FanNation

Don't Go Crazy, Cashman

It is hardly a surprise to read in today's New York papers that the Yankees brain trust is meeting in Tampa to decide their course of action as we approach the trading deadline.  This is usually the time of year when everyone on the market is rumored to be heading to New York, and reports say that Hank Steinbrenner has given GM Brian Cashman the green light to trade prospects in an attempt to win now.  The big difference is that this is a year when the Yankees seem likely to be sitting at home in October for the first time since 1994.

Closers vs. Stoppers

I hate to disparrage a former Cardinal player, but seeing as he is also a former Mets announcer, I can live with myself.  I HATE HATE HATE HATE Tim McCarver as the top color analyst on Fox's baseball broadcasts.  While I think Joe Buck sometimes can come off as a tad impressed with himself, Jack's kid does a nice job overall.  McCarver, on the other hand, routinely makes me grab for the remote to hit the mute button.

My biggest gripe with the guy is his refusal to realize that a stopper and closer are not the same thing.  This kills me.  If you think a stopper is a guy who prevents a team from scoring late so you can win a game, then isn't any reliever you bring into a game a stopper?  It kills me.  Makes me furious.  I don't know why, it just does.

The NL Central - Most Entertaining Division in Baseball

I'm tempted to also say that this is the best division in baseball, but I still feel like the NL is a bit behind the AL in overall talent -- though not as much as some would have you believe.  I think the nod still goes to the AL East.  The Red Sox are (unfortunately) the best team in baseball, the Rays are a great surprise contender, and the Yankees are underachieving but can't be counted out.  The Orioles are fading, but better than expected, and the Jays have better talent than their record indicates.

Brett is being a baby

As a Bears fan, it's tough to say this, but I love Brett Favre.  I have enjoyed watching his career, and yes, I'll admit it, have even found myself rooting for the Packers when they are not playing against the Bears.  It is always sad to see a great player in his final years, so I was thrilled when Favre was able to have such a great season in what looked to be his final year.  I like the guy, so I found myself wanting to believe his teary eye'd press conference was legit.

Breaking Down the Cardinals/Cubs Rivalry - '08 Edition

Stealing a long running bit from Nick Bakay, here is a breakdown of my favorite rivalry in baseball -- the St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Chicago Cubs:

Starting off, let's look at the lineups --

At Catcher, you've got Yadi Molina and Jason LaRue vs. Geovanny Soto and Henry Blanco.  Soto is having a wonderful year, and earned a spot on the All Star team as a starter.  First time a rookie has started at C for the NL.  Impressive.  Yadi has a cannon for an arm, has been a post season hero and surprisingly good stats on offense this year.  The backups pit a porn-star mustache (LaRue) vs. one of the best buzz-mullets you'll find (Blanco).  Advantage:  Close, but the I think this one goes to the Cards.