All right!
Stop whatcha doin'
'cause I'm about to ruin
the image and the style that ya used to.
I look funny
but yo I'm makin' money see
so yo world I hope you're ready for me.

Not really the kind of wraps I'm talking about, but fun nonetheless. What I'm talking about is how I haven't had time to put together a proper post in about a week, so this Friday night seems like a good time to talk about some of the stuff that I've missed. It probably isn't news to you by now, but you don't really come here for news anyway, do you?

Newly Free Agents
D'Angelo Jimenez, Ben Weber, and Chris Booker elected free agency this week rather than accept assignment to the minors, presumably with hopes of catching on with some other organization at the major league level.

FA: D'Angelo
D'Angelo does have some talent. Hell, this time last year the Reds thought he was worth $2 million to play 2B. But after a disappointing performance to begin the year plus being a real pain in everyone's ass, soon the Reds thought he was worth $2 million to occupy space in Chattanooga. Only the shadow knows what the hell is going on in D'Angelo's head, but it's clear that it's not screwed on straight because he was just as unremarkable in Tennessee as he was in Cincinnati.

What would it take to get D'Angelo playing major league ball somewhere next year? A team would have to have a need for a second baseman, a few extra bucks, and a plan to deal with that attitude of his.

The plan might be as simple as ignoring him, though I imagine that would lead to a further decline in the quality of his game over the long-term. Maybe he just needs a hug. But probably the most likely plan to work would be getting some fiery character to get in his face on a daily basis; somebody who thinks they're even more of a bad-ass than he does.

You think Jose Guillen is available for personal training?

FA: Weber
On to much more pleasant topics: Ben Weber. Why do I love Ben Weber so? Can somebody out there tell me, because I sure as hell can't figure it out. I see him and I smile. I hear him talk and I feel like I'm listening to the voice of a life-long friend. Maybe we were conjoined twins in a previous life or something.

In any event, I hope he catches on somewhere. He's not going to be highly sought after or anything, but there's not any reason that some team couldn't give him a do-over of this year: invest in him minimally and not be that upset if he doesn't work out. That could happen, right? It just has to. Otherwise, I might lose track of my other half forever.

FA: Booker
Which brings us, inexorably, to young Chris Booker. Not-so-young Chris Booker. What's his deal? Great numbers at Louisville but mysteriously deemed “not major league ready,” an assessment that he promptly backed up as soon as he made an appearance with Cincy.

The situation was made further mysterious when Narron gave him only, what, two appearances, right? This is the same Narron who intentionally didn't play Machado, so I'm thinking that he had to have some good reason for not playing Booker, too. I cannot believe that he was just taking someone else's word for it or blindly “trying to win” at the end of a lost season. It just doesn't jibe with the other behavior we've seen out of Narron.

I have seen Chris Booker up close, and he struck me as a man who was just not comfortable with himself. Like he was constantly looking over his shoulder, and not just because there was a Red Hot Mama sitting behind him.

Do you remember when Booker first came up and there was a story, I think on the official site about how he talked to his sister in Iraq on the phone and she told him to do a good job? That struck me; she didn't tell him to try his best or to enjoy his first taste, but to perform well. Made me wonder whether they didn't grow up with a strong emphasis on results. Putting that kind of pressure on yourself could sure make it difficult to perform in the big leagues. You've got to be prepared for failure when you're major-league ready, after all.

Perhaps we'll see some more of not-so-young Booker next year, assuming the other organizations also agree that he is not big-league ready, and maybe he'll let up on himself a little. I'll be happy to sit in front of him, if it'll help.

The Big Coaching Staff To-Do
When the Reds were negotiating with Jerry Narron to take over the role of manager “permanently,” he made it clear that he wasn't going to accept just whatever they offered him: he was going to have control of his coaching staff, goshdarnit.

So, being in control, Narron promptly invited every single person on the current coaching staff back, except for first base coach and infield instructor Randy Whisler. Narron says he wants this Bucky Dent fellow for his infield instructor instead. But dude, he asked everyone back except one. You just have to wonder if Whisler took his parking spot or something.

