not a horrible start to the weekend, that's for sure...

When one can shake hands with two hall of fame ballplayers, the GM of the New York Yankees and the head of minor league operations for the Minnesota Twins, it's shaping up to be a fairly good weekend. Let me explain.

The Yankees are going to make some sort of trade in the coming days. Brian Cashman, general manager, was in town Friday evening to evaluate a rising star in the organization (Wes Chamberlain) and to see how the farm hands are performing. He only stops by New Britain when something is cooking, so watch your sports sections...I'll bet a trade is nearly completed.

Cashman is a really nice man. He's very cordial to any fan in any hat, signs autographs without complaining and certainly doesn't exude that New York arrogance. I've been on his security detail each time he's been in town, and I've always been impressed by him. And he remembers my name, which is also more impressive (and no, we don't wear nametags anymore!). Gives me new respect for the Yankees.

However, Cashman brought Reggie Jackson with him. And although I got to shake his hand and say hello, he wasn't really a nice guy. He pretty much "big leagued" everyone in the park, grumbled when asked to sign a few balls for kids, and was fairly surly. I guess he was angry he had to drive himself back to New York after the game. Geez, Reggie...you had to drive yourself. How sad. Ugh...unimpressive person.

On the first base side of the diamond, where the good guys reside, we had Paul Molitor in for the weekend. What a nice man he is! He and I had a long talk about baseball, Connecticut, my job situation, etc. I really appreciate it when he comes to town as he's an encouragement whenever I converse with him. His hall of fame numbers speak for themselves, but the example he sets for the Twins organization is immeasurable. And finally, Twins' Hall of Famer Jim Rantz (director of minor league operations) stopped in on his way to a family gathering up north. He's been a friend for over 6 years now, and it was nice to chat baseball with him again. I think the Twins are going to make a deal, too...could be a big one. Watch your papers!

We took a DH Friday...but couldn't bring the tying run across last night. Two of three against the best team in the EL isn't bad, that's for sure.

So all in all, not a bad weekend (providing the 'Cats score a win today). I nice 334 night on Thursday and a couple of exciting wins. That certainly adds to a slightly positive outlook. Oh, and last night, it was Christmas in July in New Britain, too. Christmas carols, an ornament giveaway, and decorations made it feel a bit cooler. Sort of a funny promotion.

Summer league winding down, August around the corner. I'm already starting to wax philosophic about where the summer went. It seems 24 hours isn't quite as long as it used to be as I inch toward the big 4-0. Granted, that's in more than 300 days, but it's still staring me down!