Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio

Here are my predictions for the American League. Lots and lots of predictions. From the A.L. East and the battle between long time rivals, the Yankees and Red Sox, to the possible emergence of the Toronto Blue Jays. There is a big question of a few Far East players, most notably Daiske Matsuzaka, and how they will adjust the the American version of the game. We already know how Wanger faired last year, winning 19 games and killing lots of worms. Now he's the envy of every Taiwanese citizen. No, really, look here. The A.L Central, thought to be the best and deepest division in the game, features the last two representatives in the World Series, the Tigers and Chisox, plus one of the most talented teams, the Indians. The West, as always could be a crapshoot. Maybe the Angels click and win the division, or maybe it all connects for Oakland or Texas. Here's what I think will go down.

A.L. East
Yanks taking a tight division. Just nudging out the Red Sox late in September. A-Rod bounces back and has a huge MVP type season, though he gets stiffled by the writers for being so, "good looking and talented". A-Rod finishes a close 2nd, and the 2nd best player on the AL Central winner wins the award(congrats to Gary Sheffield). Carl Pavano, goes on a crazy tear after getting dumped by his model girlfriend and wins Comeback Player of the Year, winning 16 games, with an ERA in the high 3's. Clemens comes back to the Yanks, but misses considerable time after pulling a hammy yelling at Mike Piazza in a late June contest. Melky Cabrera spends a lot of time in the outfield and shines brigthly, though you'd like a little more pop in that bat, as Abreu and Damon both spend some time on the DL, and Matsui plays DH once a week. Mussina and Pettiite has solid years and Phil Hughes arrives in August, but doesn't contribute as much as one would have thought, as Kei Igawa picks it up when he's challenged for the #5 spot. Wanger spends a lot of time on the DL this year, as does Giambi. Jeter has a fantastic season, but once again, doesn't even get a whiff of the MVP. Robby Cano has a solid season, but doesn't even lead the team in batting. He does however develop a little more pop. Big Papi has a huge year and Manny being Manny has his worst year in the past decade, and asked to be traded by the All-Star break. He goes nowhere, except the DL with some leg ailment. Matsuzaka has a good year, 15 wins, mid 3's era, but gets hit hard in the summer, after guys are seeing him a 2nd time. He'll make adjustments though and pick it up in September. Schilling cries about his contract all summer on his blog http://38pitches.com/, yet pitches well, to a tune of 16 wins and high 3's ERA, plus a ton of K's. Beckett gets his hard early, but has a solid 2nd half. He finally figures out that you do a lot better when the ball stays in the park. Jon Lester comes back from his cancer scare and has a very solid 2nd half. JD Drew spends a lot of time on the DL, but comes back just in time to help save off the Blue Jays in September. Toronto, no slouch though, wins about 85 games, though they would have won more if Frank Thomas and AJ Burnett didn't spend so much time on the DL. Alex Rios picks up where he left off early last year and has a breakout year, hitting 28 hr's and knocking in 100 runs. Vernon Wells doesn't lead this team in RBI. After getting that ridiculous contract, he becomes the third best hitter on this team. Tampa finishes 4th with big years from Carl Crawford, Delmon Young and Scott Kazmir. Elijah Dukes has a fantastic start to the season, however he gets sent back to the minors once he begins struggling, smoking the ganja and decides to go ape-shit on a second basemen, ala his dad, Albert (don't call me Joey) Belle. Baltimore is even worst than last year, despite Eric Bedard and Danny(don't call me Rick Vaughn) Cabrera coming into their own under Leo Mazzone. Miguel Tejada, is traded to Anaheim just hours before the trade deadline. Nick Markakis does his best Dale Murphy impression, and carries the team along with Ramon Hernandez and Melmo. Peter Angelos says, "At least we're not the Nationals, boy do they suck! Does anyone have Cal Ripken's number?"

