For the...um...diehard fan?

Can't the marketing wizards at Major League Baseball come up with some original ideas for once? Do they have to resort from ripping a page straight out of Gene Simmons' playbook? You know how they say that there are no original ideas- that in the history of the world, in all the people who have ever lived, someone, at sometime had every idea you think is totally original? Well, that's probably true of Gene Simmons. It probably doesn't matter what way you've thought of to make money- Gene Simmons has already had that idea for KISS, and has also probably put it into action.

The thing now is customized caskets. Coffins. Like for when you die. The Red Sox, along with several other MLB teams, announced recently that they will be offering, through the manufacturer Eternal Images, team-themed caskets. Now you no longer have to end your loyalty to the Sox at the grave. They'll happily join you in the grave, at what I am sure are quite reasonable rates. Is that distasteful? Does it cheapen or commercialize what should be an incredibly somber time, a time for spiritual reflection? I'd say no. I think it's quite all right. I think it would help you not only get in the right frame of mind for your ultimate passing, but give those who survive you something slightly whimsical to remember you by.

The Precious Moments-themed caskets, though- those are just sick.

In other news, the Mets forced a game seven in the NLCS last night, getting past the baseball juggernaut that is the 83-78 St. Louis Cardinals. I can't stop thinking about that. 83-78, and they're a game from the flippin' World Series. What could possibly be more ludicrous? Wait for it...yes. That's right. Oliver Perez starting Game Seven for the Mets. 3-13 Oliver Perez. Oliver Perez with an ERA over 6.40 in the NATIONAL LEAGUE! Oliver Perez who was actually really good back in 2004- good enough for me to have him on my 2005 rotisserie team WAY too long. That Oliver Perez. The Mets would probably do better to send Olivier Martinez to the mound- at least the Cardinals can't hit him over the head with a snow globe like Michael Douglas did in "Unfaithful." Rob Neyer is writing today that Perez is probably the worst Game Seven pitcher ever (that's just the headline. Rob Neyer went to the pay-portion of ESPN.com several years ago and I haven't read his work since). He's probably right. And do you know who he's facing? Jeff Suppan. Soup! The guy who was nice enough to atone for screwing up with the Sox down the stretch in 2003 by getting thrown out at third by Big Papi in the 2004 World Series (thanks, Jeff). Actually, the last time Suppan pitched a Game Seven was in 2004. He beat Roger Clemens in the NLCS. He's actually not a bad big game pitcher.

So of course, Perez is going to throw a gem and send the Mets to the Series. Nobody knows nothin'.