A Leap of Faith

I think now is a good time to start this thing up again.

I feel like Brett Favre. Why? Because I'm making the jump into organized sports this year and just want to get out there and play. I understand him now, after my first baseball practice yesterday. This is the first time I have ever gone out for baseball, and I'm 21 years old. Some say I should have played in high school, and before that too. I agree with them. But over the summer I threw pitch after pitch building up to this moment. I started to get the itch to play. So finally yesterday I took the plunge. I headed down to the Riverdale Rec Center to get things started for a 5:30 practice.

I was really nervous pulling up to practice. I didn't know what to expect since I've never played before. I thought everyone was going to be miles and miles better than me. But I passed my first test; actually heading out there to give it a shot. Once I got there I went to the dugout where the "D-2" team was. There I met the other guys going out for the last roster spot(s). I was informed the other day that 1-3 spots are open on the roster. So I met them, talked to the coach. He said we would be fielding and hitting, but I asked him if I could pitch. He said I would get a bullpen and to start warming up. So I started by taking a jog on the warning track and getting loose, stretching everything out, etc. Then we started with a bit of a long toss, and then the catcher was ready. He suited up and I was told to limit myself to 25 pitches.

I was so nervous when I took the mound in the bullpen. For some reason or another, I decided to be the first of the four guys to do my bullpen. That was a mistake. I should have let another guy go before I did my thing. But it felt all right to throw. My sinker was decent, my cutter had the bite it picked up this summer, and my changeup stayed low, which was important for me. I bounced a couple throws off the dirt, and fortunately I didn't throw anything too high. My personal strategy is to always stay low in the zone. This was also the first time I have ever thrown off a mound. The bad thing was that I could not throw the breaking ball, probably because I was so nervous. I know what I did wrong with it though so I can fix it for next time. And I know next time there is nothing to be nervous about. The other guys had all thrown previously and looked a bit rusty too. There are some great arms that I'll be competing with, and I'm excited because competition will bring out the best in everyone. The thing I want to work on Wednesday (my next practice) is just calming down, relaxing, and throwing my pitches. I kept throwing my pitches, trying to locate everything, and the catcher told me, "you are at about 45." For some reason this registered as I was throwing 45 mph, but then I smacked some sense into me and remembered it was my pitch count. I threw one more of each pitch so I was just shy of the 50 pitch mark. And my arm felt fine. I think I could have gone out there and thrown 50 more pitches. It felt fantastic.

Then I watched the other guys throw their bullpen. Just watched mechanics and location and movement, and all that good stuff. I talked to one of the other guys who said my movement was pretty on. I thought he meant my downward movement but he said my pitches had lateral movement too. That made me really excited, because the last thing I want to do is go out there and throw flat pitches all day. The coach didn't really correct me on anything; that either means there was way too much to correct or only small things. I talked to him after practice was done, and he said there's some things to work on. More on that later.

After the bullpen session it was time to lace the cleats up and take the field. Coach put me at first base and we all fielded some ground balls. I didn't do the best job at fielding the throws from 3rd and short, but I thought I did a good job on getting throws from 2nd base. Then he tossed a few ground balls at me, which I think I did a good job of fielding. I missed one of the balls he batted to me. He had me throw to home plate and 3rd base, and my throws weren't exactly the best. I could blame it on the fact that I had just thrown a bullpen, but that's not good enough since I had more in the tank after the bullpen.

Fielding practice was quick. I think it's because we all were pretty rusty. But then we switched back into sneakers and went to the batting cages. I had a lot of fun there, and I hit from both sides. I felt a lot better from the right side, but I still hit some balls from the left that felt really good. I was concerned going into the cages that I would swing and miss a lot, but I made some pretty solid contact. That felt really good to do.