A.L. Central
Detroit takes the division, behind a monster season from Sheffield, and a breakout year from Jeremy Bonderman, your A.L. Cy Young winner with 22 wins, over 200 K's and 3.05 era. Joel Zumaya, who I see taking the closing duties just after Todd Jones blows something out around All-Star Break. He's banned from playing Guitar Hero the day Jones goes down. Also, the team gets career years out of the underappreciated, Carlos Pena and Placido Polanco. Craig Monroe stops swinging for the fences, and cuts down his K's, while hitting 35 HR and knocking in over 100 RBI. The pitching holds up, despite lots of innings the year before. Verlander doesn't make it to September though. He's got elbow problems around All-Star break and makes a comeback in mid August before shutting it down for the season. Cleveland comes up with big years from 30-30 man, Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez. Josh Barfield makes a splendid adjustment to the A.L., and also swipes 25 bags. C.C. Sabathia has a stellar year leading the team in most pitching categories, but Jake Westbrook and Cliff Lee are inconsistent for too much of the year. The bullpen struggles, as it did last year, and blows too many leads late in games. In July, they ask Atlanta for Bob Wickman back. Eventually, they try calling Rod Beck out of retirement. Minnesota, behind Santana (after almost getting traded and getting a big contract extension) Garza, and Bonser, and despite regression from Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, wins about 80 games, and just bests Chicago for 3rd. Torii Hunter gets traded at the deadline, and hurts himself dancing in the dougout. Chicago, is the big bust in the division, finishing fourth, as Jermaine Dye doesn't repeat his 2006 performance, and the pitchers just don't have the juice to contend with Detroit. Daren Erstad has a good comeback year, but spends the end of the year on the DL, along with Jim Thome and Mark Buerhle. Bobby Jenks loses his closing duties after blowing 2 consecutive saves in July and an expletive laden tirade from Ozzie Guillen ensues. KC has a decent year, despite not having any pitching or hitting. But the future looks bright with Alex Gordon, David DeJesus, and Zach Greinke all having solid years. Somehow, the Reggie Sanders trade, will yield them a solid set-up man for Octavio Dotel, who also has a solid comeback year.

A.L. West
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California, win a tough division, taking it in the final week of the season. Garret Anderson, has a big year, though he misses considerable time with injuries through the summer. However, he comes back strong in September and October. Big Vlad, Tejada and Anderson, carry the team through the late months, getting some help from breakout star, Howie Kendrick. Juan Rivera, Chone Figgins and Casey Cotchman, who has a breakout year at First for them, all come back from injuries/illness and contribute big-time. Brandon Wood comes up in August and goes on a crazy tear, begging the question, can the rookie of the year only have played a third of the season? No, Alex Gordon from KC still wins it. Oakland and Texas beat up on the each other all season long, and both fall short of Anaheim. Texas has a big year from Kevin Millwood. Akinora Otsuka, Mark Texeira and Michael Young, though barely anyone else contributes. Who'd of thunk they would miss Mark DeRosa and Sarge Jr. Eric Gagne pitches about 25 innings before blowing out his elbow, shoulder and hip all at once and never pitching in the majors again. Oakland has a solid year from Danny Haren, who leads the team in Wins, innings pitched, and K's. Huston Street, finally is healthy the entire year and is one of the most dominant closers in the game. Mike Piazza, lets the mullet do his talking, hitting 30+ HR and making everyone ask, "Frank who?". Rich Harden despite having a Cy Young type first half, does his best Carla Pavano impression, and misses most of the 2nd half with a pulled oblique, time is also missed by Eric Chavez, after doing his best porn star impression, and Bobby Crosby, who apparently hurts himself getting out of bed in the morning. Seattle seriously considers trading Ichiro at the deadline, but balks when Boston won't pick up a chunk of Manny being Manny's salary. Felix Hernandez has a breakout year, but manages to only win 15 games after getting no run support. Richie Sexson strikes out a lot, though gets moved at the trading deadline. Adrian Beltre, has a solid year, hitting 30 hr, but manages only 85 RBI as no one except Ichiro can ever get on base. Jeff Weaver and Miguel Batista contribute a lot more than you would think, but seriously beg the question, "really, this was the best we could do?"

