MLB 07

We are about a week away of the first pitch of the 2007 Major League Baseball Season and thanks to the League and Directv, about 200,000 less fans will be able to see out of market games, way to go Bud. Anyway, I thought I would give my non-scientific predictions to see who will be wear in October.

AL West:
1. Oakland - It's hard to go against them, they always find a way to win and I've learned, don't ever count out Billy Beane.
2. Seattle
3. LA Angels
4. Texas

AL Central:
1. Chicago Whitesox - Once again, the Chi-sox will be the team to steal all of the headlines in the Windy City.
2. Detroit
3. Cleveland
4. Minnesota - Unless Johan Santana can pitch every other day
5. Kansas City - Someday the Royals will surprise everyone, I am not sure if this is the year

AL East:
1. Boston - Their pitching seems to be more stable than the Yankees
2. NY Yankees
3. Toronto
4. Tampa
5. Baltimore - Baltimorians will still have Cal Ripken to cheer this season for his induction to the HOF

NL West:
1. Dodgers - Solid Pitching, Solid Line Up
2. Giants - a pair of Barrys should keep them in contention
3. Padres
4. Diamond Backs
5. Rockies

NL Central:
1. Astros - I personally think this is where Clemons winds up in July
2. Brewers - surprise, surprise
3. Cubs
4. Pirates
5. Cardnels
6. Reds

NL East:
1. Braves - Tim Hudson - Cy Young / Andruw Jones traded before the deadline and the trade will help The Braves much like the Phillies trading Abreu last season.
2. Phillies
3. Mets
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

Astros - Red Sox World Series - Roger Clemons wins WS MVP and finally retires

Stress Management

It's amazing what stress can do. It's even more amazing how something so small can cause so much stress in your life. For the better part of my life, I tried to never get stressed out, I always slept a decent amount of time, I didn't let things get to me, especially little things, and I always put things into perspective. But now as I get older and there are a lot of things out of my hands, the stress level has risen.

The key to handling stress is similar to the key of handling life, realize you do your best and you can't control every thing. There are logical solutions to everything. Stretch in the morning, stay active and alert all day and have a good night's sleep. Most importantly, stress is usually caused by another person or group of people, try to minimize these people in your life. Finally, nothing is perfect, when something is stressing you out, take a time out, take a deep breath, count to 10, think of someplace relaxing and don't let the stress get to you.

Some of my favorite things

There are a handful of material things that I really enjoy having in my life. 10 or 15 years ago, these things were either not invented or I never thought much of.

1. iPod - I love music, more older than newer, but with the invention of the ipod, my workouts are much more fun. It's small, easy to use and very attractive and I can't imagine not using one when I am working out.

2. crocs - The first time I was introduced to these colorful rubberesque shoes was at a boat show some 6 years ago. I could have gotten a pair at cost, but for some reason I didn't. Sure they were hideously ugly, but at the same time, I thought they were kinda cool. Was I too cheap back then or was I afraid to make a bold statement? Several years later, I have 2 pairs and I love them. They are comfortable and for people who don't get the allure of them, well, they just don't get it.

3. Voice Mail - Back in the day when I had a answering machine, I could never figure out how to call in and hear my messages. I made a promise to myself, the first time I am on my own and paying the phone bill, I will get voice mail. It's convenient and smart and I don't see going back to a answer machine every again.

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies - what else can I say about the chocolate chip cookie that hasn't already been said? You tell me someone who doesn't like a good chocolate chip cookie and I will tell you someone who isn't all there.

5. Football Sundays - Some pray on Sundays, some Shop on Sundays, for me, I love to watch the NFL. It is a great escape for several hours and every one needs a great escape now and than.

6.Internet - I can only imagine how much easier and better high school and college would have been with the internet. Emailing, Iming, Googling, Blogging, can you imagine 15 years from now how advanced we will be?

Some Random Thoughts for a Monday

The Gulf War celebrates its 4th anniversary, has anything been accomplished? President Bushs' approval rating is at an all-time low. Gas Prices are still high. America's Foreign Policy isn't looking too good. Here's hoping the next 4 years are better than the first 4.

