IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE DESERT

We don't have the snow or the cold in Scottsdale although as I'm blogging at 8:03 this morning, I see neighbors walking their routes wearing parkas and ear muffs. The other night I started to light a fire in the fireplace and saw while channel surfing that it was 58 degrees so decided against it. But it must be Christmas time because we have 26 Sunday School class members coming to our Christmas party tonight. So as soon as this blog entry is done, I'll be marching to the orders (I've already been told two) of the Missus who will have this party go off without a hitch.

Not to take a page from Derek's Fun Facts, but forever being the educator, I wanted to blog on the candy cane. Some factual, some stretching, some symbolic. But all unknown by me until recently.

The candy cane was invented by a choirmaster in 1670 in Cologne, Germany. They were sugar sticks with a curve or crook in them to resemble shepherd's staffs. They were given to his choir members to quieten them during a long Christmas service.

The J that an inverted one makes stands for Jesus, of course, and He, again, of course, represents the shepherd. The white on the candy cane represents His perfect life, His purity, white as snow. The red, you're catching on now, His atonement for sin, His blood.

Not quite like taking communion, but I think I'll never look at the candy cane again without thinking of the Reason for the Season.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

THREE CARDINALS OWNERS PUT HARD CAP ON 2ND BASE POSITION

As anyone who's been in a fantasy league with me knows, I'm not the patient sort when it comes to expectations from a player. I remember once trading Ken Griffey, Jr., in his heyday for Carlos Baerga, who never had one. Just two seasons ago, in late May I gave up on Derrek Lee. Just two days ago I wrote in a blog that I trusted Walt Jocketty. Actually, I still do. But the three principal owners gosta get a clue.

Miles, Bigby, D Cruz, and GBennett. That's it? Meanwhile guys like Burnett, Mesa, Pierre, LoDuca, Soriano (how would that cat look at 2nd?--nevermind, I forgot about the ingenious hard cap for a position. Not total payroll, mind you, but allocating only x-amount for a position.) Well, Alphonso will cost a little more. Todd Jones, what's the use--you know who's changed teams.

And you know who's gone--L Walker, R Sanders, Mark G ( I loved Derek's spelling of the TJ Bengal guy) King, Taveras, A Nunez, Morris (probably)and Einar. Oh yeah, I 'm glad about that last one.

I also know loyal reader(s) that you know how the Country Day boys are rolling in dough from the profits they have made, or will make in the future. I won't insult you by reminding you that according to Petey Gammons, each MLB team will receive $23 mil more this year from various sources. RRRGGHHH--that's the way Calvin felt this morning in hIs comic strip, and that's the way I'm feeling tonight.

But I'm also a man of hope. Sean Featherstun says the Cardinals are going to trade for Barry Zito. That would make Sean, Mulder, me and Cardinal Nation happy. But let's do it already. You're making me nervous.

FIESTA BOWL IS WORTH $200 MILLION FOR 2006 GAME

Are you kidding me? We're talking about the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Game. One game. A friend of mine tried to buy two tickets today. Total cost $1860. For that game. And they weren't like the Suns courtside Nicholson seats either. In case you've forgotten, they run $1500 per seat, per game. Plus, they're only sold in a season ticket package. For $75,000. When they went up for sale, they were sold out in one-hour. I'm guessing there were about 60 to 100 of them.

Where is it going to stop and what does it all mean? For one thing, don't ever NOT support a new stadium/ballpark/arena. If taxpayers dollars are used, don't fret it. In St. Louis, some used to call the Ed, the Taxpayers' Dome. Well, two Super Bowl runs took care of that if you believe anything about the trickle down economic theory. And if you don't, there's still plenty of economic theories that measure the worth of a city and its sports venue in drawing new businesses and population.

I remember Kelly Creel telling me about a couple of Mt. Vernonites with deep pockets who offered to donate $4000 to the MtVHigh Athletic Dept. for 4 front row seats for the Rams state tourney appearance in 1999. Doug turned them down. Of course he was right, but I thought, "Man, that is crazy to pay that much for one game."

But it's all relative. The ticket prices for the Cardinals this season are eye-popping. But, hey, they'll draw 3-3 1/2 million. No matter what. Where does it end?

As for me, I paid $95 per ticket for a recent Suns game, $115 for mcgwire's 62nd homer game, $400 a ticket to the 2002 Super Bowl (upper deck), and, oh man, I ain't even telling you how much I paid for last year's NCAA Championship Game. So I guess I just answered my own question. The sports fan will pay whatever it's worth to him. And there's no logic to it.

NOT THE PICTURE I WANTED TO USE

But then again why should I ever think the modern ballplayer ever does the right thing? Burnett will be buried in Toronto. He will be good, but will they consistently challenge in a division containing two evil empires--red sox and Yankees?

