[NYY #23]

For the first time in my life it's the day Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training, and I could care less. Today's the day of my father's funeral, after a relatively short battle with illness. Baseball and the world was losing a great man, and I was losing a mentor, a friend, and a parent.

And despite my father's wishes to see me get back in the game I just didn't have the energy. After finding out my father was sick I turned down both the Rangers and the Rays. I needed to be close to my father back in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers treated me very well the past seven years, and when they found out about my father they wanted me to know I was still part of their family. While I could pick right back up where I left off as General Manager I took on an advisor role, began a search for my replacement, and brought closer Thomas Harris to Los Angeles while hammering out an extension for Chris Moss.

I did my job, advised and made my recommendations, but my attention was divided. I didn't see the need for signing another closer to a big contract, but the Dodgers signed John Stewart, and I advocated for trading Ron James to bring aboard Joe Pollard as our new starting catcher. But one of the biggest changes came in the winter meetings, when the trading of draft picks was approved.

That was the last bit of baseball I got to talk with my Dad about. My father was strongly against the idea, but the Dodgers shipped out a pair of draft picks to bring aboard second baseman Wilson Larsen. The Dodgers are officially in "win-now" mode.

But it's hard to think about winning with everything going on. I tried to give my notice to the Dodgers after my father passed away, but they still want me around, even if I need to take some time off.