12/12/12

12/12/12 numerology the last time for another century

Cy Award

Best At What They Do Worst

New York Mets (74-88)
Toronto Blue Jays (73-89)
Kansas City Royals (72-90)
Miami Marlins and Boston Red Sox (69-93)
Cleveland Indians (68-94)
Minnesota Twins (66-96)
Colorado Rockies (64-98)
Chicago Cubs (61-101)
Houston Astros (55-107) Fifty-one seasons in the National League comes to a conclusion with second consecutive 100+ loss season.

Not Good Enough for 2nd Wild Card

When the world comes to an end all that will be left alive will be cockroaches and cardinals. The St. Louis Cardinals survived over the Braves with help of an infield fly and overcame a 6-0 Game 5 deficit in Washington. They will face the Giants who were down 0-2 and traveling to Cincy for three games. Welcome to the 2012 playoffs!?! LaRussa and Pujols, overratted? Tim Lincecum, middle reliever? In the AL, the Rangers season came to an abrupt end. All five LDS series went five games. The Orioles out un-hit the Yankees and joined the A's on the sidelines watching the Yanks-Tigers in the ALCS. Yanks got vintage CC not the "Fat Elvis" variety they had grown used to since mid-2011. The last three World Champs are still alive so naturally I'll be pulling for Prince Fielder and the Detroit Tigers. As for the ten best non-playoff teams of 2012, here goes...
Tampa Bay Rays (90-72) Teams are beginning to emulate their thrifty roster building style. However, too much pitching and not enough hitting is still not good enough for a playoff berth. Too much missed time for Evan Longoria (just 273 PA's). David Price has a strong shot at Cy Young (20-5, 2.56 ERA) but closer Fernando Rodney had the lowest ERA (0.60) for a pitcher with 50 IP minimum. Loaded with arms, likely to contend again in 2013. MVP- Price.
LA Angels (89-73) If Mike Trout had started in April, he'd probably be the MVP and the Angels wouldv'e made the playoffs. Trout's astronomical numbers (129 runs, 30 HRs, 49 SBs, and unbelievable catches) have many calling for him to be AL MVP. Is Albert Pujols still on this team? MVP-Trout.
LA Dodgers (86-76) Don Mattingly remains ringless, but Josh Beckett has to be easier to deal with than the McCourts. With A-Rod being benched in AL playoffs, I can't help but think he'll end up with Magic's Dodgers. MVP- Clayton Kershaw (14-9, 229 K's, 2.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP)
Chicago White Sox (85-77) Will Robin Ventura and Mike Matheny spark a new managerial trend? Recently retired players with little manager experience at the helm. Chisox led ALCS most of the season behind rebound years by Adam Dunn and Alex Rios. Phillip Humber tossed a perfect game in April and was in the pen by September. Ahh those fickle baseball gods. Youkilis followed Carlton Fisk in changing from Red to White Sox. Paul Konerko, Hall of Famer? MVP- Alex Rios (.304, 25 HRs, 23 SBs)
Milwaukee Brewers (83-79) Ryan Braun avoided 50 game suspension and produced even better season (.319, 41 HRs, 112 RBI, 30 SBs), but Brew Crew didn't get on-track until late August. After trading away Zach Greinke the Brewers went on a 25-7 tear to pull within games of second wild card. Teams will seriously consider trade deadline from this point on as second WC is closer than  most thought. Whatever happened to Tony Plush? MVP- Braun.
Philadelphia Phillies (81-81) Injuries to Roy Halladay, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard derail playoff hopes early. Trades of Joe Blanton, Hunter Pence, and Shane Victorino signal white flag way too early. Juan Pierre slaps 121 more hits, and Cliff Lee takes forever to get first win. Carlos Ruiz bats .325, but J-Roll drops to .250. MVP- Cole Hamels (17-6, 1.12 WHIP, 216 K's)
Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81) Did I even watch an inning of the D'backs play this season? I couldn't tell you anything off the top of my head and I'm too tired to look it up. MVP- Not Justin Upton like I thought it would be.
Pittsburgh Pirates (79-83) 20th consecutive losing streak becomes a reality in putrid final weeks. Andrew McCutchen emerges as a true star (.327, 31 HRs, 20 SBs) and AJ Burnett wins 16 games. MVP-McCutch
San Diego Padres (76-86) Okay I looked it up...we'll say Wade Miley was the D'backs MVP at 16-10. I did know that the Pads Chase Headley had a monster season. He was the NL player of the month in August and September as San Diego battled to respectability. MVP- Headley (64 XBH, 115 RBI)
Seattle Mariners (75-87) A`part of two no-hitters and one perfect game in the same season. One no-hitter by committee and perfecto by King Felix. Personally, Ackley and Montero killed me in Fantasy, but at least I knew not to take Chone Figgins (.181) MVP- Felix Hernandez (13-9, 1.14 WHIP, 223 K's)

