Ross, Cox, Sanchez, 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:

---The two LCS series are set: Giants-Phillies, Yankees-Rangers.

---Loyal readers know that my diehard San Francisco Giants fandom prevents me from being even remotley unbiased in my analysis of the NLCS. My life centers around the Orange and Black. So while the Phillies undeniably have a great team, I will say the following: Goooooooooooo Giants!!!!!

---Words cannot express how jacked up with excitement I am for Saturday's Giants-Phillies tilt in Philadelphia.

---One more Giants thought before I move on to more impartial musings: Giants fans everywhere should stand up and applaud the heroic efforts of Cody Ross. Ross was the Giants' MVP during the NLDS against the Braves. A truly great pickup by Brian Sabean.

---Now we return to our regularly unbiased programming.

---God Bless the great Bobby Cox. In addition to being a tremendous manager in Atlanta, Cox is one of the classiest figures in sports, a true role model who will be sorely missed.

---In the American League, two teams with power offenses are set to clash. The spotlight will be on the Yankees, and rightfully so. The mere mention of Jeter, A-Rod, Cano, and Teixiera is enough to make opposing pitchers shudder. The fact that the Yankees swept the Twins without singular dominance from any one specific player is a testament to the depth of New York's lineup. However, one should not overlook the Rangers' bats, for they are every bit as dangerous.

---Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Nelson Cruz......all outstanding hitters with major power. Ron Washington's Rangers can match the Yankees' offensive prowess, no question about it.

---Ultimately, however, postseason baseball comes down to pitching. In that regard, I give the slight edge to the Rangers. With all due respect to CC Sabathia, the best pitcher in this series is Cliff Lee. As he proved in the Game 5 win against the Rays, Lee comes up huge in the most pressure-packed of starts. I don't expect anything different in the ALCS.

---There is just something about the Yankees in October, though, that triggers this final prediction: In a hotly contested 7-game series, the Bronx Bombers advance yet again to the Fall Classic.

---On to the NFL now, where there is more parity than ever this season. A few musings from a fascinating Week 5:

---The Jets continue to roll behind the maturation of quarterback Mark Sanchez. Last year, despite the Jets' playoff run, Sanchez largely remained a figure of unproven swagger and bravado. This year, however, is different. Sanchez has blossomed into a leader and he is a steady, reliable starter behind center. Mark Sanchez has what it takes to lead the Jets to the Super Bowl.

---What in the world is wrong with the New Orleans Saints? The defending Super Bowl champs looked completely listless in their Week 5 loss at Arizona. With the superb play of the Atlanta Falcons, it is fair to wonder if the Saints will even make the playoffs this season, let alone repeat as champs.

---Meanwhile, it is panic time in Dallas and Minnesota. Some people are still likely to trumpet the Cowboys as legitimate contenders, but Wade Phillips' squad is fourth-best in the tough NFC East. There is no way they are making the playoffs. And despite the addition of Randy Moss, the Minnesota Vikings are in serious trouble. I would make a snarky comment about the whole Brett Favre sexting imbroglio, but I am just plain tired of Favre. Go away, Number 4.

---After Week 5, my NFL Power Rankings read as follows: Ravens, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Colts.

---Two more weeks until the NBA season!!!! Yessss!!! Look for an NBA megablog at TJB's Sports Universe in the coming days.

---I shall finish with the following prediction: Michigan's Denard Robinson will win the Heisman. I love going out on a limb with my predictions.