For the Love of the Game

No, this isn't a movie review (although that is a phenomenal movie).

It's October, which means the MLB playoffs are in full swing. After only a few days, it looks as if this is shaping up to be a post season to remember. While my beloved Yankees are up two games to none on the Minnesota Twins, this post isn't to brag or boast (for fear of a jinx). I'm a fan of the game through and through, and while the Yankees are doing well, a fan cannot help but notice everything else that is going on around the playoff bracket.

For starters, how about Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay? On Wednesday Halladay became the second pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter in the post season (the first being Don Larsen, who through a perfect game in the 1956 World Series for the Yankees). Not only that, but thanks to his perfect game on May 29th he became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the regular season as well as the post season. I'm no Phillies fan, but it truly is a show when you get to watch this guy carve up a line up.

It's also good to see my native Texas Rangers doing a number on the Rays. Having no love for this new AL East rival, I am all for the Rangers closing out this series tomorrow night. Plus, a potential New York/Texas ALCS would be historical in it's own right seeing as neither of these teams have met past the Division Series. However, I don't think anyone should count Tampa Bay out yet.

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants also put on a great show last night, striking out 14 batters in a complete game shutout of the Braves. This was a joy to watch as I am a fan of the Freak, and I have to show a little love to a former New York team.

Last but not least Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, both in the twilight of their careers, are showing why the Yankess are a different team in October. With the series 2-0 in the Yankee's favor heading back to New York, fans of the Yanks have to feel good seeing an 18 game winner on the mound in Phil Hughes.

No matter what has happened so far, there is still a lot more baseball to be played, and the 2010 post season is shaping up to be the perfect conclusion to an amazing 2010 baseball season. Now if I could just get a Yankees/Giants World Series, I could REALLY enjoy the end of the season!