What We Should Do & Flanagan's Future...

With spring training fast approaching, it looks like some more chips have come off the table as both Pat Burrell and Milton Bradley have found new homes.

The Tampa Bay Rays got the right-handed bat they needed as they signed Pat Burrell to a two year, 16 million dollar deal (a freaking bargain for a slugger); meanwhile, the Cubs have signed Milton Bradley to a three year, 30-million dollar to add yet another power bat to their stable of mashers.

With that being said, only about five-plus weeks remain until Spring Training, and one has to think what will the Orioles do? Right now, it looks like they have interest in Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara per Roch Kubatko.

I hope Baltimore at least signs another pitcher or two, as right now the squad looks to be no match to even match-up with their rivals in the American League East.


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Your World Series Champs -- The Phillies

After all the rain, wind, cold and debate over Bud Selig’s decision to suspend Game Five of the World Series, action resumed a little after 8:30 tonight.

Folks, America has finally crowned a World Series Champion – the Philadelphia Phillies – as they beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3.

Tampa was upended by a Phillies team that hustled its way to a win.

The shaky Rays’ bullpen once again came unglued as J.P. Howell served a double to Pat Burrell with the score tied at three; thus, after he was taken out of the game for a pinch runner – Eric Bruntlett – Pedro Feliz plated him and the Phillies took a 4-3 lead.

And then the amazing Brad Lidge came into the game, and it was all said and done. The Rays got on base in the ninth as Dioner Novarro reached on a single and Fernando Perez ran for him and stole second; however, pinch hitter Eric Hinske struck out to end it all.

Needless to say, Lidge has finished the season perfect in save opportunities -- in both the regular season and playoffs -- thus, he's left the vestige of a sad ending to 2006 behind.

The Rays looked awful – I mean awful – when the game resumed. Geoff Jenkins started off the frame with a double off reliever Grant Balfour, and then he scored when Jayson Werth’s bloop single which careened off Akinori Iwamura’s glove to give them a 3-2 lead.

As soon as the Phillies took the lead – the game was suddenly tied at three in the next frame. Rocco Baldelli sent the ball over the left field off a pitch from Ryan Madson to make things interesting, but Tampa would end the inning not doing much.

The city of Philadelphia has a championship finally to savor, and I’m sure it will be a wild time up there the next couple of days.

You have the give all the credit in the world to the Rays – sort of the little, small market engine that could – however, they were completely over matched, and shut down. They will be a force to be reckoned with, and seeing them in the AL East 18 times a year, I know I'll be looking forward to seeing them, but also scared to face their lineup and great arms.

Tampa has a bright of future under the tutelage of Joe Maddon and after finishing above the Yankees, deposing the White Sox and Red Sox in the playoffs, I though they could it.

However, it is the Phillies time now.

It's crazy to think that Philadelphia has only won two titles in 126 years; however, enjoy the win, savor it, remember this season, and be safe.

Then again, after the booing of Bud Selig, the Rays, and anything else not being invoked with the Phillies...

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Game Five Suspened; World Series Reflections...

It was wet and wild in Philadelphia last night, almost to the point it was beyond ridiculous as to why Major League Baseball allowed Game Five of the World Series to be played.

After both teams played for quite a while in whipping wind and a downpour, the brass in Major League Baseball finally got to their senses and stopped the game in the sixth inning with both Philadelphia and Tampa tied at two.

There was a strong prospect that the World Series could have ended last night when the heavy rains came down; however, in the sixth inning, B.J. Upton -- who beat out an infield single to get on base -- stole second and was plated by a Carlos Pena base hit to tie the game.

It looked like Philadelphia would meet up with destiny as they scored twice in the first inning via a single by Shane Victorino that plated both Chase Utley and Jayson Werth; however, Tampa pitching shut down the Phillies and got out of quite a few jams.

Tampa's first run came off an Evan Longoria single that plated Carlos Pena.

Hamels was good -- but not dominant -- thus, you have to wonder if the weather and he getting hit on the hand off a foul tip hindered him in any way. Kazmir started off the game rocky, but settled into his own, and the Rays bullpen got him out trouble in the sixth inning.

Speaking of Longoria -- it's nice that he and Carlos Pena finally broke out of a depressing slump to bring some life back into the Rays. Simply put, if they had continued their drought into Monday night, the trophy would have been driving down Broad Street sooner rather than later.