OK, that's it man. In the words of the legendary, Mel Allen, How About That.



A bit of sad news to report, today is the first day of the last year for Astroland, the Coney Island amusement park and home of the landmark Cyclone roller coaster. I guess those lame commercials they've been running for years, haven't helped business enough. Soon, there will be large-scale redevelopment and the "2,640 feet of rattling, wheezing terror in lumber and steel" will be left standing. However, the starter rides that lead you there, like the Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars and even, everyone's favorite, Shoot The Freak, will be goners. Go pay tribute, before they are distant memories of times past. The development plans include drawings of high-tech arcades, a glass-enclosed water park, an indoor ski hill, giant Ferris wheel, along with hotels, restaurants and waterfront condos.

Listening Pile:
Simon & Garfunkel's, "Mrs. Robinson". Thinking about Coney Island, and times past, made me want to throw on this song. Truly the best song ever mentioning the Yankee clipper. Truly a classic gem.

Also, came across this the other day. The Setting Suns, which is a side project featuring Adam Franklin of Swervedriver and Sam Fogarino of Interpol. Pretty good stuff. Sorta loopy and hazy tunes, with Adam's signature vocals and echoey guitars on one song, and gently piano keys on the other. Let us not forget Sam's drumming. He's totally one of the most underrated skins pounders out there. Just listen to the first half of "Turn On The Bright Lights." Can't wait to hear more of this stuff.

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.

Ohh...crazy, but it feels alright

Came across this cool article by Jeff Passan about the gyroball. Turns out almost everything we thought about the mysterious pitch, may have been wrong. Whether Daisuke Matsuzaka can actually throw this, or Pedro Martinez already has in the past, and never knew it, we'll probably never be certain. I think anyway you look at it, it sort of adds a great mystery to the game and something to talk about.

"It was supposed to be the first new pitch since Bruce Sutter popularized the split-fingered fastball … which itself was nothing more than a new grip, providing a different break, on the already-used forkball. The novelty of the gyroball caught on in the U.S. as it had in Japan. Kids posted videos of themselves on YouTube trying to throw the gyroball."

And while we're on the subject of baseball, I came across a great new blog, Bronx Comics. Done by Knuckles, AKA Matt, with a program called Comic Life, that came on his iMac. It's hilariously funny and he says what many of us Yankee and baseballs fans only think.


The release of Jonny Greenwood is the Controller, marks the 40th anniversary of reggae's legendary label, Trojan Records, by bringing some of the greatest moments of the label's past in touch with the present. The Radiohead guitarist, gets his rocks off for reggae music by digging through Trojan's extensive back catalog and compiling his favorite tracks onto one disc. After 6 months of endless listening(and possibly lots of ganja smoking?), Greenwood narrowed down his choices to 17 recordings. Due out on March 6th, this collection digs deep into rich Jamaican sounds and covers styles from classic Ska and Rocksteady to vintage Dub and Roots, including the likes of Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Desmond Dekker, Delroy Wilson, Scientist & Jammy and many others. Hooray Beer! And, after his work on the Bodysong Soundtrack, I'm intrigued to hear this. He's a super guitar player and on the two occasions I got to meet him, he was extremely nice. Even taking the time to talk to my buddy about playing the viola.


I came across this on the Vegan's site and it really saddened me. A couple really good bands now have to find new homes, Shout Out Louds and Soundteam. And even though I don't particularly like Kevin Devine, I've met him and he's a really nice guy and from the Strong Island scene. Also, the post linked to, by Jax one of the Capitol workers who was laid off blows. I feel bad for her, having been on the same end of that stick before ending up at the current job situation I'm at. Sometimes I guess it's better to have a bad job than no job, even though she's really taking it well in my opinion. She has a really great blog, writing about a lot of music stuff in LA. I think I want to move to LA. I'm sick of cold weather and tiny apartments. Well, at least today I am. But who am I kidding. I love NYC and not driving.

