I wasn't planning to post for a while - probably after Game 4. But, the weather decided to throw a wrench into a very good match-up between the New York Yankees' Andy Pettitte and the Philadelphia Phillies' Cole Hamels. After two games, the Series is tied as it kicked off the New Cathedral's maiden World Series voyage. The stage has shifted down the New Jersey Turnpike (or Amtrak's Northeast Corridor) to Citizens Bank Park in South Philly.

I'll admit that I have not watched the Series on FOX, so as soon as I turn the TV on - my brain exploded.

- Did Joe Buck get a hair coloring? I don't remember being him that blonde?

- When did FOX hire Ozzie Guillen as a pre-game show host?

- "The Cleveland Show" sucks!

- Cut that damn fauxhawk, Nick Swisher!

Here's a recap of the Series so far...

GAME 1- PHILADELPHIA 6, NEW YORK (AL) 1: Which former Cy Young Award-winning Cleveland Indian would kick off this Fall Classic? It wasn't C.C. Sabathia. Chase Utley made sure to remind C.C. of their last meeting in last year's NLDS. All the hype of "Sabathia in Milwaukee" became a meltdown for the big ace last fall. This fall was no exception - and Utley took one deep to broadcast that message loud and clear.

This was Lee's game: A rare complete game in a time of 100-pitch strategies. He only gave up one Yankee run. Still, Charlie Manuel was confident in his Cy Young Award-winning ace. The Phils gave Lee plenty of defense, in case he couldn't nail them with his arm. Yet, it was all Lee - ten strikeouts and a full day's work. PHILADELPHIA LEADS 1-0.

GAME 2 - NEW YORK (AL) 3, PHILADELPHIA 1: Pedro Martinez could've found someone to shove over. He didn't have to be 72 years old and wearing a Yankee uniform. Instead, Pedro concentrated on the mound. He also found himself locked in a duel with A.J. Burnett, the former outcast of the Toronto Blue Jays. Considering how Pedro was quietly ushered out of Queens, the duel of outcasts had to break somehow.

Pedro was broken. It took homers from Mark Teixeira, Hideki Matsui and a RBI pinch-hit single by "Hip, Hip" Jorge Posada to break their biggest nemesis. A.J. cruised for seven innings striking out nine Phils with peerless relief by Mariano Rivera. Who knew it would end up this way with the season Pedro had since returning to play with the Phillies? SERIES TIED 1-1.

As for tonight...stay tuned!

In a world where political correctness and civil libertarians are starting to impede on the standards of life, I still need to tread carefully when discussing matters of Native/First Nations affairs. After all, I live on the crossroads of the Ojibwe and the Dakota.

Such as the Cleveland Indians - Or, the ex-Tribe pitchers now facing each other in Game One of the 2009 World Series.

Did anyone see this coming? Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia - the last two American League Cy Young Award winners. Both were members of Eric Wedge-led Cleveland teams. Both were disciples of Carl Willis. Both also shared lockers.

Sabathia was the first to leave Progressive Field. He went to Milwaukee in hopes of riding a postseason train further than the 2007 Tribe. At least the Tribe went to the ALCS the season before. When his Brewers dream was null, he looked for a better deal. With the Steinbrenner's family hands wide open, Sabathia snatched the ball and became a Yankee.

Then, Lee left. He had the Cy Young last year in part to resurrect his career. When Sabathia headed to Wisconsin, it was Lee's ballclub to ace. He arrived in 2009, the Tribe in shambles, Wedge's job on the line - he bolted to Philly. All of the sudden, Cliff Lee became Cliff Lee again. That Cy Young swagger and methodical delivery in tact.

How many starting pitching match-ups in World Series history have you had the pleasure of witnessing? I'm certain we have seen a match-up of two masters on the mound where a hit would ruin the fun for the fan - a home run would end all expectations on the game.

The true winner will not be either the Yankees or the Phillies. Rather, the Cleveland Indians. It is a tribute to an organization that crafted fine ballplayers through a winning farm system full of the finest teachers of the game.

It all begins here. Photo by Randy Stern

A lot of us may not know what the term "Whiz Kids" refers to. However, if you're an honest-to-God Philadelphia Phillies fan, you have to - it's part of your history.

The "Whiz Kids" are the 1950 Phils, National League Champions. Before the 1980 World Series, Phillies fans always looked back at that year (and the 1964 Phillies - that almost won the NL) as "the last time" they had any great success. That was until 1980, then 1993 and last year.

Why bring up the "Whiz Kids?" Looking back 59 years ago, the Phils faced the New York Yankees - one of the greatest ball clubs of all time. The Phils looked pretty lucky to win the NL that season, while the Yanks were the dominant paradigm of baseball after World War II. In the end, Joe DiMaggio and Company swept the young Phils in four games. The memories of 1950 still lingered for a long time in and around the City of Brotherly Love.

The defending World Champions are far from the "Whiz Kids" of 1950. And, these Yanks are far from the great Pinstripe dynasties of the late 1930s through the early 1960s. Yet, these two teams, representing their respective leagues, are set for a meeting unlike any World Series held this decade - that is, if you simply set aside the 2004 Curse-killing Boston Red Sox triumph.

Welcome to the Liberty Series! It's a Bell facing off against a Statue - a rematch that waited 59 years to settle!

