This season proved to be the most challenging because of all the injuries my team suffered.  My first four picks spent significant amounts of time on the DL.  But in September everyone became healthy and I ended up running away with it.

I did not have a real MVP.  My favorite pitchers were Brandon Morrow and Brett Anderson.  My favorite batter was Nelson Cruz.  It used to be Buster Posey until I traded him to David Kwon.

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3. Looking Back on my 2010 Fantasy Baseball Draft

The biggest news in my tweets was the announcement of baby #4.

Family

• What your baby looks like — 13 weeks | BabyCenter. http://bit.ly/scshw Sep 21 15:25:09
• And then there were four | Secret Asian Man. http://bit.ly/3oevSl Sep 21 15:26:13

Christianity

• Missionary Photography in Korea. Encountering the West through Christianity. Boston University Art Gallery. Check it out http://bit.ly/sNHXG Sep 22 15:32:53
• The Nones – Marches. 22% of younger Americans no religion. Reasons – sex abuse, intellectual collapse, Christian right. http://bit.ly/wF91F Sep 23 07:20:25
• Personal Reflections on Power and Privilege @ News from the Marches. I loved this post and encourage you to read it. http://bit.ly/3AOkTz Sep 27 07:28:13

Education

• Confessions of a home-schooler | Salon Life. It’s nice to read the father’s perspective. Recommend. http://bit.ly/1iywmp Oct 1 12:30:37

Society

• In Surprise, Nobel Peace Prize to Obama for Diplomacy. I love Obama but this illustrates the Nobel Peace Prize is becoming increasingly irrelevant. http://bit.ly/9qzsC Oct 9 08:15:16 
• In South Korea, an Effort to Defend Unwed Mothers – NYTimes.com. Nearly 96% of unwed pregnant women choose abortion. http://bit.ly/b2ShG Oct 12 09:13:05

Food

• Blood and Chocolate : gourmet.com. Buy Divine Chocolate, Equal Exchange, and Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates. http://bit.ly/2N9BBU Sep 23 10:43:39
• Asian Cuisine as Diverse as Vancouver – Frugal Traveler Blog – NYTimes.com. Sounds almost as good as Toronto. http://bit.ly/Wja6x Sep 25 08:33:27

Sports

• Be like Michael Jordan? No thanks – Rick Reilly – ESPN. More people are roasting MJ than MJ did during his HOF speech. http://bit.ly/48nDed Sep 23 07:40:32
• The Secret of the Dancing Boxes Revealed – Pogue – NYTimes.com. Fun article about Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies. http://bit.ly/3unzTe Sep 30 06:20:08
• In the NHL, we’re all winners – ESPN. The Maple Leafs lost their first game of the season but still got a point, OTL. http://bit.ly/19Zl64 Oct 2 06:38:27
• Toronto Blue Jays fire general manager J.P. Ricciardi – ESPN. It’s about time! I am willing to be the next GM. http://bit.ly/2J70YX Oct 3 13:34:09
• As a loyal Blue Jays fan all I can say is "Lose Tigers Lose!" Sorry Erick but I still remember the rivalry from the 80′s. Oct 4 02:40:08
• ESPN experts: Who’s going to win? – MLB – ESPN. Why won’t I watch the MLB Playoffs? Because the Yankees are going to win http://bit.ly/RytkY Oct 6 06:42:34
• ESPN 30 for 30. Love Wayne Gretzky. Hoping to see it tonight. http://bit.ly/3ZaCrc Oct 7 07:06:09
• Prediction: Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Dodgers. Formula: Run differential. http://bit.ly/2sWQ7Q Oct 8 06:42:10
• Kings Ransom. Not great, not bad. Peter Pocklington bad. Nothing really revealing except that Gretzky could have said no to the trade. Oct 8 06:44:48
• Choo Shin-soo Becomes 1st Asian in MLB with 20-20 Season – The Chosun Ilbo. I’ve heard for awhile how good Choo is. http://bit.ly/drpIf Oct 8 10:57:41

