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.