Just thought I would let you all know that I am planning on running a half marathon this summer. It is hard for me to pick a date because my work schedule complicates a training schedule but I'll let you know when it's planned.
This is a big deal to be because I ABSOLUTELY HATE RUNNING.
I love sports and I love working out, but I can't stand running. It's way too boring to me.
This might suck
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
New Years Resolution
I’ve been rather busy with my job lately, and when I’m so exhausted from work I hardly want to write when I get home. Please forgive me.
Part of my 2010 resolutions include an increase in blogging. I love writing, and my current job requires very little of the trade that I worked so hard to develop during my expensive college education – It deserves some exercise and this is my only outlet for the time being.
There are several things that I have thought would make good blog posts but haven’t taken the time to fully develop the thoughts so I will give you a brief taste of all of them (or at least the topics I can currently remember).
1. I love Costco. My dad and I went there to pick some things up for my sister-in-law’s baby shower and I loved every thing about the giant warehouse. I went around lunch so it was the perfect time to taste all the lovely samples. Heather and I used to go all the time when I lived in Provo, and I simply had forgotten how wonderful it is.
2. Perfect transition into the next topic – We had a baby shower for Brooke last weekend. It was so fun and she got a lot of stuff. It was a very good example of they type of extended family this baby is being born in to. She got outfits for the following teams: Yankees (boo), Broncos, Avalanche and my personal favorite Notre Dame. I also got her some little baby Jordans. This is one lucky little baby.
3. The Angels are being dismantled by Free Agent moves. They have lost almost all their top Free Agents and I honestly don’t know how good their pitching will be next year.
4. I decided to expand my search for the best grad school and I’ve narrowed it down to four choices. SDSU is still my favorite for two strong reasons – best curriculum and location! Hello, two years in San Diego? Yes, please.
5. The holidays are stressful.
6. I hate the cold weather. We had a spell of cold that left the temperatures below 10 degrees for over a week. Luckily I got to go to Miami for work at the beginning of it, but I left 80 degree weather and got off the plane in Denver to a five degree chill. It was a sad day for me.
7. I read this great article about Nick Adenhart and wanted to share it with you.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Free Agency - update
read this post and then this article should make a lot more sense
Not in a religious way for all you LDS readers out there - in a baseball way.
Much to what I am assuming is Brooke's delight, I realized that most of my posts have strayed from sports topics. So I've decided to write about sports again, mainly because I miss doing it and also it was the original purpose of this blog.
Lately I have been very interested to see which baseball players filed for free agency and to see what the possible rosters are for my favorite teams in the 2010 season.
There are some big free agents out there now like John Lackey and Matt Holiday and I thought I would give you all a run down of what free agency is - and what it means to an organization.
Once a player has been drafted or signed with a team, he cannot become a free agent until he has been on the 25-man roster for six years. Players who are not eligible to file for free agency can be up for salary arbitration if:
They are not able to file for free agency
They are not under contract
Cannot come to terms of agreement with their current team
Been on the 25-man roster for three years.
Arbitration means that both the player (his agent) and the organization submit a number and the arbitrator selects that which he or she (pretty much always a he) deems most fair for a player of that talent level.
Note that there are exceptions but I won't get into that.
If a player has filed for free agency, the club offers arbitration in early December (I'm not sure what the dates are this year, but I know it is always around Winter Meetings). The player has around a week to acceot and be added to the roster - or contact negotiations can last pretty much up until the start of the season like Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers last season. There are rules about when their team can negotiate and when they can't but we won't get into that.
Now, there are different classes of free agents depending on the skill level of the player. Type A free agents are in the top 20 percent of their position and type B free agents are between 21 and 40 percent of the top players for their respective positions. This is determined by the Elias Sports Bureau.
If an organization offered its free agent(s) arbitration and he/they decline, the organization is offered a supplementary draft pick in the following draft. It depends on the team that the free agent eventually signs with. A team can lose their first or second round pick if they sign Type A or B free agents, or the draft pick can be sandwiched between the first and second rounds.
There are a lot more rules that have to do with free agency but I'm not going to get into it because this is complicated enough as it is.
However I do want to explain the 25-man roster to those people out there that are Major League Baseball novices. Baseball teams are allowed to carry 40 people on their roster, but only 25 people on the active roster. The 25-man rule is effective at the beginning of the season until August 31.
So you may hear people refer to the 25-man roster or the 40-man roster. When a player on the 25-man roster is placed on the disabled list a player from the 40-man roster can be called up to replace him during that time. If a player is placed on the 60-day DL they can be replaced on the 40-man roster and the club is not penalized. A player on the 15-day DL remains on the 40-man roster, but they are not eligible to play in a game until they come off the DL.
The remaining 15 players on the 40-man roster play in the minor leagues. In September the rosters are expanded and all 40 players are eligible to play on the active roster. Many prospects make their Major League debut this way.
Teams use the expanded rosters in different ways. If they have the division locked up, they will use the callups to gain experience and to give their everyday guys a rest before the postseason. If a team has no shot of making the playoffs they will likely take the time to give their prospects ML experience and to see which players will be ready to contribute in the coming season. Teams that are making a push to enter the playoffs usually use the callups in a needs-based way, such as pinch running or out of the bullpen.
There are some complicated rules that come with making the 25-man roster and options once the players have done so, but I will save that for another post.
Until later.
P.S. I should note that the Yankees won the World Series this year. I just didn't feel like writing about it. Yes I believe that they purchased that championship, but hey if I owned a team and had the money to buy the best players I probably would too.
Not in a religious way for all you LDS readers out there - in a baseball way.
Much to what I am assuming is Brooke's delight, I realized that most of my posts have strayed from sports topics. So I've decided to write about sports again, mainly because I miss doing it and also it was the original purpose of this blog.
Lately I have been very interested to see which baseball players filed for free agency and to see what the possible rosters are for my favorite teams in the 2010 season.
There are some big free agents out there now like John Lackey and Matt Holiday and I thought I would give you all a run down of what free agency is - and what it means to an organization.
Once a player has been drafted or signed with a team, he cannot become a free agent until he has been on the 25-man roster for six years. Players who are not eligible to file for free agency can be up for salary arbitration if:
They are not able to file for free agency
They are not under contract
Cannot come to terms of agreement with their current team
Been on the 25-man roster for three years.
Arbitration means that both the player (his agent) and the organization submit a number and the arbitrator selects that which he or she (pretty much always a he) deems most fair for a player of that talent level.
Note that there are exceptions but I won't get into that.
If a player has filed for free agency, the club offers arbitration in early December (I'm not sure what the dates are this year, but I know it is always around Winter Meetings). The player has around a week to acceot and be added to the roster - or contact negotiations can last pretty much up until the start of the season like Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers last season. There are rules about when their team can negotiate and when they can't but we won't get into that.
Now, there are different classes of free agents depending on the skill level of the player. Type A free agents are in the top 20 percent of their position and type B free agents are between 21 and 40 percent of the top players for their respective positions. This is determined by the Elias Sports Bureau.
If an organization offered its free agent(s) arbitration and he/they decline, the organization is offered a supplementary draft pick in the following draft. It depends on the team that the free agent eventually signs with. A team can lose their first or second round pick if they sign Type A or B free agents, or the draft pick can be sandwiched between the first and second rounds.
There are a lot more rules that have to do with free agency but I'm not going to get into it because this is complicated enough as it is.
However I do want to explain the 25-man roster to those people out there that are Major League Baseball novices. Baseball teams are allowed to carry 40 people on their roster, but only 25 people on the active roster. The 25-man rule is effective at the beginning of the season until August 31.
