It's kinda like not being picked in Dodgeball...

So, the postseason has begun and for the first time since I was 5 it is Yankee-less. This is a new feeling for me and for a lot of Yankee fans. October had become synonomous with meaningful playoff games and watching the Yankees push for a title year after year. This October however I get to experience a new activity...watching. Yes, watching the postseason without the Yankees playing is weird but actually quite interesting. Whenever the Yankees get knocked out I usually swear off baseball for that remaining week. I hate watching other teams do well when we were so close. But this year is different. Without a horse in the race I can just sit back and enjoy some great baseball and even get interested in some of the little storylines that emerge. Here's my take on the action from where we currently stand right in the midst of the division series...

National League: The Little League that could...
As the National league tries yet again to prove that it doesnt exist solely to pump out the team that gets to lose to the American League, we actually have some great storylines and some great games happening so far...

Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs
The Dodgers are my pseudo-horse this postseason. I love Joe Torre and there are some guys on the Dodgers (Russell Martin) who I really enjoy watching. Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly put the Dodgers over the top on my "Who will we root for" poll. Plus, what bitter my-team-is-out-of-it fan doesn't want the winner of the worst division with the worst record upsetting everyone else? They've started off surprisingly great against the favored Cubs and take a 2-0 series lead back home to LA. The pitching has been fantastic for LA and everyone in the lineup is getting involved (7 different players with RBI's) The Cubs on the other hand seem to be stalling. Their pitching has been dismal with their ace Zambrano having a tough outing last night. They haven't been scoring runs and their play in the field makes them look like the Bad News Bears. With all the hype and publicity surrounding the 100th anniversary of their last World Series win you'd think they would show a little more pop...

Philadelphia Phillies v Milwaukee Brewers
Now I have a soft spot for the Phillies because I interned with them this past spring. They are a great historical franchise with a fanbase that lives and dies by the team. Plus, they embarassed the Mets this season for the second straight year. Despite their awful performance in last year's postseason, th Phillies have come out swinging. Backed by strong pitching and timely hitting, the Fightins' have shoved the Brew Crew into a 0-2 hole heading out to Milwaukee. As of now, I think someone forgot to tell the Brewers that they made the playoffs. Sabathia cooled off last night and the bats just weren't there for Milwaukee. Hopefully going back home will give the Brewers a little extra juice but let's remember only one team has won a Division Series after having been down 2-0...(ahem, the 2001 Yankees)



American League: Something seems to be missing...oh yeah

Boston Red Sox of Boston v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Right now the Red Sox lead the Angels 1-0 in the series. I am still trying to think of a scenario where both teams lose. I'll get back to you.

Tampa Bay Rays v Chicago White Sox
Well clocks in Tampa Bay never struck at midnight and the Rays continue to play great baseball heading into October. Behind two homeruns from rookie Evan Longoria, the Rays beat the White Sox to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Many thought the Rays would snap because of their lack of playoff experience but it hasn't happened yet. The White Sox are just hoping the Cubs stay in the race so people know baseball is still on.

Anyway, baseball is on and its interesting. The National League especially is showcasing some banner franchises and the games have been exciting. The teams have history and huge fanbases riding on these games and the atmosphere is exciting. In the American League most of the time has been spent powerwashing Yankee logos off preordered postseason equipment...but the games are great also. Pick your team and run with it.