January 8, 2009 [LINK / comment]

Anaheim Stadium update

Perhaps I should have done this one in time for Christmas: "Angels we have heard on high..." Anyway, I have finished revisions to the diagrams of Anaheim Stadium, a.k.a., "Angel Stadium of Anaheim," home of the Los Angeles / California / Anaheim Angels, and former home of the (former) L.A. Rams. As usual, the profiles are more accurate, and there is more attention to detail as far as light towers, etc. I'm still not sure whether the diamond was shifted when the did the renovations in 1998; for a while the distances to the foul poles were marked "330," compared to the original "333," but since 2003 (according to Lowry's Green Cathedrals) those markers say "333" once again. I recently learned that evangelical minister Rick Warren held a huge service there in 2004; see my Jan. 4 blog post. That's not why I chose this stadium, however. For now, I'm proceeding on a state-by-state basis, intending to finish California by the end of the month.

"California Dreaming"...

Cubs sign Bradley

The Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder Milton Bradley to a three-year contract, once again thwarting the Washington Nationals' hopes of recruiting a big name star player. As Homer Simpson would say, "D'oh!" See MLB.com. No word yet on whether the Cubs will sign the Parker Brothers.

Ailing Patterson retires

The tall guy who was supposed to become the Washington Nationals' ace right-hand pitcher, John Patterson, has announced his retirement because of recurring problems with pain in his right arm. He was released by the Nationals last March, and played briefly in a minor league club affiliated with the Rangers, but never did regain his professional form. MLB.com. That's a shame; I really had high hopes for him.

On a related note, I recently had an MRI on my ailing right shoulder (those machines are loud!), and was relieved to learn from the doctor that surgery is probably not necessary. (The injury occurred when I threw out the first pitch at a local ball game last July.) Movement of my right arm is still constricted, and I have to avoid putting steady pressure on it, like with a computer mouse, for example. Pending the completion of physical therapy, the pace of diagram updates will be slower than what I would like...