Rooting for the Home Team

As most of you know, I was practically born in a Cardinals jersey. My parents' home is littered with pictures of three blond-headed pale children in bright red shirts. From Ozzy Smith to Tom Pagnozzi, it was never hard for me to find a favorite player that helped me to concentrate my love for the Red Birds. I was an avid softball player, so I was one of the few girls I knew that cared a lot about baseball (at least before I went to Smith and met all of the Red Sox girls).

Sigh. Needless to say, I am really not OK about the recent roster changes in St. Louis. I know that last season wasn't the best, but Christ, can't they get rid of the riff-raff before the meat. First it was Eckstein, then Edmonds, and then OH MY GOD they traded Rolen.

David Eckstein was impossible not to love. The shortest short stop in all of baseball, he was the heart of the city and you couldn't help but love the guy. Watching him play was like watching a little kid jumping in the arena with the lions. In the 2006 WS, he was able to shine and prove just how important his never-give-up attitude was for the team. (Also, I have a thing for good ole boy blonds.)

Jim Edmonds had become a staple in St. Louis. He was a little bit country, but I don't really care with skills like that. He's my brother Patrick's favorite, and he was always a reliable guy for the optimistic fan.

Then we have Scott Rolen. Scotty-too-hottie, be still my heart. I was a third baseman in my best softball years, so I naturally gravitated toward the gold-gloved Rolen. A graceful player with the physical stats of a linebacker. His wife is pretty effin hot, but I still could dream that he might spot me from the upper deck and fall in love.



Three boys left for me to love: Molina, Duncan, and of course, Pujols. Molina is my age and one of the best catchers in the league. His poor English almost melts my heart, and he is from one heck of a gene pool (two older brothers also in the Majors). Duncan is young and about the size of Rolen. He's a great batter, but I must admit that I am a sucker for the infielders, so he hasn't quite won me over. Because his father is the pitching coach, I have a feeling he'll stick it out with the Cards...but it's hard to tell since his brother is with the Yankees. Puggles requires no explanation.

Really....heart-broken.