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.