Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---The Phillies are one win away from winning the World Series. And judging by the weather forecasts, the next President might be inaugurated before we crown a champion.

---Honestly, through all that rain and wind, I expected Anderson Cooper to be at the scene.

---Still, as bad as the weather has been, it hasn't been as bad as the umpiring.

---I'm not the biggest admirer of Bud Selig, but he deserves credit for the way in which he handled the tricky situation last night. It was only fair to give the Rays a chance to tie the game before a suspension was ordered.

---There is a lot of moaning and groaning about the suspension, and many believe this is bad for baseball. If you ask me, it's just the opposite. This only adds to the excitement, which was already at a fever pitch.

---With that being said, the Rays are a lot happier than the Phillies right now. After all, the bats of Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria appear to be getting hotter, while ace Cole Hamels is unlikely to return to the mound in this series.

---The NBA season kicks off tonight with three games, as LeBron and the Cavs travel to Boston to face the defending champs, Greg Oden and the Blazers head to Tinseltown to meet Kobe and the Lakers, and Derrick Rose makes his NBA debut as the Bulls face their former coach Scott Skiles and the Milwaukee Bucks. I'll take the Celtics, Blazers, and Bulls.

---What color shades will Jack Nicholson be wearing tonight?

---GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---How about those Titans. Following an impressive win over Peyton Manning and the struggling Colts, Jeff Fisher's team is the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL. And with the likes of Lendale White, Chris Johnson, Keith Bullock, Albert Haynesworth, and with an efficient Kerry Collins taking the snaps, Tennessee is here to stay.

---But I still give the slight edge to the Giants when it comes to the best team in the league.

---Alright folks, my Niner optimism has run dry. After an embarrassing butt-kicking at the hands of the Seahawks, my 49ers are looking pretty, pretty terrible. However, if there is one guy that can turn this mess around, it's Mike Singletary.

---Singletary is the one and only reason that I still hold out hope that brighter days are in the near future. He brings great passion and devotion to the sidelines, and his tossing of Vernon Davis during the game was awesome. Singletary demands respect, and he is unquestionably the coach of the future for San Francisco.

---Washington head coach Tyrone Willingham is stepping down at the end of the year. What a sad fall from grace. The former Stanford and Notre Dame coach seems to be a great guy, so here's hoping he finds success as a Division 1 head coach very soon.

---I take back what I said about Penn State. Upon further review, Joe Paterno's team is more than deserving of national championship consideration.

---What a magnificent time of year to be a sports fan. The World Series, the NBA, the NFL, college football, college basketball........................................all spectacular.

2008-2009 NBA PREVIEW

Hoops is back, and I'm giddy with excitement. In order of predicted finish, here are my conference previews:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. New Orleans Hornets/ Coach: Byron Scott/ Key Player: Chris Paul

Look out, here come the Hornets. As great as they were last year, New Orleans will be even better this season, finishing with the best record in the NBA. Chris Paul will be the league's MVP, and the addition of proven winner James Posey means that the Hornets are the team to beat in the West.

2. Utah Jazz/ Coach: Jerry Sloan/ Key Player: Deron Williams

All the credit goes to the aforementioned Chris Paul, and deservedly so, but teams overlook Deron Williams at their own peril. D-Will is one of the game's most spectacular players. The Jazz are a brutally physical team, thanks to the effective post presence of Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. Say what you want about Jerry Sloan's style, but there is no denying the fact that all Sloan does is win.

3. Phoenix Suns/ Coach: Terry Porter/ Key Player: Shaquille O'Neal

With Mike D'Antoni no longer roaming the sidelines, the Suns probably won't run-and-gun as much as they used to. However, Terry Porter's team will follow a similar recipe. With Steve Nash running the show, and if a healthy Shaq dominates the paint, Phoenix will once again enjoy great regular season success. As for the playoffs, well, as Suns fans can attest, that usually is a different story.