So you may hear people refer to the 25-man roster or the 40-man roster. When a player on the 25-man roster is placed on the disabled list a player from the 40-man roster can be called up to replace him during that time. If a player is placed on the 60-day DL they can be replaced on the 40-man roster and the club is not penalized. A player on the 15-day DL remains on the 40-man roster, but they are not eligible to play in a game until they come off the DL.
The remaining 15 players on the 40-man roster play in the minor leagues. In September the rosters are expanded and all 40 players are eligible to play on the active roster. Many prospects make their Major League debut this way.
Teams use the expanded rosters in different ways. If they have the division locked up, they will use the callups to gain experience and to give their everyday guys a rest before the postseason. If a team has no shot of making the playoffs they will likely take the time to give their prospects ML experience and to see which players will be ready to contribute in the coming season. Teams that are making a push to enter the playoffs usually use the callups in a needs-based way, such as pinch running or out of the bullpen.
There are some complicated rules that come with making the 25-man roster and options once the players have done so, but I will save that for another post.
Until later.
P.S. I should note that the Yankees won the World Series this year. I just didn't feel like writing about it. Yes I believe that they purchased that championship, but hey if I owned a team and had the money to buy the best players I probably would too.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Since You've Been Gone
I've been slaving away at my new job (hence the small amount of blog posts since I moved to Colorado, plus my computer died on me so I had to get a new one...) and it sure has made time fly by. I realized that I have been back in Colorado for three full months, which is a full quarter of a year.
Things are really getting busy at work and I am traveling a lot. Add the holidays on top of that and before I know it, it'll be another three months.
There are some things that I find myself really missing about Utah and I want to share it with you, and those of you who are still in Utah please think of me when you enjoy the following.
This blog post is inspired by my favorite Utah blog Your Heart Out, these bloggers find all the cute little shops and restaurants in the valley and share them with the world. I've been trying to find something similar for the Denver area and I haven't found anything even close - sad!
I miss the soup at Kneaders, and the fruit tarts. I also miss the all-you-can-eat french toast, the canolis, sandwiches - I mean I could go on for a very long time here. I loved going there for lunch on a cold day, and I didn't realize I would miss it so much.
I miss being in downtown Salt Lake and seeing temple square - and I know I am going to miss it even more when I know the lights are up.
I miss trips to Park City to go shopping.
I miss finding places like Stumpy's, which is absolutely delicious.
I miss knowing exactly where to find the closets bathroom when I am in the mall. Sadly, I knew the whole layout of the University Mall. Today my mom and I were at Nordstrom and she asked me where the bathroom was located. I looked around and simply realized that in Provo I knew exactly where to send her.
I was coming home from Omaha on Sunday and I got off the plane and I was a little sad when I realized that I wasn't landing in the Salt Lake airport. It is so much more intimate than DIA, and there are so many people running around that place. I envisioned myself coming down the escalator in Salt Lake and walking through the hall to baggage claim, but instead I jumped on a tram with a million strangers and waited for my ride to pick me up.
I miss my friends terribly. I miss running into people I knew everywhere I turned. Here there are so many people and I rarely run into anyone I know.
Please don't misunderstand the post. There are so many things I love about being back in Colorado, I'm just feeling a bit nostalgic today. Soon I'll counter with a "Things I Love in CO." Also I have pictures from Omaha when I went to Winter Quarters that I want to share.
Things are really getting busy at work and I am traveling a lot. Add the holidays on top of that and before I know it, it'll be another three months.
There are some things that I find myself really missing about Utah and I want to share it with you, and those of you who are still in Utah please think of me when you enjoy the following.
This blog post is inspired by my favorite Utah blog Your Heart Out, these bloggers find all the cute little shops and restaurants in the valley and share them with the world. I've been trying to find something similar for the Denver area and I haven't found anything even close - sad!
I miss the soup at Kneaders, and the fruit tarts. I also miss the all-you-can-eat french toast, the canolis, sandwiches - I mean I could go on for a very long time here. I loved going there for lunch on a cold day, and I didn't realize I would miss it so much.
I miss being in downtown Salt Lake and seeing temple square - and I know I am going to miss it even more when I know the lights are up.
I miss trips to Park City to go shopping.
I miss finding places like Stumpy's, which is absolutely delicious.
I miss knowing exactly where to find the closets bathroom when I am in the mall. Sadly, I knew the whole layout of the University Mall. Today my mom and I were at Nordstrom and she asked me where the bathroom was located. I looked around and simply realized that in Provo I knew exactly where to send her.
I was coming home from Omaha on Sunday and I got off the plane and I was a little sad when I realized that I wasn't landing in the Salt Lake airport. It is so much more intimate than DIA, and there are so many people running around that place. I envisioned myself coming down the escalator in Salt Lake and walking through the hall to baggage claim, but instead I jumped on a tram with a million strangers and waited for my ride to pick me up.
I miss my friends terribly. I miss running into people I knew everywhere I turned. Here there are so many people and I rarely run into anyone I know.
Please don't misunderstand the post. There are so many things I love about being back in Colorado, I'm just feeling a bit nostalgic today. Soon I'll counter with a "Things I Love in CO." Also I have pictures from Omaha when I went to Winter Quarters that I want to share.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October = Less Sleep
Right now it is 11:49 p.m. and I'm watching the Rockies take on the Phillies in the NLDS.
I have to wake up at 6 a.m. to morrow morning. That is not going to be pleasant. I have to wake up early, so I can get to work early, so I can leave work early, so I can catch game four of the NLDS at Coors Field tomorrow night.
I could have slept in later this morning, but I wanted to watch the Angels game at 10 a.m. that is two nights of rest that have been effected all because of postseason play.
This is getting to be a bit ridiculous.
Being a grown up means that things like work can't be interrupted by sudden changes in my normal habits like Rocktober and my sleeping patterns.
This game has been going on since 8 p.m. tonight. It's tied 5-5 in the top of the ninth with a Phillies runner on second and only one out - dangerous.
I miss my old life a little bit.
UPDATE: Rockies lose, 6-5. Sad day, also it looks like the temp for tomorrow's game will be somewhere between 40-50. Could be worse.
I have to wake up at 6 a.m. to morrow morning. That is not going to be pleasant. I have to wake up early, so I can get to work early, so I can leave work early, so I can catch game four of the NLDS at Coors Field tomorrow night.
I could have slept in later this morning, but I wanted to watch the Angels game at 10 a.m. that is two nights of rest that have been effected all because of postseason play.
This is getting to be a bit ridiculous.
Being a grown up means that things like work can't be interrupted by sudden changes in my normal habits like Rocktober and my sleeping patterns.
This game has been going on since 8 p.m. tonight. It's tied 5-5 in the top of the ninth with a Phillies runner on second and only one out - dangerous.
I miss my old life a little bit.
UPDATE: Rockies lose, 6-5. Sad day, also it looks like the temp for tomorrow's game will be somewhere between 40-50. Could be worse.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Cheeseheads Everywhere
So I'm finally on my first trip for work! This morning (at a ridiculously early time) I headed to the airport for my first event of the tour - Green Bay.
After a quick layover in Minneapolis I landed in GB to a sea of Packers gear.
My boss, Mr. Jay (not to be confused with Mr. or Ms. Jay from top model), took me to see a bit of Green Bay. For those of you who are not familiar with the area, GB is like a really big version of a small town.
We tried to make it to the actual bay, but we couldn't find a dock. We settled for an amusement park right next to the water.
As we get out in the parking lot I see a bright orange sign that says attention hunters, and I thought you've got to be kidding me. I snapped this photo with my phone and please notice the playground in the background.
