I realize that complaining about ESPN coverage is up there with griping about gas prices these days. No one is happy about it. Yes, it could be better, but - and I apologize for using what's suddenly become the trite catchphrase of the year - it is what it is. But you could almost be expected to think that the American League Championship Series wasn't being played this year, given all the broadcast time that the latest fall of the New York Yankees has received this week.
Yankees, Yankees, Yankees. Will Joe Torre get fired? Who's going to leave? Who's going to stay? What will Steinbrenner do? And will the world of baseball tilt on its axis?
Maybe I just haven't been watching enough (and I'll admit to changing the channel around mid-week), but there hasn't seemed to be a peep about the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox. And correct me if I'm wrong, but they're competing in actual games that will go toward determining the 2008 World Series champion are scheduled to be played. Pardon their audacity, but is it okay if they play now?
As Densogirl mentioned in the comments yesterday, both the Tribe and Sawx seem superior to either of the National League finalists, and they should give us one hell of a series. Jeff Francis vs. Brandon Webb was a good pitching match-up last night, but most of the drama in that game occurred once the Arizona fans began throwing bottles onto the field. How about C.C. Sabathia vs. Josh Beckett - one of whom will likely be the AL Cy Young Award winner? That's a "You know what, guys? I know it's Friday, but I think I'm going to stay in tonight" kind of match-up.
Consider this an open thread for Game 1 of the ALCS. And SB Nation brohams Let's Go Tribe and Over the Monster will bring you the views of the respective competitors.