I have really enjoyed the NCAA Basketball Tournament so far this year. I don't think the best teams have been playing their best. I have this funny feeling it will be a BCS Championship rematch on the Court with Florida taking on Ohio State.

Do you think everything tastes better when it's BBQd?

Why has boxing turned into such a joke of a sport? Does anyone under the age of 30 even care? Do you think Don King will get his paws involved in Mixed Martial Arts?

Has our cultured gotten more violent and sexual? Sometimes I feel like I am watching an R Rated movie, but its the evening news. I am not one for censoring someone, but I do believe people need to be warned about what they are about to experience. As consumers, we should be able to make our own decisions about our lives, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. We also have to do a better job teaching our children the differences between right and wrong. That's another blog for another day.

I believe their needs to be separation in church and state. I believe one's religious views should be on a different plane as one's political views. Decisions should be made based on whats good for the State as a whole, not What Jesus Would Do? As Americans, we need to be more sympathetic and understanding to other people's believes.

Spring is almost here and that means the Boys of Summer are gearing up for Opening Day. No matter what it's like outside, when "Play Ball" is called for the first time every season, the true smell of spring takes place.

A Damn Cold

It doesn't happen often, in fact, it's usually once every year or two, but I get a cold. It starts as soar throat for about a day, than the next morning, the congestion fills up in my head. And if I am lucky and it doesn't turn into a sinus infection, I will be pouring out phlegm for the next week.

It's amazing, all of the technological advances this world has made and their is no cure for the common cold. Maybe, the medicine companies want to keep it that way? Hmmm, how's that for a conspiracy theory?

When I was younger, I use to get colds every season change. As I get older it became less and less, I went about 3 years without a single cold.

I am not the kind of person who can just lie in bed and nurse myself to sleep that way. I guess I just have to be patient and it will go away.

Damn Colds!

Just Some Random Thoughts, A Stream of Conscience Style

If something is Illegal, how can it be Unconstitutional? If you sneak into this country, without attempting to get a Green Card or Work Visa, shouldn't you hide under the radar? It use to be a privilege and an honor to live in this Country.

With our Presidential Elections 2 years away, who will step up and prove to be a true leader in our struggle to get back to where we were? Our country is built on diversity, but it always seems to be the same people running and winning president.

Are shows like Dancing With The Stars and American Idol for Real? Think about, they are just big popularity contests that really don't judge people on talent as much as how they "look." I personally feel the Networks are taking advantage of the viewers with these and all reality based shows. Let's face it, if Reality was Real, How boring would it really be? Boring enough to have Network upper ups manipulating what was shown.

I love March Madness and College Basketball, but there needs to be an improvement in the system. I have a few suggestions, first, down with the super conference. With 300+ Division 1 teams, there shouldn't be a conference allowed to have more than 12 teams in it. I would prefer 10 in each conference and EVERY TEAM makes their conference tournament (Do you hear that Big East.) I also think officiating has to be more consistent. There shouldn't be an alternate Jump Rule, Jump the Ball. There are also too many time outs, especially late in the game. Let these guys play in a close game with the time ticking down. Finally, when did the field of 64 become the field of 65? Thats what the NIT is, the 65th best team in the Nation.

Finally, Britney Spears, Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey are not news. They are celebrities, Lets not forget that.

10 Questions About the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies

1. On paper, the Phils starting pitching seems to be the strongest in the National League. Brett Myers and Cole Hamels are poised to be number 1 guys. Freddy Garcia is a solid starter and is in a contract year. Jamie Moyer is tremendous bottom of the rotation guy. Adam Eaton was a questionable signing for that kind of money, but if he can give the Phils 12 wins and eat up 5+ innings a start, that would be a great accomplishment.

2. That leads me to Jon Lieber. Lieber is the 6th starter. He has decent stuff and had a nice end of the year. He makes 7 Million and I believe this is the last year of his contract. Teams seem to have lukewarm interest in him for now, but as the season draws closer, more interest is bound to happen. If Lieber stays, what happens with the rotation? Lieber isn't a good fielder and would be a liability in the field. He does have a cool truck thats the size of Rhode Island.

