World Series prediction

Tough one here.... the Rays are on such a roll right now, but they could be spent from that tough series against the Red Sox.

The Phils beat two relatively weak teams in the playoffs (at least compared to AL teams), and they've had a long layoff.

The big guns for the Phils have been too quiet and you know they are going to wake up at some point.

Being born in Philadelphia and always being an NL fan, I think this just might be the Phillies year. 2 more reasons: 1. I love Citizens Bank Park. 2 I hate the DH.

One more thing... what the hell do you call that surface on the field in Tampa? Sure is hell aint grass... get rid of that stuff. It's an embarrasment.

How many games? (I know you're asking) Well... I want every World Series to go the maximum of 7 games... it makes for great baseball and it makes the off-season that much shorter.

Enjoy!

Shame on the Networks

Now that we've reached the Championship Series in each league, the networks take over for both TV and radio broadcasts.

Baseball has long been known for great local announcers ... from Mel Allen for the Yanks, Red Barber for Brooklyn, Harry Caray for the Cardinals and later the Cubs, Bob Prince for the Pirates .... the list goes on and on. Players come and go, but it's the continuity of the broadcasters that helps you develop a relationship and affection for your team.

It just so happens that this year, the NLCS teams have two of the greatest broadcasters ever.

Since 1971, Harry Kalas has been the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. Besides his deep voice that you may recognize from his NFL Films work and many commercials, he's coined many catchy sayings over the years that have endeared him to Phillies fans. The team itself has named a restaurant at their ballpark in his honor.

And then there is the legend. For 59 years, yep... 59, Vin Scully has been the voice and the face of the Dodger franchise. He called games in Brooklyn, and has been in LA as long as the Dodgers have. He was voted Sportscaster of the 20th Century. He was named Dodger of the 20th Century, yet never threw a pitch, scored a run, or even donned a uniform. I've written enough about my affection towards him that I won't repeat it here.

My point is that it's such a shame that these legends will be spectators next week. They know their teams intimately. They have the unique perspective that nobody else does. The Phils and Dodgers battled it out several times in some great playoffs during the late 70's, and both were there for it all.

It's probably all about money and contracts, like everything else these days. But, why not do something for the good of the game, for the benefit of the fans. How great would it be for Dodger fans to hear Kalas' great voice ... to hear his unique perspective. Older Phils fans know Vin from the 80's when he was the voice of NBC's Game of the Week, but wouldn't a newer, younger group get a kick out of his knowledge?

Baseball is about history and tradition ... If you're reading ESPN and Fox, let these legends be a part of it!

Ok I was wrong

What an unpredictable and improbable postseason so far.

The White Sox win 2 just to get in and the Rays haven't crashed and
burned ... yet.

The team with the best record in all of baseball is on life support
and they have to win 2 in a row at a place where the home-field
advantage may be the most daunting anywhere.

The Phils are doing pretty much what I expected and I knew that CC's
tank would run dry at some point.

And then there are the Dodgers. The team with injuries. The team with
the shortstop that hasn't played since May. The team where a guy from
AA Jacksonville was the starting third baseman on opening day. The
team who hosted a visiting Manny at the Coliseum in March only to find
him wearing our uniform a few months later. The team with a 20 year
old lefty who would be huge down the stretch. The team with a moody
hall-of-famer second baseman tell the 59-year veteran voice of God
broadcaster that he talks too much. I could go on and on.

It's been a crazy season and it ain't over yet. This kind of stuff us
what makes this game like no other and I plan on enjoying the rest of
the ride, however long it lasts.

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Posted from iPhone