Tigers, Mets heading to league championship series

What a weekend it's been as the rich and mighty Yankees got knocked clean off their feet and were sent packing by the Detroit Tigers. How would've thought the underdogs were nabbed the series 3-1 over New York? The Tigers advance to the second round to face the Athletics in a best-of-7 series for the first time since 1987. I'm glad the Yankees once again were humbled, proving just because you're the most wealthy franchise in baseball doesn't mean you're the best. Jeremy Bonderman recorded the win in the deciding game Saturday in Detroit. He held the Yankee hitters at bay, pitching 8.1 innings yielding 2 earned runs off 5 hits and a walk. Magglio Ordonez and Craig Monroe both homered in route to a 8-3 victory.

The Yanks didn't know what hit them as their opponents outplayed them in the ALDS. They won the first game at home then lost the next 3 to Detroit. Randy Johnson and Jaret Wright didn't pitch effective nor hung around very long. The reason why the Tigers were successful was because they got to New York's starting pitching early, gaining the momentum. The pressure was obvious, A-Rod (1-14 series) and Derek Jeter couldn't deliver in the clutch. The whole lineup had no answers against Kenny Rogers in Game 3 as he pitched a shutout, striking out 8 batters.

On the other side of town, recent events aren't so gloomy for the Mets as they easily sweep the Dodgers in the NLDS. Even without Pedro Martinez the club pulled together and wreaked havoc on the Dodger's pitching staff. Nomar got injured again in Game 2, unable to play yesterday (Well, his presence couldn't have saved the Dodgers anyway...plus he was bound to get injured sooner or later). Paul Lo Duca and Shawn Green were the heroes in Game 3 as they both collected at least 2 hits a piece and drove in 4 runs combined. Despite the offensive attack from New York neither starting pitcher lasted past the 4th inning.

Greg Maddux got banged around for 4 runs on 7 hits while Steve Traschel was yanked after 3.1 innings of work though only allowed 2 earned runs. Unless the Padres make a major comeback it looks like the Cardinals and Mets will meet in the NLCS. Playing good or decent won't cut it for St. Louis, they'll need more than the long ball from Albert Puljos. I'm look forward to seeing Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and company to tee off on Cardinal pitching.