The elite eight of baseball is set.
The American League begins play tomorrow night. As a side note, I think there should be two off days before the post-season begins. This gives pitching staffs an extra day of rest and some rest for position players as well.
The matchups:
Detroit at New York and Tampa Bay at Texas.
In the National League, St. Louis will be at Philadelphia and Arizona at Milwaukee.
Back to the AL:
I'm going with the Yankees over the Tigers in four games. The scary thing for the Yanks is that Justin Verlander will throw game one for the Tigers and maybe game four if they need him too. He'll definitely go for Detroit if there is a game five. Doug Fister has been great for Detroit also since coming over from Seattle. The Yankees rotation of Sabathia, Nova and Garcia is not the most frightening starting three in the playoffs for sure. The Yanks will need to grind out runs and I think they win a tight, low scoring series.
Tampa Bay was a great story but I'm going with Texas to bounce them from the post-season as they did last year. Give me the Rangers in five. I just think they have too much offense. Although they say good pitching stops good hitting. I'll say not so in this series.
National League, I like the Brewers to get past the Diamondbacks in five. They look like two evenly matched teams but the combination of Fielder and Braun may be too much for Arizona. I also like the Milwaukee bullpen better.
Now here is my upset special. The Phillies will throw Halladay, Lee and Hamels at the Cardinals. It looks like, on paper, a three game series in the Phils favor. Four games at the most. But I'm going with the hot Cardinals to pull off the five game upset. I love the trio of Berkman, Pujols and Holliday. They have the firepower to put runs on the board and the Phillies didn't play great down the stretch. So give me St. Louis to stun the 102-60 Phillies. When that happens I'll be sure to read about the carnage in the Philadelphia Daily News.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tainted Title?
Yesterday, while listening to the Robert Wuhl show on the radio (great show by the way), I was reminded that it was the 51st anniversary of Ted Williams last game. Of course, Williams, in the final at-bat of his career belted a home run in Fenway Park.
Which leads me to the 1941 season.
Williams hit .406 that year and no one has hit .400 in the big leagues since. Going into the last day of the season, the Red Sox slugger was hitting an even .400. Boston was scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics at Shibe Park. Sox manager gave Williams the option of sitting out the twin-bill to protect his .400 average. Williams was offended and said that if he was going to hit .400 he would do so for the entire season.
The games were meaningless. Boston was 17 games behind the first place Yankees but Williams played. He went 4-5 in the first game to lift his average to .404. Sit out the second game? No. He went 2-3 to end up at .406. By the way, he hit 37 homers that year and walked 147 times. He struck out...27 times! Take a look at that Adam Dunn.
Anyway, this was all a prelude to what I wanted to talk about. I'm here to bury Mets shortstop Jose Reyes who won the NL batting title yesterday in cowardly fashion.
After getting a bunt hit in the first inning, he pulled himself from the game with a .337 average. That meant the Brewers Ryan Braun needed to go 3-4 to pass Reyes for the batting crown. Braun went 0-4 to finish second at .332.
To me Reyes was selfish and quit on his team and the fans who were at Citi Field to see him in perhaps his final game as a Met. He's a free agent and probably won't be back next season.
Reyes getting a cheap bunt hit then going home is one of the low-lights of his career and there have been many. Whoever signs him after the season better beware. You'll be getting an injury prone, selfish quitter. I don't want him on my team despite his enormous talent.
I wonder if Ted Williams would have taken himself out of a game if he found himself in the same situation as Reyes? I think we all know the answer.
Which leads me to the 1941 season.
Williams hit .406 that year and no one has hit .400 in the big leagues since. Going into the last day of the season, the Red Sox slugger was hitting an even .400. Boston was scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics at Shibe Park. Sox manager gave Williams the option of sitting out the twin-bill to protect his .400 average. Williams was offended and said that if he was going to hit .400 he would do so for the entire season.
The games were meaningless. Boston was 17 games behind the first place Yankees but Williams played. He went 4-5 in the first game to lift his average to .404. Sit out the second game? No. He went 2-3 to end up at .406. By the way, he hit 37 homers that year and walked 147 times. He struck out...27 times! Take a look at that Adam Dunn.
Anyway, this was all a prelude to what I wanted to talk about. I'm here to bury Mets shortstop Jose Reyes who won the NL batting title yesterday in cowardly fashion.
After getting a bunt hit in the first inning, he pulled himself from the game with a .337 average. That meant the Brewers Ryan Braun needed to go 3-4 to pass Reyes for the batting crown. Braun went 0-4 to finish second at .332.
To me Reyes was selfish and quit on his team and the fans who were at Citi Field to see him in perhaps his final game as a Met. He's a free agent and probably won't be back next season.
Reyes getting a cheap bunt hit then going home is one of the low-lights of his career and there have been many. Whoever signs him after the season better beware. You'll be getting an injury prone, selfish quitter. I don't want him on my team despite his enormous talent.
I wonder if Ted Williams would have taken himself out of a game if he found himself in the same situation as Reyes? I think we all know the answer.
Only 184
For the first time in his 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has fallen short of 200 hits.
To me, 200 hits in a season is a terrific accomplishment. To do it in the first 10-year of a career is mind-numbing. Ichiro is the only player to accomplish that feat.
But alas, all good things must end and Ichiro's consecutive 200-hit season streak officially ended last night. He went 0-3 to finish the season with a career low .272 average and only 184 hits.
He'll be 38 next month and you have to wonder if he has any more 200-hit seasons left in his magical bat.
To me, 200 hits in a season is a terrific accomplishment. To do it in the first 10-year of a career is mind-numbing. Ichiro is the only player to accomplish that feat.
But alas, all good things must end and Ichiro's consecutive 200-hit season streak officially ended last night. He went 0-3 to finish the season with a career low .272 average and only 184 hits.
He'll be 38 next month and you have to wonder if he has any more 200-hit seasons left in his magical bat.
Joe Maddon and Tony LaRussa
You have to give Rays manager Joe Maddon the AL Manager of the Year award. Hands down he gets it in my book.
The fact that he kept the Rays playing hard all season long is a credit to him and his team. It would have been easy to lose focus and play out the string but they didn't and they got rewarded in the end.
Plus, I love Maddon's kooky personality and the fact he doesn't manage "by the book." He's always willing to try something new and he will always be accountable if it doesn't work out.
