Preller Returns as G.M.

A.J. Preller's suspension is finally over. Now begins the time when he needs to build up his reputation again. One week after the world series ends is the beginning of the general manager meetings in Phoenix. That will be a great place for him to converse with other GM's and perhaps even make some trades. We will need to improve our rotation, and we can do that by trading away some of our current pitchers (bullpen and rotation candidates) plus Derek Norris. That is just one suggestion. But I can't wait to see what sort of magic A.J. Preller shows us this offseason. As I watch the playoffs unfold, I can only say that I am eager for the Padres to shock the world in making it to the playoffs. I understand that might not be 2017 or even 2018, but it will come eventually. I know that next year's team will be better than this year's team, mainly because those dealing with injury recovery will be back and ready to roll.

Speaking of the playoffs, the Indians are in! They defeated the Blue Jays in five games and will go to their first world series since 1997 when they lost to the Marlins. The Indians have not won the world series since 1945. Cleveland is on fire as they head to the world series. Now they await the winner of the series between the Dodgers and the Cubs. With the Cubs' 10-2 win last night, the series is now knotted up 2-2. I sure hope the Cubs and their high-powered offense can pull out a victory and head to the world series. Either way, I'll be rooting for the Indians.

College football has some great games this weekend, including a pivotal matchup between Alabama and Texas A&M. The winner of this game will likely represent the SEC in the playoff at the end of the season (assuming they can win out). There are a couple of other great games in the SEC west this weekend. One more week of play until we get to see the first college football playoff poll on November 1. Here are your games for the week:
 - #6 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama, 3:30 ET, CBS
- #17 Arkansas at #21 Auburn, 6 ET, ESPN
- #23 Ole Miss at #25 LSU, 9 ET, ESPN