RMJ 180 August 14

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 ● Off-day in Houston

Today was a good news/bad news day.

The first good news was that it was an off-day.

The first bad news came when I read the Chronicle sports section — which could have been more aptly described as The Larry Dierker Roast.

Alan Truex was the chief roaster. Some of his comments were justified, but some were not.

He suggested that I should have used Spiers earlier. Because Alan did not get to the park early enough to get the injury update, he didn’t know that Spiers was unavailable.

He also suggested that Wagner should have come in to start the eighth inning. This would be fine, if everyone else was hurting. But no one else was hurting. I am not going to pitch Billy two innings unless I have to — even if Alan thinks I should.

So far, I have had a honeymoon with the press, and I know how bad it can get. I just have to keep reminding myself that you cannot win a battle by yelling at someone who buys ink by the barrel.

 

The other good news was that I didn’t have to show up at Shane Reynolds’ celebrity scramble until noon. This used to be my tournament, and it was a real pain in the butt.

I don’t mind working, but I loathe begging players to participate and contribute auction items. Some people don’t feel like they are imposing when they ask these favors, but I am quite sensitive about it.

I guess it is because I don’t like to play in these scramble tourneys, — especially in the heat of the summer. Play is turtle-slow, with an army of high-handicap golfers thrashing and slashing away. You have to bake about five minutes before hitting each shot.

I would rather play a round with my own friends on the off-day, but I can’t ignore the kids with epilepsy who benefit from money that is raised.  

Last year, I got Shane involved, to help me get players. This year, he took over, and I am grateful.

Since I became manager, I have had at least five chances to have my own tournament again.  I will play in these events; I will bring an auction item; but I will not be the host again, unless someone like Drayton makes me an offer I can’t refuse.

More good news: a delightful foursome. Two men and two ladies. The men hit the ball well, and the ladies putted lights-out. I was in good form, and we finished second.

More bad: Ninety-six degrees in the shade.

More good: I get to play my own ball tomorrow at River Oaks Country Club.

More bad: I have to pick Cubby up at 7, and our 8:00 tee time will leave us at loose ends when we finish. Too early to go to the park; too late to come back home.

More good: The Cardinals lost.

More bad: The Pirates won.