Granted unprecedented access to the team's top management and financial data, Pluto delivers an up-close account of how decisions were made to radically reshape the franchise. Indians fans grew accustomed to winning in the mid-1990s. They had an owner with deep pockets, a brand-new ballpark, and a team of high-priced all stars who delivered a division championship nearly every year. But that glorious ride ended with a jolt of reality after savvy owner Richard Jacobs sold the franchise at the top of the market in 2000. New owners Larry and Paul Dolan and new general manager Mark Shapiro faced a challenge: an aging team, a mounting payroll, and a shrinking budget. First they made mistakes. Then they made bold changes. Stars such as Manny Ramirez, Roberto Alomar, and Jim Thome were gone, replaced with roster of unproven youngsters and veteran rehab projects. Fans were alarmed and dismayed. Then, in 2002, Shapiro boldly predicted that the Indians would return to contend for the playoffs after just three years of rebuilding. Critics scoffed. Yet at the end of the 2005 season, the Indians were indeed back in contention, one tantalizing game away from a return to the playoffs. The core of an exciting young team was beginning to take shape, and Shapiro was voted American League Executive of the Year as his team won an impressive 93 games despite a payroll ranked in baseball's bottom five. How was it done? In his familiar clear writing style, Pluto carefully explains the manyrisky moves made by management and tells which ones have paid off, which ones haven?t, and why. This rare behind-the-scenes look at a modern front office will intrigue fantasy leaguers and fans fascinated by baseball dealmaking. It will be an eye-opener for Indians fans who may still be wondering, What happened to my team?

    I told you I wouldn't see a single cowboy riding across the plain, and I haven't.I have not even seen a plain.Still, there are some silver linings. They are:1.) Trapper and King, the cat and dog who live in the apartment building. They are cuddly and waggy. I am not allowed to play with them, though, becayse they are supposed to catch mice and keep burglars away.2.) Ironman. He owns a pig and talks to me a lot. But he is a grown-up.3.) Kids. I can hear them playing outside. Too bad they do not want to play with me.I wish you were here.Do you wish I was in India? Write back soon.Your friend,Lowji

    Waited for a team that could end the longest title drought on any city in America that fields teams in all four major professional sports. Waited for that one magical postseason run that could unleash a quarter-century of pent-up frustration. And then these '08 Phillies hopped on that magic carpet and made it happen. Unlike so many Phillies teams that were haunted by the past, this team was inspired by it, by the chance to place its own inimitable stamp on the franchise. And as the 2 million people who attended their championship parade can attest, it was Worth the Wait.

    The 2019 edition of The New York Times Bestselling Guide.PLAY BALL! The 24th edition of this industry-leading baseball annual contains all of the important statistics, player predictions and insider-level commentary that readers have come to expect, along with significant improvements to several statistics that were created by, and are exclusive to, Baseball Prospectus, and an expanded focus on international players and teams.Baseball Prospectus 2019 provides fantasy players and insiders alike with prescient PECOTA projections, which The New York Times called “the überforecast of every player’s performance.” With more than 50 Baseball Prospectus alumni currently working for major-league baseball teams, nearly every organization has sought the advice of current or former BP analysts, and readers of Baseball Prospectus 2019 will understand why!

    This much-lauded series was cited by the American Booksellers Association as one of the top ten works to read while waiting for the next Harry Potter, and will finally make its audio debut in Fall 2004. Fast, whimsical action, engaging characters, and surprising, imaginative situations are the hallmarks of The Secrets of Droon, one of the best-selling series for its age group.Book #1 - THE HIDDEN STAIRS AND THE MAGIC CARPET A hidden door. A magical staircase. Discover the World of Droon with Eric, Julie, and Neal.Book #2 - JOURNEY TO THE VOLCANO PALACEThe nasty Lord Sparr has stolen a magic jewel from Eric, Julie, and Neal's friend Princess Keeah. The jewel is in Lord Sparr's secret palace, which is in a volcano!Book #3 - THE MYSTERIOUS ISLANDEric, Julie, and Neal are sailing with Princess Keeah and suddenly they are caught in the middle of a magical ocean storm. and they are shipwrecked on an island that belongs to one of Lord Sparr's witches.Book #4 - CITY IN THE CLOUDSUh-oh! Neal has a problem. He's turned into a bug--again. The cure is in the City of the Clouds and his friends have one day to get the cure before the island disappears.

    Now, Erik Sherman, the New York Times bestselling coauthor of Mookie, profiles key players from that infamous Mets team, revealing never-before-exposed details about their lives after that championship year…as well as a look back at the magical season itself.      Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Lenny Dykstra, Mookie Wilson, Howard Johnson, Doug Sisk, Rafael Santana, Bobby Ojeda, Wally Backman, Kevin Mitchell, Ed Hearn, Danny Heep, and the late Gary Carter were all known for their heroics on the field. For some of them—known as the “Scum Bunch”—their debauchery off the field was even more awe-inspiring. But when that golden season ended, so did their aura of invincibility. Some faced battles with addiction, some were traded, and others struggled just to keep their lives together.    Through interviews with these legendary players, Erik Sherman offers fans a new perspective on a team that will forever be remembered in sports history.INCLUDES PHOTOSFrom the Hardcover edition.

