Rob Mallicoat's Diary of a Comeback Kid

February
February 20	It's the first day for pitchers and catchers, and Rob gives us a list of some of the people who showed up for the Royals camp.
February 21	Rob finds a few surprises in the scheduling, and he provides his opinion on the state of the game.
February 22	Today's report gives a little insight on the differences on being a young pup and being a veteran at camp. Also, Rob tells us who he's developed some immense respect for and includes some personal history.
February 23	Stuck with an unfortunate stomach virus, Rob gets stuck in the hotel for a day. He gives his reasons for making the decision to sign a replacement contract and hopes to be well enough to throw tomorrow.
February 24	Rob gives us a bit more history, relating his position with the Astros in 1992 to some of the young players today. He also discusses the moves of the union against the replacement players and some of the anti-scab sentiment.
February 25	A short report for Saturday: Rob's status as a replacement player becomes public, so he has to worry about the sentiment of the other players.
February 26	Royals GM Herk Robinson calls a player meeting, and tells the minor leaguers that they'll be sent home if they refuse to play, sparking a players' meeting. Rob also reflects on how much interest (little) the union has shown for minor leaguers in the past.
February 27	Rob has a good outing, throwing well today. In the afternoon, he participates in a golf tournament. While there, Royals Manager Bob Boone stops by and complements him on his throws earlier in the day. A good day.
February 28	As rumors start that the union and owners may be approaching some form of reconciliation, Rob is left to ponder his place in this season, as well as examining the idea of salary stucturing.

March
March 1	Mallyman and his fellow pitchers engage in a little pitchers' fielding practice. Rob also comes to the realization that striking unions means replacement umpires.
March 2	Rob surveys the Royals win over Stetson, a Div II college team and looks forwards towards Sarasota and the White Sox.
March 3	It's a slow relaxing day in camp, as the battery from yesterday's game gets only a light workout and some time to rest.
March 4	After a short report on the day's loss to the Dodgers, Rob provides something of an open letter to Don Fehr.
March 5	Rob remembers a run-in with Don Fehr early in his career and explains his view of the role of the replacement player.
March 6	In a short report, Rob is surprised that they've decided to expand in these striking days and details his workout for the day.
March 7	Leaving early from the game (as he wasn't throwing), mallyman gets excited about the prospect of his family visiting.
March 8	A really short post; he's looking for a buyer for his PC. (details inside!! ;-)
March 9	Taking the mound against the "ReplaceMets", our intrepid reporter has a good outing, dissecting Met lineup. He also emphasises the fun aspect for the players, who are maximizing their opportunity.
March 10-11	Romantic Interlude, as the wife and child pay a visit... No Reports :-)
March 12	The Royals have a good outing, and mallyman details his outing on the mound. We get a little look at the psychological processes behind an inning toeing the rubber.
March 13	Rob's arm feels good versus the Astros, his former team. He also announces his plans (to much rejoicing) to continue his reports into the regular season.
March 14	Rob provides the details of his game against the Mets. He also provides a small correction on his list of players from the day before.
March 15	The team gets a day off, so there's not much to report, just some info on the negotiations. He also asks for some suggestions on a good laptop PC.
March 16	The team takes a tough loss, losing a 3-0 lead in the ninth. Rob also relates his views on the motivations underlying the last 12 games of spring training.
March 17	Mother Nature rains out mallyman's scheduled appearance in the 8th, much to his relief. The break gives him a bit o' time to consider the mindset of his fellow players.
March 18	Rob picks up a victory in relief as the Royals win only their third game. However, Van Halen cancels their show, so he's forced to stay home and watch March Madness.
March 19	After yesterday's win, the Royals show up and win another! Mallyman also takes some time to reflect on the rumors currently circulating the mill.
March 20	The Royals win AGAIN, this time defeating the Cardinals. Tuesday looks to bring roster meetings for the higher-ups, meaning some of the guys here today may be gone tomorrow.
March 21	UNBELIEVABLE!! The Royals win again! And mallyman manages to add some nice stats to his collection in the process. Also, today being the 21st, we are that much closer to cut day, and the tension is building in the Royals camp.
March 22	Not much here; the phones went out while Rob was composing, so he couldn't upload his reports. All you'll find for this day is an explanation.
March 23	A few more pitchers were let go, but mallyman remains! After receiving a good omen, Rob goes out and sees (and HIGHLY recommends) _Outbreak_, starring Rene Russo. :-)
March 24	The deadline approacheth as payday is pushed back 'til tomorrow; mallyman's interpretation is that the final cuts will be announced ASAP. Also, though he had a rough inning today, the team won! (over those dastardly Cardinals...)
March 25	As the cuts continue to come, the guys are still watching their back, worried about making the final roster. Mallyman patiently awaits the National Anthem in Detroit (on opening day) before he decides to relax.
March 26	Rob is getting set for a start tomorrow vs. the Reds and finds himself actually hoping for an end to the strike. His spring training has gone well enough that he feels up to a comeback bid, and thus the thought of crossing the line ain't exactly exciting.
March 27	Mallyman's start was rather blase, with 3 Ks and 3 walks, but no runs in his two innings of work. He then handed the ball off to Bo Kennedy, who threw shut out ball through the fifth. After that...well, read the report. ;-)
March 28	Rob gives his reaction to the latest moves in the labor talks, including the owners' latest proposal. He also discusses a certain other Rob who toes the rubber.
March 29	This is mallyman's last post for few days; in it he relates the attention his reports have been drawing. He has also come down with a minor injury on his foot that he will have to baby for a couple of days.

