A New Game......
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
...........requiring as much or more patience than poker.
I'm still playing poker during the week nights, but not nearly as much as I used to play. My patience, you might say, has been worn thin by a combination of one-outers and bad play by myself. Maybe I'll get over it, maybe not, that remains to be seen.
I have, on the other hand, been engagin in a new pursuit that requires the patience of Job. That patience that I used to be able to exhibit at the poker tables has been transferred over to deer hunting.
You might recall that last year, my first year to ever hunt period, let alone deer, I killed a deer on opening morning at 8:06. Well, suffice it to say, that was just dumb-ass beginner's luck. I've spent a total of 6 mornings and evenings in the field thus far and have not even raised my bow or gun yet with conviction. Oh, I've had small deer around that I could have shot, but nothing that would resemble something I would actually shoot at as of yet.
I've had a couple of yearlings and one particular spike that just seem to love my stand and will not leave me alone. In fact, I think the spike was playing ring around the rosey with me last Saturday evening as I had him in the scope at least four different times. Still, I'm looking for bigger game than a 2 year old. Besides, those type of deer are the ones that you pass on in hopes of him living 3 more years and turning into a respectable, mature buck.
I've spent the last three weekends sitting in that tree stand, being patient, biding my time, waiting for that one particular opportunity to present itself. It just hasn't happened yet, but I'm a firm believer that it will, sooner or later. I just have to continue to show that patience that I know I have inside me and continue to spend as many days as possible in that tree stand and it is bound to pay off. There are entirely too many deer around our hunting spot for it not to pay off eventually.
With that said, I am taking off this Friday from work and heading down to the lake place on Thursday evening, immediately after I get off work. It would be a great trip regardless of the circumstances, but I will be joined by my hunting buddy and best friend, Bill, and his father, Neil. We always have a good time on these adventures and I'm sure this weekend will be no different. Waterfowl season opens on Saturday, although we haven't seen huntable numbers of ducks and geese just yet, we will probably still spend a little time preparing for that season, digging pit blinds and setting out decoys.
The wife and family will be down on Saturday, as we have to sing at the bar on Saturday night. Anybody going to be in town? We might have an extra spot at the trailer and at the bar if you are so inclined.
Until next time, I hunt.
G
I'm still playing poker during the week nights, but not nearly as much as I used to play. My patience, you might say, has been worn thin by a combination of one-outers and bad play by myself. Maybe I'll get over it, maybe not, that remains to be seen.
I have, on the other hand, been engagin in a new pursuit that requires the patience of Job. That patience that I used to be able to exhibit at the poker tables has been transferred over to deer hunting.
You might recall that last year, my first year to ever hunt period, let alone deer, I killed a deer on opening morning at 8:06. Well, suffice it to say, that was just dumb-ass beginner's luck. I've spent a total of 6 mornings and evenings in the field thus far and have not even raised my bow or gun yet with conviction. Oh, I've had small deer around that I could have shot, but nothing that would resemble something I would actually shoot at as of yet.
I've had a couple of yearlings and one particular spike that just seem to love my stand and will not leave me alone. In fact, I think the spike was playing ring around the rosey with me last Saturday evening as I had him in the scope at least four different times. Still, I'm looking for bigger game than a 2 year old. Besides, those type of deer are the ones that you pass on in hopes of him living 3 more years and turning into a respectable, mature buck.
I've spent the last three weekends sitting in that tree stand, being patient, biding my time, waiting for that one particular opportunity to present itself. It just hasn't happened yet, but I'm a firm believer that it will, sooner or later. I just have to continue to show that patience that I know I have inside me and continue to spend as many days as possible in that tree stand and it is bound to pay off. There are entirely too many deer around our hunting spot for it not to pay off eventually.
With that said, I am taking off this Friday from work and heading down to the lake place on Thursday evening, immediately after I get off work. It would be a great trip regardless of the circumstances, but I will be joined by my hunting buddy and best friend, Bill, and his father, Neil. We always have a good time on these adventures and I'm sure this weekend will be no different. Waterfowl season opens on Saturday, although we haven't seen huntable numbers of ducks and geese just yet, we will probably still spend a little time preparing for that season, digging pit blinds and setting out decoys.