Little did I know that this is in fact a problem in the area. Not more than 100 feet away from the playground was the bay, where I saw a man carrying a rifle with a dead goose in his hands. Turns out that in GB it is illegal to shoot a firearm, but the city's limit ends at the shore.
After that we went to see Lambeau Field. I've heard a lot of stories about the field and about this the Packers - but this was awesome. There is literally hardly anything around the field except for trees. 
I don't understand how they can pack that place because there is hardly anyone around here - but these people are die-hard fans of a variety that I have never seen before (the people of GB literally own the team - the only team in the NFL like it).
I got an official cheesehead in the pro shop before we headed to Curly's for dinner (it's inside the stadium). The restaurant atmosphere was really cool. We sat in the pub area and nibbled on the most amazing pretzel bites I've ever had. Thanks to Heather B. I've been in love with pretzel bites for a while but these were so good. The dough was almost like a pastry dough because it was slightly flaky. They were crisp at the edges but really soft at the same time. I'm assuming that the pounds of butter they were drenched in put me way over my allotted calories but it was worth it.
I, of course, had a diet coke and it was in the most amazing glasses. They look like any bar glass with the logo on the side but the bottom has a cut out of a football that you see as your drink gets low.
Plus while we were there they filmed the weekly show, Inside Lambeau, with guest star Packers WR Jordy Nelson. This picture is hard to see but I wanted to remember it.
I wanted to get the baked mac 'n cheese but decided after the pretzel bites I should go with the salad. I got the buffalo wings salad. It was deceptively large and the buffalo sauce had the prefect amount of spice.
There was a great looking burger with a Louisiana hot link and sauerkraut that I wanted to get but felt like it wasn't the best choice.
The service wasn't great but the experience more than made up for it. I would highly recommend it for anyone who finds themselves in GB.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Rocktober Anyone?
I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this or not, but the Rockies are playing incredibly well right now, and I am so flipping excited about it!!!
They have a strong lead on the wildcard and are creeping up on the beloved Los Angeles Dodger. I loved 2007 and the Rockies' success but I wasn't in Denver to enjoy it, this year I am. I believe that super stoked is the proper word to describe my excitement level.
I just watched Garrett Atkins homer for the go-ahead-run against the Dodgers.
Today I filled out my request for playoff tickets too.
The Rockies have been flat out amazing since May, and I mean amazing. They have worked hard to get where they are now, and for those of you who have missed it, read this.
That article from the Denver Post comes from the Rockies 14 inning win against the Giants to come within three games of the Dodgers. A WALKOFF GRAND SLAM, even people who don't love baseball have to appreciate that.
Eric Young Jr. made his ML debut tonight too, it was cool to see his dad cheering for him when he got his first hit.
They have a strong lead on the wildcard and are creeping up on the beloved Los Angeles Dodger. I loved 2007 and the Rockies' success but I wasn't in Denver to enjoy it, this year I am. I believe that super stoked is the proper word to describe my excitement level.
I just watched Garrett Atkins homer for the go-ahead-run against the Dodgers.
Today I filled out my request for playoff tickets too.
The Rockies have been flat out amazing since May, and I mean amazing. They have worked hard to get where they are now, and for those of you who have missed it, read this.
That article from the Denver Post comes from the Rockies 14 inning win against the Giants to come within three games of the Dodgers. A WALKOFF GRAND SLAM, even people who don't love baseball have to appreciate that.
Eric Young Jr. made his ML debut tonight too, it was cool to see his dad cheering for him when he got his first hit.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Moving on
Today marks a pretty big step in my life. Today is my last day at BYU Athletic Communications and my last day living in Provo, Utah.
After I finished getting ready this morning I looked in the mirror and was shocked by how grown up I have become (although saying I look like a grown up pretty much means that I am not one year).
I will start my new job at Let It Fly a division of Experience Best. I will be moving back to Castle Rock, Colorado tomorrow to begin my adult life. I must qualify this statement of my adult life with the fact that I will be moving back into my parents home to save money - so don't be fooled about my adultness.
I am very excited to start with Let It Fly. I am going to get some great experience and I am going to be traveling all over the country. Check out their tournament dates to see some of the cities.
Despite my enthusiasm for my new job and moving back to the greatest place in the world, I am slightly nervous to step away from the life that I have built for myself during the past five years.
Here are some photos of some of my favorite memories with some of my favorite people in Provo.
I am especially going to miss this:
After I finished getting ready this morning I looked in the mirror and was shocked by how grown up I have become (although saying I look like a grown up pretty much means that I am not one year).
I will start my new job at Let It Fly a division of Experience Best. I will be moving back to Castle Rock, Colorado tomorrow to begin my adult life. I must qualify this statement of my adult life with the fact that I will be moving back into my parents home to save money - so don't be fooled about my adultness.
I am very excited to start with Let It Fly. I am going to get some great experience and I am going to be traveling all over the country. Check out their tournament dates to see some of the cities.
Despite my enthusiasm for my new job and moving back to the greatest place in the world, I am slightly nervous to step away from the life that I have built for myself during the past five years.
Here are some photos of some of my favorite memories with some of my favorite people in Provo.
I am especially going to miss this:
Saturday, July 4, 2009
I Like to be in America
Happy Fourth of July! Some of my favorite summer memories stem from this holiday. From Firecracker tournaments when I was little, to Vail, SLC trips and dutch over cook outs...There are so many things that I love about this holiday.
Last night I went to a production of West Side Story at the SCERA theatre in Orem, Utah. During the song "America" I found myself feelings so grateful to live here.
In light of everything that has been going on in Iran, I am grateful to be in a country that is free of oppression, a country where as a woman I am free to pursue an education, a career, and pretty much anything I want. I don't mean to say that America is the only great place in the world, but I am very grateful for the freedoms we experience here. Being reminded that not everyone is able to live in a country where they are free from oppression humbles me and reminds me to be appreciative.
Also, if you're in the Provo/Orem area check out West Side Story. It runs until July 20th, and the girl who plays Maria was great!
Last night I went to a production of West Side Story at the SCERA theatre in Orem, Utah. During the song "America" I found myself feelings so grateful to live here.
In light of everything that has been going on in Iran, I am grateful to be in a country that is free of oppression, a country where as a woman I am free to pursue an education, a career, and pretty much anything I want. I don't mean to say that America is the only great place in the world, but I am very grateful for the freedoms we experience here. Being reminded that not everyone is able to live in a country where they are free from oppression humbles me and reminds me to be appreciative.
Also, if you're in the Provo/Orem area check out West Side Story. It runs until July 20th, and the girl who plays Maria was great!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Driving Impaired
There is something about car movies that makes me feel the need to drive incredibly aggressively for days following the movie.
After watching the adrenaline-pumping Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, I drove home in a rather reckless manner, zooming past the average driver on the back roads of Utah Valley. That was until the flashing lights of a police officer who just pulled over another aggressive driver reminded me of the consequence of driving so fast through the city streets.
The first time I ever experienced this phenomena I was 17 years old and driving back to my parent's home after watching The Italian Job at my friends house.
You would think that Sunday afternoons with my brother Justin, when I am forced to watch NASCAR races most of the afternoon (that is when the Bronco's aren't playing), would induce the same reaction. But alas, I can watch race cars all day long without any behavioral changes.
After watching the adrenaline-pumping Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, I drove home in a rather reckless manner, zooming past the average driver on the back roads of Utah Valley. That was until the flashing lights of a police officer who just pulled over another aggressive driver reminded me of the consequence of driving so fast through the city streets.
The first time I ever experienced this phenomena I was 17 years old and driving back to my parent's home after watching The Italian Job at my friends house.
