My name is Scott Woodall. I am editor and co-creator of the little website that could - which you are visiting. We bring you 100% totally original Free Fantasy Baseball  content every month of the year, FREE MLB Bobble schedules, and SGA MiLB Bobblehead information. 

So, yes indeed - Baseball is a HUGE part of my life...but this World Series won't be.

Despite yours truly following America's favorite past time with much adoration for over 30 years -tonight, like the head line reads:

I’m going to watch Grey's Anatomy, rather than the World Series!!!

Here’s why…

Two and ½ years ago I wrote in this site’s ABOUT page that the guys who work on WaiverSharks simply love baseball. (BTW…I wonder if many even think about glancing at any website’s ABOUT page? Hmmm. I personally never ever do…so I think I’ll change that soon!)

Anyways, today I’m very happy to say, I still love baseball. But If I'm writing from the heart, and being completely honest…I have to admit that I just have no real interest in watching the 2009 World Series.

Yep. I’m just not a fan of either of the teams playing in it. If you are…good for you, enjoy…and party like it’s 1999 if your respective team wins. I have no problem watching ANY two teams in the NFL square off in the Superbowl, but to invest 4 to 7 nights of my life in a Series where I really don’t give a rats behind who wins is just silly, and unproductive.

Personally, I would have been actually more apt to tune into the 2009 edition of the Fall Classic had the Kansas City Royals been taking on the San Francisco Giants. Giggle and snicker if you want, but watching the Kung fu Panda, Pablo Sandoval slap an RBI triple off of an out of the strike zone looping curve ball served up from American League Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke would have intrigued me.

And no, I don’t HATE the Yankees. If I did, like many I’d probably tune into Fox just to route on the opposing team. But, I can’t bring myself to hate this group of Yankees…I mean, are there really more likeable MLB players than the loosy goosy Nick Swisher and his Free Agent friend C.C. Sabathia? Yankees hatred is nothing new, but seriously, can ya HATE the amiable ‘Shecky of New York ’ - Nick Swisher?

There’s also no underdog this season either. Being an underdog fan has its charms, and even can boost some serious sports watching adrenaline. But, alas – NO underdogs here!

So, while Major League Baseball has dollar signs darting from there eyes and Admen everywhere licking their chops at the thoughts of capitalizing on this big market show down; I plan on turning my tube onto other things. Sure, there's a decent chance, the  105th World Series could go down as an unbelievable 7 game classic!

But I have zero plans to witness a single "LIVE" inning! Instead - I will take solace in catching some highlights, checking some box scores, and pondering who to keep in my 12 team mixed Fantasy league next year. All the while, here’s some other 'stuff' I may tune in to while the majority of baseball fanatics in North America are glued to this supposed super series:

1) Dexter – Well, so much for Agent Lundy! His quick exit proves; when you retire from the police force…you should maybe actually retire!

Ah well, at least the ol’ man got one last roll in the hay with Dexter's real life wife, but Showtime Sister - Jennifer Carpenter whose Deb character went from romancing two men to zero in less than an hour! I'm still getting the occasional 3rd Rock from the Sun flashbacks when seeing John Lithgow on the screen, but he’s such a good actor that I’m as excited as an axe murderer at an axe convention to see where he takes Trinity!

Bobble Note: New Dexter Bobbleheadcoming this November – this time everyone’s favorite serial killer is donning his Kill Outfit! I'm still kicking myself for not bidding on a Dexter 'Bloody Variant' Bobblehead when it came up on eBay about 6 months ago. Now, that particular Limited Edition version of the Dexter Bobble head appears to be quite rare, and could command some decent collectable coin down the blood stained road.

2) Curb your Enthusiasm– I try to avoid reading any forums, or blogs where fans & critics are writing about a TV series during a shows season. Helps me make up my own opinions. So, I’ve read absolutely zero thoughts on this years weekly dose of Larry David. But, despite a Seinfeld reunion which could naturally bring about some "Jump the Shark" theories, I think Curb Season 7 has so far been pretty…pretty…pretty good! The wheel chair dating episode (Denise Handicapped) had me in stitches, as did the latest with the "splashback" and the fashion 'gutsy' secretary with the bare midriff! Several episodes throughout Season Seven have actually had me rolling on the ground! With the exception of perhaps Episode 4 with the Doctor's phone number; which felt a little bit like a filler week, the latest dose of Curb Classics have been a resounding  success in my book!

3) The Cleveland Show- "My name is Cleveland Brown, and I'm proud to be, right back in my home town, with my new family." Tell me I’m not the only one who has felt a little bit better while humming the opening theme song every Monday morning at the water cooler?

