Playoff rundown - Oct. 9

Playoff roundup
Starting in the National League:
Dodgers-Cardinals
The Dodgers have taken a surprising 2-game lead.
From Los Angeles: The Dodgers don't give up or give in.
From St. Louis: There's no waking up from this nightmare.
Magic Number: The Cardinals had never fallen behind 0-2 in the Division Series.
Star so far: The Dodgers bullpen has been lights out in a total team effort, giving up one run in 7 2/3 innings.

Phillies-Rockies
Momentum is a fickle mistress.
From Philadelphia: Charlie Manual managed like he was trailing by a game. With that backfire and leave the Phillies trailing after Saturday night.
From Colorado: One thing the Rockies don't do: Play with fear.
Magic Number: The Rockies won 51 times at home this season.
Star so far: Dexter Fowler had a productive day despite not getting a hit. The Rockies outfielder drove in two runs.

Now, let's take a trip to the Junior Circuit:
The Yankees can get the death-grip on this series tonight.
Yankees-Twins
From New York: A.J. Burnett has his catcher. Now he must deliver.
From Minnesota: Jason Kubel is ready for Round 2
Magic Number: A.J. Burnett has a 3.28 ERA when Jose Molina catches.

Angels-Red Sox
From Anaheim: The Angels are lucky to have Lackey.
From Boston: Did Red Sox fans forget what it was like to be a Red Sox fan.
Magic Number: The Angels were able to get five runs despite their leadoff hitter, CHone Figgins, not getting on base.
Star so far: Who else but John Lackey.

Looking to next year:

• The Cubs and Rays could be looking at a Pat Burrell for Milton Bradley deal.


• Too bad for Larry Johnson, Zack Greinke is the most popular athlete in Kansas City.


• Kevin Towers doesn't know why he was fired.

The Closer
Uncle Cholly is trying to be deceptive about the Game 3 starter.
All three pitchers deserve it.
All three pitchers could pitch three innings, kind of like Little League.
But this is The Big Leagues and Charlie Manuel had better stop playing coy and give his game three starter, whoever it is, the nod today. Give him a day of solid preparation because if it's up in the air the pitchers will be concentrating on if they're pitching and not how they'll pitch.