In the end, the game got suspended -- for the first time ever in Series history. I don't think the game would have been called if the Phillies had the lead, simply because this is the 'World Series' and not any other game. An event of this magnitude should allow both teams every opportunity to play each and every out -- not matter how long it takes.

We will see if both teams can play tonight; however, according to the weather reports, it does not look promising as well.

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Rays Tie Series at One

Last night, in Tampa-St. Petersburg, the Rays upended the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2.

The Rays scored four runs in the first four innings to earn the victory, as they scored in two runs in the first inning off groundouts by Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria; thereafter, in the second inning, B.J. Upton plated Dioner Navarro with a bases-loaded single and they tacked another run in the fourth due to a Jason Bartlett groundout.

Philadelphia got on the board after little used Eric Bruntlett homered in the eighth, and scored again in the ninth as Jason Werth scored off a Longoria; however, the game was all Tampa's.

James "Big Game (sorry, Tampa fans I strongly disagree with this)" Shields lived up to his moniker as he went 5 2/3 innings and gave up zero runs for the win. The Tampa bullpen held on, and David Price kept things in order by pitching the last 2 1/3 innings although he gave up two runs -- only one earned.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia's Brett Myers went seven strong innings to get the victory; however, he got saddled with the loss as gave up four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits.

When all was said and done after Game Two, the Phillies should be down 2-0, rather than have a tie. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard have not much, and they seem to always be waiting for the big hit rather than manufacturing runs. They strikeout too much, and can't seem to do the little things right -- the exact opposite of what Tampa did in game two.

If the Phillies can't get their act together -- unless Cole Hamels in on the mound -- I don't see where they will win the Series.

Phils Take World Series, Game One

Last night, the Fall Classic commenced in Tampa-St. Petersburg, and the Fighting Phils thanks to the golden arm of Cole Hamels and Chase Utley's two-run homer in the first inning lead them to victory, 3-2.

After a week off, the Phillies sure were not rusty; while the Rays seemed to be pressing.

Hamels went seven strong innings, and gave up two runs on five hits to earn his fourth win of the postseason. The kid is a master, with the ability to mix-up his fastball and breaking stuff to get guys out. Brad Lidge got the save -- the 47th in 47 chances including the postseason -- that helped Philadelphia hold on to their narrow margin of victory.

The Rays were able to get two runs off of Hamels courtesy of a Carl Crawford solo homer run in the 4th inning, and a Akinori Iwamura that plated Jason Bartlett in the fifth.


Carlos Ruiz's groundout to score Shane Victorino made the difference for Philadelphia.

Kazmir, was good, but not great and took the loss despite what he did in game five of the ALCS. He went six innings and gave up three runs.

It was nice to see Tropicana filled with fans -- Rays fans -- and you've got to think despite the loss, they still have the significant advantage at home.

As for the cowbell -- not a fan of it. Just scream and shot, but please no cowbell.

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Yes, America --- The Rays Are Headed to the World Series...

The Rays are in the World Series! If anyone picked them in March to play for it all -- you're lying. It seems like all of America -- aside from Red Sox fans -- were picking them to advance to the promised land, and finally, it looks the doormats of the AL East and the laughing stock of baseball for so many years has made it.

What can we say about David Price! This game was his coming out party, and did he literally save Tampa Bay from eminent disaster by pitching 1 1/3 innings -- striking out J.D. Drew with the bases juiced to the end the 8th -- and struck out two in the final frame to get the save.

Matt Garza pitched the game of his life, earning the win -- along with the second of the ALCS -- and making only one mistake -- Pedroia's first inning solo home run. Aside from that, Garza was a good as you could get. His counterpart on the mound, Lester was good -- going seven strong and giving up three runs -- but, it was not nearly enough.

The Rays were on, and it showed after two devastating losses in the ALCS.

Evan Longoria tied the game in the fourth inning to plate Carlos Pena, and they took the lead in the follow frame as Rocco Badelli plated Wily Aybar with a single. In the bottom the seventh, Aybar hit a solo home run -- an important insurance run -- to put them ahead for good.

Both bullpens kept their team in it, but Tampa held on and got the monkey off their back.

After ten years of futility, being made fun of, and being the doormats of baseball, the Rays have made it to the World Series, and it's just unbelievable.

You've got to give it to the Red Sox -- they took the Rays to the limit and nearly came back, but it was not enough this time around.

