*Let's start by raising the glass to the proud parents Kate and William. Naturally, I feel obligated ,to help with the naming of the young stud. There is always Brian, wink wink, however since this a serious matter in order, I would go with Sonny, Lenny, Al, Zebedee (Zeb) for short, and of course Timmy Brown. I like Billy too, but since his dad is the original English Big Willy, I feel that name is spoken for. Did you notice all of the people around the hospital the last few days. All I can say is Baby Wales is going to have no problems with the ladies! He is destined for Board Membership in the Get Down Lounge!
*Garza to the Rangers. Gulp. Well, maybe he won't like Texas. The good news is by rule, he can't resign with Texas so the Ranger rolled the dice Big Time.
*I vowed not to be so sarcastic, and as some might say antagonistic to all my show killer (save one Marsha T.) buddies and frenemies who follow the team that has recently won 2 of 3 (or 51 depending on how you are counting!) So after last night's pasting by the Reds, did the Giants miss their chance to sell little Timmy L. for a premium price? I guess the Padres not quite the Reds eh? That Timmy L. a real "trip." Speaking of Giants with personality, I sure hope the A's give Brian Wilson a look. I envision his entertainment value in the Green and Gold being off the hook, or maybe even of the rocker! Bring on the Beard.
*To my poor sports bretheren who are Angels fans, I sincerely offer my empathy. Yes, I do occassionaly draw a line, and for me it is to never bag on Angel or Saints or BYU for that matter! However your Angels are still the biggest enigma around. Why that team has not won more games the last year and a half still a real head scratcher? However, I believe there may be a trend that says to be successful, less superstars is better. I didn't say NO superstars, I said less. The A's have proved during that same time there is something to be said for having a stable of good young players, including pitchers, and that perhaps depth is the key. The A's can't beat Verbeast, of King Felix, or Weaver, or Wainright, but man oh man, do they clean up on just about everyone else! However you still have to have "enough"game changers or you are not winning the last game of the season. There might also be said for players that are hungry, for whatever reason, money, championships, fame, whatever. I look at the new model as the Boston Red Sox, who essentially have combined what the best of the A's and Giants. A handful of stars with a deep supporting cast. (Especially in the bullpen!)
In my sweet, gentle, can't we all get along opinion, here is what it takes to win it all:
1. Great Starting Pitching: Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Matt Cain, Version 2010 Timmy L;
2. Star Offensive Players: Reggie Jackson, Buster Posey;
3. A bullpen that finishes games when the team has a lead: Rollie, B. Wilson, Romo.
4. Defense. You have to make enough plays, however usually it is one or two that really are the difference makers here: Rudi's catch against the wall in Cincinnati.
5. Intangibles/Supporting Cast: Sure you need a other guys to get hot, and sure you need that winning vibe, but if you don't have 1-4, it doesn't matter. Remember the Giants when Buster got hurt? Do the Tigers have a lights out pen? Do the A's have enough of 1 or 2? However, the right supporting cast may in the end make the difference. Team members who in the end, want to win, and players who not only accept their roles, the relish in them!
6. Breaks and bounces, injuries, etc.: Sitting Strausburg. (Really, was this the worst baseball decision of all time?) The B & B's always come into play, but without the 1-4, it just doesn't matter.
7. 5 game playoff series are the worst--so short, and so few plays determine who moves on. Well, if you only have a few races, wouldn't you prefer to have Secretariat out there every inning?
As my wife as noted elsewhere, my daughter has visions of attending a World Series. Well, Mr. Beane and Co., for that to happen, you need to tap a little deeper into the vault. The A's need a pitcher who can go toe-to-toe with Verbeast. I get cold sweats thinking about a 5 games series vs. Verbeast or anyone for that matter.
Back to the Angels. I am not sure if it has been the slow starts, the Weaver injuries, or just the fact that the Angle$ get paid so darn well, do the players really sweat or fret not winning? Drive a little north and look at the Dodger$$$$$$. It took a young, hungry, not overpaid, freaky athlete, to jump start that gazillion dollar lineup. The Cardinals haven't missed Big Al, the Red Soz improved by subtracting, and the real good guys, the guys who brought color and flair and long hair and white shoes to baseball, well they just keep on chugging along.
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