Chi-town - Meet Manny!

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Well, late again with predictions for the MLB playoffs - but I went on record telling the gang at yahoo that the Dodgers would win the series against the Cubs in four games, and Big Blue is off to a great start with a 7-2 win over the Cubs.

"The Dodgers were 0-3 at Wrigley this season - but that was before Manny."

That sentence was uttered over and over during the first few innings of the game - how true, "before Manny". "Before Manny" the Dodgers were fourth from the bottom in terms of runs scored in the National League - "Since Manny" they were fourth in the league. Theo Epstein should be given a World Series ring when the Dodgers win the big one this year - the 20th anniversary of their last World Series win over Oakland.

Remember this Eck?
















Come on Red Sox - we want YOU in the World Series...yeah, you read that right!

Other picks

Angels over Red Sox in five - sorry Red Sox Nation, as great as it would be to play the Sox, don't see it happening this year.

Phillies over Brewers in four - Brewers are just happy to be in the playoffs, enjoy your week guys.

White Sox over Rays in four - Rays had a dream season, just don't see it lasting too long this year.

WEDNESDAY'S THREE STARS

Derek Lowe pitched like a bulldog and kept Big Blue in the game until the bats got going.

Lowe gave up 2 earned runs (on a wind aided home run to Mark DeRosa) on seven hits and a walk, while striking out 6 (a few of them in big situtations).

He looked like the Derek Lowe of the 2004 World Series.





Manny Ramirez was his usual self. Two hits, including a solo HR, and a walk.

Ramirez drew a two out walk in the fifth, after starting out 0-2 to Ryan Dempster, to set the table for James Loney's heroics (Andre Either walked after Ramirez).

This guy has made the Dodgers LEGIT!





James Loney had one hit - one VERY big hit after starting out 0-2...Manny's influence on the Dodgers runs deep.

Loney hits a Grand Slam in the fifth to put the Dodgers up 4-2.

They didn't look back!









Happy times here - even with the Leafs getting smoked by St. Louis in preseason Hockey.

Sox and Angels get started in a few minutes. Good luck Red Sox...Red Sox West will be waiting for you!

That's it for tonight gang - thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world - it'll be a long season for the Leafs, but there is plenty to be excited about.

I'm Out!