I know many of us including myself were pulling for a Red Sox-Dodgers World Series just for the great storylines with Manny facing his former teammates and Joe Torre getting back to the Series after how the Yankees treated him but there’s something cool about a potential Rays-Phillies Series.

Sure. It might not have quite the appeal of Boston vs Los Angeles. But think about it. It would feature two teams which aren’t associated with winning. You have the Phillies who haven’t been to the WS in 15 years when Joe Carter was last seen circling the bases celebrating the only walkoff home run in Series history for the Jays’ repeat. It’s also a city associated with losing with nobody winning since the 1983 76ers. The Flyers lost three Stanley Cups and the Eagles lost in the Super Bowl. Plus the exasperation of Mitch Williams’ implosion during that 1993 Series which led to a six-game defeat with Carter winning it.

Then you got the Rays who before this year were always associated with losing becoming baseball’s laughingstock franchise. They won only 66 games last season giving no indication they could go from worst to first similarly to how the 1991 Twins did when they edged the Braves in another improbably yet riveting Series which went seven and had its own dramatics. Those two teams were last place clubs the year before who turned it around and gave us a memorable conclusion.

Now with both teams up 3-1 in winning positions, the reality could be here of a surprising Tampa Bay-Philadelphia series which probably would be excellent due to each ballclubs’ grit and perseverance. It wouldn’t be the ratings bonanza a Boston-LA series could bring.  But just maybe these are the best two teams and either way we’d see something we hadn’t in a while. A fresh champion.

Ain’t that better than watching the Red Sox win another Series? But their potential downfall ain’t got nothing to do without Manny Ramirez. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone that including a few choice local columnists who keep advising the Mets and Yanks not to go after the best righty slugging hitter in the game. I don’t care about all his baggage and don’t approve of how he got his way out of Massachusetts. However, even at 36 going on 37, he’s still a constant threat at the plate. Nobody’s figured out how to get him out since he became a Dodger. And this postseason, the guy’s been money.

For all the talk that teams shouldn’t commit three or four years to a player who doesn’t always give his best, were they saying that a few years ago when the Mets overcommitted for Pedro? Ramirez has a lot more left and while he might not be as great in say the final year, he can put a team that’s close over the top. Don’t you think Manny would look awfully nice batting cleanup behind David Wright with Carlos Delgado fifth and Carlos Beltran either second or sixth?

Correct me if I’m wrong here. But isn’t it about winning with the Amazin’s cause I’m not sure that’s the case anymore with the Yankee management team? Manny can win you a championship. Just look at the impact he had with a weak hitting Dodger club immediately making young emerging players like James Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp better players. Before he arrived, they were under .500 despite a nice roster and were looking at missing October.

Then the slugger came and carried them with a huge September making up over six games on Arizona to win the NL West going away. With him such a factor, the Cubs never had a prayer despite owning the NL’s best record.

Understand this. For all the risks with an aging player of Manny’s caliber, there’s still no other hitter in baseball you’d want up in a key situation at this time of year. He certainly has done his part for the Dodgers who find themselves a game from elimination due to some mismanaging from Torre and a pen implosion.

Manny’s loose personality has been seen as uncaring and unmotivated. But if that were really the case, he wouldn’t have such a well disciplined approach at the plate taking his hacks. You know he’s either going to walk or hit the ball hard somewhere. It’s that same cool persona which allows him to swing free and easy because the guy doesn’t feel any pressure. He doesn’t care what’s written and is just going to let it hang all out there.

That approach works a lot better than a couple of third base sluggers’ recent track records in this area.

-Thus far, we’ve seen one team dominate the first two games with the Phillies sweeping the first pair from the Dodgers at Citizen’s Bank Park by scores of 3-2 and 8-5 by outslugging Joe Torre’s ballclub improving to 5-0 this postseason with the balance of the series hanging later tonight when it shifts to Hollywood for the next three. It’s pretty much imperative for the Dodgers to win Game 3 to have any realistic chance of coming back.

Memo to Manny Ramirez’ teammates: It’s time for you to step up. The ex-Red Sock left fielder slugger can’t do it alone though he’s tried going 3-for-8 with a homer and four of his team’s seven runs knocked in. They must better support their emotional leader when crafty 45 year-old veteran lefty Jamie Moyer takes the mound tonight versus Hiroki Kuroda tonight.

If they get a win, then maybe they can carry momentum forward for tomorrow’s Game 4.

-The Phillies have to feel pretty good about themselves as they’ve gotten plenty of contributions from role players like Shane Victorino (4 RBI’s in Game Two), Carlos Ruiz (3-for-7, 2 runs, RBI) and Greg Dobbs (2 hits, 2 runs in Game Two start). It’s hard to remember that they were shutdown by Derek Lowe through five innings trailing by two in the series opener before a Rafael Furcal throwing error opened the door for Chase Utley’s tying two-run blast and Pat Burrell’s game-winner.

They completely took apart Los Angeles 16-game winner Chad Billingsley roasting him for seven of their eight runs in two and a third with starter Brett Myers the unsung hero going a perfect three-for-three with three RBI’s and two runs scored while going five (5 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 6 K’s) to pickup the victory.

-One other Phillie note: They’ve won the first two games without a hit from NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard along with hardly any production from leadoff shortstop Jimmy Rollins (1-for-9, 4 K’s) and right fielder Jayson Werth (1-for-8, 2 K’s).

-One of the big differences thus far is that the Dodgers haven’t made a dent with Philly’s bullpen. In fact, they have only two hits in six innings while whiffing eight times. The trio of Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero and closer Brad Lidge have been instrumental in the first two games. Not that the Dodger pen has been bad having not allowed a run yet. The problem has been taking a lead into the late innings. They really need to get the jump in Game 3 and take some pressure off. A blowout would do the trick. But so would a three or four-run lead in the seventh or eighth. Especially with Torre able to mix and match with Jonathan Broxton waiting to finish it off.

We’ll find out what they’re made of later tonight.

