Well, after what we saw last week, and in light of Red Sox history as well as the dire condition of Curt Schilling’s ankle, it’s hard to say that we should count the Cardinals out just yet. But things look pretty grim. I have to say, even though I’m pulling for the Red Sox, I feel awfully bad for Cardinal fans (which must be a sign that I’m finally over my bitterness from 1985 and 1987), who had a genuinely great team this year; that’s a rare treat, and one that’s spoiled if they don’t go all the way, as fans of the 2001 Mariners could tell you.
Pedro may not have been the San Pedro de Fenway of old last night, but he did a tremendous job shutting down the murderous Cardinal lineup. I expect the Cards to come out and finally pond the stuffings out of Derek Lowe, but it will probably be too late.
One memory that came back watching Larry Walker get thrown out at the plate was back in Walker’s rookie year, 1989, when the Expos dropped to two games back in the pennant race on August 23, in a game they lost 1-0 in 22 innings when Walker was called out in the bottom of the 16th for leaving third base early on a sacrifice fly. I have to wonder if he’s been more tentative about breaking for home on a fly ball ever since.
3 thoughts on “Birds on the Brink”
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I’m not so sure they’re going to pound the stuffing out of Lowe tonight. Yeah, Lowe has historically been better at home, but after his performances in the playoffs thusfar, I’d have to say his confidence has to be at its zenith, and that might be the most important factor with him. Plus, the defense might be due for a good night. The Cardinals approach at the plate has been bad, and they are not familiar with him as a pitcher.
After last week against the Yankees, he’s actually the guy I want on the mound most…
I don’t mind the Redbirds losing the World Series, but I do mind them looking like the Diamondbacks in the process. I was content with the NL Pennant flying above our fair stadium, but losing in such an ignominous fashion has tarnished it.
There is a long history of great regular season teams losing in the World Series. A couple of the notable sweeps include my Indians in 1954 after winning 111 games and more recently the 1990 A’s were favored over the Reds and then went down 4 straight.
Having said all that, I think the Card will win tonight. Mainly because I don’t wan the season to end yet.