Same with Tony La Russa. He kept the Cardinals, despite tons of injuries, battling to the very end and they are going to the post-season. I wouldn't give La Russa NL managerial honors. That goes to Kirk Gibson of the Diamondbacks. But La Russa gets a ton of credit for the job he did this year.
The fact that he kept the Rays playing hard all season long is a credit to him and his team. It would have been easy to lose focus and play out the string but they didn't and they got rewarded in the end.
Plus, I love Maddon's kooky personality and the fact he doesn't manage "by the book." He's always willing to try something new and he will always be accountable if it doesn't work out.
Same with Tony La Russa. He kept the Cardinals, despite tons of injuries, battling to the very end and they are going to the post-season. I wouldn't give La Russa NL managerial honors. That goes to Kirk Gibson of the Diamondbacks. But La Russa gets a ton of credit for the job he did this year.
Idiot Writer in Boston
I love reading the Boston and Philadelphia papers whenever one of their teams loses in crushing fashion.
With the Red Sox choke job in the history books, it was a good time to go on-line and see how the writers described the carnage.
I was enjoying myself until I read an article by someone named Joanna Weiss.
Weiss wrote, "Still, it was striking how hard the O’s fought all night, how much they refused to quit, unlike a certain team that managed to give up a 7-run lead last night."
Joanna you stupid ass clown. The Yankees didn't quit. They used 11 pitchers, none named Mariano, because they clinched the division a week ago and were getting their pitching staff ready for the start of the playoffs on Friday. It isn't the Yankees responsibility to get your beloved Red Sox into the playoffs. Maybe it was the Red Sox who quit down the stretch, losing 5 of 7 to the crappy Orioles, including 2 of three in the finals series.
The Red Sox lost 7-20 down the stretch and you want to call the Yankees quitters? Seriously, chastise the Red Sox, credit the Rays and leave the Yankees out of it. Your team didn't deserve to go to the playoffs. It's on them.
With the Red Sox choke job in the history books, it was a good time to go on-line and see how the writers described the carnage.
I was enjoying myself until I read an article by someone named Joanna Weiss.
Weiss wrote, "Still, it was striking how hard the O’s fought all night, how much they refused to quit, unlike a certain team that managed to give up a 7-run lead last night."
Joanna you stupid ass clown. The Yankees didn't quit. They used 11 pitchers, none named Mariano, because they clinched the division a week ago and were getting their pitching staff ready for the start of the playoffs on Friday. It isn't the Yankees responsibility to get your beloved Red Sox into the playoffs. Maybe it was the Red Sox who quit down the stretch, losing 5 of 7 to the crappy Orioles, including 2 of three in the finals series.
The Red Sox lost 7-20 down the stretch and you want to call the Yankees quitters? Seriously, chastise the Red Sox, credit the Rays and leave the Yankees out of it. Your team didn't deserve to go to the playoffs. It's on them.
The Crawford Mystery
When the Red Sox signed Carl Crawford to a 7-year, 142 million dollar contract, most people, myself included, thought it was way too high a price to pay. The money issue is what made people scratch their heads. But nobody said that Crawford was a bad player. On the contrary, the Red Sox were getting a four-time All-Star who, at 29, was coming off a season in which he belted 19 homers, drove in 90 runs, scored 115 times, stole 47 bases while hitting .307. That's a good player.
This season a different player was in Carl Crawford's uniform. Despite being surrounded by solid hitters and playing in the same league and division as he did with Tampa Bay, Crawford hit just .255 with 11 homers and 56 RBI's. More alarming, he stole just 18 bases and scored only 65 runs. Drop-offs across the board. Plus, his fielding went south, especially in September when there were muffs and misplays.
To make matters worse for Boston, he made 14-million this season. His salary escalates yearly and he is owed another 128-million over the next six seasons.
He certainly could turn it around next year and be the player he is capable of. Most good players have a bad season or two. Or, the Red Sox fans could be on him from day one and make his season miserable again.
Why did Crawford flop this year? Who knows. Was it the pressure of trying to live up to such a huge contract? Did he just not fit in with his teammates? The pressure of playing in the fish bowl known as Boston? Was it simply an off year? Or did he get the big money and relax and not work as hard as he did in the past? A combination of all of the above.
Bottom line is Carl Crawford had an awful season by his standards and is one of the reasons why the Red Sox will not participate in October baseball. And, the irony is that his former team, the Rays will.
This season a different player was in Carl Crawford's uniform. Despite being surrounded by solid hitters and playing in the same league and division as he did with Tampa Bay, Crawford hit just .255 with 11 homers and 56 RBI's. More alarming, he stole just 18 bases and scored only 65 runs. Drop-offs across the board. Plus, his fielding went south, especially in September when there were muffs and misplays.
To make matters worse for Boston, he made 14-million this season. His salary escalates yearly and he is owed another 128-million over the next six seasons.
He certainly could turn it around next year and be the player he is capable of. Most good players have a bad season or two. Or, the Red Sox fans could be on him from day one and make his season miserable again.
Why did Crawford flop this year? Who knows. Was it the pressure of trying to live up to such a huge contract? Did he just not fit in with his teammates? The pressure of playing in the fish bowl known as Boston? Was it simply an off year? Or did he get the big money and relax and not work as hard as he did in the past? A combination of all of the above.
Bottom line is Carl Crawford had an awful season by his standards and is one of the reasons why the Red Sox will not participate in October baseball. And, the irony is that his former team, the Rays will.
Dramatics
Well you couldn't have asked for a more thrilling end to the regular season.
In the National League the Cardinals clobbered the 106 loss Astros 8-0 and sat by and watched as the Braves completed their collapse. The Phillies toppled Atlanta 4-3 in 13-innings.
Earlier this month the Braves led the Redbirds by 8 1/2 in the Wild Card race. St. Lou finally caught them. Atlanta can blame a depleted pitching staff and a 9-18 September.
Wait, it gets worse, or better, depending on your perspective.
In the American League, the Red Sox became the first team ever to hold a 9-game lead in September and not make the post-season. Boston was a shoe-in for the Wild Card but remember, this is the Red Sox we're talking about. While life has been good for the Boston's since 2004, they finally got back to their roots this month with a heartbreaking, head shaking collapse.