For five innings, it didn’t look like the Phillies would solve Derek Lowe but trailing by a pair in the home sixth, fortunes turned their way when a Rafael Furcal throwing error allowed Shane Victorino to reach leading off. Chase Utley then followed by taking Lowe yard on the next pitch suddenly tying Game One of the NLCS.

Just like that, Joe Torre’s Dodger two-run lead was gone and so was Lowe’s rhythm as a couple of batters later, he fell behind 3-1 on Pat Burrell, who then deposited the next offering into the left field seats much to the sellout crowd’s (45,839) delight.

The three-run two-homer inning were enough to give them first blood in the NLCS as Phillie ace Cole Hamels settled in nicely to go the first seven allowing two earned on six hits while walking a couple and fanning eight to pickup the victory.

It didn’t start well for the southpaw who three batters in fell behind when sizzling left field slugger Manny Ramirez laced the second pitch he saw to the deepest part of the ballpark with only the high wall keeping a rocket from being a two-run home run. Instead, the former Red Sock World Series MVP wound up on second with an RBI double driving in Andre Ethier.

Following a two out James Loney walk and wild pitch, Hamels toughened up getting dangerous center fielder Matt Kemp to fly out harmlessly to right limiting the damage. That was huge for the Phillies psychologically who didn’t fall behind by too much.

With Lowe looking strong, rookie second baseman Blake Dewitt’s fourth inning sacrifice fly gave him a two-run lead to work with. The sinkerball righty responded by retiring the Phils in order K-ing his only two batters of the night. At one point, he retired nine straight keeping the ball down in the zone.

However, momentum’s a funny thing in baseball and it all changed when his shortstop Furcal threw too high to get Victorino in the Phils’ sixth starting the deciding rally. Before you knew it, Lowe had served up two long balls and was out of the game replaced by Chan Ho Park.

With their ace now throwing better, Hamels retired the Dodgers in order getting a couple swinging in his final inning before giving way to the bullpen. Including a pivotal 4-6-3 double play, he retired nine of the last 11 before setup man Ryan Madson replaced him for the eighth.

The setup man got the first two including Ramirez, who had a couple of hits but lined out to third. He then worked around a Russell Martin single by getting Loney to bounce out routinely to second ending the inning.

Following a quiet Phillie eighth versus Hong-Chih Kuo, out came closer Brad Lidge, who didn’t show any anxiety getting the side in order on a couple of fly balls and then made DeWitt chase a pitch in the dirt with catcher Carlos Ruiz tossing perfectly to Ryan Howard for the 2-3 putout. The former Houston closer is now a perfect three-of-three in save opportunities this postseason making him 44-for-44.

Not bad for a guy who seemed to have lost his way following that towering Albert Pujols drive which extended the 2005 NLCS seven before the Astros prevailed.

Most importantly, the solid finish allowed Hamels and the Phillies to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven NLCS with Game Two this afternoon where Brett Myers will oppose Dodger 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. First pitch is 4:35 at Citizen’s Bank Park on Fox as part of a Friday night doubleheader with the defending champion Red Sox and Rays getting underway later tonight.

A couple of quick thoughts on last night’s game:

-Very well pitched game which went quickly taking only two hours and thirty six minutes to play meaning it actually ended before 11 PM here on the East coast. Fan friendly. Imagine that!

-Veteran righty Greg Maddux came out of the Dodger pen tossing a scoreless seventh. Weird to see the former Cy Young future Hall of Famer in that role.

-The Dodgers left nine on base while the Phillies stranded seven.

-Ethier and Ramirez each led Los Angeles with a pair of hits while Philadelphia got multi-hit nights from the trio of Utley, Burrell and Ruiz.

-With his homer, that made it three in his last two games for Burrell who began the postseason 0-for-8 with a balky back before smashing a pair and knocking in four in the Phils’ elimination of Milwaukee. He’s 5-for-7 with three dingers, five RBI’s and three runs since.

-Games 3, 4 and 5 are at Chavez Ravine beginning Sunday night with an extra day off between Games 4 and 5.

-Red Sox will send out 18-game winner Dice-K Matsuzaka to the mound against 14-game Tampa winner James Shields tonight with Josh Beckett opposing Scott Kazmir in Game 2.

Watching the Red Sox show incredible poise despite a strong late challenge from the Angels in pulling out a 3-2 win on rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie’s walkoff base hit to right knocking in a sliding Jason Bay for the ALDS clincher at a pumped up Fenway, it was just the latest example of how clutch this team has become since being down 0-3 to the Yanks in the 2004 ALCS.

Nothing fazes them. Not even unloading one of the truly great hitters of our time in Manny Ramirez for Bay and having the former Pirate who never came close to October fitting right in with a pair of homers and big hits plus a one out ninth inning double off Scot Shields and the winning run last night to setup an all AL East ALCS versus the Rays- who earned their place with a 6-2 Game Four road win at Chicago featuring two homers from B.J. Upton plus two RBI’s from Carlos Pena with much overlooked setup Grant Balfour closing out the White Sox in style getting Ken Griffey, Jr. swinging on some outside cheese.

It should be a great series. However, will Tampa’s inexperience show despite home field against a team that never panics? There they were having dropped a great Game Three in 12 innings four outs away from making the amazing Jon Lester a winner after he did enough to outpitch John Lackey, who again had shoddy D which allowed Boston to cash in their two runs. The unlucky Angel ace did everything to keep his team there though second baseman Howie Kendrick muffed a double play ball having to get Jacoby Ellsbury at first instead allowing the Red Sox to go ahead.

Dustin Pedroia made them pay with a clutch two out RBI double making it 2-0 for his first postseason hit in 19 at bats dating back to last year’s World Series. The second baseman still got the love from the crowd who chanted, “M—V—P, M—V—P, M—V—P!”

Game over? Not exactly cause tho Lester finished strong retiring the last eight, he was done for the night after the seventh having tossed 109 pitches (69 strikes) forcing Terry Francona to opt for Hideki Okajima, who got the first two of the eighth before walking Mark Teixeira on four pitches. Francona didn’t wait bringing in rookie Justin Masterson to face Vlad Guerrero. After getting ahead 0-2, he couldn’t finish off Guerrero, who fouled off pitches before drawing a walk putting the tying runs on base.

