Obviously, as you know, they were the Brewers, White Sox and Angels.

Two – the White Sox and Angels – lived to see another day; however, the Brewers are done.

Two huge home runs by Pat Burrell, and an impressive performance by Joe Blanton, helped Philadelphia down Milwaukee, 6-1. The home team could not mount much of a challenge, and the squad that needed everything to go their way at the end of the regular season could not translate the same magic into October.

The NLCS could be one to potentially remember, as Philadelphia takes on the Dodgers. I think Manny Ramirez, his cohorts, and their pitching can match up with the Phillies in all aspects of game, and right now, I give them the advantage.

Although Joe Torre managed the Yankees, I am glad to see him in the post-season again, and not in pinstripe blue. Growing up, the Dodgers were my second team, so I am going to pick them in the NLCS.

As for the Brewers, it was nice to see another small market – especially a team that has not seen themselves in the playoffs after a generation gets in – however, this offseason will be one to watch for them.

Like I said in a previous entry, the Brewers’ ownership must make an offer to Sabathia – even if he turns it down – to just placate and give confidence to their fan base. Plus, you’ve got to wonder if they can even sign Sheets, keep their manager, and list of other stuff.

Tampa Bay starting pitcher Matt Garza was shaky, and the White Sox took advantage of him by getting hit after hit, especially Dewayne’s contributions with two hits and runs driven in. It was interesting watching the game how dominant the White Sox crowd was and I think it might have given them the advantage.

I figured the White Sox would win game three just because they were at home, and they had the impressive John Danks on the mound. I haven’t thought much of him this season, but he has been clutch for Chicago in the closing weeks and the post-season.

I like what he’s brought to the table, and it will be interesting to how Gavin Floyd (a tough pitcher) does versus Andy Sonnanstine – who has been slumping after his impressive first half. I still think Tampa takes the series in four; however, the White Sox have a veteran team that might give them some trouble.

That play would have ended the first inning and perhaps saved America from five hours of drama.

Los Angeles won the game, by the way, 5-4.

Mike Napoli helped the Angels with immensely with two home runs – the first being a two-run job and the second a solo one – to keep them in the game.

The game was tied at 4 in the fifth inning and deadlocked until the twelfth as Erik Aybar plated in Mike Napoli. Javier lopez took the loss, while Jered Weaver in his first relief appearance kept the Angels alive with his clutch performance.

Both teams had multiple chances to score and end the game, but they could not.
And more thing – K-Rod, oh K-Rod. Your 62 saves might net you a big pay once the games are done; however, from what I have seen so far, you’re a tad overrated. You’ve seemed to be shaky, and that home run you give up to J.D. Drew as not done any favors for your huge quest.

To be quite frank, there are six other closers I can name – including one who wasont he mound last night – whom I would rather have to a pressure packed situation (Fenway is that to the last degree) than K-Rod.

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How could Chicago’s finest not put up a fight against the Dodgers — a team that only finished with 84 wins? Harden was shaky in the first few innings, and for the most part did his job; however, the Cubs could not hot or draw anything when they were in scoring position; thus, lost the game and the series.

The Cubs didn’t look like a team that won the most in the National League, they looked more like, um — the Nationals. They could draw in runs, could not score, and their defense — especially in game two was atrocious — thus, it is little wonder why they were disposed of so quick? One would think now that the Dodgers have all the momentum in the world as their offense is so hot, along with their pitching — starting and relief — may send them to the World Series.

The Dodgers weren’t too fearsome on Saturday night, but their first inning made the difference.

It’s 101 years and counting for the Cubs. I don’t believe in curses, but maybe the Chicago Cubs are.

The Brew Crew after looking like they would make a quick exit along with the Cubds redeemed themselves yesterday. Dave Bush came through in the clutch — I don’t think anyone would have thought he’s only give up one earned run — and the Brewers won the game, 4-1. Thanks to an early 2-0 lead, Milwaukee shut down the heart of the order Utley-Howard-Burrell and were firmly in control the whole game.

Philly had a chance to come back in the game; however, Shane Victorino might have cost them momentum in the final inning as he ran into an interference call.

Philadelphia loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth and Pedro Feliz hit a double-play grounder to third that appeared to drive in Ryan Howard .

But Shane Victorino, who hit a grand slam off Sabathia in Game 2, was called for interference when he didn’t slide into second. The runners were sent back to second and third, and Carlos Ruiz tapped back to Torres for the final out.

The Brewers pulled rabbit out of the hat as Salmon Torres — who was shaky as hell — got the save and left the state of Wisconsin in the playoffs for another day.

The first game featured the upstarts Rays against the White Sox, and watching on TBS, it was shocking to see how many White Sox fans were there; nevertheless Tampa came back from a shaky first inning by Scott Kazmir — where he gave up two runs — and Chicago’s inability to do anymore damage against him.

In a 6-2 final, Tampa used small ball and a huge Akinori Iwamura home run in the fifth inning to breball, tampa bay rays eak it open.

Tampa’s bullpen kept the White Sox off the board, and in the end, they are now up 2-0 in the division series.

Anyhow, the biggest surprise to me has been how bad the Cubs have really played. Right now, it looks like they are done unless they can somehow win three more games, which is something that has never been done.

