I don't know who Dave Zirin is, and frankly, I don't really care. However, this article of his got my attention. I know the immigration debate is a sensitive issue, and I don't particularly care to start a political firestorm here in the 'pit, but I thought others here might like to read it. Personally, I find this to be overly sensationalized and absolutely ridiculous writing, regardless of where you stand on the issues. But maybe that's just me.

I happened to make it out to the ballpark tonight, and thought I'd mention my few favorite things from the evening:

1a. Our jokes on the way to the ballpark, and through the first seven innings, centered around the fact that no matter what took place through the first seven, our pen would figure out a way to blow the game in the 8th inning. You can't even be disappointed or upset when you know it's coming.

1b. The fact that myself, my companions, and the fan population of the nearby rows of our section placed bets on the result of each of Byrnes' AB's prior to their completion, with the only two results people bet on being strikeouts and infield flies. I found this hilarious because it's absolutely precise. He's that predictable. And to pat myself on the back, I went 3 for 3 (strikeout, infield fly, infield fly) in his first three appearances of the evening, but failed when I wagered on a pulled hammy in his fourth AB. I also unsuccessfully wagered on a Byrnes Flip-throw (TM), although I don't remember the inning. Someone had to mix it up, why not me.

2. We were sitting in the first row down the right field line and had a close-up look at J-Up all night. He could not be more sick of this team making errors. It's actually rather comical to watch him cock his head to the side as if to say "Seriously? Again?" Also, Upton's new past-time is a nice little number in which he spits a sunflower seed out of his mouth and then slaps it out of the air without looking. It's uncanny. Highly amusing.

3. Man on jumbotron munching cotton candy like it's his job, oblivious to the fact that the entire ballpark is watching him run train on a giant blob of sugar.

4. The roof and panels were open, as they should always be.

5. The Giants' bullpen arms (all 29 of them) emptying out of the pen to meet their teammates on the infield postgame. Two of them had their gloves on rather than carrying them, to which I yelled "What the hell do you need that on for? You aren't playing today," which was promptly greeted by both fine gentlemen removing their gloves. Followed by my brother telling Randy "You're the only arm worth a damn amongst all 29," which was greeted with a large Unit smirk (and multiple other turned-down heads). Good stuff.

Side note/question - Frank Caliendo still has a career now that Madden and Bush are both gone? The f? How sad have things become with this organization? Oh wait, don't answer that.

My good buddy and myself, Diamondbacks fans as long as they have existed, happened to run into one hell of a deal at the local Circle K last week. It's particularly a good one if you happen to like 1. baseball (albeit awful as of late), and 2. beer (albeit mostly awful choices).

Anywho, as we were browsing the selection of libations to help aid in a night of fun, we came across products of the Budweiser family. And what was on that glass door that housed the frosty alcoholic water in a can, you ask? Well that would be a sticker that offers two free tickets to a Diamondbacks game of your choice with the purchase of an 18 pack of Budweiser product. Now, my aim is not to advertise for Bud (Bud Light can kiss my ass), but this is a hell of a deal. Particularly when you happen to be a person of college age. I know the boys are terrible and the front office might have trouble paying people to go to games, but I put a call in to the ticket office to make sure this was legit. And it was! Two tickets (sections 305-327) to ANY GAME YOU WANT. All you have to do is present the receipt at the ticket office and you're holding a pair of $15 seats.

Last Friday night my friend and I split said-18 pack of Budweiser at his house prior to the game (Again, Bud Light can burn in hell), hopped on the lightrail, and took in another gem by fellow Pepperdine baseball alum, and our only starter worth watching not named Max, Danny Haren. All told, I spent just under $9 for 9 beers, a ticket to the game, a fireworks show (I LOVE fireworks), and a safe ride to and from the game. $9 well spent I say.

http://letswriteanotherstorytonight.blogspot.com

According to John Fay, the Reds beat writer for the Cincinatti Enquirer, the third player going to the Reds in the Dunn trade is catcher Wilkin Castillo. Supposedly our 14th best prospect going into the season, he had decent numbers for Tucson. He also played games at 3B, SS, and OF. I don't know a whole lot about him, so I can't say I'm too upset with him being included in the package. Still not too thrilled with losing Micah though.