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

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!

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.

Quiet Before the Playoff Storm

Inside Miller Park before Game Three of 2008 NLDS

Talk about a great advertisement before the playoffs...if the country isn't ready for some playoff baseball after Wednesday night they never will be. Just hours away from the start of the 2011 baseball season. There are many reasons that fall is my favorite season and this is one of them! This picture is from my 2008 playoff visit to Milwaukee. The Brewers have clinched home field for the NLDS. They 57-24 at Miller Park including Zach Greinke's 11-0. However, he won't pitch until Game 3 in Arizona when hopefully the Brew Crew has at least one win. In '08 Milwaukee was just happy to be there. This time around there are high expectations. Of course, Johnathan Axford hasn't blown a save since April, so I'm prepared for the law of averages and the worst. GM Doug Melvin was on the radio yesterday, I never realized the 1982 Brewers were the fourth highest paid team in the league. I won't let my Yankee friends in on that piece of info. USA Today ranks Milwaukee #2 out of the eight playoff teams. Yikes. Another kiss of death. Here are my thoughts on the teams involved using the newspapers ratings:
1. Phillies- From perennial doormats to five-time NLE champs. I've long stated this team goes as Rollins goes. However, late season acquisition Hunter Pence could be the breakout player of the playoffs now that he is the main cog in the Phils lineup. Mayberry kind of reminds me of Jayson Werth's first few Phillie seasons. If the rotation performs the way they have all season, it's hard to disagree with the experts that it's their World Series to lose.
2. Brewers- Ryan Braun ranks #10 all-time on the list of most homeruns in first five seasons. Prince Fielder is #11. It would be great to see the Crew take it in Prince's walk year. Braun is signed through 2020 and the rotation is solid so hopefully there are a few more chances for me to fly out to Milwaukee for some playoff baseball. Weeks, Hart, Betancourt will need to provide some fireworks on a steady basis. K-Rod to Axford...fingers crossed!?!
3. Rangers- No Cliff Lee, no MVP-type season from Josh Hamilton, No Vlad Guerrero. But Rangers are back in the playoffs. They won't sneak up on anybody this season. They have a remade pen, Mike Napoli, Kinsler, Cruz, and Nolan Ryan's pitching philosophy. Don't mess with Texas!
4. Rays- The Legend of Longo. I traded Verlander in fantasy for Longoria and Prince. My team was in last place and remained out of it. Longoria's home run was straight out of fantasy, now if only Rays fans would show up for some playoff games. Maddon is a genius! A-rod payroll = $32 mil. Rays payroll = $42 mil. While Manny and Sox watch, Damon adds to his Cooperstown plaque.
5. Yankees- When the Bombers won in '09 we all knew they were the best team, but most agree they are not the best this year. However, they are the Yanks and have won it all with less than 90 win teams.  If they should outslug everyone and win another, I like many Yankee haters will be disappointed. Another Yankee title will lead to massive rewrites of this book. A Diamondbacks-Yankees ten year reunion will be unwatchable for me. Unless Kirk Gibson can pinch hit and homer off of Mariano.
6. Cardinals- Damn you Tony Larussa, Damn you Albert Pujols, Damn you Willie Mcgee! If the Brewers and Cards meet in NLCS it won't be there first playoff battle. The two teams met in the 1982 when I watched Gorman Thomas foul off about hundred balls before succumbing to Whitey Herzog's Cards. A team that should get swept in first round but will most likely be a hard out.
7. Tigers- I'm glad Verlander goes into playoffs with a recent loss. I'm convinced he will lose twice to Yankees. Would love to see him dominate while 2003 Marlin Miguel Cabrera goes wild on Yankees sorry staff. Valverde is another reliever without a blown save, I'm sure the Yankees will him at least once.
8. Diamondbacks- A wonderful worst to first story. But they are playing my favorite team so they won't get any fan interest from me. Built on pitching and D they will most likely beat Brewers or take them to five.