Just a few years ago, NY Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes, 27, was expected to be a pinstripe mainstay for a long time. He was an all-star in 2010. Curiously, he went into sharp decline thereafter. In 2013 he was 4-14 with an era of 5.19. Despite these weak stats, the Minnesota Twins decided to take a chance that he will reach the once lofty expectations Bombers management had for him. They’ve offered him a three-year contract for 24 million dollars. I love free market capitalism, and I know that making the major leagues is a rare accomplishment, but I can’t see how such a sum is justified. Fortunately, unlike a healthcare plan, no one is forced to buy tickets or pay a fine if one doesn't. As long as MLB can find enough fans to fill stadiums, salaries and ticket prices will continue to skyrocket. I don’t see why anyone would pay so much, at least regularly. I know many memorable moments occur during the season, but is the overall product that good? Why would anyone pay hundreds of dollars to watch someone with Hughes’ 2013 numbers? Politicians looking for ways to raise money for ObamaCare should look into a tax on tickets to sporting events. Obviously, the attendees can afford it.
Just four weeks ago NY Jets QB Geno Smith looked like a future NFL star, and his coach, Rex Ryan, appeared to have saved his job. Suddenly Smith seems clueless and Ryan is again on the hot seat. It is astounding how quickly things change in pro football these days.
Last night’s episode of The Mentalist leaped two years into the future. Patrick Jane was found hiding out in a Spanish speaking paradise. It seems the Red John arc is truly finished and that none of the regular team was a traitor. Jane will now be working as a consultant with the FBI, and so far two of his former colleagues will be with him. I sense the series will be doing only the lighthearted stories it does best. I wonder if fans will now turn away. Of course, the writers can always create another arc.
No luck on the street today. The floating book shop is suffering a lull. Although it's happened several times, it creates the fear that this time it's permanent. Imagine what salesmen and traders, especially those with a family to support, go through psychologically when things don't go right. I respect what they do more than ever.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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