Eric Neel Stands Tall

Wow.

That, friends, is The Captain putting a little undercover Dodger Blue on our man Eric Neel, in what I believe is the UrClown's kitchen.

I've taken a lot of cheap shots at Neel here in the past couple of months and written him a couple of angry e-mails.

I hope Matt has explained to him that it was all nothing but a heady brew of envy and respect that caused me to write the things I did.

I now have a whole new level of respect for the man after today, however. People, myself included, can say what they like about him, but the fact is he is a man of his word. Back on April 21st Eric was sure that Bonds would hit .4oo this season that he averred...

It all adds up -- .400 is going down. I'm sure of it.

In fact, I'm so sure, that even as a lifelong Dodger fan, I'll make this promise:

If it doesn't happen, I'll attend the last series of the season, three games between the Dodgers and Giants in L.A., wearing black and orange face paint, a San Francisco cap, and a Barry Bonds jersey.

You have my word. And if you happen to be in L.A. that weekend, you can come have your picture taken with me.

If SF/LA is even 1/10th Boston/NY, putting on the t-shirt alone had to be the hardest thing he's ever done. I can't even put my head around the idea of putting on a Yankee jersey. Seriously, the thought of it makes me blanch. But to do it in Dodger Stadium while LA is trying to fight off the Giants for the NL West crown in the last series of the season? Holy shit.

To make matters worse, Woody threw 7 innings of three-hit, two-run ball to lead SF to a 4-2 victory, as JT Snow uncorked a solo shot and ex-Dodger Marquis Grissom popped a two-run double to lead the offense.


Eric Neel is to us as we are to apes. T is a very lucky girl.

I would consider it an honor if he would join us as we go elbows-deep into some Manno's take-out and a little World Series baseball.

And I'm desperately hoping I get some more photos sent to me.


Update: I just off the phone with the UrClown and he tells me Neel is going to have an epic tale to share with us on Thursday. I am champing at the bit.