CARDRUNNERS

I'm a big fan of second chances.  Even third chances.  We are fallible and prone to err.  That doesn't mean I condone enabling or some co-dependent relationship of failure, but rather that some of the greatest inspirational aspects of our lives are in redemption.  Our ability to rise above that which has challenged us.  Strong judgment and persecution of errors may lead to prevention, but it rarely leads to a positive global effect on the individual.

The story that got me thinking about this issue today was the Alex Rodriguez steroid scandal.  His reported transgression occurred in 2003.  He knew he was on the list of 104 individuals at MLB.  He said nothing.  Six years later, when someone leaked the information (which is suspicious in itself) he now supposedly comes clean.  He said "I was stupid" claiming he needed to justify his 10-year $252 million contract.  He said he was young and naive and felt a tremendous amount of pressure.  Tom Hicks, the Texas Rangers owner, said he felt personally betrayed and deceived.  "He assured me that he had far too much respect for his own body to ever do that to himself."  He went on to question the veracity of Alex's other statements of the history of his steroid use.  The best that I can say is that at least he admitted guilt while players like Mark McGwire and Clemens continued to lie when they were outed.  Frankly, it doesn't say much for MLB that they out one visible player while leaving the other 103 guilty parties anonymous and 600 other MLB players who didn't fail their steroid tests that season, left in some nebulous territory.

In my personal life, there have been multiple stories of second chances that have worked out well.  My one youthful employee who was addicted to heroin and staged a robbery at my gallery was given a second chance instead of being incarcerated and remade her life back home in Montana with her families' support.  My father made the best of his second chance to remake his relationship and become a counselor and spokesman for his issue.  I was my wife's third chance at love and as you all know, the third time is the charm!  She has returned the favor and accepted me for who I am, faults and all.

The key to seeking forgiveness is a proper level of sincerity in accepting responsibility for your transgressions and a strong desire to seek improvement.  Some battles never end, but the desire to fight your demons is paramount.  Every journey starts with just one step.

AL East	w	l
Rays	95	67
Yankees	93	69
Red Sox	93	69
Toronto	77	85
Orioles	65	97
AL Central
Twins	90	72
White Sox	85	77
Kansas City	83	79
Detroit	79	83
Cleveland	79	83
AL West
Angels	88	74
Oakland	81	81
Texas	74	88
Seattle	64	98
NL East
Phillies	91	71
Mets	89	73
Braves	85	77
Marlins	81	81
Nationals	73	89
NL Central
Cubs	95	67
Cardinals	90	72
Brewers	81	81
Reds	80	82
Astros	73	89
Pirates	63	99
AL West
Dodgers	89	73
Arizona	85	77
Giants	79	83
Rockies	65	97
Padres	65	97

NL Champ:	Cubs
AL Champ:	Rays
World Series:	Rays

Bounce Back years:
Chris Carpenter
Konkerko
liriano
J. Vazquez
K. Johjima
Jimmy Rollins
Mike Jacobs(average wise)
David Ortiz
Adrian Beltre(average wise)
Ianetta
Verlander
Beckett


Back to reality:
Volquez
Cliff Lee
Chipper Jones
G. Soto
Sin Choo
Doumit
Milton Bradley
Matuzaka
Gavin Floyd
Amando Galarraga
J. Saunders
Scott Olsen
Lannan

bets to make:
Orioles under 73
Cubs over 92
White sox over 78
Indians under 85.5
Rockies under 77.5
Royals over 75.5
Cards over 82