Listening Pile:
While former extreme metal legend, Justin K. Broadrick(Napalm Death, Godflesh), has just released his fine new disc Conqueror under the moniker, Jesu. Out on the Hydra Head label too. The band will not be able to appear on the first part of their tour with Isis due to work visa issues. Justin K. Broadrick and co. have just secured the visas and will make their U.S. debut on March 5 in Orlando. Current band bassist, Diarmuid Dalton will not play with the band on any dates, instead, Dave Cochrane, who has worked with Broadrick previously in Ice, Head of David, Sweet Tooth, God, and Grey Machine will fill in, and Intronaut drummer Danny Walker will fill out the line-up.
MP3: Jesu: Conqueror [from the Conqueror LP]

5...4...3...2...1...0

Major League baseball is screwing us again. This time, it's our heads they are messing with, well, at least what goes on it. On opening day, the traditional wool cap will get kicked to the curb in favor of a new polyester blend model designed to wick away moisture and make money disappear from your wallet. The change is part of commissioner Satan...er...Bud Selig's focus on boosting player performance. I guess he's trying to make amends for turning a blind eye to the juicing going on in the 90's and I guess he needs something to cover up Bond's ginormous head. So, not only are these hats going to be made out of the same material as Disco Stu's favorite pants, but it'll cost ya. The new caps will retail at about $32, up from the current $29. Yeah, a current cap costs $29 and it's gonna cost more! Alas, I just with they could go back to the hats they had in the early 90's, with the green underbill. Man, those were sturdy hats and didn't poof up like a chef's hat and have the unbendable brim. And don't even get me started on the new batting practice hats. What is up with that piping on the sides. This isn't NASCAR, you don't just add a racing stripe!

This is fairly depressing. I know I live about 2 miles from the Empire State Building. Damn those North Koreans. Damn them. Steve Jobs, I blame this on you.

Listening Pile:
The Frames are back w/ a new album, The Cost, which hit stores, yesterday. One of Ireland’s most successful current bands since the release of their first album in 1992, the group led by frontman Glen Hansard, has bounced through various failed record deals and line-ups releasing consistently excellent records throughout it all. 2005's Burn The Maps was one of my favorite records in recent memory. The Cost is the band's ninth album and one of their more focused and straightforward, as the ten songs on The Cost, blend together beautifully. Hansard is a vocalist capable of both quiet, contemplative passages,as well as gut-wrenching catharsis. However on this album he tones it down a notch, and he never screams, he just sings brilliantly. One of the better records I've heard so far this year. Check out what may be the best song on the album, "Sad Song" ,

The radio is playing all the usual. And what's a wonderwall anyway.

The TV ads I've seen for 300 have just blown me away. Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army of 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians and other slave soldiers against the advancing 100,000 Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy. The battle lasted 3 days, after which all 300 Spartans were killed. The battle was a suicide mission, meant to buy time for the rest of the Greek forces to prepare for the invasion. However, that didn't stop the Spartans from taking as many Persians as possible with them. The film looks amazing, and is going to be showing at the Imax theater uptown. Directed by Zack Snyder, who is best known as the director of Dawn Of The Dead, he seems to have done a fantastic job. Just look at the trailer



Listening Pile:
fan9 favorite rodent, no, not the african pygmy, butModest Mouse, who have conquered the world since the release of their last album, are back with a new album, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank , due in stores March 20. Got to say, I'm digging on the new song "Dashboard".

Scottish group Travis is are also, back with the upcoming release of their new album, The Boy With No Name . Nigel Godrich, who was also at the helm of the band's best work, The Man Who and The Invisible Band. produced the follow-up to their '03 album, the sadly disappointing 12 Memories. The band posted the album title and tracklisting on their website , giving a UK release date of May 7. The record will be preceeded by the single "Closer," which will hit stores on April 23. Hopefully the US release information isn't slated for fall '07. Check out another new track, "Selfish Jean", which just so happens to be streaming on their Myspace page. It's not just a network for meeting people.

¿Qué debo hacer si resulto herido o lastimado durante el juego?

