A Red State Goes Blue, Toddfather Update, Toms River Loses a Beloved Resident

Allegations that he had sexually abused teen-age girls has cost Roy Moore a special senate election in Alabama as for the first time since 1992 a Democrat has been elected to the Senate in a state that is as red as any other.

Doug Jones won that bitter race which is a major blow for President Trump who enthusiastically supported Moore even though many in his own party bailed on the former judge amid decades-old allegations of sexual misconduct.  It means the GOP holds a slim 51-49 majority in the senate and does not bode well for Trump to push through his agenda in coming months.

Todd Frazier fans are hoping that the Yankees trade of third baseman Chase Headley Tuesday to San Diego means the Toms River native might be returning to the Bronx.  Yanks General Manager Brian Cashman said that he has spoken with Frazier’s agent during the winter meetings in Florida but reports are that nothing is imminent.

While the Yanks love what the “Toddfather” brings to the team there is a major problem.  Frazier is a free agent for the first time in his career and approaching age 32 he is clearly looking for a 3 or even 4-year deal.  However the Yanks would likely only offer a one-year contract because they have a hot prospect in Miguel Andujar and could also be very interested in Manny Machado who will become a free agent next winter.

I exchanged texts with Todd yesterday and he said right now it’s just a lot of talk. Hopefully action will follow very soon.

Toms River lost a very special person this week with the passing of Mary Ellen Hudson, a lifelong resident and proud member of the Toms River High School Class of 1946.  I had the pleasure to know her from our years together as trustees for the Toms River Student Loan Fund and until recently she served as our secretary.

The former school business administrator for the Toms River Board of Education was involved in many organizations and was also a respected member of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, where she served as an Elder.

Mary Ellen leaves behind four children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  She was truly a woman who made a positive impact in the community she lived in and loved.