Moneyball 2: First Place for a Day

When the Washington Nationals rolled into Citifield on Opening Week, many people thought it was a team on the rise. I figured at least playoff contention for one of the two Wild Card spots that were now available. I told my nephews if they want to root for a team that will be good to them until college go with the Nats. The season went even better than any prognosticator planned...98 wins later and the NL East Crown resting on the caps of the nation's capital. Here are the playoff team listed in order of wins and losses with last post season appearance in parentheses.
98-64 Washington Nationals (NL EAST champs, 1981)- D.C.'s first playoff appearance since 1933. The former Montreal Expos controversially shut down Stephen Strasburg, but we have enough arms to do some post season damage. A quarter century after manager Davey Johnson managed teenage phenom Doc Gooden, he gets a chance for act II with Bryce Harper (22 Hrs/18 SBs). Adam LaRoche paces the offense with 33 Hrs/100 RBI, Ryan Zimmerman (25) and Ian Desmond (25) round out the 20+ homer club. Team MVP- Gio Gonzalez (21-8, 2.89 ERA)
97-65 Cincinnati Reds (NL WEST champs,2010)- Dusty Baker's Red Machine played even better without Joey Votto who missed over 50 games. The acquisition of Mat Latos, the emergence of Johnny Cueto, the no-hitter of Homer Bailey, and the reliability of Bronson Arroyo prove this will be a team to contend with especially with the Nasty Boys 2.0 at the end of the game. Team MVP- Aroldis Chapman (38 SVs, 15.3 K/9)
95-67 New York Yankees (AL EAST champs, 2011)-Only two regulars under 30, Cano and Russell Martin, and they are both 29. Here's hoping this team finally gets old. Yankee haters across the nation hope No Mo in the playoffs finally catches up to them. Team MVP-Derek Jeter (38 years old, 216 hits)
94-68 San Francisco Giants (NL WEST champs, 2010)- Melky Cabrera (.346) led the league in hitting until he didn't. Buster Posey (.336, 24 HRs, 103 RBI) will surely pick up Comeback Player of the Year and most likely win NL MVP. The Melk Man delivered the home field advantage to the NL, but Tim Lincecum will have to get off the roller coaster in order to return the team to the playoffs. Matt Cain (perfect game) is clearly the ace of the Giants staff. Team MVP- Posey
94-68 Oakland Athletics (AL WEST champs, 2006)- GM Billy Beane who looked like he was decimating roster in order to move team to San Jose was just hoarding arms. Rookie starters accounted for 50 wins. The A's who trailed the Rangers by 13 games on June 30th, swept Texas on the final weekend to land themselves in first place on the only day that mattered. Red Sox castoff Josh Reddick added a nice boost to offense. Team MVP- Yoenis Cespedes (.292, 23 HRs, 82 RBI)
94-68 Atlanta Braves (NL Wild Card, 2010)- You just knew that Kris Medlen's streak of 20+ starts with Braves winning was coming to an end in the playoffs. Chipper Jones exited in a classy fashin by refusing to make the last out. The switch-hitting great batted .287 as the Braves completed last seasons unfinished business by making it back to the playoffs. It's too bad Chipper didn't have closer Craig Kimbrel as a teammate on those 90s Braves otherwise he'd retire with more than one ring. Team MVP- Kimbrel (42 saves, 16.7 K/9)
93-69 Texas Rangers (AL Wild Card, 2011) What will fans remember most about Josh Hamilton's 2012 season? His four home run game or his misplayed fly ball that most likely cost the Rangers the AL West. Adrian Beltre (36 HRs, 102 RBI) had another monster season away from Fenway, and Michael Young reached career hit 2230. Yu Darvish went 15-9, but Neftali Feliz only started seven games. Team MVP- Josh Hamilton (43 HRs, 128 RBI, .930 OPS)
93-69 Baltimore Orioles (AL Wild Card, 1997)- Buck Showalter knows rebuilding. A team that people continue to discount despite improbable extra innings win streak (16.) No regular batted over .300 and no batter reached 100 RBI. However, Chris Davis (33) and Adam Jones (32) powered the team to 214 homers. Matt Wieters led a team that used 12 starting pitchers. The true stars of the team...the bullpen. Team MVP- Jim Johnson (51 saves)
88-74 Detroit Tigers (AL Central, 2011)- Prince Fielder knows MVPs. He batted behind Ryan Braun last year and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera this year. Cabrera earned the first Triple Crown since Yaz in '67 by producing a .season for the ages (330, 44 HRs, 139 RBI.)   Last seasons MVP/ CY Young winner Justin Verlander went 17-8 with 6 CGs and 239 strikeouts. This team has two stud hitters, an ace, and a reliable closer. Now that they are past the scrappy White Sox they could do some serious damage in the playoffs. Team MVP- Cabrera
88-74 St. Louis Cardinals (NL Wild Card, 2011) No Pujols, no problem. No Larussa either. Maybe those guys are overrated?! Mike Matheny guides the team to the playoffs and reaches the NLDS with help of the infield fly rule. Team MVP Kyle Lohse (16-3, 2.86 ERA)

Just a Bit Outside

The Milwaukee Brewers are just 1.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot. Last night 12 of 15 games had some kind of playoff implication. The new format is definately keeoing teams in the pennant chase much longer. Today, we met up with my parents for a street fair and a visit to the book store. Dad bought me a Spaceman Lee book last week and I started reading tonight. We are hopeful to chat with Bill for our next book. Speaking of baseball characters, Bob Uecker was mentioned in the new SI. Three of his fourteen homers came against Hall of Famers. Here is the complete list of his homers:
9/30/62 Braves vs. Pirates Diomedes Olivo
9/1/64 Cardinals vs. Braves Denny Lemaster
5/5/65 Cardinals vs. Giants Gaylord Perry
7/24/65 Cardinals vs. Dodgers Sandy Koufax
4/29/66 Phillies vs. Cubs Fergie Jenkins
4/30/66 Phillies vs. Cubs Ken Holtzman
5/30/66 Phillies vs. Mets Dave Eielers
6/3/66 Phillies vs. Giants Ray Sadecki
7/7/66 Phillies vs. Mets Rob Gardner
7/10/66 Phillies vs. Cubs Dick Ellsworth
7/16/66 Phillies vs. Giants Ray Sadecki
6/21/67 Braves vs. Giants Ron Herbal
7/23/67 Braves vs. Cardinals Hal Woodeshick
8/11/67 Braves vs. Astros Wade Blasingame

Ice Age 22

The trip to Boston and the Red Sox season didn't go as planned, but what ever does? Cyrus had more than a blast at camp and Juniper just keeps growing and growing. Shira took Cyrus to his first day of school last week and we just marvel at all the milestones they reach. Jon and I have been busy putting our 2nd Red Sox book together as we look to another post season without them. However, you've got to hand it to Bud Selig on the additon of the 2nd wild card. The surging Brewers are only 2.5 out at 75-72. The Phils even hit a highwater mark on their wretched season and are a big streak away from getting into the post season. in the AL, the Orioles just won't go away. Most kids in college don't realize how good the O's once were, but their improbable 14-game extra inning win streak is starting to make believers. As for the Yanks, they remain homer happy and high paid; yet they have the same record as the lowest salaried team in all of baseball the Oakland A's at 84-63...Moneyball 2.0 anyone?!?

