Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today

What you're about to read is the first annual baseball preview. This week we'll get crazy, but not in that Ugueth Urbina kind of way, and talk about what we predict will happen in the National League. From the N.L. East, Central to the West. Lots of predictions on what's going down this year. From the Mets' chances at repeating in the tough N.L. East, to the World Champion Cardinal's chances in the Central. All the way to the Padres(that means fathers in Espanol), and Dodgers in the stacked N.L. West. From last to first, we talk about all the happenings. Trust me, I read this thing already, twice! It's hot!

N.L. East
Philadelphia just nudges out the Mets to win the division. The Phillies are sparked by MVP Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, as well as your N.L. Cy Young runner up, Cole Hammels. Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Pat Burrell have solid years too. The pitching comes up clutch, with Jon Leiber, Jamie Moyer, Freddy Garcia and Brett Myers(who doesn't beat anyone up) all have solid years. Adam Eaton blows out his thumb half way through May, boy are they happy they didn't trade Leiber. The Mets get out to a good lead in the division early in the season, getting big contributions from John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez. However they struggle in the 2nd half, as Pedro struggles to find his stuff, Glavine and Hernandez spend time on the DL and David Wright struggles through the summer. They do however hold on to the wildcard, and just miss out on the division, with solid years from Wright(who bounces back in Sept), Reyes, Beltran and the NL Rookie of the Year runner up, Lastings Milledge, who takes over right in early May, after Shawn Green takes off for Passover and comes back with a bum knee and bat. Florida has a solid season as well, despite regression from their young guns and bats, and losing their fire, as that skipped town w/ Joe Girardi. Dontrelle Willis wins 23 games and has an era in the high 2's. Though, he comes in third in the Cy Young race. Atlanta struggles mightily without Tim Hudson, Chipper Jones and Bob Wickman, who all spend considerable time on the DL. Mike Hampton doesn't find his stuff until late August and Andruw Jones hits .245 despite having 40+ bombs and walking away to a new contract. Jeff Francour just misses his 40th homer, but nails that 140th strikeout. John Smoltz tries his best to keep the staff together, but even his 20 wins, mid 3's era, and 7 complete games, can't help the team. Washington gets sold again. No really! And this time, management sells off Chad Cordero and John Patterson to the highest bidders at the trade deadline.

N.L. Central
Your division winners are the Milwaukee Brewers, with a paltry 83 wins. They get big seasons from N.L. Cy Young winner, and a healthy, Ben Sheets, winner of 22 games, leading the NL in K's and ERA, plus breakout seasons from Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall, despite those 3 combining for over 350 k's. They also have the NL Rookie Of The Year, in Ryan Braun, who takes over for Craig Counsel at third in mid-May. The staff comes in clutch too, with Chris Capuano K'ing over 200 and winning 15 games, plus David Bush and Jeff Suppan are solid, Bush maybe even turning a corner this year if he can get that ERA down and strikeout a few more batters. Defending World Series champs, St. Louis, struggles behind Chris Carpenter. Al Reyes and Adam Wainwright are decent, but they have no 4th and 5th starters, and the bullpen struggles, as Izzy spends time on the DL. Pujols has 4 and 1/2 spectacular months of the season, but misses time with a sprained forehead after complaining about how Ryan Howard is getting more All-Star votes, when his team didn't even make the playoffs last year! Houston falters when Carlos Lee accidentally eats Roy Oswalt. No, really. Ok, well... not really. But Lee has trouble putting up big numbers when he lands on the DL with various ailments, leaving Lance Berkman looking very, very shaky by himself in the weak hitting lineup. However, he gets a little help, but oh so late, when Craig Biggio gets his 3000th hit, then mysteriously ends up on the DL so he can be replaced at 2nd by Chris Burke, and Hunter Pence finally gets his shot in center. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds duke it out to be the middle child, though both have a sniff of the postseason until about August. Cincy pulls ahead when they call up Homer Bailey in August. He, along with Aaron Harang and Charles Bronson, er... Bronson Arroyo, make a formidable pitching staff at the close of the year. JR. Griffey only goes on the DL once, after having Ryan Freel dive into him trying to make a catch, playing the most games he's played since 2001. Adam Dunn still strikes out over 150 times, but manages to hit 45 HR's. Making him and Jr. Griffey, the only NL teammates to top 40 HRS. Oh, sweet Lou. Things looked so promising in April. The Cubs manage to knock the cover off the ball and contend in the Central through mid-May, when Carlos Zambrano ends up on the DL, with a balmy back, courtesy of carrying home all that cash the team decided to just give him to re-up. Mark Prior has a solid May and June, before ending up on the DL, again. And it's all downhill from there, literally. As the team depends on Rich Hill to lead a staff that also includes Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis. Lots and lots of windows get shattered outside Wrigley. Pittsburgh is improved, but not enough to move out of the cellar. They got solid contributions from 30 HR guys, Adam Laroche and Jason Bay. They get a bounceback year from Jack Wilson, plus a solid year from Freddy Sanchez and Xavier Nady. The pitching looks promising, but suffers from inconsistency. Ian Snell is the leader of the staff, posting 15 wins and almost 200 k's. Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny have decent years, but fail to turn the corner. The bullpen is also hurt, as they have problems bridging to closer Soloman Torres.