Technology

• Seth’s Blog: Things to ask before you redo your website. I am often asked to be part of redesigns. This list is great! http://bit.ly/1PLRbR Sep 24 08:52:22
• “Up” Keyboard Shortcut for Windows 7 or Vista Explorer :: the How-To Geek. This makes my life easier. http://bit.ly/Nx7fY Oct 6 06:38:32
• LeechBlock :: Add-ons for Firefox. LeechBlock is a simple productivity tool designed to block those time-wasting sites. http://bit.ly/l2bRo Oct 8 07:22:17

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1. Catching up on my Reading

John Olerud is my favorite baseball player.  I was always drawn to him because of both his ability and the way he played the game.  I remember when he became a Red Sox and actually rooted for a team that I normally detest just because he was playing for them.

Awhile ago I was delighted to learn that he was Christian.  And recently I read in this article about how his faith had helped him cope with his eldest daughter’s illness.  I think all fathers can relate in some way to what John Olerud is experiencing, though obviously not on the same level.

It’s nearly impossible to know her potential, or how her defects will affect her as she ages. Deeply religious, the Oleruds contend with the uncertainty the only way they can — faith.

”We believe God has control of all things,” Olerud said. ”I don’t think Jordan’s a mistake by any means. We really don’t know what it’s going to be for her. Because she doesn’t fit into those syndromes where they can say most kids are usually at this point, it’s kind of in the Lord’s hands.”

Boston Red Sox – Growing family – The Boston Globe

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1. Toronto Blue Jays 2008 RIP
2. MLB LCS Predictions
3. Blue Jays ahead of Yankees?

• Pat Gillick proves he’s a winner by leading the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series title.  And just like with the Blue Jays he leaves and already the Phillies are making bad moves, like signing Raul Ibanez for too much money in an over-crowded outfield market.
• I predicted the Tampa Bay Rays would win the World Series and was quite wrong as their bullpen continued to implode.   I think they should have used Shields for Game 5 part 2.  He is their best pitcher and then they could have used Garza in Game 6.  Maddon definitely should have pinch hit for Howell.
• The Yankees once again made it difficult to be a Blue Jays fan as they signed the top three free agents.  I don’t think I have ever seen an offseason so dominated by one team.  For the Yankees they were good signings because they print money but for any other team they would be bad ones.  C.C., A.J. and Teix are just not that good.
• Last season if the Blue Jays had been in another division they would have made the playoffs.  Now with Burnett gone, Marcum and McGowan hurt and the Yankees stocked things look grim.  The Blue Jays should trade Halladay and Wells to the Yankees for a package of prospects.  I would do it for a package that included Joba and Hughes.  They definitely should trade Halladay because he deserves to win a championship.

Olympics

• I had mixed feelings about the Beijing Olympics before they started.  In the end I enjoyed these Olympics probably more than any other except the 1976 Montreal Olympics because I actually attended those with my family.  (It was at those Olympics we learned I needed glasses because I needed to use the binoculars to see the scoreboard).  And it is too bad that I and so many others enjoyed them since it accomplished one of China’s goals, to obscure China’s abominable human rights record.
• I watched seven out of eight of Michael Phelp’s gold medal races.  I am normally not like this.
• I was surprised by how much I enjoyed NBC’s coverage (except for the tape delay).  Maybe it was because for the first time I had cable during the Olympics so I could also watch MSNBC, CNBC and other stations.  Still NBC was lambasted for its coverage and CBC was applauded.
• I was annoyed with watching “live coverage” that was actually delayed by three hours because I am on the west coast.
• Beijing’s opening ceremonies were stunning but part of me couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable about the fact that China spent billions, far more than any other nation ever will, yet many parts of their country are still burdened with oppressive poverty.  It would be like going to someone’s house, being presented a lavish dinner and then noticing the kids are gaunt and eating week old cabbage soup.

NFL

• I am still upset the Patriots lost.  And I am not even a Patriots fan.
• I would become a 49er’s fan but their new uniforms are unattractive to say the least.  What happened to tradition?
• It’s impossible to become an Oakland Raiders fan with Al Davis as the owner.

