One after another, my brilliant boring ideas for midweek posts kept falling through. So, I emailed my brother and asked him what I should write about. The topics below were his recommendations. If you have something you’d like covered, send it along.

LSU/’Bama
I like college football. But I don’t love college football. Too many teams. Too many crappy games. Too many songs/chants/traditions to learn. You see, growing up in the Philadelphia area, college football isn’t that big of a deal. You like the Eagles, and that’s it. If you find time for a collegiate team, so be it. Good for you.

To be fair, college football can be fun and exhilarating, just not in the Big Ten. I went to a big time football school that rhymes with Ben Tate. While there, I still didn’t acquire a taste for collegiate football. Especially Big Ten football where the football is brutally boring (Michigan being the exception), and the uniforms are beyond dull (again, Michigan being the exception).

Obviously, I don’t have a favorite team. I’m a college football nomad. Last year I picked Auburn as my team after they knocked off Clemson in an exciting game early in September. (Front-runner? Yep.) This year, I chose Clemson because they looked decent and Brian Dawkins went there. I don’t know all that much about college football, but I know the “BCS Title” is a fancy way of saying “The best team from the SEC.”

What I’m trying to say is college football isn’t important to me. However, even a nonchalant fan like myself is intrigued by Saturday’s SEC showdown. It’s the biggest game of the year. I haven’t watched every game LSU and Alabama have played this year, but I’ve seen enough to pick a winner.

I’m picking LSU. I know Alabama’s defense is great and they’re at home and blah, blah, blah, but LSU and Les Miles have a weird knack for winning games they just shouldn’t be winning. Miles is the Charlie Manuel of college football. He’s goofy and a little strange, yet finds ways to get the most out of his players because they love him so much. Can I name more than seven players on either team? Nope. I’m just excited to be super excited about a college football game for the first time since I scalped my Ohio State – Penn State ticket for a large sum of money.

Philip Rivers needs a hug
I tabbed Philip Rivers my 2011 MVP over the summer. After eight weeks, he’s probably ranked 127^th in the MVP rankings. Needless to say, I was off. After fumbling away a win in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football last week, fans, news outlets, and talking heads have asked, “What’s wrong with Philip Rivers?”

Well, there’s really nothing wrong with Rivers, per say. His issue is the absence of Darren Sproles. Sproles, who left for New Orleans via free agency in the offseason, was Rivers’ security blanket. Especially on 3^rd downs, Rivers could always count on Sproles to juke his way to a 1^st down, or at the very least, bail Rivers out of a sack. With Sproles gone and Antonio Gates nursing what seems like a never-ending foot injury, Rivers is without his two most reliable targets. Vincent Jackson isn’t helping matters, either. After a shortened season in 2010 due to an extensive holdout, Jackson doesn’t look like the same player he was before 2010. He showed flashes when he tore through New England’s secondary in Week 2, but Jackson has done little since. Besides, every receiver has a field day against New England.

I’m not excusing Rivers’ play, because a quarterback like Rivers should still succeed with such a talented stable of players. However, if you took Wes Welker from Tom Brady, he would struggle to adjust as well. In fact, after the Patriots traded Deion Branch following the 2005 season, Tom Brady struggled to a certain degree with a subpar group of receivers in 2006. It led the Patriots to bring in Wes Welker and Randy Moss in 2007. Rivers’ receivers aren’t subpar at all, but Darren Sproles was Rivers’ Deion Branch.

NBA Lockout.
As the lockout drags on, I’m forced to either watch TV shows I don’t enjoy (Happy Endings) or be productive after my son crashes for the night. I’d prefer a nice NBA matchup to productivity and certainly, lousy TV, so I’m a little bummed progress hasn’t been made toward ending the lockout. Plus, I’m a gigantic NBA fan. I can survive a little longer without it, but if I’m entering 2012 without a full slate of NBA action through February and March, you can bet I’ll be devastated.

I know what you’re thinking; college basketball is better anyway. Well, you see, it’s not. You’re wrong. I love college basketball, too. Big time conference battles on ESPN make fabulous TV and conference tournaments followed by the NCAA Tournament make up one of my favorite sports stretches of the year. But it’s not the NBA.

NBA teams don’t regularly shoot 30% and win. NBA players don’t panic down the stretch and hoist contested threes in a two point game with 24 seconds still on the clock (ok, Andre Iquodala might do this). NBA teams don’t play defense like an NFL safety, bogging down the game and forcing us to watch college kids shoot 45% from the charity stripe. So sue me if I prefer millionaire NBA players to thousandaire college athletes.

Also, let’s hope it doesn’t come to this, but if the NBA lockout wipes out the entire season, the 2012 Summer Olympics will be our first glance at NBA Superstars in over a year. How many players will want in on that team? Wait, how about this…

Let’s televise the Olympic tryouts. Full, 24/7 national television coverage of three to four weeks of tryouts open to any NBA or super-talented collegiate player. After a year without NBA basketball, I’d eat this up. Plus, the Olympics would be twice as exciting because we would all feel an extra connection to the team because it’d feel like we made it through tryouts with them. It’d be like Hardknocks: The 2012 Men’s Olympic Basketball Team. We’d pick our favorite underdogs and then get misty when they’re sent home just like we did with Danny Woodhead in 2010. It’d be fantastic. Well, not really, because it’d mean we didn’t have an NBA season, but it’d be a nice consolation.

Seriously, com’n David Stern. Stop being pig headed. Agree to 52-48 in favor of the players. You remember the players, right David? They’re the guys that put rear ends in the seats and make your TV deals so lucrative? Don’t cheat your workforce because your owners are as brilliant with their money as the US Government.

Baseball news
Philadelphia is all up in arms about whether or not to bring back Jimmy Rollins. Word on the street is the Phillies don’t really want him at the price it’d take to bring him back. Plus, age is a serious concern for this squad, so keeping Rollins wouldn’t make the Phillies any younger. It also doesn’t help that the Phillies have limited funds to improve a team in desperate need of an offensive makeover. Oh yeah, Cole Hamels is due for arbitration, too. Super. The Phillies are handcuffed to fading players with enormous contracts and a depleted farm system. Unless Ruben Amaro Jr. is a miracle worker, the Phillies are destined for the NL East basement in four years.

As for the World Series Champion Cardinals (yes, the team Charlie Manuel allowed into the playoffs), they’re without a manager. Tony LaRussa went John Elway on St. Louis and went home. I tend to believe LaRussa knew something about the Albert Pujols situation that we don’t. But even if LaRussa didn’t, why would Pujols want to come back and play for a team that could now flounder under a new manager? Obviously, the Cubs would be in a similar situation, only worse. That leaves the “Los Angeles Angels of a handful of other California cities” as Pujols’ most competitive suitor. Actually, never mind. This is about money, not winning. If the Cardinals pony up, he’ll stay put.

If you’re just joining the program, back in April I offered my initial thoughts on joining a keeper fantasy baseball league with some friends who were desperate to fill an empty slot. You can read it here.

The 2011 regular season is now over, my wallet is $50 lighter, and my dignity is unsalvageable. But at least I have some memories to go along with a handful of mocking emails.

See that team in bold down at the bottom? Yup, that’s me. Chillin in the cold, dark, damp basement. All by my lonesome.