4. Los Angeles Lakers/ Coach: Phil Jackson/ Key Player: Kobe Bryant

What do I want to happen? I want the Lakers to fall flat on their faces and have a disastrous season. What do I think will happen? I think they'll be very good, but not as great as advertised. Too much is being expected of Andrew Bynum. After all, how do we know he won't be rusty?

5. San Antonio Spurs/ Coach: Gregg Popovich/ Key Player: Tim Duncan

San Antonio remains the best team in Texas, and Popovich is one of the best coaches the game has ever seen. But these Spurs are aging. The starting five of Parker, Duncan, Finley, Bowen, and Oberto is too disciplined and talented for the Spurs to miss the playoffs. However, I see an early playoff exit in San Antonio's future.

6. Golden State Warriors/ Coach: Don Nelson/ Key Player: Al Harrington

Yes, I am a biased homer, but allow me to explain my reasoning. Sure, the absence of Monta Ellis until January is a big blow, but it's a blow we can overcome. Andris Biedrins will continue to be a rebounding machine, Ronny Turiaf will contribute big numbers off the bench, Stephen Jackson will continue to be deserving of the term "captain", Corey Maggette will be a welcome surprise, and Al Harrington will turn in his best season as a Warrior. Let's not also forget that outstanding Oracle Arena crowd. DeMarcus Nelson and C.J. Watson will do a great job of running the show until Monta returns in January. No Baron, no problem. GO WARRIORS!

7. Houston Rockets/ Coach:Rick Adleman/ Key Player: Ron Artest

Artest seems confident that his new team will be hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in June. Not so fast. However, the Artest-McGrady duo will carry Houston to the playoffs. And if the Rockets once again are defeated in the opening round, the blame should not fall in T-Mac's lap.


8. Dallas Mavericks/ Coach: Rick Carlisle/ Key Player: Jason Kidd

Dallas made a big mistake when they fired Avery Johnson. Rick Carlisle, though, will do a commendable job. Contrary to popular belief, Jason Kidd is still a terrific player. And although I'm not the biggest fan of Dirk Nowitzki, the guy is productive. The big question mark hanging over Mark Cuban's team is Josh Howard. Can he stay away from controversy?

9. Portland Trail Blazers/ Coach: Nate McMillan/ Key Player: Greg Oden

Count me amongst those who are not convinced that Greg Oden will turn the Blazers into instant contenders. Oden was fantastic in his lone year under Thad Matta at Ohio State, but how do we know that Oden can bounce back from last year's injury and be successful in the NBA. With this being said, however, Portland will be a decent team. Brandon Roy is one of the game's most exciting young talents, and the Blazers will contend for that final playoff spot, only to fall just a little short.

10. Denver Nuggets/ Coach: George Karl/ Key Player: Carmelo Anthony

I have the highest respect for Nene. To battle back from cancer and earn a spot in the starting lineup is an amazing feat. For this, Nene deserves every one's admiration. But Nene will not be able to replace Marcus Camby, who is now sporting Clipper red. As great as Iverson and Anthony are, George Karl's Nuggets will suffer in the absence of Camby, who for the last few years has been Denver's only defensive master.

11. Sacramento Kings/ Coach: Reggie Theus/ Key Player: Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and Reggie Theus is one of the most underrated coaches. The Kings will be entertaining, especially when they feed off the Arco Arena energy. But as the season wears on, Sacramento will really begin to miss Ron Artest.

12. Los Angeles Clippers/ Coach: Mike Dunleavy/ Key Player: Baron Davis

In the East, the Clips would have a chance. But outside of Baron and Marcus Camby, the Clippers are ill-equipped in the West. Al Thornton has great promise, but he is a year or two a way from reaching his full potential. Oh yeah, and Baron, you will regret your decision to leave Oakland.

