Looking at the site activity here as I periodically do, I noticed an unusual number of queries bringing people to The Cardinal Nation Blog this past weekend. The search arguments were variants on “Tony Rasmus” and “The Cardinal Nation.”
It turns out that a blogger at NBC’s Hardball Talk, Drew Silva, mined a couple of comments from one of the threads here last week and turned it into an article that was posted on Saturday. The subject is trading St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus.
Apparently, the web searchers are looking all around here for the comments because most oddly, despite quoting from this site directly, Silva’s post did not link back to the original source. In fact, he did not link to The Cardinal Nation Blog at all. Further, I will not comment on his labeling this site a “fan blog.”
The subject is the concern shown by Colby’s father Tony Rasmus that fan expectations of his son are too high to be met and that the player “needs to be somewhere else.”
Tony went on to make a not-so-bold prediction that it is highly likely his son will not be with St. Louis for the duration of Albert Pujols’ next contract.
Think about that width of that potential timeframe for a minute.
The blogger apparently jumped to a conclusion, turning this into a juicy headline trumpeting a supposed new trade demand.
As in the case with any quotes, having context is helpful to understand where the poster might be coming from. And especially in this case, given the past history of events perhaps having been overblown, it is preferable to look at the big picture.
The site has a very good search function, but it is for articles only, not reader comments. The comment feed, viewable at the lower right, has been restricted to the most recent 30 posts to keep the size of the RSS feed manageable. So, to view the larger body of Tony Rasmus’ comments, you will need to look through the daily discussion threads for the handle “RCWarrior.”
You can draw your own conclusions from what you read.
Speaking of the big picture, in a side point, albeit an interesting one, Colby’s younger brother Casey has been tweeting that he is signing with the same organization, the Cardinals, and reporting to short-season Class A Batavia. The catcher from Liberty University was drafted in the 36th round last week.
Note: Regular readers here already covered this situation in Sunday’s discussions, but I had written this post first thing Sunday morning and I wasn’t going to waste it.
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Thanks Brian, heck I couldn’t find the thread either.
The article was ridiculous and most of the comments were even more ridiculous.
Woah. I managed to catch up on major portions of the games this weekend, but was busy enough that I didn’t get to catch up with everyone here (which made for lots of reading this morning
). I thought our newborn would cause me to miss games but the little guy actually provided me an excuse to sit in front of the TV at my wife’s sister’s son’s bday party. I had to sit somewhere while feeding and burping our son and since no one else was manning the couch in front of the tv I did my fatherly duty in there 
. Too bad the Birds lost again.
I know this isn’t timely but to throw in my two cents on a few of the discussion topics:
I did like the Cerveceros uni’s color and all, I even told my wife I was digging them however reluctantly.
Second, I know we didn’t have the personnel or the $ to acquire Greinke but wish we could have in the offseason, if Wainwright would have gone under the knife last fall and if the Pujol’s situation wouldn’t have been unresolved, what if? I have been following him since he came back for the Royals after his time off and wished he could be wearing cardinal red.
3rd, baseball (the Redbirds foremost) being my distraction away from work (stress) I don’t get too caught up in lamenting the quality of play of the players, because that’s just one other thing to worry about outside of work (Plus as I’ve said before, maybe I feel I’m not enough of an expert to criticize). I root for every card’s player to do well, and am satisfied if it looks like overall they are putting forth effort to elevate their game.
Just my two cents. I really do enjoy the articles and posts on this site. It is fun to be a fan when there are other quality fans out there to share it all with. My mother’s family is all in St. Louis 5hrs away so I don’t get to enjoy the atmosphere of fandom camaradeire when watching games and following the team. Win or lose it’s fun to have folks to share it with.
I think another factor was the Carp option. Last winter nobody knew he wouldn’t be racking up wins. Picking up the option, or maybe a new contract for a couple years, was very possible.
Paying Carp for two or three more years (as of last winter) would make taking on a top of rotation contract impossible.
So, in addition to the Wainy injury and Albert’s pending free agency, if the Carp drop-off had been known, and the option was definatly off the table, then who knows what Mo might have tried to do.
