Winter Go Away

Everyone is sick the current temperature is -3 and it is going to be around -20 tonight. I'm not talking Celsius either. I guess it's just what you have to deal with while living in the arm pit of the world but it's all worth it once summer comes. Just in case anyone cares i still feel like shit but i am hoping maybe a couple miller lites can fix me up. A good thing is the Barclay Aubertine voting is done and over with so i know longer have to listen to that crap. In case anyone cares Aubertine won. Clemens is still in deep trouble for not telling the truth. I saw an article that said $4 gas coming soon, great. Other than that i don't really have any interesting non depressing news for you. Lunch is coming up soon for me that's a plus. Yesterday while being sick working from home i noticed how lame afternoon weekday TV really is. I mean there was nothing on. I must have watched Sportscenter 12 times. No breaking news. Price is right was on that wasn't anything to brag about. I wonder in order to be on that show if they make you act like an idiot. If i was called up there is no way i could jump around and act like these people do. No way. Eventually it got later and decent shows started to come about. One i started watching was pretty sweet. It was Texas Hold Em billiards or pool you might call it. It is definitely something i would like to play sometime just in case anyone is interested. Here is the format. The format used in the tournament is a modified version of the pool game nine-ball, that emulates texas hold 'em, a type of poker. Each of the four players carries chips like those used in poker. In each rack, the players wager a number of them. The winner of that particular rack collects the others' wagers. If a player's chips is less than wager, that player has to go "all in" which means all of that player's chips must be wagered. After every four racks, the wager rises. In later racks, the player with the least number of chips will have to wager all. If a player runs out of chips, he/she is eliminated from the match.
In most nine-ball tournaments, a players can miss a shot and (providing they do not foul while doing so) the incoming opponent must take whatever shot may be available. In the Texas Hold 'Em Billiards Championship, missing a shot awards ball-in-hand to the next player. This eliminates defensive play, but makes the game faster. What a great idea.



As i sit here and explain and talk about this awesome game i am interrupted by to WOW players arguing. WOW player 1, we are having some serious problems in our guild. Officers are just not doing there job and people are off doing there own thing. Communication is poor and it is a waste of time. Bla bla bla. WOW player 2 "Dude it's a game" Wow player 1 "it's more than a game dude and when people are doing there own thing bla bla bla bla yacka yacka bla then it becomes a problem." Wow Player 2 "yeah whatever dude" Are you kidding me. These guys need to walk away from the computer go out and try to get laid. One of them is cool and goes and plays occasionally when he is bored i guess. But this other dude is dedicated. WOW, work, sleep, sometimes eat. That's how he rolls. Your almost 30 put the video game away, eat your vegetables go out and try to get laid or at least socialize with real people in the real world. If your happy then whatever i guess. Maybe it is better guys like this aren't out having sex reproducing future wastes of space WOW addicts. Hmmmm thank you WOW for keep guys like this off the streets and making it so they are unable to reproduce more computer addicts. Anyways lunch time i'm out, Laidher.

Sick Day

Thanks to my co-workers I am now sick. Thanks. Therefore unless i start feeling better no post for your but soup for me.