Masterson also didn’t get strike three against Torii Hunter instead crossing up Jason Varitek with a wild pitch moving the tying runs into scoring position. The ex-Twin center fielder then delivered an opposite field tying two-run single making it a brand new game.

Suddenly, here was Mike Scioscia’s pesky club refusing to go so quietly like the Cubs did versus Manny’s Dodgers. If they somehow could push across one more run, it looked like they’d sweep the two road games at Fenway which seemed impossible and get that final home game back in Anaheim. There was pinch hitter Kendry Morales coming through with a leadoff double off Masterson to start the ninth. Kendrick then sacrificed pinch runner Reggie Willits over to third. That was all for Masterson as Francona handed the ball to another farmhand Manny Delcarmen to face unlikely Game Three hero Erick Aybar.

It was obvious after Delcarmen missed badly inside twice what the Angels’ strategy would be with Aybar at the plate and the speedy Willits leading off third. I said they’d squeeze trying to get the run in. Sure enough. Delcarmen came with his third pitch and the LA shortstop went to lay it down only he missed entirely leaving his teammate hung up in a rundown. He tried to get back to third ahead of Jason Varitek’s tag and nearly did but the hustling veteran Boston catcher wisely put the ball in his glove and lunged forward applying the tag before the ball fell out of his glove afterwards. Of course, Scioscia came out to debate it but TBS replays showed that he got the tag down and as he fell to the ground, that’s when the ball finally jarred loose making it the right call.

Such is the luck of these Red Sox who never seem to be in trouble or have much go against them anymore. A big part of it is that they’re really that good. They execute at the plate in money situations with an amazing 15 of 18 runs in the series coming with two out. Something that used to be the Yankees MO. Even when a diving Teixeira made the defensive gem of the night robbing ex-Brave teammate Mark Kotsay of a certain one out walkoff extra base hit, they had the Halos right where they wanted them. Here came rookie Lowrie, who knocked in more runs in the second half than any other AL shortstop swinging at Shields’ bread and butter curve which caught too much of the plate allowing him to place it perfectly between the hole into right. Here came Bay around third with Willits charging and coming up throwing but a little too late as Bay slid in safely with teammates piling out of the dugout to celebrate the latest Boston hero.

This is who the Red Sox have become. Sometime shortly after David Ortiz reversed their fortunes forever against the Yankees in a memorable Games Four and Five, they suddenly traded places with the team that’s won the most world championships in baseball history. Only those 26 the Pinstripes won no longer matter and have now turned into a chant from the Fenway supporters mockingly saying, “20—00, 20—00, 20—00″ during the final meaningless regular season series.

As silly as it sounds compared to the old reliable “19—18″ fans in the Bronx used to own like the familiar “Potvin” chant at the Garden, they have every right. Especially when you look at how pathetic the Yanks have been since the biggest choke in sports history.

2005. Eliminated in Rd.1 by Angels/Rally Monkey again this time in 5 games. Same team the Sox own having now taken 11 of 12. Will another first round win mean a third World Series title in five years?

2006. Eliminated in Rd.1 by Tigers including a humiliating performance versus former Yankee stiff Kenny Rogers and a no show in Game Four with ALCS Game Six goat Alex Rodriguez batting eighth. Think Boston fans aren’t counting their blessings these days he never became a member of the Red Sox?

2007. Eliminated in Rd.1 by Indians with help in the form of gnats in Game Two causing Joba Chamberlain to lose focus when it looked like they’d even the series. Stiff Paul Byrd beats them in Game Four at Stadium.

2008. Under new skipper Joe Girardi, who clueless Yankee Mgt. including buffoon Hank SteinWhinebrenner were convinced would make the team play with more enthusiasm than the disrespected Joe Torre, team suffers injuries but quits in August allowing even the Blue Jays to pass them before finally saving their best baseball for too late in what Marv Albert refers to as, “Garbage Time,” missing their first October since 1993.

Yankee October Futility

Record After Game 3 vs Red Sox ALCS 2004: 4-13

Since that point, Boston’s won two World Series sweeping both in dominating fashion. Ironically, they cameback from 3-1 down versus Cleveland in last year’s ALCS drawing on their ‘04 experience eventually reeling off seven straight with a sweep of the Rockies who prior entered a perfect 7-0 versus the Phillies and Diamondbacks. In 2004, they took the last eight finally ending The Curse in St. Louis.

Maybe, it’s now reversed when you see the dissension from Yankee brass not appreciating Torre for what they had continuing to build the wrong way with way too many voices from Tampa including nerd Randy Levine having say.

Just look at the Red Sox. They got a great GM in Theo Epstein, a calm influence in Terry Francona, who’s similar to Torre running the dugout. And a great owner in John Henry who lets his baseball people do their jobs without any circus-like distractions.

It all adds up to a great team who gets it done on the field and doesn’t miss a beat even when they rebuild bringing in the right prospects like Pedroia, Lowrie, Lester, Jonathan Papelpon, Ellsbury, Delcarmen, Masterson along with another MVP candidate Kevin Youkilis. And why are they able make it work? Because they still have an experienced championship caliber core which includes Big Papi, J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell, who tried to play with a torn labrum in his hip before they shut him down. There’s Varitek too who isn’t the hitter he once was but there he was delivering a hit and run single in a two-run inning and making a great defensive play to save his team’s bacon when the series could’ve been in jeopardy.

Even Coco Crisp have been part of the success. There’s Josh Beckett, who when right is the best pitcher you want on the mound in October. Dice-K turned out a lot better than Kei Igawa. Don’t ya think?!?!?!?!?! And then you wonder why everything’s so right in the Red Sox world while the Yanks has suddenly become too confusing for words with only the Mets saving them from real embarrassment.

Does it really matter which big names the Yankees chase in November and December? They’ll never be on par with what Boston has in place. A potential dynasty in the making. If they win the required eight more games this postseason, you have to consider it almost on par with what those Torre clubs did winning four in five years.