13. Memphis Grizzlies/ Coach: Marc Iavoroni/ Key Player: O.J. Mayo

Mayo's flashy style worked wonders at USC, but will it work in the NBA? Will Marc Gasol be half as good as his brother? Will Darko Millicic ever stop being a punchline? The Grizzlies surely hope the answers to these three questions are yes, yes, and yes, but I wouldn't be surprised if the answers are no, no, and no.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves/ Coach: Randy Wittman/ Key Player: Al Jefferson

Jefferson is superb, but the T'Wolves are still suffering from Kevin Garnett withdrawal symptoms. At this point, Kevin McHale is wishing and hoping that he too was back in Boston.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder/ Coach: P.J. Carlesimo/ Key Player: Kevin Durant

Outside of Oklahoma City, where the fan support will be tremendous, the Thunder will go completely unnoticed. They will still be referred to as the Sonics. Bottom line: it will be a rough first year for this young team.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boston Celtics/ Coach: Doc Rivers/ Key Player: Kevin Garnett

The East will be far more more competitive this year, but the defending champs still have a great chance at a repeat. The Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen show no signs of slowing down. Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins have matured a year, and they will be evn better than they were last season. The loss of James Posey to New Orleans hurts Boston's bench, but it won't make too much of a difference. The Celtics will be back in the Finals.

2. Orlando Magic/ Coach: Stan Van Gundy/ Key Player: Dwight Howard

At first glance, the Magic lineup is not that intimidating. However, Orlando epitomizes teamwork. Together, they are a legitimate contender in the East. Jameer Nelson is a solid point guard, Hedo Turkoglu is lights out from downtown, Mickael Pietrus is the kind of scrappy player that all teams would love to have, and Rashard Lewis, although overpaid, is a scoring threat every time he steps onto the floor. There's also this guy by the name of Dwight Howard. I'm not sure if you've heard of him. He's only the best center in basketball.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers/ Coach: Mike Brown/ Key Player: Mo Williams

What??? Have I lost my mind??? How can I not have LeBron as Cleveland's key player??? Calm down, folks. LeBron is the best player in the world. He is the leader of the Cavs. There is no doubt about that. In order for Cleveland to have any shot at a championship, however, King James is going to need some help. That help comes from newly acquired Mo Williams. The former Milwaukee Buck must have an all-star caliber year alongside LeBron if the Cavs want to be playing in June.

4. Detroit Pistons/ Coach: Michael Curry/ Key Player: Chauncey Billups

Chauncey, Rip, Tayshaun, Rasheed, and company have their sights on winning another championship. You can't help but wonder, though, if their window has already closed. One thing is for sure: Rodney Stuckey will emerge as the Pistons' secret weapon.

5. Philadelphia 76ers/ Coach: Mo Cheeks/ Key Player: Elton Brand

Philly will be much improved, thanks in large part to the offseason acquisition of Elton Brand. Brand joins an already dangerous lineup that features the explosive likes of Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. If Brand can stay healthy, the Sixers will contend.

6. Miami Heat/ Coach: Erik Spoelstra/ Key Player: Dwayne Wade

Basketball in South Beach will be awfully fun to watch this season. With a new duo (D-Wade and Michael Beasley), and a new coach calling the shots (Erik Spoelstra), the Heat will add to the party atmosphere in Miami. But the fun will likely end in the first round of the playoffs, when the Heat will struggle without an effective big man.

7. Toronto Raptors/ Coach: Sam Mitchell/ Key Player: Jermaine O'Neal

The biggest question regarding this promising team is the health of Jermaine O'Neal. After being sidelined for most of last season, can he return to his old self? I say yes. Add Chris Bosh to the mix, and Toronto is a trendy dark horse pick in the Eastern conference.

8. Atlanta Hawks/ Coach: Mike Woodson/ Key Player: Josh Smith

These Hawks are still on a high after their impressive showing against the Celtics this past April. When the euphoria dies down, Mike Woodson's team will realize that they will be in a fight for that eighth and final spot in the East. Chances are they win that fight, thanks to young stars Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Al Horford.

