Clutch Hitters, Questionable Decisions, Bad NFL Fashion, and 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:

---Wow! These two LCS series have been absolutely spectacular, a reminder of why Major League Baseball has the most thrilling postseason. Fresh off an enthralling extra-inning gem in the Bronx on Saturday night, the Yankees and Angels delivered another extra-inning gem yesterday in Anaheim, as Jeff Mathis hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the eleventh inning to give the Angels their first win of the series. It was a huge hit in a must-win game for the Halos, who look to even up the series tonight in Game 4.

---Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Jimmy Rollins dealt the Dodgers an incredibly heartbreaking loss with a walk-off, two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth against the usually reliable L.A. closer Jonathan Broxton. Rollins had been struggling mightily, but his clutch hit last night gave the Phillies a commanding 3-1 series lead. Thank you Jimmy. Beat L.A.!

---There is plenty of baseball left to be played in these League Championship Series, but if New York and Philadelphia manage to hang on and advance to the World Series, there is no doubt who the two LCS MVP's will be: Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Howard. A-Rod and Howard are on fire right now. All the Angels and Dodgers can do when these two sluggers step to the plate is hope and pray.

---During the LCS, there has been no shortage of second-guessing and armchair quarterbacking when it comes to the manager. Typically the second-guessing is downright ridiculous, as when people chastised Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel for taking out Pedro Martinez after the veteran hurler threw seven shutout innings in Game 2 of the NLCS. But there is one criticism that is warranted: Joe Girardi's decision to pull David Robertson in the bottom of the eleventh of Game 3. This made absolutely no sense. Robertson had quickly retired the first two Angels hitters, but Girardi took him out of the game in favor of Alfredo Aceves to face right-handed batter Howie Kendrick, even though Aceves is a right-hander. I am a big fan of Girardi, but this was a classic case of "overmanaging".

---On to the NFL now, where the Denver Broncos, with the help of Eddie Royal, stayed perfect last night in San Diego. Denver is now 6-0, and there is no getting around it: This team is for real.

---But please, can they spare us the sight of those hideous brown throwback uniforms? This is the National Football League, not the 1970's Disco Fashion Association.

---So do you remember a couple of weeks ago when the New York Jets were the talk of the NFL? Remember how we anointed Mark Sanchez the next Joe Namath and how we labeled Rex Ryan a genius? Well, those days are long gone. The Jets have now lost three consecutive games in the wake of their 3-0 start, none more disheartening than Sunday's home clunker against the Buffalo Bills. Sanchez threw five interceptions, and the Jets looked like a bunch of zombies out there. I still think the Jets have a decent chance at the playoffs, but my goodness, they need to pick up the pace immediately.

---True story: After the Titans fell to 0-6 in a thoroughly embarrassing 59-0 drubbing against the Patriots, Dr. Phil called Jeff Fisher and asked if the team wanted grief counseling.

---The best team in the NFL is also the most underrated team: the New Orleans Saints. The Saints crushed the New York Giants on Sunday, and Drew Brees is playing out of his mind, yet they still do not receive the respect they deserve. Pay attention, people!

---This college football regular season has been fantastic, but the BCS standings have arrived to ruin the party. The BCS is a total joke. How can a computer know if Tim Tebow and Florida is better than Nick Saban's Alabama Razorbacks? Why does a computer have the authority to decide that teams like Boise State and TCU can't beat teams like USC and Texas? I love college football just as much as the next guy, but the sport is in desperate need of a playoff system.

---And finally, the 2009-2010 NBA season tips off next week, and I can't wait! I am a basketball addict, and my comprehensive season preview comes to a computer near you on Sunday.