The walk to work was pretty intersting this morning. First step out the door of my building almost saw me wipe out. Then, I realized, the most dangerous walkways were the ones that had been recently cleaned off and only had a thin layer of ice on them. So, as most of the Midwest and Northeast are covered in snow, most MLB teams are gearing up for Spring Training. I suppose the big stories and questions around Yankee camp are
(aka my seven things i think i think about this season):
1. Will Bernabé Figueroa Williams show up to camp without a major league contract and hope he can somehow make the team, even though all indications are that he's a lame duck?

2. Will A-Rod find his lucky pink panties and have another MVP type season, and Jacksonesque post-season, then skip town via his well timed out clause in his contract?

3. Will Jeter and A-Rod make nice and hug after each rendition of the YMCA?

4. Will Phillip Hughes pitch an inning before the All-Star break?

5. Will Giambi break down before or after the All-Star break?

6. Who will be the first pitcher to go on the DL, Moose, Pettite or Carla Pavano?

7. Will this be the year the Yanks survive the post-season and win championship #27?

I have a couple other questions myself.

1. How much will a beer cost this year at the stadium, 9$ ?

2. Will the B train ever get to the stadium again?

3. Will Matsui do that safety ad in Spanish again?


Came across this story today on iLounge. Apparently those wacky, Chinese have already got an iPhone knock-off on the way. I'm sure this won't be the last either. In fact, I don't understand how Microsoft hasn't jumped on the bandwagon as well, after the disaster that was the brown turd, sorry...uh.... the Zune, hasn't tried to steal Apple's thunder by introducing a similiar product before the iPhone is released in June.

Chinese electronics maker Meizu is the first company to closely copy the look and feel of Apple’s iPhone. The Meizu miniOne, due out in the fourth quarter of 2007, is a GSM phone with numerous iPhone similarities, including a curved, black and polished steel design, touch-screen interface, and a nearly identical on-screen software icon layout.

And thanks to M1k3 for pointing me to thislink, which shows off the new Transformer Toys.

Listening Pile;
Been loving this Cale Parks album lately. He's better known as the drummer for Chicago outfit, Aloha, who put out an impressive album last year as well, Some Echoes. Parks is also the occasional drummer for Joan of Arc and Cex.
The album, Illuminated Manuscript has an intimate but intricate bedroom ambient electronic sound where keyboards and mallet instruments mix with sparse vocals and a television or the occasional cat meowing in the background. Check it out, it's good stuff.


And if you don't have anyone to hug today, you can always do what this guy is doing.
Tree hugger! I know, today sucks for the most part, whether you're alone, or shelling out a ton of loot on dinner, flowers, and chocolates. But just think about it this way, at least you're not this kid.

My Eyes Are Open, My Eyes Are Open Wide

I was just reading this article overe on the Metsblog. Pretty interesting read on the two new stadiums for the Mets and Yanks. From what I've read, I do agree that maybe the new Mets Stadium, Citi Field, might end up being a bit better, with the classic Ebbets Field look and all the modern amenities that you could ask for. Of course, I think the Mets made a huge mistake calling it Citi, Bankone, Of Americquest Field. They should have showed some class and called it Jackie Robinson Stadium. They could have really done something special, and honor one of the most important figures in sports history, but I guess that Citi Bank check trumps that.

From the artist rendering of the New Yankee Stadium, I feel like we're ending up a bit short on the actual look of the stadium, but improving on all the amenities as well. Of course, that's because Yankee Stadium needs to preserve a lot of the traits from the old stadium. But still, think both team's fans are getting something better than what currently exists. We all now how I feel about Shea. I can't take baseball seriously in a place that reminds me of a fun house, with that stupid apple popping up with every homer, or the ugly orange chairs. And while I love Yankee Stadium, history cannot help that place. It's old, falling apart and the interior has no redeeming qualities aside from the field. However, I did just hook up with my buddy on a 15 game season ticket plan. And if we're lucky, we'll do it again next year and the first year at the new stadium.

