Just because you can, doesn't mean you should

Hey Richie Whitt! Shut your mouth.

Yes, a bit of a harsh way to begin a blog but read on and you'll find out why.

Recently Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis opted to skip his scheduled start to be in the delivery room as his wife gives birth to his second child.

Now you're probably thinking: "What's the big deal, it makes perfect sense for a guy to want to be there when his wife gives birth."

Not if you're Dallas Observer writer Richie Whitt it seems. In a column published after the event, Whitt took serious issue with Lewis' absence claiming that athletes who make millions of dollars have no right to "miss work for childbirth." I'm not making this up, Read the story in the link I'll post below.

Whitt claims to understand all about how great children are but has deemed missing a start for a child's birth an inexcusable offense. He even has the audacity to say that if childbirth should be scheduled around the season then so be it. He further pointed out to an NBA player who opted to suit up rather than be with his wife.

Now I don't know the story behind the NBA player but maybe, just maybe, he and his wife agreed that he should play. I don't know what went on, and quite frankly I don't care. The point is who are we to judge. Better yet, who is Richie Whitt to judge someone just because their decisions don't coincide with his own deluded sense of reality.

What makes Whitt's argument even more ridiculous is that Lewis was completely within his rights to not start under the new Paternity Leave rules introduced by Major League Baseball which allow players to leave the team for a period of time for childbirth.

But before you think Whitt is totally heartless he does make one concession.

"If it was a first child, maybe. But a second child causing a player to miss a game? Ludicrous."

I don't have children yet but I hope to someday. And you better believe I'm going to find a way to be there in the delivery room no matter what stands in my way.

So actually Richie, you're the ludicrous one. I've ready some of your blogs and I get the whole contrarion thing always taking issue with everything. It's your shtick, though you don't do it very well. And yes, maybe I'm judging you, but when you open your mouth and spew this kind of nonsense in attempt to diminish what is one of the most joyous occasions someone could ever experience, you open yourself to the same kind of judgement you lay on people.

So take a hint, next time show that you have some concept of journalistic integrity and keep your fat mouth shut. Just because you can write basically whatever you want doesn't mean you should.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31751_162-20055731-10391697.html

Why the winner of the Masters doesn't matter

On the eve of the 75th Masters Tournament from Augusta Georgia the going conversation between golf enthusiasts and the pundits is who has the best shot at winning.

Some say Phil Mickelson has the best shot by virtue of his victory last week and his recent history at Augusta National. Others point to one of the young guns like Rory McIlroy or Ryo Ishikawa, who has also honorably vowed to donate all of his 2011 winnings to relief efforts in Japan (and if his over $2million in earnings last year is any indication he will be able to write a much-needed, hefty check at the end of the year). And of course there's always stories of a lurking Tiger.

Personally I feel like the field is wide open and any one of a number of guys has a good chance at winning. That may be a bit of a cop-out but as the title says, the winner doesn't really matter.

So why doesn't the winner matter? Because this tournament is so much more than any one winner. The mere fact that after a brutal winter we in the Northeast can sit back and get a glimpse of the Spring that is quickly approaching, that we so desperately need, is immeasurable in its value. Having the opportunity to see, and for those lucky enough to be there, stroll through the dogwoods, pines, blooming azaleas and lush green grass that Augusta is famous for is so heartwarming in its reminder that no matter how bleak winter gets there will always be the rebirth and renewal.

The Masters is timeless, even just watching it there is a sense of somehow existing outside of reality in your own personal utopia. It's that reason why people, even those without any real knowledge of the game, know of Augusta in April and the Masters.

It's for that reason why the mere mention of the Masters elicits glowing smiles from golfers, fans and patrons alike. I know that's the way it is for me. And I also know that it is for that reason that the winner doesn't matter. The Masters isn't about an individual golfer, it's an ideal, a representation of the beauty of renewal, and I can't wait for it to start. See you at 7:45 tomorrow.

A special moment

Ok, so I know I should be working right now but every now and then there are things that are more important than work. Things like the Masters Par 3 contest.

You might be asking why am I so excited about a Par 3? Simply because it's the last chance to watch these professionals kick back and have some fun before business picks up early tomorrow morning. It's also the opportunity to watch the legendary champions like Palmer, Nicklaus and Player return to the place where their legacy was spawned.

Speaking of the legendary trio, golf's Mount Rushmore, there is also something so special about watching them laughing and joking with each other and the gallery. Even to watch the players with their families on the course with them, kids caddying, grand kids sinking putts, it makes the guys we see on TV every Sunday seem so much more real. I think it also speaks to the tradition of the Masters and all that is good about the game.

The commentators for the Par 3 spoke during the event about the drive to grow the game and the idea that maybe, just maybe, one of those children out on the course with their dads, or even a young man or woman from the gallery may see just how fun this game can be and decide to pick up a club. Events like this Par 3 contest make those dreams a possibility. So to truly answer the question; that is why I've come to enjoy this event. Because if the smiles on the faces of those involved are any indication, then the game I love has a secure and prosperous future ahead of it.