NBA

• I am not a Celtics fan but I hate the Lakers.  Therefore I thoroughly enjoyed the finals.  In general though I found the 2008 playoffs the most interesting I have ever watched.  Maybe again it was because I had cable and was actually able to see some of the games, like the Hawks repeatedly beating a shocked Celtics team in Atlanta.
• The Raptors are struggling and Chris Bosh will leave in 2010.  It’s sad when our greatest hope is Bargnani.  I think I will become a Golden State Warriors fan even though the team is poorly coached, the front office is horrible, and they seem to wear a different uniform every night.  But at least they are entertaining, all offense, no defense.
• I am enjoying winning my fantasy basketball leagues.

NHL

• In the one sport where my team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, would actually have an overwhelming revenue advantage there is a salary cap.
• I heard the San Jose Sharks are good.  Maybe it’s time to switch.

Some are saying 2008 was one of the best years in sports.  I am not so sure about that but I thoroughly enjoyed it even if all my teams sucked.

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I was stunned when the Red Sox came back to win Game 5 and was thinking that maybe both my predictions would be wrong. Watching Game 7 I thought the Red Sox were coming to come back again. I was begging Maddon to bring in Kazmir or Jackson or Price. When Price got the final out I was elated.

The Phillies destroyed the Dodgers and were impressive. However I am still going to predict Tampa Bay in six, with the Phillies winning the games that Hamels starts. Tampa Bay’s pitching is deeper and I always pick the AL team.  Tampa Bay in 6.

By the way, remember when the Phillies lost to the Blue Jays in the 1993 World Series. Remember seeing Curt Schilling with the towel on his head? Remember Game 4 which the Jays won 15 – 14?  And of course Joe Carter winning it with his home run.  And Pat Gillick was the GM of that Blue Jays team.

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1. MLB Divisional Playoff Predictions
2. MLB Predictions
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Here is a strange photo from the Red Sox victory.  First it looks like Dustin Pedroia has been photoshopped over Lyle Overbay.  Second it is amusing that Dustin Pedroia is laughing at Lyle Overbay but not surprising considering what I read in this ESPN the Magazine article, 170 Pounds of Mouth.  Dustin is probably laughing because he knows that Lyle Overbay is safe as replays showed.

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1. Blue Jays ahead of Yankees?
2. Blue Jays hire Cito Gaston, should have fired Ricciardi
3. Who is the all-time greatest in Blue Jays history?

The Blue Jays really aren’t good but I can take comfort in the fact they could finish the season ahead of the Yankees just like I took comfort two seasons ago when they finished ahead of the Red Sox.  It was nice to see them just sweep the Red Sox, wish I could have been at the game at Fenway when Beckett was blown away.

Related posts:

1. Toronto Blue Jays 2008 RIP
2. Blue Jays hire Cito Gaston, should have fired Ricciardi
3. Who is the all-time greatest in Blue Jays history?

1) Who is the all-time greatest player in Blue Jays history?

28.7% Joe Carter (1991-1997):

Walk-off home run won 1993 World Series.

23.0% Roy Halladay (1998-present):

Control artist has a .667 winning percentage.

12.1% Carlos Delgado (1993-2004):

Hit 40 or more home runs three times with Blue Jays.

11.6% Roberto Alomar (1991-1995):

Hit .480 in 1993 World Series win over Philadelphia.

9.3% Dave Stieb (1979-1992, 1998):

Underrated ace was perennially victimized by poor run support.

7.7% George Bell (1981-1990):

Won 1987 MVP with 47-HR, .605 SLG performance.

4.8% John Olerud (1989-1996):

OBP machine hit .363 in 1993.

1.6% Tony Fernandez (1983-1990, 1993, 1998-1999):

Late-career surge with Jays outdid his original stint.

1.1% Tom Henke (1985-1992):

Struck out 100 or more batters three times in closer role.

0.3% Lloyd Moseby (1980-1989):

Polished outfielder combined speed, power and defense.

