The Cumbersome Comparison.

I knew it would only be a matter of time before the experts would try to do a comparison to the World Series combatants of 1968 and 2006, one and the same I might add (Detroit Tigers and St Louis Cardinals). I also expect the following to happen with a mid-term election so near...Think we'll see a Bush/Clinton now and then segment?

In 1968 there was a war raging in Vietnam that had a level of unpopularity in the states. I am just waiting to see which politician(no doubt on the Democratic side)dares to try to compare Vietnam to what is currently transpiring in Iraq and Afghanistan. For one thing, another 27 years must pass before you even have the same amount of time for both wars. You also do not have anywhere near the number of casualties in this current war as you did in the sixties and early seventies.

War isn't fun and the sacrifices are sometimes difficult, yet I will always support troops who allow me the freedom to do what I do. This post isn't a rant on what your position on war is. It is a prediction that there will be many on Capitol Hill who will try to do a tie-in to life in America forty years ago. There is no comparison! I'd rather discuss what the World Series will be like. For me it was all about baseball cards. For alot of the powers it was about a burning draft card...

The Cardinals in 1968 would begin the World Series with a bang. Bob Gibson sets a record for 17 strikeouts in Game 1. St Louis would go to a 3-1 lead before Mickey Lolich would amass three wins and earn a Game 7 victory for the Motor City. Since I believe in karma, I think the reverse will happen in 2006. I predict that the Tigers will jump out to a 3-1 lead, only to have Weaver and Carpenter act like Lolich and McLain. I like the tandem of Verlander and Rogers.

While the Tigers have had a week off to prepare, I think this series will go seven and St Louis wins it all against all odds. At the worst possible moment I look for Detroit's bats to get quiet and for the pitching of the Cards to stymie the experts. St Louis should get their first title since 1982 and a Brew Crew series won in seven games. Albert Pujols was quiet in the NLCS. That will not be the case in the World Series. Look for good pitching and some timely little ball.

Two big games I will be keeping an eye on in college football. I go on record to say that Texas will have problems in Nebraska, and that USC will romp on Notre Dame. Looking forward to seeing an old friend this Saturday in town from Arizona for the weekend.

This day in 1977 tragedy strikes the rock and roll world. A plane crash with members of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd takes the lives of Steve and Cassie Gaines along with front man Ronnie Van Zant. I recall the furor over the just released 'Street Survivors' and the fiery looking album cover that MCA soon after would change.

Don't look now but turkey day is now 34 days away. Gobble Gobble y'all!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will