You would think that Sunday afternoons with my brother Justin, when I am forced to watch NASCAR races most of the afternoon (that is when the Bronco's aren't playing), would induce the same reaction. But alas, I can watch race cars all day long without any behavioral changes.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Intramurals: The Ultimate Competition
Nothing tops a bunch of adults reliving the glory days...
The Little Tittles, a.k.a the BYU Athletic Communications staff. There is a reason we get paid write about sports instead of play them.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Best Surprise Ever
After an incredibly long day of training interns after little sleep because of staying up late to watch the Rockies lose in extra innings to the Dodgers (which by the way was an amazing game and I totally do not regret watching those three extra innings), I got the happiest little surprise on my way home from work.
I was at the gas station by my house and I won a free 32 oz. drink!
It is a small little treat but I got so excited!
I love Diet Pepsi and I can't wait to claim my free one.
On an unrelated note - Ubaldo Jimenez is amazing! He is working it this season. I love how well the Rockies have been playing even though they lost last night.
I was at the gas station by my house and I won a free 32 oz. drink!
It is a small little treat but I got so excited!
I love Diet Pepsi and I can't wait to claim my free one.
On an unrelated note - Ubaldo Jimenez is amazing! He is working it this season. I love how well the Rockies have been playing even though they lost last night.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Summer Vacation Hiatus
I was talking to my brother last night and he asked me why I haven't written a new blog post, so this one is for Justin.I've been on vacation for about a month now and I am not looking forward to going back to Utah. After going to Ohio for the NCAA Softball Regional, I headed straight to Colorado to spend some time with my family.
I went to Eddie's graduation, watched a lot of baseball, and oh yeah... I went to Hawaii.
It was amazing. I attempted surfing (so hard), ate a lot of great food, went to pearl harbor, spent a lot of time at the beach and I even managed to come home with a tan (well according to my standards).
I'm still in Colorado. I'm spending my time relaxing and watching quite a bit of baseball.
My little brother Reggie's team is a competitive nine-year-old boy's team. They are so cute and really talented. Eddie plays on a competitive team while he is getting ready for college. I'm making up for the four high school season that I missed.
In the world of sports though, I'm pretty stoked on the Rockies' 11-game winning streak. I'm really proud of the Nuggets for making i to the Western Conference Finals. Also, I hate the Lakers.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Links to Love
So I'm back. I took a short hiatus from blogging because I just didn't have much to say.
But there are a few links I want to share with you, so here I am.
1. I read practically everything that there was to read about this until I couldn't take it anymore. I found this article written from Press Enterprise. They sent a reporter to Nick's hometown to write one of the best representations of Nick, of the tragedy and his story. Click here to read it. I really recommend it.
2. People have already talked a lot about this movie, but in case you haven't heard about Sugar you really need to check out the trailer.
3. I love Dexter Fowler and he has a bright future ahead of him. Click here to read a feature about the Rockie's rookie.
4. I didn't watch the Bulls Celtics games, but I watched the five minutes of amazing highlights, and it really took five minutes to explain how amazing it was. Read about it here or check out the game because it will be on ESPN Classic tonight.
But there are a few links I want to share with you, so here I am.
1. I read practically everything that there was to read about this until I couldn't take it anymore. I found this article written from Press Enterprise. They sent a reporter to Nick's hometown to write one of the best representations of Nick, of the tragedy and his story. Click here to read it. I really recommend it.
2. People have already talked a lot about this movie, but in case you haven't heard about Sugar you really need to check out the trailer.
3. I love Dexter Fowler and he has a bright future ahead of him. Click here to read a feature about the Rockie's rookie.
4. I didn't watch the Bulls Celtics games, but I watched the five minutes of amazing highlights, and it really took five minutes to explain how amazing it was. Read about it here or check out the game because it will be on ESPN Classic tonight.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Because I Needed Something New
I had to put something new up. I can't handle seeing all the stuff about Nick all over the news sources that I frequent and having his name plastered on my blog when i went to check my friends' updates was not helping my cause.
I haven't been very talkative lately and that is why I haven't shared very much, but I am trying right now.
Shane Loux made his first major league start since 2003. I'm so happy for the success that Shane is experiencing.
As exciting as the first week of baseball typically is, I find it giving the promise of what is to come. Unfortunately this promise has been dulled over Nick's accident and the lovely snow that is falling just outside the walls of my office.
I'm going to Vegas and St. George in a few days and I can't wait!
I haven't been very talkative lately and that is why I haven't shared very much, but I am trying right now.
Shane Loux made his first major league start since 2003. I'm so happy for the success that Shane is experiencing.
As exciting as the first week of baseball typically is, I find it giving the promise of what is to come. Unfortunately this promise has been dulled over Nick's accident and the lovely snow that is falling just outside the walls of my office.
I'm going to Vegas and St. George in a few days and I can't wait!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Remembering Nick
Click Here For More Information About Nick Adenhart's Playing Career and the Fatal Accident
Last year I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to know Nick Adenhart. The tragic news that greeted me on the way to work was very unexpected and rendered me speechless. My heart goes out to Nick's family, friends and teammates.
I've struggled with processing the news surrounding this talented young man the entire day. It is hard to take it all in.
After finally displaying his ability to be a Major League starting pitcher last night against the Oakland A's, tragedy strikes. He had a great amount of talent, I loved to watch him throw live or in a bullpen. His easy delivery looked almost effortless and his pitches had a lot of life to them. I never doubted that he would establish himself with a great presence in the Big Leagues.
He struggled after his first Major League call up last year, but he worked hard to get back to the dominate pitcher he was.
I have many memories of Nick during his time in Salt Lake City. I'm glad to have known him.
I am interested to see the effect this will have on the Angles' clubhouse. I was privileged to work with the Angels organization and it will have a special place in my heart forever. My heart goes out to them as they deal with the personal loss of a very special person and they deal with losing their top prospect.
Last year I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to know Nick Adenhart. The tragic news that greeted me on the way to work was very unexpected and rendered me speechless. My heart goes out to Nick's family, friends and teammates.
I've struggled with processing the news surrounding this talented young man the entire day. It is hard to take it all in.
After finally displaying his ability to be a Major League starting pitcher last night against the Oakland A's, tragedy strikes. He had a great amount of talent, I loved to watch him throw live or in a bullpen. His easy delivery looked almost effortless and his pitches had a lot of life to them. I never doubted that he would establish himself with a great presence in the Big Leagues.
He struggled after his first Major League call up last year, but he worked hard to get back to the dominate pitcher he was.
I have many memories of Nick during his time in Salt Lake City. I'm glad to have known him.
I am interested to see the effect this will have on the Angles' clubhouse. I was privileged to work with the Angels organization and it will have a special place in my heart forever. My heart goes out to them as they deal with the personal loss of a very special person and they deal with losing their top prospect.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Links to Love
So I've decided that I am going to post links to things that have spiked my interest during the past week.
Let me know what you think?
1. I love Rick Reilly. Love the man. He is a gifted writer who truly finds heart-warming or controversial stories from the sports world. This column will fill you with the warm n' fuzzies. This one is to his other blog that he random updates. I particularity agree with his stance on McDaniels.
2. I went for it. I'm experimenting with MLB.TV this month, If I find that I use it quite a bit then I'll sign up for the remainder of the season.
3. I am a little obsessed with cupcakes right now. Carey and I found this little place a couple of weeks ago and we truly enjoyed our initial visit. Then when I came into work on Saturday night (just where everyone wants to spend their weekends) she left a few mini cupcakes on my desk. If you have a few minutes to kill in SLC, So Cupcake is worth hitting up.
