World Series Eve

"It's official and I now can admit it. I have absolutely no clue what this Cardinals team is going to do or where they are going to finish. Or what cartoons they like to watch in the clubhouse (although I sincerely hope Jonny Quest and Pink Panther are in the mix).

Injuries to key people, blown saves, and losing streaks equal first place.

This season is just plain inexplicable.

But it is fun to watch." -- Scottius Maximus July 5, 2011.

Little did I know...

Right now, on the eve of the World Series, I'm strangely relaxed. Just like I was at the start of the NLDS against the Phillies.

But that didn't last long. In fact, after the Cardinals jumped out to a first inning lead in Game 1, I really thought they had a good chance to win. And when you think you have a chance, the relaxation ends. I was hooked and reeled in at that point.

What followed was lots of baseball fueled anxiety only a playoff situation can engender. Every pitch becomes a possible game changer, heightening and sharpening one's senses to the slightest shift in momentum.

It's a good feeling when it's over, although not so much while it's occurring.

That's wrong...it's not a good feeling- a great feeling! Sunday night I couldn't help but recall the exhilaration of the 2006 pennant.

That feeling you get from winning the pennant...is just a "very Brady" feeling:


Five years ago, no one gave the Cardinals a chance. At least this year, no one has said "Rangers in three", like they did with the Tigers.

For the first time in 29 years, the Cardinals have home field advantage in the World Series. I hope it ends like the last time the Cardinals got 4 games at home.

Then, of course, there's going to be the lack of sleep for the next week. Because the games go on and on, the adrenaline is going, and then one must watch the post-game interviews on ESPN News or MLB Network. Makes for some late nights.

But who'd trade a World Series appearance for a few hours more of sleep?