The 25th Year Comes to a Close

We have reached an historic end to the 2008 Baseball Season.

For the first time since 1907 the Chicago Cubs have made it to the playoffs for the second year in a row. For the first time since 1906 both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox have a chance to be in the post-season at the same time. As the Monroe Doctrine went to press the White Sox were waiting to play the Tigers (weather pending) to see if they get the chance to play the Twins to see if they get the chance to play the Rays.

Locally the CFCL has completed its Silver Anniversary season. As one of the longest tenured fantasy leagues in existence we have seen a lot over the past 25 years and hopefully this off-season the Monroe Doctrine will run a series of Commemorative Issues celebrating this accomplishment of longevity.

Congratulations to Steve’s Stones for capturing their second title, one of only five franchises to ever have won multiple CFCL titles.

The Clowns, Better and Revenge completed their inaugural seasons with varying degrees of success. The Revenge started strong and fought hard to stay in the money before fading. Even though the Clowns and Better finished 11th and 12th respectively, both picked up young, inexpensive talent that should help them be competitive in the coming years.

Over the course of the season much has been written on the Forum covering many topics. As we went to press, nothing was official, but two teams have voiced that this most likely is their last season in the CFCL. There are rumors floating about that there may be more than two teams not renewing their membership for 2009.

In conclusion I want to send out a heart-felt thanks to all of you for your loyalty as you checked in week after week. I hope you enjoyed reading the Monroe Doctrine as much as I enjoyed writing it. I know that each week wasn’t a stellar performance, - much like in our everyday lives - but I hope you found a consistency worth checking out. I wish you all a happy and safe off-season and my hope is that we’ll meet again next year to kick off the 26th season of the CFCL.

See you at the banquet! Speaking of which, head over to the Forum and read “Heading into the Home Stretch” for a beginning discussion on banquet days and availability.

NON CFCL NOTES: Can anyone explain to me Lou’s logic in Zambrano being the #2 starter in the playoffs? Is this yet another case of not wanting to upset one of your star players (See Sammy Sosa from 1992-2004). His ERA has risen 1.15 since August 3rd and that INCLUDES the No-Hitter!