4. A man died after an assault outside of Angel Stadium on Opening Day. How truly sad. Little information has been given about the circumstance and no arrests have been made, but I am hoping that it wasn't a fight between disgruntled fans. At the end of the day, it is just a sport and not worth some of th actions of fanatics.
Let me know what you think?
1. I love Rick Reilly. Love the man. He is a gifted writer who truly finds heart-warming or controversial stories from the sports world. This column will fill you with the warm n' fuzzies. This one is to his other blog that he random updates. I particularity agree with his stance on McDaniels.
2. I went for it. I'm experimenting with MLB.TV this month, If I find that I use it quite a bit then I'll sign up for the remainder of the season.
3. I am a little obsessed with cupcakes right now. Carey and I found this little place a couple of weeks ago and we truly enjoyed our initial visit. Then when I came into work on Saturday night (just where everyone wants to spend their weekends) she left a few mini cupcakes on my desk. If you have a few minutes to kill in SLC, So Cupcake is worth hitting up.
4. A man died after an assault outside of Angel Stadium on Opening Day. How truly sad. Little information has been given about the circumstance and no arrests have been made, but I am hoping that it wasn't a fight between disgruntled fans. At the end of the day, it is just a sport and not worth some of th actions of fanatics.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Just When You Thought You Were Safe...
Ok guys, I was on my way to Walmart to pick up a gallon of milk when I saw a house down the street getting busted for prostitution.
Well, there is a really good chance that it wasn't prostitution, but after reading about the "massage parlor" that was busted for prostitution in Lindon, Utah earlier this week I thought it was a pretty fair assumption.
There were three cop cars and police offers standing in the yard, so I'm pretty sure they were just about to bust down the door right as I passed the house.
And I thought my neighborhood was safe.
So there is a good chance that this was a product of my over active imagination, but still... Prostitution in Lindon.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Just Around the Corner
Opening day is almost here. After what seems like an endless Spring Training it is almost officially baseball season!!!!!! (in case you can't tell by me six exclamation points, I'm really excited)
Now, I don't live close enough to a MLB team to actually experience opening day firsthand, but I will be watching it with joy in my heart!
There is something special about the fresh cut grass, the players in uniform in their home stadiums, 25-man rosters set, sun shining down on your skin while watching the greatest game.
I think I had an additional amount of excitement this season because I feel like I have been stuck inside and endless winter. The kind that hasn't risen above 60 or melted all the snow of the mountains. Well, forget the mountains, there is still snow in my backyard.
I just can't wait. I probably won't make it to an MLB game until the end of May when I get to head back to Denver for a jaunt at Coors Field, but I'll be at the BYU games, and hopefully I will find the time to see a few Bees games. Although, I might wait until I see who makes the opening day roster.
Opening day represents the beginning of summer, an end of all the March Madness and the warmpth of well... not winter.
Now, I don't live close enough to a MLB team to actually experience opening day firsthand, but I will be watching it with joy in my heart!
There is something special about the fresh cut grass, the players in uniform in their home stadiums, 25-man rosters set, sun shining down on your skin while watching the greatest game.
I think I had an additional amount of excitement this season because I feel like I have been stuck inside and endless winter. The kind that hasn't risen above 60 or melted all the snow of the mountains. Well, forget the mountains, there is still snow in my backyard.
I just can't wait. I probably won't make it to an MLB game until the end of May when I get to head back to Denver for a jaunt at Coors Field, but I'll be at the BYU games, and hopefully I will find the time to see a few Bees games. Although, I might wait until I see who makes the opening day roster.
Opening day represents the beginning of summer, an end of all the March Madness and the warmpth of well... not winter.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Like An Old Friend
I have very distinct memories of sports talk radio.
When I was a little girl, I would be trapped in a car full of boys for hours (one of the many joys of being the only daughter). My dad always listens to the AM radio. I don't think I've ever heard him listen to music in the car, with the exception of a little Meatloaf.
My dad is also a really big St. Louis Cardinals fan, and when he was younger he would spend hours listening to the Cardinals' games with his dad and two brothers. Naturally, whenever there was a game on we would be listening to it.
I catch myself tuning into games on the radio frequently. I just turned on the Angels game when I got into work and heard Steve Klauke call a spectacular play that a shortstop made to catch a runner from reaching first, and it felt like I had just seen an old friend.
I spent countless hours listening to that man call the Salt Lake Bees games this past summer, so hearing his voice on the radio made me feel as if I was driving from Salt Lake back to Provo while the team was on the road.
Even now, I am sitting at work and the BYU baseball game is on the radio in the background and sound of Brent Norton's voice seems so familiar in the background of everything going on around me.
Now if only the team could make a seven-run comeback in the top of the ninth....
When I was a little girl, I would be trapped in a car full of boys for hours (one of the many joys of being the only daughter). My dad always listens to the AM radio. I don't think I've ever heard him listen to music in the car, with the exception of a little Meatloaf.
My dad is also a really big St. Louis Cardinals fan, and when he was younger he would spend hours listening to the Cardinals' games with his dad and two brothers. Naturally, whenever there was a game on we would be listening to it.
I catch myself tuning into games on the radio frequently. I just turned on the Angels game when I got into work and heard Steve Klauke call a spectacular play that a shortstop made to catch a runner from reaching first, and it felt like I had just seen an old friend.
I spent countless hours listening to that man call the Salt Lake Bees games this past summer, so hearing his voice on the radio made me feel as if I was driving from Salt Lake back to Provo while the team was on the road.
Even now, I am sitting at work and the BYU baseball game is on the radio in the background and sound of Brent Norton's voice seems so familiar in the background of everything going on around me.
Now if only the team could make a seven-run comeback in the top of the ninth....
Friday, March 13, 2009
Spectating
Yesterday I had to opportunity to attend a baseball game as a spectator for the first time since I watched my cousin Eddie's team play against the Angels' scout team past summer.
I've seen plenty of games since then, but they were all while I was working.
Please do not misunderstand me, because I love working baseball games, but there is something different about sitting in the stands, feeling the sun on your skin, watching the game, listening to the sounds of the ball park.
As I sat at the BYU vs. Utah game at Franklin Covey field I turned to Carey and proclaimed, "I should do this for the rest of my life."
It's an interesting aspiration considering my dream job would be in the Bigs, but I always want to be able to be out at a baseball game and be able to love every minute of it.
As I learn more and more about the sport, spectating becomes increasingly more satisfying. Shane Loux spent several summer nights teaching me how to tell what pitch was thrown while he was charting.
After spending time soaking in the knowledge of scouts every night, I can begin to see things in the game that I never saw before.
I had a great time sitting at the park and taking it all in, without having to worry about writing a game recap, injury updates, posting lineups, noting lineup changes, feeding stats to TV or tracking down obscure stats from years past.
But getting to do that for my job is pretty good too.
I've seen plenty of games since then, but they were all while I was working.
Please do not misunderstand me, because I love working baseball games, but there is something different about sitting in the stands, feeling the sun on your skin, watching the game, listening to the sounds of the ball park.
As I sat at the BYU vs. Utah game at Franklin Covey field I turned to Carey and proclaimed, "I should do this for the rest of my life."
It's an interesting aspiration considering my dream job would be in the Bigs, but I always want to be able to be out at a baseball game and be able to love every minute of it.
As I learn more and more about the sport, spectating becomes increasingly more satisfying. Shane Loux spent several summer nights teaching me how to tell what pitch was thrown while he was charting.
After spending time soaking in the knowledge of scouts every night, I can begin to see things in the game that I never saw before.
I had a great time sitting at the park and taking it all in, without having to worry about writing a game recap, injury updates, posting lineups, noting lineup changes, feeding stats to TV or tracking down obscure stats from years past.
