Sunday Fireside-Jotting from the Weekend that was...

-Astros/Braves: Does it hold a chance when comparing it to Twins/Braves 91' World Series? In my humble opinion, it does not but certainly deserve some notoriety. Beyond Greatness: Roger Clemens and his 40+ year old self on a few days rest, calming the storm long enough for twentysomething Chris Burke to catapult himself into everyday baseball conversations. Lacking Substance: Chipper Jones going 3-17 in the series, and Jeff Francona going 1-7 BB in Game 4. Comments: Chipper, if you want to make this streak of division titles more than a solid September stat line, start making your bank in October and allowing for the Braves to mean something for once in a Fall Classic. Like they say, their weak in the East. My heart goes out to John Smoltz, great teary-eyed ESPN interview this evening.
-Badgers/Gophers, Wolverines/Nittany Lions: The Great Midwestern Cluster F*!k that has become the Big Ten race. Gutless Michigan doing what it does best, underacheiving despite superior talent and the Nittany Lions winning despite having a coach that could die during a post-game celebration. While everyone preached OSU, Iowa and Michigan, the Badgers and Gophers are chasing Penn State with BCS dreams while the Hawkeyes, Wolverines, and Buckeyes are fighting for Capital One prizes. Does anybody want to question Lloyd Carr? First off, he's ruining the ND/Michigan rivalry by his team's heartless play in the last 3 of 4 contests. Second off, schedule gods are giving him a chance to redeem himself this weekend and spoil Joe Paterno's last dash at a Big Ten crown. Chad Henne get lost, Avant and Breaston don't hold a prayer to Braylon Edwards and your play has drawn comparisons to Pat Dillingham (see Google for more information). Badgers/Gophers- Two teams nobody though too much of come August are battling it out in Minneapolis for the chance to be the second in Big Ten command (Note: Michigan State is still in the race too, but gets less credit for not beating Lloyd's boys). Breakdown: Great weekend for the Big Ten conference. Five Top-25 teams this week and people are still talking about the SEC. Why the SEC? Urban Meyer? All I have to say is that Notre Dame lucked out by him saying no because his trickery would have ND alumni crying for Ty back right now.
-Red Sox: I just can't believe they clapped for Tony Graffanino. Big Papi, where were you this weekend? Ozzie Guillen, genious moving changing your defensive alignment it almost locked up A-Rod's MVP campaign.
-USC-Arizona had us holding our breath again? Is Jeff Smarzidja and Co. the final stand? USC's shaky starts have ND seeing light at the end of the tunnel and Charlie Weis looking at the No. 1 Recruiting Class.
-Sid "the Next One"-5 pts. in 3 games. Not bad for someone who six months ago couldn't by chewing tobacco.

Special welcome to the newest members of our team, the Arnold Brothers.
-JL