After it got closer to dark, we wrapped up batting practice and covered the field for the night. Then the coach had some words for everyone about the games this weekend. I'm not playing in the games this weekend because I still haven't made that roster spot. There are anywhere from one to three spots open, like I said. It all depends on how the Varsity Team makes its cuts and if they take anyone from the D1 club. That may happen, so I may get a chance. There's four guys going out for the last spots, so competition will be tough. I'm a lefty so I think I may have an advantage. I wonder if I make a spot, if I'll be put in the starter role or play out of the bullpen. I have to make the spot first. And even if I don't make the spot, I can still practice with the club, which I plan on doing if I don't get that last spot.

After he discussed the games, I talked to him about my mechanics in the bullpen. He said it looked all right but there are things to work on. I figured that. I did some mechanical work this summer but I know there are things to polish up on. I'm going to keep an open mind going into this thing. I might not even make the club as a pitcher. Maybe they put me in the infield... I'd prefer pitcher, but if they feel that I can help them as a first baseman, I'll play first base. I know outfield isn't happening; apparently they have a ton of outfielders. I like my chances though; I'm optimistic and I'm keeping my head up. Even though that breaking ball didn't work, I have plenty of chances this coming week to get it right. The hardest thing will be waiting til Wednesday for my next practice.

Also, one last quick thing. The season ends in mid-October. So if I make the club there's not too many games to play in. However, it sounds like practice continues afterwards. I'll be doing that as well.

I'll be blogging about this experience the entire semester... keep it posted here for the very latest!!!

It's Done

The school year is done - all of my classes are finished, everything is done (minus an easy 2-3 page paper that's due Friday) and I am happy as ever. There's been some problems this year but I finally have my mojo back. It started with a huge rally in Jew Bible and ever since then I've been on fire - the mojo has returned and I'm actually caring about everything I've been doing. I've been taking care of myself more and it all started with an abs program I kicked off this April and have been bumping that up ever since. I'm back with pushups and upper body workouts too because the shoulder is better. I've been swimming, I've been running, I've been doing all kinds of things to stay in shape and improve my athleticism and self-confidence.

Now it's summer time - it's time to see if this work paid off. The kids I coach are going to keep me on my feet and keep me in the water swimming and making sure if they are in tip top shape. If I, along with our great head coach, can teach them all these things it will be a winning situation for us. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a group of kids you mentor and coach do the things you want and do the things they deserve to have - improvements in their physical abilities. With that being said, the swim season kicks off Tuesday in the brand new, beautiful Virginia Hills Deluxe pool. It's going to be fun - no matter how many or how few come to learn, it will be another rich and rewarding experience.

Five Things to Fix

Another blown lead - something has to be done. Here's what I'd do with the Nats to make them ready to play in the big leagues:

1. Send Hanrahan, Mock to Syracuse or lower; promote Jason Bergmann to closer role; call up Jesus Colome: This move does a couple things. It gets rid of two of the biggest issues we have with the bullpen - the two guys who have blown the most games. Bergmann would be ideal for the role of closer because he has great stuff and his confidence is incredible; last season we saw his great ability to bounce back from poor showings to throw some great stuff on the mound. Colome can play mop up duty along with Rivera to get his/their confidence up before they can be promoted when the next meltdown happens.

2. Trade Nick Johnson for young starting pitching; demote Daniel Cabrera or Scott Olsen; move Adam Dunn to 1B: As much as I love Nick Johnson, this move does a couple of things for our organization. It allows us to get starting pitching to send one of Cabrera/Olsen (preferrably Cabrera) down to the minors or DFA one of them. This also gives more at bats to Josh Willingham, who has better outfield defense than Adam Dunn. Dunn would be less of a risk in the infield, I feel. Young, reliable starting pitching also gives us something to build on and a little more competition. Also waiting in the organizational wings is Chris Marrero - a young prospect with incredible upside who I hear has been tearing it up in the minors.