But getting to do that for my job is pretty good too.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Dear Jason
Dear Jason,
You Jerk. Melissa was too good for you anyway. Enjoy heartless Molly. Enjoy public scrutiny for your despicable behavior.
Go Melissa.
I've heard rumors that ABC made Jason do it this way if he wanted to be with Molly and all I can say is what an A-Hole he is for agreeing to it.
I hope Jason and Molly break up. Today.
Best of Luck,
Jillian
P.S. See, I'm girlie if I watch the Bachelor.
You Jerk. Melissa was too good for you anyway. Enjoy heartless Molly. Enjoy public scrutiny for your despicable behavior.
Go Melissa.
I've heard rumors that ABC made Jason do it this way if he wanted to be with Molly and all I can say is what an A-Hole he is for agreeing to it.
I hope Jason and Molly break up. Today.
Best of Luck,
Jillian
P.S. See, I'm girlie if I watch the Bachelor.
Monday, March 2, 2009
February Sucks, Here Comes March
So I hold on strongly to the claim that February is the worst month of the year.
Surprisingly, it is not because of Valentine's Day.
Despite it being only 28 days (29 on a leap year), it seems to drag on as one of the longest months in the sports world.
Football is over, basketball is dragging on and baseball is yet to begin.
See, January is awesome because NCAA basketball is still exciting and NFL playoffs are going on. Plus, everyone is still reveling in the holiday glory.
February is cold, and conference races in basketball don't really get all that exciting until the very end of the month or until March. The Super Bowl is exciting, but that is the very beginning of the month. NBA enters the All-Star Break with the trade deadline, but I don't really care for the NBA.
Spring Training doesn't get exciting until March and need I say more than March Madness?
In short, I was really ready for March to come around.
I would like to add a disclaimer that my life isn't all sports, but I like sports, my job is in sports and that is why I write about it and I watch Sportscenter. I like girlie things, but February is cold and I like spring clothes better.
Surprisingly, it is not because of Valentine's Day.
Despite it being only 28 days (29 on a leap year), it seems to drag on as one of the longest months in the sports world.
Football is over, basketball is dragging on and baseball is yet to begin.
See, January is awesome because NCAA basketball is still exciting and NFL playoffs are going on. Plus, everyone is still reveling in the holiday glory.
February is cold, and conference races in basketball don't really get all that exciting until the very end of the month or until March. The Super Bowl is exciting, but that is the very beginning of the month. NBA enters the All-Star Break with the trade deadline, but I don't really care for the NBA.
Spring Training doesn't get exciting until March and need I say more than March Madness?
In short, I was really ready for March to come around.
I would like to add a disclaimer that my life isn't all sports, but I like sports, my job is in sports and that is why I write about it and I watch Sportscenter. I like girlie things, but February is cold and I like spring clothes better.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What ever happened to...
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Topic of conversation this morning at work.
I used to love this kid. I had a JTT poster on my wall when I was in fourth grade. I would get Teen Beat and Bop Magazine just for the pictures of him.
After much googling, I have determined that no one knows anything about what he is currently up to.
Check out this blog that I found about it. The comment stream is awesome!!!
Topic of conversation this morning at work.
I used to love this kid. I had a JTT poster on my wall when I was in fourth grade. I would get Teen Beat and Bop Magazine just for the pictures of him.
After much googling, I have determined that no one knows anything about what he is currently up to.
Check out this blog that I found about it. The comment stream is awesome!!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
25 Randoms about me and Baseball
So everyone knows about the 25 Randoms floating all over facebook, but I've seen some baseball bloggers do it and I figured why not.
1. Baseball is in my blood. I'm not joking either. Everyone in my family loves baseball, and I literally grew up on the diamond.
2. I once tried to quit loving baseball. It was my freshman year of college and I thought, I've had enough of this sport and I am going to stop because I am not at home. That lasted until baseball season started and then I was at almost every BYU game that year.
3. The closest I ever got to playing baseball was t-ball, because after that I played softball.
4. I really love softball, but the game is very different than baseball. A lot of people think that it is basically women's baseball, but it's not. Once people realize that they begin to enjoy the sport a lot more.
5. I can think of one vacation that my family went on that was not baseball related. We went to Alaska when I was six years old. Other than that it's always been baseball.
6. I find myself planning vacations around baseball now. For instance I'm trying to plan one to spring training in Arizona and last summer I planned an entire trip around the Angels. I once made a two-day stop at home to catch a Rockies game.
7. I loathe the Boston Red Sox, and their bandwagon friends. Seriously...
8. I think that a salary cap would be good for the game, but that would never happen. Ever.
9. The number of positions on the field.
10. I'm not mad that A Rod admitted to taking steroids. I'm sick of the media talking about it and I think that most fans are too. Everyone wants to close the chapter on the steroids era except the media.
11. I don't like Bud Selig.
12. Ever since doing an internship with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, I have grown to love minor league baseball and player development. I would love to work in player development. I love watching prospects rise up to expectations. It's so exciting.
13. I'm a master at scoring baseball games now.
14. I'm the kind of fan that really follows players more than teams. Don't get me wrong because there are teams that I like, but I like to see other players do well.
15. I think Josh Hamilton is an awesome role model for kids. I think he is awesome for what he has done and what he has shown the world.
16. I don't understand the love affair with baseball cards and probably never will. The only cards that I own are the 2008 Salt Lake Bees player cards, and that is because they mean something to me.
17. My dream job is working in Major League Baseball. I'm working on it, but it's kinda hard. I need some serious Spanish skills, but I'm pretty sure I was destined to do it.
18. If I start working for the Bees again, I am going to stop writing about baseball here. Conflict of interest. However, you will be able to read my mad blogging skills o the Bees Web site, which features a blog titled BeeWax. Of course that is pending my return for the 2009 season.
19. Catcher is my favorite position. A lot of the work, little glory. Despite my love for the position, I find myself liking pitchers. Also, pitchers are generally crazy.
20. I really like Baseball America. They named Sean McNaughton as the Mountain West Conference Pre-season Player of the Year. I once wrote a feature story on him.
21. One of my favorite players is Ken Griffey Jr., I think Jason Varitek is incredibly talented (even if he is a Red Sox), I love Matt Holliday.
22. When I was in seventh grade I started drinking Pepsi products over Coca Cola because Sammy Sosa endorse Pepsi. I had a crush of him and I began a love affair with the Cubs that has since ended.
23. I think the rockpile was ingenius and it has contributed into my turning my friends into baseball fans.
24. I'm trying to think of my favorite basebal realated moment that I have lived through and it's hard. I think it's when the Rockies went 21-1 to the World Series! That was amazing!
25. Baseball is played during the summer and I love summer. I've been waking up in the mornings and imagining it is warm outside, that I cal put on some shorts or a skirt and sandals and head over to the ball park. Then I remember that it snowed last night so that is not really a possibility.
There you go.
1. Baseball is in my blood. I'm not joking either. Everyone in my family loves baseball, and I literally grew up on the diamond.
2. I once tried to quit loving baseball. It was my freshman year of college and I thought, I've had enough of this sport and I am going to stop because I am not at home. That lasted until baseball season started and then I was at almost every BYU game that year.
3. The closest I ever got to playing baseball was t-ball, because after that I played softball.
4. I really love softball, but the game is very different than baseball. A lot of people think that it is basically women's baseball, but it's not. Once people realize that they begin to enjoy the sport a lot more.
5. I can think of one vacation that my family went on that was not baseball related. We went to Alaska when I was six years old. Other than that it's always been baseball.
6. I find myself planning vacations around baseball now. For instance I'm trying to plan one to spring training in Arizona and last summer I planned an entire trip around the Angels. I once made a two-day stop at home to catch a Rockies game.
