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With Carlos Delgado out (thank heavens for small miracles), there's a 3-way battle going on right now to see who will start at 1B for the Mets on opening day.  Competing for the position are Daniel Murphy who actually led the team in home runs last year which isn't exactly a badge of honor, Mike Jacobs and Ike-mother-f-ing-Davis.  Jacobs is a former Met who has some pop in his bat and has played a decent 1B so far this spring.  Unfortunately all that makes him is a C+ defensive player with a career .254 average.  Murphy has been highly touted as the next big thing.  He batted .266 last year and hit 12 home runs which is not exactly anything to rave about.

Now we come to Ike Davis.  He's 12 for 24 so far this spring (that's a .500 average for those of you keeping score at home) with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs.  He's young and probably not ready for the majors but considering the alternatives, I hope the Mets are seriously considering bringing him up to the big club.  If Murphy or Jacobs are hitting .233 after 20 - 30 at bats to start the season then what harm is there in giving this kid a chance?  I'm tired of watching the crap they've put on the field in the last 2 years (injuries not withstanding) and the fans need something to cheer about.  If Davis flops then oh well we're back where we started.  Of course I probably said the same thing about Lastings Milledge and we know how that turned out.

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.  (I'm changing the subject BTW)  We've always heard this and I've had a few health experts reinforce it for me lately.  There's some science out there that indicates people who eat a good size breakfast have better success losing weight then those who don't.  So with a busy day ahead of us today I decided to make us a solid meal to kick things off.  This is a deceptively healthy breakfast and only comes out to about 3 - 4 Weight Watchers points.

Hash Browns & Eggs ala Chappy

Ingredients:

• 4 small to medium red potatoes, skin on and grated
• 2 cups Egg Beaters or similar egg substitute
• 1/4 reduced fat shredded cheddar made with 2% milk
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Cooking spray (canola)
• 2 tbsp. fat free Italian dressing
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth
• Salt, pepper or whatever seasonings you prefer

Once you have the potatoes grated, put them in a medium sauce pan and cover with water.  Bring to a boil and let them roll for about 3 - 5 minutes.  Drain the potatoes and then pop them in a salad spinner to get the liquid out.  If you don't have a salad spinner then you should buy one.  They're cheap and quite useful.  I thank my mother-in-law for buying me one every time I use it.  Alternatively you can press the hell out of the potatoes with some paper towels in a strainer if you lack the awesomeness of a salad spinner.

Spray a large skillet with a couple pops of the canola spray and set on medium-high heat.  Add the diced onions and let them cook for about 2 minutes.  Add the potatoes and keep them moving for about 5 minutes.  Now's a good time to add your seasonings.  Because I'm cooking for the kids as well I keep it tame with a little fresh ground pepper, garlic powder and Lawry's Seasoned Salt.  Otherwise I would also probably include some Frank's Red Hot, crushed red pepper and a little cayenne pepper.

Add the broth and Italian dressing, stir to coat.  Continue cooking for 7 - 10 minutes making sure that those babies get nice and golden brown.  Meanwhile (said in narrator's voice from the Super Friends cartoon) spray a separate skillet and set on medium heat.  Add the Egg Beaters, cheese and scramble.  Now you've got a pretty sweet little breakfast set up for yourself.  I go with a little V8 to compliment breakfast and were it a special occasion we might even have some bloodies but that's not exactly healthy.

So the nice weather continues although this upcoming week looks to be a little chilly.  Even still, spring officially started yesterday and it feels pretty good.  I went out to Bristol (Mum City USA) yesterday to see the Dubs and help hook up their wireless router.  Dub works in IT yet somehow he's like a fish out of water when it comes to anything technical.  Regardless it was good to see them and get out of the house.  I came home and the kids were outside with Abby getting set try riding her bike.  She hasn't quite mastered the pedaling concept but she's getting close.

Also, I really love the lobster shirt but who dresses this kid?  What the hell kind of shorts are those?  Fortunately for him, Wyatt has a full dose of the losh charm so he does well regardless of what his mother dresses him in.

Finally I'd like to close this blog with a comment or two on the latest twist in the Tiger Woods saga.  Personally I have never cared for Woods.  He's always seemed like an arrogant prick with the personality of a dry turd.  I haven't been too interested in this whole sordid situation with the affairs etc. other than for the humor that's come out of it.  This week, Jocylyn James (porn star, she has a given name but I think once you assume a porn name that's p. much it) published around 120 text messages that Woods allegedly sent her.  Ok, you have my attention.  If you haven't read these yet then you're missing out on some classic material.  Here's a link to the site she created which is not safe for work.  Read the texts she posted there and then check out this article on SomethingAwful.com with her "responses" added in.  Very funny stuff.