In hoping I was the victim of some unlucky losses, I went through and tallied where my team fell in each statistic. Turns out, I was not a victim of any bad luck. My team was just bad. Offensively, I ranked dead last in HR, Total Bases, and RBI. Kind of a big deal, for those of you not familiar with baseball. I also ranked in the bottom three in Runs, Strikeouts, and Batting Average. I did, however, rank 4th in Hits and Stolen Bases (there’s a reason most fantasy managers ignore SBs for other stats. I know this now.), and 5th in walks (thank you, Paul Konerko).

My team was more consistent on the pitching side, albeit consistently bad. I ranked in the bottom three in Saves and was in the bottom five for Innings Pitched, Strikeouts, Wins, Losses, ERA, and WHIP. I was in the top five for Hits Allowed. Don’t be deceived by those less than awful, but still really bad, finishes, though. The only reason I was respectably bad instead of embarrassingly bad in many pitching categories was because I had so few innings pitched. So, obviously, with more innings pitched, my walks, hits and WHIP could have been significantly worse.

It’s one thing to finish in last place because of a bad season or a few unlucky breaks. It’s another thing to finish last because you run your team as well whoever the heck runs Greece, runs Greece. I didn’t learn until September that fantasy baseball was all about making moves. I made 10, and four of them included adding or dropping the woefully underachieving Domonic Brown. My pitching staff was a mosh pit of mediocrity. I never committed to relief pitchers or closers, so I never won the “Holds” nor the “Saves” category. Furthermore, my team was built on guys I actually heard of instead of guys that, you know, could actually play. Need proof: Until I made a trade for Alex Avila in late August, my roster didn’t include a single 2011 All-Star. True story. Do you have any idea how hard it is to accomplish such a feat? Give me the keys to a super company like Apple and I promise you I’ll have them bankrupt in six months. It’s a gift, I know.

In addition to not having a strategy/clue, I juggled too many players at one position in hopes of keeping the younger, talented players as keepers for 2012. (Yeh, I’ll probably torture myself again. Why not?) For example, I drafted Freddie Freeman in the late rounds (one of the few bright spots for me) to go along with Mitch Moreland (whoops), Paul Konerko, and Adam Lind. That’s four first basemen. I could play two regularly by using the DH slot, but still, I’m a moron. I should have traded one for better value at another position instead of sitting two of them on my bench all year, hoping they’d payoff in 2012.

Was I hurt by some overpaid, underachieving players? Sure. Jayson Werth killed me. Ichiro wasn’t much better. Nor was Colby Rasmus, Trevor Cahill, or Francisco Liriano. Conversely, Brandon Beachy, Ivan Nova, Freeman, and Alexi Ogando are appealing late round keepers for 2012, and a late season flyer I took on Dustin Ackley could pay off. Still, none of those guys are fantasy superstars. In other words, I’m doomed again in 2012.

Bring it on.

I don’t write about baseball that often. I love the sport and everything, but I rarely find myself inspired enough to offer anything meaningful. Also, I don’t get to watch the Phillies as much since my wife despises baseball, and DirecTV and Comcast can’t act like adults. Nevertheless, I go all-in for the postseason. Every game. Every pitch. Nothing beats Fox’s postseason baseball music. It brings back very fond memories of 2008 and horrific flashbacks to Ryan Howard staring at strike three in the 2010 NLCS.

Tampa Bay Rays (AL Wildcard) vs. Texas Rangers (AL West)

Three reasons to watch:
3. With all the attention paid to the Rays and Cardinals, you’d be surprised to learn the Rangers are actually the hottest team entering the postseason, winning 10 of their final 11 games. Texas also boasts the best hitting team in the American League (in regards to batting average). Of the eight teams in the 2011 postseason, the Rangers are the most forgotten. Josh Hamilton has had a quiet year. (For him, at least. .298, 25HR and 94 RBI is a career year for most). Without Cliff Lee, they lack a pitching ace that attracts national attention. Regardless, the Rangers are good. Really good.

2. Balanced rotations. Unlike the Tigers or Yankees, neither the Rays nor Rangers boast a premiere ace. However, both offer deep and talented rotations of five pitchers with double digit wins. Only one of those 10 pitchers finished with a losing record in 2011. (David Price, of all people. Go figure.) I’m giving a slight edge to the Rangers’ starters, but more than any other series, I expect the bats to decide this one.

1. What will the Tampa Bay Rays do next? As much as Boston contributed to Tampa’s epic run into the playoffs, the young Rays still needed to perform and deliver in the clutch. Now that the season is over and they reached the playoffs, are the Rays kaput? Or, can Evan Longoria carry them a little further?

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. In all the excitement of the Rays catching, and ultimately passing, the Red Sox for the AL Wildcard berth, we all forgot the greatest ballpark in the American League was eliminated from the postseason as a result. What’s worse, we traded Fenway for the absolute worst stadium in the league. Even worse than that, Tampa Bay’s fans are quite possibly the worst baseball fans in the world. On Tuesday night, with their team trailing the AL Wildcard leaders by a game with two games remaining, the stadium was virtually empty. A night later with their team tied for the Wildcard, the stadium still wasn’t sold out. I feel bad for rooting against Boston. At least Bostonians appreciate their team. Also, has anyone figured out the purpose of that awkward star-like figure in center field of Tampa’s stadium?

1. Let’s hope the Rangers get some positive press throughout the playoffs. They could certainly use it. Throughout the 2011 season, most of the national attention surrounding the Rangers had been in relation to the fan falling to his death. Some positive attention would be well deserved for a team of such likeable players.

One team to advance:
1. I know the Rays battled so hard to get here, but the Rangers are too good and too hungry. I think they climb back to the World Series after eliminatin the Rays in five games.

Detroit Tigers (AL Central) vs. New York Yankees (AL East)

Three reasons to watch:
3. It’s the Yankees. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s just something special about watching those pinstripes in the fall. I fear the day when I turn on playoff baseball and Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera aren’t around. I’m not even a Yankee fan, but Jeter and especially, Rivera make every postseason game more significant.

2. Last time we saw Detroit in the postseason, Kenny Rogers was accused of using a foreign substance to doctor pitches in Game 2 of the 2006 World Series. I think Jim Leyland was 114 then, so he’s pushing 120 now. Just kidding. Leyland’s teams are always a tough out in the playoffs, especially this year with…

1. Justin Verlander. Has there been a more dominant pitcher in 2011? Verlander ranked first in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He’s Detroit’s best shot at taking down the “Evil Empire.” Game 1 should be epic as Verlander and CC Sabathia go head-to-head. Sabathia’s season, while not as strong as Verlander’s, was also worthy of CY Young consideration. Don’t be fooled, the Yankees need this game just as much, if not more than Detroit. After Sabathia, the Yankee rotation is a crapshoot. Uncertainty in the pitching rotation is never ideal when pursuing a title.

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. How about Detroit? One of the cities hit hardest by our nation’s financial crisis, the city is now getting some much-needed entertainment from their sports franchises. The Tigers won the AL Central and face the Yankees in the opening round of the MLB playoffs, the Lions are establishing themselves as the best young team in the NFL, the Red Wings expect to be competitive once again, and BONUS: The lousy Pistons will be MIA for another 6 months. Good for you, Detroit.

1. If Joe Girardi manages to win a World Series, or even an ALCS with the Yankees’ current rotation, he deserves a raise. It’ll be fascinating to see how New York manages Sabathia throughout this series and the playoffs.

