Random Thoughts Bouncing Around My Head

What has been rambling around my mind recently? Check it out:

Anyone caught up in Matsuzaka Mania and is interested in getting a peek into Japanese baseball culture should check out the piece Live From Akita City on baseballprospectus.com by Mike Plugh. Good overview history of the sport in Japan, the respect for the game they have and instill in their players from youth on, and the importance of culture on the game. It is the first part of what is hopefully a season-long regular contribution. I eagerly anticipate following this through-out the season.

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Anyone looking for an addictive, but simple to play, computer sports game should check out Baseball Manager or Football Manager by the sportsmogul group (http://www.sportsmogul.com). The games are inexpensive, and they basically let you GM a team and simulate the seasons. You can even play online. No, they do not advertise here or give me a kickback (though they should!). I love the games, play them waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much, and figured I should pass on my addictions, well, at least my sports-related addictions!

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March Madness? I thought that was the hype-up of the Sox-Yankees game. If I have to see one more newsclip of Okajima, Matsuzaka, and Hideki Matsui bowing to each other I will lose it.

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Speaking of madness, is anyone else ready to puke after seeing 350 or so stories about Curt Schilling throwing a change-up? What’s next? Bathroom updates?

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Josh Beckett is back. Those 20 wins I predicted last year are coming this year. Guaranteed. The kid has nasty stuff, a nasty attitude, and just enough of a comfort level to take the next step. Really, he did not pitch bad last season. I will look it up when I have time, but when he was on, he was unhittable. When he was not, it was a 8 runs in 2 innings kind of game. The stats will back me up on this one. He takes that next step finally this season.

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Nothing like picking against BC in my bracket and watching them thump Texas Tech. Pencil them in for the Georgetown upset. When I pick against BC, they always make a run.

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I had that Kirk Gibson fist-pump going when Eric Maynor of VCU hit that jumper with two seconds left in the game to give them the lead and win the game against Duke. Nothing personal, Coach K is the da bomb, yada-yada-yada, but like 90% of the country, I just love watching the Dukies take a tumble.

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The best part of the Patriots loading up on free agents is that they still have two number one picks, a bunch of compensatory picks in the middle rounds, and the post April 1 free agency pickings to feast on.

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Pat the Elvis Patriot tried put the moves on my wife once before a pre-season game (heck, most every guy she meets tries). Did I ever mention that? Heck, her face is turning red right now. Wonder why that popped into my head. She is gonna kill me for writing this. Heh-heh-heh.

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