Pirates 2008 Preview

"Guns N' Roses began working on a new album in the early '90s. It was to be called "Chinese Democracy." Every few years, rumors would float to the surface that a release date was imminent, but the record never materialized. Now, in 2008, after tons of personnel changes and failed comeback attempts, the band's discography still remains unchanged.
Around the same time Axl Rose was on top of the world, so were the Pittsburgh Pirates. But ever since their own tragic "spaghetti incident" -- with the Braves' Sid Bream stretching out like a wet noodle to score the winning run of Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS -- the Pirates also have been floundering. Since that game, the team has failed to reach .500 and is currently on its sixth manager.
What's Changed?
Key AdditionsManager John Russell
Key LossesManager Jim Tracy So why should Pirates fans think 2008 will be any different with John Russell at the helm than it was with Jim "Slash" Leyland or Lloyd "Buckethead" McClendon? Why should Pirates fans think that what is, for all intents and purposes, the same team that had the NL's worst record in 2007 will do any better? In short, why should Pirate fans expect "Chinese Democracy"?
A change in attitude in the clubhouse and from the front office is nice, but what the Pirates need to succeed is for Jason Bay to return to his 2005 form, for Adam LaRoche to rediscover the stroke he seems to have left behind in Atlanta, for pitchers like Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny to continue their steady progress, and for the rebuilt farm system to start producing some homegrown talent who can step in and contribute on an everyday basis.
General manager Neal Huntington has said all the team needs is a little patience. Funny, I think Axl Rose said that once ... and the wait continues ...
Ballpark: PNC Park is a pitcher's park, plain and simple, which is exactly what the team wanted when it designed the new stadium to replace Three Rivers. The change from artificial turf to grass helps to keep the staff ERA down, and a deeper left-field power alley gives pitchers room to make mistakes against right-handed hitters. Is it any wonder that the Pirates boast three lefties in their rotation? The most telling statistic is that according to the Park Factor numbers, PNC Park is incredibly low (ranked 26th) in home runs, despite the fact that only Fenway Park is smaller, and that there is scarcely any foul territory, which gives hitters extra chances when those swings that "just missed" end up drifting into the stands, rather than into fielder's gloves.
The Offense
2007 Team StatsOBP+SLG (OPS): .736 (23rd)Runs Scored: 724 (23rd)Home Runs: 148 (22nd)Attempted Steals: 98 (23rd)PNC Park Factor:Runs: 0.945 (20th) / HRs: 0.779 (26th)
Probable Lineup
Morgan/McLouth**
CF
Jack Wilson
SS
Freddy Sanchez
2B
Adam LaRoche
1B
Jason Bay
LF
Xavier Nady
RF
Jose Bautista
3B
Ronny Paulino
C
Does anybody remember a young rookie who went 8-2 with a 1.81 ERA back in 2005? Whatever happened to him? He had a rough 2006, although he finished strong. But whatever momentum he had built up disappeared quickly in 2007. He pitched only 89 innings before being diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, which probably accounts for his awful numbers (5.54 ERA, 1.73 WHIP). Still, we're not ready to give up on Zach Duke, and neither are the Pirates. He's back at full health and has been all but guaranteed a spot in the rotation by new skipper John Russell. At the same time, the pressure to be the team's ace is gone. All Duke has to do is focus on pitching. With his former minor league mentor Jeff Andrews now the Pirates' pitching coach, we think he'll be able to regain that 2005 comfort level.
Intriguing spring battle: It would make a terrific reality show: "Who Wants to Pitch for the Pirates?" We know Matt Capps is the closer, and lefties Damaso Marte and John Grabow are going to be the primary set-up men. But after that? Bring in a crazy mismatched cast of offseason waiver claims, a Rule 5 Draft selection, injury reclamation projects, an aging Japanese import, converted starters without a job, several veterans looking for one last shot at glory, and a bunch of young prospects, let them live together and compete for a major league job. Franquelis Osoria is as good a bet as anyone to emerge from this competition as the go-to right-hander, but unless he or somebody else really steps up, it could be another long season for the Pirates. Without a reliable bullpen, the starters will be asked to pitch deeper into games, and those extra innings could spell late-season swoons. Or conversely, Pittsburgh goes with whoever looks best and crosses its fingers that sixth-inning leads don't suddenly become seventh-inning deficits before they can get to Marte and Grabow.
Trainer's room: Another Pirate who can't seem to stay healthy is Ryan Doumit, who qualifies at both catcher and outfielder. He has some pop in his bat, but unfortunately, the time behind the plate has been unkind to his body. Hamstring problems, a sprained left wrist and a sprained right ankle severely limited his playing time in 2007. The Pirates were thinking about signing a veteran backstop to free up Doumit from his catching duties, which could be a good thing. While 10-15 home runs may not be what you look for from an everyday outfielder, it certainly would be nice from your catcher spot, and for this season anyway, you can play Doumit there, whether he does for Pittsburgh or not.
