What a great night of baseball! It doesn't get much better than watching teams who played all season long, and one that even survived a play-in game, hit the diamond for what should be some of the best playoff action in a long time. Why will this year be any different you ask? Easy. The field is wide open.

The Rockies could win it all because they're hot. They've won 15 of 16 games, and have the hitting to get it done. Philly could win it all as well... with a rotation built on youth and a line-up that can score runs at will, watch out for Cole Hamels and company. The D-Backs are battle tested, having played in the NL West all year and surviving the back and forth with the Dodgers and Padres. They have solid pitching, know how to win close games (over 30 one-run games), and most of all have recent success in the post-season to drive their city and fans to believe they can get it done. And how about the Cubbies? Chicago made a 180-degree turn after Carlos Zambrano went after Michael Barrett on June 1st. There was a clear exchange of slaps and pushes, and if the players hadn't been pulled apart, punches could have been thrown (Zambrano's arm definitely looked cocked). But then something amazing happened, June 2nd arrived and the Cubs started winning. Who cares if Sweet Lou never shaves, or if they haven't won a title since 1908, or haven't played in the World Series since 1945... this could be there year if Alfonso Soriano and Derek Lee decided to take over. And they're good enough to do it. Allegedly.

Check back next time for my AL Take...

And for the Record - I can't stand the Yankees

Christian