I've never been sucked into a tornado, caught in a hurricane, or even swallowed by a tidal wave. But I imagine the sensations can't be much different from those I've felt since New Year's Day.

I never aspired to blog for Baseball Toaster, nor did I ever imagine I'd be approached by Derek Smart to do just that. You see, I was content to live out my online existence in relative anonymity at Cubbiepalooza, with a small and loyal group of readers—nothing more, nothing less.

Then, on a warm New Year's Day in Chicagoland, a little e-mail arrived in my inbox, with a startling proposition from Mr. Smart: Join Cub Town.

"And abandon my home of nearly two years?" I thought. "Hours upon hours of time lovingly poured into every little pixel that makes up my very own website—should I throw it all away?"

Those thoughts lingered for no less than 3.14 seconds, for as Derek himself said so eloquently when he first moved to a new online home, "I'd have to be slack-jawed and simple to not say yes."

The prospect of joining one of the most respected and intelligent blogging communities around made the decision simple, and here I am. At the Toaster. With Derek Smart. And Jon Weisman. And Alex Belth …

…

You'll have to forgive me if I happen to space out like that during these first few weeks, or months, or forever. I'm still a bit (okay, very) shocked and excited about this all, which has happened so very quickly, thanks largely to both Derek and Ken Arneson.

So, you ask, what exactly should I expect of this new guy? Well, as Cubbiepalooza readers already know, I enjoy writing an occasional satirical piece. Readers of The Heckler have seen such work published there as well. But if you really want to know what to expect of me, check out my old site. I'm not going to be doing anything different, just doing it in a new place.

Boy, what a way to toast the New Year.