Last night, I attended the Round Rock Express’ penultimate game of the 2008 regular season, a turgid, 2-1, 12 inning loss to the Albuquerque Isotopes.  Though I ordinarily require no excuse to drive to Williamson County —- watching Ray King in tight trousers is its own reward — I had previously purchased a ticket with a specific journalistic mission in mind.

Several weeks ago, I mentioned to a trusted colleague that Paulie Go Nuts had recently signed a minor league pact with the Florida Marlins.  After a cursory glance at the Express schedule revealed the Marlins’ PCL affiliate would be traveling tantalizing close to my Austin home, it seemed downright unfair, if not absolutely cowardly, not to allow Mr. Lo Duca a chance to directly address the CSTB readership. Perhaps over lunch or dinner.

Despite my dogged attempts to arrange a sitdown with Captain Red Ass, the former Mets backstop was promoted to the parent club, thus ruining what might’ve been the most impressive meeting of the minds since “My Breakfast With Blassie”. I am hopeful Boogie Shoes and I might break bread next season, though I’m concerned my carefully researched questions might not be as timely.

a) Any hot tips for the Breeders’ Cup?

b) Desert Island Disc Time!  Bee Gees or Frank Stallone?

c) if things don’t work out with the lovely Rietsa Lelekakis, would you consider giving another talented artist a shot?

To be perfectly honest, it’s totally OK this interview didn’t happen. For one thing, I doubt I’d have gotten past the first question. For another, the Italian food is pretty lousy in this part of the country and I don’t wanna be a poor host.