From Season to Season.

Congratulations to the St Louis Cardinals as they are the 2006 World Champions of major league baseball. Any worries about a 3-1 lead being blown can now be put aside. The good people of St Louis will be partying well into the weekend, and deservedly so as it was 24 years since the Cardinals last got the trophy gold. The team with the worst record in the regular season won against all odds over the Padres, Mets, and Tigers. Tony LaRussa now joins Sparky Anderson as the only guys to win titles in both leagues.

Tiger fans can take solace in the fact that the nucleus of talent will remain in place until 2009. Jim Leyland is the manager of the year. The Tigers and their fans can now take a bow and look back at how well they did in 2006.

Meantime that other Detroit team was in Dallas for the usual gritty, tough rivalry of a match as the Stars tried to get to 9-1. It wasn't to be. On a night when both Ian Kinsler and Nick Lachey were in the building, the Stars came up a little short 4-3. Mike Modano had 2 power play goals. Niklas Lidstrom netted two for the Red Wings as Dominick Hasek raised holy hell between the pipes. Puck control and passing were an issue for Dallas this night after three days off. Penalty kills were a bit of a test too. Marty Turco always has trouble with Detroit as his career record against the Red Wings now falls to 1-7-5. Ouch!

Next up for the 8-2 Stars: Los Angeles tomorrow night. Beware of some interdivision payback. I doubt the Kings will look as poorly as they last week in L.A. Don't be surprise if we see goalie Smith for the Stars.

The NBA now four days away from starting a new season. The Mavericks start at home on 11/2 with the Spurs. I look forward to a fight all year long. San Antonio will be smaller and tougher in 06-07. Dallas will try to finish up where they came up short. Sunday night in Carolina will be a yawner.

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will