7. I loathe the Boston Red Sox, and their bandwagon friends. Seriously...
8. I think that a salary cap would be good for the game, but that would never happen. Ever.
9. The number of positions on the field.
10. I'm not mad that A Rod admitted to taking steroids. I'm sick of the media talking about it and I think that most fans are too. Everyone wants to close the chapter on the steroids era except the media.
11. I don't like Bud Selig.
12. Ever since doing an internship with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, I have grown to love minor league baseball and player development. I would love to work in player development. I love watching prospects rise up to expectations. It's so exciting.
13. I'm a master at scoring baseball games now.
14. I'm the kind of fan that really follows players more than teams. Don't get me wrong because there are teams that I like, but I like to see other players do well.
15. I think Josh Hamilton is an awesome role model for kids. I think he is awesome for what he has done and what he has shown the world.
16. I don't understand the love affair with baseball cards and probably never will. The only cards that I own are the 2008 Salt Lake Bees player cards, and that is because they mean something to me.
17. My dream job is working in Major League Baseball. I'm working on it, but it's kinda hard. I need some serious Spanish skills, but I'm pretty sure I was destined to do it.
18. If I start working for the Bees again, I am going to stop writing about baseball here. Conflict of interest. However, you will be able to read my mad blogging skills o the Bees Web site, which features a blog titled BeeWax. Of course that is pending my return for the 2009 season.
19. Catcher is my favorite position. A lot of the work, little glory. Despite my love for the position, I find myself liking pitchers. Also, pitchers are generally crazy.
20. I really like Baseball America. They named Sean McNaughton as the Mountain West Conference Pre-season Player of the Year. I once wrote a feature story on him.
21. One of my favorite players is Ken Griffey Jr., I think Jason Varitek is incredibly talented (even if he is a Red Sox), I love Matt Holliday.
22. When I was in seventh grade I started drinking Pepsi products over Coca Cola because Sammy Sosa endorse Pepsi. I had a crush of him and I began a love affair with the Cubs that has since ended.
23. I think the rockpile was ingenius and it has contributed into my turning my friends into baseball fans.
24. I'm trying to think of my favorite basebal realated moment that I have lived through and it's hard. I think it's when the Rockies went 21-1 to the World Series! That was amazing!
25. Baseball is played during the summer and I love summer. I've been waking up in the mornings and imagining it is warm outside, that I cal put on some shorts or a skirt and sandals and head over to the ball park. Then I remember that it snowed last night so that is not really a possibility.
There you go.
Friday, February 13, 2009
It's Happening
I knew it would, after baseball is a business.
The first player move for one of the players that I really grew to know and appreciate. As I was gearing up for spring training and wondering what players I might see back for the 2009 season (whether or not I myself will be back is yet to be determined) and I on my facebook home page was of my favorite players' facebook page. I soon discovered...... He signed with the Brewers.
It is awesome for him!
He was with the Angels since he was drafted right after his first year of college. He had made his way through the minors and was on the 40-man roster last year, but the Angels needed to free up space to sign free agent Bobby Abreu.
As a top pitching prospect, the Brewers picked him right up. It is probably a better place for him to be because he isn't overlooked because of a different superstar prospect, and he isn't waiting behind a solid starting rotation (although the fifth starter spot hasn't been determined).
I knew the players would eventually scatter to other franchises (some have already signed minor league contracts with other teams) but I was fully expecting to see him this season and to chat while he charted on his off days.
The first player move for one of the players that I really grew to know and appreciate. As I was gearing up for spring training and wondering what players I might see back for the 2009 season (whether or not I myself will be back is yet to be determined) and I on my facebook home page was of my favorite players' facebook page. I soon discovered...... He signed with the Brewers.
It is awesome for him!
He was with the Angels since he was drafted right after his first year of college. He had made his way through the minors and was on the 40-man roster last year, but the Angels needed to free up space to sign free agent Bobby Abreu.
As a top pitching prospect, the Brewers picked him right up. It is probably a better place for him to be because he isn't overlooked because of a different superstar prospect, and he isn't waiting behind a solid starting rotation (although the fifth starter spot hasn't been determined).
I knew the players would eventually scatter to other franchises (some have already signed minor league contracts with other teams) but I was fully expecting to see him this season and to chat while he charted on his off days.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Juices....
Big freaking deal. We can't (and by we I mean the general public) can't really jump all over A Rod from doing this when we knew it was going on for years and sat by and let it happen.
I am saddened because I feel like baseball was finally beginning to move on from the Steroid Era, and now it is just being perpetuated. With new regulations, the number of home runs have decreased. In 2008 there were 2.01 home runs per game, the lowest number since 1993. The AL home run leader had 37 homers, the last time the AL leader had less than 40 was in 1989.
The game has changed since the steroid era ended.
I also want to commend A Rod for coming forward and admitting steroid use from 2001-2003. He made a public statement, he apologized and he did a lot for himself there. He came clean.
I just don't think it's fair that everyone is jumping at the chance to blame all these athletes, when clearly everyone knew it was happening and enjoyed the benefits of it. We cannot change the past, we can only move forward.
I am saddened because I feel like baseball was finally beginning to move on from the Steroid Era, and now it is just being perpetuated. With new regulations, the number of home runs have decreased. In 2008 there were 2.01 home runs per game, the lowest number since 1993. The AL home run leader had 37 homers, the last time the AL leader had less than 40 was in 1989.
The game has changed since the steroid era ended.
I also want to commend A Rod for coming forward and admitting steroid use from 2001-2003. He made a public statement, he apologized and he did a lot for himself there. He came clean.
I just don't think it's fair that everyone is jumping at the chance to blame all these athletes, when clearly everyone knew it was happening and enjoyed the benefits of it. We cannot change the past, we can only move forward.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Groundhog Day
It must be acknowledged in my blog that the Steelers have won the Super bowl. The biggest sporting even in America. That is all that I will say about if for now.
I would like to turn my attention to the phenomena of Groundhog Day.
First off, there is a kick-A movie about the strange holiday. It is one of my dad's favorite movies and it is always on TV. I used to despise watching it, but I find myself tuning into it whenever it is on now. It is funny how we tend to like things that remind us of our childhood, and that movie is just one of those things.
Secondly, I think it is amazing of this ritual has survived over time. It isn't known exactly how the tradition began, but its current form originates from the early 1800's in Pennsylvania. I love how the tradition stands the test of time.
I was just reading about about an American immigrant and I marveled at his home country's customs that carried over into his American life. From the food he ate, the company he kept and rights of passage that survived from his former life. As I read about this, I wondered what customs from my culture do I carry with me, there are many but Groundhog Day counts as one of them.
In 2008 14 different groundhogs predicted the fate of the cold winter. Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog and last year he predicted six more weeks on winter. While I realize that it is ludicrous to assume that a small animal can tell how longer winter is going to last, I distinctly remember media day with the Salt Lake Bees on April 1, when it had snowed so much the day before. In my mind a long winter was just the right assessment.
So tomorrow morning a little groundhog will tell me whether or not I will not need to scrape the ice of my windshield every single morning from now until June. I am hoping that tomorrow is a cloudy day and Phil does not retreat to his burrow because I don't know how much more of the freezing cold winter I can take.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I'll give you this confession...I get the feeling we're so misdirected
Sometimes I joke that I carry a curse. I used to be the girl right before "the one." Literally every guy I even went on a single date with, ended up marrying the next girl he dated. It was quite remarkable.
Lately I have joked that I carry a very different curse. A curse that forces anyone close to me to suffer an incredibly difficult break up. Now, this is not completely true because a few of my friends and family members are currently involved in very successful relationships, but I can't help but notice a disproportionate amount of the opposite in my life.
