On A-Rod and What Constitues a 162-Game Suspension

It's nice to see A-Rod suspended again. That said, note the lead, which that reads (emphasis added): "Alex Rodriguez has been suspended for the entire 2014 season by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, who reduced the New York Yankees third baseman's ban from 211 games to 162 for his involvement in Major League Baseball's Biogenesis scandal."


The "162 games" clause leaves me asking two questions, involving scenarios that happen from time to time in MLB:


1) What if the Yankees have a game rained out at the end of 2014 season and it doesn't get made up, resulting in Yankees playing only 161 games? Does this mean A-Rod is also suspended for the first game of 2015 season?


2) What if, at the end of the season, Yankees are tied for the final playoff spot with another team, necessitating a one-game playoff to determine which team receives the postseason berth. For statistical and standings purposes, MLB recognizes such one-game playoffs as a 163rd regular-season game. Does this mean A-Rod gets to participate in the one-game playoff, and then, should the Yankees win, has to be re-suspended for the playoffs?


Nice job, MLB. As usual, you have a way of screwing up everything.

Goals 2013: The Verdict

The only thing I hate more than people who update you every week on how much progress they've made on their annual goals, is people who never update you on how much progress they've made on their annual goals. I mean, yeah I don't want to hear you drone on and on about your goals every other day (though I admit once did this myself). But come on, don't publicly announce your goals if you're not going to hold yourself accountable.


Oh, this reminds me...it's 2014 now.


I should probably report back how I did on my 2013 goals.


* Buy a table and a comfortable chair: TECHNICALLY, NOT ACHIEVED, BUT FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES...
ACHIEVED +++.
I say technically not achieved because, I did say "buy" a table and a comfortable chair. BUT, in November I moved into a place in which my bedroom is already furnished with a table and comfortable chair. I mean, why buy if it's for free. So, I fault myself for not clarifying my goals effectively.


* Eat broccoli at least twice a week:
98.08% ACHIEVED.
OK, there was a week around the holidays in which I did only ate broccoli once. Sue me. I consider this goal achieved.


* Get back to the gym:
THAT'S RIGHT, ACHIEVED
When I moved, in addition to inheriting a table and comfortable chair, I also moved within walking distance to a gym. Score. Sounds like November was a damn good month for me.


* Pay off two credit cards:
ACHIEVED, BEE-YOTCHES
I haven't used a credit card (outside of a couple of isolated instances where I accidentally left my debit card at home and didn't have enough cash on me) since the day after the Super Bowl. Hopefully I can keep this going.


* FINISH MY NOVEL:
TOTAL FAIL!!! NOT ACHIEVED!!!!!
Well, I guess we know what's on the Goals 2014 list.