How the Red Sox Explain New England

I Can Use This At Camp

Camp has been on Cyrus' mind as Juniper hits the six month mark. Can't believe our daughter is half a year old?!? As for Cyrus, yesterday he asked if we can go swimming at camp and he then proceeded to "swim" on the kitchen floor. Today I bought him a mitt and the first words out of his mouth with a huge smile and mitt on were, "I can play with this at camp". I won't forget that big grin on his face anytime soon.

The Future Is Now

"First in War, First in Peace, First in the NL East" That's what SI declared this week. As I write this Bryce Harper just grounded out to the pitcher in his MLB debut with Stephen Strasburg on the mound. I recently told my nephews to become Washington National fans because they will be solid the next decade. Most think they are a year ahead of schedule with their first place squad. It's still early but they've got some nasty pitching, as they near 10th anniversary they are building something special.

Sox Perfect, Sox Imperfect

Cyrus watched his first perfect game ever! Chisox Phillip Humber pitched the 21st Perfect game in MLB history (and 7th no-no by an ex-Met). While it was the fourth one to take place in Cyrus' lifetime, it's the first one he caught any of the action. As the game turned to the action in Seattle, the Bosox had a 9-0 lead over the Yanks. However the final score of that one was 15-9 as the Bombers went for two touchdowns to leave the Bosox at "rock bottom". In other pitcher related news...49-year old Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher to ever win a game, and Brewers prospect Wily Peralta just began his career. Bartolo Colon threw 38 consecutive strikes while Roy Halladay walked three batters in a row for the first time in his career.

Over-40 League

Well I'm officially old enough to play in the Over-40 softball league and I celebrated by not making it down to NY for our season opener. It was raining all day and Rit reassured me that we had enough players. Looking forward to playing in nicer and clearer weather with Cyrus there to watch. Last Friday we had our book signing at Bobby V's! Despite Bosox loss (and continued losing streak) it was great to speak to some members of Red Sox Nation about our book. There was a family who came to celebrate a birthday and we were thrilled to see that those who came saw our article in the CT newspapers!

Juniper Stadium #1

This afternoon we took Juniper to her first game, Cyrus was slightly more excited. We only stayed a little more than four innings, but we stuck around long enough to see a WOW curveball from Stephen Strasburg. A few seasons ago we missed out on a Lincecum-Pedro matchup in Philly, but we got a vintage Johan-Strasburg match up for Juniper's first game. She mostly slept in Shira's arms while Cyrus was busy holding court to anyone who would listen. He had a couple of restroom fake outs. This was my first game as a publsihed author and Cyrus' first game as a potty trained big boy. Shira is proud of both of us! I wore my old mesh Expos hat and Cyrus wore his brand new Toronto Blue Jays hat. I saw about four other Expos hats as the Mets played the Ex-Expos AKA Washington Nationals. The Nats improved to 4-2 with a 4-0 victory.

Five Months!

Not blogging as often as I thought especially with release of book. Today Juniper reached the five month mark. She is our beautiful, smiling little girl. Cyrus continues to amaze us with his vocabulary and budding sense of humor. Tomorrow is opening day and our tenth trip to the finals. Some Boston trips will take place post-Spring break and we are gearing up for Cyrus' first EWD summer!

Book Signing #1

Family, friends, and loved ones supported Jon, Rit, and I this past Saturday at Barnes and Noble for our first book signing. What a thrill! There is still a sense of surreality to it all, as Mike said, "Anyone can be a blogger, but you are a published author." It was great to see everyone and sign books. Shira snapped some amazing pics while taking care of Cyrus and Juniper. In the midst of all of this we are trying to get another book deal and Rich and Jon have more work soon to be released. I personally can't wait to take Cyrus to more ballgames. Last but not least, our article appeared in CT newspapers. Hopefully, some more press will follow.

It's Only Life

A book on sale and a baby daughter. Thank you Shira, Cyrus, Rit, Jon, Mom, & Dad. Angela sent a really cool e-mail to all the staff and it was well received. I was interviewed by the Stamford Advocate and it'll be in Sunday Edition. thrilling times!

The Magic of Baseball

Allie is now officially a published author!  He wrote an amazingly hilarious book with co-authors Jon Chattman and Rich Tarantino called I Love the Red Sox/I Hate the Yankees, and it’s in stores now!  Please buy this book and support Allie's fledgling writing career!  You don’t have to be a baseball fan to read it.

Cyrus opening the box of advanced copies of I Love the Red Sox/I Hate the Yankees"][/caption]

I must admit, while I’m not a very sporty person, I’ve always believed in the magic of baseball.  In springtime, we have awakened from slumber, ready to take on the world.  By the time baseball’s spring training arrives, the first buds of the season are peeking their way out (here in the northeast, anyway) as players of the game are warming up their muscles and minds for the coming weeks ahead.

Baseball, sometimes referred to as “America’s Favorite Pastime,” can be quite magical in its own way.  Unlike sports such as football or tennis, there are so many more variables involved that makeup the way each game is played, opening multiple paths to fate: anything could happen.  This is why baseball is sometimes also referred to as a “game of destiny.”

Experiencing a game in person can be exhilarating – the intermingling scents of beer and popcorn, the sound of amplified theatrics, the rumble of the crowd cheering.  The most moving component for some may be the memories evoked as a child, perhaps having attended games with a loved one so many years ago.