April
March 30 - April 6	Check here to get a short report on what happened in those all important days, from mallyman's perspective.
April 7	Upon his return to the 'Net, many things have changed in mallyman's world (including a decrease in baud speed to 2400...ugh). He gives a short description of the game, and plans to throw in his first game since March tomorrow.
April 8	Unfortunately, mallyman brings the first loss to the Omaha Royals, giving up a run in the 7th. Not a terrible performance, but a rusty one.
April 9	With a day of terrible weather, mallyman finds himself holed up in his room watching the Masters, and hoping that the forecast for snow tomorrow is dead wrong.
April 10	With the snowy conditions, the Omaha Royals aren't playing. So instead Rob talks about the developing team dynamics and the Royals' plans for him.
April 11	The snow continues to fly, keeping mallyman bottled up with his roommate and his computer. Tomorrow's game is already canceled, giving the AAA Royals a doubleheader for Thursday.
April 12	Since Netcom's inimitable software is quirky on news groups, a prodigious post was unceremoniously munched. But, it's still just snowing as they all wait for Thursday, anyway. `:)`
April 13	The snow didn't seem to affect the Omaha Royals (at least, not for the worse), as they take both ends of the doubleheader. The seven inning games may cause a problem for mallyman, however, as they don't allow for much relief work if the starters are getting the job done.
April 15	The Omaha pitching continues on its hot streak, sans the help of mallyman. While the pitching performances at AAA may be good news for an increasingly weaker KC staff, Rob would like to see a little work soon.
April 16	On the day off, mallyman has a bit of time to miss his wife and 10 month-old kid; the ambiguity before the Major League roster is set is starting to wear a bit thin.
April 23	What a bad week! The Omaha Royals journey to Oklahoma City, just in time to be present for the bombing. This resulted in their games being (postponed? canceled? they weren't played as scheduled). Then, after their game versus New Orleans mallyman finds out about his release from the Royals. Now he awaits a try out with that New Orleans team.
April 28	Rob finds that at this time of the season, it's hard to get GMs to look outside the organization for talent. So, he keeps in shape by hanging out with Pat Perry, going to Gold's Gym, and rabidly pursuing the bar-fly olympics.
April 30	Frustration mounts, as mallyman is still without a job. He plans to head to Houston, so at least he can job search and see his wife and child.

June
June 1	The last place Jungo Bears have picked up Don August, helping them defeat Rob's team. This leads mallyman to rememberances of his days in the Astro farm organization with Don and other Astro farmhands popping up in Taiwan.
June 2	Mallyman tells of his quest for true 'net access in an Internet-deprived nation. Also, he speaks of his team's goals for the vital coming 3 weeks.
June 3	Losing an important game to the first place team, the first in a 4 game series, mallyman's team must now turn it up if they want to take the first place spot before the end of the season's first half.
June 4	Rob, after having his hopes of watching MPEGs of his throwing on his hot computer dashed, reflects a bit on his setup, as well as emitting a plea for MPEG aid.
June 5	A good showing in the bullpen does wonders for mallyman's confidence, but he finds himself caught in a catch-22 due to the circumstances of his employment.
June 6	Mallyman finds out that his time in Taiwan is up, but he's not too upset. He's ready to return to the States, his kid, and V34 modem speeds...
June 7	In retrospect, Rob sees his stint in Taiwan as paid work out time, when he would have been getting his arm back into shape, anyway. He is set to return on the 12th.
June 8	Now that he's distanced himself a bit from his team, Mallyman takes a look at his manager's approach to the game, finding more than a few faults. He also ponders his employment options for his return.
June 9	Packing continues at the Mallicoat homestead, with some interference from his former club's assistant. The packing also give Rob a bit of time to ponder the existance of commercial online services...
June 21	C'est fini! After attempting to come back with the Corpus Christi Barracudas of the Texas-Louisiana League, the arm finally said enough was enough. Rob was forced to agree. However, he's got plans for the future; it seems as though the decision comes as much as a relief as anything else.

May
May 15	Mallyman takes up with a team in Tai Pei, and finds that living conditions aren't quite what he'd expected...
May 16	After writing about some of the new human friends he's met, mallyman tells of the cockroach friends who lived in his room before him.
May 21	Rob talks a bit about his computer set up, taking advantage of this outlet to tell exactly what he does in his Taiwan free time.
May 31	Mallyman's first paycheck comes, giving him opportunity to tell us what he's done to earn it(mostly rehab), as well as relate some of the talent that he's seen in the Taiwan League.