Baltimore rallied to beat the Red Sox last evening 4-3, scoring the winning runs with nobody on and two outs in the 9th off free-agent to be Jonathan Papelbon. Robert Andino's sinking liner to left should have been caught by Carl Crawford. Crawford even said so. But it wasn't. The winning run scored and the Sox, a few minutes later, learned they would be flying home instead of to a playoff destination.
The reason the Bostons are finished? The Rays. The feisty, gutty, tiny payroll, never say die Rays. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 8th they scored 6 runs to draw close. Then Dan Johnson, a future Hall of Famer but only if his high school has a Hall of Fame, ripped a two out solo homer in the bottom of the 9th to give Tampa Bay life and their dozens of fans hope. Evan Longoria blasted a homer in the 12th to give the Rays a dramatic 8-7 win. A Wild Card walk off if you will.
The finish to this regular season shows you just how incredible and exciting baseball is. It gives meaning to every single game on the schedule. The Red Sox and Braves (who have Boston roots by the way) can certainly look back at games earlier in the season that they should have won but didn't. The Red Sox, although it looked like they certainly overcame their dreadful 2-9 start, in the end didn't. If they started 3-8 instead of 2-9 they would be in the playoffs.
When so much is invested, from off-season workouts, to spring training, to the long 162-game season, the drama alone makes baseball the best game ever. By far. No comparison. So much can be riding on a single game, a single inning, a single at-bat and a single pitch. There is nothing like it. And with the post-season starting tomorrow, the stakes, drama and intensity only increase. It is why we love the game.
In the National League the Cardinals clobbered the 106 loss Astros 8-0 and sat by and watched as the Braves completed their collapse. The Phillies toppled Atlanta 4-3 in 13-innings.
Earlier this month the Braves led the Redbirds by 8 1/2 in the Wild Card race. St. Lou finally caught them. Atlanta can blame a depleted pitching staff and a 9-18 September.
Wait, it gets worse, or better, depending on your perspective.
In the American League, the Red Sox became the first team ever to hold a 9-game lead in September and not make the post-season. Boston was a shoe-in for the Wild Card but remember, this is the Red Sox we're talking about. While life has been good for the Boston's since 2004, they finally got back to their roots this month with a heartbreaking, head shaking collapse.
Baltimore rallied to beat the Red Sox last evening 4-3, scoring the winning runs with nobody on and two outs in the 9th off free-agent to be Jonathan Papelbon. Robert Andino's sinking liner to left should have been caught by Carl Crawford. Crawford even said so. But it wasn't. The winning run scored and the Sox, a few minutes later, learned they would be flying home instead of to a playoff destination.
The reason the Bostons are finished? The Rays. The feisty, gutty, tiny payroll, never say die Rays. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 8th they scored 6 runs to draw close. Then Dan Johnson, a future Hall of Famer but only if his high school has a Hall of Fame, ripped a two out solo homer in the bottom of the 9th to give Tampa Bay life and their dozens of fans hope. Evan Longoria blasted a homer in the 12th to give the Rays a dramatic 8-7 win. A Wild Card walk off if you will.
The finish to this regular season shows you just how incredible and exciting baseball is. It gives meaning to every single game on the schedule. The Red Sox and Braves (who have Boston roots by the way) can certainly look back at games earlier in the season that they should have won but didn't. The Red Sox, although it looked like they certainly overcame their dreadful 2-9 start, in the end didn't. If they started 3-8 instead of 2-9 they would be in the playoffs.
When so much is invested, from off-season workouts, to spring training, to the long 162-game season, the drama alone makes baseball the best game ever. By far. No comparison. So much can be riding on a single game, a single inning, a single at-bat and a single pitch. There is nothing like it. And with the post-season starting tomorrow, the stakes, drama and intensity only increase. It is why we love the game.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Victorino
Earlier this week I wrote about the Mets having never had a pitcher throw a no-hitter. Today, R.A. Dickey took a no-hitter into the 7th. I was hoping I didn't jinx the no-hit futility streak.
Thanks to Shane Victorino's hit with one out in the 7th, the Mets no-hit streak stands at 7,963 games.
By the way, I vote for the Branch Rickey Award. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Denver and recognizes a player who is not only good on the field but more importantly a hero in the community. Each team has a nominee on the ballot.
I voted for Victorino this year and he was recently announced as the winner of the prestigious award. The Branch Rickey award dinner will be held in Denver on November 12th and Victorino is a most deserving winner.
Thanks to Shane Victorino's hit with one out in the 7th, the Mets no-hit streak stands at 7,963 games.
By the way, I vote for the Branch Rickey Award. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Denver and recognizes a player who is not only good on the field but more importantly a hero in the community. Each team has a nominee on the ballot.
I voted for Victorino this year and he was recently announced as the winner of the prestigious award. The Branch Rickey award dinner will be held in Denver on November 12th and Victorino is a most deserving winner.
Alfonso Soriano
One thing I can't stand is when a player complains about where he is batting in the order. If a player doesn't like where he is hitting, fine, I understand that. But they should keep it to themselves.
Cubs outfielder, Alfonso Soriano is upset that he has hit in the 7th spot in the order most of the year. He used the word, "mistreated."
Interesting, the Cubs mistreated him.
Let's see, did the checks clear?
Chicago is paying him 18-million to hit .244 this season. Shut up.
Cubs outfielder, Alfonso Soriano is upset that he has hit in the 7th spot in the order most of the year. He used the word, "mistreated."
Interesting, the Cubs mistreated him.
Let's see, did the checks clear?
Chicago is paying him 18-million to hit .244 this season. Shut up.
Dumbo
Watching the Yankees pummel the Red Sox today and it hit me. Alex Rodriguez doesn't have big ears...he has huge ears. Huge I tell ya.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
See You In April
Went to the Rockies final home game of the year. The air was crisp on a beautiful Colorado afternoon. It felt and looked like Opening Day except for fewer people and lack of pageantry.
The final game at Coors Field was strange. Knowing that I won't be at that grand ballpark for 6 months was a bummer. But even more so, the Rockies were a colossal disappointment this season.
A torrid April was followed by a dreadful May and then playing out the string for the last three months. The Rockies finished 38-43 at home this season, completely unacceptable for a team that had championship aspirations. Normally the Rockies struggle on the road. Meaning they need to clean up at home. That didn't happen.