Fans in the grandstands may have entered the ballpark as individuals, but in the stands, they become a unit – working together as one giant organism seamlessly communicating with all its parts in cheering on their favorite team.  The energy in the grandstand builds as it ebbs and flows with the highs and lows of the game.  It is baseball’s version of the sacred circle.  Picture this – a wave of people stand up at once at one end of the stadium.  Others next to them do the same.  The wave of fans flows through the entire stadium until it reaches the other end of the grandstands.  I can’t help but think this is the macrocosm version of the very essence of an organism – cells collaborating with one another to create energy.  And that energy propels their team to victory.

"Juniper is the first to read the book!"][/caption]

Together, fans create this energy for their home team.  This is the very magic that supports teams playing on home turf.  Is it any wonder that teams almost always fare better at home than they do at an away game?  The home team has a built-in support system which creates energy, supplying mental, emotional, and dare I say, psychic strength to the players on the field.  Who can deny this?  The mystical Laurie Cabot, the “Official Witch of Salem" (who gets a shout-out in Allie’s book, by the way), dubbed so by then-Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, embodies this practice by creating spells of achievement for her home team, the Boston Red Sox.  I think all fans do this in their own way, even if they don’t remotely consider themselves witches.

Which brings me to the issue at hand: some fans are so passionate that they help create a demigod out of their home team.  And when two demigods battle, the earth shakes.  Such is the storied rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.  Not even Shakespeare’s Capulet and Montague families have taken on such passionate competition.  I urge you to read about the infamous baseball rivalry in my husband’s new book, I Love the Red Sox/I Hate the Yankees, in stores now!  Read about the magic and the mayhem, in part fueled by the ever-passionate fans.

Love,

Shira

[caption id="attachment_959" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="The ultimate flip book!"][/caption]

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Red-Sox-Hate-Yankees/dp/1600786790/ref=sr_1_35?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330753701&sr=1-35

#91 In Baseball Books!

This is the best I could do to commemorate our #91 spot in Amazon's top 100 Baseball books. I just learned that Stamford Advocate would like to hear from us and ECW Press wants to learn more about Last Expos Standing proposal.

Leap!

It's not just any other Leap Year...2012 marks the year of our book release! Today it was announced there will be an extra Wild Card team in each league improving the chances of more Red Sox-Yankee playoff battles. Maybe the Brew Crew with Braun unsuspended can make a run for one of the spots. I'm glad they added this layer, the path was too easy for Wild Card teams. Now there is incentive to win the division, I'll have more on predictions soon!

Book Release Day!

Cyrus was a whirl of energy from the arrival of our book. Triumph sent us about 20 copies of  I Love the Red Sox, I Hate the Yankees. I haven't put it down...well actually I have to chat with Jon and Rit or to talk about it with Shira or to pose Cyrus and Juniper with it. I'm definately thrilled and eager to do another book! It's so surreal to see things that we posted on our blog or said in jest over the years in actual print. Much thanks to Triumph Books for hiring us to do this job, can't wait for the weeks ahead!

Senior Circuit 2012 Part I

It's crazy to think I was just posting about the World Series and Juniper's birth and now we are only ten days or so from Pitchers and Catchers. Our book arrives in early March and that is quickly becoming a reality. We've got some incredible events lined up! The NL West is a division that is always in a state of flux. The 2001 Diamondbacks and 2010 Giants are the most recent World Champs and every year most prognosticators call the division wrong. Since the days of the Wild Card, the D'backs have five NL West Div. Crowns and the Giants, Dodgers, and Padres each have four. The Rox haven't missed out on the playoffs as they have won three Wild Cards including one pennant. As a matter of fact each team except the Dodgers has won a pennant since the Wild Card. Buster Posey looks to return for San Fran. He will be joined by New York castoffs Angel Pagan and Melky Cabrera. Carlos Gonzalez looks to return to the status that had him listed as top fantasy player, while Jamie Moyer attempts to make the Rockies roster at 49. #1 Fantasy Player Matt Kemp will give another shot at the Triple Crown as the Dodgers draw closer to selling. The D'Backs eye a repeat as they improved their pitching. The Padres most likely will challenge the Mets and Astros for the NL's worst record. My pick for now is the Dodgers, but that is because they have the two best players in the division.

Baseball Card Day

It used to be that the Topps baseball cards would arrive during the holiday season, but nowadays they arrive a few weeks before spring training. This is to ensure that Albert Pujols Angels and the rally squirrel can be included. Cyrus was definitely excited to open some packs. He liked the sparkly gold cards and can't wait to go to his next game. Today he asked Shira, "Where is the Christmas tree?" We are also only weeks away from our book release. There is a book signing in Stamford and a release party at Bobby V's! I've been more active on WIS again after dealing with burnout and lack of time from the site. Juniper keeps growing and growing. We love her smile and can't wait for her hair to grow in!

Valentine, Triple Like

Stamford's own Bobby Valentine has been hired as new manager of the Boston Red Sox. The hiring ends a most miserable few months for Sox faithful and leaves us with a sweet idea for a release party. Bobby V's restaurant (where he invented the wrap) is located less than ten minutes from our home. Cyrus watched the news conference with us where an emotional Valentine handled questions well. It looks like his winter traffic duty days will be put on hold while he gets the Sox back in order. As we are in the editing phase of the book we will have to look for ways to include Valentine.

Houston, We Have Realignment

Yount Statue circa 2008 NLDS

•  
• Ryan Braun is the first Brewer MVP since Robin Yount won twice in the 1980s. A member of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers and signed through the year 2020, Braun finished ahead of Triple Crown threat Matt Kemp of the .500 Dodgers. Prince Fielder finished third as he heads out of town. The job to bat behind the 30-30 Braun will most likely fall upon a free agent like Derek Lee or all-star Rickie Weeks.
• As we edit our book, Bobby Valentine is close to becoming the Red Sox manager. The Stamford resident might get the job before our deadline to submit the book. Dale Sveum becomes the Cubs manager. Who knew when he was busy filling in for the Brewers 2008 playoff run that he'd become a hot commodity. Wally Backman is been bumped up to AAA Mets team.
• The sale of the Astros is complete and they will be moved to the AL giving each league 15 teams and making interleague play a daily part of the MLB schedule. The Marlins have a new look while the Blue Jays went back to their old look. A new CBA has been reached by MLB giving them 21 straight years of labor peace.
• Juniper and Cyrus are doing fantastic. Cyrus keeps improving his language and sense of humor while Juniper approaches her third week on planet Earth. Shira is a super-mom superhero.