The entire Cubs infield looked horrible by making four errors, and the Dodgers thanks to the Dodgers taking advantage of the situation, and the continuing onslaught of Manny Ramirez led them to 10-3 victory. Zambrano looked shaky, despite over-powering at times; alas, his defense killed him — literally.

It looks like it may be yet another year where the Cubs don’t see the series, and if I were the Dodgers’ Frank McCourt, I might want to start drafting some papers to sign Ramirez. I would look away, hold my nose, hope he signs on the dotted and that Manny keeps up his new found maturity out West.

It looks like the Brewers nice little run is done. They don’t have the weapons to beat Philadelphia, and their offense seems to be asleep at the wheel.

C.C. Sabathia was off yesterday, and how could you fault him — they rode his back to the playoffs and has started umpteen days on three days rest — granted, he might have had an bad day, but you could only go the well so many times.

Of all people, it seems like Brett Myers did the most damage to Sabathia by making him pitch and exert of a lot of energy trying to get him out. Add the walks and an unexpected Shane Victorino home run and it was all over.

It will be interesting to see how the off-season plays out for the Brewers.

Sorry, Milwaukee.

As well, without Ben Sheets, they would have needed a miracle.

I hoped the Brewers would make it at least into the NLCS, but they are no match for an agressive Phillies team.

The Rays and White Sox game — which I saw in person yesterday — came out the way I thought it would, a victory to the little team-that-formerly-sucked, the Rays.

The star of the game was obviously Longoria. When he signed his six-contract a week or so into the season, I thought the Rays were insane, but they knew something that we didn’t, and now they potentially have the bargain of the century.

He hit two home runs to lead Tampa over Chicago. I was not expecting much from the White Sox, and they fought hard — especially during that bizarre exchange between Orlando Cabrera and Tampa reliever Balfour in the seventh inning (as well as his clutch performance).

They won 6-3, and being amongst all those people in Tropicana Field was cool — though it was very strange watching baseball in a dome and on turf, ugh.

Sorry, no baseball should ever be played in a dome or on turf.

The White Sox probably lose in 4 as Tampa has a complete team in all facets of the game; meanwhile, Chicago is old, has a weak bullpen aside from Jenks, and depend too much on the home run.

Of course, anything can happen…

I have been too focused on the other series to give the Red Sox-Angels much mind, but I think this might be out of all the series so far, the most balanced and competitive.

Jason Bay led the Red Sox to victory on the left coast with a two run homer off John Lackey in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s game.

I expect this series to go five; both teams have very good pitching, and their offense stack up well against one another. I give the slight edge to the Angels; however, the Red Sox are the reigning champions and have way too many tools in their arsenal to just fold.

ALDS, Series One: Rays vs White Sox/Twins (I am picking the Twins here)
Winner: Rays

ALDS, Series Two: Angels vs. Red Sox
Winner: Angels barely win.

NLDS, Series One: Cubs vs. Dodgers
Winner: Cubs, although I think the Dodgers truly gives Chicago a run for their money…

NLDS, Series Two: Brewers vs. Phillies
Winner: Brewers. I think the Phillies choke.

ALCS: Rays vs. Angels
Winner: Angels barely get by the Rays, this goes at least six games.

NLCS: Cubs vs. Brewers
Winner: The Cubs play an epic series with the Brewers. Milwaukee gets killed without Sheets, but fight Chicago tool and nail.

World Series: Cubs vs. Angels
Winner: I think destiny is on Chicago’s side, but anything in the playoff is possible.

The popular restaurant was seemingly filled to the walls with people — well over 500 or so — for the sold-out event that was far more laid-back and friendly; thus, it gave a chance for ardent Oriole fans a-once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet and mingle with their favorite players for three hours.

Walking the event, you could see Brian Roberts mingling with fans and well-wishers, or if you travelled a few feet in front of you, Nick Markakis signed anything and everything; meanwhile, if you ventured upstairs, Orioles hurler Jeremy Guthrie was taking all-comers in basketball, and only a few feet away, Brandon Fahey had a smile grin to grin after posing with some kids.

There was also an impressive display on the main floor with autographs of who’s who of baseball – stuff from Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, David Ortiz and more – to bid on, as well as a live auction later on the event selling memorabilia and opportunities to learn from the pros on the team with one-on-one lessons.

As far as the eye could see, there were players, fans and a ton of food laid out immaculately everywhere; however, Brian’s Baseball Bash is more than admirers celebrating their favorite players or getting an autograph or a picture, it’s all about a greater cause — improving the lives of sick children in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.

The event could not have been possible without Brian Roberts and it’s one that’s close to his heart – literally.

As most Oriole fans know who have attended a game or two within the past few years, he is known for spending some of his free time during season in Baltimore visiting sick children in the hospital and doing his part to lift their spirits. When Roberts was five years old, he had open heart surgery and despite it all, he beat the odds and has made a name for himself as one of the pre-eminent second baseman in the game; thus, as his career his taken off – he decided to give back to the community.

In a time where athletes have sometimes made headlines for all the wrong reasons, it’s nice to see someone like Roberts and the Baltimore Orioles do their little part to improving the lives of many in the community.

Here are some picture to start you all of with, and I’ll be back to reporting news and the lighter side of baseball in a bit…

Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles; Sep. 9th, 2008

If he’s injured far worse than expected — leave him out for the season.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals: Aug 3rd, 2008