why isn't spring training over here?

well I really don't spend that much more time in AZ then I would have to, because the lack of humidity just doesn't jive with my lifestyle...I'm a beach guy who will substitute rain in a pinch.

I'm out in Scottsdale for the Player's Union meetings- when Mark 'teshy' Teixeira got traded, I became the union rep for the Rangers- this means I get a free trip out here to learn about all the goings on and historical significance of my job from a corporate standpoint, from how contracts work all the way to how we as current players help support those great guys that are now retired and taking pensions. Our health insurance and overall benefits really are amazing and we owe a lot to Marvin Miller who back before the disco days and DH rule actually bonded all the future generations together by helping us form a union.

Well anyway, some of the guys that I'm meeting are here for the first time too- and as some readers may or may not know, this is obviously my first time being able to talk to these guys. Fellow MLBloggers Ryan Garko (indians) and Kevin Youkilis (red sox) are out here too. I think having 3 bloggers in one room is the highest density of player-blogger slashies (seen zoolander?) in one place historically, so that's history in the making right there. I also had a good conversation with Randy Flores (st louis cardinals)- you know us lefty relievers have to stick together! Other highlights- seeding the ground with Bobby Bonilla for me to beg my way onto the MLB tour of Japan and possibly the WBC team later down the road. I've always wanted to compete internationally with a USA jersey.

I just read on here that los tigres del detroit have made a trade of baseball playing people with the marlins- involving some really high-profile millionaires, so hey that's cool but I hope those dudes pack their beanies because word is april is a very cold month in motor city. oh yeah and also of note- fashion in michigan won't be involving any orange gucci pants or other miami staples, so feel free to leave those behind.

This is always a fun time of year for me, and all sports fans- a world champion team is basking in the glow of victory, all the other ones are scrambling with trades, free agents, and leftover turkey sandwiches. Other sports like hockey, basketball, international football (for my european friends), and the Dallas Cowboys are all frequently live in HD for me to watch in between working out, playing video games, and working on my ninja skills at the dojo. Reading about all the trades, signings, and weird contracts which include lines like

Greg Maddux will receive membership at the Del Mar Country Club for length of contract

Troy Percival will receive a vintage automobile as per contract with Tampa Rays

always make me laugh...just picturing TP rolling hard in a '78 pimped out pinto is great. I mean this video is great too- but for different reasons.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GlC1445FJ2E

my wild nightlife will include me going solo to see a moviefilm somewhere locally. probably choosing "american gangster" as "I am Legend" is still 10 days out. "No Country for Old Men" was a really good one that I saw last week...tense, creepy, and well acted if you're into that sort of thing.

jagsemash.