Random Thoughts (October 7, 2009)

Bud Selig and MLB could not have had a better start to the playoffs than the showdown between the Tigers and Twins for the A.L. Central title last night in Minneapolis. The Twins won in dramatic fashion in the 12th inning. After the Tigers wasted a bases loaded, one-out situation in the top of the inning, Alexi Casilla drove in Carlos Gomez to clinch a spot in the postseason. The Tigers were very gracious in defeat, giving all the credit to the Twins. As late as September 2, the Tigers had a seven-game lead in the Central and seemed to be on the way to their second playoff berth in four years. They did have some reason to complain - home plate umpire Randy Marsh missed Brandon Inge being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the 12th - but did not make any excuses for their collapse. As for the predictions for the Division Series: Red Sox over Angels in 4 Yankees over Twins in 4 Dodgers over Cardinals in 4 Phillies over Rockies in 3 Get ready for a Red Sox-Yankees ALCS, the fourth time they will meet for the American League pennant in the last ten years... The New York Jets believe they have a chance to win the Super Bowl this year, as evidenced by their trade for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The acquisition of Edwards, a 2007 Pro Bowl receiver, gives rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez a big downfiedl target and it also gives Edwards a chance to redeem himself after a poor 2008 season a slow start in 2009... In other NFL news, the 49ers are on the verge of signing Michael Crabtree, their first round pick who has been holding out for more money. Crabtree is a gifted receiver who will add another weapon to the surprising 49ers, who are off to a 3-1 start and look to be the class of the NFC West... Brett Favre's outstanding performance on Monday night (24-of-31, 271 yards, 3 touchdowns) was overshadowed by his classy remarks about the Packers and their quarterback (and his former understudy in Green Bay) Aaron Rodgers. The people of Green Bay have the right to hate Favre while he plays for archrival Minnesota but those comments, along with his great years of service with the Packers, are plenty of reason to "forgive" him when he (finally) retires... ESPN's new documentary series "30 for 30" started off in spectacular fashion last night. The "30 for 30" series is focusing on the details of the major storylines and events that have taken place in sports during the 30 years of ESPN (1979 - 2009). The first documentary, "King's Ransom," gave a detailed history of Wayne Gretzky's trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. Through interviews and old video footage, director Peter Berg brought to life the emotional struggle that Canadiens faced when their greatest star was dealt to the Kings. Other topics that will be covered include the 2004 ALCS and the Miami Hurricanes football dominance of the '80s and '90s... Happy Birthday Murph...