Last night was our appearance at Last Licks Manhattan with the Yankees top prospect Austin Jackson. Going into yesterday I really did not know much about him other than his name has come up in numerous trade rumours. After doing a little research it is easy to see that he is the heir-apparent to roam center field at the Yankee Stadium. He has been raking in the minors for a while and, chances are, will be a September call up for the floundering Yankees. Obviously there is a definite buzz around the kid...that was abundantly clear after last night's appearance. There was nice crowd on hand to get a glimpse and an autograph from the future star (it was actually a larger line than we have had for some of the Yankees major league talent at signings). After the public part concluded Austin signed some great pieces in private including MLB balls, a handful of MLB balls with inscriptions, bats and some Yankee caps. This guy is a must have for any Yankees collector and I would pick up an item (or two or three) now while he is in somewhat obscurity and is reasonably priced.
...plus the guy is a Lakers fan. We commiserated for much of the signing over the embarrassment of the Finals but ended on a positive note talking about the possibilities for next season (with Bynum back and Gasol at the 4, Odom at the 3...should be just fine and poised to rule the West again).
Tomorrow I will be at Jones Beach for the Ratdog/Allman Brothers show so if anyone is going hit me up...haven't seen the Bros' in quite some time with the March run getting cancelled so I am as excited as ever to catch Gregg and Warren (not to mention Bobby's band which has been on fire as of late!). Then on Saturday we have another strong Yankees appearance at Last Licks NYC...Darrell Rasner will be appearing at Last Licks NYC following the afternoon game versus the Royals.
Hope to see you there!