The problem I have with this match-up is how even these two teams are. One may have an edge over the other team, but that edge is cancelled out for another advantage - and so forth. It is Yankees power against a balanced Phillies attack at bat featuring consistent base hitting, speed and power. It is the Phillies starters and first line bullpen against core Yankees starting pitching. It's Brad Lidge against Mariano Rivera. It's Jimmy Rollins matching up against Derek Jeter - or, Ryan Howard and Mark Teixeira? Or, how about Jayson Werth against Johnny Damon?

I can go on. It's just hard to pinpoint an actual advantage for either team to show a clear winner and the number of games it will take for that winner to be crowned. After all, the Phillies aren't facing a debutant team, such as the Tampa Bay Rays. They've simply met their match in the Yanks.

The key to the Series has to do with how the Phils play in the first games in the Bronx. In turn, it will be how the Yankees play in South Philly. A win in the other's home ballpark may provide a roadmap for the rest of the series. It will be interesting how the Phillies' extra rest will affect their play ay Yankee Stadium against a fresher Pinstripe squad. Believe me when I say this will be a six-to-seven game series - instead of four-game one 59 years ago when these two teams last met for the championship.

On Wednesday evening on FOX, it begins in the Bronx. A new Cathedral sees its first Fall Classic unlike the many series played across the street in the old one. If you love irony, then you must love the pitching match-up between two former teammates: Cliff Lee for the Phillies and C.C. Sabathia for the Yanks. How's that for honoring Eric Wedge's legacy in Cleveland in light of hiring announcement of Manny Acta at the Tribe's helm prior to the start of Game 6 of the ALCS?

History and irony aside - let the Fall Classic begin!

So, it rained. It rained hard enough for the Commissioner's Office to cancel Saturday's Game 6 and reschedule it on Sunday. We can accept another day of waiting.

Hence the Tom Petty reference above...

Is it me, or was Joe Girardi's posture at his press conference on the postponement telling a bigger story than his responses to the press?

How do you deal with postponement? You get busy. If you go to Confessions of a She-Fan, Jane's got videos to get you through the day. Me? It was actually sunny this morning in The Cities so I did some autumnal and Halloween-themed photography (in lieu of tracking down some hard-to-find protest in St. Paul to photograph) and caught up on work for grad school. I also did some work on the photos from a coffeehouse set by a local musician. Good news is that he loved them.

Speaking of Confessions, check out a review of her book. Better still, support this fellow writer by buying her book or picking a copy up at your local library!

Will Game 6 of the ALCS happen tonight? It better!

Did anyone think that the Los Angeles Angels would pull off this victory in Game 5?

It started out strong for the Halos until the seventh inning. That's when the New York Yankees climbed back and snagged the lead. Yet, it took a concerted effort in the bottom of the seventh to not only catch A.J. Burnett on a bad inning, but for the Halos to retake the lead for good.

The series goes back to the Bronx. Everything is on the line. The Philadelphia Phillies will have to wait until the weekend to know where to go. I'll have to wait to do a World Series preview post until then.

Tonight, judgment will reign over Citizens Bank Park in South Philly. With the Philadelphia Phillies up 3-1 in the NLCS, the Los Angeles Dodgers have two options: Win and go home to salvage the rest of the series or Lose and go home - period. That will depend on whether Manny Ramirez will show up from his early shower or not.

Tomorrow night, the Los Angeles Angels are backed into the wall of their own ballpark thanks to the New York Yankees. The Yanks also have two options: Close out and reverse their curse applied by the Halos, or end up losing to close the series back in the Bronx. These Angels have pushed the Yanks to the limit before. They just need that one victory on their home turf to toss the Yanks back into defense mode.

With the dream Freeway Series on the brink of being destroyed, can a Northeast Corridor Series have the same impact when the World Series begins next week? Only these next two evenings will tell.

I'll make this quick: The New York Yankees fly west to Orange County thinking they have their Los Angeles Angels problem solved. They took the first two inside the New Cathedral headed for the Big A. Game Three of the ALCS is a Monday afternoon affair designed to halt the progress of office workers from Buena Park down to San Clemente and, possibly, out to Indio.

If the Yankees take the Angels out of this game, the water cooler will be an unhappy place to meet up at with a few minutes to go before jumping on the freeways.

Speaking of freeways, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a split in Chavez Ravine into chilly Philadelphia tonight for Cliff Lee and the Phillies. The chill froze the Dodgers offense. Cliff Lee has been pitching a shutout through eight. Chad Durbin closed it out - without the save designation. Still, the Phils took control form start to finish sending a statement that the Dodgers will have a tough time taking the NL's flag into the World Series as long as the air is cold and the home bats are hot.

If perchance we do not get a Freeway Series and neither of the Southern California teams makes it, then we will have a rematch of the 1950 World Series. The Yankees swept the Phillies back then. I doubt this will be a repeat if this match-up happens.

Photo by Randy Stern

The Twins final home game inside the Metrodome was a forgettable experience. It not only catapulted the Yanks into the ALCS, but it also paved the way for the Vikings to do whatever they want to the place. Just throw the keys at the Wilfs on the way out.

This season was extraordinary in my baseball life. Seven MLB games attended, an additional short season independent league game thrown in and visits to a total of four ballparks marked this remarkable year. The Metrodome saw my patronage four times, including the amazing AL Tiebreaker. This season provided my first visits to US Cellular Field in Chicago, Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Miller Park in Milwaukee received my third visit ever.

