The first entry of 2010

Happy New Year to everyone here at the School of Roch. I hope your head isn't pounding so loudly that the neighbors can hear it. I'm not big on resolutions, but I refuse to watch any bowl game that's named for a corporate sponsor. That means the Outback Bowl can bite it. Same to you, Capital One Bowl. The Konica Minolta Gator Bowl gets a pass, but just barely. Do they still play the Tangerine Bowl? Yes, they do. It's now the Capital One Bowl. So, did anyone make a sports-themed resolution for 2010 - one thing that you vow to do or not do? If it involves running shirtless onto the field in the ninth inning, it belongs in the "not do" category. If it's competing against Matt Albers in a best abs contest, go for it. Test Nick Markakis' arm? No. Challenge Matt Wieters in the 40-yard dash? Yes. One of my resolutions is I will no longer chart pitches during an intrasquad game. I'll also limit my use of the phrase "side session" to 400 times or less. And I vow to never again ask a player how his groin feels - especially when he's nursing a sore elbow. Meanwhile, a quick check shows that the free-agent market is still flooded with corner infielders. You can find the updated list here: First basemen Rich Aurilia (38) Jeff Bailey (31) Hank Blalock (29) Russell Branyan (34) Miguel Cairo (36) Frank Catalanotto (36) Tony Clark (38) Carlos Delgado (38) Nomar Garciaparra (36) Ryan Garko (29) Eric Hinske (32) Mike Jacobs (29) Adam LaRoche (30) Kevin Millar (38) Fernando Tatis (35) Chad Tracy (30) Daryle Ward (35) Dmitri Young (36) Third basemen Rich Aurilia (38) Adrian Beltre (31) Aaron Boone (37) Joe Crede (32) Nomar Garciaparra (36) Adam Kennedy (34) Mark Loretta (38) Melvin Mora (38) Pablo Ozuna (35) Robb Quinlan (33) Miguel Tejada (36) LaRoche might be the most attractive option on the board, and he'd allow the Orioles to keep Garrett Atkins at third base, but he reportedly wants $30 million over three years. He's not getting it here, and I don't see him getting it anywhere.