Listening Pile:
On the train yesterday from the City to Connecticut, I came across the Planes Mistaken For Stars EP Knife In The Marathon . It's a killer ep the band put out back in 2000. Knife in the Marathon is the second cd on Deep Elm, and rocks hard. Though the self titled disc from Deep Elm is a bit better, less screaming, but still manages to pack in a ton of emotion. The EP is super agressive, yet with a hint of melody and tons of emotion. The EP is capped with the bonus track, a cover of Unbroken's "Fall On Proverb" is heavy, angry and does the original justice. Check out touring info and new tunes at Myspace. These guys actually played on my birthday, back in 2000. Think it's a completely different line-up, aside from Gared. But they were nice guys and they partied hard.

Alright, I gotta roll. Got to get ready for some high-school wrestling and hot dogs. Too bad I can't bring beer. But I leave you with this.


I can't believe I forgot about this one. Fun times I tell ya.

I'm trying to be heroic.

I forgot to put this in my last post. Doh!

Listening Pile:
I like this new Bloc Party album a lot. It's not quite as thrilling as their debut, but still offers quite a few good songs. I think many will view this as a disappointing sophomore effort, as it's quite ambitious and often finds itself lost in overproduction and gloss. Songwriting is mediocre at best, losing the urgency and brashness that made the first album so memorable. Kele's vocals are often strained, distant and lyrics border on the mundane or ridiculous. And let us not forget, he's the whitest sounding black dude, since Phil Lynott. But songs like, "Song For Clay (Disappear Here)", "The Prayer" and "Where Is Home?" are reminiscent of the earlier work, with pulsating rhythms and angular guitars. Even the quieter moments on the album lack that vulnerability that made Silent Alarm so special. Overall it's a good listen, and despite all it's faults, is a good direction for the band to go in. They could have made the same album, and they didn't, so you have to give them a lot of credit for that.

Be one of the first 1000 people to pre-order the new Bloc Party album, A Weekend In The City, and receive a FREE LIMITED EDITION 7". This INSOUND EXCLUSIVE vinyl features two tracks, 'I Still Remember' and an unreleased B-side, 'We Were Lovers'! order up

Super Lame

So, it's now two days after the Super Bowl , and we've come to find out that this year's edition, was the 3rd highest rated TV program of all time with 93.2 Million Viewers. 3rd! Yeah, you read that right. Behind only the top of the list, Mash finale, and the 1996 Super Bowl. Peyton and Co. trying to erase the notion that he can't win the big game and put the exclamation point on his fantastic career and win his first Super Bowl, makes for TV. Who'd of thunk it.

So, for the first time in a long time, here are the seven things I think I think, or otherwise known as my other thoughts on the Super Bowl:

1. It was a fantastic game, with lots of great subplots. Can Manning win his first and maybe only shot at a Super Bowl. Can the Colts D shut down the potent Bears running attack and stifle Rex Grossman. How many times will we hear that it's the first time two black coaches are in the Super Bowl. Blah, blah, blah. How many times will Phil Simms say he could've made that pass. Why is Bruce Willis stalking Demi and Ashton, awkward...

2. What was up with the awful camera lenses. I mean, we weren't watching a Sunday afternoon game between the Jets and the Raiders here, we were watching the biggest game of the year! They knew it was going to rain. And no, I'm not talking about Prince. You're telling me a multi-billion dollar corporation like CBS, doesn't have a fog proof lens somewhere? Uh, HD cameras? Nothing? Horrible camera work. I was expecting one of the camera operators to start wiping down the lens only to have Jim Nantz throw in a funny little remark about how you'd think we're watching the new season of Survivor.

3. When did Rupaul hook up with Prince? OK, not really Rupaul, or maybe not even a man, but did anyone see that back-up dancer? Whoa. Long gone are the days of Vanity, Sheila E. or Sheena Easton I suppose. And now there's that whole controversy about how some see guitar as phallic imagery in Prince's Super Bowl performance. Come on, you want to talk about malfunction, does anyone remember the ass-less pants? And while we're at it, where were the hits? Maybe it's just me, but I wanted a "Little Red Corvette" or "Raspberry Beret".