The Tampa team making it to the Series gives teams like the Baltimore Orioles and small market hope that if they manage and scout talent carefully, stick to a plan -- your finances and market size should not make being successful insurmountable.

Again, I can't believe I am saying this -- the Rays are the American League Champions and are headed to the World Series.


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The Idiot File: TBS, You Fucked Up

I was at home tonight, and having the world of cable TV available to me, I grabbed my plate of General Tso's Chicken and steamed rice, and headed to my room at 7:50 to prepare to watch the game against the Red Sox and Rays.

Well, when I flip the channel to TBS, they are showing an old episode of 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes'.

I was like 'ok', where's game six?

Then at 8:00, expecting to see a game, TBS is showing a classic episode of the 'Steve Harvey Show'. Why? How? What in the hell is going on?

Well, since MLB.TV blocks us here in the United States from watching the game live on the computers, I had to turn into their service.

At this point, the thought in my mind was "what the fuck is going on."

This is the reason:

From Boston.com: Due to what was termed a "router failure" at TBS headquarters in Atlanta, viewers all across America were unable to see the start of tonight's pivotal affair between the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Media outlets and cable providers were flooded with calls demanding an explanation as viewers expecting to see the Sox and Rays fight for a trip to the World Series instead stumbled upon the aforementioned network sitcom.

Apparently, nobody was laughing.

Though TBS repaired the problem late in the first inning, viewers missed the first six batters of the game. The game started at 8:08 p.m., but the broadcast didn't begin until 8:28 p.m. By that point, Tampa Bay already had claimed a 1-0 lead courtesy of a colossal, solo home run by Rays center fielder B.J. Upton that struck the "C-ring" catwalk in left center field.

After TBS issued an apology and fairly generic statement during the game, Turner Sports director of public relations Jeff Pomeroy briefly took questions from reporters during the sixth inning of play. Pomeroy said that TBS suffered a failure of both "the main router and the backup router," the latter of which exists exclusively for such instances where the primary source fails.

Said the network statement: "Two circuit breakers in our Atlanta transmission operations tripped causing the master router and its backup -- which are necessary to transmit any incoming feed outbound -- to shut down. This impacted our live feed from being distributed to any of the other networks in the Turner portfolio and caused the delay in our coverage. Both our primary and backup routers were impacted by this problem. We apologize to baseball fans for this mishap that caused a delay in our coverage."

Nice. Considering I had the TV on for 15 minutes before I even saw a warning is completely unacceptable and just makes me wonder if there are monkeys in the TBS network control room.

Down here in Maryland, I was pissed but was able to improvise for about 20 minutes before I got to see the game. Too bad everyone missed the B.J. Upton homer.

I could only imagine the scene in any bar within metropolitan Boston (especially) or Tampa-St. Petersburg for those who wanted to see their teams play.

TBS, you really fucked up on this one.

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The Red Sox Head to A Game Seven Against The Rays; Eh, Could It Be Any Other Way?

I knew it was going to come to this -- the Red Sox are too good and they smell fear. Just a few minutes ago, the Red Sox extended the ALCS to Game Seven as they downed the Rays, 4-2, thanks to a clutch home run by Jason Varitek (did he ever need something to happen), and an insurance RBI by David Ortiz.

B.J. Upton was once again a thorn in the side of the Red Sox, by hitting his ninth homer of the postseason off starter Josh Beckett in the first inning; however, after all that it was all Boston.

James Shields -- dubbed 'big game James' -- was not as sharp as he went a little over five innings and surrendered four runs (three earned) for the loss. Beckett, who has struggled in the '08 postseason got his mojo back by going five innings, giving up two runs and earning the win. The Red Sox bullpen anchored by Okajima, Masterson -- and ugh, as always Papelbon kept things in order.

Well, after assuming the Rays would dispose of the Sox in Game Five, the boys from Boston have stormed back and showed why they were the favorites all year long to win another title.

Meanwhile, you've got to think that the loss from Game Five is in the heads of Tampa Bay. Literally, they have not looked the same since then, and seem to be pressing; thus, perhaps their inexperience and ability to handle pressure is showing.

Jon Lester is on the mound in Game Seven, and one has to think now that Boston has the undeniable advantage -- but let's remember what happened in Game Four.

For the Rays, the pressure is now on them. Please win.

The Sox Do It Again -- They Comeback From The Dead In An LCS...