The wife and family will be down on Saturday, as we have to sing at the bar on Saturday night. Anybody going to be in town? We might have an extra spot at the trailer and at the bar if you are so inclined.
Until next time, I hunt.
G
PS: The big fella in the background is the one I'm looking for.
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posted by GaryC @ 3:02 PM,
,
Texas Rangers Baseball Team - FAIL (up to this point)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers, have largely been a failure. From their original roots in Washington DC to their present home, Arlington, Texas, they've made the playoff all of 3 times in the last 35+ years. That, however, does not stop me from being a Rangers fan, in fact, it will make it all the more sweet when they do finally make the playoffs and, I hope, bring home a World Series Championship to Arlington.That being said, I don't see it happening in the next year or so, but I do think they are on the right path to building a consistent winner. I like Ron Washington in the manager's job, the players really seem to respond to his managerial style and I love the fact that Nolan Ryan and Jim Sundberg are in positions of leadership. Who better to learn from than ex-Rangers, All-Stars, Gold Glovers and Hall of Famers?
I also make no bones about the fact that I am a homer. I watch the Rangers nearly every time they are on TV and follow them on the internet when they aren't televised. I haven't bought the MLB package yet, but I will probably be looking into that in the future. This is not a non-biased blog, so don't expect that. I've been a fan of the Rangers for nearly 30 years and I will always be a fan, win, lose or draw.
Major League Baseball is as much a business as the NFL, NBA or NHL these days and if you have to pick a scapegoat for their recent failures, you might as well start at the top. Owner Tom Hicks has enjoyed much success and made a ton of money in most of his ventures, both inside and outside the world of professional sports. The Rangers, however, have been the thorn in his side.
Regardless of whether or not you are a fan of the Texas Rangers, most would have to admit that we normally have a very strong lineup of hitters. Pitching has always been our downfall and really, even the years that we scraped into the playoffs, there were no big name, shut down, staff aces on any of those teams. John Burkett, Ken Hill, Roger Pavlik, Rick Helling, Ferris Bueller, Bueller, Bueller, anybody?
Coming into this off-season there is a new push down Arlington way and that new push is being led by none other than one of the Rangers' favorite sons, Nolan Ryan, as President of the organization. He has met individually and collectively with the young pitchers that the Rangers have in the farm system in hopes of instituting a new mantra across the organization. He is preaching the virtues of being in excellent shape, starting with conditioning and stretching, and carrying that over into throwing more pitches.
These past few years, the Rangers have been an organization that coddled their pitchers far too much and I, for one, am glad to see Nolan taking an active interest in developing our own pitchers from within the organization. How can a young kid with a decent arm NOT get better by listening to a 1st ballot Hall of Famer? And before any of you point out that his record was just a shade over .500 for his career, the Man threw 7 no-hitters and pitched until he was 46 years old. 1st ballot, guaranteed shoe-in Hall of Famer, no questions asked.
Nolan was a work horse and was almost fanatical about his conditioning. That cannot be a bad thing in my mind. Look at it this way:
Nolan's 1st full year in the big leagues was 1968. He retired in 1993. That means he pitched 26 major league seasons for the Mets, Angels, Astros and Rangers. His overall won-loss record was 324-292. He averaged 207 innings per season during those 26 major league seasons. In fact, take away the first, second and last year which were not complete seasons and for the other 23 years, he averaged 217 innings per season, with a high of 332 innings for the Angels in 1974. That, my friends, is a work horse.
Contrast those numbers to the Rangers pitchers of last year:
The highest innings pitched total on the team was 171 and only three Rangers pitchers even broke the 100 inning mark for the year.
Injuries played a huge part in that last bit of statistic, however, with the new conditioning plan that Ryan is trying to implement, I think the pitchers will be in much better shape all around and would be able to avoid alot of the injuries that have occurred not only last year, but for the last 3 or 4 years.
So, all that being said, here's my predictions for the pitching staff for 2009.
Kevin Millwood-Millwood was 2nd on the team in IP in 2008 with 168+. This number needs to be over 200 if the Rangers are going to have any chance at all of being competitive. They need Millwood to step up and be the leader of the staff next year, he is certainly being paid to be the leader, it's time to get his ass in shape and get the job done.