You look at how these playoffs have evolved with the Red Sox facing the Rays in one championship series while the Phillies prepare for Torre’s Dodgers for the NL pennant and wonder how the Yankee hierarchy feels knowing three of the four are teams they don’t want to see win it all.

Tell ya something else. It’s not much better for a Met fan having to see Jimmy Rollins take his hacks against the Dodgers knowing full well that the Phillies are the team with real character as they’ve proven the last couple of Septembers. Now, they’re aiming for their first World Series in 15 years.

Speaking of those Phils, which roster would you rather have? Theirs with young established stars like Rollins, probable NL MVP Ryan Howard, Chase Utley along with underrated grinders Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth plus ace Cole Hamels or what the Yankees have with Derek Jeter aging and A-Rod not getting any younger with their one young hitter Robinson Cano becoming a headcase. Then there’s still uncertainty surrounding Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy and the same Yankee-esque indecisiveness on whether Joba should start or relieve. I’m only taking ageless wonder Mariano Rivera over Brad Lidge.

Is this what you want running an organization which once was about winning? Oh. They’re running it alright. Right into the ground with an overpriced new Stadium on deck.

Whatever happens between AL East rivals Boston and Tampa over the next couple of weeks, neither are going anywhere.

So, where does that leave the Yankees? Not exactly where they envisioned.

-Watching the Cubs emulate dead people in their embarrassing sweep at the hands of Joe Torre’s Dodgers reminded me a little of how flat the former Yankee skipper’s team was in losing the last two in Detroit a couple of years ago. Lou Piniella’s ballclub who had the second best record winning 97 games didn’t even compete. It was like once James Loney hit that slam off Ryan Dempster, they panicked and started thinking about all the October ghosts which have haunted Wrigley for 100 years. The defense in Game 2 when Carlos Zambrano actually gave a good account of himself was pathetic. So bad it was as if they’d never played organized baseball before.

They could’ve fought valiantly on the road like Mike Scioscia’s Angels did getting outstanding relief pitching before edging the Red Sox 5-4 at Fenway to take Game 3 extending the series. Instead, they couldn’t do anything with Dodgers’ third starter Hiroki Kuroda making life easy for a nine-game winner. Sure. He’s not bad but come on. You’re telling me they couldn’t string together one good inning before  Cory Wade and Jonathan Broxton closed the door? Not buying it.

Alfonso Soriano was again dreadful finishing with just one hit in 14 at bats with four strikeouts including the series ender on three pitches. Pathetic! You can’t win when your leadoff hitter doesn’t reach base. The former Yankee hasn’t performed in October since that big swing connected off Curt Schilling as a rookie in 2001 Game Seven of the World Series versus Arizona. It was a lot easier to point to his struggles versus the Marlins in 2003 WS when he was 27. At 32, he’s still showing the same holes in his swing which make the All-Star too easy an out around this time of year. Worst of all, he looked like a beaten man. That shouldn’t be the case for the kind of dough the Cubs are paying. Just call him Sorryano.

Key contributors Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto weren’t much better and Kosuke Fukudome was God awful even leaving a cranky Sweet Lou speechless.

You could name the Cubs who competed on one hand. Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa even with his costly error in Game 2 along with Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot were three who tried their best as did Zambrano who deserved better. Even Rich Harden disappointed not even getting through the fifth allowing three earned with his team’s season on the line.

This was a total collapse for a team equipped to go far and reach their first World Series in over half a century. I still don’t get why Piniella didn’t load up and pitch his top two Harden and Zambrano in the first couple of games. I understand that Dempster had a great regular season home record going 14-3. However, October baseball is entirely a different animal. It would’ve been wiser to have Harden go in Game 1. And if he wanted to comeback with Dempster in Game 2 with Zambrano for Game 3 in LA, fine.

He definitely takes a hit here too with the Cubs losing three straight in the first round a second straight year. Last year, they got back and weren’t expected to do much against the Diamondbacks. But this year was supposed to have a different feel. Instead, the lovable Cubbies did what they do best. Folding up faster than a cheap deck of cards under Piniella’s watch.

-On the opposite end, you have Torre with his new team and money superstar Manny Ramirez, who doesn’t disappear in big moments finishing 5-for-10 with two homers, three RBI’s, five runs scored and four walks. Say what you will about Manny being Manny and his childish antics which got him traded out of Boston but the 36 year-old former George Washington High School star never seems fazed by pressure instead shining under the spotlight. Cause for all his flaws, the wacky dude with the dreadlocks donning a symbolic No.99 in royal Dodger blue is so calm under pressure. Nothing bothers him.

Does it make him perfect? Far from it as his silent media treatment and bizarre behavior would explain. However, all one has to do is take a look at the guy’s approach when he comes up. Sometimes, you can tell plenty from a player’s body language. He’s so loose up there and is going to put his best swing on the ball if it’s in his zone and let it all hang out. Not every star can block all the distractions out and step up.

It’s even more amazing the difference one player can make lifting Torre’s club to the NL West title. And while they only won 83 in a paltry division, that didn’t matter cause they entered playing great ball with a much improved lineup. Just ask Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp what kinda impact Manny’s had. Not that Jeff Kent would ever tell you. The second baseman should be a lock for Cooperstown but what a baby. Wonder when he gets inducted, which hat he wears? I’d say the Giants because that’s where the former Met’s career really changed.

-Torre improved to 3-0 vs Piniella in the postseason.

-WFAN’s Chris Carlin on Oct.6 says the Giants after blowing the doors off the Seahawks 44-6 improving to 4-0 despite foolish NY papers who actually took the Seahawks are “going all the way” again. The Continent might be proven right. It’s true Tom Coughlin’s team is clicking on all cylinders with a very balanced attack and excellent D which makes life miserable on opposing QBs. However, it’s a little premature to say they’re going to repeat with a tougher schedule ahead including three straight games against the Steelers, Cowboys and Eagles. If you’re asking me though about this team, I got a lot of faith in what they can do on both sides of the field. There aren’t many quarterbacks I’d take over Eli Manning with a game up for grabs late. Only so much can be said about how well they’re playing.

