The Chris Moeller Archives

Civic duty

I became the proud new owner of a 2003 Honda Civic this afternoon. The vehicle comes complete with 36 to 38 miles per gallon interstate fuel efficiency, a sunroof, and the factory- original "chick-magnet." (See "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" at a theater near you.) The old Grand Prix, having long ago lost much of its "Grand"-eur, commanded $300 in trade, roughly the cash equivalent of the loose change that had accumulated in the ashtray.

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Christmas came early for me when the Cardinals re-upped one of my all-timers, Jim Edmonds, on Friday to a two-year deal that will assure that the centerfielder finishes his career in St. Louis. At an average salary of $10 million per year, it's too expensive of a deal in the minds of many Redbird rooters, but Edmonds heroically got his achy body ready for this year's post-season, then not only rallied the team to victory as the emotional clubhouse leader, but led the club in post-season RBI's. A very ordinary Gary Matthews, Jr. will command $10 mil a year or more at the head of the CF free agent class this off-season, and the signing of "Diamond Jim" also serves to keep the entire core of the championship club together. I'll be front and center for Jim Edmonds Day at Busch Stadium in late September of 2008.

The Cubs on the otherhand...

What are they doing getting railroaded by Aramis Ramirez for 5 years and $73 million? If you're going to drop that much coin-- that's the type of expression I use now that I've upgraded my car-- for a ballplayer who doesn't hustle, or, as his manager said more diplomatically this summer, "just hustled at the wrong time and wrong situation," then why not just sign J.D. Drew, who opted out of his contract last week with the Dodgers? Come to think of it, the Cubs may yet have that move in mind, too. The Kerry Wood re-signing can be nothing but a positive, though. For only $1.75 million guaranteed, and for just one year, Wood has a world of upside. The trick with him will be keeping him in the fold if he has a breakout year in the bullpen.

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Moeller TV Fest Countdown (26 days)- This Day in TV History: November 13th is "Odd Couple" day. "On November 13th, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife." Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy? I expect to one day find out.

posted by CM @ 6:09 PM