Final Thoughts: World Series

Yeah, I know. It's a little late.

Full credit has to go to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Here was a team that was well-back in the wild card standings at the start of September. Yet their hard work mixed with a little luck (meltdown by wild card leading Atlanta) and it all paid off in the end.

It was fitting, given that it turned out to be Tony La Russa's final season as a manager and possibly Albert Puljos last season as a Cardinal.

I love a good underdog story and the Cards were classic underdogs.

Nobody thought they could make the playoffs as the regular season was entering its final month. But they did it. Nobody thought they could beat the Philadelphia Phillies, picked by many, including yours truly, to win it all this year. But they did it. People also doubted they could beat Milwaukee and Texas. But once more, they did it.

And how can you not love David Freese? Regardless of how his career turns out, Freese has cemented his legacy in St. Louis.

Finally, congratulations to the former Blue Jays on the Cards' roster:

- Chris Carpenter
- Mark Rzepczynski
- Octavio Dotel
- Corey Patterson
- Dave Mckay

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - World Series

I was completely wrong about the ALCS and NLCS. To be honest, I'm tired of predicting. It's just guessing. Sure, there are stats to suggest who might win. But once the first pitch is thrown, all the stats go out the window and it comes down to seeing which team is better for that particular match.

Anyway...

2011 World Series

St. Louis over Texas in six

I love a good underdog story.

- ER

Re. Colby Rasmus et al.

I cannot remember a trade made by the Blue Jays that involved a number of players. My head is still spinning. After much digestion, this is what I have to say:

- Not happy about seeing Zep go. He was the kind of pitcher that could easily transition from bullpen to rotation and back. Had a few rough patches this season, but was stable.

- Not happy about seeing Zach Stewart go. Young arm that had potential. I know the Blue Jays have some depth when it comes to pitching, but I was hoping they would hang on to Stewart a little longer.

- Patterson and Dotel were meant to be used as trade bait. They were short term solutions.

- Mark Teahen is also a short term solution. The only way he remains with Toronto is if they trade Encarnacion.

- I'm indifferent with Frasor. He did his job (most of the time).

- Colby Ramus certainly has potential. Could be this year's Yunel Escobar. I guess he'll rotate between DH and OF. There's some overflow in that area right now.

- Don't know a lot about PJ Walters. Trevor Miller seems to be the type of pitcher that comes in to face one batter before being removed. Brian Tallet is back. If you can get a few decent innings out of him, then it's worth it. But he's hurt, so I'm not holding my breath. 

ER  

The Halak Trade

I shouldn't be surprised, but I am.

I suspect Halak (or more likely his agent) told the Canadiens he was going to leave, regardless of whether or not they chose him over Carey Price.

Don't know much about these "prospects." One was an AHL all-star. The other put up decent numbers in the WHL.

One thing I do know: Carey Price's worst nightmare has come true. The poor kid will face immense pressure next season; more than what he had to deal with this season. I do not envy him.

- ER