We give a lot of crap to Philly fans; getting after them for their willingness to boo McNabb, likely their own children, and Santa, or their affinity for battery tossing and other general assbaggery.  Most All of that is well deserved and it’s even good form to make fun of their 10,000 losses.  On Wednesday night, however, Philly fans came through with a resounding victory the way they know best: booing the hell out of something. 

Obviously, as a member of the Ernie Johnson fan club I wouldn’t applaud a berating of the best on air talent in the business.  This was aimed directly at TBS.  Despite the network being owned by Mr. Turner of Atlanta Braves allegiance, I’m going to go with the idea that the people of Philly were booing the atrocious coverage TBS has provided throughout the playoffs and for the NLCS. 

The MLB playoffs have drawn terrible ratings this year and while the product may not be what it once was, you can’t convince me that TBS didn’t hurt MLB’s cause.  No one is thinking of TBS when they’re looking for a game.  TBS is the home of countless My Name is Earl reruns once the Friends and Seinfeld (God bless em) marathons are over.

For all their shortcomings, I’ve really come around to the idea that every major sporting event should be covered by ESPN.  Sure, the hype train blows its whistle twice as loud when something is on ESPN/ABC–look at all the athletes on Dancing With the Stars!…next on SC, Brett Favre takes out garbage–but they put together the best broadcast by far. 

In no way should this be an endorsement of Joe Morgan calling baseball games, or talking.  Seriously though, die TBS and well done Philadelphia. 

h/t: Awful Announcing

So these are a day late, but we’re predicting nonetheless.  You’ll have to forgive Stormin’ Norman and me because our teams didn’t exactly have uplifting seasons.  The Cubs can’t even see the expectations that were set for this season from where they plateaued and the Tigers lost a 7 game lead in a month, then produced a four and a half hour recreation of that month in the one game playoff with the Twins.  Anyway, let’s get to it.

ALDS- Twins vs. Yankees: Okay, so the Twins don’t really stand a chance.  There was a time that I thought whoever came out of the Tigers Twins battle would give the Yankees a run because those two teams had been playing meaningful baseball, but that’s what I thought the Tigers would win.  The Twins did end the season on a 17-4 run, with three of those losses coming against the Tigers, but the Yankees are just too good.  I’m not nearly as impressed with Yankee pitching as everyone else, but whatever, Yanks in 3. 

ALDS- Angels vs. Sawx: Man, I hate the Red Sox.  The Sox have won 12 of the last 13 playoff games played between these two franchises and ended the Angels season three out of the last five years.  That’s crazy.  I want the Angels to win this series badly, but I think the Red Sox bullpen comes through and sets up an annoying series with the Yankees.  Red Sox in 4.

NLDS- Rockies vs. Phillies:  The Rockies are riding some of that magic from a couple years ago it seems like.  However, the Phillies pitching is just too good, not to mention their mashers can take advantage of the Rockies home stadium just as much as those purple clad world beaters.  Just after dealing with Cliff Lee they get Cole Hamels and this series will go 2-0.  I think the Rockies give the home crowd reason to cheer and take game three, but it’s Phils in 4. 

NLDS- Cardinals vs. Dodgers: One of the interesting things to watch in the first game of this series was how LA intentionally walked Pujols twice with men on base, showing they weren’t all that scared of Matt Holliday.  It definitely paid off last night and will be something to keep an eye on.  I still like the Cardinals to win this series, but it could very well go the distance.  Cards in 5.

ALCS- Yankees vs. Red Sox: Classic match-up, blah blah, first series between these teams all year that won’t have two games on ESPN.  If Favre played for the Yanks or Sox, I’d have to end my life.  Anyway, it’s been a while since the Yankees have won this battle, so I’ll take the hitting of the Yankees to overpower Boston.  Yankees in 6.

NLCS- Phillies vs. Cardinals: Now this is a great match-up.  Both teams have amazing top two pitchers, and dangerous hitters throughout the lineup.  Everyone seems to be picking Cards and Yanks in the World Series, but I really think the Phillies make it back.  This would be a great series though. Phillies in 7. 

World Series- Yankees vs. Phillies:  Could this be the year for the Yankees?  Honestly, I didn’t think I’d pick them to get this far.  I don’t think their pitching or their manager will be good enough to get the job done.  The Phillies can match the Yankees from the plate and have superior starting pitching.  I’ll take the Phils to repeat.  Phillies in 5.