The 2010 playoffs have had several twists and turns in the playoffs; I've really enjoyed watching some fantastic pitching, along with some great offense and defense in the World Series. Congratulations to the Giants who brought home their first World Series title to the great city of San Francisco, and first Giants title since 1954. I would like to tip my cap to the Texas Rangers who made their first post-season run. It was great to see a former star pitcher now serving as the Rangers' president and owner. I like Nolan Ryan's quest to extend young pitchers past the one-hundred pitch mark. This is a great technique in my opinion for young pitchers in the minors so they can generate the strength and stamina needed to pitch in the majors. And how about former Cardinals' shortstop Edgar Renteria getting his second World Series game-winning hit, once with the Florida Marlins 13 years ago and now with the 2010 San Francisco Giants. He joined just three other great players with that World Series accomplishment. 

 

John Mozeliak is going to be a very busy man this winter as he will be working hard trying to improve the team. He has several items on his to-do list - one of them being the bullpen. He will need to find more strength in the bullpen, especially from the left side. Mr. Mozeliak also is going to have to decide who the third baseman is going to be, at the same time being on the lookout for possible moves in the middle infield. The Cardinals still need to find a strong leadoff hitter with speed; if that piece is filled the offense can become very dangerous to opponents. Once these gaps get filled, the outlook for spring training could be very bright. The Cardinals have a solid core centered by Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Matt Holliday and some great starting pitching. We probably won't know a lot of these answers and how the pieces will fit together until late March, which will make the 2011 spring training very interesting. 

 

I would like to congratulate Tony LaRussa who will be back for his 16^th season as the Cardinals' manager. I would also like to congratulate his staff for coming back as well. I am going to miss the former bullpen coach, Marty Mason, and wish him the best of luck. Although we don't know who the new bullpen coach will be, the new coach may come from the Cardinals' farm system. We'll have to wait and see how the wheels turn.

 

I had a great time in Lexington, Kentucky for my annual visit to Keeneland Racetrack and it was a privilege to spend time with Judy Taylor, Senator Greg Higdon and Ron Anderson. I look forward to my trip to Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Panama Canal Cruise through Destination Travel which departs in Los Angeles and ends in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - leading right into spring training.

 

I would like to wish a happy birthday to my friend Homer Plackmeyer who celebrated his 106^th Birthday at Shannon's on Thursday October 28^th. It was my pleasure to present him his birthday gift which was a bottle of my Mike Shannon's Cabernet. I would also like to say thanks to all the hotel staff in the St. Louis area who came down for our cocktail reception. Hat's off to all the hard work you all do to ensure that all the people who visit our great city have a pleasant and wonderful experience.   

 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that you have a safe Turkey Day with your families and friends.