N.L. West
The Arizona Diamondbacks get huge seasons from Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis and yes, the Big Useless himself, Randy Johnson. They combine for 60 wins. Johnson bounces back when he returns healthy in May. The young hitters all click at once, with Conner Jackson, leading the way and the NL in batting average. Carlos Quentin and Stephen Drew have a breakout year, Chad Tracy bounces back and rookie Chris Young steals 30 bases. The Dodgers stay in the race until the very end of the season. They too, get huge contributions from the pitching staff, as Randy Wolf, Derek Lowe and Jason Schmidt all have solid seasons. Jonathan Broxton is the closer by mid-June. James Loney gets into the line-up and makes the most of it. Nomar and Kent spend time on the DL. Andy Laroche is the starting third-basemen by mid-May when Wilson Betemit moves to 2nd to replace Kent. Andre Either has a solid 2nd season. Juan Pierre and Rafael Furcal, don't hit much, but make the most of when they do as both score over 100 runs. San Diego gets good pitching from Greg Maddux and Jake Peavy, but Chris Young regresses, David Wells eats a bad twinkee, and Clay Hensley gets murdered at home, to go along w/ his high road ERA too. Adrian Gonzalez has a huge 2nd year. Kevin Kouzmanoff has a solid year, as do the brothers Giles. But the rest of the team doesn't contribute much, except Mike Cameron who goes 20-20, but with 120 k's too. San Francisco has a tough year, and that's not even counting all the boos they get every time Barry Bonds steps up to the plate. Their ancient line-up spends considerable time on the DL. Dave Roberts pulls a hammy trying to get to 2nd to set up the tying run in a June game. Rich Aurilla, Randy Wynn and Ryan Klesko all spend time on the DL. The only comfort is the great season that their ace has. Yup, Matt Cain, puts up a 19 win season, with 200+ k's. Oh yeah, that Zito guy has an OK year, despite spending time on the DL for the first time in his career after he hurt himself altering his delivery again, either that or he was attacked by a cactus again. Colorado has big years from Matt Holiday, Garrett Atkins, and catcher, Chris Iannetta. They regret not pulling the trigger on the Todd Helton to Boston swap. As Helton spends time on the DL and hits an all time low in HRs, RBI and AVG, he makes them wish it was 97 instead of 07. Troy Tulowitzki, doesn't impress at short, and Clint Barmes somehow ends up with his job back and that pitching staff, regresses and ends up missing Jason Jennings a lot more than one would have thought.

Listening Pile:
"Centerfield" by John C. Fogerty. Yeah, you heard that right sucka! Actually, as I kept thinking of the Dodgers and that blooper when Tommy Lasorda gets knocked over with the bat during that All-Star game. That song came into my head. I think that's what they play during the Blooper Reels.

The Centerfield song mentions three legendary players by name: Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio AND one player (Joe Jackson) only by an expression "it ain't so." Did you know that every instrument on the entire Centerfield album is being played by John C. Fogerty? There's your trivia for the day. Don't say I never do anything for you.

Song two. "Breed" by Nirvana. 2K games has been running those spots for MLB 2k7 like crazy on TV. And that is one bad ass song. According to this story, it's got a pretty hot soundtrack, with Les Savy Fav, Editors, DFA 1979, Jealous Sound, Pixies and Thermals all up in there. Nice!

What Do You Want Me To Say?

It's now been over three weeks since I've posted. there are two things that attributed to this, SXSW and my intense preparation for it, plus the Austin hanta virus I came back with.

There were no highlights at SXSW. It rained on me like a MOFO on the first day. I went to some lame show at the Beauty Bar that night and then hit up a western themed gay bar, hip hop club and the Purevolume lounge. In that order. Remember, what happens in Austin, stays in Austin. Well, not really.