2009 Prediciton: 15-17 Wins
Vicente Padilla-He had the best year of any of the starters last year, finishing with 171+ innings pitched and 14 wins. His 4.74 ERA was a little high and he battled injuries for a short time also, but for the most part, he was our most consistent pitcher from Day 1 through the end of the season. Still, there is definitely room for improvement and being the 2nd highest paid player on the entire team, now is the time for that improvement.
2009 Prediction: 14-16 Wins
Matt Harrison-He went 9-3 in a rookie season that he surely didn't expect to finish in the big leagues. He was called up after a number of injuries beset nearly every starter on the staff at some point. Although he had a nice win-loss record, his ERA was 5.49, which is unacceptable, however, he certainly kept his team in the game despite giving up runs, to the point that he won 9 ball games in less than half a season in the big leagues. That has to count for something. If your winning percentage stays at .750, I, personally, don't care what your ERA becomes.
2009 Prediction: 8-10 Wins
Scott Feldman-After starting the season with 3 or 4 hard luck decisions in which he pitched very well, he had an up and down battle the rest of the way. He certainly showed that he has the ability to get big league hitters out, just not on the regular, consistent basis that is required of a quality starting pitcher in the major leagues. Perhaps with this year under his belt and coming into next year in better condition, he can contribute to the rotation.
2009 Prediction: 10-12 Wins
Kason Gabbard-Brandon McCarthy-The jury is still out on these young guys, as injuries have plagued them both. They have both shown the ability to get major leaguers out, but we've only seen glimpses of their ability due to the injury situation. I hope the new condition program and Nolan's guidance can get these guys healthy, so that we are able to make an informed decision on them, whether that be good or bad. For what it's worth, I think they could both be quality starters in the major leagues, if they could just get and stay healthy.
2009 Prediciton: Injuries preclude even a wild guesstimate at this point.
?????-There will almost certainly be an addition to this group, either through free agency or via the trade route. There aren't alot of rumors circulating right now, but the Rangers will probably have to move one of their catchers and they will surely be looking for pitching in return. Dontrelle Willis is one of the most promising names I've heard mentioned. After 3 consecutive poor seasons, he would probably come on the cheap and could be a good fit. He certainly has the talent, as he's shown in the past, it will just be a matter of whether he can get his act back together. Another name that would not come cheap is Justin Verlander, also a Tiger. The Tigers are in need of a catcher and we are prospect-strong at the catcher position. I'm not sure how much we would have to give up to get Verlander, but that's a trade I would have to consider to add his arm to our rotation.
2009 Prediction: Let's hope the Rangers sign a proven ML pitcher to add to their rotation, because if they don't, it will be a parade of youngsters that aren't ready to pitch in the big leagues, taking their lumps.
Bullpen-2009
The bullpen was mediocre at best last year, with nobody really stepping up to lay claim to the closer's job. I don't think they will be in the market to sign a FA closer and I really don't have a problem letting Frank Francisco and CJ Wilson battle it out for the job in spring training, that is, if they don't try to make Wilson a starter again AND assuming he's healthy going into the spring. I think either of those guys would be adequate in the closer position and if they falter, they can always go to closer by committee.
Jamey Wright-count me in the group that thinks Wright should be re-signed. He can fill a variety of roles, including set-up man, long man and spot starter. He still has a live arm and if he could be signed on the cheap, I think he will do an adequate, if not flashy, job. If he isn't re-signed, look for Nippert to be asked to fill his spot.
Josh Rupe-I expect Rupe to be in the exact same role he was used in last year. He was the primary long man, when healthy, and occasional late inning matchup RH out of the pen. He did a good job last year and I expect him to get better with experience.
Benoit, Nipper, Loe-All these guys have had their moments in the big leagues, just somehow need to become more consistent. Benoit is surely on his last legs with the organzation that has stuck by him for a long time. If he could get back to his 2007 form, that would be a real shot in the arm for the bullpen.
After those names, it's a coin-flip. I'm sure we will see the same old non-roster invitees auditioning for jobs in the spring and we will end up with a LH specialist, ala Mahay or Guardado and some long time minor leaguers trying to find their way into a major league bullpen. I do expect Madrigal to earn a spot with his live arm, but he still has a lot to learn about pitching. Hopefully, the new regime will get him in shape and help his development.