9. Washington Wizards/ Coach: Eddie Jordan/ Key Player: Antawn Jamison

Gilbert Arenas is plagued with a serious knee injury for the second consecutive season. Last year, the Wizards managed to win in the absence of Agent Zero. This year will be different. The East is no longer Junior Varsity, and the Wizards will be on the outside looking in at season's end.

10. Chicago Bulls/ Coach: Vinny Del Negro/ Key Player: Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose will be a star in this league for many years to come, and he will quickly find his way into Vinny Del Negro's starting lineup. Unfortunately for the Bulls, Rose will be one of few bright spots during what will be a frustrating season. New coach, same disappointment for the Bulls.

11. New York Knicks/ Coach: Mike D'Antoni/ Key Player: Zach Randolph

If nothing else, Mike D'Antoni will at least make the Knicks relevant again. New York will have some trouble adapting to D'Antoni's fast pace system, but D'Antoni is the right guy at the right time for the Knicks. They won't be good, but they will be improved.

12. Milwaukee Bucks/ Coach: Scott Skiles/ Key Player: Michael Redd

The Bucks may have lost Mo Williams, but the addition of Richard Jefferson will suffice. Michael Redd one of the most overlooked players in the game, and he will continue to be overlooked if the Bucks continue to lose. And unless Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva show drastic improvement, losing for Scott Skiles' team seems very probable.

13. Indiana Pacers/ Coach: Jim O'Brien/ Key Player: T.J. Ford

The Jermaine O'Neal-T.J. Ford trade was a win-win deal for the Pacers and Raptors, but only Toronto will see instant results. The Pacers are still stuck in the world of mediocrity. Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are very good, but they strike no fear in anybody. Like Kevin McHale, Larry Bird wishes he was back in Boston.

Charlotte Bobcats/ Coach: Larry Brown/ Key Player: Emeka Okafor

Why, oh why, did Hall of Famer Larry Brown take this job? I know the Bobcats have talent in the likes of Ray Felton, Emeka Okafor, and Jason Richardson, and I know that Larry Brown shares the North Carolina connection with Michael Jordan, now a member of the Bobcats front office. But honestly, this season will be sadly similar to Larry Brown's lone season as coach of the Knicks three years ago.

15. New Jersey Nets/ Coach: Lawrence Frank/ Key Player: Vince Carter

Yi Jinlian is a star in China, but he was unimpressive in his first NBA season with Milwaukee. He'll be better this year, but the Nets will be the worst team in the East. As a result of the Nets' poor season, Vince Carter will be traded.

So there are my predictions. Let the games begin!

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports.

Ladies and gentleman, get your popcorn ready. In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Two games are in the books in the 2008 World Series, and the scene now shifts to the City of Brotherly Love with the series tied at one game a piece. Can Philly get a hit with RISP?

---After the first two games at Tropicana Field, it looks like this series could go the full seven games. That is what America should be hoping for. Any sports fan not watching the Series is missing out. This is one of the most evenly matched and exciting series we've seen this decade.

---Cole Hamels was brilliant once again in Game 1, as the Phillies stole a legitimate home field advantage away from the Rays. Game 2 was a different story, as James Shields worked his way through jam after jam to get Tampa the win.

---Charlie Manuel's team is 1-for-28 with runners in scoring position. Ouch. Even a last place Little League squad can hit better than that.

---First it was Ryan Howard, now it's Jimmy Rollins. Philly always seems to have at least one key player mired in a major slump.

---Home plate umpire Kerwin Danley had a rough game last night. He humiliated himself on the Akinori Iwamura check swing appeal play. And in the ninth, he missed an obvious hit-by-pitch with Rollins at the plate.

---You gotta love Jonny Gomes. He never sees any playing time, but he is the charismatic leader in the clubhouse, sporting a mohawk and rooting hard for his Rays.