One team to advance:
1. Despite rotation issues, the Yankees are impossible to pick against. Robinson Cano is the best non-pitcher in the series and he’s surrounded by all-stars. There’s just too much for Detroit to overcome. Granted, if they get two wins from Verlander, the Tigers would force the Yankees to win with Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia. That sentence just sent shivers through Yankee fans.

Arizona Diamondbacks (NL West) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central)

Three reasons to watch:
3. The Milwaukee Brewers knock the snot out of the ball. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are, in my opinion, the best one-two punch in the National League. They’re what every Phillies fan pretends Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are. The core of this Brewers squad had their “we’re just happy to be here” tour in 2008, so expect a more successful showing in 2011. This will also be Prince Fielder’s final audition for his 2012 suitors. Will he put on a Carlos Beltran-esque show or wither under the bright lights?

2. Ian Kennedy. He’s Arizona’s best player, and best chance at winning the series, too. If Kennedy can steal Game 1, the Diamondbacks have a chance. Arizona’s offense is the worst in the playoffs, so Kennedy’s margin for error is slim. (By the way, I hate the five game Division Series. Can we just make it seven already? Hack ten games off the regular season if need be, but get rid of the five game series.)

1. The Arizona Diamondbacks. Seriously. I know almost nothing about this team. I’ve only seen them three times this season and those were the few games I caught against my Phillies. I’m legitimately excited to see what they’re about. Obviously, learning about the Diamondbacks may not interest you, but remember, thanks to the Arizona Diamondbacks, we are all free from Brian Wilson’s stupidly ridiculous, overplayed, and absolutely hideous beard. For that alone, we should all be eternally grateful.

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. One of the greatest things about playoff baseball is the weather. Unfortunately, both Milwaukee and Arizona play inside. (Both have retractable roofs. Needless to say, weather won’t impact the series.) We get a swimming pool in right field and a huge slide in left center, instead. It’s not ideal, but hey, at least it’s something.

1. Prince Fielder’s stats resemble Ryan Howard’s on an annual basis. But there is one pretty significant difference. Fielder puts up power numbers while still batting a very productive .290ish. Howard struggles to reach .270. Considering this, why is Howard widely regarded as one of the biggest superstars in baseball when he’s not even the first or second best player at his position, in his own league, no less? I know this much; I’d trade Howard for Fielder in a heartbeat.

One team to advance:
1. It’s gotta be the Milwaukee Brewers. Too much offense, two very good starters, and they have that 2008 Phillies feel to them. Plus, I can only name three players on the Diamondbacks’ roster.

St. Louis Cardinals (NL Wildcard) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (NL East)

Three reasons to watch:
3. It’s always fascinating to see how a team with World Series or bust aspirations responds when the stakes are finally raised. Phillies fans have been waiting for October since Spring Training. As enjoyable as the regular season was, it really didn’t matter in Philadelphia. It was the casual, relaxing hike leading to the much bigger, more challenging, and critically important 12,000-foot ascent. The pressure will intensify. Every at bat scrutinized. Every move questioned. The honeymoon is over for the Phillies.

2. Just how hot are the St. Louis Cardinals? Are they 2007 Colorado Rockies hot? Let’s hope not, because that ended poorly for the Phillies (and me). Regardless, the three to four times per game we’re treated to Albert Pujols vs. Roy Halladay/Cliff Lee/Cole Hamels will certainly be exciting.

1. The Phillies rotation. In 2010, Philadelphia entered the postseason with a rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, and everyone was amazed. In 2011, the Phillies add the most dominant postseason pitcher of the past two years to the rotation. It’s not unrealistic to believe the Phillies could sweep their way to a World Series title. The rotation is that good. Will it happen? Doubtful, but a rotation with this much firepower won’t come around every year, so enjoy it while you can. Also, considering the Phillies haven’t come through with a clutch postseason hit since 2009, the rotation will need to be on the top of its game.

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. Maybe I’m underestimating the Arizona Diamondbacks, but I would have preferred the Phillies letting the Braves into the playoffs. The Cardinals are too experienced, have the greatest hitter of our generation, and a manager that can out-manage Charlie Manuel in his sleep. Arizona had the “we’re just happy to be here” feel to them much like the 2010 Reds. I’d prefer that as a first round opponent than a playoff savvy group sneaking in on the final day of the regular season. Plus, we all know what happened to Brad Lidge the last time he met Albert Pujols in the postseason. Consider me nervous.

1. The world will pretty much end in Philadelphia if the Phillies lose, especially in the first round. But one bright spot would be seeing the look on Nyjer Morgan’s face if the Brewers welcomed the Cardinals to Milwaukee for Game 1 of the NLCS. Remember late in the regular season when Morgan insulted Albert Pujols and made a remark about the standings? Watching a loud mouth like Morgan eat his words would bring some momentary joy.

One team to advance:
1. Phillies. Oh dear God, please make it the Phillies.

In case you have no clue what I’m referring to, let’s revisit key acquisitions made by both teams in recent months.

After being eliminated by the San Francisco Giants in last year’s NLCS, Phillies GM, Ruben Amaro Jr., pushed his chips to the middle of the table, shocking the baseball world and signing the most sought after free agent, Cliff Lee. The addition itself was a huge move. Adding Lee to a rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt, however, was even bigger.

Fast forward to the July 2011 trade deadline. In desperate need of a right-handed bat, Amaro again stepped up, selling the farm (literally) to bring in coveted outfielder Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros. The message was clear: The 2011 season would bring home a World Series title or, you guessed it, bust.

The Eagles found themselves in a similar, albeit significantly more frustrating, position. Throughout the Andy Reid era, the Eagles have almost always been contenders. On the other hand, they’ve reached the Super Bowl only once. (It’s also no secret fans in the city have abandoned the Eagles in droves in favor of the title-winning, fan friendly, Phillies.) After the Eagles came unglued down the stretch and failed to win a playoff game following the 2009 and 2010 seasons, management doubled down heading into 2011.

First, the Eagles traded backup quarterback Kevin Kolb for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2^nd round draft pick. Then, they brought in the best defensive end available in Jason Babin. After that, the Eagles won the services of the most prized free agent, Nnamdi Asomugha. It didn’t stop there. The organization continued adding to its arsenal by bringing in Cullen Jenkins, Vince Young, and receiver Steve Smith from NFC East rival, New York Giants.

Normally a conservative, “build from within” franchise, the Eagles are making a run at the Super Bowl title that has eluded the Andy Reid regime for the better part of a decade. However, unlike the Phillies, the Eagles have exhausted their fans’ patience. The city wants a parade or a new coach. While a Super Bowl appearance may save Reid’s job, only a championship will finally ease the natives.

Here’s where the story gets ugly. Despite major additions, and in the Phillies’ case, a successful regular season, both teams are hardly a lock to reach their respective championship round, let alone bring home a title.

Yes, the Phillies have been unstoppable nearly all season. They’re running away with the NL East. (The Mets are so far back; they can’t even read the Phillies’ record.) The rotation, despite injuries, has lived up to expectations and carried the team through its all-too-frequent hitting slumps. Still, there’s something missing.

