League Championship ACTION

I am sad to report that the majority of the short sighted sporting world has jumped back onto the Bronx Bombers bandwagon. Is it because of the new guy playing 3rd base? And I don't mean ARod, because that is just a guy who looks like him, coming up with clutch hit after clutch hit in October. Is it because of their new staff ace, Carsten Charles Sabathia is throwing fire across the plate? Or is it because the Angels are plain boring and the Phillies and Dodgers are universally hated as much as they are loved?

Whatever the reasoning, the Yanks are getting way too much pub. They had a walkover in the opening round, with the undermanned Twins tired from 163 regular season games. They started strong against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to start the postseason 5-0, but ever since then it's been down to the final strike. It took a dozen innings in Game 2, but the Yanks delighted the hometown fans to go up 2-0. Anaheim was able to shake off their devastating defensive blunders and bad base running to outlast the Evil Empire and draw within a game heading into tonight's matchup.

Former Marlins skipper Joe Girardi isn't feeling the love today, as his managerial moves are being second and third guessed. Why not leave in arguably the best closer to ever play the game to record another couple of outs? Instead he shuffles out Robertson and Aceves, a pair of untested and unproven liabilities to the mound. Sabathia is back on the hill after a shortened rest, but the Angels are now flying high. Have the tides turned enough for Anaheim to even up the series? Or will New York return to its Empire State of Mind?

The Dodgers and Phillies are also leaving it all on the field, but unfortunately for us Mets fans out there, Philadelphia is coming out on top. Another walk off win for the Phils at home and the rabid fans almost blew their tops in triumphant jubilation. Ryan Howard joined Lou Gherig with his 8th consecutive postseason game with an RBI. LA's flamethrower Jonathan Broxton gave up the goods and now the Dodgers are back on their heels once again.

No matter what team you are cheering for, you have to admit that the excitement is palpable. You can sense the excitement for hours before each game, and if the league championships are any indication, this year's World Series is going to be one for the ages. Get ready for two fantastic finishes as the Dodgers are Angels are now playing with everything to lose and the Yanks and Phillies are trying to prove the masses right for picking them to win it all. The Phils are looking to be the first team with repeat series wins since the 2000 Yanks, but New York wants nothing more than to christen the House That Jeter Built with a statement screaming win.

Hold on to your hats, whether they are Burgundy or Blue or have an A with a halo or the vaunted NY. This one is going to be worth the wait of the marathon MLB season and you will be sorry if you miss a single pitch or swing. The action continues tonight and with week 6 of the NFL in the books, there is no excuse not to tune in. Let's hear it for playoff baseball and keep coming back for more.