Frankly most the conversation around the table was the Cardinals and whether or not they would hold off the surging Cubs or for that matter Pirates. Most feel like I do, that they will. But where it gets to be interesting around these parts and more and more so every day is the prospect of whether or not the Cardinals and Royals could end up butting heads once again in the World Series. Oh brother, back in 1985 these two battled and the Cards went up 3-1 and looked like they were on their way. But in the notorious game 6 all hell broke loose after Don Denkinger made an epic bad call and the Royals, to their credit, came back to claim the title. To say that caused friction and conflict is a major understatement. That wound has been left open for years now and Cardinals fans would like nothing more than a chance to offer up some payback. On the flip side the Royals backers are chomping at the bit to do it again. I am firmly in the Cardinal camp however lived in Kansas City for several years and know first hand of the hatred most Royals fan harbor towards the Cards and their fans, It is the little brother complex. The Cardinals have a rich tradition and win seemingly year after year. The Royals were total mutts for a long, long time but now are obviously riding high and the Royals fans are now full of piss and vinegar. I personally have very close friend on both sides so it does take some delicate balancing acts to keep the peace. But if these two do indeed end back up in a I-70 showdown it will be pretty hairy around here.
I also pointed out that it is fun to see new teams, with new blood making headlines in baseball. Teams with great GM's who are building solid young clubs. Dayton Moore at Kansas City and Theo Epstein at Chicago come to mind. And one cannot bypass Jeff Luhnow in Houston and the job he is doing with the Astros. Makes baseball a little more interesting.
Finally the sad news. Still shocking how Justin Wilson met his end. About the ultimate in freak accidents. These drivers in professional racing know the risks, part of the deal. But you don't expect something like that. These guys have guts to spare, make no mistake about it. Carl Edwards of NASCAR fame resides right here in Columbia and I have heard him speak of it. He is actually close friends with my daughters fiance. Carl accepts that risk goes with the job. But to be struck in the helmet while driving past a wreck and die from that, well that is tough to swallow.
That was about it for today guys. If anyone has an opinion to toss in feel free. Please keep a good thought for Wilson's family, particularly his wife and children.