Chris Duffy's career path continues to be derailed by injuries. Center field appeared to be his last year, but a sprained ankle sidelined him in June. During his rehab, Duffy had shoulder surgery as well, to rid himself of the pain he'd had since 2005, which had made him afraid to even throw the ball back to the infield after catches. He won't be ready to go at full speed when pitchers and catchers report, and likely will start the season at Triple-A. If the Pirates do call him up to the club during the season, he's worth a look, especially if you need some speed. Of course, there may not be a job for him to come back to ...
The Rotation
2007 Starters StatsRecord: 46-70 (29th)ERA: 5.02 (24th) WHIP: 1.51 (27th)Batting Average Against: .296 (29th)Home Runs Allowed: 103 (24th)Team Fielding Percentage: .986 (3rd)PNC Park Factor:Runs: 0.945 (20th) / HRs: 0.779 (26th)
Projected Rotation
Name
No. 1
Tom Gorzelanny
No. 2
Ian Snell
No. 3
Paul Maholm
No. 4
Matt Morris
No. 5
Zach Duke
No. 6
John Van Benschoten
...since either Nate McLouth or Nyjer Morgan may have center field locked up by then. Morgan has incredible speed and the ability to make stretching a single into a double look effortless. Plus, Nyjer made several spectacular catches in the field, although many times, had he made the proper read on the ball, such theatrics would not have been necessary. On the other side of the coin, McLouth may not be as fast, but he knows when and when not to run. McLouth stolen base success rate of 95.7 percent led the majors. Plus, Nate gives the team a little more pop -- he hit 13 home runs last season in only 329 at-bats. Because both players are left-handed hitters, eventually either one of the two likely will push the other out of the way. If neither lives up to the expectations, perhaps yet another lefty, Chris Duffy, will join this already crowded position. Although there may be an outright winner coming out of Bradenton, any little slump likely will see a changing of the guard, meaning this battle may rage on all season long, resulting in an unorthodox kind of platoon to be sure, but a platoon nevertheless.
Schedule Preview: Pittsburgh has an unusual June stretch where they play five consecutive series against American League teams. After visits to Baltimore and the White Sox, they return home to face Toronto, the Yankees and Tampa Bay. On the one hand, playing three teams who had 90 losses last season gives the team a chance to gain a lot of confidence. Plus, the two toughest series are at home, where at least one big bat will be taken out of the visiting lineup, giving the Pirates a fighting chance. I'd definitely pay attention to this section of the schedule. A few solid pitching performances in a row could have a long-lasting positive impact and point toward a successful rest of the season. Of course, should the team get roughed up and go 4-11 over this stretch, it could be your cue to cut bait on all Pirates before it's too late.
Fantasy Stud: Jason Bay's 2007 is going to cause a lot of owners to pass on the Pirates' best player. And they'd certainly have every right to be concerned. Paying top dollar for a .220 second-half isn't exactly going to win you many fantasy titles. He had some problems with his knees, which could account for the drop-off, but he should be at full strength for 2008. To be frank, a return to 30 home runs and 100-plus RBIs would be far less surprising than a repeat of last season's numbers. And apparently, the Pirates agree. If they had any doubt that Bay was poised to return to form, they would have jumped on one of the many trade offers they got for him during the winter meetings. They did not, and we think Bay will repay that confidence with another All-Star season.
Prospects to watch for 2008: Brian Bixler will be ready to take over at shortstop at some point during the 2008 season. The 2004 second-round draft pick likely will start the season at Triple-A, where he stole 28 bases last season, until the Pirates feel he's ready for the day-to-day grind at the major league level. And when they do, they'll likely send Jack Wilson packing to make room for him.
Steve Pearce started last season in Class A and climbed steadily up the ladder, eventually ending up in Pittsburgh in September after hitting 31 home runs during his rise to the big leagues. The team liked him enough to get rid of Josh Phelps, leaving Pearce as the probable backup for Adam LaRoche at first base. LaRoche's presence means Pearce won't see a whole lot of action, but with his ability to also play the outfield, he may get some opportunities to spell Xavier Nady or Jason Bay from time to time.
The Bullpen
2007 Relievers StatsRecord: 22-24 (21st)Saves/Opps: 32/51 (21st)ERA: 4.77 (26th) WHIP: 1.43 (22nd)Batting Average Against: .273 (26th)Strikeouts per 9 innings: 6.92 (21st)
Projected Bullpen
Name
Closer
Matt Capps
Setup**
Damaso Marte

