MLB Playoffs Log 10/2

ALDS Game 1: Rays 6, White Sox 4

Looks like there is a new team of destiny this year. In their first playoff game ever, the Rays looked experienced in their win over the Sox. Timely hitting and solid defense will make them tough to beat. And just hand over the Rookie of the Year trophy to Evan Longoria already. Home runs in his first two playoff at-bats? Crazy good.
Chicago had its chance, though. Down 6-3 in the seventh, they loaded the bases with one out only to watch Uribe and Cabrera strike out. Trotting out Mark Buehrle for Game 2 should bode better than Vasquez for Chicago. Buehrle has the playoff experience to get a win. It's also good to see Konerko having good at-bats. I expect this series to head to the South Side tied at 1-1.

NLDS Game 2: Phillies 5, Brewers 2

The Brew Crew has been leaning on Sabathia the past month and it looks like their last leg just gave out. Probably due to exhaustion (4 starts in a row on short rest), CC didn't have his usual stuff, pulling a Dempster by walking two to load the bases and giving Victorino a grand trot around the bases. The second that slider was torched over Braun's head, everyone knew this series may be over. When I predicted the Phillies winning in four, I was counting on the Milwaukee ace taking this hand. Now they're in big trouble and they had better find their big bats to start outslugging the Phils or they are headed to Milwaukee for a longer stay than anticipated.
I do think Dave Bush can outpitch Jamie Moyer, but he's gonna need some support. (Yes, I'm talking to you Prince "Hitless" Fielder.) Again, I think it's a different series if they could have marched Ben Sheets out there tonight and given CC two more days of rest. But that's the way it goes...

NLDS Game 2: Dodgers 10, Cubs 3

The Cubs just enjoy proving me wrong -- when I claim they will lose, they win and when I (rarely) argue they're in line for a win, they lose. Another NL Central team in a 0-2 hole. Noone saw Zambrano giving up seven runs or the Cubs defense playing that terrible. Watching guys like DeRosa and Lee scrambling around after the ball in the dirt reminded me of a Little League game. All four infielders committed an error! I'd be interested to see how many times that has happened in playoff history. It's almost comical that Piniella is playing Fukudome to have the "best defensive lineup", meanwhile in the batter's box he's 0 for 8 with four K's and five men left on base.
But don't get me wrong, the Dodgers look great. Billingley pitched strong and the front third of that linup was red-hot. With Manny on fire, LA will be tough for anyone to beat. We'll see how they fare against Harden on Saturday.