market and got the second best closer available in Kerry Wood. (The top closer being Francisco Rodriguez who signed with the Mets for 3 years and $37m.) We got Wood for 2 years and $20m. He’s the first closer that I have felt good about going into a season since Jose Mesa.

Power-hitting DH – Only time will tell this one. Travis Hafner has not been the same hitter since he got hit in the face in 2007. New injuries last year limited him and threw a wrench into the lineup for most of the year. If Pronk is healthy and puts up his average numbers: 30HR, 100R, 100 RBI, things will be good at the corner of Carnegie & Ontario.

3rd Baseman – Once again, I feel good about the Mark DeRosa signing for 3B. He’s a solid guy that appears to be a great “team” guy. That allows Peralta to stay at short and Cabrera at 2B. Splitting time between Garko & Martinez at 1B. That is a solid defensive infield.

Rotation – Well, here, not so much. For all the good the Tribe did in the bullpen in the off season; Jensen Lewis, Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez, Joe Smith and Masa Kobayashi, they well asleep on the starting rotation. Carl Pavano, I will say it again slowly in case you thought you heard me wrong, Carl Pavano. This guy turned one good season with the Phillies into a 4-year, $40m deal with the Yankees. He then proceeded to make only 26 starts over the next 4 years(including just 9 in the past 2 years), to end up with a 9-8 record with the Yanks. If, he’s healthy, I see him as a #5 starter, at best. The other 2 spots (well, 3 WHEN Pavano gets hurt) will be fought over by: Reyes/Laffey/Sowers/Lewis/Huff/Jackson. If we can get some useful inning from Laffey/Sowers (they have done it before). Things may just be held together with spit and duct tape.

Bright spots – I see the outfield being this club’s strength for the year. Grady Sizemore is already an all-star, but I see this as the year he breaks outs, cuts down on the strikeouts and takes on MVP consideration. Flanked by Choo and Fransisco (that’s fun to say), the outfield should be solid defensively and consistent at the dish.

Catching will be solid with Kelly Shopach backing up V-Mart. Everyone young (Fransisco, Cabrera, Carmona, Garko) has one more year of experience in the big leagues and I am only worried about Choo’s sophomore slump potential.

Overall, I like this team’s prospects. Barring injuries in spring training, I believe the opening day batting order looks like this:

1. Sizemore
2. DeRosa
3. Hafner
4. Martinez
5. Peralta
6. Garko
7. Fransisco
8. Choo
9. Cabrera

Only 14 more days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Baseball Fever, Catch it.

Categories
Writing

I'm humbled, thank you.

This post if purely a “Thank You”. I have been encouraged by everyone that has sent me an email, comment, IM, or note through Facebook that they have enjoyed my blog entries. Nothing like keeping the pressure on me to write more, but I’m up for the challenge.

If it makes it easier on you, please take a minute and subscribe to my feed by clicking the Subscribe button at the top of the page.

Thanks again for the encouragement, it has been welcomed and it’s greatly appreciated.

Categories
Big Picture

The Toys "R" Us kids grow up.

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Growing up.

When did you realize that you were growing up? Was it when you got married? Had children? Got promoted? For me, it was yesterday. Now, over the past few years most of my wild antics have gone by the wayside. I don’t drink as much as I used to, I don’t do crazy things as much, and I tell my friends to “be careful.” Being President of my Rotary club, serving on city council, and owning my own business has brought me a little more on the strait and narrow.

So why yesterday did I grow up? Actually it didn’t happen yesterday, I just realized it yesterday. I had lunch with an old friend from high school that I had not talked to for about 20 years. The conversation at one point turned to life. We made the joint comment that what used to be important to us: nice car, big house, boat, etc., didn’t mean squat anymore. I’ll stop there for now. Earlier in the day, I had a conversation with my very best friend and we were discussing this same subject. His quote was about the fancy stuff was this: “None of that shit matters. Life is too short to worry about that crap.” Exactly. Finally, this same conversation was played out a week ago when I talked to another good friend of mine. We both agreed “stuff” is fine to have, but serving the greater good and leaving a legacy that can be passed on is more important.

So, three different people, three independent conversations, but the same points: 1. Fancy things are great, but not needed. You need the love of your family, food, and a roof over your head. 2. We desire to do something bigger than ourselves. Give something back to the greater good. 3. Be happy in whatever you do, because life is too short.

How did I realize I grew up? By listening to what we were saying. It wasn’t the talk of how drunk we were going to get or the party that was happening this weekend. It was about adult stuff. Has the economy and it’s troubles caused us to start thinking this way? Maybe. Is it the renewed hope in a new administration running our country? Could be. I think for the most part it just the right time. We have 20+ years of life experience under out belt and are looking at the way we want to see the world for the next 20+.

Categories
Cool Quote

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” MLK, Jr. 1963

It’s been well documented all the woes of 2008. Tomorrow we swear in a new president and we face some of the toughest times that Illinois has ever faced. Only time will tell what great things come from these times. See my previous post to see what I think can come from adversity.

Categories
Productivity

When life gives you lemons…

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This morning, as I ate my cereal and read over by RSS feeds, I came across a post from Merlin Mann that made me think. Merlin used to be considered (I think he still is) a Mac productivity guru. But a year ago, he had a baby and it seems that his writing has become more “life-focused”. Meaning that rather than just talk about GTD, he writes more about the productivity of life.

To that end, his latest post on 43 Folders, talks about “re-potting” and the effect on him. That got me thinking about the “re-potting” times in my life and what has come out of it.

– Divorce –
When a marriage has failed, it’s a hard time. The questions of what, how and could’ve, should’ve consume you. For some people, it’s the darkest time of their lives and shapes every relationship they have from that point on. Some never truly get over it and costs them the chance to find happiness. Had I not gotten divorced, I would never had the opportunity to find the love of my life, Jennifer. Which in turn would not have given me Truce. Short of “thanking” my ex-wife, let’s just say it worked out better for me.

– Corporate Changes –
One day, I got a memo that outlined the new pay/fee structure for my company. Needless to say, it didn’t work in the favor of me or my clients. Rather than begrudgingly just “take it”, I decided that it was time to move on. We were spending big bucks on therapy for Truce and was probably not the best time to “make a move.” However, three years later, I have my own business and could not be happier with that decision.

– Medical –
Having a child with autism is not on the top of most parents “wish list”, it’s the hand our family has been dealt. Rather than let it destroy our marriage (80% of marriages that have a child with autism end in divorce), it brought Jennifer and I closer. We have become advocates for the cause and have helped others going through the struggle.

I could probably go on, but you get the idea. So, take a look at you life, see what’s bad, and understand that good can (and probably will) come out of it. 10-years ago, I was single, working for Edward Jones, living in Hoopeston and wondering what was next. My parents always said, “Good things happen to those that wait.” Smile, because that’s true.