“After games, I go home and watch Venezuelan soap operas. Before I’d watch ‘Baseball Tonight.’ Now I can’t watch it anymore.”
–Guillen, on not being able to watch baseball highlights down the stretch (MLB.com).
Sunday was one of the best days in my life, as far as baseball goes. I was at the final regular season game at Busch Stadium, and did they go out in style. Everyone in attendance received a certificate to show they were there (which people were offering to buy after the game). Everyone wanted to buy memorabilia from the event (scorecards, programs, special final game products, etc). The Cardinals took batting practice second (which is something I have never seen) and we just having a good time. Tony Larussa and Jose Oquendo even grabbed bats to take a few cuts. The game was pretty good as well. After Matt Morris gave up 3 consecutive home runs and the lead, the Cardinals came alive. The following inning, the Cards used small ball to knock in a few runs (5 consecutive singles resulting in 3 runs). The next inning the Birds flashed the lumber, as Reggie Sanders and Chris Duncan hit back-to-back homers (Duncan’s first career shot). The Cardinals won the game 7-5. After the game, the organization brought back number players who played in the 40-year history of the stadium, ranging from big names like Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, and Whitey Herzog to small name, crowd favorites, like Tom Pagnozzi, Joe Magrane, and Willie McGee. The current Cardinals came on the field to join the former players for a snapshot in front of the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales. The celebration came to an end with a fireworks show. The event was incredible. I also got a chance to speak with Jason Isringhausen while getting his autograph and a film canister full of the warning track.
The Rumors
The Mets are already planning on discussing Manny Ramirez with the Red Sox and talking to Billy Wagner’s agent…While the Cubs are relying on Kerry Wood to return to form, they are searching for another starter; name on their list include Kevin Millwood, AJ Burnett, and Matt Morris…Nomar Garciaparra has said he would do whatever it takes to stay with the Cubs, including playing left field…The Cubs have said the Felix Pie may be the starting centerfielder next season, meaning Corey Patterson will be available…The Giants may attempt to make a trade for a first baseman and starter; they are looking at Lyle Overbay and Brad Wilkerson at first, and Vicente Padilla, Brett Myers, Bronson Arroyo, Ted Lilly, Kyle Lohse, and Jason Marquis…BJ Ryan has told the media that he wants to be on a winning team, even if it means not being a closer…The Phillies will be trying to see if there is any interest in Jim Thome this off season.
Manager Hot Seats: The A’s have begun preliminary talks with manager Ken Macha about a new contract; he is official a free agent…Alan Tramell has been fired; even with the support of his players, the team is moving in a different direction…Jack McKeon has announce he won’t be back with the Marlins next year.
The Week that Will Be:
San Diego Padres Vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1 – St. Louis, Tuesday @ 1:00 on ESPN
Game 2 – St. Louis, Thursday @ 4:00 on ESPN2
Game 3 – San Diego, Saturday @ 1:00 on TBD
Game 4 – San Diego, Sunday @ 1:00 on TBD*
Game 5 – St. Louis, Monday @ 1:00 on TBD*
(* If necessary)
St. Louis has to be the favorite in the series, since San Diego was only 2 games above .500 this season. San Diego has a tough pitcher in Jake Peavy, but are thin after that. The bats are also thin, with aging veteran Brian Giles and Ryan Klesko leading the way. The Cardinals need to be worried about their pitching. The starters have looked tired for the last few weeks. They are also worried about reliever Al Reyes, who left Sunday’s game with an elbow strain. Reyes (not to be confused with prospect Anthony Reyes) has been the most consistent person out of the Cardinals pen.
Results – Cardinals in 4.
Houston Astros Vs. Atlanta Braves
Game 1 – Atlanta, Wednesday @ 4:00 on ESPN
Game 2 – Atlanta, Thursday @ 8:00 on Fox
Game 3 – Houston, Saturday @ TBD on TBD
Game 4 – Houston, Sunday @ TBD on TBD*
Game 5 – Atlanta, Monday @ TBD on TBD*
As good as the Braves have looked this year, they are a green team. Houston’s playoff experience will be the edge here; they have most of their team from last year returning, plus Andy Pettitte. The one question will be who will be the sparkplug that Carlos Beltran was last year?
Results – Astros in 5.
Boston Red Sox Vs. Chicago White Sox
Game 1 – Chicago, Tuesday @ 4:00 on ESPN
Game 2 – Chicago, Wednesday @ 7:00 on ESPN
Game 3 – Boston, Friday @ 4:00 on ESPN2
Game 4 – Boston, Saturday @ TBD on TBD*
Game 5 – Chicago, Sunday @ TBD on TBD*
Both teams have not looked as good as they are in the last few weeks. Boston has the advantage in hitting, but the White Sox pitching has been so much better this year. Good pitching will always beat good hitting.
Results – White Sox in 5.
New York Yankees Vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Game 1 – Los Angeles, Tuesday @ 8:00 on Fox
Game 2 – Los Angeles, Wednesday @ 10:00 on ESPN
Game 3 – New York, Friday @ 8:00 on ESPN
Game 4 – New York, Saturday @ TBD on TBD*
Game 5 – Los Angeles, Sunday @ TBD on TBD*
The Yankees are not the Yankees of the past. The have a weak line up, and the pitching is patchwork at best. The Angels have a player to match A-Rod (Vlad Guerrero), better pitching, and just as dominant closer as the Yankees.
Results – Angels in 4.
Links
RotoChamps can take care of all your fantasy needs if they ever start to update it.
Phillip looks at the NBA western conference.
Todd talks about a little bit of everything.
Oli has 5 ways to fix soccer.
Patrick gives Cub fans hope.
Slayer covers college football…
while Nick handles the pros. Also look for his Monday Morning Pancakes today.
The Forums
E-mail or post questions, trade scenarios, and comments. Thanks.