What stood out this past season was the mix of experiences I had attending these games.

WATCHING A BALLGAME IN NEW YORK: I've always seen the old Cathedral on television. The upper deck that towered above the South Bronx, the insanity of Yankee fans - all thought to be true. Not only was this a New Cathedral, but one that honored the past with a new beginning. It was also extremely fan friendly. It was just the details that made this place stand out: All seats pointing to home plate and carryover details from the old building. Amid this feast in excellence was a pretty good ballgame. The Yankees won - but you'd expect them to put on a good show for the fans regardless. To me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to punch my ticket to this ballpark. My hope is that Target Field can only ratchet the experience a notch when I get in a game next season.

VISIT ENOUGH TIMES AND YOU GET IN A GAME: This decade alone saw many visits to Chicago for me. Every trip I can guarantee passing by either Wrigley Field or US Cellular Field. I always try to get into the park on Clark & Addison, but could never get the dates right to do so. This time, I swallowed my pride and headed south on the Red Line "L" to 35th Street. I live in the Twins Cities and go to Twins games as much as I can. These guys are the enemy. For one night, I set aside all avarice for a Saturday evening on the Southside. How was it? You might say that the next time I'm in Chicago during baseball season, I'm going to Wrigley Field.

BASEBALL IS TRULY AMERICANA: A lot of us MLBloggers know that the Majors aren't the absolute answer for our baseball jones. If you read More Cowbell, our Rays fan had to drive an hour-and-a-half to Port Charlotte to witness some success in the organization. Sadly, he saw the Tampa Yankees take the Florida State League title away from the Stone Crabs. I wasn't looking for a minor league championship, per se. Instead I saw collegiate ballplayers getting their breaking training in the Northwoods League an hour from home - in St. Cloud, Minnesota. There was nothing polished about these guys, but it was an entertaining evening of baseball. I enjoyed my trip to St. Cloud that I intend to catch another Northwoods game in 2010. Within an hour-and-a-half of home are the Mankato Moon Dogs and the Rochester Honkers - this year's league champions. I'm also considering an Iowa or Omaha trip next year as well. That would mean the Royals (in Omaha - AAA), the Cubs (in Des Moines - AAA) or the Kernels (in Cedar Rapids - A).

THE ABSOLUTE WORST MOMENT OF 2009: Twins fans always had faith in Joe Nathan as a closer. He came through for the Twins every time he was called out of the bullpen. Since early September, he has simply failed the hearts of fans and the team. On what was supposed to be my final Twins home game inside the Metrodome, the Twins led into the ninth inning with Nathan on the mound and two outs. The Chicago White Sox's Gordon Beckham comes up - and hits a home run into left field. The game is now a one run difference with the Twins leading. Paul Konerko comes up. On one swing, it's a brand new ballgame. Nathan walks two more and is yanked for Mark Guerrier. Then, Alexei Ramirez steps in for the Southsiders. Ramirez hits a single bringing both base runners in for the stolen victory. Not only did the White Sox embarrass their hosts, they prevented a Twins sweep of the mid-week series. You couldn't get this ugly if anyone tried.

THE ABSOLUTE BEST MOMENT OF 2009: The AL Tiebreaker at the Metrodome. It wasn't just a twelve-inning game - it was an out of body experience. I have never experienced it live - the Homer Hankies, the sonic implosion of 54,000 people underneath a Teflon roof and the raw emotion only reserved for Vikings fans. This was beyond my only other postseason experience in the Dome: Game 3 of the 2004 ALDS with the New York Yankees neutralizing the home field advantage throughout the game. Through twelve innings, I stood up, yelled, waved an old Homer Hankie from 2006 (that I never used - since I somehow lost the new one they gave me at the gate). The emotional rollercoaster crested on Alexi Casilla's at-bat in the bottom of the Twelth. As Carlos Gomez crossed home plate - all emotions let loose. It was the moment I always dreamed of being a part of. The reality of it was nothing short of amazing.

I suppose the only writing left is the League Championship Series, the World Series and any crazy deals that might happen between November and February. Next year will be a challenge if things turn around in my professional career as I am currently in transition due to the economy. This will definitely put a pinch on my commitment to the number of games I'd like to go to at Target Field next season, along with any road trips worth taking. Aside from short hops to points along the Northwoods League trail, down in Iowa/Nebraska or over to Wrigley Field, I'm also eyeing some independent baseball action in Fargo, Sioux Falls and Sioux City. Kansas City also seems doable, but I'll see what transpires in my professional life when the season comes into play.

To achieve what I've achieved and witnessed some of my finest personal moments in the game, I took risks and a greater vision of this simple thing I love. It's a beautiful game and you never grow old watching it.

Mom must be happy now up in heaven. Here's another chance for the first-ever Freeway Series in World Series history. This is the penultimate dream for Southern California fans, like my brother, his family and few other folks I know, to have the greatest spotlight in baseball shine along the Santa Ana Freeway.

This San Fernando Valley native cannot wait. But, how could this be achieved? Well...