Setup
John Grabow
Setup
Franquelis Osoria

**Closer-in-waiting Prospects to watch for the future: Andrew McCutchen is the shining star of the Pirates organization, and is a five-tool center fielder. He struggled a bit in Double-A last year, but was still promoted to Triple-A, where he seemed to be more comfortable at the plate. Certainly with the logjam at center field, the Pirates can afford to give McCutchen a full season at Triple-A, but if none of the three candidates set themselves apart from the pack, we can easily see McCutcheon getting a shot in 2009.
The signing of Chris Gomez was probably made, in part, to give Neil Walker another year at Triple-A. Offensively, Walker is probably ready, but it has only been a year since he started the transition from catcher to third base, and he could probably use a little more time to get the defensive footwork down. There's an outside chance he might get called up sooner, but we think the Pirates will ride things out with Jose Bautista and start fresh with Walker next April.
Fearless prediction: Call me crazy, but I'm going to be optimistic. The Cubs topped the NL Central with only 85 wins last season. In 2006, the Cardinals won it with 83. I'm not crazy enough to think they can go from worst to first, but it's not unreasonable to think this team can't have some early season success, and build on the confidence they gain from it. Add in a influx of enthusiasm from Triple-A in the form of Brian Bixler, and would it be so unrealistic to see the Pirates within seven games of the division lead come September. I think Jason Bay has a monster year, and the team's appetite for destruction carries them to an 82-80 finish. "Chinese Democracy" isn't quite here yet, but it's not as far away as you'd think. "(http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=mlbdk2k8pitpreview)

Pirates Sign Pitcher

"Free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim signed a one-year, $850,000 deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, four days after agreeing to contract terms.
The Pirates also designated infielder Ray Olmedo for assignment.
Kim, who is expected to join the team Monday, could earn up to $1 million in performance bonuses.
General manager Neal Huntington said the 29-year-old Kim will be used exclusively in relief. Last season, 22 of his 28 appearances with Colorado, Florida and Arizona were starts. He went 10-8 with a 6.08 ERA.
"He has been tough on right-handers when he pitched primarily as a reliever," Huntington said. "Kim adds an experienced option for us in our bullpen competition."
The Pirates have four bullpen openings, with only closer Matt Capps and left-handers John Grabow and Damaso Marte considered locks.
The Pirates hope to keep Olmedo if he clears waivers. Olmedo, a waiver claim last month from the Toronto Blue Jays, had been one of 13 infielders in camp." (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3262392)

Pirates needed another option for relief pitching and sounds like this guy is dominate as a reliever and struggles when he starts. They signed him only to be a reliever so as of now sounds like a good sign. We will see if it is or not soon.

Weekend Recap

I tell you what I am sick and tired of this Barclay Aubertine for State Senate. I don't give a crap anymore who Win's I hope Lisbon's Pat Green win's it. Barclay has spent probably more money then I will ever make bashing Aubertine. What does he stand for? I don't care who Win's but just stop with the damn commercials and the protesters on the corner asking you to beep if your going to vote for Aubertine. Maybe I am going to hell but i beep just to watch those idiots jump up and down or give you the thumbs up. I'm not voting for him, I'm not voting for anyone. Anyways to the weekend...

