Best Card Trick Ever

 

(Photo Credit)

This was forwarded to me and I had to share it. 

http://biggeekdaddy.com/humorpages/Humor/BestCardTrick.html

Crazy!

Frank McCourt is a Donkey

 

(Photo Credit)

Frank McCourt is a great businessman.  Unfortunately he is more interested in making money than running a ballclub.  McCourt has laid out his plan over then next 8 years.  His plan will make him an even wealthier man.  I interpret the following information as a way for him to settle his divorce, and coming out richer than before.

In the LA Times today there was an article by Bill Shaikin, and here is my summary:

The article starts off with this, "The Dodgers could seek to keep their player payroll below last year's level through 2018 while the average ticket price and club revenue could nearly double, according to confidential financial documents included in a court filing last week."

Translation: McCourt will be rolling in profits and pocketing the money.

Evidence:  "[McCourt] anticipates a significant rise in club revenue, from $295 million in 2008 to $529 million in 2018, and in the average ticket price, from $29.40 in 2007 to $53.50 in 2018."

The "rule of thumb" on clubs spending their revenue is to spend 50% of revenue on player compensation.  Here are the Dodgers' numbers:  2007 = 46%, 2008 = 42%, 2013 projection = 25%!!!

Now I'm all for making money.  By no means does McCourt have to spend 50% no matter what.  My point is that the Dodgers should not claim they can't afford to pay for top free agents or trade for guys that have a big salary.  They have the money.  Next year Manny's $20 million come off the books, and my guess is it will go towards the divorce settlement.

It's time for McCourt to be committed financially to putting out a team that can compete for a World Series.  He claims that he is committed...but his actions scream something to the contrary.

You are ultimately judged by your actions.  Frank...it's time to step up or step down.

Frosh/Soph Update

(Photo Credit)

Things are looking up for the Frosh/Soph team.  This week I've gained a few sophomores who didn't make the starting line up for JV, and elected to move down to my team.  Winter sports are over and a few guys from basketball, wrestling, and soccer have come out as well.  We don't make cuts, so we are up to 30 deep! (Getting playing time might be a little bit of an issue for some.)

I finally have guys who can legitimately play the infield.  I even have competition for infield spots!!

Challenge #1 is to find guys who can throw strikes consistently.  

After today's scrimmage, I think I found one or two guys.  

The field was pretty sloppy after it rained the night before, so that limited the action.  It was a scrimmage and we didn't keep score (even though I was asked every inning what the score was by the players.)  We hit the ball harder, made more plays defensively, and our pitchers hit more batters than the other team. 

So I'd say we left with a mutual, unspoken agreement that we were the better team today.  In about a month, we'll officially find out when we meet them again.

First game is March 2nd.  Here's to starting off the season better than last year (a 5 to 17 loss).

Are You Kidding Me?!!

(Photo Credit)

This will blow your mind.  Check out http://www.regiftable.com/regiftingrobinpopup.html

Every time I actually do what it says, it gets it right.  When I cheat and just pick a number it doesn't work.  I don't get it...will you?

Thank you Mom for passing this on to me.

Here's to Your Health

(Photo Credit)

My favorite beer is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.  According to a new report, drinking beer is healthy for you, especially pale ales.  So now when you want a healthy drink at lunch (or any meal for that matter), pass on the soda and ask for a cold one...Pale Ale if you like.

The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side

(Photo Credit)

Today I heard a way to describe the old saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side" that I've never heard before.

If the grass is greener on the other side...then you need to water your grass more.  Basically you need to give your grass more time and effort.  If you don't, you are not going to like your results.

So instead of complaining about the situation you are in, do something about it.  As a Chinese Proverb says, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

 

(Photo Credit)

Flashbacks

(Photo Credit)

Here is a quick recap on how things are looking for the Frosh/Soph(FS) team:

"It's unbelievable how much you don't know about the game you've been playing all your life." 
-Mickey Mantle

MONDAY:
Non varsity players are split up into groups of outfielders and infielders.  After a brief time of working with the outfielders, I identify players that will not be apart of the exciting FS team this year.  I break them into two groups (skilled and...raw), and try not to get anyone hurt.

"It took me 17 years to get three thousand hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course."
- Hank Aaron

TUESDAY:
The groups are split by grades.  I take all the freshman and tell them to go to a position that they'd like to play.  I get excited a little due to the fact that all the infield spots are filled with guys who, dare I say, know what they are doing!  During the last 15 minutes of practice the JV coach comes over and starts talking to some of "my" freshman.  He says he just wants to see if any of them can pitch.

"Don't forget to swing hard, in case you hit the ball." 

 ~Woodie Held

WEDNESDAY:
As I walk up to my group today, I can see that we've started to gain the sophomores that won't make the JV squad.  I also notice that all the freshman that got me excited are no where to be found.  I tell the guys to go to their position of choice.

After about 5 minutes...flashback to last year.  We are at the ground floor here people.  I have ONE guy who looks like he knows what he is doing.  I feel bad for him, and give him hope that things will get better.

After watching my new infield options, I wanted to cry.  One guy wanted to play shortstop, but bless his heart, he has an arm like a wet noodle.  He fielded the ball, then started to run towards first.  My first thought was, "This guy is going to run the ball over to first!"  After taking about five running steps towards first he let go of the ball.  About five seconds later the ball got to first.

So as we go into Thursday, we'll see if we have any pitchers.

Let the adventure continue!