NEW YORK (AL) vs. LOS ANGELES (AL): For the Freeway Series to finally happen, the Angels must figure out how to take advantage of a regular season record of 5-5 against their next opponent - the Yankees. They have won at each other's house, which also equalizes on any advantage either team may have. The Halos are a swashbuckling bunch while the Yanks rely on pure power. Even pitching is matched well, though one would argue on the side of the Yankees starters over the Angels. I would pick Brian Fuentes to close over Mariano Rivera, however.

For the Angels to get any footing in this series, they must win either one of the first two games in the Bronx. For the Yankees, a win in Anaheim will help. I expect this series to go six games, however I will root for the Angels.

LOS ANGELES (NL) vs. PHILADELPHIA: The Dodgers have the home field advantage in this LCS. This means many things, but it could also be a determent. Last year, all the pressure in the world fell on the shoulders of the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers exploited this situation in the NLDS and took advantage of a Cubs team that crumbled under pressure. Are the Dodgers feeling the same pressure? They certainly don't seem like it, however they will again face the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies in another NLCS.

Given the home field advantage, the Dodgers need to take control of the Phils during Games 1 and 2 at Chavez Ravine. The key to the rest of the series is whether the Dodgers can win at Citizens Bank Park during the middle three games. The Phillies took one loss at home in the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies, so it is doable. This series looks like a six-gamer sending the Dodgers to a possible Freeway Series.

The NLCS starts Thursday, while the junior circuit begins on Friday. If we can move these series up another day or two...c'mon, baseball in November?!?

A few times on this blog, I refer back to the Donnie Moore/Dave Henderson incident where the tide was turned in the 1986 American League Championship Series. Just when the California Angels thought they had a date with the New York Mets in the World Series, Dave Henderson came up for the Boston Red Sox and homered off one of the Halos best arms. This was not only pivotal in the history of the Anaheim franchise, but would haunt Moore all the way through his tragic death.

Every time these two teams would meet, the ghost of Donnie Moore would appear. It would haunt the Angels giving the Red Sox ownership of their West Coast rivals in the postseason. Until today...

Jonathan Papelbon. The Red Sox closer was always fired up when the call was made. He comes in on the cue of the Dropkick Muprhys' "Shipping Off to Boston," a Gaelic-punk rouser featured in the movie The Departed. Pap came to retain a 6-4 lead and keep the Halos away from a sweep. Unfortunately, he couldn't seal the deal. Bobby Abreu connected to tie the game with Erick Aybar making across home. Pap intentionally walked Torii Hunter, which was supposed to stop the bleeding for the Sox. However, it didn't. The next batter, Vladimir Guerrero, drove a Papelbon ball to score Chone Figgins and Abreu around for the lead.

With Brian Fuentes closing out the bottom of the ninth inning, the ghost of Donnie Moore was forever exorcised. The Angels finally figured out how to beat the Red Sox in the postseason. Upstairs, the Singing Cowboy was smiling broadly above Fenway and the rest of New England. Yet, this was Arte Moreno's club now. Without Moreno, what kind of ball club these Angels would be?

Now, the Halos will face the New York Yankees in the ALCS by virtue of another sweep - this time, against the Minnesota Twins. The Angels will have their work cut out for them. These two two teams split their season series, 5-5. An Angels-Yankees ALCS would end up on the favor of the Pinstripes as they'll have home field advantage over the Halos.

Yes, I'm pulling for the Angels this time around - not just for the AL Championship, but for a Freeway Series!

When the Los Angeles Dodgers first met the St. Louis Cardinals in baseball's postseason, the Dodgers were considered the frontrunners for the 1985 National League title. Yet, these Cardinals had other plans. After six games of the NLCS, the Cardinals derailed the Dodgers. Since then, the Cards owned the Dodgers in the postseason - both times enabling a World Series berth.

The Cardinals ownage of the Dodgers ended Saturday night at Busch Stadium. The Boys in Blue swept their way into the NLCS, a return voyage for the second year in a row. This marks the second straight sweep of the NLDS by the Dodgers, last year's victim being the Chicago Cubs.

What went right for the Dodgers? Compared to last year, this club simply gelled together. Their late season slip has almost been forgotten. The right bats came alive when they needed to and a new leader emerged aside from Manny Ramirez. If you haven't heard the name Andre Ethier - you will hear it more now. In the tradition of Koufax, Garvey, Scioscia, Piazza and Karros - Ethier is a farm system-produced Dodger forged to become a legend in Chavez Ravine. He bleeds Dodger Blue - as Tommy Lasorda would say.

Without asking the question, mistakes killed the Cardinals. Matt Holiday's miscue late in Game 2 was just the pivot to what came in Game 3. The Cardinals simply did not look as strong as they have all season long. Between fielding flaws and quiet bats, the Cards' biggest weakness was regarding decisions made on pitching rotations and relievers. After Wainwright's strong start in Game 2, Game 3 was simply pathetic on the mound. I'll contend that starting Joel Pineiro was not the smartest idea for Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan. John Smoltz was a better choice to start Game 2 to move Wainwright into Game 3.

The Dodgers now await the winner of the Philadelphia Phillies-Colorado Rockies NLDS set Game 3 at Coors Field this evening.

Speaking of which, I'm puzzled as to why Pedro Martinez had to be swapped for J.A. Happ because of the date difference. Does Pedro have an expiration date? Sure, Happ's younger, but what does that have to do with who starts Game 3 whether it was postponed or not? I'd still stick with Pedro unless he says he can't go on with the delay. If that is the case, I'll accept the pitching change by the Phils. I doubt it was that case at all.

