i'm planning to submit my audition for the dodgers' "american anthem contest" before the deadline this week.

Mrs. Erickson?

Anyone watching the game who can post an update?

Checking the clock ... we'll allow it.

Did people see the Gammons article from yesterday: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/gammons/story?id=2018385

Among other juicy tidbits was this:

"Giants owner Peter Magowan believes his team has four players – Feliz, Deivi Cruz, Tucker and Yorvit Torrealba – "Who could start for many other teams. For us, depth is extremely important because we play so many games, which requires recovery, and all our travel.""

Not counting the ludicrous quote from McGowan (what, the Giant play more games and do more traveling than the rest of the division?), the comment on that collection of players is hilarious. Okay, so an owner's not going to come out and say, "Yeah, we're screwed." But four guys who could start for other teams? With the exception of Torrealba, these guys are the epitome of journeymen--good enough to hang around for a while, but below league average (at least as far as OPS goes). Torrealba would probably fit into that category as well, except he's only 26.

So, sorry Pete, but you're screwed without Bonds.

Check out this recent article on Bonds' post-surgery news conference:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2018994

Isn't a little weird how it seems like Bonds is talking about the effects of the steroids scandal (i.e. being mentally drained, etc.) when he's supposedly sidelined because of his knee? I don't know, maybe I'm reading too much into this. Either way, this story sure makes it sound major. Possibly season (and career?) ending...

I still think the key to the Giants is not their position players, who are oh-so-old, but their pitching depth, which isn't so old and seems to match up well with any NL West team. Despite their aging defense, I don't think the Giants will need to score a great many runs to win.

Still willing to listen to people tell me why I'm wrong. I don't predict the Giants will win the NL West with any great conviction, and I do reserve the right to change before Opening Day. Just give me something more than how my prediction is a betrayal of Dodger loyalty, because that's not what predictions are about.

If anyone reading this site has any idea who this is, I'll be more than impressed.

But my number one national anthem choice would have to be Tim Armstrong. Like Icaros, I realize my choice will go unnoticed, but maybe I'm just being cynical.

I find the NL West almost impossible to predict this year. All five teams are drawing to inside straights. But I say the odds favor Dodgers/Padres/Giants/Rockies/Snakes being the final standings.

Tim Armstrong from Rancid? My choices would be between Otis Redding, Johnny Cash (pure Americana), and Tom Waits (my favorite artist). Johnny Cash would probably be the best for opening day, actually.

Me, I wouldn't really pick anybody, since the National Anthem, well -- it sucks. Not trying to start a political war here; I just think it's a terrible song, musically speaking.

But what I wouldn't give to hear Bruce starting off the seventh inning stretch with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame..." accompanied by himself on guitar and Nancy Bea on the organ.

Everyone has to catch the Barry Bonds interview on espnnews. very strange. He couldn't sound more depressed

Also, if Bing Crosby and David Bowie had a child, would he be named David Crosby?

Standing in front of 50k fans, his Marlins hat on, getting a little feedback from the mic, not saying a word.

As promised, I am quite impressed.

Are you an actual fan, or do you just know your Norwegians?

No, we wanted to push you off.

---

Bonds out for the season would be nothing short of an absolute disaster for the Giants. There's no way they come close to finishing near the top without Bonds.

Well, sure, Bonds out for the season would be a huge problem for San Francisco. In response to Ratt's #14 comment, I've said all along that I think the division has so many question marks that predictions are almost pointless. But I've been asked to make them at a couple of places, so I figured I should at least explain my logic. I haven't ruled out the Dodgers winning by any stretch.

Quickly on another topic: TJ Simers was painful again today. He may well be right that the Dodgers are ripping off young fans, but his columns are so snarky and misleading that it's hard to tell what's really going on.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2005/03/22/bonds.out.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Leaning his head on a crutch and repeatedly saying he was tired, Barry Bonds said he might miss the entire season following his latest knee surgery.

"Right now I'm just going to try to rehab myself to get back to, I don't know, hopefully next season, hopefully the middle of the season. I don't know. Right now I'm just going to take things slow," he said Tuesday after meeting with San Francisco Giants trainer Stan Conte for 1 1/2 hours.

"I'm 40 years old, not 20, 30."

- Queen Latifah (real presence)
- Bruce Springsteen
- Tom Waits
- Joe Cocker (because there's not enough mumblers on this list)
- Jeanette Napolitano
- Gwen Stefani

I know, for the most part it dates me; so sad.

Isn't that spelled Johnette, the singer from Concrete Blonde, right?

I had an ex who worshipped her, so we saw her play the HOB on Sunset in '98.

Shouldn't the ideal opening day singer be from L.A.? How about Brian Wilson? Exene and John Doe? Or if we can reach beyond the grave, as several have suggested, Barry White?

Also, if I can redirect somewhat, here's my list of biggest celebs I have seen do the anthem at Dodger Stadium:
Sammy Davis, Jr. (top that)
Doc Severinson
Toni Tenille
Barry Williams? (name might be wrong, but Greg from Brady Bunch)
Manilow
Carole King

Eric, I'm sure Bing would insist the baby had his surname. Bing was a traditionalist.

And if we are calling people from beyond the dead, why not Marvin Gaye?

Jimi Hendrix?

Actually, among living humans, probably the nicest version I've heard was Jose Feliciano's at the 1968 World Series:

article:
http://www.josefeliciano.com/anthem.html

MP3:
http://www.josefeliciano.com/downloads/starspangledbanner.mp3

I believe Feliciano was invited to sing at Tiger Stadium during the World Series by none other than Ernie Harwell.

scanderbeg;
Yes, Rancid. i've always wanted to see them do the Anthem; and not in a Hendrix protest kind of way, or a Rosanne satire kind, but just because they're my favorite band.