DIVISION SERIES PLAYOFF PREVIEW - ALDS

VERSUS

At the time of this post, the ALDS playoffs will most likely have begun (and almost certainly by the time you're reading it. And if you're reading it at all, God bless you). However, at the time that I'm actually writing this, it's T-minus 49 minutes until the first pitch at Fenway. Which gives me just enough time to present to you an uninfluenced preview of this ALDS match-up.

On first glance, this looks like a simple rematch of the 2004 ALDS, when the Red Sox outperformed the Angels at the end of each game in a Roger Federer-like manner. And though one New England team currently looks to be about as dominant as Federer, it's not the Red Sox.

It's really hard to find a definitive edge for either of these teams. Both come in a little banged-up, both emotionally and physically. By picking the extra early off day, the Sox will most likely avoid seeing Bartolo Colon start in this series, but that's not necessarily a good thing this year, as he's sporting a losing record and a plus-6 era. The Sox are betting that their starting three are better than that of the Angels, but lately, that's not a sure thing. Beckett, Dice-K and Schilling have all been a little shaky, and Lackey, Escobar and Weaver are no slouches (although Escobar struggled down the stretch as well, so who knows). Pitching match-ups are nearly impossible to predict anyway, and more often than not it seems that the opposite of what you think would happen ends up happening (with that logic, I'm picking a pitcher's duel between Dice-K and Escobar in game 2).

My theory? Go with the most under-reported statistic. For this series, it's road record. For the Angels, that's an under-.500 mark. As cliche as it may be, you have to be able to win on the road in the playoffs. For the Angels, that is actually a fact, as they can only see a maximum of two games in Anaheim (or LA, whatever they want to call it now), so they'll have to pull out AT LEAST one in Boston. Easier said than done. The Angels went 4-6 against the Sox this year, and were 2-5 against them at Fenway (and one of those wins was the second game of a double header).

My Prediction: Everyone and their mother is picking the Sox to win this series in four or five. I love my mom. Sox in Four.

I'LL TAKE THINGS THAT END IN "TOBER" FOR $1000

TBS is dubbing it "actober"; NESN has referenced it as "Soxtober"; and New York City cabbies are calling it "that month I'm not gonna work that much".

Whatever you choose to call it, October is here. And along with colder weather and heavier drinking, this month ushers in my favorite events: the Major League Baseball Playoffs . In all sincerity, this looks like it could be a very interesting post-season, and that's not just because Dane Cook is doing the promos. As a result, I'm challenging myself to post NEAR-DAILY entries here, predicting and recapping through the Division, Championship, and World Series.

Will I be able to do it? Absolutely not. If history has taught us anything, it's that I'm a terrible blogger (and a scary beard-grower). But if nothing else, it will hopefully be entertaining to watch me try valiantly and fail spectacularly.

So without further ado, I welcome you to the 2008 MLB playoffs blog!

OLIVE GARDEN

In the ultimate act of contrition and apology, the Mets this week sent out a heartfelt mass-email message to their fan base. Sources say they may be following this up with door-to-door visits by Met interns to random houses in Queens later this week, who will be distributing coupons for hotdogs, available for use with purchase of ticket for any Mets home game next season. However, this is purely speculation.

If you have not yet had the chance to view the Mets concession speech to their fans, I've procured a copy for your viewing pleasure:

AND HERE'S ANOTHER HIT, BARRY BONDS

Barry Bonds record-breaking homerun ball is on the way to the Hall of Fame adorned with an an asterisk, courtesy of Mark Ecko. Also courtesy of Ecko is a new performance-wear t-shirt made especially for Bonds:



Experts predict the shirt to be made available to the public through *ecko unltd. and be on sale at Macy's by Christmas.

NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT...

As the 2008 election continues to grow closer (it's a certified fact - it's going to occur eventually), so grows the intensity, relevance, and thought provoking nature of the questions posed to the candidates.

It's for this reason that it comes as no surprise that in the October 9th copy of The Advocate, Senator Hillary Clinton is asked the following question: "How do you respond to the occasional rumor that you're a lesbian?"

What DOES come as surprise is the Senator's response: "It's not true, but it is something that I have no control over."

Bold move from the former First Lady. It's one thing to address your own sexuality on the campaign trail, but it's another to brazenly come out and say that it's something you have no control over...


*UPDATE: Determined not to be overshadowed, embattled Senator Larry Craig said today that "I too am 110% straight, and unlike Senator Clinton, that was a conscious decision... Not that it needed to be, because I've never once had a homosexual thought of any kind, nor do I know anyone of the gay persuasion." Immediately following this comment, Senator Craig paused, then added, "I dig chicks. A LOT."

MIND-FREAK

On the heels of the severely under-reported signal taping scandal, the NFL is currently investigating claims that New England Patriots head Coach Bill Belichick can read minds.

"This matter is still in its preliminary stages," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The League will reserve comment pending further investigation." It is worth noting that Goodell gave this statement to the press while wearing a protective lead helment on his head. Lead, as is commonly known, is impenetrable to all mind-reading attempts

HOW NOT TO GET TASERED - college edition

Tasering. It's the newest epidemic sweeping our nation. Much like cocaine during the 80's and oversized coffee mugs in the 90's, tasering is becoming harder and harder to avoid. But that doesn't mean you have to allow yourself to fall victim (no pun intended) to this growing fad.

As with any harmful item, the first thing you'll want to do is recognize the problem so you can properly address the issue. There are several warning signs that are associated with tasering that can easily be identified. The following is a partial list of tasing symptoms you should be aware of:

• Uncontrollable muscle twitching
  
• Momentary paralysis
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Incontinence
  
• fever
  
• nausea
  
• hunger
  
• dry mouth
  
• restless leg
  
• sweaty palms
  
• general fatigue
  
• depression
  
• An increase of high-voltage low-current electrical current pulsing through your body
  

At the onset of any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your physician. It's possible you are about to be, are being, or in extreme cases, were tasered.

But fear not. There are a number of things you can do yourself to prevent being tasered. Here are six easy things that you can do to keep you clean and out of harms way:

1. Don't Say things like "don't tase me bro"

Evidence shows this tends to lead to immediate tasering.

2. Stay out of lecture halls

Voice safety concerns to your local campus administration. They will most likely excuse you from class. If you go to UMass, just continue not going to class as you normally would.

3. Don't carry your baby through hospital corridors

Instead, conceal your baby in the new porous American Eagle™ brand Baby Bag. In lieu of the Baby Bag, your gym bag will suffice.

4. Carry your own taser

Studies reveal that carrying a taser on you at all times increases your safety level by 17%, and reduces your risk of getting tased by 35% - similar to carrying handguns.

BUT BEWARE! Should you become involved in an altercation in which you are battling another person with a taser, be careful not to cross the streams (see Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2).

5. Build a moat around your home

Moats limit the amount of people who have access to your residence, which in turn will limit your opportunity to be tased. *Note - the effectiveness of this method is dependent upon the amount of time you spend in your home in addition to the number of people in your household who own tasers.

6. Avoid places where people are inclined to cheer for your tasing

See below...