Monday, October 01, 2007

NLDS News and Notes

1. The BIG story about the baseball playoffs is, obviously, the historic collapse of the New York Metropolitans. It is simply astounding to me that the Mets blew such a lead - especially because, on paper, I believe they have the most talent. It goes to show the importance of teamwork, dedication, and heart: the Phils have it, and the Mets don't. I don't expect that Tom Glavine's reputation will be stained too much by yesterday - it was, after all, merely one bad start in a career of excellence - but boy, he picked the wrong time to crap the bed.

2. Can anyone out there legitimately gripe about the wild card anymore? When play started Friday, we had seven teams competing for four spots with three games to go. It was a fantastic weekend of baseball...and now we are being rewarded for our patriotism with a rare 163rd game. It's hard not to like San Diego today, even against the red-hot Rockies, because Jake Peavy is a frickin' wizard on the mound.

3. If San Diego wins today's play-in game, I expect them to lose to Philly. Without much thunder in the lineup, and without Peavy for more than one game in the LDS (he won't be ready until Game 3 on Saturday), I don't see the Friars having the tools to take down the surging Phillies.

4. Never before has a Game 1 had more importance than in the Snakes-Cubs series. If Zambrano can best Webb (how's that for a matchup?!?!), the Cubs should ride the success to a series victory. But if the Big Fella loses on Wednesday, he'll feel serious pressure when he returns for Game 4 (if there is one) - and that's a risky proposition for the Cubs' talented but mercurial ace.

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