About the Off-Season: Another Year Over
By Tim Kabel
December 31, 2022
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It's hard to believe that 2022 is just about over. It seems like only yesterday I was saying that it was hard to believe 2021 was over. They say as you get older, time goes by more quickly. I should start writing my year-end article for 2023 tomorrow. It is time for me to make my resolutions for 2023 regarding baseball and all matters.
To pay more attention to spring training games because with the influx of minor league talent this year, the games could be a lot more interesting and important.
To devote more time to my writing. This means writing new stories and novels and working to get the completed works published.
To be patient with Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Anthony Volpe as they begin. or continue to begin their Major League careers.
To complete at least six short stories and one novel in 2023.
To trust Brian Cashman and his staff in the handling of Josh Donaldson and Aaron Hicks. Just because they haven't been traded yet, does not mean they won't be. There is plenty of time before Opening Day.
To rediscover my passion for baking. I will bake something at least once a month in 2023.
To purchase a Nestor Cortes, Jr. T-shirt or jersey for myself. Also, to purchase A T-shirt with the number of one of Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, or Anthony Volpe.
To cook with ingredients I have never used before. This weekend, I will be making a soup that contains leeks. I have used onions, shallots, and scallions but never leeks. I will enjoy telling people there is a leek in the cauldron.
To be more tolerant of Aaron Boone. I still believe that it will be difficult for the Yankees to win a championship with him at the helm but, you have to play the hand you are dealt. With a sufficient amount of “Boone-proofing”, it could be done.
To read more. It is difficult to find time with everything I have going on, but I can certainly make time.
To write something positive about Aaron Hicks. I'm positive Aaron Hicks is washed up and needs to be traded. There, I did it, and we're not even in 2023 yet.
Other than trimming, to not shave my beard at all during 2023. If all else fails, I can get a job as a Santa in the mall next Christmas.
To give the new rule changes a chance as the season develops. I anticipate a lot more stolen bases which could really open up the Yankees’ offense next year.
To learn to play the banjo. The only thing that I've ever been able to play is a radio, so this will be a challenge.
That whenever I get frustrated with Aaron Boone, or the team in general, to remember how much joy I have received in my life by being a Yankees’ fan and to relish even the unpleasant moments.
Each time I get groceries, to try something new. This weekend, I am trying raspberry oranges which, apparently is a variation of blood orange. It sounds more appetizing, anyway.
To not needle or hector John Sterling as often as I have in the past. This one will be tough. By the way, my prediction for his home run call for Anthony Volpe: “Veni, Vidi, Volpe.” “I came, I saw, I hit a home run.”
To be a better father. I think I do a reasonably good job, but I can always improve. Besides, it's the most important job I have.