    Millions of fans have listened to Rose’s trademark calls over the years, and now, with his patented honesty and humor, he gives a firsthand account of the Amazins’—from the greatness of Tom Seaver to Johan Santana’s recent no-no. In addition to a personalized look at the rich history of the of the team, this work also features Rose’s thoughts and opinions on the current Mets team and roster and his thoughts on the future of the club.

    Every game played with your child has the potential to become a lifelong memory.The Rookie is a flash fiction piece (just over 500 words) based on a childhood memory.

    O'Neil's #1 Bestseller "Ninja Farts - Silent But Deadly" with your purchase of "Caveman Farts". You and your kids will laugh out loud as you listen to this fart-tastic audiobook (complete with disgusting sound effects!). That's twice the farting fun!From #1 Bestselling Author J.B. O'Neil Ready to laugh your butt off? Milo Snotrocket is back and stinkier than ever in this hilarious new episode to the #1 Best-Selling "Fart Book" series.Here's what readers are already saying about the side-splitting, bottom-burping Fart Books:"I haven't heard my daughter laughing and giggling that much since she stared school. Thank you J.B O'Neill - I will definitely get all your books to keep my child laughing." -- Lisa D."Absolutely hysterical!...If you want to laugh your way through, from page to page, this is your opportunity and the price is perfect. Get your copy now, it will put a smile on your face!" -- Tom Foster"This ebook had me and my kids laughing from start to finish!...Talk about a fun Friday night!" -- Rob RodenparkerGrab it right now while the FREE audiobook of "Ninja Farts" is still available!

    Designed for grades 3-4. Includes story summary, prereading activities, vocabulary exercises, comprehensive strategies, discussion questions and more. Reproducible pages.

    An account of what it was like to grow up a White Sox fan in a Cubs nation, this title covers the history of the organisation, from the heartbreak of 1967 and the South-Side Hit Men to the disco demolition and the magical 2005 season when they became world champions.

     Kell discovers that his neighbor, Bree Hendricks, turns 9-years-old next month and she wants a party with an alien theme. That should be simple as flying from star to star. But things aren’t that easy: Earthling’s ideas about aliens are totally wrong. Even worse, Principal Lynx is a UFO-Chaser and suspects aliens around every corner. Will the Aliens totally blow the Aliens Party? Will Principal Lynx capture Kell and his family and them over to the government? Will an alien boy find school friends? Kell must find a way to fit into the school life and make friends. In art class, music class and home room, he must learn the ways of Earthlings. His next door neighbor, Bree, makes it easier and helps the family find a way to make a living. A new spin on books for readers in grades two, three, four, and five Easy Chapter Book series Chapter Book Series for boys Chapter Book Series for Girls Chapter Book Series for ages 7-10 Humor for Kids – “A Funny Book” The alien family, the Smiths, understand little of Earth’s culture, which results in funny situations. For one thing, Bixsters are hatched, not born. When Kell finds out that humans cook with eggs, he is horrified. And there are those bugs that bite or sting. Kell can’t get away from them. Discover what other readers already know “Amusing, accessible, engaging” – Publisher’s Weekly Scroll up and get your copy of Kell, the Alien at the everyday low price! Read more of the ALIENS INC. CHAPTER BOOK SERIES BOOK 1: Kell, the Alien BOOK 2: Kell and the Horse Apple Parade BOOK 3: Kell and the Giants BOOK 4: Kell and the Detectives Art Teachers: Every volume stars with a scene in the art classroom, creating something fun. Family story: When th Smith family is shipwrecked on Earth, they must learn to depend on each other.

    To millions of football fans across America, he was the “Voice of the NFL.” And as open and giving as Harry Kalas was throughout his professional and personal life, there are countless layers of the man that have remained unknown . . . until now. Author Randy Miller interviewed more than 160 people—including all of Harry’s surviving family, many of his close friends from childhood to present, numerous colleagues from baseball and the NFL, and even Harry’s longtime personal psychologist—to craft a loving and shockingly honest portrayal of one of the most celebrated broadcasters in the history of sports. With incredible details from all phases of his life—from his upbringing in the Chicago suburbs, to his Hall of Fame broadcasting career in baseball, to his ubiquitous voiceover work with the NFL, to his personal vices for drinking and women, to his legendary friendship with Richie “Whitey” Ashburn, to his ongoing feud with on-air partner Chris Wheeler— Harry the K: The Remarkable Life of Harry Kalas will surprise, delight, and enlighten all fans of the man they called “Harry the K.”

    

    What price would you be willing to pay for a cure? Any price? Are you sure?Would it be worth agreeing to join an alien nation offering a cure but without any of the messy details?* who and what are the aliens,* proof they can cure you,* why they want people from Earth,* the alien's specific needs,* what they expect from those they cure,* but knowing they will never see Earth again.Kayla, a seventeen-year-old teenager, and others with an assortment of lethal medical conditions are about to find out the price of life.