-The Phillies were a good team and this time are out to prove they can do more than be the team to beat in the NL East. Now, they get a great challenge from Torre’s surprising Dodgers in the NLCS which starts up this Thursday. If you’re a Met or Yankee fan, the next couple of weeks won’t be much fun.

-I called the Dolphins’ upset over the overrated Chargers, who still should pull it together and win their division. But you gotta be impressed with how Miami Chad has played the last two weeks evening the Fins’ record at 2-2. Think the Vikings couldn’t have used him?

-I don’t just want to toot my own horn because co-host Rob “Kraze” Davis had one even better nailing the Falcons’ upset of the suddenly reeling Packers, who are now finding out life after Brett Favre isn’t so easy.

-Who else had the Redskins winning back-to-back on the road against very tough NFC East rivals Dallas and Philadelphia to win four straight after how poorly they played versus Big Blue in Week 1?

-I like Jerry Manuel and think the Mets made the right call bringing back the personable manager who knows he’s got a lot more work to do. And best of all, he doesn’t believe in individualistic stats but in doing whatever it takes to win which is what the Amazin’s have lacked the past two years.

-Is there a worse team than the Lions?

-As a big Canes fan, remember when The U vs Florida State used to be the best college football Saturday in town? They made a great comeback but it would’ve been nice if they’d won. Just saying.

-I know he ran out of gas in the Game 2 loss to the Phillies but there need to be more starters like C.C. Sabathia who are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

-You know what we have discovered. That Soriano and A-Rod have plenty in common and we’re not just talking about them being traded for each other.

-This Just In…Brian Cashman claims that as a kid, he had a hand in the Yanks’ returning to glory winning back-to-back world titles.

-If the Giants are this good without a suspended Plaxico Burress, just how good can they be?

-I’ve seen a lot of headlines about O.J. Simpson finally being found guilty and facing life in prison but hell-o McFly! It’s still not justice for what he got away with against Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. What it comes down to is he’s just an idiot. Plain and simple.

-He’s lost a lot of respect from me but pretty soon, Stephon Marbury’s going to get blamed for the gas prices.

-Any so-called “expert” who concluded that Sarah Palin won that debate against Joe Biden needs to take off the rose colored red glasses just cause she survived. Seriously. How many questions did John McCain’s running mate really answer without changing the topic?

-The Giant offense really misses Jeremy Shockey. Don’t they?!?!?!?!?!

-I thought he did a great job concentrating to save his team’s season last night with them loaded by getting Jed Lowrie to line out to right but anyone who’s watched Francisco Rodriguez in the postseason the past couple of years can’t be too confident that he’s going to be worth every penny on the free market. And that’s even if K-Rod does fill the vacant closer role at Citi Field.

-They might not have won last night but when you watch the way the Red Sox approach their ABs, it reminds you of how patient and relaxed Torre’s championship Yankee teams looked. The vibe you get is that they feel they’re gonna win.

-Body language is something that’s not in any overanalyzed statistics. But if you watched how the Cubs looked in that dugout not even standing up, that was all you really needed to know about their chances of coming back. By comparison, even down two, Scioscia’s club was on their feet into it. Having the right mentality is a big part of winning.

-If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve guessed that Sage Rosenfels was wearing a Colt uniform those last four minutes.

-Isn’t it great to see Kerry Collins still having so much success in Tennessee?

-You see how the Rays win their games? There aren’t any big hitters and only a couple of power threats like Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Instead, they win by doing the fundamentals well getting runners over, playing aggressive along with solid D and pitching. That’s how the old Yankees used to do it. Maybe someone ought a relay that message to Hank Steinbrennerwhiner.

-The new look Rangers played well in sweeping the two game series at Prague with a very nice scene and reward for Czech fans even if Jaromir Jagr wasn’t there. Hockey’s become a global game and European fans deserve to see some of their own comeback home and play. My question is will the NHL ever seriously consider a European division? Only time shall tell.

Say It Ain’t So is one of my favorite songs and I got to see Weezer 10-11 days ago at MSG. And boy does it apply to Lou Piniella’s Cubs who were unceremoniously swept out by Joe Torre’s Dodgers last night ending yet another disappointing October for the lovable Chicago club who plays in the amazing scenery known as Wrigley Field. It’s now a full century of frustration for friends like John “JPG” Giagnorio and Mike Rosen and I really do feel for them.

Their team gave such an awful account of themselves in the three games getting outscored 20-6 while failing to hit in the clutch or field in Game Two or do anything better when they won the most games (97) in the National League- second to only the 100-win Angels who are about to be swept again by the Red Sox unless they figure out a way to solve Josh Beckett later today. Much easier said than done.

I really want to say so much about the Cubs and the lack of energy they displayed really reminding me of the Torre Yanks from a couple of years ago and how uncompetitive they were in those two losses at Detroit.

I’ll have much more on this later.

Maybe the Cubs forgot to set their alarm clocks for October. They can’t really be this bad. Can they?!?!?!?!?! What the heck happened to the team who won 97 games- most in the NL this season? Where are those guys? Can they awaken soon from their Halloween Dark Shadows-esque coffin before it’s too late against Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers?

-Or maybe I should say Day Two since that really is what it is at this juncture. In case anyone missed it, the Red Sox again took care of the Angels coming back to defeat them 4-1 out on the left coast late last night. The big blow came off the bat of Jason Bay, who delivered a sixth inning go-ahead two out two-run home run off losing Angels’ starter John Lackey. The ex-Pirate was the man they got in return for Manny Ramirez. So, it was a great night for both as they each hit homers and helped lead their respective teams to Game One victories.

The Sox added two runs in the ninth off LA setup man Scot Shields with rookie Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz adding RBI base hits for the final margin giving the defending world champs home field with Josh Beckett waiting to go in Game Three at Fenway. At worst, the Red Sox come away with a split. Game Two isn’t till tomorrow night with Dice-K taking on Ervin Santana.

Boston’s Jon Lester rewarded Terry Francona with a solid seven frames allowing only a run on six hits while walking one and striking out seven to pickup the win.

