Congratulations to Simon, who narrowly held off Jes Golbez, Sky, and 76 other contestants to win THE 2004 CONTEST, the annual Batters Box prediction game. Simon garnered 40 points out of possible 100. Final scores ranged from 40 down to 5 with an average of 20. Simon earned victory with his clairvoyance regarding the American League; he picked all three division winners, the wild card, pennant winner, and World Series champion.

It is my understanding that Simon will celebrate his victory by adding chocolate to milk.

The consensus picks tallied only 22 points but did correctly predict Boston's first World Series championship since 1918. The consensus earned additional points for Boston's pennant, Minnesota's division win, Florida's third-place finish, Cincinnati's fourth-place finish, and Vlad Guerrero's MVP award.

On to the highlights and lowlights of this year's voting:

As 2004 comes to a close, it's time to present the eighth of what will be 12 "all-month" teams for your discussion and ridicule. There's no easy name for the December squad (though we're looking forward to introducing the March Hares and the April Fools in months to come), but given the spirit of the season, we'll go with the December Holidays. If we're looking for a team captain, rest assured that my former boss John December wasn't a ballplayer of any sort, and Toronto's own Roy Halladay was born in September -- though somehow he escaped notice in formation of the September Morns -- so he's right out.

But in looking for a Christmas miracle, we'll find that team captain ... on December 9, 1957, a child was born unto the people of Orlando, Florida, and it was future Reds, Cubs and White Sox catcher Steve Christmas. Now, as for the rest of the team ...

Remembering Chris Woodward, who spents parts of 5 seasons with the Blue Jays.

Nomar Garciaparra was one of the “Holy Trinity” of shortstops of the late 90s, with Jeter and A-Rod. All were considered at the time to be likely Hall of Famers. Unfortunately for Nomar, the early part of this decade has not been kind to his chances, and 2004 continued the trend. He hit well enough for a 30 year old Hall of Fame candidate shortstop, .308/.365/.477, but he was traded by the Red Sox to the Cubs in a 4 team trade at the deadline. It will undoubtedly will be remembered that the Sox went on to their first Series win in over 80 years after the trade.

It's December 26 -- Boxing Day -- and you (always) know what that means; we're just hours away from the announcement of the annual Andujar "YouNeverKnow" award. In the meantime, take a moment to look back at some of the 1,383 (!) threads posted here during 2004 and answer today's ....

Question of the Day: What are your favourite moments of Batter's Box '04? These may or may not be the same as your favourite moments of Blue Jays '04 or even Baseball '04. When you think Batter's Box this year, what comes to mind? The answer may be funny, a great line or a good story, or poignant, or otherwise memorable. Bauxites, over to you ...

Bob Elliott reports in today's Toronto Sun that Blue Jay opening day hero Doug Ault passed away on Wednesday December 22, 2004. We offer our condolences to his family.

Bauxites have spoken and the Andujar torch passes from ex-Jay Esteban Loaiza to Tribe All-Star Ronnie Belliard. Details follow.

Question Of The Day: Anyone give or receive any baseball related gifts this holiday season?

Feel free to also use this thread as a Roundup, in the unlikely event that some piece of baseball news is released.

Be sure to participate in choosing the only completely original Batter's Box MLB-wide award -- the Andujar, also known as "the youneverknow." Meet the finalists, then go ahead and vote. It's in poll format, so it's easy -- about 150 of your fellow Bauxites have already cast ballots. Voting has been extended and will now conclude at midnight (Central time) tonight, Dec. 24; as always, the winner will be announced here on Da Box on Dec, 26 -- Boxing Day.

Batter's Box favourite Aaron "Named for Hank" Reynolds and his wife Vanessa were blessed with a baby boy early this morning. Further details will be forthcoming; the new parents have more important things to do right now.

I know I speak for all of us here at Batter's Box when I wish the entire Named for Hank family health and happiness for years to come.

Correction by Joe: Theodore was born late on the 23rd, not early on the 24th. An extra-early Christmas present!

Moises Alou signs with the Giants to play for his father. Feliz Navidad, Felipe.

Today's QOTD is:

Which extended family has had the most members in organized pro baseball (major and minor leagues) in North America? If you don't want to try the puzzler, then how about telling us about your favourite baseball family?

The Alous would have had at least 4, Jesus, Matty, Felipe and Moises, but I'll bet there is a family out with more.

I figure it'll be slow for news over the next few days, so hopefully this MYOR thread will suffice.

Well, I was gonna ask him where he came from, when we heard the bullets fly
Comin’ through the brush, and all around our ears
It was then I saw this big marine light a fire in his eye
And it was strange, but suddenly, I forgot my fears

At age 28, Alex Rodriguez had his least productive season (.286/.375/.512) since he was 21, and he was moved to third base to accommodate Derek Jeter. Still, the question about Alex is not whether he will be a Hall of Famer, but where he stands against the very best who have played the position.

Anything interesting going on?