3. Draft Stephen Strasburg, demote other Cabrera/Olsen/Martis: Drafting Strasburg gets the starting ace that we can build the team around. Getting rid of the unreliable starting pitching makes the rotation a lot scarier, and if the entire starting five at that point (Lannan, Zimmermann, Strasburg, traded pitcher, other slot) is reliable, then they can go 6 or 7 innings and take pressure off a tired bullpen.

4. Switch Manny Acta's and Jim Riggleman's roles: Don't fire Manny Acta - he's a great personality to have around especially with so many negatives with this team. Instead, make him the bench coach - and promote Riggleman to the role of manager. This puts a more aggressive Riggleman into the role of manager, while still keeping Acta to coach the bench. I considered just making this a Fire Manny Acta/Promote Jim Riggleman thing, but I like Acta too much to completely get rid of him. Sometimes I like my thoughts too much.

5. DFA Alex Cintron; keep Alberto Gonzalez in majors: With Harris coming off the DL (and Guzman too), there's a little less space on the bench for pinch hitters. Cintron hasn't shown me anything and is not worthy of a spot in the major leagues. Alberto Gonzalez has shown me a lot and I think he can stick around in a 7 or 8 slot, or pinch hitting, unless the club would like him in the minor leagues to get every day at bats. In that case, still get rid of Cintron. He's terrible.

Note: While these five things probably won't turn the Nats into a World Series contender, they would certainly fix the club up a lot and make for a smarter and better team, more built for the future. Let's see how many of these come true in the coming weeks and months.

I Can't Believe It... But At the Same Time I Can

The pool is almost done. The $350,000 renovation that signals the reconstruction of an entire community - from its low point a few years ago when only 65 people were members of the pool - to now - the next page that we have turned. Moving on from the old can be tough, but this moving on has so much hope. Yes, we will miss the old house-shaped pool. Yes, we will miss the oversize baby pool. But this renovation says COME ON IN and enjoy Virginia Hills.

The pool is almost done! Apr. 26, 2009

Sure, other pools are nice. Other pools have the high member counts. But here, you leave your attitude at the door - you are a member of a family. This reconstruction signals the fact that families change sometimes. And sometimes other family members become more powerful and do what is good for the pool. Because having only 60 members and not telling anyone about the impending crash and burn of a community is NO WAY to handle that sort of crisis.

The low point. Feb. 7, 2009

Some people chose to be negative when this news broke - but others chose to take the positives and to look ahead at the bright future that this place holds. Those who took the positive direction planned for change. They knew the potential - and not only did they know it, but they actively went out and sought it. And succeeded. So now we stand at another crossroads - yes, we were taking a chance by not waiting to renovate - but we chose to do so, proactively. And now we have an even brighter future ahead of us.

Just wait 'til you see us in five years.

It's Only Two Games

Sure, two games is a lot of games... in the NFL. Going 0-2 in the National Football League means you had better start getting your act together, buddy... or else your next big thing will be the Draft in April. But in Major League Baseball, going 0-2 is nothing. The Phillies are 0-2... the World Series Champions of last season are 0-2. Nobody in Philadelphia seems to be pulling the plug just yet. The Phillies have also scored only one run in the 2009 campaign.

But when the Washington Media comes up with all kinds of problems with a team that finished with a lousy 59-102 record... that bugs me. Yeah, we knew Scott Olsen would struggle. Sure, nobody expected John Lannan to have that rough Opening Day start... but it's just one start for the both of these guys. Both of these pitchers have the potential to rebound - it's their first time pitching in a real situation - expectations are so high for this team this year because everyone is now under the microscope. Everyone is accountable after last season's terrible finish. Settle these young pitchers down and they have the chance to show their very best.

But boy does the Nationals offense look potent. Nine runs in two games... something that was unheard of in four or five games last season. 19 hits over the same span... and all of the sudden something is wrong. I think things are just fine offensively - most everyone looks to be sharp... plus it's only two games so I think everything will even out. So when you say Ryan Zimmerman is 0-9 and we need to start worrying about his season - that is just stupid.