Again with pitching, with a 0-2 deficit in the ALDS, I'm still questioning whether Clay Buchholz should be starting for the Boston Red Sox against Scott Kazmir and the Los Angeles Angels. Sure, Kazmir has a 3.05 ERA against the Sox, but Buchholz has not been on during the past several weeks. This should be interesting to watch.

Lastly, the Minnesota Twins seem to think that Carl Pavano would match up well with Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees tonight inside the Metrodome. However, the Yanks swept the Twins in the regular season inside the building and it will depend on my how many Yankee fans would be amongst the (almost) sold out crowd. Obviously, they'll be the ones not waving Homer Hankies.

BTW, I have a bone to pick with the Twins Ticket Office...

Not to nitpick, but the umpiring has been less than stellar this postseason (putting it mildly, yes - let's just say it downright stinks!). Guys, can we determine exact strike zones and whether a ball is actually fair or foul going forward, please?

As the last of the Game 2s of the League Division Series are in the record books, the sites are switched and any series can go any which way but loose.

There were some things that stood out amongst these four series. Some of these were outstanding - others puzzling.

LOS ANGELES (NL) vs. ST. LOUIS: I wasn't convinced that Adam Wainwright was the right choice to start for the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium. If I were Tony LaRussa, I'd save him for Game 3 - the first game at Busch Stadium. LaRussa almost won this gamble, as Wainwright did quite well on the road. His relief, along with Matt Holiday's faux pas, ran into a walk-off situation by Mark Loretta for the Los Angeles Dodgers to sweep the first two games at Chavez Ravine. Going back to St. Louis will put more pressure on the Dodgers to win in front of a hostile crowd. My question for LaRussa is whether we'll see Chris Carpenter in Game 4, if the Cards win on Saturday. The reason why I ask is I cannot see anyone other than Carpenter or Wainwright giving the Cards a chance on the mound in this series. That speaks volumes on LaRussa's leadership - a manager known for crafting rotations with his right hand man, Pitching Coach Dave Duncan.

PHILADELPHIA vs. COLORADO: Did the Colorado Rockies surprise me by winning Game 2 at Citizens Bank Park? Against Cole Hamels - yes. Still, I had to recall back to 2007 on how the Rox shocked the Philadelphia Phillies the first time around. For the Phils, the stakes were definitely high as defending World Champions. For the Rox to steal one in their house, with many thanks to the blunders the Phils made that day, was another shock to this match-up. Heading back to Denver, the question is whether Pedro Martinez can bring the Phils back into the NLDS at a mile above sea level on Saturday? Numbers would help, but instinct and strength needs to be taken in consideration for Saturday's late Game 3. It could be one Rocky Mountain high if Pedro takes command in Game 3.

LOS ANGELES (AL) vs. BOSTON: Did anyone question how mad the Los Angeles Angels were when they drew the Boston Red Sox again? Game 1 was more a whooping than a game - with Jon Lester taking the fodder no less! At least the Sox scored in Game 2, but the Angels were clearly in control. Sunday brings the series to Fenway Park and hopes for the Red Sox to get back into contention. I'm not very confident they will. Instead of Dice-K, Terry Francona is sending Clay Buchholz to the mound in Game 3. Sorry, Terry, but I would've chosen someone more solid than Clay. Yet, with Tim Wakefield unavailable, Buchholz is the only card in his hand - which, again, I disagree. If Buchholz pitches on Sunday the same way he has pitched in last several outings (Inconsistent, for the most part), the Angels may make history here erasing an 0-for-Boston postseason record dating back to Dave Henderson, Donnie Moore and the 1986 ALCS.

NEW YORK (AL) vs. MINNESOTA: My biggest concern for the Minnesota Twins came in Game 1. With less than 24 hours since the end of the AL Tiebreaker, the Twins ran out of gas as the New York Yankees took command of Game 1 in the Bronx. Those two Twins runs ahead of Derek Jeter's homer were no fluke. They were runs that surprised the Yankees - and the Twins. Those guys ran on fumes. Then, the reserve tank started emptying out with a runner on base and Jeter at bat. The rest was devastating.

Did Thursday's rest day helped? Despite the so-called "Catcher Controversy," it prolonged the game into extra innings. Mark Teixeira walked it off in the end. Now, the Twins will enter into the Metrodome with a disadvantage of a sweep in Yankees Stadium. Considering the Twins are 0-for-2009 with the Pinstripes, Game 3 will be a hard climb for Gardy's team.

A local note: In regards to Games 3 and 4 of the ALDS at the Metrodome, it is officially sold out. The Twins Box Office has been directing ticket seekers to the Internet, i.e. StubHub, for individual games.

It all starts today - Octoberquest 2009. If last night's Tiebreaker was any indication how this Postseason will go - may I suggest some seatbelts and airbags just in case.