-Meanwhile for the Angels, the question becomes can they overcome Boston’s psychological edge which has seen them take 10 straight, matching a major league record for consecutive wins in the postseason over one opponent tying Oakland’s dominance over Boston (1988-03). Ironically, it was in 2003 when the Red Sox overcame an 0-2 deficit winning three straight over the A’s including the deciding game on the road advancing to the first of two memorable ALCS versus the archrival Yankees.

Can the Halos recover psychologically to get back in this series or will they continue not to hit in money situations stranding 14 Wednesday. They need Santana to deliver tomorrow but must deliver big hits as well to take pressure off. We’ll see what Mike Scioscia’s ballclub is made of

-The Rays got off to a good start today in their first ever postseason in the franchise’s 11-year history posting a 6-4 Game One home win over the White Sox. The big story was rookie third baseman Evan Longoria, who hit homers in his first two at bats off losing Chicago starter Javier Vazquez. With the game scoreless, he started the second inning by taking Vazquez’ first offering deep to left center for his first career postseason dinger.

The White Sox responded thanks to Dewayne Wise’s three-run homer off Tampa starter James Shields in the third to go ahead 3-1. However, the pesky Rays came right back with three in the bottom frame thanks to Akinori Iwamura’s run scoring triple, replacement first baseman Willy Aybar’s sac fly (came in for Carlos Pena who left with eye injury) and then Longoria drilled a two out solo shot for his second homer in two at bats allowing the Rays to reclaim a 4-3 lead.

The former 2006 No.3 overall pick’s big day wasn’t done. With two runners on, he drove home his third run of the day with an RBI single plating B.J. Upton increasing the lead to 5-3. Carl Crawford singled home Aybar making it a three-run lead. What a brilliant start to Longoria’s playoff career!

Shields, who settled down after Wise’s homer ran into trouble in the seventh walking a couple to load the bases with one out forcing Joe Maddon to go to his pen calling on hard thrower Grant Balfour to get out of it. It proved to be a great move as Balfour dialed up his mid-90’s heater striking out an overmatched Juan Uribe and Orlando Cabrera with the latter allowing the reliever to get extra pumped up due to the White Sox shortstop’s foolish kicking of the dirt after ball one as the two exchanged heated words. Balfour responded by getting him swinging and telling him to take a seat. Good to see such intensity under big circumstances. Though we’re still not sure what provoked it. But it made for entertaining playoff baseball like you’ve seen in Major League I and II.

With veteran closer Troy Percival unavailable for this round, the Rays got a 1-2-3 eighth and two K’s from J.P. Howell and then veteran Dan Wheeler worked around a leadoff Paul Konerko solo blast retiring the next three for the save in their 6-4 win.

The Rays aim to go up 2-0 sending Scott Kazmir against Mark Buehrle in a battle of lefties tomorrow.

-In the second game today, so far it’s been mostly Phillies as they used a Shane Victorino two out second inning grand slam following a Pedro Feliz RBI double to score all five of their runs off Milwaukee ace C.C. Sabathia, who’s shown some exhaustion in his fourth consecutive start on three days rest. Staked to a one-run lead on a J.J. Hardy RBI walk off Philly starter Brett Myers, the potential NL Cy Young ran into trouble having a loss of control with two outs in the second. With a run already in on Feliz’ two-bagger, he lost Myers walking him and then walked Jimmy Rollins on four straight pitches loading them up for scrappy center fielder Victorino. I could tell he was in trouble and when he fell behind, I told buddy Brian Sanborn I felt a bases clearing triple coming. With the count 2-1, Victorino did one better drilling the next pitch over the left field wall for a huge grand slam suddenly making it a five-run inning to put the Phils in control up 5-1.

That’s where they still are after a scoreless fourth from Myers, who settled down after loading the bases early walking in one before getting Corey Hart to chase grounding into a 1-2-3 inning ending twin killing.

Entering the fourth, Sabathia’s thrown 72 pitches. We’ll see if he can keep the deficit at four and give his team a chance.

-In other MLB news, no surprise as both Brian Cashman and Omar Minaya were renewed by the Yanks and Mets respectively a day apart. Yesterday, Cashman re-signed for three years, six million and today, Minaya got his much rumored four-year extension through 2012 that includes options for 2013 and 2014.

After seeing his team miss on the final day of the regular season against the Marlins at home a second straight year blowing another division lead with 17 left, Minaya’s being given yet another opportunity to make fans forget this mess and improve the team enough to finally get back to October and compete for a World Series.

Ditto for Cashman, who saw the Yanks miss the postseason entirely for the first time in 15 years with him passing on Johan Santana, who performed very well in his first season at Shea even overcoming a torn cartilage in his left knee to toss one of the best games in Met history- shutting out Florida on three hits while fanning nine on the second last game of the season giving his team a chance. The 29 year-old veteran southpaw underwent successful knee surgery yesterday and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. He finished 16-7 with an NL best 2.53 ERA with 206 strikeouts in 234 and a third- eclipsing 200 K’s for a fifth straight time.

A quote from Mets owner Jeff Wilpon pretty much applies not just to his team’s situation but to Cashman’s as well as he attempts to restore order in the Bronx moving forward in what promises to be a busy offseason for both NY teams:

“Hopefully, the fans understand that as owners, we’re here as the voice of the fans, and we’re asking all these questions. And after some intense review this offseason, we’re going to find out why we fell short the last two seasons. And it’s up to Omar and his staff to correct that. But we are asking those tough questions.”

-The Phils have them loaded again with a gassed Sabathia coming out. We’ll update what happens later.

-Don’t forget a must win for the Cubs who send Carlos Zambrano to the hill tonight against Dodger 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. Sweet Lou’s club needs a win for their psyche.

-It didn’t take long for the Dodgers to silence Wrigley smashing three homers in a come from behind 7-2 Game One win earlier tonight. Given a two-run lead on Mark DeRosa’s two-run job, Ryan Dempster didn’t come close to duplicating his home success which saw him go 14-3 during the regular season. Instead, a brutal loss of control saw the former Cub closer walk a season high seven including loading the bases in the fateful fifth. He needed just one more out though to escape but couldn’t get James Loney, who barely stayed alive just getting a piece of a splitter.

