The One that Got Away

Once in a lifetime, the one enters your life. There is just something about the look, the way he moves, his execution. He doesn't wander around the mound, play with himself, call constant timeouts for endless conversations with his catcher.  He prepares before the game, has a plan goes right to the business at hand.

 Ohhhh Baby.

There is no doubt in my mind, Ruben Amaro watched Cliff Lee drop the Yankees like a returning high school star pitching to a little league team;  experienced the same feeling.

As a phan, the rumors abound as to how this baseball romance ended.  Like star crossed lovers, the timing did seem to be right. Lee is a Philly kind of guy. Working class sensibility with the right amount of attitude and charm.  Only Lee and Amaro know the real deal.

He moved on and so did we...sort of.

During interviews throughout the season, Lee speaks longingly of his brief stint in Philly.

Oswalt is nice, but he doesn't have the it factor that stops you in your tracks.

When the one pitches, the game is no longer a backdrop to a novel or other activities. Big Daddy Lee commands your attention.

As the game ended, with a heartbroken sigh, I ponder what could have been and pine after the one that got away.

Maybe, just maybe, Amaro will create a miracle and Big Daddy will return the loving cheers of the Philly Phaithful.

What the hell, a girl can dream.....

Tainted Row

I got it...

The Hall of the Fame should have a special section called Tainted Row.

Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds will find their in to the Hall of Fame.

Hank Aaron Classy hero

"I would like to offer my congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming baseball's career home run leader," Aaron said. "It is a great accomplishment which requires longevity and determination. Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball, and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years.

"I move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historical achievement. My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams."

Hall of Fame Inductions: Two Good Guys

"Ripken and Gwynn are members of a dying breed, having played their entire careers with one team, and they have been tremendous ambassadors for a game that's had its reputation stained by steroids.

"I think the fact that there are so many people (coming) is a reflection on what kind of people the fans think Cal and I are," said Gwynn, who accumulated 3,141 hits, eight NL batting titles and a career .338 average in 20 seasons with the San Diego Padres. "The feedback I'm getting is that we did things the right way."

Said Ripken: "I don't know if we can always figure out the reason why, but I'm thankful that it's happening."

Both of these guys were known for being "nice guys." How wonderfully boring.