I would say that I hope they leave the younger starting pitchers, who are starting to develop, in the minor leagues to start and gain that starting experience, rather than rush them to the big leagues and stick them in the bullpen. If they determine that some of them are ready for the big leagues, by all means, bring them up and stick them in the rotation. I have no problem with them learning on the job if the higher-ups think the youngsters are ready.
2009 Prediction: I think Francisco lays claim to the closer job and becomes a quality, ML closer. He certainly has the stuff, if he can get the mental part of it handled. Beyond that, I have no idea which way they will go, other than cheap.
Everyday Lineup by Position-2009
Catcher-I am in the camp that sees Gerald Laird being involved in a trade this off-season. I like Gerald and he had a decent year last year, so his trade value is highest among our crop of catchers. I think Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez are the catchers of the future for the organization and I think Ramirez should spend a full year, catching every day at AAA. Unless they decide he should play another position, he should catch every game possible to hone that craft. If he can't handle that then he needs to be moved to wherever they feel he can be the best player and stick him there, because we know the kid is going to hit. Saltalamachia can back up Teagarden in the big leagues, unless something of interest comes along in the trade market with his name being asked about.
2009 Prediction: Taylor Teagarden claims the starting catching job in spring training and Geral Laird is moved in a trade for a starting pitcher.
1st Base-Hank Blalock and Chris Davis are the options right now at the big league level. I am of the opinion that Blalock should be re-signed (the Rangers hold his option for next year at a little over 6 million), because I feel like he can put up the same numbers he put up just a couple of years ago, if he can ever stay healthy. I would love for him to be healthy enough to move back to 3rd Base, but even if that doesn't happen, between DH and 1B, if healthy, I think he will put up good numbers. He's too good a hitter. Davis is in that same boat and we are lucky that he can play an adequate 3rd Base, because if Hank can't move over there, Chris is the man, in my opinion. He has hit at every level and should start the year in the big leagues, playing 3rd, 1st and DHing on occasion.
2009 Prediction: Rangers re-sign Blalock and he and Davis share 1B and DH duties, providing a quality tandem of LH hitters.
2nd Base-Ian Kinsler is entrenched at 2nd Base and was on his way to his best season ever last year before injuries ended his season. I'm a big fan of Kinsler and, although his defense has been questioned by some, I think he's a great 2nd Baseman. He has as much or more range than anybody in the game and gets to a lot more balls than most 2nd Basemen.
2009 Prediction: I expect Kinsler to pick up right where he left off. He should hit around .310 with 25 or so homers, while scoring over 100 runs in this lineup.
Shortstop-Mr. Ranger for the time being, Michael Young needs to get healthy this off-season. After a couple of different hand injuries this year, he missed getting 200 hits for the first time in 6 years. I wouldn't trade him for any shortstop in either league due to his leadership ability and his ability on the field.
2009 Prediction: I see Michael Young healthy and back in the .315 range with over 100 RBI's.
Third Base-Should be Chris Davis (or Hank Blalock, if healthy and able) in most instances. If Blalock is let go or injured, the Rangers may have to look at Travis Metcalf or outside the organization for a replacement. There was a rumor somebody like Casey Blake could be signed as a FA this off-season, as well.
2009 Prediction:Rangers sign a veteran 3B via free agency to a 2 year deal for minimal money, thus, they get minimal production from the position as well.(anybody remember Ben Broussard?)
Right Field-It's time for Nelson Cruz to either become the star he should be or be cut loose via trade or whatever. He has nothing left to prove at AAA after his MVP season last year. Translate that to big league success or hit the bricks, Nelson.
2009 Prediction: Nelson Cruz becomes the major league outfielder he is supposed to be. I don't expect the kind of numbers that he put up at AAA, but I think he learned alot last year, so I expect him to play a full season in Right Field and put up decent power numbers, say, 25 or so homers and 80+ RBI's.