Nothing exciting to report Friday sat around played online poker watch TV.

Saturday was a good time. Me, The Man The Myth The Legend, and Akins Construction went to my work bowling tourney in the Arm pit of the world Gouverneur NY. Whoo whoo you might say but it was a damn good time. We started drinking before the tourney and when we got in there we kept going. We were at about a beer a frame rate for the 1st game. Tryed keeping that pace for the next two but were not able to keep that pace but still had a damn good pace. A guy I work with we will call him The Rockstar tryed to keep up. He quickly fell behind a beer then it turned into 4 beers pretty quick. The waitress then proceeded to call us alcoholics but thought we were funny. She also works at Jrecks we found out and almost lost her finger in the meat slicer, yes don't eat meat at the Gouverneur Jrecks. So The Man The Myth The Legend made fun of her finger brace she had to wear and she soon took it off after that. It was almost the end of the second game and we found out there was a light you could turn on to make the waitress come running over and bring us beer. Every time that light came on we had our $9 round there. Sweeeeet. Were having a good time bowling was OK I guess no idea how I did let alone are team but regardless it was a decent time and the beer was good. We then switched over to red bull and vodka thinking that was a good idea, which of course it was. Next thing you know were done bowling and it's buffet time. Akins Construction was able to get 4 trips to the buffet. Everyone else had multiple trips but somehow i messed it up and was only able to get 1. Awesome. After dinner the DJ started to play and The Man The Myth The Legend was now happy feet. Busting out moves only seen at the ARC ladies were kind of liking it. Then apparently the friends came over and apparently they weren't lovin it. Midnight came fast we didn't win any prizes and Happy Feet wasn't getting any action the bathroom so we decided to hit the dollar menu up and head on home. All in all a good night. I think we should have the first annual Beernutsworld bowling tourney. Let me know if you are interested I Guarantee a good time or your money back.

Sunday morning I wake up with an interesting text message. Apparently someone got a free bottle of wine on a wine tour. Sweet you say what is so cool and exciting about that? Well in order to get the free bottle of win streaking through the vineyard was required. I hope the wine was good because i guarantee you that was a sight to see. Hopefully it wasn't too cold if ya know what i mean dawg. The text i got. "I got completely naked yesterday and ran through the grape vines for a free bottle of wine." Classic. As sick as it might be i want to see pics of confirmation, and no fan's i will not post them on this site.

(On a side note I did bowl against a 16 year old kid that had a prefect game going through 8. He kicked my ass.)

Duke Sucks

Duke loses again for the second time in a row. Now when UNC win's out they will be crowned ACC regular season champs. When Lawson comes back Duke doesn't stand a chance and all the Cameron Crazies will be crying and probably throwing shit like 2 year olds. I mean Miami is a tough team, NOT. Coach K really showed his class by calling out Roy. Dr. Crackmeupmakemefeelohsogood thinks and I agree that Roy should spit in his face when they go for the hand shake. Call it a sneeze or something. Whatever Duke sucks Jr is gay and this headache I have is killing me. Peace.

Prison Break Let's Me Down

I started watching prison break this year because of the new roommate. He said it was the best show ever blah blah. So I said hell asides from MNF i don't have anything else to watch. So I started watching it and it wasn't half bad. The more I watched the more let down i felt. It seems they took a season and expanded it out into like 3 seasons. I don't know how many times I heard we go tommorow. The season finale was Monday and i have been hurt ever since. It wasn't that eventful, not sit on the edge of your seat exciting. Just plain boring. To top it all off they lead it right into another season where he doesn't even have to break out of prison. Instead he is chasing some girl trying to kill her because she killed his woman. He's out of jail a chance to be free as long as he doesn't get caught but he still wants to go chasing after her. What do i know i'm not Michael Scofield. Sorry I had to vent.