I hate February

I hate February. No football. Or baseball. And while we have the NBA, it really isn’t very interesting until the playoffs. And even that takes too long. For many, the six-month hibernation period is downright miserable. There are highlights along the way, like the NFL draft, and some of the negotiations can be interesting. But Football Sunday is a ritual and it feels wrong waking up on Sunday without a couch that needs me. I’m guessing you feel the same way. Less time with the buddies…and more family responsibilities.

Sigh…

For me, I have reluctantly become more productive in my personal life. But mostly chores. I cleaned out my garage. Ick. Painted my front door. Ugh. And I pulled all the dead plants from my garden. Plants really can freeze, apparently.

But there is a bright side. I have wasted countless hours playing fantasy basketball and fantasy golf. Really. People really do play fantasy golf. Everyone thinks they’re so clever and funny when they ask if Tiger Woods is on my team. Hardy har har. And the answer is no.

How are you spending the football off-season? Winter Olympics? I can’t watch figure skating or ice dancing. Not because of the ridiculously bedazzled costumes or my disinterest in pirouettes on ice. But because it feels rotten to see them fall. Especially couples. Or do they call that doubles? That has to be the worst when the guy drops the girl. Does "my bad" really work?

How about NBA or college basketball perhaps? It's a nice distraction. Especially March Madness. And even better if you have an office pool. But how about fantasy baseball? Nothing fills time better than a new love. Make that baseball this year. The commitment isn’t as bad as you think – you can set your lineup for several days at a time. And think about how cool and knowledgeable you’ll sound when you can name the Pirates closer.

This February and March, I’ll provide drafting tips: newcomers to watch, starting pitchers, position players, best values, sleepers, etc. Throughout the season, I’ll pass along waiver wire finds and advice. My first tip - draft a team. It’s more fun than you think.

And by the way, Octavio Dotel is the Pirates closer. Pretty cool I knew that, right?


Methodist Stride4Stroke 5K Walk/Run Presented by Aramco

Join The Methodist Hospital System at the fourth-annual Stride4Stroke 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, March 6 at Rice University. It’s a fun family affair with free food and games for the entire family. You can even take your dog! Plus all proceeds benefit stroke research and education. To register, visit methodiststride4stroke.com.


Have a question for Erin? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning during the football season.