It's October, which is a sports lover's dream month--the NFL is in full swing as are the baseball playoffs, so some thoughts on each whether you like it or not.
The NFL
The Miami Dolphins have a better record than the Seattle Seahawks. As some friends can attest to I was devastated when the Jets (GAH *&$^#@( MANGINI okay I'm better now) released Chad Pennington and had my doubts when he was signed to the Dolphins, but he's proven to be a good fit. I don't think they'll set the world on fire, but don't be surprised if they go .500 this year.
Really, I didn't laugh when Tom Brady got hurt. Swear. The husband's my witness. The Patriots also have living proof that one can play in the NFL without having started a game since high school.
If you don't think offensive lines are that important, the 2007 St. Louis Rams and the 2008 Indianapolis Colts would like a word with you.
I must declare Oakland Raiders fans to be the most dedicated (or delusional) in the NFL. Seriously, your team is getting blown out 41-7 by the Broncos ... but yet the stands are still full and everyone's still cheering and yelling RAAAAIIIDDERRRRRS. Okay, there were a few yelling AL DAVIS NEEDS TO DIE but overall very into it. Respect the Black Hole, y'all.
Is anyone other than me surprised that Marvin Lewis still has a head coaching job? True, the Bengals have some of the worst ownership in the NFL but I don't think anyone expected the current 0-for the season. Can they just not play ... or do they just not care? Somehow I think it's the latter. I think there's a similar situation in St. Louis, whose ownership is also in turmoil. But hey, at least they're not 0-fer anymore.
MLB
So for the first time in thirteen years the Yankees didn't make the playoffs. That's what happens when you don't have pitching and nobody's hitting worth a damn. Being a Yankees fan as long as I have I have drawn the conclusion that the Yankees are in their off decade. They were decent in the seventies, sucked in the eighties, ruled in the nineties, faded away in the oughts. C'mon, 2010!
The Tampa Bay Rays, a team who has been in last place since their inception, is probably going to win the World Series this year. And if Joe Maddon doesn't get Manager of the Year I officially sanction a protest riot. With the exception of Carl Crawford and a couple of others this is an incredibly young team (the oldest pitcher in their rotation is James Shields, who's a doddering 26). Tampa's ownership also seems a bit more willing to cough up so they may not lose any to free agency.
The Atlanta Braves are dead. Long live the Philadelphia Phillies as the reigning NL East Dynasty. Another good young team with a great manager. I don't think they'll win the WS, but they'll make it interesting.
Boston Red Sox fans gloated when the Yankees failed to make the postseason ... only to watch in horror as their team implodes in the ALCS. Ironically, the pitcher who usually gives Sox fans fits, Daisuke Matsuzaka, has been the steady one. Josh Beckett, the notorious October stud, looked lost and uncertain on the mound (and may not be fully healthy) while Jon Lester, who is rapidly overtaking Beckett as the Sox's ace, looked like he was pitching batting practice. Add in the very cold bats and watch the bandwagoners flee.
Final WS prediction--Rays in six.