---But, in all honesty, that mohawk thing they've got going in Tampa is really kinda creepy.

---Jamie Moyer starts Game 3 for Philadelphia. He has to pitch a whole lot better than he did against the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS.

---Kudos to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. They are a fun, entertaining, and most of all, knowledgeable duo behind the microphone.

---Another magnificent sports weekend lies ahead, and there are some huge NFL games in Week 8. Games of the week: Giants-Steelers, Chargers-Saints in London, and Colts-Titans on Monday night. I'll take New York, San Diego, and Tennessee.

---But the game that means the most to me, of course, is Seahawks-Niners. Hey, stop laughing!

---This is a big game for us. It is important that we get Mike Singletary a win in his head coaching debut.

---Speaking of Mike Singletary, I am very happy with the hiring. He has the interim tag right now, but if he can turn this season around, he deserves to be the permanent coach. As for Mike Nolan, great guy and spectacular dresser, but it was time to make a change.

---Here are the rest of my Week 8 NFL winners: 49ers, Eagles, Patriots, Lions, Bucs, Bills, Jets, Panthers, Ravens, Texans, Jaguars.

---Monster showdown in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday. Penn State and Ohio State. This is a must win for both teams if they want to keep dreams of a national championship alive. My pick: I like the Nittany Lions.

---The NBA season tips off on Tuesday, and I can't wait. My NBA preview comes to a computer near you this Sunday.

---Congratulations on a marvelous career, Lute Olson. One of the classiest coaches college basketball has ever had, Olson will forever be the face of Arizona basketball. He is more than deserving of a happy retirement.

From Failure to Success: A Fall Classic showdown between teams with remarkable rags-to-riches seasons.

Oh, what a difference a year makes. This time last fall, Joe Maddon and Charlie Manuel were probably on the beach somewhere, washing away memories of yet another disappointing season. This time last fall, Scott Kazmir, Shane Victorino, James Shields, B.J. Upton, and Carlos Ruiz lived in anonymity. This time last fall, tainted beef was selling faster than Rays season tickets. This time last fall, if you were to tell someone that the Rays and Phillies would meet in the World Series, they would have immediately assumed you to be a absolutely hysterical stand-up comedian. But, one year later, this is no joke at all. The Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays are about to fight for a World Series championship, and it should be baseball at its finest.

So how did these two teams rise to the top of the pack? Let's start with Tampa Bay. First of all, they got rid of the "Devil" in their name and sported a brand-new look. But seriously, if athletic prowess was measured by name changes and uniforms, Sean "Diddy" Combs would be the most dominant athlete in the world. The biggest reason for the Rays' spectacular year is their winning attitude, thanks in large part to manager Joe Maddon, a lock for AL Manager of the Year. Maddon did what Larry Rothschild, Hal McRae, and Lou Piniella were unable to do. From Day one, Maddon set high goals for his team, earning him a great deal of respect and inspiring confidence in his players. Contrary to popular belief, this franchise always had talent. However, the psychological burden of losing was too much to bear. Joe Maddon never appeared down and depressed, even during the dark times. He was always a steady leader in the clubhouse, and eventually, the wins did come.

And of course, there are the players. Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Akinori Iwamura, Grant Balfour, Jason Bartlett, Cliff Floyd, Carl Crawford, etc. They all had monster career years leading Tampa past heavyweights Boston and New York in the AL East, and their vast wealth of talent should have the Rays contending for many, many years.

The Phillies have also been very familiar with losing. They have lost more games than any other franchise in the history of Major League Baseball. They have not won the World Series in twenty-eight years. This year, though, things went differently. Shane Victorino, a.k.a. the Flying Hawaiian, emerged as the best secret weapon in the game. Cole Hamels established himself as an elite, big game pitcher. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins were a nightmare for pitchers, and Brad Lidge became the best closer in the game. And now, under the leadership of manager Charlie Manuel, they are four wins away from being crowned champions of the baseball world.