Unfortunately for Cub fans, TBS analyst Ron Darling was right on the money indicating that continuing to rely on the splitter could result in a pitch being up which was eventually what happened allowing Loney to get his bat around on one for a go-ahead grand slam to dead center. A couple of innings prior, a pair of walks and a single had seen Dempster escape by fanning Andre Ethier. But he lost the plate against him and Loney made him pay the price. If you continue putting batters on, it’s usually a recipe for disaster.

The Cubs didn’t do much with Derek Lowe, who settled in nicely working six solid innings of two-run ball scattering seven hits while issuing just one walk and K-ing six including an overmatched Alfonso Soriano twice to boos. Soriano continued to struggle in the postseason turning in an 0-for-5 performance leaving three on which won’t get it done this series. They need him to get on base and wreak havoc.

Meanwhile, Manny Ramirez did as expected finishing with a pair of hits, a walk and a solo blast to left center golfing a Sean Marshall offering 20 rows up. Casey Blake added an eighth inning RBI single and Dodger catcher Russell Martin went yard in the ninth to close the scoring.

Joe Torre’s pen tossed three scoreless closing it out to take a 1-0 series lead putting the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Cubs Game 2 starter Carlos Zambrano, who will be battling 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. They desperately need a big performance from Big Z. We’ll see if he’s up to the challenge.

-In the third and final opening game of the night, the Red Sox and Angels are scoreless in the second with Jon Lester taking on John Lackey. Can the Halos finally get a win over Boston in October. We’ll have a better answer by the end of the night.

-I realize Brad Lidge escaped by the hair on his chinny chin chin notching the save stranding the tying runners in scoring position but would it have killed Charlie Manuel to stick with his ace Cole Hamels, who dominated the first eight innings against the Brewers permitting two hits and fanning nine on 101 pitches? What’s wrong with allowing a big starter to finish what they started?

-WFAN’s Chris Carlin says the Yankees rewarding Brian Cashman with three more years aren’t about winning World Series anymore and how can we argue given the Yankee GM’s recent track record. Until proven otherwise, the Yanks are heading the wrong way with Boston, Tampa and maybe even Toronto making the AL East baseball’s toughest division.

-There’s been a lot of discussion about this but if the Mets trade either pair of 25 year-old stars David Wright or Jose Reyes, they’ve lost their minds as much as some of their fans along with Mr. Know It All Mike Francesa.

-The baseball playoffs kickoff today with three of the four Division Series starting up with the Phillies hosting the Brewers, the defending champion Red Sox visiting the Angels and the Cubs taking on the Dodgers.

Last night, the White Sox became the eighth and final participant thanks to splendid pitching from John Danks, who limited the Twins to two hits over eight shutout frames en route to a 1-0 win in their one-game playoff last night in the Windy City to clinch the AL Central. Jim Thome’s 34th home run of the season off Minnesota starter Nick Blackburn which ledoff the seventh was the difference in a game that saw both teams combine for a run on seven hits.

The White Sox got a big defensive play by veteran center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. who with the game scoreless tossed out Michael Cuddyer at the plate on a short fly to complete a 9-2 inning ending double play. The much likable future Hall Of Famer deflected attention paying homage to veteran backstop A.J. Pierzynski for catching the ball and in one motion applying the tag on a throw which he caught on the third base side of the plate:

“That play, all I had to do was make a good throw. The credit is all A.J. I put a two-hopper in there and he was able to get it and block the plate. That’s the key there. He put his body on the line for us.”

“He did a heck of a job,” Thome added of Griffey, who’s making his first postseason appearance since 1997 with Seattle. “I’m so happy for him, too.”

Closer Bobby Jenks came on to work a perfect ninth for his 30th save.

For the Twins, who dealt away ace Johan Santana for a four-player package which included speedy center fielder Carlos Gomez, it was a disappointing conclusion to what was a good year where they came oh so close to still making October.

“You never want to put 162 games all into one game, but that’s what ended up happening,” Twins first base slugger Justin Morneau lamented despite a great second half finishing one RBI shy of AL leader Josh Hamilton. “It’s going to hurt for a while and it’s going to be a long night for sure.”

Even in not the most productive lineup, the 27 year-old former 2006 AL MVP had a terrific season finishing at .300 with 23 dingers and 129 RBI’s- one shy of his career best two years ago. Morneau’s proven himself as one of the best young sluggers in the game and along with great hitting catcher and teammate Joe Mauer, whose .328 mark was good enough for the batting title should continue to lead Minnesota forward into their new stadium.

Ron Gardenhire did another tremendous job and should merit some AL Manager of The Year consideration though ultimately, Tampa’s Joe Maddon will justifiably take it home. One of these years, it’s all going to come together for the Twins which is a credit to Gardenhire and his staff.

-In assessing the four series, here’s who I like:

A.Cubs vs Dodgers- LA matches up well despite getting in via the most pathetic division. Their potent lineup has vastly improved since Manny Ramirez came over strengthening teammates James Loney, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. The key will be for Cubs pitchers to keep the guys in front of Manny off base so he can’t do much damage. Lou Piniella won’t let him beat them. So, it will be up to Manny’s teammates to come through.

The Cubs have a balanced attack with Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Mark DeRosa and certain NL ROY Geovany Soto. The pitching is about even with the red hot Derek Lowe taking on Ryan Dempster, who went 14-3 at Wrigley Field this year. Chad Billingsley faces Carlos Zambrano in Game 2 with Rich Harden battling Hiroki Kuroda in Game 3 and Greg Maddux getting the ball against Ted Lilly for Game 4. If it goes five, Lowe and Dempster would face off again.

The pens are about even with Chicago using the trio of rookie Jeff Samardzjia, setup man Carlos Marmol and closer Kerry Wood to shut the door. Rookie Cory Wade sets up while either Jonathan Broxton or Takashi Saito closes depending on Joe Torre.

The Cubs should have an edge in experience which could be huge at the plate if some of the younger Dodgers aren’t patient. This shapes up to be a good series but there’s too much at stake for the Cubs here.