While strong all season, the bullpen has begun to show signs of fatigue and/or weakness. Brad Lidge still has not regained form and probably won’t in 2011. Ryan Madson, while adequate as a closer, hasn’t faced closing in an atmosphere as tense as the NLCS or World Series. Plus, closing is on an entirely different level from being the setup man. On top of the bullpen worries are the mounting injuries. Cole Hamels’ shoulder. Jimmy Rollins’ nagging leg injuries. The day-to-day status of Placido Polanco’s back.

However, none of these issues are my chief concern. Hitting is. Let’s not forget why the Phillies were humiliated by the Giants last fall; they couldn’t hit. To win in October, you need two things and only two things. 1. Great pitching. 2. Timely hitting. Obviously, the Phillies can already put a big, whopping check mark next to “Great pitching.” Timely hitting? Not even close.

Whether or not the Giants even reach the postseason remains uncertain. However, this much we know: The Phillies can’t hit the top of San Francisco’s rotation. Fans can point to winning three of four in San Fran in August all they want. I’m not sold. Besides, only one of those wins came against Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum. In that victory, the Phillies mustered two early runs against Cain, one as the result of an error. After the first inning, Cain settled in, and that was it. In four combined outings against Lincecum and Cain (29 innings) this season, the Phillies squeezed out 17 hits, 4 runs (only 2 were earned), and went 1-3. To make matters worse, Philadelphia has yet to face the Giants’ third best starter, surprise sensation Ryan Vogelsong (10-4, 2.54 ERA).

To be fair, the Giants can’t hit worth a lick this year, so it’s not as if they’re going to punish Philadelphia for missing opportunities. So, let’s say the Phillies win the National League. It’s true; no American League team has the same rotation depth as the Phillies or Giants. Instead of pitching, though, the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers boast offense, and lots of it. Does great pitching typically trump great hitting? Absolutely. But you can’t expect Halladay, Lee, and Hamels to limit Boston, New York, or Texas to less than 3 runs on a nightly basis. (Notice I said expect. Is it possible? Of course, but hardly realistic.) At some point, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and the rest of the offense need to step up. Considering the flashy names on the roster, it’s not necessarily a good thing that Shane Victorino has been the Phillies’ most consistent and reliable offensive player the past two seasons. Pitching and Victorino alone won’t bring another parade down Broad Street.

If the Phillies (by far the best team in the National League) aren’t a sure thing, I’m not sure what to call the Eagles. While the media and fans continue to play up the “Dream Team” angle, pessimists like myself just stare blankly at a roster with obvious flaws.

For example, when have the Eagles EVER properly estimated their linebacking core under Andy Reid? Do names like Ernie Sims, Mark Simoneau, and Levon Kirkland ring a bell? Hearing the Eagles claim they’re confident with their linebackers is as comforting as President Obama telling me universal healthcare is a good idea.

How about the offensive line? This just in: Quarterbacks, even Michael Vick, need time to be successful. We’re two weeks from kickoff and the starting left guard just got moved to right tackle. To make matters worse, the entire line is learning a new system under a new offensive line coach and possibly starting two rookies on top of that.

Also, when was last time an Eagle defense was able to get off the field in a critical moment late in the game? Or better yet, when did the defense last pressure a quarterback into countless mistakes in December or January? Unfortunately, the Hugh Douglas era is the correct answer. Juan Castillo has his work cut out.

Then there’s Michael Vick himself. I think I’m alone on this, but I’m not totally convinced he can be the pocket passer that Reid (and even Vick himself) wants him to be. Scrambling quarterbacks are exciting. They may even carry you to the playoffs. But quarterbacks who hang in the pocket and beat defenses with their arms win Super Bowls. If Vick doesn’t improve and develop as an accurate quarterback who can make all the necessary throws (a-la Rodgers or Brady), the Eagles are a 10-6 or 11-5 team waiting to be bounced in the Wildcard round for the third year in a row.

In case it’s not obvious, decades of Philadelphia sports failures have forced me to expect whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. The Phillies and Eagles made moves that appear to put their respective teams in better position to win a championship. While I would obviously be overjoyed at either (or both) winning a title, the reality of the situation is difficult to ignore. After all, how often to the heavy favorites go wire-to-wire and bring home the hardware? …That’s what I thought.

Get ready, the apocalypse is upon us.

First, a lot has happened to me over the past 12 months. I’ve been unemployed, coached my wife through child birth, became a dad, welcomed Michael Vick into my life, gone back to school, and watched Doug Collins transform my Sixers into a respectable and …(deep breath)… likeable team. Despite all that, nothing made me more nervous than our fantasy baseball draft two weeks ago.

(Side note: Flying to Utah last month with our 9-month-old was a close second. I was nauseous; convinced we’d be thrown from the plane by angry passengers. My son has too much energy for our home. Confining him to two small seating areas in coach was asking for trouble. Thankfully, he slept the whole way out. On the trip home, he talked non-stop, probably offering play-by-play of the experience. Still, he wasn’t crying or screaming obnoxiously, so no one threatened to kill us. But I digress.)

Leading up to the draft, I was petrified. I haven’t watch baseball on a daily basis since I got married three years ago. I follow the Phillies and that’s about it. Occasionally, I’ll get caught up on the rest of the league throughout the spring and early summer, but even that’s rare. Needless to say, the draft list could have been names of U.S. Congressmen for all I knew. So, to avoid being the guy who drafts a utility infielder in the 3^rd round, I researched tirelessly over the 12 hours preceding the draft. (Yes, I procrastinated, ignoring the draft entirely until draft day. At which point I realized I was in over my head – like Rush Limbaugh hosting the BET Awards over my head.) Long story short, I studied, created charts, sleeper lists, excel spreadsheets, and prioritized my needs. I think the draft went well, but I honestly have no idea whether I killed it or it killed me. Time will tell, I suppose. Hopefully the rest of the season won’t be as stressful.

Second, I kind of like fantasy baseball. It’s only April and I’m already paying attention to box scores, injuries, standings, and league leaders. Normally, I don’t get really involved with baseball until after the Fourth of July, so this was a nice surprise. Although I still won’t spend time watching baseball because the NHL and NBA Playoffs take precedence, it’s fun to have that little taste of baseball on the side.

Thirdly, the entertainment value of sarcastic, abusive emails between league members cannot be understated. In fact, I think I’d pay $50 just for access to these emails.

Finally, I’m learning. My wife always encourages me to keep learning. As a medical student, she’s obviously learning more on a weekly basis than I learn in a decade, but fantasy baseball has closed that gap, albeit ever so slightly. Of course, my wife probably doesn’t consider baseball statistics and fantasy trends as legitimate learning, but it’s learning, nonetheless. Besides, it’s always fun to learn something I know she won’t know. So next time she asks what a CD4 count indicates I can quickly ask her what “WHIP” represents.

Like I said, I’m learning.

Fantasy baseball = good.

While watching Wesley Snipes outwit the Secret Service, I contemplated the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies. By the time Snipes solved the murder, I realized two things.

First, I’m getting old. Within a two minute span of the film, Wesley Snipes used a portable typewriter – at a bar nonetheless – and took the defining ”1600 What?” phone call on the bar’s house phone. That’s right, when an urgent need for police arose; they were chased down at bars, not on cell phones. Not only were cell phones missing in 1997, but a Washington D.C. homicide detective was using a portable typewriter instead of a computer. Sometimes I forget cell phones and computers didn’t always exist. In fact, I can’t believe I actually lived before either was prevalent.