Aaron Cook, making perhaps his final start in Coors Field in a Rockies uniform, started, and gave up 4 runs in the first inning. The Padres ended up winning the game 4-0, Colorado's 7th straight loss, capping an 0-7 home stand.
What is wrong with the Rockies? A lot. Too much to get into now.
As for Cook, the winningest pitcher in franchise history with 72, his 11-million dollar option won't be picked up next year. It's doubtful the Rockies will sign him at a discount price. With that in mind, I'm a little miffed that the Rockies fans who showed up today didn't give Cook a warm ovation. They actually booed him in the first inning. I don't want to rip the fans who showed up today because they are true baseball fans. But over the past decade of watching baseball at Coors Field I've come to the conclusion, on more than one occasion, that this is simply not a baseball-savvy town. The fans who go to Coors Field go for the atmosphere, the social aspect and the chance to spend some time in the fresh air with friends. Baseball is the backdrop to a nice day or night out. Their lack of knowledge and passion for the game itself is somewhat surprising. That is why when the Red Sox or Yankees come to town and bring their legions of fans, the locals don't know what to make of them. Being "into" every pitch isn't something that Rockies fans can be accused of. I love them but they just don't know or care about the game as much as I wish they did. Which is actually a good thing for management and the players. In other cities they would have been booed out of town and rightfully so.
Anyway, I'll miss Coors Field and hope the winter goes by quickly. Which it won't. It never does, does it?
The final game at Coors Field was strange. Knowing that I won't be at that grand ballpark for 6 months was a bummer. But even more so, the Rockies were a colossal disappointment this season.
A torrid April was followed by a dreadful May and then playing out the string for the last three months. The Rockies finished 38-43 at home this season, completely unacceptable for a team that had championship aspirations. Normally the Rockies struggle on the road. Meaning they need to clean up at home. That didn't happen.
Aaron Cook, making perhaps his final start in Coors Field in a Rockies uniform, started, and gave up 4 runs in the first inning. The Padres ended up winning the game 4-0, Colorado's 7th straight loss, capping an 0-7 home stand.
What is wrong with the Rockies? A lot. Too much to get into now.
As for Cook, the winningest pitcher in franchise history with 72, his 11-million dollar option won't be picked up next year. It's doubtful the Rockies will sign him at a discount price. With that in mind, I'm a little miffed that the Rockies fans who showed up today didn't give Cook a warm ovation. They actually booed him in the first inning. I don't want to rip the fans who showed up today because they are true baseball fans. But over the past decade of watching baseball at Coors Field I've come to the conclusion, on more than one occasion, that this is simply not a baseball-savvy town. The fans who go to Coors Field go for the atmosphere, the social aspect and the chance to spend some time in the fresh air with friends. Baseball is the backdrop to a nice day or night out. Their lack of knowledge and passion for the game itself is somewhat surprising. That is why when the Red Sox or Yankees come to town and bring their legions of fans, the locals don't know what to make of them. Being "into" every pitch isn't something that Rockies fans can be accused of. I love them but they just don't know or care about the game as much as I wish they did. Which is actually a good thing for management and the players. In other cities they would have been booed out of town and rightfully so.
Anyway, I'll miss Coors Field and hope the winter goes by quickly. Which it won't. It never does, does it?
Monday, September 19, 2011
No No-Hitters
From time to time I visit a fun website called www.nonohitters.com. It chronicles the Mets futility in pitching a no-hitter.
Now in their 50th season, the Mets incredibly have never had a pitcher throw a no-hitter. They've gone, through Sunday, 7,959 games without tossing a no-no.
Oh they've had plenty of pitchers throw no-hitters...but after they left the Mets. Here are the guys who threw no-hitters after pitching for the Mets: Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Dwight Gooden, Tom Seaver, David Cone and Hideo Nomo who threw a no-hitter before and after pitching for the Mets.
So while the Mets have gone nearly 8,000 games without a no-hitter, the Montreal Expos didn't have to wait that long. In just the 9th game in franchise history, on April 17, 1969, Bill Stoneman threw a no-hitter at the Phillies in old Connie Mack Stadium before a whopping crowd in Philadelphia of 6,496. Stoneman, who also threw a no-no in 1972 for the Expos, struck out 8 in his no-hitter. The Expos won the game 7-0. Rusty Staub, a future Met, had four hits including a homer and three RBI's.
I guess the Mets got the last laugh though since the Expos morphed into the Washington Nationals.
I hope I live another 50-years without a Mets no-hitter. That would be nice.
Now in their 50th season, the Mets incredibly have never had a pitcher throw a no-hitter. They've gone, through Sunday, 7,959 games without tossing a no-no.
Oh they've had plenty of pitchers throw no-hitters...but after they left the Mets. Here are the guys who threw no-hitters after pitching for the Mets: Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Dwight Gooden, Tom Seaver, David Cone and Hideo Nomo who threw a no-hitter before and after pitching for the Mets.
So while the Mets have gone nearly 8,000 games without a no-hitter, the Montreal Expos didn't have to wait that long. In just the 9th game in franchise history, on April 17, 1969, Bill Stoneman threw a no-hitter at the Phillies in old Connie Mack Stadium before a whopping crowd in Philadelphia of 6,496. Stoneman, who also threw a no-no in 1972 for the Expos, struck out 8 in his no-hitter. The Expos won the game 7-0. Rusty Staub, a future Met, had four hits including a homer and three RBI's.
I guess the Mets got the last laugh though since the Expos morphed into the Washington Nationals.
I hope I live another 50-years without a Mets no-hitter. That would be nice.
The Sandman
The Yanks held off the Twins today 6-4 and Mariano Rivera collected his 43rd save of the season and the record 602nd of his magnificent career.
Mariano passes Trevor Hoffman and for as great as Hoffman was, I don't think you can even compare him to Rivera.
In every position in baseball you can have debates and arguments on who the best of all time was. But when it comes to closers the discussion starts and ends with Mariano.
When you look up the careers of just about every player, they all seem to have had a down year or two or some mediocre seasons. Mariano? He's been great his entire career. There are no bad seasons on the resume. A bad year for Mariano would be a great year for most other closers.
Congratulations to Mariano Rivera, the greatest ever. Who knows how many saves he'll end up with. Oh, I forgot to mention his 42 post-season saves and 0.71 ERA.
By the way, remember when closers were called "firemen"?
Mariano passes Trevor Hoffman and for as great as Hoffman was, I don't think you can even compare him to Rivera.