Around 10:30pm, with the Rays up 7-0 up on the Red Sox -- losers of three straight games in the ALCS -- I all but pronounced amongst friends I was chatting with online -- including Ian from Sox and Dawgs along with a couple of baseball fans -- that Boston's season was over, done, kaput.

Hell, even everyone on TBS felt the Sox were done.

The Red Sox staged a miraculous comeback as they beat Tampa, 8-7, thanks to a walk-off single by J.D. Drew in the bottom of the ninth inning.

For much of the series, Tampa has destroyed Boston pitching when it has come to the plate, and the theme repeated itself for the first 2/3 of the game. The triumvirate of B.J. Upton, Pena, and Longoria homered again, thus their barrage sent starter Daisuke Matsuzaka -- who'd previously whipped the Rays in Game One -- to the showers early.

Then in the seventh inning, the magic came alive. Thanks to a Pedroia RBI and David Ortiz -- who finally broke out of his herrendous slump -- hit a 3-run homer in the seventh; thereafter, in the next inning, J.D. Drew hit a two-run shot and Crisp singled in a run, all was tied.

In the end, it was only one loss and the Rays head back to the dome in St. Petersburg; however, they have to let this loss be purged from their minds and focus on Game six.

The Boston media railed on Joe Maddon for even putting Scott Kazmir on the mound in Game Five, but man, did he even look like a genius -- however, thanks to a shaky bullpen, the Rays' ticket to the World Series didn't get punched.

As we have seen with the Red Sox -- especially, in October -- anything can happen.

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Yes, America - The Rays Are Just One Game From the World Series...

Yes, America. It looks like the Tampa Bay Rays are just one win from making into their first ever World Series after having excatly zero winning seasons in their existence until this year.

I always knew the Rays would be close or finish slightly above .500; however, if anyone says they expected them to win 97 games and be one step away from the World Series, I would suggest you start playing the Lottery.

The Rays bushwhacked the Red Sox in Game Four of the ALCS, 13-4. There was not much to be said for last night if you're a Boston fan -- Wakefield got his arse kicked, despite having 16 days of rest and Tampa outplayed them.

For everyone that's shocked -- don't be. Being an Oriole fan, I have seen enough of the Rays to contend they are for real. I thought the Red Sox would come back and mount a challenge, but now they are looking lost on the mound and the plate (especially David Ortiz, Ellsbury, and ugh -- Varitek), while the Rays look young, energized and not stressed at all.

Homers by Willy Aybar, Carl Crawford (who was 5 for 5) -- and yes, Longoria -- again, led Tampa to victory. They had an offensive onslaught that the Red Sox have not been able to match, and Andy Sonnastine's golden arm led them to victory.

It was weird seeing a quiet Fenway, and it looks like despite the grea job Francona has done managing Boston, they are just no match -- literally -- for the Rays.

If there's any solace in seeing the Rays in the series after all theor losing for the past decade, it gives teams like the Orioles, Pirates, Royals, Nationals and Reds hope. You need a little bit of luck, but a whole lot of planning, great management and a commitment to development to get to the next level.

Another case study: the Brewers.

Money can help solve and cover up some problems (ala the Yankees); however, you need a plan and you need to stick with it, no matter how tough or rough the road may be.

Phillies Upend Dodgers; Rays Shock The Formerly Invinicble Jon Lester

The 2008 NLCS seems close to being wrapped up as the Philadelphia Phillies thanks to late homers by Shane Victorino -- who has seemed to be in the middle of everything -- and Matt Stair's long shot in the 8th led them over the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-5.

Tuesday's action had none of the drama of the previous night, and Philadelphia staged a dramatic comeback as the knocked up the Los Angeles bullpen in the latter half of the game. Derek Lowe was strong -- especially giving up two runs in the first inning -- and went only five innings; however, he kept the Dodgers in the game long for them to take the lead in the bottom of fifth by taking a 3-2 lead.

Now, why he was taken out by Joe Torre early -- who knows (maybe it's the fact he pitched on 3 days rest); however, that decision might have cost the Dodgers.

Joe Blanton -- the starting pitcher for the Phillies -- went five innings and gave up three runs, but it was Chad Durbin who opened up the flood gates by giving up a 2-run-homer to Casey Blake in the sixth to put the Dodgers up 5-2.

