Monday, October 09, 2006

That's a Winner!!

Despite the predictions of a nigh-unanimous panel of so-called "experts" at ESPN, the Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres Sunday night in four games, a team they also swept last year in the NLDS.

I have to say I was a little wary of the Cardinals coming into the playoffs. They were the losingest team in the National League since the end of July, and almost went home early after nearly blowing a 7.5 game division lead. But by the skin of their teeth, they made it, and I was there cheering them on, for better or for worse.

Luckily, it was for the better. This team turned a complete 180, and the Cardinal I was most impressed by during the series: Ronnie Belliard. You never would think this fat tub of goo could move like he does, but yet, he made some great catches and stops at second base (saved a lot of runs in the process) and had some key hits throughout the four games. I didn't know what to think when they picked him up halfway through the season, but the more I watched, the more I warmed up to him. Definitely the better pickup between him and Preston Wilson. I'd like to see him back next year, methinks (I predict this to be a very eventful offseason for St. Louis, but that's a whole other post).

Next up, the Mets. Most of the season I had predicted it would be a Mets-Cardinals NLCS, and both had similar stories coming into this (losing their way into the playoffs). New York's really scary, our Redbirds better get their shit together if they even want to split the first two at Shea. But this little fan believes. Who's with me?!

2 comments:

Katy said...

GO CARDS! It looks, smells, tastes like VICTORY (of the NLCDS).
Ronnie makes $4 MILLION! And for my next trick, I will marry a baseball player!

Greg "Danger" Klein said...

Plus, you'd never have to worry about missing a meal being Mrs. Ronnie Belliard. And just think of all the fun gossip to be had among the player's wives. That's a pretty sweet deal.