Some players are just doomed to be outstanding prospects, but they can't close the deal, they can't take that next step. The right move for A.J. was to sign with the Cardinals, tack on endorsements after he's learned from the best-- Mr. Duncan, go to three or so World Series' and be a household name.

But no. The union and his agent win again. How many million does everybody need anyway(s)? Joe Johnson, nee of the Suns, takes 70 mil to go play for Atlanta. Well, they have won two games this year, but he could have stayed win the Suns for 60 million. And had playoff opportunities for years to come. Oh well.

Now I want the Caridnals to go after Zito. I'd rather have him and So and JRod flanking Jimmy E, although I'd try to trade Edmonds while he still has something left, than have Willy Mo and Reyes the rookie. I'd ship him and Wainwright for Willy Mo if they are so fond of him. But it's about pitching when it gets to the playoffs. Heck the Cardinals with their powerful lineup haven't hit squat in the last two playoffs. Maybe we could win 1-0 with another stud arm. Reyes, a prospect who commands something in return. Something of known value. Sure, it will cost, but the Birds just saved 40 million.

Whatever happens, I have faith in Jocketty. How could you not? And for second base--Bill Mueller. Hey, it's a plan. He'll get it done. He doesn't need to read my blog. But I'd welcome him to the club.

START YOUR ENGINES

Ride to Provide is an 8-day motorcycle ride to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. It started Sunday in LA and will culminate on December 11 in Shreveport, Louisana.

Courtney got involved in this project somehow and when she was in Scottsdale for Thanksgiving took over the ASU part. She still had a few contacts there, and coordinated what she could during the Thanksgiving Break at Arizona State. Her main contact with the Fuller Center for Housing was former NFL linebacker Mike Keller, All-American from Michigan. Big Mike played for the Cowboys and Seahawks for 10 years. He's also been involved in NFL Europe and the Arena League.

He came over to my house to pick up banners and flyers that Courtney had sent here concerning the ride. He said there was a similar ride after 9/11 to assist the victims' families.

He was so funny. His son is injured starting quarterback for Arizona State, Sam Keller. And since Sam didn't pick up the stuff from me, like he was supposed to, then his dad had to after having driven from San Fran, a 16-hour drive. Mike wasn't too happy, but he was cool about it.

It was fun to meet him and his wife. And if I win the Black Divsion Title tonight, then I'll see if Mike Keller wants to come on board the Mighty Burrowing Owl Juggernaut. If I lose, I would never ask him to be a part of a wild card team.

For more info on the program, go to ridetoprovide.com

START YOUR ENGINES

Ride to Provide is an 8-day motorcycle ride to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. It started Sunday in LA and will culminate on December 11 in Shreveport, Louisana.

Courtney got involved in this project somehow and when she was in Scottsdale for Thanksgiving took over the ASU part. She still had a few contacts there, and coordinated what she could during the Thanksgiving Break at Arizona State. Her main contact with the Fuller Center for Housing was former NFL linebacker Mike Keller, All-American from Michigan. Big Mike played for the Cowboys and Seahawks for 10 years. He's also been involved in NFL Europe and the Arena League.

He came over to my house to pick up banners and flyers that Courtney had sent here concerning the ride. He said there was a similar ride after 9/11 to assist the victims' families.

He was so funny. His son is injured starting quarterback for Arizona State, Sam Keller. And since Sam didn't pick up the stuff from me, like he was supposed to, then his dad had to after having driven from San Fran, a 16-hour drive. Mike wasn't too happy, but he was cool about it.

It was fun to meet him and his wife. And if I win the Black Divsion Title tonight, then I'll see if Mike Keller wants to come on board the Mighty Burrowing Owl Juggernaut. If I lose, I would never ask him to be a part of a wild card team.

For more info on the program, go to ridetoprovide.com

Outcoached in the MVRL

If I lose this game to the Kamikaze Maddogs, I can only blame the Old Coach. I left off two qbs who scored 37 points for two who totaled 4.

I'd like to blame Asst. Coach Anderson, but it was my call. I wanted so badly to sit Vick. But one of the fantasy gurus pointed out that he had beaten the panthers 5 straight times, so I thought, go with the hot hand.

Not only did Vick not score, but neither did Dunn, my stud running back. And Alge? 22 points last week; 3 today. Oh my, how the Falcons crumbled.

My other qb Bledsoe has been gasping for air for a few weeks now, but I kept hearing Big Ben was hurt again. And playing the Bengals, I thought he needed another week. 388 yards. Wow.

Even my defense decision was up for grabs. My assistant, "Heck I don't know nothing about defense, except how to get away from them. Except for that cheating belichek." So with no help from Stevie, I post a poll on the website. After the few responses indicated a Bills D, I went for it. 18 points--not bad. But I'm waiting for the Hawks to light up that banged up Eagle bunch tomorrow night.

Enough complaining. Enough self-pity. Probably. I might even win. But I'd feel better if I'd used my gut this weekend. And if the Cardinals had signed Burnett.