Both bullpens were taxed, but in the end, it was Philadelphia who reigned supreme. The reliable Dodger bullpen imploded and could not hold the lead.

They tied the game at three in the sixth at Ryan Howard plated in a run off Chan Ho Park; thereafter, two innings later they added a four spot thanks to 2-run homers by each Victorino and Stairs.

The Dodgers must win game five, or the season is over -- plus, I will not be able to use my tickets for game six...

There's an off-day for the NLCS on Wednesday (maybe to have the Red Sox in prime time); however, Philly will play for all the marbles on Thursday.

***

Tuesday's afternoon game had the Rays -- yes, the Rays -- whoop on the Red Sox and the previously invincible Jon Lester, 9-1.

Tampa touched up Jon Lester sail to the easy win. Lester only lasted a little over five innings, gave up five runs and his teammates could do nothing but watch the carnage.

B.J. Upton, and Evan Longoria homered early, while Rocco Baldelli's shot (what an incredible comeback story this kid has had), and Carlos Pena's homerun in the ninth has now sent Red Sox Nation thinking collectively, "Are you serious that Tampa could beat us?"

Yes, I am. I still think the Red Sox will come back and take it, but folks, these are the old Rays -- or Devil Rays -- they have the athleticism and power to beat anyone.

Matt Garza, who did not look too hot in Chicago during the ALDS, threw six innings of one-run ball for the easy win.

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Playoff Reflections: What An Ugly God-Damn Game last Night; All is Written For The Dodgers To Take Game Three...

Well, the Rays won last night in a long, ugly, but exhilarating game in the Tropicana Dome. The game didn't end until long after 1am, as B.J. Upton plated Fernando Perez -- who was even gutsy for even attempting to score -- on a sacrifice fly to end the contest.

Dustin Pedoria -- all five-foot-right (I say five-foot-six) -- hit two homers and showed why he's an MVP candidate plus giving all short guys hope that they can make it in Major League Baseball, along with homers from Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay.

Meanwhile, for the Rays, Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton both homered for Tampa.

Josh Beckett nor Scott Kazmir looked good, as each got touched up -- and touched up badly. it looks like both men are tired, needless to say. Both need to be on their game to really help out their teams, for sure.

Tampa had a 8-6 lead, until allowing the Red Sox to come back late. Rookie call-up David Price got the win, while long-term veteran Mike Timlin took the loss.

It's needless to say that the Rays needed to take Game Two and tie the series heading into Boston. I think the Rays will make this a close series by taking at least one game in Boston (most likely Game 4 when they face Wakefield), but the Red Sox right now seem to have a killer instinct and determination on their side.

The Rays, no doubt, are inspired to win too; however, it looks like the Red Sox are playing like men possessed...


Ah, Game three of the NLCS is upon us -- this is all tailor made for the Dodgers to whoop up some Philadelphia arse. Moyer is on the mound versus Manny and company at home -- I say L.A. wins big -- in a huge blowout.

The Manny factor will be too much, and the troops will help him out on Sunday.

Playoff Refelctions: Philly Goes Up 2-0, Boston Strikes First...

Last night, I spent much of it flipping between the games along watching the political news on TV.

Well, the baseball on the air has been somewhat compelling so far, and it is fascinating to see what has come about so far.

The first game, which featured the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Los Angeles Dodgers just two hours up I-95 showed why October is so unpredictable. The Phillies won the game, 8-5, thanks to the golden arm (ok, no so much) of Brett Myers and also his – um, bat – as he went 3 for 3 with three RBI’s and went five innings for the win.

Shane Victorino, also had a huge night with two hits, four RBI, and a huge game saving catch in centerfield in the eighth inning robbing Casey Blake of a sure double, if not a triple.

Chad Billingsley, who I thought would win, only went a little more than two innings in the loss and surrendered eight runs – all but one earned.

The one-man team of Manny Ramirez hit a 3-run homer in top of the fourth; however, the rest of the Dodger offense could not wake up and squandered a chance in the latter innings to make a difference.

Needless to say, with the series at 2-0 in favor of the Phillies, it could be over unless someone else besides Ramirez wants to help out with the offense.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia offense is tearing it up, and at this venture, they could end it all by Monday.

One more thing, my prayers are with Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel and his family as he suffered the loss of his mother.

***

The game of the night was the Red Sox and the Rays, down in sunny Florida – albeit, in a dome.

