SB Nation User Blog: AustinBOB

To Root or Not To Root, That Is The Question

AustinBOB — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:28:26 -0000

Well, although I desperately hope I'm wrong, it's looking more each day like the Cubs are going to be the lone Central Division representative in the NL playoffs this year. In a word: "Yuk!". However, I have found myself pondering a personal dillema -- is it reasonable or even possible for a diehard Cardinal fan to pull for the Cubs in the playoffs under ANY circumstance?

First and foremost, my allegiance is and always will be for the Cardinals. Next, in the absence of an outright Cardinals representation in the playoffs, I've always felt I owed allegiance to the Central Division representative (despite the intense Astros-Cards rivalry, I was pulling hard for the Astros against the ChiSox in 2005). Lastly, I am a fan of the NL over the AL as a matter of principle involving (a) the DH, and (b) the distortional amount of money thrown around by the Yankees and the Red Sox.

Honestly, I never gave much thought to my "rooting scheme" ever running into a conflict involving the Cubs. I mean, hey, they ARE the Cubs afterall, and although past performance is no indication of future performance as the investment funds say, it's hard to argue with the power of the goat. The aberration of 2003 notwithstanding, I figured that the Cubs going a long way in the NL playoffs or (God forbid) getting to the World Series was about as likely as finding a $20 bill tree growing in my backyard.

Call me crazy, but I am afraid that the Cubs (who seem to be getting both hot and lucky at the right time) might somehow get to the WS. I don't know how to resolve my dilemma under such a scenario (I really am committed to the Cards-->Central Divsion-->N.L. allegiance), and not watching the playoffs or the WS is not an option.

I was wondering what other thoughtful VEB'ers plan to do in the event of the "apocalypse".

Craig Biggio

AustinBOB — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:37:53 -0000

Although not technically a Cardinals item, as fans of baseball we should all tip our caps to Craig Biggio of our (normally) arch rival Houston Astros for reaching his 3000+ hit plateau in grand style last night -- going 5 for 5. Just as impressive, in my opinion, is that he's had this (likely) Hall-of-Fame-worthy career all with one team. I wish that the Cardinals could have more of that type of long-term player commitment and extended performance (Albert Pujols?)

The (Dream) Weaver is Over

AustinBOB — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:44:48 -0000

Although I was sad to see him go elsewhere in the offseason (based solely on his playoff performances for the Cardinals), I'm no longer of the opinion it was a bad thing. Regular exposure to A.L. batters must be toxic to him, or else without the Duncan influence he indulges in his worst pitching habits. Maybe we'll pick him up out of the discard pile in July and go through a case of deja vu? Nah...

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=213711