Well, guess 3B isn't so sleepy after all.  Lots of action at the hot corner last nite if you had a chance to watch.  Two more games today.  RF line on the noon game (don't forget, that's EST, 3 hours off from PST) and then back for another shot at 1B for the 6:00 game.  All my games so far have been on the International side, have yet to work a US game.  Putting this umpire schedule together has to be a nitemare, so I'm sure I'll move over to that bracket at some point.  No plate game yet either, as we will have only played 12 games after today, which means that 4 of us have yet to work a plate.  Will probably happen tomorrow I'm guessing. 

Today's game are elimination games, which means the losers today are out of the running for the Championship.  They will still have games to play (eveeryone is guaranteed 3 games), but losing today puts you in the Consolation bracket.  No shot at any titlle and I don't think the Consolation games are televised.

Speaking of televised,  anyone else notice anything different about the games so far?  Anybody?  Bonus points for a corrrect answer.  No one?  OK, then I'll tell you.  Here's a hint?   What's missing?   Yep, you got it, no more umpire dancing with the mascot.  Bat got here one year to soon.  Steve Keeener (CEO of LL baseball) made the decision that it was important to "maintain decorum" for the umpires and the possibility that an umpire would be put in a compromising position by dancing with Dugout was something he wanted to avoid.  Tough call to end an inning, then have to go out and do the chicken dance with Dugout...not something he wanted to ever happen.  Hence, stopped.  This year only but may become permanent.  Sorry Bat.

Dave Long and Shari arrived yesterday, just in time to see the Panama / Uganda game.  Was really happy to see them.  To the surprize of no one, we hit the local microbrewery after the game.  Bullfrog Brewery, about 3 blocks from the hotel. Have to keep the local economy going, don't ya know !Uganda, what great kids and coaches.  Don't get me wrong, all the kids are terrific, as are the coaching staffs, but the Ugandan team has definitely stolen the hearts of everyone here.  Have them again tonite on that 6:00 game.

Fighing a bit of a cold right now, but all-in-all, having the time of my life and doing my best to go slow and let it all sink in.  Will post tomorrow's schedule as soon as I get it, which probably won't be till late tonite.

Bye for now.