In every position in baseball you can have debates and arguments on who the best of all time was. But when it comes to closers the discussion starts and ends with Mariano.
When you look up the careers of just about every player, they all seem to have had a down year or two or some mediocre seasons. Mariano? He's been great his entire career. There are no bad seasons on the resume. A bad year for Mariano would be a great year for most other closers.
Congratulations to Mariano Rivera, the greatest ever. Who knows how many saves he'll end up with. Oh, I forgot to mention his 42 post-season saves and 0.71 ERA.
By the way, remember when closers were called "firemen"?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Blue Jays
Year in and year out, the Blue Jays are over-matched in the AL East. I think there have been occasions when they would have been the best team in the frequently crappy AL Central.
I will credit the Blue Jays for this...they are always a formidable team. They never tank it in September and they don't roll over against the Yankees or Red Sox like the Orioles do.
The Blue Jays come to play. They don't have the weaponry of New York or the Bostons but they compete. I have to give them credit. It's never an easy game against Toronto.
I will credit the Blue Jays for this...they are always a formidable team. They never tank it in September and they don't roll over against the Yankees or Red Sox like the Orioles do.
The Blue Jays come to play. They don't have the weaponry of New York or the Bostons but they compete. I have to give them credit. It's never an easy game against Toronto.
One Mo To Go
Yanks rallied to beat the Blue Jays today 7-6.
The great Mariano Rivera got the save, his 42nd save of the season (matching his uniform number) and the 601st save of his magnificent career. He is now tied for the all-time lead with Trevor Hoffman.
Rivera is 41 years old. I think with his work ethic, desire and determination, he can pitch for, oh...another 20-years or so!
The great Mariano Rivera got the save, his 42nd save of the season (matching his uniform number) and the 601st save of his magnificent career. He is now tied for the all-time lead with Trevor Hoffman.
Rivera is 41 years old. I think with his work ethic, desire and determination, he can pitch for, oh...another 20-years or so!
100
I'm fascinated by the number 100 when it comes to the standings.
I think teams try harder down the stretch to avoid losing 100 games than a team does when trying to win 100, unless they are in a pennant race. If a team has a big lead in the standings, I think they coast to 100 wins.
A team that has 90 something losses really busts it to try to lose 99 or less.
So with that being said, I have to congratulate the Houston Astros for their 100th loss of the season today. The Cubs stopped the non-juggernaut Astros 2-1 at Wrigley.
Even though they came into baseball in 1962 as the expansion Colt 45's the Houston National League franchise has never before lost 100 games. I guess it is indisputable...the 2011 Houston Astros are the worst team in franchise history.
So take a bow you cuddly 100 game losers. Plus, with 11 games left there is plenty of time to add to the loss total and shattering the previous record for losses in a season, 97 in 1965, 1975 and 1997.
I think teams try harder down the stretch to avoid losing 100 games than a team does when trying to win 100, unless they are in a pennant race. If a team has a big lead in the standings, I think they coast to 100 wins.
A team that has 90 something losses really busts it to try to lose 99 or less.
So with that being said, I have to congratulate the Houston Astros for their 100th loss of the season today. The Cubs stopped the non-juggernaut Astros 2-1 at Wrigley.
Even though they came into baseball in 1962 as the expansion Colt 45's the Houston National League franchise has never before lost 100 games. I guess it is indisputable...the 2011 Houston Astros are the worst team in franchise history.
So take a bow you cuddly 100 game losers. Plus, with 11 games left there is plenty of time to add to the loss total and shattering the previous record for losses in a season, 97 in 1965, 1975 and 1997.
Another Brewers Jackass
The previous post I wrote about the selfish Prince Fielder. Another Brewer who has me incensed is relief pitcher Frankie Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who is lucky he isn't in jail after beating up his elderly father-in-law last year, was acquired by Milwaukee in July from the Mets.
While I would never have a low life creep playing for me, from a baseball standpoint it was a good move to bolster the bullpen.
The Brewers closer is John Axford who is having a terrific year with an ERA slightly over 2 and with 43 saves. Rodriguez has pitched very well as a set-up man.
Perfect situation for the Brewers right? Well, yes but not if you ask Rodriguez. He's pissed off that he's not the closer. What? Excuse me? The team is winning, Axford is doing the job and Rodriguez is pulling the "I'm not the closer" act? Way to be a team player K-Rod.
What in the world is he thinking? Answer...he's not. Put together, I don't know if Rodriguez and Fielder have a full brain. Selfish stupid idiots.
The team is in contention for a championship. Put your egos selfishness aside for at least a couple of weeks and help the team. Plus, you would think that Rodriguez would try to improve his image after beating up an old guy last year.
Rodriguez, who is lucky he isn't in jail after beating up his elderly father-in-law last year, was acquired by Milwaukee in July from the Mets.
While I would never have a low life creep playing for me, from a baseball standpoint it was a good move to bolster the bullpen.
The Brewers closer is John Axford who is having a terrific year with an ERA slightly over 2 and with 43 saves. Rodriguez has pitched very well as a set-up man.
Perfect situation for the Brewers right? Well, yes but not if you ask Rodriguez. He's pissed off that he's not the closer. What? Excuse me? The team is winning, Axford is doing the job and Rodriguez is pulling the "I'm not the closer" act? Way to be a team player K-Rod.
What in the world is he thinking? Answer...he's not. Put together, I don't know if Rodriguez and Fielder have a full brain. Selfish stupid idiots.
The team is in contention for a championship. Put your egos selfishness aside for at least a couple of weeks and help the team. Plus, you would think that Rodriguez would try to improve his image after beating up an old guy last year.
Pipe Down Prince
The Brewers are going to make the playoffs as the NL Central champs. They should have their mindset on locking up the central and then winning a World Series title.
While 24 guys seem to be focused on just that, one guy doesn't seem to be.
Prince Fielder said this week that he doesn't see himself back in Milwaukee next season. The free agent to be slugger should have his mind on the TEAM and not himself.
Obviously he doesn't plan to be back. He'll sign with whomever gives him the most money. I'm not begrudging him that at all. He should do what he feels is best for him. But the timing to talk about it is completely wrong.
If a reporter asks him, "Prince, will you be back in Milwaukee next year?" he should simply respond, "Come on. I'm not thinking about that right now. I'm worried about winning a championship here in Milwaukee." So what if he's lying. For the team's sake, don't talk about leaving. Leave that for the off-season.
