I don’t know about you, but the night before I know something big is going to happen, I have a tendency to dwell. I think a lot. I think about all the possible scenarios that could happen. I think about all the scenarios that may not happen. What makes tonight even worse is the fact that I don’t generally watch TV. I’m usually so busy wearing two or three of my hats that I don’t have time to watch anything besides sports. Tonight, I’m caught up on everything. Every paper is graded, both children are asleep, Cardinals’ outfits are picked out for tomorrow, dinner has been cooked, eaten, and cleaned up, laundry is not piled up, and the house is halfway put together. The anticipation of MLB’s greatest stage is starting to get to me. In order to help myself sleep tonight, I’m going to share with you some of my most random World Series’ thoughts (in no particular order).
1. Woo hoo! Allen Craig is back! Did you hear me?! Allen Craig is back!! Before this announcement, I was a little worried. Some analysts that I heard talking the other night were saying there was little depth in the Cardinal dugout. Well, they may be right about big-name depth, I hate to say it, but it’s true. I was worried about who would be DH. Now, don’t get me started on how much I hate the whole idea of the designated hitter, but rules are rules, and when the Cards are in Boston, it would be within everyone’s best interest if a DH was put in the lineup. Where’s the answer? Right there, with #21, coming back from the DL. I know it’s unrealistic to think that he’s going to come straight back from the disabled list and start donging dingers, but a girl can dream, right?!
2. Carlos Beltran is playing in his first World Series….ever. Say what?! Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either. How ludicrous that a player with his kind of career stats is just now getting to his first World Series? A guy who has played in 2064 games, with 7868 at bats 2228 hits, 446 doubles, 77 triples, 358 homeruns, 1327 RBIs and .283 batting average in 15 seasons just now getting to the World Series. Madness, I say, pure madness!
3. Yadi is due. Yeah, yeah, I know, his bat woke up there at the end of the NLCS, which is fantastic, but I need some crazy excitement. I’m talking knocking beards off and collisions at the plate excitement. I know he has it in him. I just know it. Pair him with the before-mentioned Beltran, and I’m pretty sure somebody’s going to be losing some beard hairs at the plate. Please? I asked nicely….
4. What will the home field disadvantage mean in the series? In 2011, thanks to a National League All-Star Game win, the Cards had home field. Well, this year, the AL won, giving Boston home field. I have quite the simple solution: win it in 5. That would mean 2 games at Fenway, 3 games at Busch. I know what you’re thinking, I should totally be a professional problem solver. Not the first time I’ve heard it. That would allow one game to be lost in Boston. Totally reasonable.
5. As long as runs are scored, the pitching staff can handle the rest. Wainwright, then Wacha, that’s where we are for game 2. Although they are young, there is now lots of season experience coming in from the bullpen. We’re not asking for a million runs, batting order, just a couple. Let the pitching speak for itself. Oh, and while I’m on the subject of pitchers, I have to say that I like the batting advantage the Cardinals will have at home. No DH in the NL, Red Sox. No, they aren’t the best hitters in all of baseball, but our pitchers are used to coming to the plate. Are yours?
Sigh….is it game time yet?
Go Cards!
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