Legal Commentary

"Ed Post" ? the esteemed editor of Blawg Review -- launched his "Blawg Review Bucket List Tour" this week (no, he's not ill -- no need to start writing obits). Perhaps another name for it should be the Magical Mystery Tour, because "Ed" is keeping everyone in suspense as to his itinerary. (You'll hafta folo it on his blog.)

We had a great visit, which started with a wonderful sunny! lunch at Rhinebeck's Beekman Tavern (allegedly the oldest pub in the nation). Then yesterday, we spent all day at the Stadium for two rounds with the Rays. (In tribute to "Ed" 's tradition of "anonymous" photos, here's a shot of me at the make-up Game 2 of the doubleheader, in my "upgraded" #33 shirt. )

The weather was fantastic, the company splendid, and the boys were on fire. The first game was a taut pitchers' duel between A.J. Burnett and Garza, with the Yanks exploding in the 8th. (I appreciate pitchers' duels, kinda like the way I appreciate Dixieland Jazz, but find both boring. OK, OK, I admit it: chicks do love the long ball.)

Between the two games, despite being unable to get reservations, the incredible staff at NYY Steak managed to work us in and get us a table. While waiting, we met WCBS broadcaster John Sterling (who is a friend of my pal Jane Heller) and we had a wonderful chat singing the praises of Jane (and deciding that the best thing that happened to Jane was that the Yankees' media czar/moat protector Jason Zillo never granted her press privileges ?  which at the time seemed near-disasterous, but ultimately provided the main plot line of her terrific book, Confessions of a SheFan). Zillo, btw, is the brains behind the Yankees' brilliant HOPE project this summer, and from all reports is a very nice dude.

And if that wasn't enough, when we were seated, who should be sitting opposite us but one of my heroes, Brian Cashman (No, I did NOT pounce) ? along with a posse of Yankees' front office top guns, including prez Randy Levine, and (I think) asst. GM Jean Afterman -- a fellow Univ. of San Fran law school alum. Too kewl. To the credit of Yankees fans, NOBODY bothered them! 

If you have not tried NYY Steak, I can't sing its praises enough. The atmosphere's perfect, and the food is out of this world, and very reasonably priced. I absolutely love it, and have been three times already. Try the asparagus, it's the best I have ever had!

After our brushes with celebrity, it was time for game 2. I had bought separate tickets for #2 (it was not in my 20-pack) and couldn't believe it when we ended up in the same row in section 233b that I had the week before with my friend Ron Stevens for the Chicago series -- right in the middle of the greatest group of folks who all have a half plan (41 games) and have, shall we say, "bonded" over the years. They have now officially adopted me! 

Game 2 was as loose as game 1 was taut, and an NYY blowout. Joe pulled almost the entire team by about the 7th inning and brought in all the Sept. call up kids (Shelly Duncan et al) and it was like Spring Training in Tampa. Youngster Michael Dunn was such a newbie that he started the 8th inning with a 28 ERA and closed the 9th with a 10.80 ERA -- with every batter we were hootin' and hollerin' about his dropping stats, cheering him to the close with "Get it Dunn!"

From sublime to silly, it doesn't get any better -- I thoroughly enjoyed Labor Day and my 10 hours with  Mr. Blawg Review in the Bronx! 

P.S. Richard George: Welcome to Yankees Universe! We're happy to have you aboard.