Series Prediction: Cubs in 5

B.Phillies vs Brewers- Last year, the Phillies had a remarkable run to their first division title in 14 years stunning the Mets. The euphoria from that comeback was too much as the Rockies swept them. This October should be different because of last year’s experience. The goal wasn’t just to get there again but to win. This time, the Brewers are playing that role after winning five of six to slip past the Mets for the wild card clinching their first playoff berth since 1982 when they were in the AL East.

With C.C. Sabathia unable to pitch until tomorrow, that should be an edge for the Phils who even seem to have an advantage in starters with ace Cole Hamels dominating today’s first game fanning nine in eight innings. Not surprisingly in just his fourth outing this season, Yovani Gallardo struggled allowing a three-run third with Chase Utley’s two-run double and Shane Victorino’s bases loaded walk the difference. With Ben Sheets out for this round, the pressure falls on Sabathia who again will go on short rest against Brett Myers tomorrow. Jamie Moyer faces Jeff Suppan in Game 3 and Hamels returns for Game 4 against Dave Bush. If it goes five, it would be Myers against Sabathia with all bets off.

It’s hard not to like the Phils in this series due to a lethal attack of Utley, possible NL MVP Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins along with underrated contributors Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino. They should hit. Taking nothing away from Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart but this just isn’t their time.

Philly’s pen is also stronger with Scott Eyre and J.C. Romero setting up closer Brad Lidge, who took NL Comeback Player of The Year by going 41-of-41 in save opportunities. It’ll still be interesting to see how the ex-Astro fares in October with memories of Albert Pujols taking him yard. He didn’t look great today giving up a run while putting the tying runs in scoring position before K-ing Hart to save it for Hamels. The Brewers rely on Guillermo Mota to setup closer Salomon Torres who was very shaky in September. It might be wise to use Todd Coffey and Mark DiFelice more. Starter Manny Parra also is available.

All signs point to the Phillies. They have a better offense, more pitching, a solid bench and valuable experience.

Series Prediction: Phillies in 4

C.Angels vs Red Sox- This is the hardest match-up to call as it pits the experienced defending champion Red Sox against baseball’s best team during the regular season, the Angels who hit the century mark in wins.

For Mike Scioscia’s club, the pressure is on to get the monkey off their back versus a team that’s historically owned them in October. Dating back to 1986 when they rallied from 3-1 down to advance to the World Series, Boston’s won nine straight postseason games against the Halos. Something’s gotta give.

Their lineup is improved with first base slugger Mark Teixeira added to a middle of the order featuring vets Torii Hunter and Vlad Guerrero trying to get in table setters Chone Figgins and Garret Anderson. They better hit because even post-Manny, a Red Sox lineup that includes MVP candidates Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis along with always dangerous slugger David Ortiz will. They also got good news as J.D. Drew pronounced himself ready to go if needed for tonight’s first game. Mike Lowell probably should be back too. Toss in deadline pickup Jason Bay and speedy rookie center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and Boston’s loaded.

The pitching match-ups are intriguing with John Lackey facing Jon Lester tonight, Dice-K versus Ervin Santana Friday and Joe Saunders taking on Josh Beckett in Game Three. Lackey and Lester will also go in Game 4 and ditto for Daisuke Matsuzaka and Santana if it goes the distance. Both teams possess good starters but I’ll give a slight edge to the Red Sox trio.

The Angels will have an edge in the pen with Scot Shields setting up record setting closer Francisco Rodriguez (62 saves). Rookie Jose Arredondo and Darren Oliver also are frequent contributors. Terry Francona will rely heavily on the duo of Hideki Okajima and closer Jonathan Papelbon, who was up and down in the final month due to coming in a few games in the eighth. He might be gassed. Manny Delcarmen and Javier Lopez should also be called upon out of the pen along with promising rookie Justin Masterson.

This series could depend on if the Angels hit. They never have had much success against Boston. Either way, it shapes up as a five-game series.

Series Prediction: Red Sox in 5

D.Rays vs White Sox- You have the new kids on the block against a very experienced bunch who have been here before. If the AL East winning Rays aren’t fazed by their first ever October, they should have enough to get through the White Sox.

Joe Maddon’s scrappy bunch pitch better and find ways to win games despite only two consistent power threats in certain AL ROY Evan Longoria and 101 RBI man Carlos Pena. The good news is that Carl Crawford is back which should give the lineup a boost. Speedy center fielder B.J. Upton (67 SB) and backstop Dioner Navarro also are part of the mix. Veterans Cliff Floyd and Eric Hinske provide leadership. Hinske usually comes off the bench as does utility specialist Willy Aybar.

The White Sox will have a huge power advantage with veterans Ken Griffey, Jr., Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Nick Swisher all threats to go deep. Toss in talented rookie second baseman Alexei Ramirez (21 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB) and Ozzie Guillen’s club has plenty of offense. A.J. Pierzynski might be universally hated but can get the job done. Just imagine if they had first base slugger Carlos Quentin.

The question is are the White Sox too reliant on the home run? The Rays boast a good pitching staff with 14-game winner James Shields matching up against Javier Vazquez in Games 1 and 5. Scott Kazmir goes against Mark Buehrle in a battle of southpaws for Game 2. Game 3 pits Matt Garza against Gavin Floyd in what promises to be a good match-up between young hurlers. Andy Sonnanstine gets the ball in Game 4 versus White Sox hero John Danks.

The White Sox pen is basically Octavio Dotel handing off to closer Bobby Jenks. Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink also contribute. Tampa has a distinct edge with the trio of Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell and veteran sidearmer Chad Bradford setting up for veteran closer Troy Percival. There’s also Dan Wheeler who saved 13 while Percival was out. Plus lefty Trever Miller. If a starter gets into trouble, Maddon can also bring in former 2007 first overall pick David Price, who was very sharp after being recalled posting a 1.93 ERA fanning 12 in 14 innings with opponents hitting just .176.

If a game is tight late, you have to like the Rays.

Series Prediction: Rays in 4

Here are the rest of my October picks:

ALCS: Red Sox over Rays in 6

NLCS: Cubs over Phillies in 5

World Series: Cubs over Red Sox in 7

WS MVP: Aramis Ramirez, Cubs