The match-ups are strong, but this game has an unpredictability factor unsurpassed in any competition of any nature. Not even a crazy Top Gear race (On BBC America, BTW) can get as good as these League Division Series. I'll explain this reference later - the match-ups, as follows:

LOS ANGELES (NL) vs. ST. LOUIS: The last time these two met, the Cardinals were en route to a fateful meeting with the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. That was 2004. Also note that the Cardinals never lost a NLDS match-up since 1996. The odds must be against the Dodgers, right? Both teams have their advantages and drawbacks on pitching, batting and fielding. This can be a good series as long as the Dodgers compensate without Hideki Kuroda in the lineup. Also, as long as Manny Ramirez doesn't get into a selfish mood, the Dodgers could match the Cards through the five game series. It may have to come down to Dodger Stadium in Game 5.

PHILADELPHIA vs. COLORADO: The Rockies arrive into their third ever NLDS drawing the Phillies for the second time. They shocked the Phighting Phils in 2007 en route to a World Series match up with the Red Sox. However, the Rox are facing the defending World Series champions this time around - turnaround being fair play. However, these Phils are an improved team with edges all over the place. Therefore, I would pick the Phils starting pitching over the Rockies in this series. You put Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton together, add either Pedro Martinez or J.A. Happ to the rotation - you have a strong starting corps to augment an even stronger bullpen. Don't expect the Rockies to roll over so easy on the Phils, though.

LOS ANGELES (AL) vs. BOSTON: This will be the third straight ALDS these two teams will meet up, the fifth time overall in postseason history. In total, the Angels have never beaten the Red Sox in any postseason match-up. This is what makes this match-up delicious for Red Sox Nation as they claim to own Gene Autry's old ballclub since Dave Henderson's 1986 Series-changing homer off Donnie Moore. Could history change? Maybe, but the Red Sox has gotten stronger on several counts. Tim Wakefield will sit out this series, but that leaves Daisuke Matsuzaka to follow Jon Lester up front on the mound. Also, Victor Martinez adds another dimension of balance at either catcher or first base. I can see V-Mart as an edge against the Angels. However, those guys in Anaheim are hungry - but can they figure out how to beat the Red Sox in the postseason? Scott Kazmir may be the key to the Angels, as the usual suspects know they need to step up their game. Don't expect an outcome until they get deep into Game 5 at Anaheim. This one's going to be as tight and hard fought as the Dodgers-Cardinals series.

NEW YORK (AL) vs. MINNESOTA: I know there are plenty of people who will say that the Yankees will advance no matter what. I wouldn't be so sure. It will come down as to which team will be the best at bringing on the late innings drama. Game 1 may be in the Yanks court due to the short turnaround by the Twins from their 12-inning Tiebreaker stunner. From there, they both take a day off in New York. I am not sure whether there is a further advantage for either team, but I fear the Twins' rhythm will be off through Game 4. Game 2 will be critical, if not setting the tone on how Game 3 inside the Metrodome will be. My suggestion is to check in after the eighth inning of Game 3 before we see a winner of this series.

Now, whom do I want to win? Obviously, there are some favorites amongst this lot. There's also the Los Angeles native inside of me that wants a Freeway Series after how many decades! There's the hoarse-voiced Twin Cities resident (again, me) that wants the Twins to keep on squatting in the Metrodome further to the ire of Zygi Wilf - all the way to the World Series. However, there's the Red Sox fan of 34 years (oh yeah, that's me, too!) who figures that three Commissioner's Trophies in the lobby of Fenway Park is better than two.

No matter how you dissect the match-ups, expect an amazing and dramatic Postseason this year.

Photo by Randy Stern

In my 39 years of attending baseball games have I ever seen a game such as this!

It took twelve nail biting innings and a rollercoaster of highs and lows to get there. I cannot describe the exact play or the scenario which Detroit Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney gave up a key single to Alexi Casilla that gave Carlos Gomez the green light to score from second base. This was after over four hours of superlative baseball.

The Minnesota Twins became the American League Central Division Champions for the third time since I became a resident of the Twin Cities, the fifth since splitting into three divisions per league. Their next game is tomorrow night with the New York Yankees expecting their opponent's hasty arrival.

Now, I was under the impression that when the Twins announced the next game being on Sunday that the Yankees decided to start the ALDS on Thursday. Apparently, I was wrong. The Yankees decided to start on Wednesday at 6:07PM Eastern/5:07PM Central, which gives the Twins a possible disadvantage. To jump from the tiebreaker to the ALDS in less than 24 hours will be risky for the Twins. One would hope that the Twins can get ready in short order before the festivities begin at the New Cathedral in the Bronx.

For me, it wasn't about the ALDS and the Tiebreaker. It was an experience beyond description. Waving an old Homer Hanky to get the Twins to win. Sharing the excitement and the disappointments with every at bat amongst everyone in section 117, rows 24-26. Being completely immersed in the tightest game I've ever witnessed at any ballpark.

That was once heck of a finish to a fine season.

BTW, you can also check out photos from the game here.

The Detroit Tigers won when they needed to. They took on the spoilers from the Southside on with Justin Verlander on the mound. The result was a necessary 5-3 win at Comerica Park.

However, the Twins played their usual "score as many runs as possible before anyone decided to do something about it" to the Kansas City Royals again. As with the past two games, the Twins let the Royals back into the game. This time, they stopped from scoring more than four runs. The final score was 13-4.

What this means is that the Twins aren't leaving the Metrodome until they get into the postseason. To Zygi Wilf, the Pohlads are squatters. To the National Football League, the Wilfs, ESPN and Brett Favre, that Monday date normally reserved for tiebreakers as deemed by the Commissioner's Office does not belong to Major League Baseball.

