My Boy is Gone :(

It's a tragedy. Truly. This is a momentously sad occasion.

Concussions End Matheny's Career

SAN FRANCISCO -- Catchers are no ordinary men -- they're legitimate tough guys -- and to get an insight into what made Giants backstop Mike Matheny tick, let's go back nine months ago when a foul tip came off the bat like a ricocheting bullet, slamming into his mask at 100 miles per hour.

Matheny, stunned and dizzy, had already taken maybe a half-dozen shots to the head during the week, but even after head trainer Stan Conte pulled him out and X-rays were taken, Matheny was already planning on flying to New York for the next series against the Mets.

Fat chance. He couldn't remember what day it was.

"We're competitive -- we're wired that way," said the 13-year Major League veteran.

Matheny would, however, never play again, and the four-time Gold Glove catcher reluctantly but advisedly retired from baseball Thursday because of lingering post-concussion symptoms.

And even worse...he's moved back to St. Louis to spend more time with his wife and FIVE children. Okay, so not worse...obviously he's a great guy, but we'll miss him here.

With Pujols in St. Louis and Matheny retired, how am I supposed to enjoy my baseball games this season?

Well, we do still have Matt Morris. Time to get more Cards to come over to the Giants.