Another regular season in the books

Some interesting thoughts since I am bored and waiting for the playoffs:

When in doubt, read the big green cue card: The Red Sox and Yankees ended the season in a tie, however New York wins the division (because they won the season series 10-9) even though when teams tie in the standings are listed in alphabetical order. (photo: boston.com, Fenway Park after the season finale 10-1 victory over the Yanks.)

Tired Arm or Throwing BP?: Despite being the leading candidate for the NL Cy Young Award, Cardinal ace Chris Carpenter has given up 18 earned runs in 15.1 innings in his last 3 starts. In fact, his ERA over his last 4 starts is 9.14.

Explains why Pico is such a literary guy...who knew St. Louis loves the word play: Speaking of Cardinal pitching, what is it with the Cardinals starting pitchers and alliteration? Chris Carpenter, Matt Morris, and Mark Mulder. In fact, Mark Mulder was the new addtion to this alliterary group replacing the departed Woody Williams...literally.

Let's have a Division Exchange program: In the race to the finish, the powerhouse Padres of San Diego played .600 ball over their last 10 games, going 6-4 to bring their final record to 82-80 - 2 games over .500. (and there was much rejoicing....yeaaaaaah!), Naturally, they were the only team in the NL West to do that.

Since I know we were ALL scoring at home, those 2 games were pivital in beating the NL East basement dwelling D.C Nationals of Washington, who continuing their downward spiral fell to second place...in the NL West (The Padres would have been 4th in the NL East, by the way.)

Naturally, it is the manager's fault: Marlins Jack McKean (Resigned-but not retired) who won a WS in 2003; L.A. Dodgers’ Jim Tracy (fired), who won the NL West in 2004; Detroit’s Alan Trammell (fired), who never had all the parts, but made a good run.

Seeking a Manager with Experience: Lou Pinella is rumored as the top choice to take over Jack McKean’s Florida Marlin team. Interesting because, McKean left do to a conflict with his hard ass coaching style and a wussy team. Yeah, Lou will whip them into shape. Meanwhile, the Tigers will be interviewing former Marlins’ skipper Jim Leyland.

Frankly, I am Ozstruck: Ozzie Guillen showed his class and sophistication on Sunday. As his White Sox were on the verge of sweeping the Cleveland Indians, effectively knocking them from the playoffs, the Blizzard of Oz (thanks Jay Mariotti) put his hands to his throat signaling a choke sign to the Indians’ mascot at Jacob’s Field. Careful Ozzie, Trot Nixon is looking for a reason to get into fight.

Today’s article by Chicago Sun Times columnist Jay Mariotti gave no praise to the hometown skipper saying,

"While I'm at it, let me tell Ozzie Guillen that he did his Wacky Uncle image no favors when he became the first major-league manager in known history to flash a double-fisted choke sign at a mascot -- Slider, employed by the Indians -- and the Jacobs Field fans during a pitching change Sunday. When the Blizzard of Oz wonders why he's not treated like Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa, he should examine the photo and ask if those gentlemen ever would stoop to taunting some poor mope in a suit whose team has just finished fading like, well, Craig Ehlo trying to guard You Know Who."

Let me say, how much fun it will be to see David "Big Papi" Ortiz step into the box against, old foe and former Yankee sluggie Jose Can'treas! I really like most of the White Sox team (Posednick, Rowand), but with guys like Ozzie and Hawk Harrelson, it is hard to route for them.

While Jay Mariotti is columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, he can also be seen on ESPN's "Around The Horn" Oh boy!

And finally...from the Theo Epstein must resign Johnny Damon Dept:

Gotta love the guy keeping a breast of the AL playoff race.

With thanks to Johnny Damon for adding to the true rivalry...battling Derek Jeter in the best home field trim dept. Theo, please resign him....for THE REST OF US!

(BTW-please feel free to leave your predictions and other notes in the comments!! I would love to hear what others think -mjr)