Prince Fielder is selfish. Period.
While 24 guys seem to be focused on just that, one guy doesn't seem to be.
Prince Fielder said this week that he doesn't see himself back in Milwaukee next season. The free agent to be slugger should have his mind on the TEAM and not himself.
Obviously he doesn't plan to be back. He'll sign with whomever gives him the most money. I'm not begrudging him that at all. He should do what he feels is best for him. But the timing to talk about it is completely wrong.
If a reporter asks him, "Prince, will you be back in Milwaukee next year?" he should simply respond, "Come on. I'm not thinking about that right now. I'm worried about winning a championship here in Milwaukee." So what if he's lying. For the team's sake, don't talk about leaving. Leave that for the off-season.
Prince Fielder is selfish. Period.
Dynomite
I think I mentioned it in a previous post a while back but I'll bring it up again. One of the best videos on YouTube is the one with Keenan Cahill lip-synching the song Dynomite with Giants nutty closer Brian Wilson and outfielder Cody Ross.
Go to YouTube and type in Keenan Cahill Giants and watch the video. It is truly entertaining.
Cahill is a 16 year old who has a syndrome that causes a dwarf-like appearance. He does these lip-synching videos which he shows off his sense of timing with expressive facial theatrics.
Last night at Coors Field I talked briefly to Ross and Wilson about the video. Ross said he had a great time making the video even though the song gets stuck in his head. It is a catchy song.
Wilson also said it was fun to make the video and that they play it on the video board at the Giants home ballpark. Before I talked to Wilson I had to wait for him to stop running around the visitors clubhouse. By the way, his beard is impressive on TV...but much more so in person.
Ross and Wilson. Two good guys, good players although Wilson is rather strange...in a good way. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to meet Keenan Cahill.
Go to YouTube and type in Keenan Cahill Giants and watch the video. It is truly entertaining.
Cahill is a 16 year old who has a syndrome that causes a dwarf-like appearance. He does these lip-synching videos which he shows off his sense of timing with expressive facial theatrics.
Last night at Coors Field I talked briefly to Ross and Wilson about the video. Ross said he had a great time making the video even though the song gets stuck in his head. It is a catchy song.
Wilson also said it was fun to make the video and that they play it on the video board at the Giants home ballpark. Before I talked to Wilson I had to wait for him to stop running around the visitors clubhouse. By the way, his beard is impressive on TV...but much more so in person.
Ross and Wilson. Two good guys, good players although Wilson is rather strange...in a good way. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to meet Keenan Cahill.
Sweet Lou
One of the nice things about going to ballgames is you never know who you will run into.
Last night, I went to Coors Field and saw the Giants hammer the Rockies 9-1.
When I went into the press dining room before the game I saw Lou Piniella. After eating I went up to Lou and told him that as a Yankee fan I appreciated his career. I also mentioned that he was my mom's favorite player. She loved Lou not only because of his playing ability, which was outstanding, but he was handsome. Still is. Lou looks to be in great shape and 15 years younger than his actual age of 68.
Lou was very gracious and appreciated my words.
He's doing consulting work for the Giants now, much less stressful than managing. I did ask him if he thought he would manage again.
He said, with a smile, "Nah, I'm done."
Despite managing for 23 seasons, including a World Series title with the Reds in 1990 and a 116 win season with the Mariners in 2001, when I think of Lou Piniella I think of him wearing number 14 for the Yankees, getting clutch hit after clutch hit and of course his game saving play in right field in the 1978 playoff game at Fenway Park.
Last night, I went to Coors Field and saw the Giants hammer the Rockies 9-1.
When I went into the press dining room before the game I saw Lou Piniella. After eating I went up to Lou and told him that as a Yankee fan I appreciated his career. I also mentioned that he was my mom's favorite player. She loved Lou not only because of his playing ability, which was outstanding, but he was handsome. Still is. Lou looks to be in great shape and 15 years younger than his actual age of 68.
Lou was very gracious and appreciated my words.
He's doing consulting work for the Giants now, much less stressful than managing. I did ask him if he thought he would manage again.
He said, with a smile, "Nah, I'm done."
Despite managing for 23 seasons, including a World Series title with the Reds in 1990 and a 116 win season with the Mariners in 2001, when I think of Lou Piniella I think of him wearing number 14 for the Yankees, getting clutch hit after clutch hit and of course his game saving play in right field in the 1978 playoff game at Fenway Park.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Can The Bucs Go 16-0?
The Pirates are 66-80 heading into tonight's game against the Cardinals. At one point Pittsburgh showed life only to falter and drop out of the race. They are certainly an improved team although the record is typical of the Bucs in recent years.
In order for Pittsburgh to snap a record 18-consecutive losing seasons, they need to win their last 16 games.
I suspect next season they'll be looking to break their record of 19-straight losing seasons. But I could be wrong. Come on Pirates...just 16 wins. You can do it!
In order for Pittsburgh to snap a record 18-consecutive losing seasons, they need to win their last 16 games.
I suspect next season they'll be looking to break their record of 19-straight losing seasons. But I could be wrong. Come on Pirates...just 16 wins. You can do it!
Panic Time!
The Red Sox have lost 10 of 13 and were just swept by the Rays. Boston's lead in the Wild Card race is 3 1/2 over Tampa Bay. But the Rays are beating the Orioles as I write this and the Bostons are off. If it holds Tampa Bay will be 3 out in the Wild Card with 4 games left with the Red Sox later this month at Fenway.
David Ortiz was quoted as saying, "Hell yeah you've got to panic."
Nice.
It would be sweet if the last three games of the season the Red Sox and their boorish fans had to root for the Yankees to beat the Rays to get into the playoffs. That would be a fun time.
David Ortiz was quoted as saying, "Hell yeah you've got to panic."
Nice.
It would be sweet if the last three games of the season the Red Sox and their boorish fans had to root for the Yankees to beat the Rays to get into the playoffs. That would be a fun time.
Valverde
Jose Valverde isn't my favorite player. The Tigers reliever is a little too demonstrative for my liking. I prefer players who simply do their job with little fanfare. They leave the gesticulations and histrionics to...the Valverde's of the world.
But I will give the Tigers closer credit. He's an outstanding pitcher and has been for a while. He set the Tigers record for saves yesterday, 43, in Detroit's 9th straight win.