The Rays, in their first ever ALCS were stymied by Daisuke Matsuzaka and lost, 2-0.

Matsuzaka -- whom I really didn’t think much of coming into the series despite 18 wins – hurled a gem as took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and led Boston to a win. Tampa had chances in the seventh and eighth off Dasiuke to score; however, could not.

Jonathan Papelbon closed out the game.

An RBI single by Jed Lowrie, and one from Kevin Youlikis in the eighth made the difference.

James Shields held his own by a little only seven inning and giving up two runs; however, that could do little to stop the Red Sox.

Kazmir – who has given up 18 runs in 18 IP against the Red Sox in 2008 – is on the hill against Josh Beckett. The Rays must win game two or I am going to count this series as being close to over as they would have to travel to Fenway and win at least two games – a place which is nothing short of intimidating for anyone on the opposing team – playoffs or not.

Tampa needs to simply get on base and use their athleticism to beat Boston, and hope Beckett is off is game and still in the process of getting rhythm back.

America, The Rays Are In The ALCS; Boston Finishes off the Angels...

Yes, America -- the Rays are in the ALCS. After a decade losing and just plain awful teams, they are one step closer to the World Series; however, they've got to get through the Evil Empire 1A, the Red Sox.

Tampa clinched a ticket to the playoffs as they beat the White Sox, 6-2, thanks a strong performance from Andy Sonnanstine and two home runs from B.J. Upton. Gavin Floyd, who had a strong past couple of weeks got lit up, and the bullpen could not save them.

Meanwhile, the Rays sailed through game four in Chicago, and in the end, Grant Balfour -- yes him -- closed out the game.

Congrats to the Rays as they've given all small market and bad teams hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel if you stick with a plan to rebuild, luck, and extremely good management from top to bottom.

Chicago had a nice little run and clutch performances to get into the playoffs; however, their luck ran out as they went head to head with a complete Tampa team.

***
The Red Sox finally punched their ticket to the ALCS as they downed the Angels 3-2, thanks to a Jed Lowrie walk-off single that played Jason Bay -- who slid head first -- in the bottom of the ninth.

In what has to be a deflating loss for the Angels, it was an action packed game filled with lost opportunities. They've lost 12 out 13 to the Red Sox, and in each game, they could not seem to land the knockout punch.

The Angels scored in the eighth plating two with Torii Hunter's single in the eighth to tie the score, but they could not chop off the head of the Sox.

Boston got two runs in the fifth, one thanks a botched groundball that could have been a double play would have ended the frame, but allowed Mark Kotsay to score.

For the second year in a row, Boston find itself closer to the World Series thanks on the part of the Angels being unable to score when needed and finishing off their opponents.

The Rays and Red Sox meet again in 2008, this time for all the marbles. This should be "The Series" to watch and both have teams have a compelling storyline that has built up over the season.

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Angels and White Sox Still Alive; Brew Crew Done; K-Rod is Over-Rated; Playoff Reflections...

Well, I spent another afternoon of watching tons of playoff action – um, actually, between flipping channels to catch some football (especially the ‘Skins) and HBO’s ‘True Blood’ – the games were must wins for three teams.

Obviously, as you know, they were the Brewers, White Sox and Angels.

Two – the White Sox and Angels – lived to see another day; however, the Brewers are done.

***
For much of the series, the Brewers offense could not do much and seemed to be at a huge disadvantage; thus, on Sunday, the Phillies finished them off for the season.

Two huge home runs by Pat Burrell, and an impressive performance by Joe Blanton, helped Philadelphia down Milwaukee, 6-1. The home team could not mount much of a challenge, and the squad that needed everything to go their way at the end of the regular season could not translate the same magic into October.

The NLCS could be one to potentially remember, as Philadelphia takes on the Dodgers. I think Manny Ramirez, his cohorts, and their pitching can match up with the Phillies in all aspects of game, and right now, I give them the advantage.

Although Joe Torre managed the Yankees, I am glad to see him in the post-season again, and not in pinstripe blue. Growing up, the Dodgers were my second team, so I am going to pick them in the NLCS.

As for the Brewers, it was nice to see another small market – especially a team that has not seen themselves in the playoffs after a generation gets in – however, this offseason will be one to watch for them.

Like I said in a previous entry, the Brewers’ ownership must make an offer to Sabathia – even if he turns it down – to just placate and give confidence to their fan base. Plus, you’ve got to wonder if they can even sign Sheets, keep their manager, and list of other stuff.

