WORLD SERIES...BITCHES!!!

Oh, so many things to love about a tense, tortuous 3-2 nail-biter to win the National League pennant:

*A bullpen that fires 7 shutout innings (Affeldt, Bumgarner, Lopez, Tim-May, and the Beard);
*The ebb and flow of chances on both sides (as yours truly, at the suggestion of Bill Simmons, sat watching in the fetal position);
*So many clutch defensive plays - Utley for the Phils, Huff to Renteria for the Giants;
*Juan OOOO-REEE-BAY hitting the game winner to the opposite field, so that punk Jayson Werth (former Dodger) could have a great look at it;
*The many shots of the Philadelphia crowd looking panicked/scared/etc.;
*And, of course, the Torturer himself, Brian Wilson, making things just a bit too interesting in the bottom of the ninth; however, when you throw a pitch like this:
Well, that would freeze many a batter (right, Mr. Beltran?)

We'll see you Wednesday - game 1

Why.Not.Us.

As I watched the Texas Rangers eliminate the New York Yankees last night, my first thought was that of happiness for long-suffering Ranger fans, who finally get to see what the World Series is all about...and my second thought was that of the countless Yankee fans who called into Mad Dog Unleashed before the game stating that "We have Texas right where we want them", and "We're the Yankees, and we're going to win it all!"

First off, dear caller, you do not wear the pinstripes, so please, spare me with the "We" "We" "We" talk...

Secondly, it's nice to have all the confidence in the world, but, you tend to forget that Phil Hughes was handed the task of saving your season...which is not good...

This brings me to tonight's clash between the upstart (Jonathan Sanchez) and the wily ol' vet (Roy Oswalt)...as I've been hearing for the last two days, the Giants have no chance - Oswalt today, former World Series MVP Cole Hamels tomorrow, so, Texas, pack your bags, your headed to the City of Brotherly Love...

But......Why.....Not......Us?

I have to channel my inner east coast sports fan, I suppose, but the Giants are in the driver's seat, and they're throwing a lefty who can neutralize Utley and Howard, who, by the way, threw the clincher for the Western Division this season, has thrown a no-hitter, and may be just the right guy to push us over the brink.

Now, a lot of superstitious people may be cursing me for jinxing this, but for god sakes, don't you think we Giant fans deserve the right to feel confident, to know that we'll close this out tonight, that things eventually balance out - I mean Oswalt has not lost once in Philly as a Phillie - that changes tonight.

Philadelphia has been king of the National League the past two years - that changes tonight.

Giants fans have suffered for far too long - that changes tonight.

Tonight IS the night!

I don't know how the rest of the post-season will go, but...

Geez - two months since the last post, eh?

It's a little past midnight here in West Hartford, and the house is quiet; spouse-asleep, son-asleep, while I, lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, I am energized; seeing your favorite pitcher on your favorite team set a franchise mark with 14 strikeouts, winning a 1-0 game, well, that'll get your adrenalin pumpling.

I know, I know - there are 10 more victories to attain, but, at least for a night/early morning, I feel really good about our chances.

Thank you, Tim-may, and good night...