Hey folks:
Long time, no chat!
In previous posts, I've spoken about so-called experts and predictions. I've spoken about how most folks believe that those of us who work in the sports field must be more knowledgeable about the goings on in sports.
Well, let's look at a few of my predictions since I started this blog less than six months ago and you can decide.

1) The Yankees were going to win the World Series.
2) The Mets were going to make the World Series.
3) The Yankees were going to sign Alex Rodriguez to a long-term extension.
4) Joe Torre was going to return to manage the Yanks.
5) Don Mattingly would be Torre's successor in the Bronx.
6) The Rockies would give the Red Sox a run for their money in the World Series.

Is it just me, or can I get anything right?
Take care and God bless.

Ok gang:
Since everybody under the sun will give his/her prediction for the World Series that starts later today, let me give you mine.
Experience-wise, it's not even close. The Red Sox are an experienced, battle-tested veteran team that has played in big game after big game. Heck, any regular season game against the Yankees is a big game.
Talent-wise, you could make a case for either. The red Sox have established superstars in Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling to name a few, while the Rockies have those talented guys you probably never heard of -- unless you live in the greater Denver area -- like Todd Helton (OK, I'm sure we've all heard of him), Matt Holliday, Troy Tulowitzki and Jeff Francis.
Make no mistake, these Rockies are good. They're hot, too.
They're coming in winning 21 of their last 22 games and every big regular season game down the stretch right into playoff sweeps. The Red Sox are hot, too, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to dispatch of the Indians. The Rockies, though, are scorching.
Sort it all out and I'll take experience every time.
Red Sox, 4-1.
Take care and God bless.

Well folks:
Which ever side you might fall on -- if there are sides -- the day after Joe Torre's career in pinstripes came to an end, the now former Yankee manager remained a class act.
For those who have followed Torre's career in the Bronx that statement comes as no surprise.
Should Torre have been offered a less-than palatable contract by his standards?
Should he have accepted what the Yankees called a reasonable contract by their standards?
It's not for me to say.
But watching his news conference today, Torre was his usual classy self. He took few snipes at his former employers other to say he was insulted by the contract.
He chose not to burn his bridges, instead spending a majority of the time thanking the Yankees for his 12 highly successful seasons in the Bronx.
In other words, he kept his composure -- as usual.
Who knows what will happen with the next manager. He could lead them to a World Series. He could lead them to their first season without a playoff berth after 13 straight years of making it to the party.
But say this, Joe Torre's class will certainly be missed by Yankee fans.
Until next time, take care and God bless.

Well folks:
Who would have thought it just three weeks ago.
With the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians battling it out to see who will represent the American League in the World Series, their opponent will be waiting and well-rested. The opponents -- the Colorado Rockies.
The Colorado Rockies?
This almost seems like one of those Twilight Zone moments, when Rod Serling (yes, I'm too young to actually have seen him or the series) comes out and it's only a dream.
But make no mistake, the Rockies are for real.
By winning 21 of their last 22 games (you read that correctly) Colorado is sitting pretty waiting for the survivor of the Red Sox-Indians battle, which could go at least 6 games.
On paper, who ever comes out of the ALCS, is seemingly -- on paper -- the better team.
But recent playoff history has proven it's not always the best team on paper that wins. Last year's St. Louis Cardinals are the perfect example of that.
It should make for an interesting Series.
Stay tuned.
Until next time, take care and God bless.

Hey gang:
As the seemingly never-ending drama of who will be sitting in the manager's seat at Yankee Stadium next spring continues, there have been some interesting names that have surfaced.
So here are MY odds as to who the next (if there is a next -- the suspense builds) Yankee manager will be.

Tony LaRussa (20-1 odds)
LaRussa is undoubtedly one of the premier managers in baseball, with more than 2,000 wins to his credit. I believe he ranks third in all-time managerial wins, but the one thing he has not done is manage on the big stage in New York.
There is a big difference managing in Oakland and St. Louis than in the Big Apple -- the biggest difference dealing with the rough, numerous New York media. There is even a bigger difference managing for the A's and the Cardinals, where making the playoffs is a good season. Managing for George Steinbrenner is a completely different animal -- and I don't think LaRussa is willing to take that leap.

Joe Girardi (7-1 odds)
Girardi, with his pair of World Series championships is beloved by Yankee fans and would represent a definite change in style from that of Joe Torre. Although he was bench coach under Torre for one season, his one season managing the Florida Marlins proved he is very-much an aggressive-minded coach, who will look for ways to scratch and claw for a run as opposed to waiting for the three-run blast.
That style could have been beneficial to the Yanks this offseason, but with the veteran-laden team they will still most likely have next season, Girardi might not be the best fit for this club.

Don Mattingly (2-1 odds)
"Donnie Baseball" served as Torre's bench coach this past season and by all accounts was being groomed as the heir apparent for the managerial job. He's as smart a baseball guy as you'll find and his style is seemingly much closer to Torre than Girardi.
His problem is lack of experience. There have been many wonderful assistants -- in many sports -- that have flopped as the head man. Going from the No. 2 guy to the top dog is a completely different experience and I just don't believe one of year as bench coach will have him ready to lead a team that will once again be expected to win it all or have the season called a disappointment.

Joe Torre (2-5 odds)
I know Steinbrenner's edict basically said Joe's gone if the Yankees don't get to the ALCS, but the mere fact that Torre has not been given the official heave-ho nearly a week after the season could be shown as a good sign. We all know the Boss of old would have had Torre canned before he finished his Game 4 post-game press conference.
Torre has guided the Yankees to the playoffs the last 12 years -- and although the last seven have ended in disappointment -- just getting there IS an accomplishment. His level-headedness while dealing with a demanding boss, as well as an equally-demanding media, should account for something.
Although there is no proof to my conclusion, I believe cooler heads will prevail when the Yankee brass meet next week in Florida. And when the smoke clears, Torre will be signed to a two-year (with a club option for a third) deal to remain in pinstripes.
When it comes to the Yankees, however, we all know stranger things have happened.
Until next time, take care and God bless.

Well folks:
When it comes to the two area baseball teams, I guessed I picked the wrong week to take vacation.
So much has happened since I last blogged that I don't even know where to begin -- from the Mets' epic collapse to another disappointing Yankee postseason to the latest saga surrounding Joe Torre's future in pinstripes.
And while both team's seasons are over, the questions are just beginning.
For the Yanks:
-- Who will manager the Yanks in 2008? Torre? Giraradi? Mattingly? LaRussa?
-- Will A-Rod return or opt out of his contract?
-- What does futures hold for World Series stalwarts Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera?
For the Mets:
-- How much say will Willie Randolph have in selecting a coaching staff?
-- Could the Mets trade Jose Reyes or Carlos Delgado?
-- Is Tom Glavine returning, or is he Atlanta bound?
The questions are many and the answers should be fascinating.
New York baseball never seems to have an offseason.
Until next time, take care and God bless.