Happy 100th Buck!

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Buck O'Neil. O'Neil played for and managed the Kansas City Monarchs. Buck was also a scout and the first African-American coach in MLB history. Joe Posnanski's book on Buck, The Soul of Baseball, is one of my favorite baseball books of all-time. It is chock full of O'Neils penchant for storytelling and his drive to keep the memory of the Negro Leagues history intact. When Shira and I visited Kansas City we visited the Negro League Baseball Museum which Buck helped establish and where he could often be found. O'Neil also played an important role in the induction of six Negro Leaguers to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, yet that honor alluded him when the Hall opened its doors to 17 others (see picture). O'Neil did not cry foul yet was involved in the honoring ceremony. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 94 and was honored posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by the Hall of Fame in his honor in 2008 and will be granted every three years. In 2011 it was awarded to former MLB exec Roland Hemond. Check out this video of Olberman and Buck to get an understanding of the class that Buck exuded throughout his lifetime.

Miami Marlins

Jon tells Dontrelle he won't ever win another game.

The Florida Marlins (owners of two World Championships but no division titles) are set to reveal their new uniforms tonight. They have also been involved in meetings with Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes. If they land Reyes the Mets can say hello to fifth place for a few seasons. Could that also signal a return to Boston for Hanley Ramirez? Ozzie Guillen is in town and it will be interesting to see how Marlins baseball plays out. When they've pursued a title they've been successful winning all of their playoff series in 1997 and 2003.

Juniper Hope

You have to love the smiles Juniper flashes...A week ago  we were preparing to meet up with the midwives in Norwalk, but Shira’s labor instantly quickened and before we knew there was little time before the baby was here! There was a brief moment while holding Cyrus and waiting for my parents where I couldn’t figure out how the situation just blazed by…in a moment of clarity I called for an ambulance. Shira, my biggest hero, knew the baby was coming while I was hoping the ambulance was coming. When the seven person crew arrived I finally calmed down a bit, but time was all a blur. The banter between the EMS crew was calming for me because I knew Shira and the baby were not in danger. In about 90 seconds they knew the baby would be born in our home and the firefighter receiving the baby would be catching his first newborn. The crew was very experienced at one point one of them turned to me and said, “You’ve got a great crew here.” Finally my parents arrived and I passed off Cyrus to them (he had watched most of Shira’s labor and in the days that followed did an impersonation).  Shira had about a dozen serious surges as we tried to turn the room into a delivery room. She finally rolled over to her back and gave birth to a baby girl. One of the first things she asked for was to get Cyrus, so I ran downstairs and told my parents we had a girl and grabbed Cyrus. He didn’t want to stay too long, but we would be on the move to the hospital soon. Shira and the baby were stabilized and she was brought safely downstairs. I was pretty dizzy as I never thought we’d have a girl (let alone in our own home). I handed Juniper to my mom as I quickly collected our bags which I had moved from the car to the basement. Our arrival at the ER was like a scene out of a movie and one I’ll never forget. There had to be about 50 people just staring at us as we walked in with a …newborn! After we settled into delivery room I began to call a few people, my mom mentioned Cyrus was talking about the moon and mentioned a Hope Street baby. I now knew what Juniper’s middle name would be! Some people go their whole life without a good story to tell. Juniper is only one week old, but she’s already got a great one.
From Lady Chandara:  a big big big congratulations to my amazing sister (and daughter) of the Craft, Shira  her husband Allie  and their son, Cyrus, on the new adition to their family, Juniper Hope, who decided hospitals are for wusses, that she didn't need no stinkin midwife, nurses or doctors (midwives...you know I love you!) and decided she wanted to be born on her mommy's comfy bed! An amazing story!

That House That Phat Albert Built

Busch Stadiums II & III in 2005

Albert Pujols most likely sealed a new deal after his 2nd Cardinals championship. It would seem unlikely that any amont of money would make him want to soil his St. Louis Legacy. Surely, the Cards will make him the highest paid first basemen (until Prince bolts Milwaukee). The Cards second title in New Busch got me to thinking... which current stadium has housed the most World Series titles? The Cards (2006) and Yankees (2009) each christened their new stadiums with a first season title. The Braves waved goodbye to Fulton County Stadium with a title in 1995 (is it just me or do the Rangers look like Braves impersonators?) Anyways, here is a list of the ten (!?!) stadiums that have been the home to the most titles (you'll notice Wrigley is not on the list):
Fenway Park- 6
Oakland-Alameda County- 4
Dodger Stadium- 4
Rogers Centre- 2
Busch Stadium III- 2
Citizens Bank Ballpark- 1
Yankee Stadium- 1
Pac Bell/AT & T-1
Comiskey Park II- 1
Kauffman Stadium- 1
Angel Stadium- 1

Cards in Seven

Some are calling it the greatest game ever!? Five errors, eleven innings, countless big hits. In the end, the Cards came back in the 9th and 10th before winning it on...a homerun by David Freese. Freese went from goat to hero in innings with a dropped popup followed by a triple and walkoff. He'll either become a flash in the pan or an all-star. In my opinion the Rangers are cooked and about to lose two in a row for the first time since August. Pujols will return and the Cards will coast at home tonight in a game made possible by Prince Fielders all-star homerun and lack of homeruns in the N.L.C.S. Game Seven here it comes!!!
Final Out 2011: David Murphy

Got the Motte!

