Naming Mister November

Reggie Jackson earned the title "Mr. October", and deservedly so, as he shone in clutch time in baseball on the biggest stage of the World Series. Whoever rises to produce victory in tonight's November World Series Game 7, that player may well earn the moniker "Mr. November". This will be the consequential and closing game, and every player who is not physically debilitated is available to play. May the better team win. 

The Upper Hand

Toronto has been dominant with both hitting, as they had been all season, but also pitching, which is reaching its peak in this very series. Maybe Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson will sneak into the Los Angeles lineup to deliver a miracle. For all the hype LA received as the defending champions, they have not played like winners. 

Seems Toronto's Year

It is not over until one team wins four games, but it sure looks like that will be the Blue Jays. Los Angeles will not quit, but they are facing superior hitting and pitching, which makes it awful difficult to prevail. The Dodgers almost need a miracle to pull out a victory in this series,but remember one well-placed pitch or clutch hit could still turn the outcome. 

Some Potent Bats

Even without George Springer, the Blue Jays are great and timely hitters. The Dodgers pitching has been less than stellar, but great hitting spoils solid pitching and takes advantage of small mistakes by pitchers that average hitting does not. I am still rooting for Los Angeles buy my hat is off to Toronto, as I know powerful hitting when I see it. 

May Survive Shutdown

The partial shutdown of the Federal government has undeniably hurt some people, particularly those not receiving their pay, but on balance, it has not yet caused harm to most Americans. Continuity in many government programs is important, but most of us will make it through until government fully reopens. 

Vanderbilt in Playoffs

If the event started today, my home town Vanderbilt Commodores would be in the final twelve. The schedule ahead is not easy, but the 'Dores could be in the midst of a history making season. Arch-rival Tennessee looms ahead, and that will be a war, but the winner of that contest has the inside track on a playoff spot. 

A Worse Game

The Titans are abysmal. They are well on the way to their second first draft pick two seasons in a row. Tennessee used to be somewhat competitive against the Colts. Now, they are a doormat to Indianapolis. If they had another first draft choice on the field today, the Colts might have only won 35 to 21, rather than 38 to 14.