3. The Phillies Bull Pen needs a little help and most people think that either Jon Lieber or Aaron Rowan could be dealt to help bolster the pen. Tom Gordon is a decent closer and Geary, Smith, Alfonseco are decent set up men. Ryan Madsen didn't have it in him to start, but he's ok out of the bullpen. The Phils starters need to get into at least the 6th inning on most nights.

4. The Phillies have one of the best infields in baseball - Howard, Utley and Rollins are amongst the best, Third Base is a question. They signed Wes Helms and Greg Dobbs this off season and have Abe Nunez returning. The Phils need someone who can field the position and be a solid offensive contributor. There is definitely less pressure on the third baseman than the rest of the infield.

5. When the Phils let Mike Lieberthal go, it was with the assumption Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste will take over the catching duties full time. When they signed Rod Barajas, it was kind of a head scratcher. Why wouldn't you bring Lieberthal back for another season? He seemed to be great when it came to calling a game. His experience seems more important than his numbers, can Barajas do the same?

6. Charlie Manuel is on a very short leash this year. Simply put, if they have a slow start, he is done. This is the first year in a long time, the Phils are one of the favorite in the NL. The Phils have waiting in the wings Minor League Manager John Russell from Reading.

7. Who is going to hit behind Ryan Howard? Pat Burrell is the first choice, but there is a lot of pressure on him to produce and he has yet to step up. Jason Werth and Wes Helms are also choices, but both of them seem to fit better in the 6th or 7th spot in the line up.

8. Speaking of Ryan Howard, now that he has two sensational seasons behind him, will there be a third? The 2005 Rookie of the Year and 2006 NL MVP can only get better, but teams also have a better idea how to pitch him. Howard has the potential to hit 315 and 45 home runs a year and outshine Albert Pujois as the top NL First Basemen.

9. The Phillies Bench needs a little boost, either in house or through a trade. Chris Coste, Jason Werth, Karim Garcia and Abe Nunez are nice players, but can they step up and be extremely productive as bench players? or will the Phillies need to make a move to bolster their bench.

10. The NL East will over take the other divisions as the most competitive division. The Mets improved their line up and if their starting pitching can hold up, they will be tough to beat The Braves will be improved, Tim Hudson is in great shape and is motivated to get back to where he was a few years ago. John Smoltz is a Hall of Fame caliber pitcher and Andrew Jones might be moved for younger talent, but until he is, he is a tremendous player. The Marlins have a great young team that over achieved last season. The injury to Josh Johnson will hurt, but the Marlins always seem to find someone to step up. Dontrelle Willis will be in the running for the NL Cy Young.

One last thing, thumbs down to Major League Baseball and their exclusive deal with Directv. Baseball should embrace all of their fans and give them the opportunity to see out of market games, instead they alienate their fans. You'd think after '94, they would have learned.

Rules in Society

Living in South Florida, one of the most shallowest places in the United States, I see a lot of things I probably wouldn't see any where else. For example, on the roads, every other car is a fancy car - Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Bentlys, Porsches, Rolls Royce, Hummers and ever Ferraris. Go to a Mall or a Store and there is some ignorant person, wheeling their dog in a Dog Stroller (The poor ones use a shopping cart from Sears or a Hand-Me-Down Baby Stroller.)

What I might think is normal, someone else might think is strange. But somewhere in all of this, common sense needs to prevail. I think there should be a set of rules put into place for each situation. Here's some of what I have come up with so far:

If you are in a public restroom, Wash Your Hands.

If you are driving in the fast lane, don't cause traffic jams.

Guys, Flip-Flips should NEVER be worn with Jeans.

Woman, if you are gonna wear a low cut shirt, People will STARE.

Are Please and Thank You too hard to say?

When you walk in or out of some place, look behind to see if someone is there, if they are, hold the door AND if someone holds the door for you, thank them.

A Cell Phone is a priviledge, not everyone wants to hear your conversation, pay attention to whats around you.

This is what I have so far, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.