Plaschke: I Can't Believe I Agree With You Again

So once again I wake up this morning unsure what the day would bring. The LA Kings won last night, but looked unconvincing. They were lucky to walk away with a 4-2 win. The Detroit Tigers, my anointed choice for World Series winner, won game 1 of the ALCS against the A's. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers sweeped the A's.

I walk out the front gate and pick up the morning paper. I stare at the sports page as I see, front and center, an article by my favorite... ahem... LA Times columnist- Bill Plaschke. "Bring Back Nomar? No Way."

First of all, without commenting on the specifics of the piece I would only say that it may be too early to start roughing up Nomar. It has been less than a week since the weekend loss to the Mets. The season is still fresh in our minds and the glory that Nomar brought back to the team deserves our continued honor and respect. He is, no doubt, the current most favorite Dodger in the eyes of the fans. Nomar was born and bred Dodger Blue. Even if this is his only season with us I will always consider him a Dodger.

Nevertheless, since good ol' Bill brought it up, I have to say I agree with him. I know... I know... I can't stand agreeing with Plaschke, but I do.

We always knew going into the season that Nomar would be a temporary bridge to the farm system. His presence allowed the fruit in Vero Beach, Jacksonville and Las Vegas to grow ripe at their own pace. No need to rush them.

Now, after having an opportunity see some of our best prospects bloom before our eyes we have to start picking that fruit. It's time to give James Loney the chance he deserves. He deserves a shot at 1st base. He needs to be given the opportunity to succeed or fail. Loney is our future, and I'm convinced that we won't regret saying goodbye to Nomar.

So wipe those tears from your eyes and look to the future. We have much to look forward to. They are named Loney, Martin, Kuo, Broxton, Betemit, Ethier and Kemp. Not to mentioned Young, Miller, Hanrahan, LaRoche, DeWitt, Orenduff, Muegge, Elbert, Abreu, Hu and Megrew.

Go Tigers Go!

Now that the sun has set, at least for the Dodgers, this year, who should I be rooting for?

Can I cheer for the Cardinals? I still hurt from Jack Clark's homerun in game 6 of the 1985 National League Championship Season. So that's a no.

How about the Mets? Maybe, but ... it's probably way to soon for me considering how they walloped the Dodgers last week. Call me bitter. I don't care.

Is Oakland worthy of my devotion? I was a big apologist for Milton Bradley when he was with the Dodgers, but today, no more. Besides, Oakland is far to close to San Francisco. Thumbs down for Oakland.

Lastly, comes the Tigers. Can you believe the Tigers? The team that brought us Kirk Gibson is about ready to give us another miracle. They go from one of the worst teams in Baseball last season to one of the best teams in Baseball this season. Jim Leyland taught them to be winners and solidifies his grasp as the greatest coach this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Then they knock out the Yankees in the ALDS. That's all I need to hear. They have my vote.

Tigers it is!

Go Tigers Go!

Photo Link: Walk K: Flickr:

Lasorda: To the TV!

Tommy Lasorda has become the King of Baseball.

The Los Angeles Times has great article today about the Mighty Blue's Ambassador, the Itialian Motivator, the Dodgers Greatest Spokesman, Tommy Lasorda and his recent commercials about playoff Baseball.

Lasorda is wearing a tuxedo and being part wise grandpa, part annoyed-at-these-wimps older brother and part Henry Kissinger. Brosnan says that part of the tuxedo-wearing concept was inspired by the Harvey Keitel role in the movie "Pulp Fiction."

YouTube Link:

Finally a Real Wagner on eBay

This is the very first eBay auction I've seen that has a real-honest-to-god-Honus Wagner T206 card for sale. It is graded PSA 1 condition which means its pretty rough. There are creases and rounded corners throughout the card. Of course, for most collectors the grade of this card doesn't matter. Just having it would be a dream come true. This particular card came from the Tri-Star Hidden Treasure promotion. It has a price tag of $235,000.00.

Check out the auction link here:

Hat Tip: Trae R.: Vintage Baseball Card Forum:

More Game 3 Photos

I thought I would highlight some great photos taken from other fans at Saturdays' game. These photos were posted on flickr.com. Please click on their name to go to their flickr photalbum.

Below is a tattooed fanatic by NCLee1955

Below is what I would imagine a Blue Heaven would look like by Malingering
Below is a view from the right field upper reserve by blkmarket

Hobo Nickels

I came across the most incredible collection on the internet. Hobo Nickels. These are hand carved coins made by the wandering homeless in America from decades ago. They typically used a Indian Head nickel as their medium. They reflect a very important and usually forgotten part of American history- through the first World War, Prohibition and the Roaring 20'’s, and the Great Depression. Please check out walrafen's collection. There are many more different nickels displayed there. He gives a great description and explanation of these items.

Each hobo nickel is unique as they were all individually hand carved, using the design of either the Indian or the buffalo as a base, and altering it to another design altogether. The Indian has been changed into clowns, women, other Indians, friends and loved ones, bearded men, ethnic figures, famous people, and self portraits. The buffalo has been turned into men with backpacks, and animals such as a donkey or elephant. The influence of the events of the times can be plainly seen as we view hoboes, servicemen in uniform, flapper girls, prisoners in chain gang garb, shopkeepers, and read dates, names, places, or other inscriptions put on the coins.

These nickels, carved by yesterday'’s homeless, were traded for meals, a place to sleep, a ride, or other favors. Some were carved with images of loved ones as mementos of better times, or to honor those lost to time.