4) Drag Me To Hell – Okay, this is a movie, not a TV show, but seriously, ater the kids have finally settled down from the sugar buzz they experience from this years Halloween candy haul – break out this Sam Raimi horror romp! I also have heard The Orphanwill send some chills down your spine as well, but I have yet to catch that one.

5) Sanford and Son– Call this one my guilty pleasure. My dad use to watch Sanford and Sonwhen I was a kid, and loved it, but I really didn’t “get” the humor because I was so young. Now, if only I could buy a truck like that ol’ vintage 1951 Ford F-1!

6) The Twilight Zone– I’ve been re-visiting these old classics of late, and still am in awe of just how fantastic the writing of many of the episodes are. They have stood the test of time amazingly well for a show that dates back to the late fifties, early sixties. “Nick of Time” remains a favorite of mine, as William Shatner successfully over acts with that special  Shatner style he does so well. 'Walking Distance' is my other all time top Twilight Zone...simply brilliant stuff.

Twilight Zone Bobbleheadsof the Mystic Seer from the “Nick of Time” episode were recently produced, as well as an “The Invaders” and "Talking Tina" Bobblehead as well.

7) Californication – Wow, has Hank Moody been an out of control bed bouncer this season! I get a kick out of how he seems to revert to a college kids lifestyle, and humps more ass than Triumph the comic insult dog the minute Karen leaves him to fend for himself.

8) Grey’s Anatomy– Okay, it wasn’t just a cheeky title to fire up my machismo Fantasy Baseball loving brethren. As serious as a brain tumor I DO watch this show, and despite being in the mass male minority on this one, I don't mind it. I actually just started back watching it again this season with my wife. And yes, it even chokes me up from time to time. Before anyone passes judgement on me, go ahead and watch last weeks episode “I saw what I saw.” Yes, I understand this show’s justifiable ‘chick flick’ label with it's endless 'relationshippy' plot lines, but last week was just solid, well written drama if you ask me!

9) Hockey Night in Canada – Good ol’ HNIC! I love firing up by bunny ears! I have a retro indoor Radio Shack antenna that still manages to bring in the CBC perfectly! Yeah, kickin’ it old school, no digital, no cable – just me reeling in some free airwaves while drinking a couple cold ones, and harking back to memories of growing up on a steady dose of Bob Cole, Ron Maclean and the irreplaceable Canadian Icon Don Cherry.

10) Baby Einstein– My sweetheart baby girl is growing up so fast…
She turned the ripe old age of ‘One’ not long ago, and now she’s on the cusp of learning how to walk (egad!) - & to talk (I promised my wife I am going to teach her to say “I'm very pleased to meet you”)

With some lament, I realize soon she will inevitably start acting a little less “baby” like, and a little more ‘lady’ like. She still loves to watch “her movies” as we refer to Disneys Baby Einstein (Especially Lullaby Time before bed) series, even though she must have seen them all a hundred times.

Daddy watches them sometimes with her, and even impersonates some of the puppets.

He most certainly wouldn’t trade the chance to keep watching them over and over with you 'Peetyuk' (Only Farley Mowat fans will get the obscure Lost in the Barrens reference, but what can I say - my  2nd pride & joy looked a bit like a little inhuit baby when she was born & the name has stuck) But...*sigh* ...Soon she will grow up, and she will become too old for a “her movies.”

All the more reason we are going to watch them NOW. Over, and over…and...

For as long as she is willing to sit and watch them. Maybe with a little luck, she will grow up to appreciate baseball as much as I do...and we can watch a World Series I have more interest in together.

Sweet Dreams “Baby Lamb” Daddy Loves You!

By Scott Woodall

Cool to see Kyle Blanks thigh fiving (Kudos to Matt & the lads over @ Sharapova’s Thigh!) the San Diego Padres bat boy…no wait...I think that’s actually 2009 teammate David Eckstein isn't it? Sorry Dave, but Blanks is 6’6”, and 285 pounds…so it doesn’t surprise us that he’d dwarf your oompa loompa sized frame in this photo.

Despite a Lerch laced pitching staff that boasts current Petco Park towers Chris Young (6’10”), Adam Russell (6’8”), Mat Latos (6’6”), Aaron Poreda (6’6”), Clayton Richard (6’5”), and Mike Adams (6’5”) - just to name a few – the 1st baseman turned outfielders’ overall size still makes the behemoth Blanks an imposing stature in the Pads clubhouse.