Griffey on the Comeback
To no one's great surprise, Ken Griffey, Jr. was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year. Griffey is remarkable. He's amazing. He's so awesome that it overwhelms and deadens your senses, like smelling too much perfume. Eventually, you want to sniff someone else for a while, even though that someone else probably smells a whole lot less impressive, in an absolute sense.

So here's what I suggest: at the end of any sentence in which anyone compliments any Red, any player, any human being other than Griffey, appears an asterisk. That asterisk will be understood by all of us to mean “that is to say, he's pretty good and all, but all men are but mere specks of dust compared to the might that is Griffey.” That way we can continue to give Griffey the attention he deserves, without becoming numb to his greatness. Let's try it:

- That Aaron Harang is turning into quite the pitcher.*
- Babe Ruth hit a lot of home runs, back in his day.*
- Abraham Lincoln is a proud figure in the history of the United States.*

See, didn't that feel good?

That's all I've got for this week, so until next week, do like the immortal Humpty* and keep on gettin' busy in a Burger King bathroom.

Greetings to everyone who makes their way to my not-so-humble on-line home by way of the URL I left written on the blackboard of Heavilon Hall 129 on Purdue University campus. A special shout-out to my Professional Writing homies.

I hope you enjoy your stay. Allow me to recommend the Reds Choose Your Own Adventure. I also hear that the Demotivational Baseball Posters are very popular.

While watching Univision at the gym this afternoon, I saw a promo for Wednesday's episode of Don Francisco Presents featuring a tearful interview with Sammy Sosa. Check your local listings.

It looks like it's going to be all in Spanish, so I'll have watch it a couple dozen times this weekend to catch it all. Par-tay!

Red Hot Mama recently got the rare opportunity to sit down with Raquel Aurilia and ask her fourteen questions about her music career, charity work, and experiences in the world of baseball. But unlike other interviews done by RHM, these answers were written by the interview subject instead of a rhyming dictionary.

My first exposure to your music was “The Need” single that you distributed at Great American Ball Park before the game on September 10. How did you come up with the idea to give out the CD in exchange for donations to the Red Cross?
After seeing all the devastation resulting from the hurricane, I happened to see a “telethon” that different musicians were singing at to raise money and thought that maybe it would be a good idea to do a similar type of event. I find music to be very therapeutic and thought “The Need” had a great message to share with others. I asked some of the Reds wives to help out, and we all got together and ran the fund raiser at the stadium.

Can you describe how an effort like that comes together?
All the wives were great and were all very willing to help out when I asked. Lorrie Platt with Community development set up a booth for us and we got the radio stations, newspaper, etc. to help spread the word.

How did the fundraiser go? Did you have any interesting encounters with fans?
The fundraiser went well. There were not a lot of people at the game that night so I was pleased with the turn out. We raised $1,700.00 in a few hours. Considering it was only a “single” and the fact that people had already been donating to different organizations previously, I think it went pretty well. Yes there were some interesting encounters with fans that night. Alcohol will do that to a person (ha ha). Seriously though, nothing negative, just a few inebriated fans who were quite comical!

“The Need” is a track from your album “Finding My Way.” Will you tell us about the album?
The album has a few different styles of music with each song. There is a little bit of R&B (Tears), a little rock (One Step Closer), some Pop with an edge, (Where was I, Ready for Love), Adult Contemporary (Feels Like), and so on. All the songs we selected for the album had a certain “feel” to them and had great lyrics. Even the re-makes, “For What is Worth” has to do with everything going on now about the war etc. “Dream Weaver” was just a favorite of mine and fun to do! Hopefully people who hear these songs can relate to them, the way I do.