Two teams, two remarkable stories. Two teams desperate to take a swim in champagne once more. Two teams that are one step closer toward their ultimate goal. Two teams that are no longer associated with failure.

My Week Seven NFL Winners

These teams will be in a celebratory mood following week seven in the National Football League:

Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Cowboys
Cincinnati Bengals
New Orleans Saints
Miami Dolphins
Tennessee Titans
Buffalo Bills
San Francisco 49ers (Okay, i know this has like a .000000000001 percent chance of happening, but a man's gotta dream, right?)
Houston Texans
Green Bay Packers
Oakland Raiders
Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Denver Broncos

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

Ladies and gentlemen, get your popcorn ready. In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---The Philadelphia Phillies have won the pennant. They made quick and easy work of the Dodgers.

---Cole Hamels was more than deserving of the NLCS MVP honor. Following three consecutive masterful performances this postseason, there is no disputing the fact that Hamels is one of the three or four best pitchers in the league.

---This NLCS was extremely heated. Hiroki Kuroda's retaliatory head-hunting pitch at Shane Victorino in Game 3 fired up the Phillies.

---The most unintentionally laughable sound bite from that whole incident came from Russell Martin: "We didn't throw at his head," he said with a smirk, "We threw over his head." Oh, what a jokester.

---Contrary to popular belief, the most dominant closer in the game does not go by the nickname of K-Rod or Sandman. The most dominant closer in the game is Brad Lidge.

---You know, the Dodgers shouldn't feel too bad. They should take pride in the fact that their fans actually showed up prior to the sixth inning for a change.

---I guess anything is possible.

---Where will Manny be next season? That is the most intriguing issue this offseason.

---As for the ALCS, this can't be the same Boston team that has won two championships in the last four years, can it?

---I've never seen Red Sox pitching look this putrid. Honestly, Tim Wakefield looked like he was throwing fly balls to home plate the other night.

---In all fairness, however, the Rays deserve all the credit in the world. The reason why they lead the series three games to one is not because of Boston's poor play, but because of Tampa's sensational talent.

---Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton? The best power duo in baseball.

---Anybody who still doubts the Rays ought to get their head examined. Whether they win the World Series or not, they have turned in one of the most remarkable seasons in MLB history.

---Let's talk some football. I'll talk about any football subject you want, unless it has anything to do with the Niners.

---I'm still keeping the faith that we can turn it around, find our way back into the playoff hunt and save Mike Nolan's job in the process. But after three straight losses that felt like a severe stab to the stomach, I'm not feeling too optimistic.

---I'm hoping for a miracle this Sunday at the Meadowlands. It won't be easy for J.T. O'Sullivan and company, as the defending champs will have steam coming out of their ears following Monday night's defeat at the hands of the Browns.

---What's that sound I hear? It's the sound of another Dallas Cowboys season not living up to expectations.

---This may sound crazy, but with the latest injury to Tony Romo, I'm not sure Dallas will be in the playoffs. After all, that NFC East is a monstrous division.

---As for college football, here are my top five heading into another big weekend of play, headlined by a huge showdown between Texas and Missouri: 1)Texas. 2) Alabama. 3) Oklahoma. 4) Florida. 5) USC.

---My apologies to the passionate members of the Joe Pa fan club. Penn State just plays in a much weaker conference than any of the aforementioned teams. I'd probably place them sixth on my list.

---The Warriors have suspended Monta Ellis thirty games for Mopedgate. Monta is a great player and an even better person, so I think he's learned his lesson. The punishment is strict but fair. As a Warriors fan, though, I can't wait until he gets back on the floor.

---And I'll leave you with a moment of silence to mourn the end of a great career. So long, Big Brown.

