Watchdog

Sure, I would like to ditch this job and paint watercolors of ocean birds full time.

But how can I?

Every time I write a column or blog post, some wise guy or gal tells me how boring or hackneyed or just plain wrong it is.

So, yeah, I’m staying, because the smartest way to make major career decisions is to figure out how best to prove critics you consider "idiots’’ wrong.

Brian Cashman put it best in an interview with XM Satellite Radio explaining his re-signing with Yankees in the wake of newspaper critiques of his work:

“I’m not going to let some of these lazy ones [writers] that aren’t good at what they do depict something different. So I’m staying and I’m going to change the story in the end and that’s why I’m here.’’

But seriously, folks, it was honest of Cashman to admit his media image matters to him.

Not only that, he admitted last week media relations matter in general, an assertion I get slammed for by readers every time I make it in the paper or blog.

Both Cashman and Joe Girardi said the first-year manager has work to do in improving how he works with journalists.

And, come to think of it, Mets GM Omar Minaya admitted one factor in wanting Jerry Manuel back was his touch with the media, something Willie Randolph lacked.

And, come to think of it, didn’t the coach of the defending Super Bowl champions decide last year getting along better with reporters would be better for both him and his team?

(UPDATE: Almost forgot. The Knicks hired a new top hoops honcho who demanded as part of the deal that he get to revise the team's media policy!)

OK, I’m done now. Have a nice evening.

I need some time to reflect on the meaning of life and of my 401K.

Memo to self: Ask daughters how they would feel about being home-schooled for college.