Fine, we'll play Tuesday. And, you better revert the field back to Twins standards, Mr. Wilf!

Oh, BTW...I'm going Tuesday!

I'm not done with the Twins just yet. I'm not done with this blasted building before I don my purple for the Vikings in November. And, thanks to these Twins and this Dome, this will be my second "post-season" visit. The last one was the ALDS with the New York Yankees in 2004, courtesy of my ex. This one is a solo voyage.

This brings up a story: In 1978, the Dodgers and the Yankees were embroiled in another World Series. My mom worked for a royal jerk of a boss (who later was busted on an embezzlement racket after mom's stroke a year later) who had tickets for Game 6 at Chavez Ravine. At around 4:30PM, her boss just gave them to her. I believe she only got two seats - there were three of us in our family. She came home by 5:10PM very upset. It wasn't about the tickets, let alone the game started at 5:30PM (It would take us 45 minutes from door to seat with traffic on the Ventura and Golden State Freeways in consideration). It was how those tickets were presented. She simply did not go and those tickets were left on the mantle by the front door that night. I don't think we watched it on television, either. At least mom didn't.

It wasn't that she no longer cared about her Dodgers. It was the way she was treated because of her love for them. This is why I call this blog "The Heirloom" as a reminder that as much as the people I associate with in my daily lives look oddly at me for my love of baseball - they shall never let that part of my life be sullied because of it. This is all because my mother taught my brother and I to live our lives the best way we can through the good and the bad.

That's why I'll be there on Tuesday at 4:00PM Central to see the Tiebreaker game.

Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers won a game! Took them long enough! Better still, they won the NL West last night. On top of all that, the Dodgers also own home field advantage throughout the NL's postseason. They will start their quest to return to the World Series for the first time since 1988 by meeting the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.

You see how one win can resolve everything?

The Colorado Rockies shouldn't be disappointed, as they will return to the postseason as the NL's Wild Card. The Rox draw the Philadelphia Phillies in their NLDS. Both NLDS matchups start on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium and Citizens Bank Park.

Yet, there is one more race to be settled - possibly today: The AL Central.

Those Minnesota Twins are amazing, aren't they? I counted them out a few weeks ago and now they're tied for the AL Central lead thanks to another Chicago White Sox win on the road against the Detroit Tigers. The Twins' win over the Kansas City Royals wasn't pretty, but Michael Cuddyer did what he's been doing for the past month: Getting the key hit to win the game. Now, after all the pomp of the pre-game ceremonies at the Metrodome, we will find whether there will be postseason baseball inside Mall of America Field or not. That's no thanks to Zygi Wilf and Brett Favre!

So, on the final day of the regular season, the scenario is quite clear. If both the Tigers and Twins win or lose today, they'll play Tuesday at the Mall of Amer...er, the Metrodome. However, if one of them wins, while the other loses, the winner faces the New York Yankees in the ALDS.

In employment news, I need to applaud the furlough of J.P. Ricciardi from his position of General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. His record of employee relations had not been sterling. I won't waste bandwidth as to the many things that transpired at Rogers Centre, but the whole clubhouse turmoil drama involving Manager Cito Gaston is probably what did Ricciardi in. However, this will be a matter Jays CEO Paul Beeston will enlist Interim General Manager (and Montrealer) Alex Anthropoulos to resolve.

Then, the San Diego Padres let go of their General Manager Kevin Towers. This one I felt as Towers has always been one of the most respected guys in his position. I'm very certain that Towers will be hired elsewhere. However, the larger question remains as to who will be the Padres' next GM to work under the thumb of Jeff Moorad?

Is this the season of letting go GM's versus field Managers again? Stay tuned...

Now, it's one game apart.

If you're reading the standings closely, the AL Central and NL West are not even close to being a done deal.

Last night's games were astonishing - as someone had this scripted. The Chicago White Sox, behind Jake Peavy, shut out the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Field last night, 8-0. Then, the Minnesota Twins almost let the Kansas City Royals back into the game after a rip-roaring start. In the end, Joe Nathan closed it and the Twins won 10-7 inside the (possibly) third-to-the-last game inside the Metrodome. Later in the evening, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued the slide in a close one. The Colorado Rockies held out the last hand in a 4-3 victory at Chavez Ravine.

Now, one game separates first and second place in both the NL West and AL Central. This is absolutely incredible!

This makes today's schedule of games even more important. FOX asked the Twins to move up their 6:10PM Central start today to accommodate for a telecast at 3:10PM Central, so they're up first. The only other twist in this game at the Metrodome is the Royals' have Zach Greinke on the mound against the Twins. The Twins know they have to beat the Cy Young candidate to force at least a tie for the top of the AL Central.

Once this game is over, the Tigers are up at 6:10PM Central with the Southsiders again. One would think Jim Leyland would have Rick Porcello up on the mound - but, no. This is too good of a scenario for the Twins as Leyland puts up another young pitcher against Freddy Garcia. Alfredo Figaro? You'd think he'd win the pennant for you, Jim? Let me spot you Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko and see what happens - and let Ken Harrelson make the call on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

Later in the evening, say about 9:10PM Central, the Dodgers take the field against the Rockies again at the Stadium. Jim Tracy has Jorge de la Rosa on the mound - one of the hottest pitchers of late. If this game is like last night, it's going to be a close one. Just lay off the fingernails.

