You cut me to the core, Cardinals

I cannot believe that the St. Louis Cardinals are the 2006 World Champions. YUCK! How can a team that was 2 games over .500 (and got swept TWICE by the Cubs, I might add) win the ring? Hopefully it's not a sign of the apocalypse. The only explanation I can come up with is that the baseball gods are trying to motivate the Cubbies to win it all in 2007. Their two most hated rivals won the championship in back-to-back years, so maybe this was the only way that management would finally get the kick in the ass they need to put a winner on the field. This is how I rationalize the victory of evil over good so that I can sleep at night. If you don't hear from me for awhile, it is because I had to relocate to Canada due to the constant ribbing I'm sure to receive starting tomorrow. I like hockey, so maybe it will work out. They do have a great national anthem over there. "O Canada. Our home and native land. True patriot love in all thy sons command..."

Don't forget the Motor City...

I am so glad that my picks were totally off for the playoffs. I got every series wrong except the Mets beating the Dodgers, so I wouldn't ask for my advice the next time you're picking lottery numbers. This is it-the Fall Classic. The Detroit Tigers vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which team I want to win the ring. I don't want to live in a world where the Cards are the world champs, so I hope that the Tigers won't break my heart. Pudge and company-please get it done. I've never met a Tigers fan that I didn't like, but I sure as hell know plenty of Cardinals fans who could use a good bitchslap. And considering I'm living in enemy territory and haven't been quiet about my hatred for their ballclub, I would never hear the end of it should the unthinkable happen. Oh baseball gods, haven't us Cubs fans been through enough?!? Please give the loyal Detroit Tigers fans the title and I will promise to be an even better baseball fan in 2007.

(Can't) Wait 'til next year

As expected, Dusty Baker was relieved of his managerial duties today. This move was necessary as the Cubs have gotten progressively worse over the past 3 seasons. A 66-96 record should not get your contract renewed. In Dusty's defense, he did not have any control over the plethora of injuries that have befallen the North Siders over the last 2 years. However, the key is that he did not motivate his players to overcome adversity. More importantly, Dusty had no clue how to properly use the bullpen (in the immortal words of Kenny Rogers, you've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em). His management of the pitching staff was pitiful on a good day. In addition, the Cubs have not played fundamental baseball during his regime, especially with regards to properly running the bases and executing basic plays they should have learned in Little League...

I can only hope and pray that the new manager will lay down the law and bring a winning attitude to the franchise. Former Cub Joe Girardi is the right man at the right time. It would be in the best interests of the Tribune Company to hire the probable NL Manager of the Year and turn the Cubbies around. Will we need some new players? Hell yeah! Should we count on the services of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior in the rotation again without acquiring some top of the line starters? Hell no! Let's learn from the mistakes of the past 98 years and stop being "the doormat of the National League." Wouldn't it be nice to be a winner instead of a laughingstock? Can I get an amen?!? I'm already looking forward to next season because it can't get much worse than this one. We're closing in on a century of futility-let's reverse the curse! None of us are getting any younger, and I want to celebrate a World Series victory while I can still party like a rock star. GO CUBS IN '07!!!

My playoff predictions

Even though I have gypsy blood, I'm not usually the best at predicting the future. However, I'm going to look into my crystal ball anyway and reveal my picks for each postseason series:

American League Division Series

New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers-I'd love to go with the sentimental favorite and say that the Tigers will win this series. But, with apologies to my friend Jessie from the Detroit area, I begrudgingly choose the Yankees. This pains me deeply as I absolutely despise the Bronx Bombers. However, considering the Tigers blew their division lead today and have been in a freefall for over a month, I think the Yankees will emerge victorious and advance to the World Series. YUCK!

Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland A's- To me, this series is pretty much a toss-up. The Twins are hot right now, but the A's have better starting pitching. I'm going to choose the Twins on a virtual coin flip. It would be a nice tribute to Kirby Puckett for Minnesota to win this series.

National League Division Series

New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers-On paper, this looks like the most exciting match-up. I have a feeling this series will last 5 games. Although I'm pulling for the Dodgers with former Cubbies Maddux and Garciaparra on their roster, I think the Mets are the better team. However, the fact that Pedro can't pitch will make this battle all the more intriguing. I'm going with the Mets, hoping that my dad and Ron Santo won't hate me for being disloyal to the '69 Cubs.

San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals-Talk about a Cubs fan's worst postseason nightmare. BLECH! The Padres should sweep, considering the Cards almost blew it down the stretch. I can't stand either of these clubs and will probably not tune into this series out of pure bitterness.

My World Series prediction: Yankees over Mets in 6 (although I'd much rather see a Tigers-Dodgers match-up)

I'll be back tomorrow with much more baseball banter as the Cubs will announce the future of Dusty Baker/resignation of team president Andy MacPhail. This off-season is going to be interesting to say the least...