Random Brushbacks and Additional Reflections

• after three straight come from behind wins, two occurring in the ninth inning-which is something they hadn't accomplished all year until thursday night, the cardinals are now 14 games over .500 and three games over the scum-sucking little bears. this is a bit belated, since i promised such a proclamation when they reached the 10 over mark, but here it is: I believe in the 2004 Cardinals.
  if we can pick up a serviceable pitcher on the market, ala, garcia, benson or rogers (though i doubt the latter is available) we might be on our way to the pennant. yes, the scum-sucking little bears will be tough, but i'm banking on baker over-pitching Zambrano & Prior as well as Wood staying on the DL for quite a while (considering his injury history that's not an unreasonable hope).
  
• at this point in the season, who do you think the Phils would rather have, bowa or rolen? booting rolen instead of bowa is starting to look like broglio for brock or bagwell for anderson.
  
• i've heard the giants are now selling rubber chickens so that their fans can heckle other teams for walking bonds. the proceeds of all chicken sales will go to their charity organization. i don't know what magowan was thinking! the proceeds should be added to their coffers so that they can find a hitter to protect Zeus. hey sabean, am i the only one who's thought of a pierzynski/alfonzo or rodriguez for beltran trade? you have the money you silly monkey and the west is wide open. so make it happen!
  
• yesterday afternoon my good friend mark paris took us to see 'rent.' sound problems aside, i thought the musical was pretty powerful. the narrative thrust of the story wasn't that insightful, but it probably packed a bigger punch in '96 when it was released. by the way, if you ever get an opportunity to catch a performance at the Wang Theater in boston, don't pass it up. that is one remarkable setting.
  
• yesterday, i also had the opportunity to visit the boston public library for the first time. i was overwhelmed by the entire experience, including the unparalleled lamps hanging from the exterior, the mosaics in the main entry way and the absolutely regal main reading room (which like everything else in boston, was restored with federal funds. no one knows how to work the appropriations committee like our patrons on beacon hill). okay, i need to run. my wife's dishwasher isn't working, and if i'm not careful, she might slap it:). i'll try to finish these reflections later this evening.