Day One - The Tampa Trip

I started drinking Jack Daniels as soon as my flight cleared the Hudson River.

Happily, we landed at Tampa International with no service disruptions. Unlike most members of America's royal families, I did not have a stretch limo waiting at the airport so they piled me into a PT Cruiser at Dollar Rent-A-Car.

I felt that this wild-level of spending would be my contribution to this year's consumer spending rebound. Of course, I paid for it with credit.

The highlight of day one was getting an in-stadium, live report of Yankee game action from a famous author, occasional commentator, gorganzola cheese thrower, California surfer babe and ( hopefully ) future contributor to the IIH,IIf, IIc reporting staff...the infamous She-Fan.

She told me that Joba had been "smoked" for six quick runs, and that the Yankees had put together zero offense. Another day in the sun wasted on the short-end of a 3 hit shut out.

It was better listening to her insights on the game than we ever get from you know who on radio.

While I was getting this live game report via cell phone, I was sitting in the hotel bar drinking beers and JD shots with another lifelong Yankee fan who is joining me on this evaluative Yankee adventure.

You will know, by the time I leave Florida and return to the states, what we've got on this year's team, who is going to shine, and what the season holds for Ian Kennedy.

Later in the day, having lied, cheated and cajoled my way to a dinner date with this infamous author and her ( also Yankee fan ) husband, I managed two more manhattans as we dissected that day's performance of our super-star in waiting, Austin Jackson.....he K'd in his one at bat against some 14 year-old flame thrower from the Dominican who was brought to the big leagues by a cousin of A-Rod's.

And for the deeply devout fans among us, I am told that Jesus did not play yesterday. She-Fan nonetheless did assert that his presence was felt by all.

Hopefully, Jesus will not be a no-show for tonight's game against Detroit. If he fails to reveal himself again, maybe we could trade him for a new catcher named Yahweh.

Today, the game is at night. So, until the stadium gates open, we'll either go to the beach, to a bar, to Hooters for burgers and fries, or to a book signing.

Hmmmmm...... I let you know how that works out.

I'm still working hard to figure out how we can pay She-Fan enough to become an active content contributor to this miracle of Yankee blogdom. Last night, I offered her a suitcase full of credit default swaps and 6 underpriced "fixer-uppers" in the Detroit area for simply one posting.

So far, She continues to hold out.

And just to clear up one lingering argument from dinner, Rocky Colavito did play 39 games for the Yankees in 1968, including a 2 2/3 inning pitching debut and a win.

OK. I didn't notice that my salad never arrived, but I am being attentive to Yankee matters.