As we prepare for yet another Phillies visit to the Fall Classic, and head into Blanks sophomore season - some questions still remain with big, bad  Blanks….BUT THIS IS GOOD WAIVERSHARKS! Even dressed in the Padres alternative camo uniform , it may be hard pressed for Kyle Blanks to hide from the inevitable revving of the hype machine engine at the onset of 2010.  

That may taint his Sleeper Draft Value (SDV - There's a newly invented baseball acronym for the stats whores!) once spring flowers bloom, and baseballs fly through the optimistic Peoria, Arizona air.  All together now, say "Peoria, Arizona air" five times fast Pads fans.

But (Insert Padres fan *sigh*...and a moment of silence for Jake the Snake Peavy) there’s still some chance that a ballplayer playing for a 75W-87L team, coupled with the fact that his first season only consisted of 148 at bats, might still be hovering under the sunny San Diego radar.

Sure, the cat may be out of the bag in terms of the power…(You can't expect a truck that carries 285+ pounds not to knock some serious silly into a regulation cushioned cork baseball), but we think Blanks is in store for a lot more than just a dinger laden career filled with tape measure taters.

Despite the high K rate in 2009, Blanks could easily eclipse Adam Dunn’s .249 career average next season, even while playing in Petco – a Park not exactly beloved by hitters who make a living on hitting for power.

San Diego's friendly giant even exhibited surprising speed and agility - which helped allow the Padres brass to give his big man sized glove a shot at patrolling the vast Petco outfield for portions of 2009 – while A-gone conveniently stood pat in the 1st base spot he's clung rightful claim to during '09.

Blanks even provided the not exactly pulse racing Padres the most exciting play of 2009 when instead of clouting the usual mammoth moon shot over Petco’s walls, the giant righty chugged around all three bags, and then stormed home for an inside the park home run! According to Wikipedia - Blanks is the biggest known professional baseball player to perform this! The biggest guy prior to Blanks was Cecil’s little boy wonder - Prince Fielder.  Blanks  even capped the oxygen draining marathon of bases with a sweet head first slide!

We can’t deny that the man who dons a figure eight on his back every night is no speed skater, but the athleticism he has displayed early in his career is yet another reason to take note of a possible rising Fantasy Baseball Star.

SO, what’s not to like? Well, besides the fact that we wish he’d have kept the nice beginnings of an Oscar Gamble afro wig…hmmm.

The strike outs could be a serious issue - 55 in 148 abs is simply unacceptable. But, we think his batters eye will become far more discerning as his experience grows, and he sees how many pitchers will want to avoid him launching their served up fastball rockets into other galaxies far far away. Another concern is the season ending Plantar Fasciitis bout he endured. Supposedly Blanks had some similar problems with sore tootsies back in college while playing for the Yavapai Roughriders, but never as bad as the debilitating injury plagued him during the final stages of his 2009 rookie MLB campaign.

But HOLD IT right there! STOP THE PRESSES! Cue a downloaded sound bite of a hastily scratched vinyl record! We are not claiming to be Dr. Scholls, but we think we may have discovered the freshly pedicured solution for our 2010 Fantasy Baseball SLEEPER KEEPERS frustrating feet!

We are indeed hoping the aptly nicknamed “Gigantor” reads this article! (Why else would we lace it with so many Google Keywords you may have wondered?) Maybe Manager Bud Black will Stumble upon us while bored of watching the Philadelphia Phillies play the New York Yankees in this years World Series! (Who could have predicted that one eh?) Well, at the very least, we are crossing  our Fantasy Baseball fingers that ANY ONE of the San Diego Padres trainers such as Todd Hutcheson, Paul Navarro, Brian Prilaman, Jim Malone or even Spencer Dallin, Tony Petricca or Phillip Kerr (All names of gentlemen whom our cracked research staff tracked down from the Padres MLB website) are made aware of the AMAZING benefits of FITFLOPS!

FitFlops are a product like NO other! They have even attracted the sexy size 9's of Assassination of a High School President (Cool Flick!) co-star Mischa Barton. In fact, Fitflops multitude of benefits have been praised & embraced the last couple years by several other high profile Hollywood pantyhoes - such as Pamela Anderson, Katie Holmes and Hilary Swank. That's some pretty hot pairs of gams guys!

Even Oprah has gone on the record as loving them. And love Oprah, or hate her - you have to admit the woman loves to shop...and so we should entrust that both she and her shopping army of assistants would do what they could to avoid turning her billion dollar hooves the Color Purple!

