Baseball Playoff Chronicles, Vol. 2

That was as satisfying a division series as I've ever experienced. This is the first time I can remember that all four teams that I rooted for were victorious. Actually, this is better described as a case where the four teams that I was rooting against lost. First, there were the perenially-gagging Braves, who mercifully excused themselves in a mere four games. Is there a more unloveable, uninspiring successful team in sports? Florida State football and Kentucky basketball come to mind. Next, there were the San Diego Padres, a team that I didn't see play one inning during their postseason run. I guess I'm just bitter that a team so untalented still mangaged to top my Giants in the NL West. If Barry and Benitez had been healthy all year, the Giants and Cardinals would be playing in Game 5 tonight.

Tonight, the Yankees bid adieu to the playoffs, in a series that was easily the best of the first round. It's so satisfying to see the Steinbrenner/Cashman philosophy of defense-be-damned slugging come crashing down in the glare of October. Finally, no first round result was sweeter for me than watching the Red Sox get swept. What a complete turnaround for this team that won my heart over last October. In the past year, it's been nothing but chest-beating, gloating and self-importance from Red Sox Nation, who viewed the ALCS as their birthright.

Here's to an LCS free of hateable teams.