Detroit Rock City

As a Boston Red Sox fan there is a certain (albeit self-serving) feeling of righteousness when the New York Yankees are ousted from the playoffs. Sure, the Red Sox didn't make it to fall ball for 2 seasons in a row. That only matters minimally in this war of ages. What matters is that the Yankees didn't acquire another ring. Phew. I'll bet the Sox brass is breathing easy with that knowledge.

This isn't at all about the Red Sox though. This is about seeing teams emerge and be great in October. This is about Jose Valverde shutting the door on Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees. This is about Justin Verlander making everyone realize that he could and should be the AL MVP this season. This is about Austin Jackson coming into his own as a suitable replacement for Curtis (MVP runner-up) Granderson.

This is about Victor Martinez, settling in nicely as a part-time catcher and DH. This is about Doug Fister handling this New York Yankee lineup for four scoreless innings, only allowing 1 run over five innings. This is about Magglio (don't call me washed up) Ordonez going 2 for 3 and showing he's still got it. This is about the magic that October brings out in all of baseball.

What we are witnessing this post season is something that I'm sure Bud Selig is enjoying quite a bit. Of the 8 Division Series teams only 1 would be considered "major market" by many accounts. We are seeing the Arizona Diamondbacks show incredible resilience against a formidable Milwaukee Brewers team. We are seeing the St. Louis Cardinals ride out this wave of amazing baseball that they have been playing since September 1st, taking it to the heavily favored Philadelphia Phillies. We are seeing history in the making.

Tonight should prove to be no exception to that statement. With 2 game five's lined up, this is going to be an epic night of baseball. First, at 5:00pm est we will see the Milwaukee Brewers play host to the red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks. The snakes are hoping to see another Kirk Gibson-esque performance from Ryan Roberts. Justin Upton could solidify himself as a bonified star by becoming an October hero as well. On the other side the Brewers are hoping that the combo of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder will provide enough offense to rid themselves of those pesky Diamondbacks.

After that, at 8:30pm est we will see the finale' of the Cardinals and Phillies series, capping off the Division Series playoffs with a pitchers dual for the ages; Chris Carpenter against Roy Halladay. Though Carpenter is hosting a 12.00 ERA in the NLDS (he pitched on short rest in game 2) tonight he is on full rest and ready to take on his old compadre' Roy Halladay (3.38 ERA in the NLDS).

I said it on Facebook the other night - I have already made my predictions for the World Series and starting tonight, I think you'll see the Cardinals make their way to play the Texas Rangers for it all. All I know is that I will be tied to my TV tonight for some exciting October baseball.