After reading the article it would appear that it resulted from lazy reporting. I will define that by saying that it appears that Silva found the comments (perhaps by searching the Fx Spts Midwst website and getting linked to TCN blog article and continuing below the finely written article -hungry for more quality writing- and delighted at the quality posts by our loyal and knowledgeable posters only to find to his surprise and delight that RCW posts here and Silva proud of himself for figuring out through the comments and context that it is Colby’s father and woah, with the deadline approaching what a find! No other outside reporter has discovered this, a scoop! And what luck he is commenting on his son! Ooh, too juicy! Now, through conjecture, we have ourselves a headline making story! -that’s my theoryy anyway and its not libel if you label it as such) and did no other research. I say it appears to be lazy reporting bc nowhere in the article does it say he followed up with a call to either Mr. Rasmus or our own Mr. Walton. Reporters should know better! He didn’t even apparently read through all the posts or previous posts and took those quotes out of context. In my line of work we get to put these people under oath and see if their statements hold up, it doesn’t appear Mr. Silvas would. He should be embarrassed.
It’s great that Brian’s blog got some exposure and some hits. I don’t know if the commenter discussion encourages RC to participate or not, but it would be cool if we did help out a bit. Perhaps I should keep my fingertips shut when Colby ticks me off, so as not to annoy RC.
Its good to be thoughtful BB…………………. I really doubt that you could discourage RC ……… but it’s not really healthy for the neighborhood ………… for instance, Chris Carpenter is struggling. Thats too bad that he can’t seem to stand above the AP BS…………. it a tough sport…….. the Wainwright injury effected him much more than I think any of us can appreciate. If Waino had been diagnose with the team on mind…………instead of the AP negotiation………Chris would have had a much better spring than he did…… thats my feeling………his struggles are collateral damage from that BS move..IMO….
and it wasn’t the only one………..Salas, trapped in the minor leagues saved the team 200,000$…he likely never surfaces if Mo/BD had his way……..he would have been on the bus for years, grinding it out propping up a Memphis team and being on call for the bigs………always going back down before the 90 day clause kicked in……………. I personally find it offensive when everyone talks about contracts as if it were there money……… I’ll tell you…….there is worse stuff going around here than is public knowledge………..
I don’t have a problem pointing out Colby’s challenges…………but I hope that they resolve in a positive way…………. we are all aware I’m sure ……. that I know everything…..think how hard it is to be me ………………. empathize on that for a while. (:
Westy=Casrpenter is struggling with his control……………Who`s fault is that? Blaming Carpenters struggles on Wainwrights not being available is a big reach.Ditto with Carp and The AP situation.There isn`t a sniper behind every knoll and everything isn`t a ploy to save money.Jeeez what a imagimation some wannabes have.
I don’t know BW…….I can see the Waino injury causing Carp to feel the need to do more number one. Number two with the Albert negotiations ongoing Carp may be pressing over his future a tad. Trying to pitch to the edges more and with the added pressure…….missing more. The option is upcoming…..what do the cardinals do? Does Carp feel that decision looming and thus is pitching for his survival in St. Louis.
In other words there just may be a sniper behind a few knolls in St. Louis this year.
I had a thought just the other day about something Bling said……”That Carp may not want Colby playing CF when he pitches”, I believe that is a pretty close word for word quote. Hell if I was Colby I’d tell Carp that after he pitches I feel like I’ve been standing in the target end of a firing range…..bullets going everywhere.
RCW-just looking at Carps last 20 starts (last September onward this year) Carp hasn`t beeen anything to write home about .The Cards have won only 6 of Carps last 20 starts.Carp allowed 75 runs in 127 innings. 150 hits.Carp doesn`t rate the 15 million option IMO.IMO he is trending downward.I hate to see it but it happens.Same with AP to a extent. Granted Cards have scored only 76 runs in Carps starts but there have been way too many poor games mixed in with good starts.As for Colby i have want the kid to do well but his lack of hustle at times is aggravating.Same with all of them.I know its a sport to us fans and a business profession to the players and i think the players sometimes have bad days.I think today fans expect more and understand less.
No, no everything is grassy knolls BW. But not everything is white bread and apple pie either. Even the best people are flawed and it is human nature to act in your own self interest. Being in the public eye puts extra strain on the self interest instinct. Desires and aspirations are hidden or restrained. Those who understand that are not spinning conspiracy theories they are just healthfully skeptical.
