The leaves were just starting to turn yesterday going north on Rt. 80.1. Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park the joint was literally rocking. After Utley and Burrell homered in the 6th to, respectively, tie the game and give the Phils the lead, you could feel the stands bouncing. Can't remember that happening before.
2. I wondered at Game 1 how long it would take for the "Beat LA" chants to start. Answer: No time at all. Most of the players probably had no idea what that chant references but it was cool nonetheless.
3. So far Shane Victorino has pretty much been the MVP of the postseason. He's been big-time clutch at the plate and in the field. To all the doubters, I told you so!
4. Phillies broadcaster and ex-player Gary Matthews said with some asperity after game 1, "Any time you can beat Los Angeles and their 'bleed Dodgers blue", it's fine with me."
5. And at last some love for Carlos Ruiz, who has been a sterling defensive catcher. It's wonderful to watch his face as he greets Brad Lidge at the game end. He's also had a couple of key at-bats postseason.
6. Speaking of sterling, Ryan Madson has been terrific.
7. This postseason so far: Brett Myers is 4 for 5 and Ryan Howard 2 for 17. It's all about wins, says Howard, who must be frustrated. In truth, Howard has seen nothing but a steady diet of offspeed stuff.
8. Yesterday was Pat Burrell's 32nd birthday. No surprise that he's a Libra.
9. The Phanatic did a routine in front of the Dodgers' dugout, smashing a Dodger batting helmet, with dreadlocks attached, into smithereens. Manny probably didn't even notice but somewhere in the house, Tommy Lasorda was having a hissy fit.
10. Speaking of old Dodgers, Sandy Koufax, who lives down the road from me, was at the game last night. He no doubt missed Thursday's game because of Yom Kippur.
11. This morning's papers had a touching photo of Manny Ramirez with Charlie Manuel before yesterday's game. The two were standing shoulder to shoulder with their arms around each other.
