The amazing, relentless Tampa Bay Rays, versus the Red Empire of Boston, for the American League title. As it should be. 9 = 8 (9 major league players, playing hard with no letup for 9 innings every game, will be one of the 8 playoff teams) has now become 9 = 4. Unless Boston is really on its game, 9 will equal 2.
The come from behind again Phillies (putting an end-of-season stake through the Mets' heart once again) face the Manny-turbocharged LA Dodgers for the National League crown. That wasn't how it was supposed to be; the Cubs' 0-3 departure has left a very bitter taste in Chicago. But that's the way it is, and this is going to be a tough battle for both teams.
I do not envy the team that must face the American League winner.
Both Chicago teams dispatched in short order... a bad omen for a certain presidential candidate from that city, perhaps?
Then again, the Diamondbacks didn't even make the postseason...
"Red Empire"?!?! It was only four years ago that we won our first World Series since 1918. My father in law lived and died, full of years, without seeing his beloved team win it all. Sure, they fill Fenway (and just about every other place they play) now, but some of us remember the crowd being described as "the faithful four hundred." Granted, the Sox started spending money under the present management, but money isn't everything: of the top 10 payrolls in baseball, only Boston and LA Dodgers are still playing.
This should be a great series, although the Sox are a bit depleted and the Rays probably have the edge, as you say. Boston and Tampa have had a little-noticed rivalry going, and have had a series of brawls, ejections, suspensions, etc. Much of it revolved around Manny Ramirez, but it will probably live on after him. We'll see.