Center Field-Team MVP Josh Hamilton has a strangle hold on this job, until Pedro Borbon Jr. is ready to move up. With Cruz in right, Josh will play the majority of time in Center Field, where he is quite capable. I expect him to get healthy as well during the off-season and to show up in the spring in great shape, ready to continue the assault that he put on the AL last year.
2009 Prediction: More of the same, .330 average, 30 or so homers and 110+ RBI's.
Left Field-David Murphy was well on his way to establishing himself as an everyday player at the big league level, until injuries derailed his chance to win Rookie of the Year. I felt like he was right in the race until he hurt his knee and I feel like he will be the everyday left fielder next year, as well, with occasional days off against LH pitching.
Designated Hitter: Let me say first that when the Rangers signed Milton Bradley last year, I thought it was a horrible move. He proved me wrong and proved to me that he could be a team player and team leader. Washington likes him and, by all accounts, the players all like him as a teammate, so I think they should re-sign him. That being said, I think a 2 year deal for 10 million would be a steal to keep his bat in the lineup. If they don't re-sign Bradley, look for Blalock, (assuming he is re-signed) Davis, Hamilton to fill the spot as days off are required.
Utility Infield: Ramon Vasquez, German Duran, Joaquin Arias and Travis Metcalf will probably all battle during spring training and although Vasquez gets my nod, all will probably see action in the big leagues at some point. Ramon Vasquez proved his worth last year, playing every position in the infield and hitting .290 along the way.
Outfield:Marlon Byrd is arbitration eligible and Frank Catallanato is signed through 2010. Assuming they can't move Catallanato in a trade, those are probably your backup outfielders. I think Brandon Boggs could use a full season at AAA anyway. He played pretty well in limited duty, but an outfield of Boggs, Mayberry Jr. and Borbon at AAA Oklahoma makes sense to me.
I've probably painted a rosier outlook than most out there would like to see, but that's just me. I'm a glass half full kind of guy and I will always expect the best out of my favorite team.
Here are my top priorities for the Rangers this off-season and next spring:
1.Sign or trade for a quality, proven, healthy starting pitcher. Don't go to spring training audtioning for 3 jobs in the rotation.
2.Sign Josh Hamilton to a long term contract extension. If he is as good a guy as everybody says he is, he will make a nice compliment to Michael Young for the next 5 or 6 years.
3.Make the Blalock decision. If he's healthy, get the deal done, if not, cut ties and start making alternate plans for 3B next season.
That's about it for me, I look forward to following their deals and all the off-season happenings involving my Rangers. If you are a Rangers fan or just a MLB fan in general and you have a comment, feel free to leave it for me. I'm always interested in talking baseball with other fans.
Thanks for stopping by,
G
posted by GaryC @ 3:56 PM,
,
LeTune Challenge
I'm lucky enough to have been chosen to play tonight in the LeTune Challenge on Full Tilt. I will simply be trying not to embarrass myself. Thanks to all the great folks at RakeBrain for putting on the tournament and for inviting me.
--
(Shamelessly copied and pasted from the RakeBrain site)
The time has come. On Thursday, it is time for the LeTune Challenge poker tournament at Full Tilt Poker. With the success from last Rakebrain tournament; LeCheese Challenge still ringing in our ears, the starting field is now greater and harder than ever. 36 of the best poker bloggers, 4 tables and a game of pot limit Hold’em and Omaha till the death. And I assure you, where LeCheese failed I will succeed.
Sponsored by RakeBrain.com this tournament is the sequel to the ever so popular LeCheese Challenge, with some minor changes. Due to his poor placing in the last Challenge LeCheese has been replaced by myself, LeTune and as promised we have added a table, looking at a 4 table, 36 player starting field. The game is, like last time, a mixture of Texas Hold’em and Omaha, both in pot-limit format. This to minimize the prospect of simple all-in poker and optimize for some real poker gaming.
$450 to the winner and a $100 bounty on me, seeing as anyone good, or lucky, enough to kick me to the curb deserves an extra Benjamin Franklin.