Second, the career arc of Wesley Snipes makes me nervous about the Phillies. In his day, Snipes was a guaranteed box office draw. A top actor like Matt Damon, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Denzel are today. Murder at 1600, Passenger 57, White Men Can’t Jump, Blade, Demolition Man, U.S. Marshalls, the list goes on and on. Snipes was perched atop the film game. And then, just like that, he wasn’t. The penthouse to the outhouse. Are my beloved Phillies destined for a similar fate?

After adding Cliff Lee, the Phillies unquestionably boast the best rotation in Major League Baseball. Any of Philadelphia’s top four starting pitchers could legitimately be the ace on 80% of the other teams in baseball. Furthermore, even with the departure of Jayson Werth, the starting lineup is again full of stars like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino. On paper, the Phillies are a shoe-in for their 3^rd National League Pennant in four years. Unfortunately, paper isn’t always reflected by play.

Recall the past few years. My research assistant is away, but based on my count, only the Yankees, Lakers, Celtics and Red Wings have gone wire to wire as favorites. How’d Tom Brady and the heavily favored Patriots fare in 2007 and 2011? Not well. The Yankees have been the favorite almost every year over the past decade and have only one title. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers? Zero. Apparently, being anointed the prohibitive favorite is a curse.

I’m terrified of what could wrong this season. I’ve been a Philadelphia sports fan my entire life and nothing, and I mean nothing, ever goes according to plan here. If the over/under on Tommy John surgeries for the Phillies’ staff in 2011 were 1.5, I would seriously consider the over. Chase Utley will probably break another bone in his hand. Jimmy Rollins will act like he’s still a great player even though his stats scream, “.258 lead-off hitter who pops-up and strikes out waayyy too much.” Heck, I half expect Jayson Werth to transform into Albert Pujols and lead the Nationals to an NL East crown. I’m that scared.

Let’s pretend for a minute the Phillies avoid any devastating injuries and succeed in keeping their rotation and starting lineup intact for most of the season. That puts the Phillies in the postseason and probably in the NLCS. Once there, the Phillies have four outstanding pitchers to trot out to the mound as opposed to three in 2010. That’s an amazing advantage over any opponent, but here’s my problem: The Phillies didn’t collapse in the 2010 NLCS because of their pitching. Sure, the rotation wasn’t at the top of its game but I’d chalk up the Phillies’ collapse to hitting, more specifically, hitting with runners on in game-defining situations. Last I checked, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels don’t hit for average or power. If the Phillies find themselves squaring off against the San Francisco Giants again in October, what am I supposed to believe gives the Phillies an advantage? The Giants rotation, while lacking big names throughout, is also scary good. They confused/flustered/embarrassed/owned the Phillies last fall. In the offseason, Philadelphia responded by letting its best right-handed bat walk (albeit the right call), leaving right field empty and a gaping hole in the middle of the batting order. As of now, there’s no definitive solution to fill that hole and protect Ryan Howard. Obviously, Werth’s production won’t be replaced. The best hope for an improved offense? Jimmy Rollins is in a contract year. Uhh, yeah. Feel free to punch yourself in the stomach.

I’m always behind the Phillies. I’ll follow intently as they pursue another NL East crown and a postseason run into November. Will I be watching with my hands over my face waiting/expecting something awful to happen as if I’m watching a horror flick? Absolutely.

I love this team, almost as much as the ’93 version, but I refuse to jump on the “we’re going wire-to-wire and winning a 2^nd World Series title” bandwagon. It’s never that easy. The road is never that smooth.

Just ask Wesley Snipes.

World Series
I love the World Series. I never miss it…except in 2010. I still can’t figure out exactly why I didn’t watch. I never stop watching just because my team gets eliminated. In fact, when the Sixers lost in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, I was relieved. I no longer felt obligated to watch their crappy games. Yes, the Phillies loss in the NLCS was unquestionably painful. But that’s never stopped me from continuing to watch before. Therefore, if I had to pinpoint why I watched less than 50 pitches of the 2010 World Series, these would be my best guesses.
A. Other than Josh Hamilton, no player on either team captured my interest. I tuned in whenever Hamilton was due up. I caught most of his at-bats in the first three games before giving up entirely.  If I wanted to watch Pat Burrell go hitless, I could have popped in my Phillies season recap DVD from 2003 when he batted an astounding .209. Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum? No thanks. I’m all for good pitching in the Fall Classic but I need more than that to turn off Sunday Night Football.  I know the Rangers have talent, but I didn’t know enough about them to care.
B. I was drained. After being down on the Phillies for most of the 2010 season, I found myself emotionally tied to the team more than the 2009 version. As a Philly fan, I appreciate the teams that struggle and then succeed. The 2010 Flyers were adored because they were overwhelming underdogs. While the Phillies were heavy favorites entering the postseason, they were also a struggling, overpaid club until mid July.
C. No ties to either team. I have quite a few friends that love sports. (They may use another word than “friend.”) Regardless, I didn’t know a single person invested in either team. I always can root for another team in the postseason as long as it doesn’t jeopardize my allegiance to Philly teams. But I need a reason. I had none.
D. FOX did away with the soothing World Series music and used their NFL intro tunes instead. With no team, no player, and no friend invested, I needed the music. It wasn’t there.
I’m not convinced any of these reasons were what actually kept me away from the Series, but at least I took a swing at it. You know, unlike Ryan Howard.

NHL
I’ve read the news release from the NHL a handful of times and still can’t believe what I’m reading. The captains will choose the NHL all-star rosters? Really? I’m all for gimmicks to liven up the all star events -Lord knows they need them- but this could go wrong in so, so, so, so many ways.
First, why would the NHL further alienate their fans? The NHL doesn’t have the endless fan base the NFL boasts. Gary Bettman can’t do whatever he wants. Fans are finally starting to return to hockey after the lockout in 2004. The league is full of good teams, budding rivalries, and superstars. Fans love voting for all-stars. Why take that away? I don’t get it. If you want to make the all-star game more exciting, give a million dollars to the winning team, or better yet, allow the winning team’s captain to skate to center ice, face Bettman and give a thumb up or thumb down Gladiator style on whether Bettman gets to retain his position. Now that would be exciting.
Second, who would want to be named captain? Regardless of who you pick, you’re going to piss off an opponent, teammate, or friend. It’s unavoidable. How would you like skating through the second half of the season with a bull’s eye on your back? If you think jaded hockey players forgive and forget, you’re crazy. Grudge and NHL are synonymous. Players get bonuses for being named an All-star, too. When players lose money because of another player’s biased decision, you can absolutely expect the hostility to spill onto the ice. Actually, on second thought, I like this idea. Captains choose the teams! Woo-hoo!

College Football
Poor Cam Newton. In any other walk of life, Newton’s situation would be understood, expected, and applauded. If you have a product that people want, you sell it immediately. Not next week, not next quarter, not in three years. You sell it now. Cam Newton’s product is himself. He’s the perfect college quarterback. He’s big, he’s fast, he can throw, and can he ever run. Unfortunately, Newton probably won’t be an NFL quarterback. In my opinion, his throwing abilities aren’t sufficient enough, and mobile college quarterbacks don’t translate to the NFL without an all-world arm. Why is it so wrong that Newton tried to get paid while he could? College sports aren’t for amateurs anymore. It’s a professional business. When college kids invent Facebook, they’re not told to wait until graduation to monetize their product. Why do we ask the same of college athletes? Put a salary cap on college sports. It won’t eliminate all of the shady compensation but at least we can stop pretending college football is still an amateur sport.