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1. Who is the all-time greatest in Blue Jays history?
2. Blue Jays ahead of Yankees?
3. Blue Jays hire Cito Gaston, should have fired Ricciardi

In my mind it is not too close.  It has to be Roberto Alomar.  When we traded for him I said “Finally we have a superstar, now we can win the World Series.”  It was Roberto Alomar who hit the homerun off Dennis Eckersley in the 1992 ALCS and finally got the monkey off the Blue Jays’ back.  When Roberto Alomar was playing for the Blue Jays I thought he would be the greatest second baseman of all time.

It was weird how his career played out, spitting on an umpire, going from team to team, having vision problems at the end that forced him to retire.  I am not even sure he will get into the Hall of Fame though I think he will.  Wikipedia says this about thim.

Roberto Alomar Velázquez (born February 5, 1968 in Ponce, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player (1988-2004), considered by many to be one of the best second basemen in history.^[1][2] He holds the record for most Gold Glove Awards at that position,^[3] and has also won the second most Silver Slugger Awards for a second baseman.^[4]

Roberto Alomar – Wikipedia

Here is the actual poll. My second place vote goes to John Olerud because I love the guy and my third place vote goes to Roy Halladay. Where is Jimmy Key?

Who is the all-time greatest player in Blue Jays history?
	Roberto Alomar (1991-1995): Hit .480 in 1993 World Series win over Philadelphia.
	George Bell (1981-1990): Won 1987 MVP with 47-HR, .605 SLG performance.
	Joe Carter (1991-1997): Walk-off home run won 1993 World Series.
	Carlos Delgado (1993-2004): Hit 40 or more home runs three times with Blue Jays.
	Tony Fernandez (1983-1990, 1993, 1998-1999): Late-career surge with Jays outdid his original stint.
	Roy Halladay (1998-present): Control artist has a .667 winning percentage.
	Tom Henke (1985-1992): Struck out 100 or more batters three times in closer role.
	Lloyd Moseby (1980-1989): Polished outfielder combined speed, power and defense.
	John Olerud (1989-1996): OBP machine hit .363 in 1993.
	Dave Stieb (1979-1992, 1998): Underrated ace was perennially victimized by poor run support.

Related posts:

1. Results of who is the all-time greatest Blue Jay
2. Blue Jays hire Cito Gaston, should have fired Ricciardi
3. Blue Jays ahead of Yankees?

Gaston is the manager responsible for four of the five AL East championships in team history, as well as its two AL pennants and World Series wins.
Toronto Blue Jays Fire John Gibbons: Is J.P. Ricciardi Still in One Piece?

I think John Gibbons is a bad manager simply because I don’t like managers that are so confrontational with their players. I prefer the “player’s manager.” Cito Gaston is more of a player’s manager but I don’t think he’s a great manager either. He makes curious strategic decisions (hitting Joe Carter third, benching John Olerud against lefties when he was batting over .300 against them, etc.), is not good with rookies and has also had confrontations with players (e.g. David Wells, Derek Bell, etc.) I think this hiring is more about nostalgia and not about reality.

In the Toronto Star there was an interesting article saying Surely Ricciardi will be the next to go. I have been saying for quite awhile that Ricciardi is a horrible GM and that he is the reason for the Blue Jays’ problems, not Gibbons.

1. Ricciardi is arrogant. He demeans his own players and now he demeans players from other teams such as his recent remarks about Adam Dunn. The Toronto Star article states that MLB players no longer want to come to Toronto because of Ricciardi.
2. His draft record is terrible. The Jays have one of the weakest farm systems and have had almost no prospects succeed at the major league level. Compare that to their contenders the Rays, the Red Sox, and the Yankees, all who have been developing quality players.
3. The payroll is no longer an excuse. The Blue Jays payroll is in the top 15, maybe even the top 10. It’s competitive now but spending a large percentage of it on questionable contracts like Vernon Well’s and A.J. Burnett’s has made the Blue Jays uncompetitive.

You know whom the Blue Jays should hire from their past? Pat Gillick! The man uses an old school approach and sometimes I did not agree with it but his record is amazing. Every franchise he has managed has won, the Blue Jays, the Orioles, the Mariners, the Phillies.

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1. Blue Jays ahead of Yankees?
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3. Who is the all-time greatest in Blue Jays history?