|
Here's what I'm hoping for as baseball enters third leg
Thu, Jul 13, 2006
 Welcome to the start of the third leg of baseball's four-leg marathon.
Leg No. 1 is spring training, that leisurely time to catch up with old friends, stretch your bones and swap stories in the Florida sunshine while the ballclubs get ready. It's a time to check out the new prospects, have a cold drink and enjoy baseball during the day.Then comes the start of the season, the second leg. From the thrill of opening day, the campaign meanders toward the All-Star break, and for some teams, the end of the second leg already ushers in looks toward next season. That's where we're at today, as the third leg begins. This leg takes us through the end of the regular season, a point where eight lucky teams break ahead into the final leg, the postseason.Back to today. I'm in Las Vegas, getting ready to wing my way back across the country come late tonight. As I do, I'll certainly be looking ahead to the second half of what's been a fun season to this juncture.Growing up a Braves fan, it's a second half that has to see my team play lights out to get back into the running for the wild card. But, more on that in a minute. At the midpoint of the season, as the green flag drops on the third leg of 2006, let's look ahead and offer a mini-wish list, much like what I toss your way each opening day:* Here's hoping the Braves, indeed, have a second-half surge, oh, vintage 1993 will do, waiter. That year, the Braves were 101/2 games behind the Giants in July, then rushed past San Fran en route to the West title. This time around, I'll take the wild card. Playing meaningful games all the way into the playoffs would help this team keep the edge, and opening up on the road could be a blessing. But first, the Braves have to get there, and there's a lot of work to do.* Here's hoping Adam Wainwright can continue his great work in the St. Louis bullpen. Wasn't it great to see the Glynn Academy alum pitching against his buddies at Turner Field last week? Wouldn't it be better if he had a tomahawk across his chest? (Alas, no use crying over what's done).* Here's hoping two of the great franchises in the sport, Cincinnati and Detroit, continue their super seasons. I'm rooting for the Braves to win the wild card, obviously, but if the Braves can't get there, I hope it's the Reds. Ken Griffey Jr. in the playoffs again? Yeah, that'd be awesome. As for the Tigers, Jim Leyland and those young kids in Motown are for real and every bit a contender to win the whole thing.* Here's hoping the Yankees miss the playoffs. It's not anything against Joe Torre, who I think the world of, but I want New York to crash just to see what The Boss will do.* Here's hoping the Mets come back to the pack. And, they will. It may not be enough to keep New York from winning the East, but there's no way the Mets are winning the pennant. Mark my words, gang.* Here's hoping Ozzie Guillen keeps his mouth shut. I loved his passion as a player, but as White Sox skipper, he's been an embarrassment.* Here's hoping Barry Bonds continues to plod along, keeping him far from the home run pace he needs to reach the great, graceful Hank Aaron.
|
