the final cut is the deepest.....

So unfortunately I won't be playing baseball for the Worcester Tornadoes this summer unless they would contact me later on to pick me up. I was the final pitcher cut, which is an extra burn because they had one veteran come out of retirement and another pitcher that they traded for 2 days ago. If they don't trade for that guy, or if one of the older guys decides to hang it up I'm pretty sure that I make the squad.

FWIW I don't think I had an outstanding training camp, but then again I didn't really have much of a chance to throw to live hitters. The one time I did I got really solid results, so I can hang my hat on that. I honestly think that with a week and a half for them to make this decision they have to put a lot of weight in the players that have a proven track record with the team. Its a business so I can understand their decision, and I definitely appreciate the opportunity that they gave me.

The coaches did say that if other teams (or the Tornadoes) were looking for guys later in the season they would certainly give me a call or pass along my name. At this point I'm kind of divided as to what I want to do about playing baseball this summer. I can always just go back and play summer ball in the park league, which was certainly a good way to spend a summer last year. I could also get in touch with a few people and find out if they know of other teams looking to pick guys up this summer. The problem with that is of course that I could end up trying out for some team hundreds of miles away, and potentially end up spending my summer traveling around po-dunk towns in the midwest. And while I love baseball, there is a big difference between doing that when you are playing for a team that is affiliated with a Major League organization (and have the potential for a very large and rewarding future with the team) and doing it with an independent minor league team. Of course getting cut kind of hurts my confidence a little as well, which may be making me gun shy.

Plus there is something to be said for summer in boston, and all of the free time I would have to enjoy since I'll be playing poker this summer. I'm certainly making good money, and I'm really enjoying myself, so being here for the summer would definitely not be bad. Plus it might give me time to travel and see some friends.

Katy is on call tonight so I'll be hanging out in the apartment by myself for most of the night. I'm thinking about doing some cleaning and reorganizing because I always feel like I can think more clearly and get better insight into important decisions when my surroundings are neat and orderly. I guess its a feng shui thing.

Poker is going well. After my devastating run of cards to begin the month things are certainly looking better. For one I think I am playing leagues better than I was a few weeks ago. I've gained a ton more experience at 6max NL, I've gained more experience against the regs, and I think I've definitely avoided some spewey tilt that hurt me at the beginning of the month.

I'm on pace to have my best month ever, which is good because I have another hefty chunk of taxes to pay next month.

later

jim