On the Sunny Side of the Street

One of the great Swing Era songs, written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields (they also wrote "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby") at a time (1930) when people needed a bit of cheering up. It's been covered by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland and Billie Holiday --

Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the doorstep
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street

Can't you hear the pitter-pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be complete
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But I'm not afraid...this rover's crossed over
If I never had a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with them blues on parade
Now I'm not afraid... this rover has crossed over
Now if I never made one cent
I' ll still be rich as Rockefeller
There will be goldust at my feet
On the sunny
On the sunny, sunny side of the street

I just posted this as the Giants lost their 6th straight, 4-3. Singing this 76-year-old song to myself, I do feel better. And I'm still blaming Armando Benitez. I would contend that the two blown saves -- plus his subsequent childish outbursts -- have helped demoralize this team. But if you look hard enough, there's good news. There's a reason to be happy: the Giants aren't going to be on hook for paying Blownitez $1.2 million for winning the Rolaids Reliever of the Year award this year. Here's what his Fatness's current contract looks like, according to Cot's Contracts Page:

Armando Benitez 3 years/$21M (2005-07)
$7.4M signing bonus ($1.6M in 05, $2.6M in 06, $1.6M in 08, $1.6M in 09)
05:$2.5M, 06:$4M, 07:$7.6M
signed as a free agent 11/04
$1.2M incentive for Rolaids award, $25,000 All Star incentive