Participating poker bloggers:
MrSubliminal - MrSubliminal
BadBlood - BadBloodonPoker
ToastOnTilt – GolfandPoker
mookie99 – Mookie99
AlCantHang – AlCantHang
HighOnPoker – HighOnPoker
Gcox25 – Gcox25
StatikKling – Mattahfahtu
Babaghanoush – HardboiledPoker
katitude – PokerKat
VinNay – runner-runner-rebuy
Pokerpeaker – PokingandPeaking
BamBamCan – Bam-baminbedrock
Buddydank – Buddydank
Jaxia – Stealtheblinds
emptyman – PokeryGoodness
huntvegas – HuntVegasPoker
TNSpaceman – JasonKirk
numbbono – DonkeysDraw
Schaubs – Lolaschaubs
ck31 – Bwop
pvanharibo – LawChica
lucko21 – PokerCash
drchako1 – PokerDoctor
Fuel55 – Fuel55
$mokkee - $mokkee
NightRanger - NightRanger
MiamiDon - MiamiDon
PirateLawyer - PirateLawyer
DDionysus - DDionysus
bdidde - Biggestron
RakeBrain people
LeTune – Rakebrain
gifted08 – Rakebrain member
woodo75 – Rakebrain member
td8507 – Rakebrain member
Vadim331 – Rakebrain staff
As you can see the competition will be tough with players such as gifted08 and td8507 dominating the Rakebrain rake leaderboards. Watch out for these guys and do us all a favor and take them out ASAP, if even possible. They have probably played more than all of us together.
Additional tournament info:
Name: LeTune Challenge I
Tournament ID: #63909297
Poker room: Full Tilt Poker
Starts: Thursday 16th of October, 19:00 EST
Prize pool: $1000
Good Luck All/LeTune
posted by GaryC @ 3:29 PM,
,
The Low Limit Grind (er)
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Well, I am back in the game, somewhat.
After bouncing around for the last month or so, seeing myself play for 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there, I've returned to Full Tilt with a bit of a renewed interest in the game. I have to admit for the last several months, I've had very little desire to play the game and it certainly shows in my results. However, after logging on to Full Tilt on Monday night and discovering I had a whopping $7 left in my account, I put my head down, strapped it on tight and started grinding again. I have to admit, it has felt good the last three nights logging off after a 1-2 hour session and booking a win, albeit a very small win all three nights.
I have no idea what I did to run my balance down to $7 but it was certainly down there on Monday. I'ver never been the kind of player that kept too close an eye on my bankroll. I don't pay bills out of that money and I certainly have never had any type of life changing money at any of the online poker sites. I am and have always been a social player, playing for the entertainment and for the challenge. I've always enjoyed playing the blogger games more than the grind-it-out cash tables even though my results in those tournaments have been less than stellar. (read: horrid)
I'm not really sure if it was the semi-break I've been on now for a few months, only playing a handful of tournaments and even less cash games, or if it was the fact that I only had $7 in my account and I leapt at the personal challenge it would be for me to run that back up to a playable amount. Regardless of the reasons, I jumped back in Monday night with a different level of concentration and a different sense of purpose. I am slogging away currently at the lowest limit tables that Full Tilt offers. (surprise!!!) I'm playing the .25/.50 Limit Hold Em tables for the time being, the 6-max variety and, so far at least, my results have been solid.
I've also been turning off ALL distractions while I am playing. No TV, no girlie chat and no web-surfing between hands. I find that I pay much more attention to the other players, their aggression, the cards they show down, etc when I don't have 42 windows open, the music blaring and the TV droning on in the background. This has allowed me to get back to making notes on individuals. These notes, along with a propensity to only play hands when in position, have led to having a good general idea of what just about all my opponents are holding. It's not always perfect and I'm not always right, but using the tools that I know how to use has definitely made the last three nights more tolerable.
The play is, as always, horrible at this level and nobody will lay down any type of draw for one or two bets, but, as long as I can avoid the bad side of variance for a while, I think I can continue to add to my bankroll, one little bit at a time. It's pretty frustrating to play extremely solid poker for 2 hours and know that you only have $5 worth of profit to show from it, but being where I'm at right now $$$-wise leaves me very little choice if I want to get back in the game.
I am trying to be smart with my table selection and I am definitely seeking out the players that I have notes on, regardless of whether I know anybody else at the table. One thing that amazes me is the number of people that have Iron-Man status at the .25/.50 level. There is generally at least one per table, if not more, and some of them are just plain bad players. I guess an endless supply of money and playing at the lowest level at Full Tilt allows them to put in the necessary time to qualify, but I don't see how they can be making any money at it.
