Sunday, January 29, 2012

Stuff Overheard at FanFest 2012


Is this next year?  Will the youngsters deliver on their promise?   Will the fans return?  Will Ichiro come back from a disappointing 2011?   Is Jesus Montero the second coming of Albert Pujols?  All these questions, and many more, were asked and considered, but not answered at the Mariners' FanFest 2012.

Here are some things I overheard...

"I'll let you in on a secret.  We didn't have much offense last year."

"That pitcher has gotta miss more bats than he did last year."

"Montero has a high ceiling."

"Smoak is this close."

"The devil is in the backend of the contract.  The Tigers and Angels overpaid."

"The information is only as good as the person giving that information.  And, no, I haven't seen Moneyball."

"The athlete must understand the urgency and responsibility of playing major league baseball, but they have to play tension-free."

"If I had guts, I'd make Figgins my leadoff hitter."

"He brings a lot of moxie to the team."

Maybe this is next year.  Maybe 2013 is next year.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Ride Around Seattle with Cascade Bike Club

40 miles on an unusually warm and dry January Sunday morning with the Cascade Bike Club.    The loop included an extension over the Jose Rizal Bridge and down Beacon Avenue South past the Jefferson golf course, somewhere I had not ridden!   Fun to ride with Julie, Leo, Eric and about 20 others.   I missed the beginning at Gas Works, but caught up with the group in Discovery Park.  As their route did not include the scenic overlook at the Magnolia Bluff, I split off and then stopped at Zeitgeist for some sustenance.  While sipping coffee, I watched Leo lead the peloton up Jackson, causing a hurry-up and catch-up, accomplished in plenty of time.   Good to ride in a group again, and hope to do more.