Spring is in the air! No more winter jackets, no more warming up the car, and no more being cold. As one of your KKCO weather people, I can’t guarantee it’ll stay this way, but we can hope. It’s a great time of year and not just because of the weather (although I am very happy about the warm up), but also because of spring sports. We’re in the heart of March Madness and baseball season is almost here.

I just returned from my first March Madness trip to Las Vegas. And you know what? It truly was madness. It’s amazing how much more you pay attention to the games when you have lots of money on the line. And by “lots of money,” I mean ten dollars. That was my max bet. . . big risk taker. It was fun to see how people got into the games and how much money some people are willing to gamble.

Around the KKCO office, March Madness is a big topic. Brackets are posted all over the newsroom and there are daily discussions about which teams are going to win. We all have a good time making sure that those who are losing are made aware of just how bad they are doing. I’m not naming names, but Aaron Luna comes to mind. Aside from the NCAA basketball brackets, many of us are in fantasy baseball leagues. This is my first time and it’s been great fun so far. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

The majority of people at KKCO are from all over the country and are, as we call ourselves, “The Orphans.” We don’t have family in the Grand Valley and it can be difficult to get to know people when you work odd hours. The brackets and leagues (we even have a fantasy NASCAR league – now, that’s interesting) have been a great way to get to know each other. You find out who the risk taker is, who plays it safe, who knows what they are talking about, and who is pretending to know what they’re talking about.

Our worthy reporter, Joe Gagnon, ordered the world’s largest baseball book, which breaks down each player in the league. Joe swore that it’s been his key to a successful draft. As far as pitching goes, he may have us all beat. But he does keep asking for my outfielders, so we’ll have to wait and see how he does. Joe and I talk everyday about our players. He tells me how Francisco Liriano is doing and I brag to him that my outfield is the best. Which it is. As is most of my infield, although I have no third baseman.

I have gotten to know Joe, as well as the sports guys, reporters, and sales people on a different level, now that we have teams to compare. Once baseball season starts, it will be fun to see how everyone’s teams pan out and how quickly the trash talking escalates. Joe has Manny Ramirez; you bet we’ve all heard how great his first two games have been. That’s the fun of these things: the joking, the trash talking, and the inevitable acknowledgment that someone else has chosen better than you. (Or not – remember that outfield of mine?)

On a side note - Sam, you cannot have Jose Reyes for Miguel Cabrera. You can’t take my short stop and give me one in return. I will only trade if you give me Cabrera and your SS. The deal is out there. Sorry Joe, you’re not getting Corey Hart, either.

Readers, I look forward to “talking” with you!

- Lauren