Word from Tampa...

Hey everyone,

it's been a while since I've posted so I'm gonna throw out a quick update.
Well, I've been down here in Tampa since Feb. 5th. The weather has been gorgeous and I have a killer farmers tan!!! I'm currently in what they call "extended spring training". They kept me here after we broke camp (which is when everyone leaves and heads off to the affiliate cities) because they wanted to work with me a tad more. I was told that I made the Charleston Riverdogs squad, which is low A...but they wanted just to refine a few things first.

Over the last 3 weeks or so I've managed to go slightly insane. I moved into a hotel and am 1 of only 10 gringos here. They had about 25 Latinos come to extended camp...and it's been hell. Some of them are cool but most arent at all. I can't even begin to describe what its like being outnumbered by dominicanos but it's not too fun. They steal from you, talk behind your back, pretend they can't speak English to get out of shit, act like 11 year olds, and act gay in the showers! It's driving all us white folk crazy (not to sound racist).

I did get some pick me ups over the last couple of weeks though. I got to pitch in High A Tampa one day because they had a 20 inning game the night before and were out of pitchers. I did pretty well. I went 3 innings, K'd 2 guys, gave up 2 hits and one just happened to be a solo shot...so only one run too. Then the next day I was sent to Toronto to get my work visa finalized. I was supposed to stay the night then come back, but, they called me up the next morning and told me that I was going to Ottawa to pitch for the AAA team, the Scranton - Wilkes Barre Yankees. Apparently they moved some guys from the AAA team to the big leagues so they were lacking some pitching too. Quite a suprise to say the least. We were gettin crushed in the first game of a weekend series so I ended up going in in the 8th to try and clean up this other pitchers mess. 5runs had already come in, there were guys on 2nd and 3rd and only 1 out. I managed to K the first guy...the next guy hit a double (he was good)...the next guy i fisted but he blooped it over the shortstops head and the run scored...i walked the next guy and the final guy flew out! So, once again, I did pretty well, but because I only threw 2/3 of an inning my ERA is slightly inflated in AAA. hahahaha

Anyways, I just found out today that I'm going to Charleston. After we got back from playing the Devil Rays extended squad in St. Petersberg I was called to the side and they told me I was moving up. I'm actually leaving tomorrow and am currently packing up all my stuff. Looking forward to getting out of here and finally gettin some down time and not having to practice everyday at 9 am - 4 pm!!! It's been burning my body out like crazy...

Well, I'll get to see most of you fools that make it up. We actually have some home games during those dates, so you'll have to come out and watch and get drunk.

Peace homies...I gotta get packed.

take care

AX

Summer Plans

I just got my schedule back for my summer job, and I got the whole week from the 22nd to the 29th off, so I'll be there at the beach house. I have to be at work at 7am on the 30th, so I'll probably have to leave on the 29th. I will just drive down, so you don't have to worry about picking me up at the airport.

This summer I'm working in the ER at Methodist Hospital in Indy, and I'll either be living with Joanna and her roommate or in a house with some random dental and med students for a few months. If anyone wants to visit, which I doubt will happen, I work 5 days and am off 3 from May 13th to August 4th, so let me know. I'm also off for the whole first half of August, so if anyone wants to hang out then I'm up for it.

So I'm in the middle of 2 weeks of finals now, but I did get out last Friday.. actually for all of last week the undergrads at IU party constantly and there were concerts for this bike race called the Little 500. It's been called the best college weekend in the country if you haven't heard if it. Anyway, I got to go out for one night of that, and it was definitely a good time. We should figure out if we're getting football tickets to certain games this season now if you guys want to do that also.

Later,
Ted

Article on Axford

Here's a newspaper article I found about Axford, from April 10. It's a good update on what he's doing, since he's a little busy I imagine, spring training and all. Hope the link works.

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=479793&catname=Local+Sports

All's well here in Columbia. Exams are coming up, girlfriend and I are still together and well, have a job for 6 weeks with a firm here in Columbia, business school starts July 2, and they're giving me mad funding.

Looks like we'll have a good group at the beach this summer, and you guys will be well missed that can't make it. But guys: let's get on it. I don't want this to fall through. We've got beers to drink here. It'll be gorgeous and scalding ass hot. Let me know what your plans are and when you're getting tickets or if you're driving or what.

Later boyos!

Pat

Hey Guys

I just got an email from Hannah, which I saw a few of you also got. I figured I post it here in case anyone had not seen it. Sounds like Anthony only had a minor injury and is back in action, but there aren't really any details.

"Ms. Deborah received a call from the Army today. Anthony was injured
while riding in his humvee when an IED exploded. His injuries were
treated on the scene and he is bak on duty. We praise the Lord that Anthony's
life was spared during the attack. We have yet to hear from Anthony
directly about the situation, but I will let you know once we do. One of
the men from Delta Company was killed in action during this attack. I
know this is going to hit Anthony hard. I'm not sure if the soldier was
a part of his platoon or not. Please continue to keep the soldiers in
your prayers.

Love,
Hannah"


Other minor notes:

Greg and Sundy: This traveling to exotic locations really isn't fair.

Axford is going to be in Charleston for Baseball this summer. I think it is the RiverDogs and low A.

I still don't know if I can come to SC for the get together, although I would love to. First, my family has been trying to plan a fishing trip with my Grandpa for his 80th birthday and I think it might be the week in question. Also, I'm hoping to find employment in the next month or so. I can stay at my current job through the end of June, but hopefully I won't have to. My Kansas City thing didn't work out, so I will be somewhere around Chicagoland.

Hope everyone has a great Easter,

Chris

New Zealand was sweet

I just got back from a week and a half in New Zealand with my brother Doug; it was frickin' sweet. We went jet boating, bungee jumping (440 feet), whale watching, skydiving (15,000 feet), climbed a glacier, and drank the beer from the Lord of the Rings, among other things. I didn't put pictures on the internet like the Sundy, but I might at some day.

As for the trip in June, whoever can come should since it will be my last hurrah before heading to Kirkuk, Iraq, for six months in August. This time it actually should be for real, and it's going to be a great opportunity to do some good work though I'll need a few beers with you guys before I leave.

As for arrivals at Charleston Airport (CHS airport code by the way) and anyone who comes in before the beach house is open or stays after... I live here. I work at the airport (the base and airport share runways) and live about 15 minutes away and my apartment is open to anyone for as long as they need. I have a good couch (not the same one from college) and camping air mattress, plus I can borrow. So whoever needs a ride and/or a place to stay just let me know (262-442-2473). Talk to you guys soon.

Oh, and while I was climbing the glacier, my brother and I went swimming in a natural pool. It was cold.

Selfish Sister

Pat,

Regrettably, I won't be able to come to the festivities. My sister is getting married the first weekend and my whole family and Meryl are coming in for the week. The second weekend we're driving to Indianapolis to see Meryl's brothers and sister. Anyway, my sister is being lame and won't even consider changing her wedding date for my needs, so it appears I won't be attending. Sorry.
I have a funny drunk story that I'll relate when I have some more time. Hope everyone is doing well. Later!

Jonathan