Give these guys about a week and a half and then see where things have gone from there. There is no way that two games should ever be a litmus test for an entire season. Don't forget that two games into the 2008 campaign, the Nats had yet to lose. And what did people think about the team back then? Sure didn't align to what they finished out with.

So give these guys a chance. I still think that 70-75 wins are not out of reach. We have a long way to go for this season to be over with. As far as I seem to recall, the playoffs start in September.

The Best Game Ever

Tonight was one of the best sporting events I have ever been to... WITHOUT A DOUBT.

Buffalo vs. Washington - a team that's on the edge of the playoffs against a team that's already in and looking to improve their position in the conference standings. The atmosphere was absolutely electric when I sat down in the press box. Fans from each team were going at it, and you knew this had to be an epic showdown. Who would gain the momentum going into the last week of the regular season?

I'm an avid Buffalo fan so I found it tough throughout the game to keep neutral... but I found a way to do it. I had to. First it was Washington striking with the league's best player. But then Buffalo scored twice within a minute. Then Washington tied it and took the lead 9 seconds after the tying goal. Buffalo tied the game, then Washington went ahead, and then Buffalo tied it up a bit under 10 minutes out. The last ten minutes were so exciting... back and forth and back and forth but you could tell someone was grabbing the momentum going into the extra frame.

Then Pominville struck. Turnover by the Caps and he had a partial breakaway and deposited it behind Simeon Varlamov. It sent the home team packing (although the point gave them the division title) and gave the visitors from Buffalo extra momentum. I'm siked up. Not only did Buffalo win... but Atlanta beat Florida, keeping Florida's momentum back.

Now, Buffalo is 4 points out of the playoffs, Florida is 2, and it's going to be one heck of a race for 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Can Buffalo continue its hot finish towards the playoffs? Or will the Rangers shut the door on them? Or could Florida jump up and punish the Rangers and the Sabres? It's going to be a fun couple of weeks.

Oh, and there's that Opening Day thing on Monday.

At Least It's Almost April

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April means the end of the semester isn't that far away, and it's about time it rolled around already. After all the ridiculousness of the past few weeks I'm looking for the end of the semester. April is followed by May and May has to be the shortest of all the months... I'm pretty sure it is. April is going to be one of the busiest months in a long time, and once we're done, it's basically over from there on out.

But I'm still confused. I feel like I have to enter April with a clear head, and there's only two days with which to do that. To be honest there's a lot of things going on right now and I'm unsure about all of them. I don't exactly understand how people are reacting to certain situations and how people have been so short-sighted in their interpretations. It's going to have to be something I figure out over the next couple of days. If I enter April with an uneven head I'm going to have to find out what's going down before my birthday.

And I feel like this "battle" I'm having isn't with other people and trying to make them understand my points of view. At least yet. It's trying to understand where they are coming from. For one of the first times in my life, I think I have to step out of my opinions and see what other people feel, and respect their opinions. It's part of growing up and I feel like I haven't done that well on this part of maturing as I should be. There's a lot of things I'm going to find out in the next few weeks.

I also have to do a lot of choosing in the month of April. Who do I cut ties with from this year and not see again? And who do I strengthen ties with to hang out with next year? What about my love life?

Then after April it's downhill from there as it's all finals in May, or at least I feel that it's that way. Looking way out ahead, the last one is May 19. Then it's about a week break before I'm thrust into the role of assistant head coach for the swim team. The pool is looking really good. The coping stones that go around the edge of the pool are in place and the tiling work has begun. Meanwhile, with the baby pool, the pumphouse structure is going up. This is so exciting; in a few months we'll be swimming in a great pool with a great small team. The ceiling is so high with this group of swimmers; the "bad guys" were removed a couple years ago, and looking ahead into the next few years, it's looking incredible!

In between the end of the finals and the beginning of the swim team, the next big purchase may take place... an upgraded phone. But will I go with the Blackberry Bold, the more professional looking phone? Or will it be the iPhone, the more application-heavy phone?