Crdswmn-i realize that.That said a 1000 word pile of BS isn`t needed .Sometimes it is just simple.Then using those 1000 word rantings to pretend to know inside information is laughable.Brian knows and has inside info.The rest of us are just grasping most of the time.
Everyone has their right to have a opinion and i will continue to be skeptical of the nonsense from the West.
“1000 word ranting” or one sentence oversimplification–either way it is one person’s opinion. An opinion that is just as valid as the other. The issue is not what you say or how many words you need to say it. The issue is your right to say it.
The wide spectrum of opinion is what makes this place fun. I wouldn’t trade it for some mind numbing cheerleading blog for all the baseballs in Cooperstown.
I have no problem with the opinions stated on this board that are presented as opinions. My problem comes with opinion presented as fact.
Too bad we cant figure out how to support people’s right to want to hold people accountable for their non-sensical statements or to demand that people back up what they present as fact with some level of logic or evidence.
Worrying so much about one poster seems unproductive. Why not focus on baseball dialogue with someone else?
crdswn is afraid you’ll upset someone’s ego and they’ll reduce their posting thus reducing her entertainment.
8 months ago WC tells his friends that all is not well in the rotation………… Adam has an oucheeee……
They have a pretty good idea upstairs that Adam has an oucheeee………… but……. if they treat for that oucheee at that time………nasty old Dan Lozano is going to play it hard……… will the Cardinals show there commitment to winning……..will the public outcry for a store bought ace……to help out the teams negotiating posture become a sign of their intension/goodwill?
Wainwright “might” have made at least one start before it blew…….but alas……… he did not…….
I like Chris Carpenter……… I have him on my team any time………. there was a tiny leak that someone is inquiring on his status……….and apparently someone is listening………… thats news huh…….
I truth………I’m a “don’t wannabe”……………… and a sneaker to boot………..
For you 52………..” control ” is a very complex junction……..joining many conflicting impulses….. it isn’t easy being a performer………with a clear intension….when so many are depending on you…..
We would be less of a team without him…………. but in truth, probably not any less successful…..
Money is moving toward Washington………even though Cards are still favored…………. ????????? wonder what someone is thinking?????????
Bling, Colby will end up causing you to develop carpal tunnel this summer. It doesn’t annoy me bling, your pet peeves are real you just over exaggerate their impact most times imo. You are in that large segment of Cardinals fans that Colby may never be able to do enough for and unfortunately for him he has turned a lot of Cardinals fans into anti Colby fans who feel your pain. Too bad for him there are no do overs. All he can do at this stage is grin and bear it.
Colby came home a few days back WC and was actually bragging on his having not lost any weight this year to this point. The problem imo was he never really pounded the weights and didn’t start the season off as strong as in previous years. He was shooting for the player in better shape was my interpretation of why he didn’t really try to put weight on. It was just a change in philosophy for him.
WC I see a change in hand position which will get the ball off of the ground and into the air more so we should see a little different hitter from here on out. I would expect a power surge this next month or so. But thats my take , that may or not be what he is thinking.
I WC…..I am man enough to admit that you know it all.
Well played RC……….. I am once again powerless………. the true secret to well being…………
Brew Crew lost to the Flubs. Tied for 1st place now.
Heard Bernie giving off some numbers on Cards defense. The Dewan/Fielding Bible numbers. The pluses are Jay, Descalco, Holliday and Colby, although Colby is a minus on balls he has to go back on. Minuses include Theriot and Albert, both well down the list at their positions, with Albert’s rating being the most stunning drop off from a couple years ago. Theriot is 33rd on the list of shortstops, which is an accomplishment since there are only 30 teams. If Yadi was mentioned, I missed it.
My guess is Colby was a plus on deep balls two years ago and since he has been made to play much shallower to take away those bloop hits he has fared worse on the deep balls. Let him go back to where he wants to be and voila the metrics will improve. But on a ground ball staff I’m sure they are trying to take away the balls in front because thats what you will have more of.
Should positioning affect aggressiveness?
I wonder if there isn’t some fear of injury. I wouldn’t blame Colby if he was fearful. But some middle ground between being tentative and being fearless seems to me an acceptable compromise.
