Huh? He’s been as constant as the northern star. There are a whole bunch of other things to wonder about that could of/should have been #20. Jeter is not one of them…yet. (Knocking on virtual wood.)

packing for 50 days would be tough, but there’s a new invention called “laundry” that you may want to look into.

Have a safe trip and stay out of trouble while you’re in T-Town. And say hey to Steve Swindal for me, willya.

I am first and foremost a reporter and a beat writer. Blogging comes a distant second.

As for softball questions, don’t go by what you see on TV from the TV “reporters.” In New York, anyway, guys get tough questions.

When did A-Rod shut up last season? He was actually pretty cooperative all last season.

And while I’m sure some guys think we’re a distraction, many guys realize that the media creates images and images are what sell. Plus if you take away the media, it would hurt the fan interest. Modern athletes tend to lump it all together. It’s part of the deal.

I have to say, I think media relations are pretty good with the Yankees. We (the BBWAA) were invited into a team meeting last season to explain our jobs and answer questions from them. There are issues that arise but most guys are generally cooperative.

People have this mistaken impression that it’s open warfare. I’d say 90 percent of the players are good guys and probably around 80 percent of the reporters. You have jerks on both sides but that’s the case in all walks of life.

Can you explain this in detail. I have never heard of it. Further, players can play dumb (that much of a stretch?) if they like.

Not they many guys are on the ‘Gadorade’ trail. ARod and Jetes maybe. Plus my guess is Madison Ave, knows about these guys even if they don’t ‘shine’ when talking to youz reporters.

Honestly, for most players, the reporters seem like a distraction. I know you give these guys mostly softball questions, but I can’t help but noticing how much nicer the year went when ARod shut up.

Anyway, you are a Blogger/Reporter, or a Blorter, which will be held in nuch higher regard, as certainly read more, in the near future… so don’t worry.

But honestly, please tell us about the ‘contractural’ obligation to meet the press.

I was not being literal. Perhaps there should be disclaimers for the dim-witted. And while I would happily wear shorts and a t-shirt, I really can’t. I’m essentially moving to Florida for seven weeks and that takes a little packing.

Anchorman or Stripes? The Ryder Cup baseball cap or the UMass football baseball cap?

Meanwhile, I’m still too horrified by the Super Bowl to consider bringing any Patriots gear. So that limits the sweatshirt options.

Sneakers alone will take minutes to ponder. These are serious issues.

Susan: No player has to speak to a reporter? Trying to put me out of work? The players, in fact, have to make themselves available to the media, it’s in their contracts. Trust me when I tell you, most of them want to talk if only to polish their images a little more.

Hard to sell Gatorade if you’re portrayed as some disagreeable dope.

http://www.auburnpub.com/artic.....orts05.txt

-we’ll be much better than last year pre-All Star break

-we’ll be about the same as last year post-ASB

-we make the playoffs

-our playoff starting pitching will be better, with at least three “hot” SPs going into the playoffs

-playoff hitting is always a wildcard, largely based on the opponents’ pitching. I won’t even guess on this one.

Bottom line results: better than last year (don’t know how much better)