NBA
There’s an unbelievable amount of excitement in the NBA right now. I can’t remember the last time I looked at the NBA schedule every night before February. Here are a few highlights and lowlights.

• It took Chris Paul all of seven games to reclaim his title as the world’s best point guard. In fact, he probably catapulted himself into the top five players in the NBA. Derrick Rose is must see TV, too.
• I know it’s only November, but I couldn’t be more optimistic about the Spurs. They’re balanced, experienced, and young, all at the same time. More importantly, they’re hitting the 3’s they bricked for most of last season. Richard Jefferson (who looks renewed), Gary Neal (surprise of the NBA thus far), and James Anderson are shooting 47% or higher from long distance. The defense is a disaster but I’m hopeful that will be righted as Gregg Popovich adjusts to his new rotations.
• While Dwyane Wade and LeBron James took slightly less money to join forces, Chris Bosh is stealing money. An aging Boston Celtic front court, Omeka Okafor, and Paul Millsap have now brutalized the Heat. Bosh was supposed to be one of the league’s premier big men. I could rattle off ten players that are not only better, but wouldn’t cost $15 million per season. It’s way too early to write off the Heat because of Bosh’s struggles. However, it appears the road to NBA infamy will be a little bumpier than forecasted for Pat Riley’s offseason bounty.
• Amar’e Stoudemire isn’t the same without Steve Nash. The Knicks still look bad and Stoudemire’s numbers are way down after a stellar year last season. Lucky for New York, the Timberwolves will gladly accept Stoudemire’s contract in a few years when LeBron opts out of South Beach.
• As I discussed here, Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City are struggling. When teams circle you on the calendar, it’s not so easy to win in the NBA. This is part of the learning process for a young team like the Thunder. Whether it takes them a few months or an entire season to adjust will define their season.

The Giants and Phillies boast strong starting pitching. Offensively, the Phillies are superior on paper but have struggled immensely to get the big hits when needed. Game 4 was a perfect example of the Phillies leaving runners on base and missing countless opportunities to put the Giants to rest. Let’s review some of the notable events, err lack thereof.

The most obvious was Carlos Ruiz being gunned down at home plate in the top of the 5^th. With one out and the meat of the order coming to bat, there’s no excuse to have a runner thrown out at home in that situation. Part of me wants to blame Sam Perlozzo. (Ok, most of me.) The other part of me wonders if Ruiz stopped for coffee and a donut between second and home plate. Seriously, Ruiz runs well for a catcher, so there’s no reason he shouldn’t have scored there. What’s worse, if you look at the tape, Chase Utley is coaching Ruiz where to slide – low and away. Did Ruiz listen? No. He awkwardly stumbled right into Buster Posey. Ignoring Utley’s coaching is one thing; not punishing the opposing catcher is bad baseball – and totally inexcusable too. Ruiz should have bull-rushed Posey like a defensive end. Who knows, maybe Posey drops the ball, or maybe it affects him for the rest of the game and he doesn’t rack up 4 hits and win the game for San Francisco. Whatever. It was a blown play in so many ways it still makes me want to cry. You can’t leave runs on the field in the postseason. The Giants certainly don’t.

A few batters after Ruiz was thrown out at home, Jimmy Rollins stepped in and battled nicely with the bases loaded and two outs. It was a great at bat. He fouled off several tough pitches and looked poised to come through with a clutch hit. And then out of nowhere, he swings at an awful pitch in the dirt. Devastating. The Phillies had already captured the momentum with a great opportunity to distance themselves by 3, 4, or even 5 critical runs. Instead, the lead stayed at 2, and even that was due to a wild, wild pitch. (I’ve never seen one clear the backstop before.)

In the bottom half of that same inning, Joe Blanton gave the Giants back a run, killing whatever momentum the Phillies still had. As a pitcher, you have to know that surrendering a run right after your team wrestled away the lead is deflating. What Joe Buck and Tim McCarver missed in the inning was Victorino’s mishandle on that run-scoring single. It was a small, inconspicuous mistake, but a costly one nonetheless. Victorino cleanly fielded the ball but bobbled it as he took it from his glove. That extra second really hurt the Phillies. A clean transfer would have gotten Andres Torres at home. Instead the ball arrived as Torres touched home. It was still a perfect throw, but a half second late. Again, it was another opportunity for a game-changing play that wasn’t made. The Giants have made these plays all series while the Phillies have consistently let them slip away. It’s no coincidence then that the Giants are a game from the World Series and the Phillies are one game from an offseason of questions and lousy Sixer basketball.

And finally, the horrendous, and I mean absolutely horrendous, at bats by Ruiz and Ben Francisco in the top of the 8^th. Undoubtedly, those were two of the ugliest at bats you’ll ever see in professional baseball. I thought I was watching a scene from Rookie of the Year. To recap the at bats, imagine yourself at the plate. The pitcher throws you a slider tailing away from you– and I mean AWAY, like almost a foot off the plate. Now pretend the pitcher throws you that same pitch, over and over and over again. And yet, you swing every time like your bat grew 6 inches in the 17 seconds since the last pitch. It was breathtakingly stupid. I felt like I was watching Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb botch another 2 minute drill. I couldn’t talk. I just stared at my TV as if Joe Carter hit another walk-off. I may not sleep for weeks.

Oh, and let’s not forget the lousy managing by Charlie Manuel. I know, it’s taboo to question old Char-lay, but I’m going to anyway. First, why isn’t Victorino trying to steal as the leadoff runner and no outs in the top of the 7^th? Small ball wins in the playoffs. Philadelphia’s batters aren’t hitting well enough to use “taking the bats out of their hands” as a valid excuse, either. Secondly, why not Brad Lidge in the 9^th? The Giants went with their closer and I think it turned out pretty well for them. You have to play to survive in that type of game. Surviving means exhausting all your weapons and THEN resorting to whatever is left when desperation necessitates it. Yes, hindsight is 20/20, but throwing Roy Oswalt out in the 9^th was a bad call before he threw his first pitch. Lastly, after Jayson Werth ties the game with a double in the 8^th, why do you let the incredibly awful Rollins swing away? I don’t care who he is and what he’s done, he’s bad/injured right now. Bunt Werth to 3^rd and put the go-ahead run 90 feet from home with one out.

The Phillies are supposed to be the postseason veterans. They have the winning pedigree and loaded roster. They’re supposed to come through in the clutch. After 4 games, Philadelphia has been outpitched, outhit, and out-managed to the point that they remind me of the overwhelmed 2007 Phillies, not the playoff tested versions we’ve grown accustomed to in 2008 and 2009. Now, a three game winning streak is the only remedy for their situation. Lucky for them, a notable Doctor could provide relief on Thursday night. Of course, that’s assuming the Phillies don’t find more ways to blow it.

Texas Rangers (AL West) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (AL East)

Three reasons to watch:
3. Cliff Lee and David Price going head-to-head in game one will be awesome. Lee is a fearless, jump on my back and I’ll take you where you want to go, pitcher. He lives for the playoffs. Last time Price was in the postseason, he was a young flamethrower brought out of the bullpen to battle the Phillies in the 2008 World Series. Now Price is an ace and an AL Cy Young candidate. Pitching wins in the playoffs and game one of a five game series is a must have. This battle shouldn’t be missed. That’s why Major League Baseball decided it would be best to air it at 1:37PM ET. You know, when everyone is available to watch.