Well now I wasn’t commenting on aggressiveness my comments were about his rating on deep balls. But the longer you have to go and the faster you are going when you approach the wall would have a bearing on your willingness to go after a ball that is close to the wall imo.
But my opinion on balls at the wall is that he has in his head that he needs to worry about playing the ball off the wall verses trying to make every catch that he can make. I don’t ask him about the game much, if any, but I do want to know why there are always some kind of communication issues in the outfield. I personally don’t think Colby has issues with a wall. I have had him run into walls…making catches and falling over fences. Heck I’ve had him call a pop up once that he ended up catching near the mound. And then all of a sudden he looks lost in the outfield in St. Louis.
Its seems like an easy fix to me. Get the outfielders together, if you’re Colby, and say listen, I’m gonna get what I can get and I’m gonna be calling it if I can get it. If I call it you had better get out of the way or I’m gonna run all over your ass. Easy money. If it was my high school team thats the discussion I would have. I never have any types of those issues with my guys because my CF has priority over everybody including GOD. If my Cf calls a ball you had better get the hell out of his way…..case closed. I just don’t get why they have the constant communication problems. My only take is that there is some sort of your territory and my territory type of stuff. If I have that type of communication blunder one time I would be out cussing those involved like a sailor and would emphasize that it damn sure better not happen again. CF has priority no exceptions.
I really, really like Colby, and believe he can be an All-Star in this League for years to come. However, as RC often points out, that’s not likely to happen unless there are some changes to the status quo…either Colby changes teams or he changes his “attitude.” I’m selfishly hoping for the latter. While I obviously do not know Colby, I would think an attitude change on his part really would not be so difficult, and it does not have to be a radical change. I am a life-long Cardinals fan, and typical in most ways, I would think. What we’re not seeing from Colby is an attitude of pride in being a Cardinal. He well may have that attitude, but we’re not seeing it. So, how does he “fix” that? Easy, and there are innumerable ways. For one, he could smile more and act like a kid playing a kids’ game more…his constant serious demeanor is starting to wear on us. Another suggestion…he could “say” certain things which would cement his commitment to being a Cardinal, and proud of it. I know, like last year after the LaRussa tiff, he did say something to the effect that he was glad to be a Cardinal and hoped to remain one. But, by many, that was perceived more as just trying to dismiss the queries about his commitment to the Cards. How difficult would it be for Colby to bring forth an unsolicited endorsement about how the Cardinals are such a wonderful team, and he loves his teammates and coaches / manager / ownership, and the community, and that he hopes to some day gain earn a place in people’s hearts like Jim Edmonds and Willie McGee before him. Perhaps he could offer a “feigned” apology to the fans for not always looking like he’s having fun, or being “all in,” but it’s because he is such an intense individual and always looking to get better, that he has a hard time “celebrating” just-completed accomplishments likes wins and big plays, etc. – he’s already focusing on his next task- but that he’ll try to be more expressive as he matures into a better ballplayer. Stuff like that.
Just sayin’.
On another topic, how much longer can TLR keep his “smoke and mirrors” routine going? I have never been a big fan of TLR, but I do recognize that he is, in some mysterious and confounding ways, a baseball genius. So, how else do you explain how it is that our Cardinals are in first place (being “tied” with the brew crew is just a technicality), with the contortions that TLR has had to make with this team to date? Thankfully, we’ll have Holliday back in a couple of days, and K-Mac close behind. It would appear that Albert is settling into his “norm,” so maybe this “S&M” routin is about to come to an end? Optimistically, just think about it!! We get our rotation whirling normally with CC leading the way; Albert stays Albert; Holliday is rested and explodes back onto the scene; Berkman can get the requisite days off he needs to stay strong; J-Jay…what can you say?; De-Cal stays clutch; Punto comes back with a vengeance; Skip continues his ascent back to .300; Craig gets his stitches removed; the S&S bullpen continues blooming. Then, the A/S Break, Freese is back, and it’s petal-to-the-metal all the way to the WS. And Colby smiles…and so does TLR…and so do we.
I said earlier that there is no way one could see this team and their success this year and not pat TLR on the back. The guy has done a masterful job.