The Tigers are fast becoming a scary thought in the playoffs. With Verlander they have a true ace. If Max Scherzer can be a tough number two, the Tigers might do some serious damage. And they have the closer in the exuberant Jose Valverde.
By the way, Todd Jones was the previous Tigers leader in saves. I would have speculated Willie Hernandez.
But I will give the Tigers closer credit. He's an outstanding pitcher and has been for a while. He set the Tigers record for saves yesterday, 43, in Detroit's 9th straight win.
The Tigers are fast becoming a scary thought in the playoffs. With Verlander they have a true ace. If Max Scherzer can be a tough number two, the Tigers might do some serious damage. And they have the closer in the exuberant Jose Valverde.
By the way, Todd Jones was the previous Tigers leader in saves. I would have speculated Willie Hernandez.
Bad Decision
Since yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, the Mets wanted to wear commemorative caps last night in support of the New York City police and fire departments. Nice gesture. Too bad it was shot down by the powers that be in Major League Baseball.
Come on! Name one thing wrong with what the Mets wanted to do. What harm would it have causes? None.
Baseball can be so stupid and self-defeating at times. Too many times. Here is just one example.
The Mets should have worn the caps anyway and told baseball to shove it. Just pay the fine if baseball would have had the nerve to fine the Mets. Then again, if the Mets did get fined they probably couldn't afford to pay it.
Come on! Name one thing wrong with what the Mets wanted to do. What harm would it have causes? None.
Baseball can be so stupid and self-defeating at times. Too many times. Here is just one example.
The Mets should have worn the caps anyway and told baseball to shove it. Just pay the fine if baseball would have had the nerve to fine the Mets. Then again, if the Mets did get fined they probably couldn't afford to pay it.
Season Over
My old guy's baseball season came to a close yesterday and in humiliating fashion. The Bears beat up the Orioles 14-0 in the first round of the playoffs.
You go into every game expecting to win but when I saw the Bears pitcher I knew we were in trouble. He threw hard. The hardest throwing pitcher in the league. I know how we hit. Several guys on our team can't hit batting practice speed pitches so I knew we were cooked.
Plus our starting pitcher showed up 5 minutes before game time, gave up 4 first inning runs...beginning with a 4-pitch lead off walk. Then he got thrown out of the game in the top of the 2nd for squawking with the umpire. He should have gotten a warning but he also should have piped down.
The bad thing about him getting run is that every time his spot came up in the batting order, it was an automatic out which led to a potential strange situation.
In our Over 35 league, there is a 10-run mercy rule after 7 innings. In the top of the 7th, we had our first two batters make outs. That brought up Mike Zuffoletto. He was going to be the last batter no matter what because the automatic out spot was up next. This meant if Mike hit a home run the game would have ended. We would have hit a walk off homer...and lost. He struck out.
It was a dissapointing way to end the season. Not that we lost but we didn't play well. It doesn't help when your starting pitcher shows up late, gets racked, thrown out, spends the next few innings in the stands drinking beer then leaving before the game ends. Classy. It wasn't the first time he showed up late either. This isn't the big leagues but it's all we have. It would be nice if he showed the same interest and dedication as the rest of the team.
Hopefully next year ends in better fashion. Changes though need to be made.
You go into every game expecting to win but when I saw the Bears pitcher I knew we were in trouble. He threw hard. The hardest throwing pitcher in the league. I know how we hit. Several guys on our team can't hit batting practice speed pitches so I knew we were cooked.
Plus our starting pitcher showed up 5 minutes before game time, gave up 4 first inning runs...beginning with a 4-pitch lead off walk. Then he got thrown out of the game in the top of the 2nd for squawking with the umpire. He should have gotten a warning but he also should have piped down.
The bad thing about him getting run is that every time his spot came up in the batting order, it was an automatic out which led to a potential strange situation.
In our Over 35 league, there is a 10-run mercy rule after 7 innings. In the top of the 7th, we had our first two batters make outs. That brought up Mike Zuffoletto. He was going to be the last batter no matter what because the automatic out spot was up next. This meant if Mike hit a home run the game would have ended. We would have hit a walk off homer...and lost. He struck out.
It was a dissapointing way to end the season. Not that we lost but we didn't play well. It doesn't help when your starting pitcher shows up late, gets racked, thrown out, spends the next few innings in the stands drinking beer then leaving before the game ends. Classy. It wasn't the first time he showed up late either. This isn't the big leagues but it's all we have. It would be nice if he showed the same interest and dedication as the rest of the team.
Hopefully next year ends in better fashion. Changes though need to be made.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Diced Too?
I don't know if Giants relief pitcher Jeremy Affeldt diced his pinkie but he sure did slice it.
Affeldt was trying to separate two frozen hamburgers with a paring knife and cut his hand. Badly.
He needed surgery and suffered nerve damage to his pinkie and is out for the rest of the season.
Tough year for the Giants. For a long time it looked like they would win the NL West but the complete lack of hitting, the injury to closer Brian Wilson and the emergence of the Diamondbacks has San Fran planning their off-season early. Now Affeldt's injury just adds to the disappointment. Just another injury to add to the list of bizarre baseball injuries.
Affeldt was trying to separate two frozen hamburgers with a paring knife and cut his hand. Badly.
He needed surgery and suffered nerve damage to his pinkie and is out for the rest of the season.
Tough year for the Giants. For a long time it looked like they would win the NL West but the complete lack of hitting, the injury to closer Brian Wilson and the emergence of the Diamondbacks has San Fran planning their off-season early. Now Affeldt's injury just adds to the disappointment. Just another injury to add to the list of bizarre baseball injuries.
Tejada Wants To Play
Miguel Tejada is 37, or so he says. He could very well be 42 for all we know. He has lied about his age before.
He did play like a 42-year old this season, batting just .239 for the Giants with 4 homers and 26 RBI's in 91 games before getting released. He also has lost several steps in the field.
Tejada says he wants to play again next year. I don't blame him. He should play as long as he possibly can. But who will take a chance on him? Unless he gets back on his little "helpers" I don't see him on another big league roster next season.
I won't miss him. I'll admit I'm not a Miguel Tejada fan. He comes across to me as a whiny malcontent.
He did play like a 42-year old this season, batting just .239 for the Giants with 4 homers and 26 RBI's in 91 games before getting released. He also has lost several steps in the field.
