Something to Talk About

Let's get into it. Hot topics. Here we go.

I'm going to start off with Nelson Mandela. With the loss of great men and women comes feelings of sadness and empathy. For me, it always feels like there needs to be some sort of outpouring of goodness in order to make up for the loss of it. If you don't know much about Nelson Mandela, it's never inadvisable to start reading up on history. All I'm saying is try to do something nice this weekend. I started off with not fighting with my teenage brother today. It's not a lot, by any stretch of the imagination, but we all have to start somewhere, yeah?

Now, how about the live rendition of the Sound of Music? Hear me out. Carrie Underwood has a beauty of a voice, but Julie Andrews is a goddess amongst us mere mortals. And yes, being a self-proclaimed theater geek, I am aware that the 'Julie Andrews' one isn't the original stage production, but if I'm being honest, Julie Andrews and that movie hold strong in my memory and leave little room for much else in that regard. Anyway, I feel like the show started off well enough, and besides some awkward moments and a seeming lack of character chemistry (at least from my vantage point) it was a good production. I may be biased in that sense, however. In all honesty, I am a sucker for live theater. There is just something about watching a story play out in real time that seems whimsical. Magical. Basically theater is lovely and perfect and leave me alone. And yes, I have to add that Audra McDonald killed it, as always. 

I'm going to end with what, for me, was rather crushing news. There were some huge changes confirmed today for the New York Yankees. (Feel free to ignore my rambling. I'm the son my father never had. Because my brother hates sports.) As fans, we lost Granderson to the Mets (which will cause headaches in my household) and Cano...to Seattle. Now, Granderson, sadly, I was expecting. I wasn't looking forward to it, though. Look, was he the best outfielder out there? No. But I loved his dedication, his attitude, and his presence on the field or in the clubhouse. It's sad to see him go.

Now, Robbie Cano. A few things need to be said here. I didn't like how this was done for the following reasons: first, that's a shit ton of money for one guy. Second, for all the shit he gets for not hustling, Cano's a great second baseman, and player in general. And third? Cano, I thought you liked it here?! Now, before you go off on me, allow me to elaborate. Starting with the whole money thing. I get it. Coming from a Yankees fan, that sounds rich. But you know what? Players should be payed for their worth. Certain players are overpaid for being average players, and some are underpaid for being stars. Cano is talented. Don't misread me. But does he deserve $45/minute? To play in Seattle? I don't know. I understand the Yankees front office is trying to be frugal here, but really? Again, I don't know. Maybe I just really liked the guy. Moving on, like I said, Cano has talent. Any replacement is going to seem sub-par compared to what we had. Are we really not going to miss his Gold Glove caliber defense? And are we going to ignore the hole he leaves in the lineup? Okay. Lastly, I know this age in baseball is one of money and player individuality. But I really appreciate player loyalty, especially to their teams. On that same note, I appreciate it when the front office and team owners respect their players. Considering the additions of Ellsbury and McCann, Cano probably, and maybe rightfully, expected exceptional monetary compensation. (I could start on Ellsbury and McCann, but for the most part, McCann's not stirring any negative feelings. Good vibes on this side. Ellsbury? I'll wait and see.)  He obviously didn't get the money or the years he was looking for, and left. To me, both sides could have done better, but I have no say in the matter. Unfortunately. Would I have given a 31 year old a 10-year contract? I don't know. I mean, look at A-Rod. But let's not compare Cano and Rodriguez. Please.

Now I know a lot of stuff goes on behind the lines, and players as well as owners get greedy, but I'm allowed to miss the days when players signed with a team, and retired on the same one. Even though I never lived through them. Believe you me, I am by no means a sports blog. So don't go over-analyzing these things I'm saying. These opinions are those of a loving fan. And I mean that in all honesty. I'm not the type to go booing one of my own for going 0-for-3. I get that some people are. I don't understand it, but hey, fangirl as you feel necessary. Just don't complain when people call you 'entitled little brats.' And that's more PG than others are inclined to be. But, uh, yeah. Cano, I'm gonna miss ya, too.

So, all-in-all, it's been an interesting past few hours. A rollercoaster ride of high's and low's.

And the weekend has barely even begun.
Stay thirsty, my friends.

Post Script: Tom Daley is a beautiful snowflake.