There are certain things you can only learn in relationships by experiencing them, and there are some things that you can learn by the experiences of others.
I was talking to a friend of mine about her dysfunctional quasi-relationship and she told me that she just wanted to protect her heart from being shredded into pieces . I can relate because no one wants to subject themselves to that.
But I remembered a simple rule of love. When you choose to love someone, you give them the opportunity to love you like you have never been loved before, and the opportunity to hurt you like you have never been hurt before. But these two things are unconditionally intertwined.
You cannot allow someone to love you, without also allowing the possibility to be hurt. For many people surrendering this control is difficult, and for many type-A personalities it is near impossible, but it is a prerequisite for love.
When the person you choose to love hurts you like you have never been hurt before, it is your personal CHOICE to take away both keys.
I emphasize choice, because we choose to perpetuate the relationship, which results in healing love or further pain.
What I find remarkable are the people who have been hurt in the past and seem capable enough of once again surrendering themselves to another person.
For me, it took a VERY long time to release the bitterness and to be open to love again. But it is the experiences of the past that have made my life so beautiful, and that taught me lessons for the future.
I do not claim to know it all or to even be right in this instance, but to my dear friends who are confused and suffering, I wish you only happiness and I know that you will find it. Make the decision that is going to yield your genuine happiness, and I don't think you can be happy and bitter at the same time. Forgiveness is healing.
Lately I have joked that I carry a very different curse. A curse that forces anyone close to me to suffer an incredibly difficult break up. Now, this is not completely true because a few of my friends and family members are currently involved in very successful relationships, but I can't help but notice a disproportionate amount of the opposite in my life.
There are certain things you can only learn in relationships by experiencing them, and there are some things that you can learn by the experiences of others.
I was talking to a friend of mine about her dysfunctional quasi-relationship and she told me that she just wanted to protect her heart from being shredded into pieces . I can relate because no one wants to subject themselves to that.
But I remembered a simple rule of love. When you choose to love someone, you give them the opportunity to love you like you have never been loved before, and the opportunity to hurt you like you have never been hurt before. But these two things are unconditionally intertwined.
You cannot allow someone to love you, without also allowing the possibility to be hurt. For many people surrendering this control is difficult, and for many type-A personalities it is near impossible, but it is a prerequisite for love.
When the person you choose to love hurts you like you have never been hurt before, it is your personal CHOICE to take away both keys.
I emphasize choice, because we choose to perpetuate the relationship, which results in healing love or further pain.
What I find remarkable are the people who have been hurt in the past and seem capable enough of once again surrendering themselves to another person.
For me, it took a VERY long time to release the bitterness and to be open to love again. But it is the experiences of the past that have made my life so beautiful, and that taught me lessons for the future.
I do not claim to know it all or to even be right in this instance, but to my dear friends who are confused and suffering, I wish you only happiness and I know that you will find it. Make the decision that is going to yield your genuine happiness, and I don't think you can be happy and bitter at the same time. Forgiveness is healing.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Non-Roster Invitees
With Spring Training around the corner, many teams have released their non-roster invitees to the Big League Camp.
Everyone listed on the 40-man roster goes to the Big League Camp, along with a number of prospects that have a shot of a call up during the 2009 season.
A lot of catchers are always invited, for the Angels I have seen most of the catchers and I am most impressed (on the non-roster side) with Ben Johnson. They call him BJ. His hard work ethic is evident and he has a silent demeanor about him. I enjoyed his humility, which is rare for a professional athlete.
Angel de los Santos is supposed to be a guy to keep an eye on. I've heard good thing but I haven't seen him yet. I imagine that he will be up to triple-A this season.
As far as pitchers are concerned, I'm pretty suprised that Matt Wilhite was invited. He had a rough season last year. His side-arm style makes him unique, but I didn't see it as super effective.
Pav is up for the Big League Camp this year. He had an amazing year this past season so I'm glad he'll get a look.
Brad Coon is going up for and so is Peter Bourjos for the outfielders. Bourjos was called up to triple-A at the end of last year but I never saw him take a cut outside of BP. He had 50 stolen bases at single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Baseball America named him the Angels top position playing prospect.
Jordan Walden will be up at the Big League Camp this year. At 6'5 and 220 he is a big guy, and can do some real damage. I've heard scouts talk about them and most are pretty excited to see him progress, but nothing compared to the way they talk about other pitching prospects.
Walden's young though, so we'll see what happens.
Everyone listed on the 40-man roster goes to the Big League Camp, along with a number of prospects that have a shot of a call up during the 2009 season.
A lot of catchers are always invited, for the Angels I have seen most of the catchers and I am most impressed (on the non-roster side) with Ben Johnson. They call him BJ. His hard work ethic is evident and he has a silent demeanor about him. I enjoyed his humility, which is rare for a professional athlete.
Angel de los Santos is supposed to be a guy to keep an eye on. I've heard good thing but I haven't seen him yet. I imagine that he will be up to triple-A this season.
As far as pitchers are concerned, I'm pretty suprised that Matt Wilhite was invited. He had a rough season last year. His side-arm style makes him unique, but I didn't see it as super effective.
Pav is up for the Big League Camp this year. He had an amazing year this past season so I'm glad he'll get a look.
Brad Coon is going up for and so is Peter Bourjos for the outfielders. Bourjos was called up to triple-A at the end of last year but I never saw him take a cut outside of BP. He had 50 stolen bases at single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Baseball America named him the Angels top position playing prospect.
Jordan Walden will be up at the Big League Camp this year. At 6'5 and 220 he is a big guy, and can do some real damage. I've heard scouts talk about them and most are pretty excited to see him progress, but nothing compared to the way they talk about other pitching prospects.
Walden's young though, so we'll see what happens.
Excitement
There are a few things that I am really excited for right now.
1. I am so excited for Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 14/15!!! I am so ready for baseball to begin.
2. Prospects. After spending some time working in the minors I have really loved watching young prospects make a name for themselves. Some prospects that I am really excited for are Kevin Jepsen, Dexter Fowler, Nick Adenhart and Matt LaPorta. There are so many more but I can't wait to see their major league career bloom.
3. Not having homework!
4. Planning trips. (Shout out to Jenny on that one)
5. Making things happen.
1. I am so excited for Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 14/15!!! I am so ready for baseball to begin.
2. Prospects. After spending some time working in the minors I have really loved watching young prospects make a name for themselves. Some prospects that I am really excited for are Kevin Jepsen, Dexter Fowler, Nick Adenhart and Matt LaPorta. There are so many more but I can't wait to see their major league career bloom.
3. Not having homework!
4. Planning trips. (Shout out to Jenny on that one)
5. Making things happen.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Growing Up
So it turns out that growing up is not very fun.
All of these grown up things keep happening in my life and I'm freaking out a little bit.
If I could just put it off for a little bit I would love that!!
All of these grown up things keep happening in my life and I'm freaking out a little bit.
If I could just put it off for a little bit I would love that!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Graduating College in Poor Economic Conditions
Well, let's not kid ourselves here. The title pretty much speaks for itself.
Even the comfortable job I knew I could fall back on is not rocking back and forth slowly.
I love the accomplishment of graduating college, it's just that I thought a degree would bring me security, and right now every grain of security is slipping away from my fingertips.
Lovely.
Well at lease I can count on the recession ending, eventually... right?
Even the comfortable job I knew I could fall back on is not rocking back and forth slowly.
I love the accomplishment of graduating college, it's just that I thought a degree would bring me security, and right now every grain of security is slipping away from my fingertips.
Lovely.
Well at lease I can count on the recession ending, eventually... right?
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