End of the Line for the Bandwagon Express

Wednesday night marked the end of many things...

the 2005 baseball season (only 158 days until pitchers and catchers report!).

the Astro's postseason run.

the White Sox 88 year championship drought.

staying up until 1:35 in the morning to watch a freakin' World Series game.

Funny how things turn around in a few months. Let's compare comments heard in and around Houston in October with their predecessors from May.

In October..."Rocket, Roy, and Andy are the greatest pitchers ever to play the game!"
In May..."Trade Rocket, Andy will never be himself again, and Roy O is still a project."

In October..."Absolute genius in the front office inserting these young guys into the roster."
In May..."None of these morons can replace Carlos Beltran."

In October..."We have a football team?"
In May..."When do the Texans start?"

In October..."Phil Garner should have put on the squeeze play."
In May..."Phil Garner should never have put on the squeeze play."

In October...Can't get an Astros ticket.
In May...Can't pay someone to use Astros ticket.

As you can probably tell, the fans down here are a little on the bandwagon side. But, I guess when you actually sniff the playoffs, it makes you a little more unsettled. Now some may ask why I would root for the Astros (a clear violation of my allegience to the Brewers) but would vehemently deny backing the Twins during our time in Minnesota. Well, there are several factors...
1. Astros play on real grass.
2. In a real ball park.
3. If you call your right field wall a "baggie" you are just asking to be disrespected
4. During the 7th inning stretch, they play "Deep in the Heart of Texas"
5. Astros pose no threat to my Tigers
6. Every Texan owns a gun. You root for their team. Got it?
7. Did I mention they play in a real ball park?
8. And their roof opens.

As you can see, the argument is really one sided.

I would like to take this moment to congratulate my brother-in-law Alan for the fine season his team put together. I expect at least a thank you since my Tigers were 12 giftwrapped wins for your beloved Sox. That in and of itself propelled you into the playoffs. (Consequently, we are probably the reason the Indians got so close to you as well.) Enjoy the moment my man, and for cryin' out loud, spread the winning out amongst your family's teams!