Bob Brenly… Derek Jeter… Me.

Three guys who will be watching the rest of the playoffs on television. How sweet is that? I’m pulling for Minnesota, just so we can all send Bud a “contract this” letter, but really I’ll be happy whoever wins now.

Speaking of the Twins, how about that fourth inning yesterday? I know Tim Hudson’s defense collapsed, but does anyone think that might have been due in part to Minnesota’s approach at the plate? With Hudson having to throw so many pitches to each batter, the defense might’ve been back on their heels a bit.

Not trying to excuse, just wanting to figure out what the heck happened. Those throws by Miguel Tejada and Scott Hatteberg were plain brutal. Did Hatteberg never have a good grip on the ball, or did he double-clutch to avoid Hudson? Bizarre.

Speaking of bizarre, how about those Angels. The Yankees, having made the World Series in each of the past four seasons, having secured the best record in the bigs this season, got steamrolled by an offensive dynamo. Maybe Joe Torre is right, and the better team didn’t win. Such is the nature of the playoffs. The Yankees and their mystique ran into an underrated, overachieving team at exactly the wrong time. And now they go home for the winter.

Also calling it a season are the Diamondbacks. Swept by the Cardinals. Are you kidding me? Anyone who tells you they called this one is lying.

I guess if I had to choose a team to pull for in the NL it would be the Cards because of all the loss they’ve incurred this year. But honestly, at this point, I’m okay with just about any World Series configuration. I’ll be happy for whichever team wins it. For a change.

Short Takes

Not to kill anyone’s buzz, but I’m doing some research and came across these two lines, both of highly regarded shortstops with questionable defensive reputations playing in the California League:

Top is Gabe Alvarez, bottom Khalil Greene. Two entirely different players, I know, but something worth noting.

Go Chargers…