Cardinals "Closer" Jason Motte and I are both Iona College Alum. However, any similarities end there. Rit took this pic of me in 2008 when I was helping Sgobbs out on the bench. I mostly helped out with stats and was an extra pair of eyes. It was a blast and I miss the coaching staff and talking baseball on a daily basis. As for the Series...the Cards have an early Game Five lead after losing 4-0 yesterday. Game Three included a record night from Pujols who went 5-6 with three homeruns. Lance Berkman went on record saying Albert was the best of all-time and better than the Babe who played in all-white league. The former Yank, Fat Elvis impersonator had a tremendous season and turned down a return to Texas with Rangers to play with Cards. Shira and I just looked over some previous World Series logos and are just taking it easy until the baby arrives!

The Rhodes Less Traveled

Arthur Rhodes is about to make his World Series debut after 20 major league seasons. He'll face Josh Hamilton in the top of the 8th of a 3-2 Game One moment. I've been going through baseball-reference the whole game. I noticed that Michael Young just turned 34 and has 2061 hits. He just had his 4th 200-hit season, so with five more solid seasons he'll give 3000 a run. And there is the out. Rhodes gets Hamilton to pop out. This bullpen has been unreal, how long will this last?

1979

This is the 39th  World Series in my lifetime! Just missed out on the Brewers joining the party, but seven errors in two games won't get you there. With the baby on the way it's a good thing I didn't have to deal with the temptation of flying to Milwaukee. The first Fall Classic I remember vividly was the 1979 edition. The once-proud Pittsburgh and Baltimore franchises played a classic and I spent weeks imitating Kent Tekulve's side arm delivery. I bought the "Pops" Pirate hat Cyrus is wearing just outside of Wrigley in 2000. I'll be rooting for the Rangers over the Cards and think they should take it within five. However, this is baseball so it's probable the Cards have one more magical Series in them. Cyrus was excitedly painting when I got home today. He was then singing and dancing to his new Yo Gabba Gabba Volume 3 CD.

Who would've thought that when St. Louis lost Adam Wainwright and the Rangers lost out on Cliff Lee that these two teams would square off in the 2011 World Series? Cliff Lee's 4-0 blown lead vs. Cards was the pivotal game that kept Cards alive.

Larussa makes it to his 6th Series, here's hoping he gets swept again. At his side is Mark Mcgwire, who I Hope doesn't win a title. Just heard that the all-time leaders for manager-player homers is Big Mac-Larussa first, Ruth & Huggins 2nd, and Pujols-Larussa third.

For the second year in a row a player will win a ring regardless of who takes the trophy. Bengie Molina played for Giants and Texas last year. While, Cards Arthur Rhodes played with Texas earlier.

While the Rangers celebrated on the field with their families and ginger ale, the Red Sox fried chicken and beer saga continues. What a debacle that has turned into.

Dirk Nowitzi will not be allowed to throw out first pitch. It has some foolishness to do with NBA lockout. Get a clue owners!

Family!

My ever growing family and wife!!! My nephew took this pic of us today. It looks like I won't have to turn down tickets to see the Brewers in the World Series. Cyrus loves visiting my hometown! He loves driving through the tunnel to get there. We are not to far away from the birth of our baby. Cyrus will be a big bro sooner than he thinks.

Suds Series Duds

Not looking good for the Brewers after Game Six first inning. Already trailing 4-0...ouch. That's eleven first inning runs in this series. After the '82 series I said, "Damn you Willie McGee." It looks like this year it'll be "Damn you David Freese." The good thing is its only the first inning so maybe the Cards will finally go cold and the Brewers will explode over the course of the next two games. That's a big "IF" As I'm writing this Corey Hart finally does something...leadoff homer! I'm hoping Larussa gets swept again in the World Series, I'm even more hopeful he doesn't even make it that far. Ron Darling just said a three-run lead means nothing in this ballpark. As I explained to Shira, this is the reason I wanted the Phillies in the NLCS, I knew I'd be very aggravated if they lost to the Cards. *UPDATE* Chris Narveson is in, let's see if the Crew can comeback from 4-1 deficit...No Cardinal starting pitcher has made it out of five innings...The Braves slump allowed the Cards to get in, the Phillies created their own demise by beating Braves to allow Cards into playoffs. **Update** Five homers in first two innings...Weeks and Lucroy each homer...it's 5-4 Cards... *UPDATEx3* Bott 3rd...9-4 Cards...not much fan, not much pitching...feels like a beer league softball game...is the gong rule in effect...I thought this was a new pitching era we are in?!? *Last Update* Barring a ridiculous comeback it looks like Rangers v. Cards. A very memorable run for Brewers halted.

Cruz Missle

I was on the phone for awhile with my dad as the Rangers were pummeling the Tigers 15-5. They return to the World Series as the Nelson Cruz blasts 6 homeruns and 13 RBI. Meanwhile, B-Hop just hurt his shoulder in another Philly Phlop. First, Phillies...then Eagles...now Hopkins. But back to the Rangers...this team has moved to the upper echelon for sure, especially now that they may even go after CC Sabathia. The Brewers look to stay alive vs. the Cards in Game 6 at home. What a flop last night was...today was more enjoyable. As Shira gets closer to deliver, Cyrus enjoyed a day at Nature Center Harvest Festival. He had a blast climbing, running, and hugging animals. *Update* Just realized Nelson Crus was traded by Mets, A's, and Brewers.

Power Rangers

A few random thoughts:
-A baby and a book on the way! The Brewers in the playoffs...can't complain!
-Speaking of the playoffs...it's cool to hear Brewers announcer Brain Anderson call the games with Darling and Smoltz...not so cool to see them trailing for two games now.
-One thing we all learned...don't pitch to Rangers Nelson Cruz in the 11th...he has two hrs and 7 RBI. Can you say A.L.C.S. M.V.P.
-Red Sox dysfunction continues...Theo leaves to try and end curse in Cubbie-land. Francona allegations along with beer and fried chicken in the clubhouse.
-Received my second Triumph check yesterday! Looking forward to the next editing phase. Really enjoyed the writing process and would love to do it again!