As much as I might try RC………..from a technical standpoint…….I really can’t agree with you……
If success is gaged by finally getting Craig to produce a bit……… red ribbon…………
I don’t see more………………. and I will say this…….. he is one inch from having blown rotation up. If Garcia gives up 4+ tonight…………..it “ain’t” going to be pretty…………… the pressure of these weak defensive players on the rotations psych…… really shouldn’t be underestimated…… and the extra pitches in close ball games are sand in you motor oil…………
Well I am on record not buying the idea that the upgrade on offense makes up for the decrease in defense. At least with Berkman, the ground ball pitching staff is not hurt as much. In Theriot’s case, it is going to be the death knell. We either get a better defense up the middle or we pay the piper come September.
I don’t know WC, one may come down hard on Tony because of the pieces that he put together to start the season but not his use of those pieces since the season began. There is no doubt defense was sacrificed to add offense. But with the injiries to Holliday and Berkman, Waino’s injury, Freese’s broke hand, now Craig’s knee, Franklin’s collapse…….You have to give him credit for having the team in first place. He has done a good job in my opinion keeping the team rolling in spite of the injuries. Now I am willing to concede that we all may not see things the same way and I can handle it if no one else agrees with me but thats just the way I see it.
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this is where the moderator steps in………..right here……….. least the woes begin anew……….
Oh, for the love of God……
Heck I actually believe he had 4 hits in the last 3 games. It may have. And I’m just on chapter 20 of the parenting book…..the title of chapter 20 is……..Do you think I give a (darn) about what you think?
I’m kidding but don’t you think if I wrote a book that would be one of the better chapters?
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And by the way TPS, I will be in St. Louis this coming home stand and would love for you personally to give me a parenting lesson. I’m sure you’re the type of guy that would just jump at that opportunity.
I’m trying to fenagle a ticket during this homestand myself though it is kind of iffy right now.
Are you going to smuggle in your own hot dogs?
Crdswmn, I just think you and bling should come by and let me take you down on the field during BP. I’ll buy your ticket Crdswmn for any game that you want to attend during the next homestand. How easy was that?
I actually eat the build your own nachos when I go to Busch. I don’t drink so, unlike bling, the hotdogs never reach the point of being edible for me. the build your own nachos, papa johns pizza, funnel cake, dippin dots is all I can do in St. Louis. I will be getting me a salad wedge and a nice filet from Shannon’s upon my arrival in St. Louis as that is one of the more fun things about St. Louis for me.
Wow, I don’t know what to say. Thanks RC. I’ll have to get back to you on which game.
I believe if you’re a Cardinals fan there may not be a bigger deal than getting to get right up close to the players. You’ll have fun. It doesn’t have to be just one game….heck make it two or three if you want. It will most likely be my only trip to St. Louis this summer so you better get it while the gettins good.
I don’t want to get greedy, I might get too use to it.
You are very kind and I wouldn’t impose on that kindness. I will let you know.
Very nice gesture RC. If I get down there I always arrive in time for BP, so if I spot you I’ll try to get your attention.
Let us know how the parenting classes go. None of mine came with any instructions, so I’d like to know how I should have done it.
This thread outlived its useful life the moment it began.
Dang. Looks like I missed all the fun
No one continued my disscussion on the Cerveceros unis. 
I think the birds should bring back the blues for a few games.
I missed it too Kansas. Must have been a good one.
I liked the Cerveceros unis too, but then I can’t imagine a Cervecero I wouldn’t like.
As to the Cards blues. They’ve worn them before for some kind of throwback game. I didn’t care for it like I did originally. I’d like to see a throwback game where they all have to wear the pants bloused at the knee and stirrups.
Now that Id dig. Would make base runners fast
unbelievable scoring. Those two balls should be outs and they are both hits…….WOW!
Another houdini job by Jaime. Nice job again getting out of that mess.
I wonder if he’s giving Ryan a tunnel talk?
Whose it going to be?????????? Should be Boggs……..Mott……
He’s throwing meat…………..
this is getting ugly……………… don’t wait Tony……
no way I let him pitch to Morse……………
This is why Tony isn’t a good coach………..full rested pen……….and he jeopardizes the whole series. If we loose this game……..we will loose this series………….
Good grief, TLR is a manager, not a coach. Earth to Westie: this is NOT football.
Ease up Jumbo, its not easy being Westy.
I was wondering why he continued to let Batista struggle through that. My guess was the pen was short.