I noticed that you are not listed as the song writer on the tracks. How do you select your songs?
I did not write the songs on “Finding My Way,” but am going to try and possibly write some in the future (work in progress). I admire the people who did write them however, and commend them for a great job! I selected the songs from several demos that we (Tony Papa and myself) came across and selected them from there. Without going into too much detail, there is a lot to do once you've selected an original song because you need to get permission etc. from everyone involved. Tony Papa, who is the producer of the album and consultant for Shea Records, has been a great help taking care of the business side of things since he knows the industry so well.

The music on this album reflects a variety of experiences, including some of the darker sides of human nature (betrayal and addiction being a couple that come immediately to mind). However, the overall message seems to be very hopeful. Are these themes reflective of your life experiences?
I think that I can definitely relate to the betrayal side of things (someone cheating--in High School) and what that feels like. Most people have experienced that at some point unfortunately, and it sucks to say the least. The “addiction” to love as in the song “Poison” is also very real and being in love can have such an impact on your judgment, leading with your heart and not your mind even when you know you should get out of a bad relationship. Finding the strength to move on is what it is all about.

I was totally obsessed with the song “Where Was I?” and listened to it over and over again for longer than is probably healthy. What's your favorite part of the album, or what are you most proud of?
It's funny that you say that but “Where Was I” is one of my favorite songs on the album. I love performing it on stage because there is so much to say! I love the transition from soft spoken lyrics in the verses, to an intense build up in the chorus of finally “getting the picture” and expressing that with such emotion through the lyrics. I am glad you like it! It is also my sister's favorite too!

My husband and I really enjoyed your brief but moving portrayal of Cute Cashier in the movie “Sweet November.” What was that like? Did you hang out with Keanu Reeves?
Thank you. Brief is definitely the key word there (ha ha). I had a few lines in the beginning, which got even smaller through editing etc.! It was fun. Richie and I did get to go on the set, and we met Charlize Theron (in between scenes) but not Keanu Reeves. We stood next to him in line when we were ordering but did not meet him because we were in a hurry and so was he. Seemed like a nice guy though.

What musical or acting projects do you have coming up that your fans can look forward to?
I am performing at a bar called “The Mint” next week (Oct. 14th), and I am opening up for B.B. King on Dec. 29th at the Dodge Theatre in Arizona. I am really excited about B.B. King and can hardly wait! I already have around 50 people going to support me (and see B.B. King of course--ha ha).

Red Hot Mama is a Reds blog, so I really cannot avoid asking at least a few questions about your husband. How did you meet Rich?
Richie and I met out one night in Arizona. We were both just hanging out with our friends, and we happened to meet! We got along really well and have been together ever since.

Is it difficult to balance your career with your husband's?
It has definitely been a challenge, especially because have two children too, but we make it work! We are both very supportive of each other, not to mention, he also enjoys music and I also enjoy baseball (so do our kids!).

Do you have any interesting baseball-related stories that you'd be willing to share?
The World Series in 2002 with the Giants and Angels was an amazing experience. I am still convinced it was that darn “Rally Monkey” (they kept bringing out during the game) that was the reason the Giants lost in Game 6 with only 5 outs to go and a 6 run lead!

They had all these movie clips starring the “Rally Monkey” that were so ridiculous you had to laugh (including one of the “Rally Monkey” dancing/sliding across the floor in this underwear like Tom Cruise in Risky Business!) It feels better to blame the “Rally Monkey” anyway!

Overall, the experience was so exciting throughout the whole playoffs and one that Richie and I will never forget and hope to experience again (with a better outcome of course).

You've modeled. You've appeared in movies. You've got an album. Your website has photos of you with soap opera stars and stuff. Isn't Cincinnati kind of small-time for you?
No not at all. Richie and I are very grounded people see ourselves the same as everyone else. We really enjoyed Cincinnati. Richie and I had a great time there. We enjoyed the people on the team and their families and had a good time with them off the field as well. We also enjoyed King's Island etc. Anytime we go somewhere new, we try and make the best of it and try to explore the city and all it has to offer. Any time you go somewhere new it is always an adjustment no matter where it is, but we had fun there.

