Just For The Record.......

Winter vacation is officially over, for me,  tomorrow.

I know........pitchers and catchers don't report until later in the month.  But I still have to be available to Hal and Brian.  It is part of my contract; " Be independent, but get here when that clarion sounds."

You think I don't need a physical?  The MLB players union requires it.  Black Swan treatment comes right after the 15 day rule, which does something or other.  We lose Rule 5 players due to it.  I'm glad we have el Duque to keep the regulations sassy.

I do not arrive back in town to annoy you or do harm to your loved ones.   I simply report the truth, near truth,  and rumors.  I also make predictions, usually based upon inside information.  But sometimes, I just predict stuff because I feel it in my gut.  And I am never wrong.  Ask Mustang.

I am hoping for a clean year.  There, I've said it.  I am a "homer."  Happy now?

Initially, I have to report to the lily pond just south of the Steinbrenner Field ticket window, in Tampa. For those of you who know the place, it is about a league and a half from the " will call," window.

Injuries, we are told, are part of the game.  And someone has to keep tabs.  That is why I first became an actuarial swan. I was really good with numbers and tables and charts.  But drinking and, if I am truthful, some mis-behaving kept me from the top jobs.  So, I had to wear the black.

If this were Paris in 1789, I would be the guy that let's the blade fall.

But it is great to be back.  I hated Venezuela.  Winter just about turns my feathers white by the time February 1 rolls around.  So I can breathe freely again.  Paddling in circles keeps me young.

I will use the next few weeks to clear up the required MLB paperwork, get a new photo taken, and get into peak physical condition.

I hope you are all ready.

Pitchers & Catchers.  Life rewinds.