The Series That Were

Cardinals v. Dodgers
Prediction: Cards in 5
Result: Dodgers in 3
I hate to scapegoat one person, but Matt Holliday's now-infamous drop Game 2 basically sealed the Cards fate.
But I will say that I do not like that the Dodgers did not pitch to Albert Pujols. I understand teams intentionally walking players in late inning situations, but they were giving him a free pass in the first inning. If I were the Dodgers pitchers, I would want to face Pujols. How could you consider yourself one of the best pitchers if you won't throw to the league's best hitter?

Phillies v. Rockies
Prediction: Phils in 3
Result: Phils in 4
Kudos to both teams for giving us the best series of the first round. The series was marred by complaints regarding umpires, but I have never been one to believe umpires or referees make or break games. These guys have an inglorious job and I salute them for not lashing out towards the fans. All I have to say is institute instant replay for close calls. Give the refs a break.

Red Sox v. Angels
Prediction: Angels in 4
Result: Angels in 3
I was going to write about each team's most dangerous hitter, but I nixed the idea when I could not think of the Red Sox most dangerous hitter. Normally it would have been Big Papi, but he is not the same. That's when I knew that the Angels, who are the most fundamentally sound team in baseball with arguably the best manager in baseball, would win the series. And that is just what happened.

Yankees v. Twins
Prediction: Yanks in 3
Result: Yanks in 3
Not much to say here. The Yankees were coming in well rested and against a team that was physically and emotionally drained. The Twins did not stand a chance

College Football Thoughts

A couple of thoughts about the top teams in college football.

1.) Alabama is good. Really good.
I have been singing the Crimson Tide's praises for weeks now, and they performed at a high level again last weekend. While their offense may not be the most explosive, their defense is neck and neck with Florida for the best in the nation. This year more than years past defense is a precious commodity. The offensive firepower throughout the nation has dissipated and the teams with strong defensive presence are flexing their collective muscle. For my money, Alabama is the best team I have seen this year.

2.) Florida should be worried.
Tim Tebow did not look like himself Saturday night. He was passive at the beginning of the game, and was not as effective as he had been in years past. Now part of that can be attributed to LSU's defense, but Tebow and Co. did not seem to get into a rhythm on offense. They have speed guys, solid receivers, but no one that strikes the year in opponents such as Percy Harvin last year. If the Gators go to the National Championship, it will be because of their defense, not Tim Tebow.

3.) Virginia Tech will be in the National Championship, Texas will not.
I do not think Texas is a top three team. Colt McCoy seems tired this year. Now don't get me wrong, I think McCoy is one of the best players in college football. But he has played the first half of each game like a hungover frat guy trying to be productive before noon. Not what you want out of your quarterback. Eventually, someone will jump on them early and the Longhorns won't be able to recover.
The Hokies have been the most impressive team over the past 4 weeks, with their only blemish coming in the first game against the aforementioned Crimson Tide. Virginia Tech only plays one ranked team (Georgia Tech next week) and the only team I could see giving them problems is NC State, but VA Tech is home in that game.
I see the Hokies winning out and Texas slipping up, but only time will tell.