4. What was up with that National Anthem? I know it's a tough song, but seriously, they couldn't get Katharine McPhee or something? Someone give the poor Piano Man a drink and let him sing!

5. What was up with all the Norbit product placements and ads. I somehow feel like I now need to see that movie and drink a Coca-Cola. "I must kill the Queen."

6. Why is it every time something happens in Miami, Gloria Estefan needs to be invited. I mean, she didn't even sing! CBS brought her out to introduce Cirque De Soleil. You'd think she was pulling a Guiliani and running for President or something.

7. Maybe it was just me, but the commercials, well, not as funny as in years past. Aside from the K-Fed commercial, which I must say was genius, and the GM Robot, the Carlos Mencia and Dalmation Budweiser spots, I can't even remember any other ad that I thought was great.

Someone Has a Case of the Mondays

Goodmorning Jan. 3, 2007. Honestly, I didn't know I had to work yesterday, until about 5pm on Monday. Fun times I tell ya. So, my tops of 2006 list, will not be ready until this weekend. I'm gonna keep things short, so I can feature more albums, as well as movies, tv shows, food and books. Yeah, I can read. Funny huh! Hooked on Phonics really works!


Came across this story this morning though. Toyota is developing a system that detects drunken drivers and automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors pick up signs of excessive alcohol. Cars fitted with the system will not start if sweat sensors in the steering wheel detect high levels of alcohol in the driver's blood, Now, what happens if you've say, cut your hand and have some rubbing alcohol on them. Or if you were making a wine reduction sauce and you realize you need to head to the store for some garlic. Hmmmmm?

Randy Johnson is still a Yankee, and Roger Clemens is still a free agent. Not that I like either one of them very much, but the Big Useless really needs to go back to Arizona. Too bad we can't get Javier Vasquez back. Replacement Level Yankees Weblog comes up with an interesting note on the Useless and how he may not actually be as bad as he was last year, and how in reality, losing a guy who could pitch 200 innings may hurt the bullpen, and ultimately, the team. Plus, we came to realize, he might have played hurt all year long. Gimme Clemens and some decent minor league prospects, and I'm sold.

Playboy Magazine says Mercury Lounge & Cake Shop are two of America's 10 best rock clubs. Uh... I"m not sure what the criteria for their selections were. Not that I disagree with the Mercury Lounge selection. They book great bands. It's a great place to see a show, and the sound is always great. But the Cake Shop?! Aside from feeling like the ceiling in the basement is going to fall on your head, the lack of being able to see the stage and the way the venue sweats during warm days, I can't imagine why people would like the place. The only semi-redeeming quality is the booking is occasionally solid. The Cake shop has become one of the prerequisite first stops for many bands both foreign and domestic playing NYC.

Macworld Expo is coming. iLounge gives a big rundown of what to watch out for. Could the much speculated iPhone finally be unveiled. Or how about a new video iPod with a larger screen. Damn you Steve Jobs. All this speculation. I blame this on you.

"Over 60 exhibitors are expected to formally show iPod-related products at this year’s Expo, with additional exhibitors likely to make smaller appearences at private meetings. Our detailed list of exhibitors below allows you to click on virtually any company’s name to see additional details on the company and all of the products that have been featured on iLounge."

Listening Pile:
On my recent holiday journeys, The Legends Up Against The Legends, kept coming up on the iPod. And I thought it a good time to go back and revisit an amazing album. Pitchporky even managed to give it an 8.0 ranking back in 2004. The Legends, a nine-piece Swedish band whose high-energy pop music makes its debut disc, Up Against the Legends, a fuzzy, feedback-drenched, lo-fi affair. Fronted by Johan Angersgard of the Acid House Kings and Club 8, channels the Velvet Underground and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys. Up Against the Legends offers an even dozen well-crafted indie pop gems dressed up in reverb and feedback, twisting guitar lines, bouncy rhythm section, handclaps, and great girl backing vocals.