Beer League Softball

As many of you know, I play softball like it is my job. In fact, I wish that were actually the case. But as much as I love playing softball (or any other rec sport, for that matter), there are always those super competitive jerks and worthless lazy jerks that play in your league. Luckily, I am not the only one who feels this way. Our friends at the Cru Jones Society agree.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Justin Morneau for winning the Home Run Derby last night (although Josh Hamilton was probably more deserving). Based on Hamilton's huge first round and the slow decline afterwards, it definitely looks as if the Home Run Derby could use a bit of a tweaking. Jayson Stark at ESPN agrees.

Basically, Stark's idea is this: have a two round Derby with eight players. Only 2 advance to the second (and final round). The final round would involve the two contestants taking turns in three, three-out "innings". Highest total in the final round wins.

What do you guys think about this format? How could they tweak it to make it enjoyable to watch and fair for the players?

Monday Randomness

The past week or so has been tough on the work front because (a) the last week in June was spent vacationing in Mexico, (b) this past weekend was the 4th of July holiday weekend, and (c) I, like everyone else, would rather be doing anything besides working during the warm months in Denver. Nothing like some time off to make me want some more time off. Onward. . .

• Although the Rockies have sucked hard this year, they sure did entertain this weekend. My company bought tickets to the July 3rd game, which the Rockies ended up winning in 11 innings. Then, we all headed down to the outfield grass to watch the fireworks. Great day. Follow that with a come-from-9-runs-down 18-17 victory on Friday, they sure did keep the folks in Denver on the edge of their seats.
• Sunday marked the first day of rest that I have seen liquor sales in Colorado. Glorious. I celebrated by doing nothing. In fact, I had forgotten about it until I read about it here:
• I stole Jorge's copy of Super Mario Galaxy when he was in Mexico. Great game. Incredible game. Might be my favorite game for the Wii. Might be my favorite game of all time. It is that good.
• Speaking of the Wii, NCAA Football 2009 comes out pretty soon on that platform. I was upset they didn't have this game before. As fun as Madden is, NCAA Football is always way better.
• When is my next paid holiday?
  
• A few of my buddies took a 5 day trip through remote southwestern Colorado with nothing besides the packs on their backs. Pictures, videos, and stories can be found here and here.
• Our trip to Mexico was incredible. The week was relaxing, fun, relaxing, and relaxing. There are three albums of pictures at my Picasa site.
• Now that our Mexico trip is over, it is time to start looking forward to our next couple trips - camping at Horsetooth the weekend of the 19th, Seattle (Barr family reunion) the weekend of the 26th, Milwaukee (G&G's 60th wedding anniversary) the first weekend of November, and possibly Tampa (Sarah has a conference) the next weekend. I'm trying to hit as many corners of this country in one year!
  
• It is 2:35 and I am starving. Don't think I can make it to dinner. . .