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Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Stan McNeal
"I don't want to bring a downer on the whole situation because I'm very happy for the Boston Red Sox" Buckner said. "Personally, on my end of it, I'm just a little disappointed with the whole thing. This whole thing about being forgiven and clearing my name, you know, I mean ... cleared from what? What did I do wrong? It's almost like being in prison for 30 years and then they come up with a DNA test to prove that you weren't guilty. I've gone through a lot of what I feel were undeserved bad situations for myself and my family over a long period of time, and for someone to come up to me and say, 'Hey, you're forgiven; I mean, it just kind of brings a really bad taste in my mouth"
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The Cardinals. Manager Tony La Russa, who teared up during his Game 4 news conference, seemed more disappointed than anyone with the Cardinals' embarrassing showing. But there wasn't much he could do. The big three of Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds combined for one RBI and two extra-base hits in the Series. The pitching staff, meanwhile, was exposed for what it had been all year--a group of strike-throwing, touch-and-feel pitchers capable of beating anyone except the best-hitting team in the game.
The Cardinals' pitchers proved no match for the Red Sox, who are as disciplined at the plate as they are undisciplined in the barber's chair. They simply refuse to bite on pitches near the black that lesser teams regularly hack at. The Cardinals talked after the Series of building a rotation based more on power than finesse in 2005. They realize that's the best chance to beat the Red Sox, who, after all those years of close calls and heartbreaks, finally were the team partying at season's end.
Power Poll: First look at '05
Insider Ken Rosenthal ranks the clubs at the beginning of the offseason:
1. Red Sox. Must re-sign Varitek and address the rotation.
2. Yankees. The Boss will not take this sitting down.
3. Cardinals, Need to keep Renteria and upgrade the rotation.
4. Angels. Pedro would be a perfect fit.
5. Astros. Pettitte returns, but losing Beltran would hurt.
6. Cubs, Could zoom higher if they sign Beltran.
7. Twins. A healthy Mauer would make a huge difference.
8. Braves. Will they make Smoltz a starter?
9. Padres, Love 'era if they add another starting pitcher.
10. Rangers. Rotation upgrades critical to taking the next step.
11. A's. Beane was off his game last offseason.
12. Dodgers. Must re-sign or adequately replace Beltre.
13. Giants. Needs include a shortstop and late-inning relief.
14. Phillies. Should rebound with a new manager.
15. Orioles, Could add two starting pitchers and two hitters.
16. Indians. One year away from being a true threat.
11. Marlins. Losing Benitez and Pavano would hurt.
18. White Sex. Expected loss of Ordonez only one concern.
19. Tigers. An ideal landing spot for Red Sox's Lowe.
20. Reds. Shame on them if they turn Casey sour.
21. Pirates, Some nice young parts but limited by finances.
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