Suds Series, Game One

Wishing Princess Mommy A Happy Birthday!

The Brewers and Cardinals renew their rivalry in another phase. It started in the 1982 World Series, continued in the N.L. Central, and now re-emerges in the 2011 N.L.C.S. Yesterday, we missed the live action of the game, but for good reason. We threw an amazing birthday bash for Shira. When I spoke to our family and friends I mentioned I figured everyone would be giving up Week Five NFL and the day in between Yom Kippur and Columbus Day. Little did we know the Brew Crew would be scheduled for Game One. Cyrus et. all had a blast...the food, the venue, the DJ...all were excellent. It was so great to see everyone on this festive day. I got a few updates from Jon, Mike, and Greg. We caught a few of the final outs at Grandpa Rays. The Beer makers scored six runs on 22 pitches in the fifth inning. The game included homers from Braun and Prince. When they both homer the Crew is 28-9. Jerry Hairston, Jr., son of former major leaguer and grandson of Negro Leaguer, had two hits in the two-hole. The Cards, ironically, give me hope in the post-Prince days that will follow the playoffs. As long as Braun is healthy (and signed through 2020), and the Brewers have pitching (Gallardo, Greinke, Marcum) they should remain competitive in the NLC and able to lure some decent players. Game Two is moments away. I'm looking for another home victory as the playoffs move at a quick pace.

Lions and Tigers and Red Wings...Oh My!

Allie, circa 2000 at Comerica

In the USA Today, there was an article about the return of Detroit's economy and sports teams. While the Red Wings have been to the playoffs 20 straight years, the same cannot be said about the Tigers and Lions. The Lions (4-0) play Da Bears tonight, and the Tigers are up 3-2 in the 7th right now of Game Two of the ALCS. The Lions might actually be in a meaningful game on Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, we are almost at the halfway point of October and still waiting for the fall to show up. Cyrus enjoys watching baseball. He asked me at 10am today if we could watch the Brewers. He is very organized in his thoughts, laying out five or six things in order that he wants to do. Play baseball. Take a bath. Get dressed. Take a nap. Wake up. Read. Play baseball. He pointed at a picture of Earth and said, "That's where we live." **Update** Game Two is going ten! Ex-Red Sox galore...Francona in the booth, Beltre on Texas, Victor Martinez with Tigers. My dad is a Texas Rangers fan now. He likes Nolan Ryan's pitching philosophy and he's tired of pathetic Mets.

Here Come the LCS!

A strange thing happened on the way to the LCS...All Four division winners were outscored by their opponents yet they won enough games to move on. Game One of ALCS is currently on rain delay, the weather and Rangers have gotten to Verlander for a 3-0 lead. Tomorrow we will be throwing Shira a festive "excigen" birthday party. The Brewers-Cards will start during the game, the teams are already passing along nasty comments to each other. I'm really looking forward to the party, I love having family and friends get together like this. Maybe Cyrus will sing!

Tony Plush F Yeah

I remember exactly where I was in 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers won their only other playoff series. White Plains with my walkman on listening to the 0-2 comeback vs. the California Angels. Tonight I'll remember exactly where I was when Tony Plush aka Nyjer Morgan  knocked in Carlos Gomez to advance the Brew Crew to their first NLCS. The Brewers become the first team to make the ALCS and NLCS in baseball history, but they will face their heated rival and 1982 World Series opponents, The St. Louis Cardinals. I had a feeling only Brewers or Phils would win tonight after Yankee defeat yesterday.  In two nail-biter games that included some pacing and edge of my seat sitting, the Brewers prevailed 3-2 in ten, while the Phils lost 1-0 in a game in which Chris Carpenter threw a gem against his friend Roy Halladay. The Brewers game had all the makings of a choke. The announcers reminded us that Axford had 43 straight saves , the Brewers were 83-1 when leading after nine...well they coughed up the lead. But with Greinke warming up and Gomez on first I finally started to feel confident. Morgan stepped up and I was hoping he'd beat Braun to the game winning punch. Fielder and Nyjer couldn't even speak afterwards, but Braun composed said this is what you play for, it's fun isn't it? I still can't get over this, with Philly loss they now have homefield advantage as long as they play. As I was getting aggravated about Brewers possible blowing game I went into Cyrus' room and gave him a kiss, I can't wait to watch playoff games with him! As my mom pointed out Shira will have to have another baby since each time she has been pregnant the Brewers have been in the playoffs!?

I Love the Red Sox, I Hate the Yankees

Belt Tre

Maybe the easiest headline in baseball history as Adrian Beltre knocks three homeruns to send the Rangers to their second straight ALCS. The magic finally ran out for the Rays who vaulted the Bosox just under a week ago. In Sox news, Theo will soon be talking to Cubbies to try and end that cursed streak. Phils just went up 3-0 on Ben Francisco pinch-hit homer, but now it's a battle of the pens. In what is the last four game day of the baseball season the Brewers and Tigers look to end their series. My guess is they both loss and that A.J. Burnett throws a gem. We are busy getting ready for Shira's birthday party. Cyrus wanted to party todayFeist's album arrived on vinyl today, she personally told me to play "Cicadas and Gulls" as the baby's first song.

Brewtober Time

Signs at Miller Park..."I've waited my whole life for this"...kid, you are ten years old how about me or the fat guy in the row behind you with the kielbasa? Robin Yount threw out the first pitch then went into Beast Mode. Another sign read "Brewers send those snakes on a plane". Ha. A much needed 9-4 victory. The sideline reporter asked Yount who he was rooting for because he briefly coached Arizona. Really? Do some better research. The Crew is up 2-0 for their first post season series lead ever, BUT they were once trailing 0-2 so i'll take nothing for granted here. Braun and Prince already have more hits than last post season, here's hoping they can keep producing. Meanwhile, my dad made his new Yankee Stadium debut. He went with Mike and the boys. The Yanks almost pulled it off as Tigers catcher slipped on wet Yankee logo. Cyrus enjoyed watching some of the game with me, while Shira inches closer to due date!

