The Beginning

Recently it seems that attendance records are being set every time you turn around. It is not unusual for a team to draw three million people during a season, but there was a time, not that long ago, when just one million was a big deal.

Along came the 1975 World Series. You know, the one between the Big Red Machine and the Boston Red Sox. Cincinnati had not won a championship since 1960 and the Red Sox since 1918. One had to win. We all know how that turned out, but the action and tension it created will live on forever.

At one point Pete Rose, of the Reds, turned to Carlton Fisk of the Red Sox and proclaimed game six to be the best game he was ever in. That meant a lot coming from the man who would have more hits than anyone else in the major league history. That was the game when Bernie Carbo tied it up with a pinch hit three run homer and the famous image of Carlton Fisk waving his ball fair in the 12 inning.

Not only did that series change how baseball was televised, it restored interest in Americas pastime. That has lead to the attendance figure we see today. Yes, it started with the 1975 World Series. What was the moment that you fell in love with in baseball?

Written by Chris Papas

Winter Meetings Notes

Not much to talk about, unless you a Marlins fan. Their signings of Heath Bell and Jose Reyes made a big splash to open the Winter Meetings in Dallas. There have also been reports that the Marlins have made an aggressive 10 year offer to the prized Albert Pujols.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports: The Cubs met Monday night with the agent for Albert Pujols and it was confirmed early Tuesday morning that they submitted a bid for the Cardinals slugger.

Here’s what’s happened today:

Baltimore Orioles outrighted Pedro Viola to Norfolk Tides.

Detroit Tigers outrighted Ryan Strieby to Toledo Mud Hens.

Cincinnati Reds outrighted Jeremy Horst to Louisville Bats.

Colorado Rockies claim Jamie Hoffmann off waivers from Los Angeles Dodgers

Minnesota Twins claim Pedro Florimon Jr. off waivers from Baltimore Orioles

Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent SS Jerry Hairston

There have also been reports that CJ Wilson could be headed to the Angels, and that Mark Buehrle has narrowed his choice down to 5 teams.

Who makes the next big splash?

Compiled by Chris Papas

Hot Stove Notes

The Phillies have released Roy Oswalt, with the hope of bringing him back for less. What the Papelbon signing will do to this remains to be seen. Oswalt is 34 but still has some good years left. They bought him out for $2 million with the reported hope of bringing him back at a more modest salary. Oswalt has been among the game’s best, but slipped to 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts and 139 innings.

C.J. Wilson has proven to be the Ranger s ace, now that Cliff Lee has moved on. But as good as he was in the regular season, going 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 34 outings, Wilson lost some luster because of his struggles in the postseason. At 31, he has been a starter for two seasons, after spending five years in the Rangers’ bullpen.

We should not overlook Mark Buehrle of the White Sox. He’s a little older and there is always the fear of retirement with him. But he is a work horse that would be a fine addition to any starting rotation.

Written by Chris Papas

Off Season Update

The playoffs and the season have ended. We know the St. Louis Cardinals are Champions of the baseball world. The Texas Rangers are runners up… again.

Now the anticipation of the off season starts.

Every team is going to try to improve themselves. Logic and history tells us they all can’t, but they will all claim to their fan base that they did. We will watch and see what happens.

The CBA is in the process of being renewed, free agents are visiting prospective teams, and teams are  beginning to flash some big dollar amounts. Who do think your team will go after? Are those with home grown talent better off?

The big move (announced during the World Series) was the Cubs hiring Theo Epstein away from the Red Sox. Although the Red Sox did not put up much of a fight. Compensation is still being worked out.

Written by Chris Papas

St. Louis Cardinals Win 2011 World Series

By now it’s old news, but the Cardinals are the world champs of baseball. We have said here many times, they just kept winning. They went as far as they could go.

Congratulations to all of St. Louis and their fans. Nobody thought they would be here, but they stand alone on top of the baseball mountain. I, for one never thought they would go that far. I thought the Rangers would beat them handily, and they almost did. Twice St. Louis was down to their last strike, but they got the big hit when they needed it. And they got the big pitch when they needed it.

When that Texas home run was caught over the fence, I knew it was the Cards night. It sure was. They are world champs.

Now we turn to the free agency period as many teams have questions to answer. For the World Series Champion Cardinals, they will have to decide how much to pay their star athlete if they want to keep him. Albert Pujols, along with 140 or so other players officially filed for free agency at the conclusion of the World Series.

Written by Chis Papas