Josh Beckett…wow

My Angels homerism blinded me from the fact that Josh Beckett is really really good. That was one of the most dominating performances I’ve ever seen…Dude was just filthy in every respect of the word.

That said, I feel like the Angels can still win game two with Escobar on the hill. It should be a pretty good pitcher’s duel with Dice-K going for the Sox. Even though we lost game 1, its always sweet to know that postseason baseball is back…even though the new vibe that TBS gives off is taking some getting used to.

Frank TV

All of these ads for Frank TV in between innings are getting me really excited. I don’t watch too much TV, but I’m definitely going to give this show a shot. Hats off to TBS for effectively marketing their new show. Here’s hoping it’s a gem…

Rockies in Control

The bandwagon that Gilbert jumped on early just keeps getting bigger.

Beating Cole Hamels at Citizens Bank puts the Rockies in firm control of this series. I realize the Rockies playoff rotation is very iffy, but the Phils’ starters are even iffier.

Kyle Kendrick has been pretty solid this year, but he definitely isn’t someone who should be starting Game 2 of a playoff series, at least not at this point in his career.

Meanwhile, Franklin Morales isn’t exactly a sure thing either, but he was absolutely phenomenal to close the season and I think there’s a real good chance for the Rockies to go up 2-0. If that happens, The Phillies would need both Jamie Moyer and Kyle Lohse to win at Coors…which isn’t going to happen.

My money is definitely on the Rockies to pull out the series after today.

It’s playoff time

The eight teams left are all 0-0 now. What happened before today doesn’t matter anymore to the eight teams fortunate to still be playing.

It’s a new season people. Today is one of the best sports days of the year.

I’ll have more about the playoffs as the day goes on and as the playoffs go on.

In the meantime, go watch the games (or if you’re stuck at work, listen to them if you can).

And if your team’s not in the playoffs, go adopt a team for a week, jump on a bandwagon. I’d suggest either the Angels, Indians or any NL team — just don’t jump on the Yankees or Red Sox bandwagons. Those bandwagons are already overflowing.

Links of the Day: Playoff edition

After pressure from MLB, ESPN has changed their minds and has started running promos for the playoff games on TBS. ESPN didn’t have to, it wasn’t in their contract, and the only leverage MLB had over ESPN was not letting ESPN do on-site coverage from playoff games. I figured that wouldn’t be a huge loss, considering football season is in full swing. Maybe ESPN did this to preserve a good relationship with MLB down the line?

Jonathan Papelbon is the worst negotiator ever. (One More Dying Quail)

An excellent take on Barry Bonds and the asterisked ball situation. As much as we all hate him, Barry is still a human being. And degrading the record home run ball by putting an asterisk on it, even though it looks like it’s deserved, is classless. (Bugs & Cranks)

Imagine being a fan of 3 MLB teams — and seeing all three going to the postseason in the same year. That’s incredible (Center Field).

I’m not the only sports blogger who writes book reviews well after the books come out. Here’s a good review of Mike Greenberg’s book. (Hugging Harold Reynolds)