Bob McClure Blues

2B Jim Gantner batted .333 in the 1982 World Series.

The other night I was thinking about how most of the eight playoff teams had recently been to the World Series. Then I realized more specifically seven of the eight teams had arrived at the Fall Classic in the 2000's. the only team on the outside is the Milwaukee Brewers. Their last visit is the well-mentioned 1982 team. Harvey's Wallbangers were up three games to two in the '82 World Series (the last post season series lead until last night). Without Rollie Fingers though the team faltered as Darrell Porter, Keith Hernandez, and Willie Mcgee doomed the Brew Crew. I'm really pulling for a Brewers-Phillies LCS because I don't want to see anymore success for the Cards, they've had their fair share. Below is listed the most recent World Series appearance for the 2011 playoff contenders:
Texas Rangers 2010
Philadelphia Phillies 2009
New York Yankees 2009
Tampa Bay Rays 2008
Detroit Tigers 2006
St. Louis Cardinals 2006
Arizona Diamondbacks 2001
Milwaukee Brewers 1982

Homefield Beasts!

The Brew Crew fought hard for the home field advantage and it paid off early with a Game One 4-1 victory over Arizona. Yovani stymied the D'backs and Braun and Fielder had five of the Brewers eight hits. After spotting the Cards a field goal, the Phillies roared back for an 11-6 victory. But back to the Brewers, not too long ago we started to show Cyrus some Pixar movies. He's seen all three Toy Story movies, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. This morning Yahoo ran a story about Brewers Beast Mode connection to Sully and Mike Wazowski. The series continues today at 5pm and you can be sure i'll be donning some Brewers gear.

Rays of Light

Cyrus back in March with his Baseball Guys.

The Tampa Bay Rays might be onto the new market efficiency ...draft picks. As they watch free agents depart the Rays are hoarding picks and parlaying them into prospect studs. Arm after arm seem to be appearing on an as needed basis. Need someone for Game One of ALDS...sure try Matt Moore. In his second major league start Moore held the majors best hitting team to zero runs. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 8th only 48 hours earlier, the Rays were easy 8-0 victors in the playoff opener. Kelly Shoppach became the latest entrant into baseball's roll call of little known players turned playoff legend. With a stress on player development and a dozen picks in the first 85 this past draft, it's no mystery why the Rays allow Kazmir, Crawford, and Pena leave. Youth has been served with the Rays, according to the TBS broadcast the last time they started a 30-year old pitcher was Jae Seo in 2007. This team should be competitive for years to come. Meanwhile, Yanks-Tigers only made it through one plus inning ruining each team's rotation and most likely assisting the Yankees.

Not So Amazin'

Mets history littered with mundane news

The first half day of MLB playoffs in the books and now a brief look at the 2011 fortunes of the leagues worst teams.
Reds- Votto is for real, but decimated pitching was no match for the Brew Crew and Cards. Bronson Arroyo led the league in homers allowed while graciously lending quotes for our book. A return to Fenway in the future for Arroyo?! Brandon Phillips made a lot of Twitter friends, but not enough to overtake Rickie Weeks for starting 2b spot on the all-star team.
White Sox- Ozzie Guillen trade was not the first time a manager has been shipped. Lou Piniella, Chuck Tanner, Gil Hodges, Joe Gordon have been dealt as managers. Possible landing spot for Terry Francona? Adam Dunn suffered from historically bad season that erased Rob Deer from the record books.
Mets- Since when is a 77-85 season for a large market team a successful season? Terry Collins had his team playing hard until the end, or in Jose Reyes case ...playing hard until he ran off the field in the first inning after bunting his way to batting title. The selfish Reyes most likely made his last appearance as a Met, and the franchise will be better served heading in the "Wright" direction without him.
A's- Possibly one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Highlight of the season arrived on newstand when Brad Pitt appeared in A's hat on the cover of SI to promote Moneyball. Much traveled franchise might soon be heading to San Jose.
Rockies- Just as Andy Reid knew Donovan McNabb was cooked, the Rox knew Ubaldo Jimenez has seen better days. Car-go had a tough start to the season and the Rox didn't have one of their blazing September finishes of seasons past.
Pirates- Flirted with .500 around all-star break, even made some deadline acquisitions to bolster competititness. End result...another sub .500 season. Here come the Steelers and Penguins.
Marlins- The Miami Marlins bring their two franchise World Series titles into a new stadium. Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson killed the hopes of many a fantasy owner. Logan Morrison tweeted his way into the Minor Leagues and Trader jack briefly returned to the managerial ranks.
Royals- Kansas City was featured in an SI article casting them as a dominant team in a season or two. Royals brought up several players who they hope will be a part of this future success. Melky Cabrera and one-time prospect Alex Gordon were among hit leaders.
Cubs- Starlin Castro led the majors in hits. Carlos Zambrano led the majors in coolers hit. Did this team drop the ball in hiring Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg?
Padres- Held onto Heath Bell so they could recieve more valuable draft picks when he signs elsewhere. Future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman rejoined franchise as Mariano Rivera surpassed him for all-time saves lead.
Orioles- 95 losses but one monumental win that sent Red Sox Nation reeling for days and months to come. Will this once proud organization ever win the AL East?
Mariners- Ichiro misses 200 hits for the first time. Dustin Ackley soon to be the new face of the franchise.King Felix and Michael Pineada anchor the staff.
Twins- Concussed and Injured, at least they won't get swept by the Yankees in the playoffs.
Astros- First 100-loss season in franchise history. Hunter Pence joins Roy Oswalt on Phillies team favored to win it all.