***
The White Sox, who needed to win, did so yesterday by beating the Rays, 5-3.

Tampa Bay starting pitcher Matt Garza was shaky, and the White Sox took advantage of him by getting hit after hit, especially Dewayne’s contributions with two hits and runs driven in. It was interesting watching the game how dominant the White Sox crowd was and I think it might have given them the advantage.

I figured the White Sox would win game three just because they were at home, and they had the impressive John Danks on the mound. I haven’t thought much of him this season, but he has been clutch for Chicago in the closing weeks and the post-season.

I like what he’s brought to the table, and it will be interesting to how Gavin Floyd (a tough pitcher) does versus Andy Sonnanstine – who has been slumping after his impressive first half. I still think Tampa takes the series in four; however, the White Sox have a veteran team that might give them some trouble.
***
The final game yesterday featured the Angels vs. Red Sox, perhaps the least interesting in my eyes, but probably the most compelling and captivating. Well, the Angels nearly gave this one away after Jacoby Ellsbury was able to bloop a ball into center – actually, both Howie Kendrick and Torii Hunter allowed the ball to drop in – thus, Boston plated three runners.

That play would have ended the first inning and perhaps saved America from five hours of drama.

Los Angeles won the game, by the way, 5-4.

Mike Napoli helped the Angels with immensely with two home runs – the first being a two-run job and the second a solo one – to keep them in the game.

The game was tied at 4 in the fifth inning and deadlocked until the twelfth as Erik Aybar plated in Mike Napoli. Javier lopez took the loss, while Jered Weaver in his first relief appearance kept the Angels alive with his clutch performance.

Both teams had multiple chances to score and end the game, but they could not.
And more thing – K-Rod, oh K-Rod. Your 62 saves might net you a big pay once the games are done; however, from what I have seen so far, you’re a tad overrated. You’ve seemed to be shaky, and that home run you give up to J.D. Drew as not done any favors for your huge quest.

To be quite frank, there are six other closers I can name – including one who wasont he mound last night – whom I would rather have to a pressure packed situation (Fenway is that to the last degree) than K-Rod.

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Playoff Reflections, Friday

Well, yesterday brought us more baseball -- this time, exclusively AL -- as the Division Series continued on Friday. I got home from work, and aside from talking to people off and on throughout the night -- it was all baseball, even doing cardio on my stationery bike.

The first game featured the upstarts Rays against the White Sox, and watching on TBS, it was shocking to see how many White Sox fans were there; nevertheless Tampa came back from a shaky first inning by Scott Kazmir -- where he gave up two runs -- and Chicago's inability to do anymore damage against him.

In a 6-2 final, Tampa used small ball and a huge Akinori Iwamura home run in the fifth inning to breball, tampa bay rays eak it open.

Tampa's bullpen kept the White Sox off the board, and in the end, they are now up 2-0 in the division series.

Being a fan of the Orioles, I have watched the Rays more than enough to see what they are capable of -- they are a complete team from top to bottom and can score in various ways -- unlike the White Sox.

I think the Sox will take a game in Chicago; however, I just think the Rays move to the next round of play and no one should confuse this team with the previous incarnations of the last decade. This Tampa team is very athletic, they don't make (many) mistakes, and they'll use various tricks up their sleeve to win.

Tampa is that good.

***
The final game on the night was the Red Sox vs. the Angels. Obviously, most people know my thoughts on this series; however, last night's game was highly entertaining and might have been the best game so far I have watched on TV.

I thought the Angels would mount a challenge and they did in game two -- but, the Boston Red Sox seem to have a killer instinct that the Angels don't have. A double by David Ortiz and then a home run by the "hurt" J.D. Drew in the top of the ninth lead Boston over Los Angeles, 7-5.

Jason Bay's home run in the first broke open the game and helped Boston take a four-run lead. They took advantage of a bad Ervin Santana, but his teammates chipped away at the Boston lead and Daisuke Matuszaka to tie it up. In the end, the Angels could not take advantage of opportunities -- especially in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded.

I expect Boston to finish the series up on Sunday. The Red Sox know they have the advantage, and now they head home to Fenway. The Angels will need a lot of luck on their side to win, and at this point -- if you saw the faces on some of the guys (especially Torii Hunter) -- you can tell that they are a defeated team.

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