After spending the last 2-3 months pretty much on the sideline, it felt good to get back in the fray and toss around the chips these last few days. Who knows, perhaps I will regain the drive that had managed to escape me over the last few months and get back into playing on a more regular basis. Of course, I'm going to be spending alot of time at the lowest level, in order to get back to 1/2 or 2/4. Maybe I can do it and maybe I can't, we;ll just have to see how it plays out.
--
The play has been fairly horrid at the levest levels possible.
Here's a sample from last night.
I pick up A-A in the small blind, 4 callers before me and I pop it. Everybody calls and all 6 of us see this flop:
A-4-4
I lead out and the big blind raises, which runs out the other 4 players. I re-raise him and we cap it.
The turn is an 8. (Rainbow board, no flush draw) I check, he bets, I raise and we cap it again.
The river is a 6 completing a miracle straight draw I guess and I check it to him again and he bets again. I check-raise him and he finally slows down and just calls.
What could he have had here that would have led him to believe he needed to raise me? A-2 off-suit.
I suppose he might have put me squarely on K-K and thought he was crushing me, but even the, capping it twice? I sometimes do not get their thought processes. I understand that he doesn't know me from Adam and has no idea of my overall tightness, but come one. A-2?
Fortunately, that type of play is pretty typical at this level and I hope to be able to take advantage of it as often as possible in the coming days and weeks.
--
Truckin' is out, but if you didn't already know that, there ain't much hope for ya.
Truckin' - October 2008, Vol. 7, Issue 10
Welcome back to another issue.
1. Maisy Wednesday by Paul McGuire She always wore bright lipstick which brought out a little gleam in her lips. She frequently smiled, but never initiated any sort of conversation... More
2. Happy Anniversary by John 'Falstaff' Hartness As we stood outside the courthouse in our newly wedded bliss (which also somewhat resembled the look of people who have just survived a tornado, as it happened much faster than we expected) we decided that since Suzy didn't have to be at work for another couple of hours, we'd go have lunch. So we scraped together a few bucks and trundled over to a nearby McDonald's... More
3. A Lock of Bonnie Parker's Hair by Johnny Hughes They was real famous and in the newspapers and all robbing them banks, when banks were unpopular. I asked Bonnie for something to remember her by. We didn't have a pencil for an autograph. She pulled this little pair of scissors out of her purse and gave me this... a lock of her hair... More
4. Whiskey Kisses by Betty After Dark Held apart by distance and circumstance, brought together in soft voices, the pieces of who we are fill the room with every drink we pour. The gaps in our lives slowly closing as the light from the window crept into the room. There was something unavoidable that connected us, but the details were never as clear as they were this night.... More
5. What I Knew? by Dusty Rhodes Just walk up and ask her you idiot... You've been friends for four years... she doesn't have a date and either do you... Quit being a pussy and ask her... Christ dude... what are you nervous about... More
What a Long Strange Trip It's Been...
From the Editor's Laptop:
Thanks again for wasting your precious time with Truckin'. This month's issue features veteran Truckin' writers including the legendary Johnny Hughes with another Texas tale. Dusty Rhodes and John Hartness both make triumphant returns to the Truckin' roster. Betty After Dark will whip you in a deviant frenzy with her latest sultry tale. And I shared a new piece of fiction called Maisy Wednesday.
Please tell your friends about your favorite Truckin' stories. The writers definitely appreciate your support.
Also, if you know anyone who is interested in being added to the mailing list, well, please shoot me an e-mail.
Before I go... I can never thank the writers enough for writing for free and exposing their guts, blood, and soul to the universe. Their art and dedication inspires me and I hope it inspires you too.
Be good,
McG
---Tao of Pauly --- http://mcgrupp.blogspot.com
Tao of Poker --- http://taopoker.com
Truckin' --- http://mcgtruckin.blogspot.com
Coventry --- http://www.phish-coventry.com
Las Vegas Blog --- http://www.lasvegasvegas.com
"A cult is a religion with no political power." - Tom Wolfe
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Until next time, perhaps I'll try check-raising,
G
posted by GaryC @ 3:06 PM,
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Poker and Dads
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
*Crickets chirping*
That one will always be my favorite.