My Week Six NFL Winners

These teams will be in a celebratory mood once Week Six in the NFL comes to a close:

Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos
Indianapolis Colts
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
San Diego Chargers
San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers
Washington Redskins
Miami Dolphins
New York Giants

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports: League Championship Series Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---The final four in Major League Baseball is now set, with two compelling series: Red Sox-Rays, Phillies-Dodgers. So much for my Chicago-Chicago prediction.

---Beat LA!!!

---I like the Phillies in 6, though I hope they sweep the hated Blue. As for Boston-Tampa, I'll take the Rays, in a wild and crazy series that goes the distance.

---The three keys for the NLCS: 1)The production of Manny Ramirez (If he goes in a slump, the Dodgers are in trouble); 2) Jimmy Rollins (Utley and Howard are the big hitters, but Rollins sets the tone for Philadelphia, both offensively and defensively); 3) Bullpen (It's up to guys like Lidge, Beimel, Broxton, Romero, and Seanez to shut the door on what are bound to be tight games).

---Three keys for the ALCS: 1) Don't Stop Believing (Just because the mighty defending champs are coming to town does not mean the Rays should feel any less confident. They should continue to play with swagger); 2) Big Papi (David Ortiz has not been as magnificent as he normally is in the postseason. Now is the time for him to start being the Big Papi we all know); 3) Evan Longoria (The third baseman had a monster series against the White Sox. Can he keep it up?).

---Even non-baseball fans should tune in to the ALCS on TBS, if for no other reason than to see what kind of appalling suit Craig Sager is sporting.

---When is Joe Maddon going to return those glasses to Sarah Palin?

---Check that. The glasses actually belong to Tina Fey.

---Not much of a risky prediction, but here it goes: Ryan Howard will blast a home run into the upper deck at some point during these first two games.

---I'm not sure the same can be said for Cole Hamels.

---I think I speak for Giants fans everywhere when I say that I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Pedro Feliz swings at a pickoff throw to first base.

---If the Red Sox win, let's hope Jonathan Papelbon spares us from his trademark celebration dancing, the kind he displayed when Boston beat the Rockies in last year's World Series.

---If you want to call that dancing.

---At some point during one of the games at Tropicana Field, I'd like to see a shot of Dick Vitale yelling at the top of his lungs, "It's awesome baby!"

---Here's the headline in next week's sports page: A confused Manny Ramirez takes the field at Fenway.

---In all seriousness, Jason Bay has been fantastic for the Red Sox. Boston fans don't miss Manny at all.

---Okay, that's all folks. Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some October baseball.

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Cubs fans are probably waiting to wake up from this horrible nightmare.

---The way they've been playing, you wonder if the Cubs are indeed cursed.

---Lou Piniella looked like he was ready to strangle his players as Chicago made error after error. Lou's refreshingly honest post-game comments regarding the struggling Kosuke Fukodome were an instant classic.

---Sadly, the Cubs appear done, but I'm still hoping they can take a page from the 2004 Red Sox and come back to beat the hated Dodgers.

---The Cubs aren't the only team in trouble. Boston looks to be in great shape against the Angels, the Phillies are a win away from eliminating Milwaukee, and Evan Longoria powered the Rays to a 1-0 series lead over the White Sox.

---Postseason baseball: Spectacular.

---I'll be in San Francisco this weekend, and my Niners have a huge game against the Patriots.

---In order to win, our offensive line has to do a better job of protecting J.T. O'Sullivan.

---The Bills and Titans are undefeated, and the Colts are struggling. What world are we living in here?

---Here are my week five NFL winners: 49ers, Bills, Colts, Titans, Chargers, Panthers, Eagles, Bears, Packers, Giants, Bucs, Cowboys, Jaguars, Saints.

---The investigation into the National Basketball Association officiating shows that Tim Donaghy was the lone culprit in the gambling scandal. Excellent. Now hopefully people will stop talking about the Donaghy scandal and start focusing on the superb quality of the league.

---And I'll leave you with one final thought: Al Davis makes Jerry Jones look like a humble saint.