If you have XM, the satellite TV package or MLB.TV, you'd do nothing all day from mid-afternoon until late in the evening watching these games intently. Yet, some of us have lives - and iPhones with MLB's app. Your date's not going well, enable the web portion of your phone to MLB.com!

If you ask me, it's just another Saturday on the final weekend of the regular season.

If the Tigers win the AL Central, the Metrodome would like look this. Photo by Randy Stern

Seven teams are "in." Three slots remain unresolved, including two division titles (NL West and AL Central) and the NL Wild Card. It comes down to three series to determine these final spots in the Postseason. Here's what to expect:

COLORADO at LOS ANGELES (NL): The Dodgers were hoping to avoid this, but the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres made this very complicated. On the other hand, the Rockies gnawed off their postseason ticket by closing out their home regular season against the Milwaukee Brewers. Now, these two teams are two games apart - and anything is possible. It's not that easy for the Dodgers to use Chavez Ravine as an advantage, but they could easily squander it away. A Dodgers win tonight clinches the NL West and gives the Rockies the NL Wild Card slot. A Rockies win tonight narrows the gap to a single game. A Rockies sweep this weekend on the road steals the NL West away from the boys in blue, forcing Manny and company into the NL Wild Card spot.

CHICAGO (AL) at DETROIT: The Tigers couldn't put it away yesterday with the Minnesota Twins. With a two game buffer ahead of the Twins, the Tigers are in a "must win" situation against the visiting Southsiders. Comerica Park will be closely watched because the White Sox have the potential to become spoilers in this case. There's no way Ozzie Guillen would just give the AL Central flag over to Jim Leyland and his team. Leyland has a fantastic team at ready and Edwin Jackson on the mound tonight. All they need to do is to watch the proceedings inside the Metrodome closely.

KANSAS CITY at MINNESOTA: How do you close out your time inside the Metrodome? A miracle a la 2006. To finish the deal, the Twins must play an emotional sweep to make things more interesting. Any Royals win, combined with any Tigers win will give Detroit the final spot in the ALDS against the New York Yankees. What if there's a tiebreaker? Then, the Metrodome sees baseball for another day - on Tuesday, after the Vikings-Packers Monday night madness settles down.

If you not watching any of these series, I salute you! You are the smartest people in the room. Before the postseason is settled, things will get real ugly. Imagine Chicago not getting the 2016 summer Olympics today - yep, that ugly.

It was a class way to clinch. The Philadelphia Phillies honored their longtime broadcaster, the late Harry Kalas, at his memorial on the outfield fence as they clinched the NL East. They did so with the might of power and hitting. They also did with Pedro Martinez on the mound.

This was a season with that tested Ruben Amaro, Jr., the General Manager whose legacy goes back a generation when his father was a coach for the Phils. What he did in the aftermath of the club's second World Series championship was to go from strength to strength. His gamble on Pedro paid off. Cliff Lee became legendary noting his time with the Cleveland Indians was no fluke. Amaro also added Raul Ibanez for a needed offensive and outfield pop. Yet, he kept the core of last year's championship squad in tact (save for Pat Burrell - who went to Tampa Bay instead).

The Phighting Phils are primed for another postseason, their third in a row as NL East champs. There are still two more slots plus a delayed division pennant left to resolve.

- The Los Angeles Dodgers are falling prey to a spoiler. The San Diego Padres made it difficult for the visiting division leaders to close the deal. Now, the Dodgers head home Friday and face the Colorado Rockies for the division title. This wasn't in the script, folks!

- Those pesky Rockies can do a pre-clinch today with a win in their home closer at Coors Field against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Atlanta Braves are certainly counted out by a bad running play at the end of their game with the Florida Marlins last night. On the other hand, Todd Helton made a statement last night: They want in...badly.

Now, why the pre-clinch? Again, if the Rox beat the Brewers, the gap between the Dodgers and the Rockies going into Chavez Ravine will be two games apart. The Dodgers are on a four-game skid, while the Rox are on a three-game tear. Just when you thought the NL West was a done deal - think again. It all comes down to this weekend in L.A. It's all a matter of positioning in the end.

This brings us to today's finale of the Detroit Tigers-Minnesota Twins series at Comerica Park. It's nervous time in The Cities today as two scenarios could be played out by everyone's late coffee break: Either the Tigers win the AL Central and face the New York Yankees in the ALDS or the Twins beat Nate Robertson and head home for their final weekend (ever) inside the Metrodome with hopes of an assist by the Chicago White Sox and a sweep over the visiting Kansas City Royals. Why the Southsiders? They come into Detroit to close the season.

My advice to anyone at work today either in the Upper Midwest or in the state of Michigan, it's highly doubtful you will get any work done - so schedule your meetings this morning, make your calls by, say, 11:00AM and keep the afternoon open. You might not want to miss this one.

Lastly, it's worth noting the furlough of Eric Wedge and his coaching staff with the Cleveland Indians. Was it expected? I'm afraid so. Did it have to happen? The Dolan family certainly wanted change, but I doubt if General Manager Mark Shapiro agreed with the move at all. Wedge and his staff will finish out the season when they travel to Boston for the Red Sox. You can count on Wedge finding a new opportunity somewhere else.