Tejada says he wants to play again next year. I don't blame him. He should play as long as he possibly can. But who will take a chance on him? Unless he gets back on his little "helpers" I don't see him on another big league roster next season.
I won't miss him. I'll admit I'm not a Miguel Tejada fan. He comes across to me as a whiny malcontent.
Youk Not So Hip
Last season Kevin Youkilis had his season cut short by a wrist injury. This year, the Boston third baseman has been hobbled by bursitis in his left hip and just got a cortisone shot to relieve the pain.
With pitchers Clay Buchholz (stress fracture in his back) and Josh Beckett (sprained ankle) ailing, the Red Sox are hobbling towards the finish line.
A few weeks ago you would have made the Bostons the favorites to win the American League pennant. Now? I would not pick them.
Shoot, the Rays are just 5 1/2 games behind Boston in the wild card chase...and they play tonight.
While the thought of a Red Sox-Yankees ALCS is appealing to me the thought that the Rays could somehow rally past the Bostons and capture the AL Wildcard is also a very juicy proposition to me.
The Yankees and Rays end the regular season in Tampa. What if those games meant everything to the Red Sox and Rays but not the Yankees? Would the Yankees try their best to win those games or would they give some regulars rest and play some of the younger players.
If I was Yankees manager Joe Girardi in that situation, I would play to get ready for the playoffs, not caring about the outcome of the games. It would serve two purposes. It might keep the dangerous Sox out of the playoffs. It would also get Boston fans panties in a bunch.
With pitchers Clay Buchholz (stress fracture in his back) and Josh Beckett (sprained ankle) ailing, the Red Sox are hobbling towards the finish line.
A few weeks ago you would have made the Bostons the favorites to win the American League pennant. Now? I would not pick them.
Shoot, the Rays are just 5 1/2 games behind Boston in the wild card chase...and they play tonight.
While the thought of a Red Sox-Yankees ALCS is appealing to me the thought that the Rays could somehow rally past the Bostons and capture the AL Wildcard is also a very juicy proposition to me.
The Yankees and Rays end the regular season in Tampa. What if those games meant everything to the Red Sox and Rays but not the Yankees? Would the Yankees try their best to win those games or would they give some regulars rest and play some of the younger players.
If I was Yankees manager Joe Girardi in that situation, I would play to get ready for the playoffs, not caring about the outcome of the games. It would serve two purposes. It might keep the dangerous Sox out of the playoffs. It would also get Boston fans panties in a bunch.
An Amazing Story
I just read a story on Foxsports.com about home runs that Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer hit in a minor league playoff series in 2001.
He won a couple of games for the New Britain Rock Cats in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs that helped the team win the series and advance to the finals.
Yeah, so what? Is that what you are thinking?
Well, those home runs saved the life of Tigers pitcher Brad Thomas, a teammate on that Rock Cats club.
Thomas, booked a flight home, to Austrailia, via Los Angeles for September 11th. He wanted to get a cheaper fare to LA and he would have flown out on that date had Cuddyer not hit those home runs and extended New Britain's season. Of course the plane he was supposed to be on was one of the planes that flew into the World Trade Center.
Whenever the Twins and Tigers play, Thomas and Cuddyer shake hands and hug. Thomas follows Cuddyer's career closely as you might expect.
The Eastern League cancelled their Championship Series that season. New Britain and the Reading Phillies were declared co-champions. Michael Cuddyer should have been named MVP.
He won a couple of games for the New Britain Rock Cats in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs that helped the team win the series and advance to the finals.
Yeah, so what? Is that what you are thinking?
Well, those home runs saved the life of Tigers pitcher Brad Thomas, a teammate on that Rock Cats club.
Thomas, booked a flight home, to Austrailia, via Los Angeles for September 11th. He wanted to get a cheaper fare to LA and he would have flown out on that date had Cuddyer not hit those home runs and extended New Britain's season. Of course the plane he was supposed to be on was one of the planes that flew into the World Trade Center.
Whenever the Twins and Tigers play, Thomas and Cuddyer shake hands and hug. Thomas follows Cuddyer's career closely as you might expect.
The Eastern League cancelled their Championship Series that season. New Britain and the Reading Phillies were declared co-champions. Michael Cuddyer should have been named MVP.
Book...Done.
As you can tell, I haven't updated Mysterious Walker in a while. Oh, I've been watching and following baseball of course. But I've simply been taking a break from writing.
With the non-existant pennant races I didn't feel the need to do much writing anyway.
I just finished writing a new book, "Sports Talk: The Personality Behind The Personalities." Basically, David Brody, a sportscasting coach and agent, and myself, interviewed some the top sports talk show hosts around the country. I then wrote up the chapters. The personal stories the subjects shared were funny, sad, interesting, bizarre and poignant. I think people will really enjoy it.
Some of the people we profiled in the book include Tony Bruno, Colin Cowherd, Greg Williams, Scott Van Pelt and Dan Sileo. Of course Kevin Wheeler is in the book. Kevin is our Turf Baseball Analyst and comes on our show every Sunday night. He's a great talk show host out of KMOX radio in St. Louis and has a compelling story.
Anyway, the book will be available in December and soon the publisher, Linda Young, will have information on pre-sale orders.
So, after writing the book, an arduous task I must say, I had to clear my head and take a writing timeout. But, I'm back and that is a good thing...I think.
With the non-existant pennant races I didn't feel the need to do much writing anyway.
I just finished writing a new book, "Sports Talk: The Personality Behind The Personalities." Basically, David Brody, a sportscasting coach and agent, and myself, interviewed some the top sports talk show hosts around the country. I then wrote up the chapters. The personal stories the subjects shared were funny, sad, interesting, bizarre and poignant. I think people will really enjoy it.
Some of the people we profiled in the book include Tony Bruno, Colin Cowherd, Greg Williams, Scott Van Pelt and Dan Sileo. Of course Kevin Wheeler is in the book. Kevin is our Turf Baseball Analyst and comes on our show every Sunday night. He's a great talk show host out of KMOX radio in St. Louis and has a compelling story.
Anyway, the book will be available in December and soon the publisher, Linda Young, will have information on pre-sale orders.
So, after writing the book, an arduous task I must say, I had to clear my head and take a writing timeout. But, I'm back and that is a good thing...I think.
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