2. Josh Hamilton is one of the league’s premier players and more importantly, an amazing inspiration. How many people, let alone professional athletes, overcome a variety of addictions to become an AL MVP candidate and one of the great individuals in all of sports? Not many. Hamilton is coming off injury, so he may not be at 100%. Regardless, he’s the leader of a talented Texas team and a potent offense that led the majors in batting average and hits.

1. I can’t stand their dome or their fans (see below), but I really like the Rays. Carl Crawford is one of my favorite players because he uses his speed to wreak havoc. Not many players can drive in 90 runs and steal 47 bases while being one of the league’s best first-to-third guys. Crawford does it though, and he’s a perfect example of why I love the speedy, energetic Rays. For the third consecutive year, Tampa led the majors in steals. Base-stealing teams are my favorite. It’s constant suspense.

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. The Tampa Bay Rays should be forced to host all home playoff games in another stadium. Tropicana Field is the worst stadium in baseball. You’d need a media guide to understand the different rules for each catwalk. Even on television, the stadium is ghastly. Not to be forgotten, the Rays had to GIVE AWAY thousands of tickets to get fans to the balldome(?) even though the team was in a dead heat for the AL East title. Tampa should surrender all professional franchises. Retirees don’t have the time or desire to be fans.

1. If Cliff Lee goes 4-0 and puts the Rangers on the verge of the World Series, Cleveland fans should just stop watching television. It’s bad enough that C.C. Sabathia led the Yankees to a title in 2009 and that Lee had the Phillies right there too. Nothing goes right for Cleveland anymore. Even Drew Carey has fallen off the map. (Apologies to those who still watch The Price is Right.)

One team to advance:
1. I want it to be the Rangers, but unless Cliff Lee can knock off the Rays twice (he’s 0-3 vs. Tampa this year), that seems unlikely. Thus, Tampa moves on.

New York Yankees (AL Wildcard) vs. Minnesota Twins (AL Central)

Three reasons to watch:
3. The New York Yankees. They’re the most recognizable team in all of sports. When the Yankees are in the playoffs, I watch. I’m not a fan, but the stakes always seem higher in New York. The history of the Yankee pin stripes and the cool fall air belong together. The playoffs just aren’t the playoffs without the Yankees.

2. Can Derek Jeter erase the memory of what was the worst season of his professional career? In 13 playoff seasons, Jeter has batted less than .300 only four times. If the Yankees are to repeat as champions, they’ll need “The Captain” to find his stroke.

1. The Twins are everything the Yankees are not; small market team, no international superstars, relatively modest payroll. In fact, most baseball fans outside of New York will be rooting for the Twins. Joe Mauer deserves a coming out party and who wouldn’t love to see Carl Pavano’s mustache throughout October? Similar to the Rangers, the Twins can hit. They may not have the pitching horse that New York has in C.C. Sabathia, but the Twins boast a solid rotation that is good enough to send the Yankees home. Justin Morneau’s absence will hurt, but the Twins have made due without him since July. To recap; if you hate the Yankees, you’ll love the Twins.

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. This has nothing to do with either of these teams, but I would like to acknowledge how much I will miss Matt Holliday in the postseason. Three years ago, in a play-in game against the Padres, Holliday scored the game’s winning run by sliding into home on his chin. (He should have been called out by the way-he never touched home.) Last year, Holliday attempted to catch what would have been a game clinching fly ball with his crotch. Obviously, that didn’t pan out too well for him. The Cardinals lost the game and eventually, the series. We’ll miss you this year, Matt.

1. For whatever reason, I associate cold weather with intense, passionate baseball. Duh, that’s because the playoffs are in the fall. While this is true, I don’t get the same feeling from a playoff game played in a dome or warm climate. Minnesota now plays outdoors – one less dome to ruin the cold playoff atmosphere. I can only imagine how cold it would be in game three of the World Series if the Twins were to advance that far.

One team to advance:
1. Twins. Yankees are dysfunctional and content after last season’s title.

Atlanta Braves (NL Wildcard) vs. San Francisco Giants (NL West)

Three reasons to watch:
3. Pat Burrell. As a lifelong Phillies fan, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for “Pat the Bat.” Even though he ran to first base as if it were on a 30% incline, he’ll never be forgotten. But that’s not why he’s number three here. Burrell comes through in big moments. He hit the game winning double in game five of the 2008 World Series to give the Phillies the title, and I’ve lost count how many times I’ve turned on Baseball Tonight and learned he came through with another clutch hit. He may strike out too much, but when Burrell connects, his swing is one of the prettiest in the league.

2. New Blood. The Braves haven’t reached the postseason since 2005, while the Giants last appeared in 2003. I know it’s not as drastic as the Pirates or Nationals making an appearance, but the National League returns only one playoff team from the last five years. Also, McCovey Cove. It won’t have the same feel as it did in 2002 when Barry Bonds was littering AT&T Park with baseballs, but watching a walk-off home run sail into the cove as the Giants crowd around home plate would be special.

1. Playoff debuts. Jason Heyward is only 21, but it’s always intriguing to see how rookies perform under playoff pressure, especially talented rookies like Heyward. Legends are born in the cool nights of fall. In 1996, his first full season in the majors, Derek Jeter led the Yankees in batting (.361) en route to the franchise’s first World Series title in 18 years. The reigning two-time NL Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum, will also make his postseason debut. Lincecum struggled at times throughout the year but rebounded in September, winning five of his final six appearances. Who wouldn’t love to see Lincecum pitch twice in this series?

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. San Francisco’s fan base is head and shoulders above Atlanta’s. One of the reasons I loved the Giants’ run in 2002 was their crowd. Every time Bonds would step to the plate, the place would go nuts. If you’ve watched the playoff run closely, you’re aware that Atlanta has been playing in a stadium that is 2/3’s empty (with the exception of the season’s final weekend). Playoff baseball crowds are some of the best in sports. San Fran’s will put Atlanta’s to shame.

1. This will be Bobby Cox’s last appearance as major league manager. As a Phillies fan, I was never an admirer of Cox, mostly because his Braves steamrolled my Fightins for so long. However, it will be sad to see such a familiar face leave the division. His tirades set the bar for arguing. So long, Bobby Cox. Before you go, maybe one final run-in with an umpire? I know it’s the postseason, but do it for the fans. Thanks.

One team to advance:
1. Giants. Please be the Giants. I need a west coast team in the playoffs so I have something to watch at one in the morning. If the Giants go down, I’ll go to bed around midnight, and then it wouldn’t feel like playoff season.

Cincinnati Reds (NL Central) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (NL East)

Three reasons to watch:
3. The Phillies playoff rotation of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. When your third starter was the World Series MVP just two years ago, you’re in pretty good shape. As we all know, this will be Halladay’s first postseason. While I certainly don’t expect the stage to intimidate him, it will be fun to see if he feeds off the rowdy crowd at Citizens Bank Park like Cliff Lee did throughout the Phillies’ 2009 run. Also, Brad Lidge provides suspenseful drama that no prime time television show could match. When was the last time NCIS or Fringe made you pull out your hair and cry into a pillow? Not that I’ve ever done either of these things. I hear stories.