Obviously you can't know for sure, but in your opinion, will Rich be back with the Reds next year?
I am not sure, to be honest with you, what will happen next year. There has been some talk about the Reds picking up Rich's option for next year, but this is not definite. It is a mutual option, which means both the Reds and Rich have to agree. He just wants to play every day, so hopefully that opportunity will be available to him. We'll see what happens!

Finding My Way by Raquel Aurilia
Shea Records
http://www.raquelaurilia.com/
When I reviewed the single of The Need that I picked up at Great American Ball Park in exchange for a donation to the Red Cross, I promised a review of the full album “in the coming weeks.”

It's been four weeks. The leaves are turning on the trees and the geese are heading south. The Reds' season has been over for, let's face it, a long time, and it's a very real possibility that in a matter of days, the Reds-connection to this album could be severed.

At least I didn't promise it “in the coming days.”

In my defense, though, the reason for the delay was because I had so much in-depth research to do. Research that included such important tasks as:

• Identifying the singers in the pretend band Trip Cyclone. (This turned out to be a dead end, but I do recommend playing Harvest of Souls if you're into that kind of thing.)
• Renting the movie Sweet November and fast-forwarding/rewinding through it three times in the desperate pursuit of a scene featuring a “cute cashier.”
• Trying to write intelligent and clever interview questions for Ms. Aurilia, who graciously agreed to answer them even as she packed up all her stuff to move.

You'll see how all that worked out when I post the entire interview in the coming days. Or, when I post it again at the beginning of next season. Hopefully there will still be a Reds connection then. Hey, shut up: I hope there will be.

In the meantime, I'd best get down to the long-awaited review.

Finding My Way is a very clean, well-produced album that offers a lot to like in almost its every aspect. Raquel's voice is interesting and unusual, but in a good way, as is her sense of rhythm and phrasing. Her vocal versatility is even more impressive than the photos from her CD launch party, and that's saying something, since Paula Benard of General Hopsital fame appears in one of them.

Raquel describes Finding My Way as having “different styles of music with each song,” including R&B, rock, pop, and A/C. Indeed, this album does contain a striking amount of variety. Each time you listen to it, you're likely to notice some different surprising harmony or understand some new interpretation of the lyrics. It's a professional, sophisticated piece of work.

The tracks on Finding My Way include two remakes that you'll certainly recognize: the activist rally hymn “For What It's Worth” made famous by Buffalo Springfield, and the family classic “Dream Weaver” made famous by, as I recall, Wayne's World. While the remakes are probably my least favorite tracks, Raquel was intelligent to select such likeable songs to cover. Party on.

The other tracks on the album are originals selected for their “feel” and “great lyrics.” Though Raquel did not write the tracks on Finding My Way, she worked together with her producer, Tony Papa (you may recognize his name in association with Survivor, James Brown, and, most importantly, “Weird Al” Yankovic) to select songs that she admired and related to.

Personally, I thought the song selection was excellent. My favorite track, “Where Was I,” tells the story of lost love. But instead of indulging in self-pity, this story's narrator regrets that her own neglect was the cause of the break-up. That's pretty unusual to begin with, but to have that story told by a woman well, I just can't think of another time that I've heard a woman sing that tune. Though, admittedly, that was not part of my in-depth research.

Raquel says that her future albums may contain songs she writes herself. I think they could be pretty good, assuming that a woman as beautiful and talented as Raquel has had enough suffering in her lifetime from which to draw her art. She did tell me that she had a failed high school romance once, so we have that to look forward to.

The songs on Finding My Way touch on a variety of topics, some of them kinda dark. Treacherous friends, cheating lovers, and addictive personalities all make an appearance, but the bummer themes are set off with an over-arching message that things will get better. Certainly a message of relevance to Reds fans everywhere.

So, if you could use a ray of hope in your dreary existence, Finding My Way might just be what you're looking for. Check it out on Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and Target.com. Or, if you're going to be in Arizona anyway, why not check out the real deal in person? Raquel will be performing in the coming months at a bar called “The Mint” on October 14, and opening for B.B. King at the Dodge Theatre on December 29.