And no, we are not whole heartedly endorsing FitFlops just because we liked the sexy school girl outfit Mischa Barton's character Francesca Fachini wore during her seductive hommage to 'The Graduate'. *Gulp* Can you imagine had a girl ever muttered the words..."I'm so going to corrupt you" while in High School? I think the Bobby Funke in all of us wishes they heard that line at least once in our lives!

We are NOT affiliated with Fitflops in any way, and want to reiterate, we were not paid a red cent, or a dime store nickel from the makers of FitFlops to give this glowing testimonial! THE PRODUCT SIMPLY WORKS FANTASTIC, AND HAVE HELPED SEVERAL PEOPLE WE KNOW WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS TO WHAT KYLE BLANKS WENT THROUGH IN 2009. 

We here at www.waiversharks.com want Kyle Blanks to become the next Frank Howard, or Frank Thomas. So if this blog is read by ANYONE close to him, PLEASE feel free to contact us so we can further explain the virtues of these sensational sandals! One person - who shall remain nameless at her request, even went so far as to say they SAVED HER LIFE after months of not being able to walk on her heel!

Now, although most of FitFlops product line is currently skewed towards women, they do have a couple of models for men – Claiming the sandals “Give you a workout while you walk".  A potential cure for Plantar Fasciitis is definitely another of the specially engineered sandals and boots miracle advantages!

As stated, the primary target market for FitFlops appears at this time to be more women than men, but there are currently two MENS FitFlops versions – and we would think more are in the works.

SO, we are willing to place high stakes bets that if any of Kyle Blanks ‘peeps’ can shoe horn the big mans boats into some man sized FitFlops sandals this off season & beyond – we could be witnessing an absolute breakout candidate for the 2010 baseball season!

Hell, maybe the fine folks at FitFlop will even design a specially formulated FitFlops cleat!? Okay, FitFlop spikes are not very likely – but, if the hype machine we mentioned earlier doesn’t put this 2010 Sleeper beyond reach in your respective Fantasy Baseball league - we feel Blanks is one draft board darling worth an Oscar Meyer wiener sized gamble!

Just like Kevin Kouzmanoff  did last year (shown above getting a playful 'piggy back' ride ride form Big Blanks after Kyle clubbed a walk off home run) - we strongly suggest you are quick to jump on board the 2010 Kyle Blanks Sleeper Train! Especially if you spot him wearing a shiny new pair of Freeway Mens FitFlops during Spring Training!

After all, discovering the next big thing to come along in Major League Baseball is no small feet!

FITFLOPS NATURAL FREEWAY STYLE TONING EXERCISE SANDALS US $49.99

FITFLOP FREEWAY SLIDE (ELM) TAN BROWN LEATHER BEIGE MESH SANDAL 1" COMFY $70 12M US $69.99

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On Friday, October the 2nd 2009 a “Wizard of Oz” - Hall of Famer, Ozzie Smith Bobbleheadwill be awarded to the first 25,000 fans through the gates of Busch Stadium in St. Louis . If you can’t dive on over to Busch when the Cards take on the Brewers (Pity, since there is also a Vince Coleman autograph signing scheduled Friday!) a quick peek at everyone’s favorite online shop stop shows several Ozzie Smith eBay bobblescommanding pretty good auction prices.

The diving Ozzie Smith bobblheadmarks the end of another JAM packed year of Professional Baseball Stadium Giveaways!

2009 brought us all kinds of VERY cool Minor and Major League Baseball promotions.

And, despite some folk’s criticism of the still popular poly resin promos – Bobbleheads continued to create early lines at various ballparks throughout the continental Unites States during this past ’09 MLB season - and in Toronto too eh!

We here at WaiverSharks Bobblehead Daze obviously LOVE “Bobblehead Days” and so the end of another SGA season is met with some lament - but knowing that it won’t be long before the 2010 bobblehead lineups begin to churn out at your favorite neighborhood ballparks sparks new interest in the ever growing collectors hobby.

We can’t wait to see what’s on tap for 2010…

Note to San Francisco Giantsmarketing team: If you do not produce a Pablo Sandoval bobblehead next season you are insane! We’re sure you already recognize the ever increasing popularity of Pablo “Kung Fu Panda” Sandoval – but thought a quick shout out for his likeness to be immortalized in bobblehead form was important to his growing fan base!

Once again, a big thanks goes out to fellow bobble head collector Eric Marinbach over at The Only Accurate Bobblehead Board for all his help, especially early on this season in nailing down several bobblehead night game dates.

Click back soon as we intend to share with you our TOP 5 Major League Baseball Bobbleheads for 2009 as well as our TOP 5 Minor League Baseball SGAs for this past year!