2. The Phillies defied logic this season. Somehow, Charlie Manuel’s crew won more games than any other team in baseball despite a season long battle with significant injuries. In fact, the playoffs will be the first time we’re treated to the lineup we expected out of spring training since early summer. This isn’t good news for the Reds. I think.

1. The Reds are an overwhelming underdog. I haven’t found a significant media source picking the Reds to advance. While this may prove how dominant and talented the Phillies are, it will only motivate Cincinnati. I absolutely hate being the heavy favorite. Obviously, the Phillies won’t buckle under the pressure because they’re a team that has thrived under pressure for the past four seasons. What I don’t like is that this takes the pressure off the inexperienced Reds and allows them to play loose. Loose teams are often the toughest to beat. What happens if the Reds shock the Phillies? Well, I have my own ways of dealing with what I call “sportastrophes.” For the last year, whenever something horrible happened to one of my teams, I’d access my DVR menu and watch Jimmy Rollins’ two out, two run double in the bottom of the ninth of game four of the 2009 NLCS. I watched Rollins’ climatic game-winning double after the Phillies fell to the Yankees, the Eagles’ playoff collapse, the soft Chicago goal that clinched the Stanley Cup, and every time I mistakenly watched a Sixers game. It’s been a wonderful coping method these past 12 months. My point it this: If the Phillies don’t beat the Reds, even Rollins’ double won’t take away the pain.

Two nonsensical thoughts:
2. I’m borderline colorblind as it is, so it’s going to be tough separating the two teams as both the Phillies and Reds sport red and white. As a result, my cheering may be delayed briefly so that I can first confirm that it was indeed the Phillies who made the significant play. I’m nervous about this already.

1. I love rally towels. I know they’re cliché and unimaginative, but nothing says “big game” to me like rally towels. When I turn on the TV and see the towels, I say to myself, “I better sit down, this is important.” Not even a live broadcast of a President’s speech on the major networks qualifies for, “I better sit down, this is important,” status. Unless, of course, I see rally towels.

One team to advance:
1. Phillies. Please don’t make us pay too much attention to Kevin Kolb yet.

Allow me to explain why with a few examples from the 2010 NBA and NHL Playoffs.

Obviously (as noted in my Alexander the Goat article a few weeks back), I believed the Washington Capitals deserved to be serenaded with boos. I would have even tolerated litter on the ice. Yes, throwing trash onto the ice is childish, illegal, and dangerous, but all three adjectives describe how most professional athletes behave in society anyway, so have at it. (Just kidding…about tolerating things being thrown onto the ice, not how athletes behave.) The Capitals deserved their fans’ disgust. Instead, they received a round of applause. Shame on you, Capital fans.

Yes, losing happens; it’s a part of sports. However, losing isn’t what requires booing, it’s the frequency and severity of losing that makes booing necessary. The Capitals have shriveled up and died in the playoffs for three straight years. When that happens, you boo…loudly, and you don’t stop until you’ve chased them off the ice. I even booed the Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin from my couch…and I’m a Flyers fan. The same formula should be applied to the New Jersey Devils. Another example of a regular season bully that goes M.I.A. come playoff time.

In the NBA playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks come to mind. No one expected the Hawks to beat the Orlando Magic in round two. However, Atlanta fans (and all basketball fans) were appalled at the lack of effort and intensity demonstrated by the Hawks. After being blown out by more than 40 points in the series opener, Atlanta responded by getting trounced in their next three outings and was swept from the playoffs. Sweeps happen. Getting beaten by a better team happens. Even getting blown out by a superior opponent is understandable, but to exert no effort and zero intensity is unacceptable, especially in the playoffs. The Hawks don’t really have a fan base, but the few fans they do have should still be booing.

As for the Cavaliers being booed by their own fans in what could have been LeBron’s final home game? I loved it. LeBron has held those fans hostage for the last two years. They’re scared to death about whether he’ll leave or stay. On Tuesday night, LeBron and the Cavaliers were so putrid that Cleveland fans finally stood up and said, ENOUGH! Even great players need to be told they stink from time to time. By booing LeBron, Cleveland may have pushed him away for good. If that’s the case, good for them. Any player that can’t take some boos, especially after a lousy game like that, doesn’t deserve the blind devotion that Cleveland has given to LeBron. Given is the key word. LeBron is a fantastic player, but he hasn’t earned anything yet. He has one NBA Finals appearance, no wins and zero championships. At this point, he owes Cleveland more than they owe him. Booing his lackadaisical effort on Tuesday night was the right call-we obviously want you to stay, but this is unacceptable. Cleveland’s season isn’t over, but sometimes a single game deserves a chorus of boos. Cleveland fans hit all the right notes on Tuesday night.

Let’s break it down in real world terms. If I have a great year at work, everyone loves me, and then I go on a two week stretch where I’m as worthless as Sammy Sosa without ‘roids, you better believe someone is going to say something. Why are fans supposed to ignore a sloppy two week stretch (at the most important time of the year nonetheless)? Because the team gave us an enjoyable regular season? No thank you. The greatest thing about “sports” is its simplicity. Only one thing matters; championships. Fans aren’t rooting for a rosy regular season. We want titles. Obviously, the season(s) building up to that title are appreciated and celebrated, but once a team gets stagnant in that pursuit (Capitals, Atlanta Hawks), fans get fed up.

The Philadelphia Eagles epitomize stagnant. Philly fans loved the early 2000’s as Donovan McNabb and the birds rose to prominence. We didn’t boo when the Giants beat us in the Divisional Round or when St. Louis squeaked out a win in the Conference Championship. Losing is an integral part of winning. However, once the Eagles dropped three consecutive NFC Championships (two to lesser opponents), the natives got restless. A half-decade later, we’re still restless. The Eagles have been running in place since the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX.

To further prove that losing doesn’t always deserve booing, let’s look at the Philadelphia Flyers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Flyers were down 0-3 in a seven game series to the Boston Bruins. They’ve since battled back to tie the series at three. Let’s pretend the Flyers were swept by the Bruins in four games, the final loss coming at the Wachovia Center. I’m almost certain the Philadelphia crowd would have applauded the Flyers. They were overmatched, shorthanded, and battling injuries that plagued them all year. A sweep would have been disheartening, but no one could question the Flyers effort.

The same is true for the Thunder. In their first playoff appearance, the young Thunder went head to head to with the powerful Lakers and extended the series to six games. The Thunder played hard and attacked the favored Lakers, but still fell in defeat. Losing in the 2010 playoffs was an early step in building a successful team that should compete for the NBA title for years to come. Did the players want to lose? Of course not. Kevin Durant shrugged off talk of moral victories immediately after the series ended. When asked how he felt, he responded, “Like I just lost a playoff series.” I’m sure Durant understands getting postseason experience (even losing) is part of the process, but no player with aspirations for greatness would accept that as an excuse for defeat. The Thunder faithful clearly understood the situation. After game six the Thunder were treated to a rousing and well-deserved ovation from their crowd. The fans appreciated the team’s development over the past year and thanked them for their efforts and success. Now, if OKC is still getting bumped in the first round two years from now, you better believe those fans will start booing, and so they should.

Too conclude, I don’t have a problem with fans not booing. To boo or not to boo is a choice that every fan can make. However, if a multi-millionaire athlete isn’t giving his best effort in the playoffs; you better believe I’m going to let him hear about it. After all, I get scolded at work if I misread a zip code.