Wednesday had me working my ass off, including waking my ass up at 8am to get things rolling. Basically spent the day helping other people get ready for our showcase and putting up posters and handing out materials. Thursday, was pretty much the same thing. Friday, yeah, you guessed it. Saturday, I flew back to Newark and the lovely Northeast weather, with a cold. I don't remember much, as I was heavily medicated. All I do remember is my head felt like it was going to explode. Saturday night to Tuesday were a blur of sickness and sleep, mixed in with some TV watching and chicken soup.

So, now, as things have gone.
Seven things I think I think(SXSW-Austin Edition):

1. Maybe it's just me, but what the hell is up with the whole, "Keep Austin Weird" thing. That shit is gayer than Lance Bass at the Playboy Mansion. Ok, I get it. Austin is really free-spirited and democratic in a not so liberal state. Yeah, yeah, alright. But you still live in a state that elected George Bush governor and wants to build electric fences around it's borders so Paco can't enter the country. Oh, so having a couple music venues and festivals makes you guys an A-plus. Ok, my bad. "Lets Keep Austin Weird"

2. Mexican food, everywhere in Austin. It's like, "hello, welcome to Austin. would you like some BBQ or Mexican." Ate at this great authentic Mexican place on the "other side" of town called, El Azteco. For you non-Spanish speakers, that means " The Aztec". Man it was good. I was just waiting for a little homeless girl to come around and try to get me to buy flowers or chicklets. Margarita was top notch too. They didn't skip on the Tequila.

3. People down there are way friendlier than here in NYC. People's accents are great. I don't know how many times I used, "you know, I'm on the list. the band's list! they were supposed to leave a note at the door for me to get in" and actually got into a show. I mean, it worked for shit I had no clue being at. Somehow that couldn't get me into Bloc Party though. Man, I was rolling like K-Fed right before Brit dropped that ten ton hammer on his ass.

4. SXSW is like Mardi Gras. Yeah, I know I said that about South Beach too, but seeing as I've actually never been to Mardi Gras, I guess I don't really have any basis for either argument. Just based on the people vomiting, random acts of nakedness, and people consuming alcohol on the streets. And don't let me get started on Friday night. At some point, you have to start wondering, Hooker or really skanky UT student? It's no wonder things like Girls Gone Wild get made.

5. Seeing as I was at SXSW to work, I barely got to see any bands I wanted to see. I did however, get to see Snowden for a couple songs. I like their album, Anti-Anti. The songs I heard, which included my favorite from their album, "Like Bullets" sounded pretty good. I'll have to check out a full set of theirs sometime. Also, saw Youth Group play a very un-inspired set at the Fader Fort. Needless to say, it seems like they showed up for their free jeans and then were told they had to play. Some bands will do anything for those Levi's 501s. Also, got to see a bit of Pelican's set. I wasn't feeling it as much as I was hoping I would. They weren't very loud and didn't sound very good. Sorry guys. Better luck next time. Somehow I saw this band, Airbourne, from Australia. Uh...hey guys, the 80's called. They said they wanted their hair back. I thought the 80's revival died when Justin Hawkins split his pants up.

6. The traffic in Austin, well, it kinda blows. I am not sure how it takes 45 minutes to travel about 6 miles. But it does. Also, I hated how they shut off any block near the main drag, 6th Street. That meant I had to carry boxes that were way to heavy to really be carried in the first place, way further than necessary.

7. People are way proud that Whole Foods came out of Austin. I was with people that went there like eight times over 4 days. The Whole Foods headquarters in Austin, Texas, is located above its flagship store. Which, by the way, is impossible to get to unless you have a car. Cabs don't go anywhere near the place. Anyhows. It made me happy to see when I got home that the new Whole Foods at Bowery & Houston would be open on March 29th. I didn't think that thing would be open before summer. But all of a sudden, they busted a move and finished it in a hurry. I guess that's the power of Whole Foods for ya.

Listening Pile:
Not sure if this is news still, but it's an amazing story about Callum Robbins. Callum is the son of Jawbox/Burning Airlines/Channels J. Robbins and Channels' Janet Morgan. He suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type 1), a disorder that often leads to death at a very young age, and for which there is no cure.

