Boycott Friar Tucks

If you happen to come across a liquor store by the name of Friar Tucks, turn around and go somewhere else. Friar Tuck Beverages has a wide selection of beers, wines and liquors. But, it's rude service people, who are clueless about their products have made me never want to go here again. The most obnoxious behavior is being asked in what year you were you born. I understand they don't want to sell to minors and I have absolutely no issue with that. But, what I find particular annoying is being told I have to provide this information or I can't buy their products. I am, let's say, well past the age of majority and a look at my tired old face should tell the idiot check out boy not to bother. But no, the moron makes an issue of it and when I told him he can keep his beer he gets smart with me. At this point Friar Tuck's genius manager comes over to see what is going on and I tell him I am not providing my year of birth. He says at that point it's not necessary. So, tell me Friar Tuck's management why do you subject your customers to this stupid game? I will not do business with this outfit again and have encouraged my friends family and co-workers to boycott them as well.

Another Good (if Not Long) Week for the Birds

The Cardinals are now 8-4 after two weeks and have won all four series they've been in this year. The most recent series win was over the Mets with the Cards winning the rubber game last night. Adam Wainwright helped his team out tremendously by going the distance and pitching a complete game 5-3 win over the worn out Mets. You see, the two clubs played a 20 inning seven hour marathon on Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening that depleted both bullpens. (A friend of mine lives in Columbia, Mo and watched the first 11 innings at Busch Stadium before getting cold and deciding it was time to drive back to Columbia. That's about a two hour drive. Nonetheless, she made the trek back home down I-70 and back in time to see the last three innings at home. Yes that is a very long game).

Up next the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix starting this evening and then the San Francisco Giants this weekend at AT&T Park. The Giants are my pick to win the National League West so it should be a good test for the Cards.

A Pretty Good First Week for the Redbirds

The St. Louis Cardinals opened the 2010 season by going 4-2. But it could have been better. The Cardinals' bullpen gave up two walk off homers in the bottom of the ninth in the course of the week. One was surrendered by Jason Motte on Thursday to the Reds and the other last night by Kyle McClellan to the Brewers.

This St. Louis team should win the National League Central Division easily if the team stays healthy. But, if there is a question mark it is the bullpen. While, the Cards started 4-2, the bullpen was not impressive this past week. Hopefully, it will get better as the weather gets warmer.

Congrats to Duke and Other Random Thoughts

This is a little late but congratulations to the Duke Blue Devils and Coach K on yet another NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. And while we're at it nice job by the Butler Bulldogs on their improbable run to the championship game. I think this is as good a finish to a championship game as I can recall in quite a while. For that matter the whole tournament was outstanding. I have been watching it for years and I don't remember one better than this.

Now, having said that why would the NCAA want to go and spoil what is arguably the best sporting event of the year? The talk of adding 32 more teams will only dilute the field for a week. But, the bottom line is money and the NCAA would sell it's own soul if it had one. So, in reality we are looking at a 96 team tournament next year.

How Does Clark Kellogg Keep His Job?

When I watched the first game of the Final Four (that I wrote about below) , it was in a bar with the sound turned down. Fortunately, I didn't have to hear the analyst Clark Kellogg.

Now that I am home with the sound on, I am listening to the broadcast. Jim Nantz does a terrific job. But why am I having to endure this Clark Kellogg. I am not sure how Kellogg keeps his job. He is biased and sometimes I think he is watching a different game than I am. You would think somewhere in the stable of CBS analysts they could find someone better to do the job.

Hey CBS lose Clark Kellogg.

Go Butler...Go Butler

How 'bout them Bulldogs! Outside of Michigan State fans I think most people were rooting for Butler at the watering hole where I watched the game. Those Butler fans were rewarded. The Bulldogs knocked off the Spartans 52-50 in one of the best Final Four semifinals I can remember in a long time.

Michigan State was good but Butler was better. The Bulldogs were better on the boards and did a better job of shooting free throws than the Spartans.

Up next for Butler is the winner of the Duke / West Virginia game that is being played as I type this. Regardless of who wins that match up I will be cheering for Butler. GO BULLDOGS!!!