About the Off-Season: Making a Fresh Start

About the Off-Season: Making a Fresh Start

By Time Kabel

December 31, 2003

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So, we have reached the end of another year. This would normally be the time where I would write, “wow, this year just flew by. I can't believe another year is over.” Well, I'm not going to do that because I can believe another year is over. Time does move quickly, especially as you get older. Acting surprised that the year is over on December 31st is like the weatherman on TV being amazed that it's hot in the summer or cold in the winter. The key to happiness is to do the best you can with the time you have. To that end, I'm going to list my annual resolutions for the New Year. They will not be restricted to baseball or the New York Yankees. 

• In the past few years, I resolved to avoid criticizing Aaron Boone and to not use the term that I coined, Boone-proofing, in order to give him a chance. I have changed my mind this year. In order to give the Yankees the best chance to win, I need to tirelessly advocate Boone-proofing by the team. I need to recommend that the Yankees take whatever steps necessary to limit Boone’s negative influence on the team. I know he has never had a losing record, but he has never won anything either. That's not good enough. I will advocate for and endorse every possible scenario that will Boone-proof this team. 

• I will dedicate myself completely to my career as a writer. I will complete two new novels this year and I will work to have at least two of my previous novels converted to screenplays. I will take steps to obtain a literary agent and to have my unpublished novels become published. 

• As we head towards spring training, I will continue to attempt to be fair in my evaluation of Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner as they construct the 2024 roster. So far, I think they have done a good job, but they still have oodles of work to do. Forgive me, but I haven't used the word oodles in eons and thought I was overdue. 

•   I will attempt to refrain from sarcasm and puns in my writing. I was just seeing if you were paying attention. I have no intention of doing that. Rather, I will hire the fellow on the ship with the drum from Ben-Hur to ratchet my sarcasm and humorous remarks to ramming speed whenever possible. 

•  I will attempt to wait until the end of spring training before I start advocating for Brad Ausmus to take over as manager of the team. The one exception to that will be if Aaron Boone devotes an inordinate amount of time trying to hit a home run in batting practice on his birthday as he did last year. My definition of an inordinate amount of time is anything more than 3 minutes in duration. Also, if anyone other than Aaron Boone is aware of this effort, the moratorium on demanding his ouster will be lifted. 

•  As I make multiple adjustments in my personal life, including moving and a career change, I will try to maintain good humor, patience, and optimism. If that fails, I will have an emergency bottle of bourbon and a straw at my disposal. 

• I will continue to advocate patience regarding the development of the Yankees’ young players. I have liked what I have seen so far but there will be growing pains and adjustments. As fans, we need to accept that and give them time. 

• I will strive to be a better husband and father. My wife and children mean everything to me, and they make me want to be a better man every day and in every way. 

• I like to pick a player for whom I will root a little extra hard each season. I try not to pick a bona fide superstar to make it more interesting. This year, I will pick Austin Wells. 

•  I will broaden my horizons as a cook. I will try to use new ingredients or new recipes at least twice a month. I will start this by making pickle-brined roasted chicken on Monday. 

• I will listen to at least five broadcasts of Yankees’ games on the radio, which will not be difficult thanks to the Yankees selling the television broadcast rights to every possible streaming service. I think you can sometimes get more out of the game when you listen to it on the radio and besides, I don't know how many more years John Sterling will call games. So, I will enjoy him while I can. 

• I will begin training on January 1st for next year’s New York Marathon. I have no intention of running it. I will begin training so that I can wish Dr Semendinger good luck from a standing position and in less than two minutes.