Just read that a bunch of bands, including Jawbreaker, Travis Morrison, Channels, David Grubbs, Engine Down, Maritime, Joe Lally, and more, have contributed tracks to the Catlick Records 2xCD compilation For Callum, available for purchase here

Tons of support has been coming from the music community, including benefit shows by Ted Leo, Radio 4 and of course, the Dismemberment Plan reunion going down at DC's Black Cat. A second show has now been added. A bunch of info on all the happenings are listed here Bummed I'm not going down to DC to see the Plan, but I'm definitely gonna pick up a copy of the Compilation for Callum. And you should too.

And while we're at it, Spoon has announced a whole mess of details, including track listing and release date July 10, for their new album, which is rumored to be called Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Not sure if that's a Pitchpork ruse or not, but either way, I'm sure a whole lot of folks will do exactly that when it's available too. Spoon fans are serious folks man. Serious.

beep, boop, boop, crash, beep, loop, fwount, bang, beep, boop, loop, sing, sing, beep, boop, thanks you've been a wonderful audience

Seven Things I Think I Think (Florida Edition):
1. South Beach is like Vegas. There are lots of tanned people, barely wearing any clothing, doing whatever they please. You can just as easily see some girl with her tanned boobs popping out as you would someone drinking a cocktail on the street. I was just waiting
for a hooker to get killed on Ocean drive so I could see Caruso.

2. The weather is amazing. Granted, we lucked out the first 3 days getting temps in the high 80's, but even on the last day, with temps barely getting out of the 60's it was sick. I didn't wear shoes or socks for four days. And only wore pants to dinner one night and jeans the last day. I felt like the Big Lebowski.

3. Driving down there kinda sucks. Its like LA. Out of nowhere you're sitting in a logjam of traffic like the Truman Show. Not to mention that everyone down there seems to be on their cell phone and driving a BMW, Mercedes or Lexus. It's like Brittany with a baby on her lap down there. No lie, I saw at least 6 Lamborghinis.

4. It's like an episode of CSI-Miami, I swear. Even Fort Lauderdale. Everyone sort of looks the same, tan, sunglasses, dresses the same in white or pastels. The ladies are over the top, trying to be sexy. The guys look like super-guidos. It's sorta like summer at the Jersey shore, only more white pants.

5. I guess after the crazy partying going on during Spring Break in the 80's, the city of Fort Lauderdale is really trying to clean up it's image as a party town. It's all about trying to be slick and laid back. Down to the hotels and the beaches. Big ones starting to go up, a new W, Ritz Carlton and Trump Tower on the way. Plus, not once did I see Pauly Shore, beer-funnel or a wet t-shirt contest.

6. I don't get the Dwayne Wade fascination. Homeboy is good, even great. However, I've never ever, seen one sports figure so heavily represented in one area, ever. Everywhere you went, people were sporting one jersey, and that was D-Wade's jersey. Went to the beach, dudes playing volleyball wearing #3. Go to lunch, your waiter's got on the tre. Go to a bar, at least half a dozen guys. Nightclub, at least one or two dudes, even though there's a dress code. It's like, "well, you didn't wear the appropriate outfit, but hey, you got D-Wade on, step right in." It was a little strange, think the whole time, I saw one other Heat jersey, and it was for Antoine Walker! Not even Shaq. Antoine Walker's ocho. Crazy huh.

7. So, I attended my first spring training game, albeit a game between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. Fort Lauderdale stadium isn't as nice as some of the new spring training complexes, but it wasn't bad. Food wasn't that great, but that and the beer were fairly inexpensive, compared to the mortgage you have to take out at each Yankee game. Aside from being an exercise in how many fat sunburnt people you can spot wearing orange, the game was actually a pretty fun experience. We sat in the Left Field bleachers. You are so close to all the action. It's pretty cool. So when the Mets decided to have one of their pitchers start warming up, I could head over to the gate and stand literally 3 feet away from the catcher. Ambiorix Burgos was throwing some smoke. And man, is he big. like 6'4" and built like a truck. Saw Willie Randolph too. He makes it tough on a Yankee fan to hate the Mets. Orioles won and it took a long time to get out of the lots, but a good time was had.

Listening Pile:
If you've read here before, you know how much of a big fan I am of The Battles. Needless to say, I was psyched when I got my weekly email from the Warpbot, saying this, BATTLES : Atlas video + Exclusive Live Show Tickets. Yeah! New music. So I checked out the video, here. This shit is so fucked up, it's amazing! Sick distorted vocals by Tyondai and Stanier's pulsating drumming. Wow! I cannot wait to get my hands on the album.