So, posting frequency here is about as often as once in a blue moon, every so often, hell, three times a month? Life is in the way right now and will probably continue to be in the way for the a good, long while. I appreciate the comments on the new pup, he seems to be a real go-getter and I am looking forward to training him. After a bit of research, it seems most of the commenters are correct, the mutts do appear to be easier to train than the pure breds. Thanks for the information, I do appreciate it.
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I have played a bit of on-line poker of late. Quite poorly, I might add. When you are playing as tight as I play, along with playing poorly in most instances, the on-line poker game becomes quite boring, quite rapidly. I don't do anything well when bored, thus, my poker play usually consists of logging on, cracking a beer, finding a table and taking a seat. This is normally followed by folding for 20 or so hands, picking up a legitimate hand and raising, only to see 5 callers, normally out of position. After a hideous, well-connected flop that misses me entirely, they all check to me and when I fire my continuation bet, they either all call or they get into a raising war. The few times I've been able to narrow the field, I usually get beat by some ridiculous 3-5 off-suit hand where the guy was getting 645 to 1 to call pre-flop. Yup, NH sir.
That is usually followed by a quick log-off and me finding something else to do to occupy my time. I never thought I would say it, but I am losing the patience to play the game the way I play it. I have tried the aggro style and it simply does not work for me, too much variance and all that. Unfortunately, if I cannot remain patient, I find that I don't have any success at all and that takes all the fun out of it for me. My typical sessions of late have been 15-20 minutes long. I've had a few longer sessions, where I started out well and was able to build a bit of a stack, but it seems that if that doesn't happen, I'm out of there and that's just the way it's going to have to be for a while, I guess.
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Big Pirate had an interesting post today on what question or questions you would ask your Dad, given the chance, and I thought I might tackle that today from the perspective of someone who has lost their Dad. Most of you know that my Dad has been gone for 5-1/2 years now and I think it's pretty well documented that I miss him every single day. One thing I would tell everyone out there that still has their Dad around, "Do not take it for granted. Go see him and hang out with him as often as possible, you will not regret that later in life."
Anyway, back to his question. My Dad was sick for 6 or so years prior to his death and we spent a fair amount of time together during those years. I was able to talk to my Dad and ask questions in ways that I never would have dreamed of when I was a younger man. So, I found out a lot of things that I never would have dreamed of due to his illness and the effect that it had on him during those 6 years.
So, I don't really have any advice on questions, those things just kind of took care of themselves at that point. I can tell you, though, of the void that is created in your life when you lose your father. Especially if you were close to your Father, like I was and like Big Pirate apparently is, as well. Take that time that you get to spend with them during these years and hold it as close to you as possible. Take every opportunity to play cards or drink a beer with them, because sooner or later, that opportunity is going to be taken away from you. I hope for everyone's sake, that is a long time away, but, speaking from experience, no matter how long that time is or how often you get to hang out with your Dad, it is never enough when they are gone.
Sometimes, still to this day, I find myself with my cell phone in hand, dialing my Mom's house, to ask my Dad a question about some random occurence. I've become very emotional since he's been gone, as well. Perhaps that is just a sign of getting older and is something that most men go through at some point in their lives, but prior to his death, I was very non-emotional and now, a song on the radio can sometimes make me cry.
I wish this was a riverbank, Instead of a graveyard
I wish we were sittin and fishin and this wouldn't be so hard
It was my favorite thing that we used to do, but now we can't
I wish you were here and I wish this were a riverbank
That's a new song out by Jeff Bates called Riverbank. Most of you probably won't care for it much, but it strikes home pretty hard for me. It's hell getting old, you know?
So, to sum this up, the questions will have to be yours. Nobody can tell you what to ask or what you want to know, but, if there is something that you want to know, it appears to me that you have been given the green light from your Dad, ask away. Good luck with it and remember, treasure all those moments you get to spend with your Dad and make the time to do it as often as possible. I promise you that later in life, they will be some of the most precious memories you will ever have.
Until next time, I fold.
G
posted by GaryC @ 4:46 PM,
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