Well I’ll say this…that went from a blowout to a game in a hurry. Man oh man this would be a tough loss. So lets not lose it.
Its nice the Nationals are showing some fight. Our lads will battle back.
Tony wanted to save his BP aces………he didn’t want to make himself look bad with the second guess……………………. and Now Miller?????????????? what Am I missing……..he he betting on these games?
It isn’t over yet………………….. congratulations Jamie………. this is all Tony ego now……….
I don’t know about the ego thingy WC but this has not been one of Tony’s better days.
this was my thought the other day about the lefty’s…..man they have struggled a bit this past month or so it seems. Tough non win for Jaime.
Man Miller is in a funk..
This is what managing your resources is about …………… you could see it coming a mile away…….but he wouldn’t put Mott in because it would have made him look bad in the first place………
Between the D and the pen, Jaime really got raked . . . by his own team. He and Carp can trade stories.
It should be appreciated that Jaime might still be in there cruising if not for all the extra outs.
Uneffingbelievable.
Does DD decide pitching or TLR?
TLR.
let’s give the decisions to Dave
kkkkkkkk. good one, Kansas.
Seriously, after so many years together, they probably think alike.
This is all Tony…………………… the bad news………if we don’t have a hero step up……it will only cost us the Kmac start………….. we likely win on Thursday………..
The team needs to have closed door talk with TLR instead of the other way around. Two games in a row of bad decision making with pitching.
Notice all the extra style movements by Jay………….. he’s finished…….. he took something personally.
Collateral damage is Descalso taking a “pointless AB” ………..no skill at all, just emotions………
BS Westy-if the freaking pros do their jobs the managers looks good.Batista is a seasoned pro who failed.Trever Miller is a LOOGY who hasn`t been effective lately.Sometimes the guys simply have to step up and do their jobs.Your all on Tony routine is getting old fast.
This IS TLR’s fault. He had a rested bullpen and he left Batista in there to give the lead away. Your TLR never does wrong routine got old a LONG TIME AGO.
crdswmn-never said TLR doesn`t screw up.Sometimes the pros just have to do their jobs.Tonite they failed..Yout anti TLR stuff still stinks.TLR isn`t managing the Seattle Brendanites.Do there.They need a fan or two.
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Okay, you know what? I am going to take the high road here. Yours and Jumbo’s posts speak for themselves.
Bw52, please re-read the site posting guidelines. Thank you.
BW, way to talk sense to some of these pathetic crybabies.
I would save that adjective for some of your delusionary posts.
Sob, sob, there, there.
Please stop the name-calling. Aren’t we all adults here?
This is Colby’s time………… if he’s got game, he shows it here…..right now………. common kid….
Thats a coaching blunder…………. thank you lord…………
Tough loss. Not one of Tony’s better decision making games. It happens. On to tomorrow.
That’s the fighting spirit, RC. Russell County has warriors, not sobbers. Tomorrow, we need to fight back against these rascally Rigglemans.
Difficult part is that cost Garcia the all star birth……………… Tony had him set into some very “reasonable” match ups………….. he did his job……… I full expect that Kmac gets beat tomorrow….
that leaves Lohse against Lannan…….which I didn’t like……..but this sets up Holiday nicely……….
The treatment of AP was good for business……… Nats are one of the +200 bidders I believe……..
Three games in a row, got the lead, gave up the lead, O couldn’t come back.
The starter can’t be blamed this time. Batista and Miller wouldn’t have had to come in if Jaime hadn’t been sabotaged. Would have lasted into the 7th at least. Nobody could be expected to pitch thru that mess.
That was my hope BB……….. Tony plans his BP usage for a series…..when he can……he did this one, and tried to stay with it………… tough break when your players let the air out of a “genius” plan……….
Joe Strauss
Martinez, Cox, Miller indeed considered untouchable by Cards this summer. Hearing label doesn’t apply to some others that might surprise.
RC, I’ve decided on the June 25th game against the Blue Jays. If I have counted right and the rotation doesn’t change it will be a Garcia start. And it is an evening game so it won’t be as hot.
Let me know what I need to do. You are a kind man.
We’ll just keep in touch Crdswmn. By the way, you go ahead and bring a friend if you want. Always better to watch a game with a buddy . So I’ll just plan on two coming.