Let The Fun Begin-But Sooner Than Later

The ALCS is all set, and Yankees-Angels promises to be exciting. With apologies to the remaining National League squads, it will probably decide the next world champion.

BUT-thanks to MLB and TV, we have to wait the better part of 5 days. WHY can't they start this baby Wednesday? This gives both squads a chance to rest, and the Angels the opportunity to fly into the Big Apple and avoid jet lag. To my knowledge, Springsteen isn't playing at Angels Stadium or the Bronx in the next week, so let's go.

Sadly, TV rules the world. The only good thing about the long wait is it means much less "Lopez Tonight" promos on TBS, since the ALCS is on Fox. If they could, Fox would have Stewie Griffin from "Family Guy" in the booth with Buck and McCarver. Happily, the series should be great once they start.

Let's face it, the Angels can and DO give the Yankees problems. They will run early, often and always on Posada and Molina. Six guys with double digit stolen bases, 8 players with 50 plus runs batted in. They all hit, too. Kendry Morales is a rising star. Abreu has made a big difference. If Guerrero is healthy, watch out. Red Sox manager Terry Francona has much of the fall and winter to regret pitching to Bad Vlad yesterday at Fenway. I'd rather have been beaten by a very good Torii Hunter than a future Hall of Famer.

Pitching is where the Yanks have a great advantage: C.C., A. J., and Andy are better than Lackey, Weaver, Kazmir and Saunders. It would be interesting to see what the Yanks do if they are down 2-1 entering game 4. Chad Gaudin make you feel secure, Yankee fans?

I don't care if Brian Fuentes saved 148 games this year-he's NOT Mariano. The Yanks will have a big advantage with Joba, Phil Hughes and Rivera for innings 7-through 9.

The biggest advantage for the Angels may be on the bench. Mike Scioscia is a better manager than Joe Girardi today, tomorrow, probably 10 years from now. If a manager is responsible for 5 wins a season, Anaheim's skipper will make the move that will win L.A. a game in this series. The Yanks will win the series because of better talent, not because of their skipper.

It won't be easy. The Angels feel they are a team of destiny, rallying from early struggles and the death of Nick Adenhart to win 97 games. The Bronx Bombers have steamrolled since Alex Rodriguez joined them after his hip injury. He doesn't HAVE to be a star with the lineup around him. But if A-Rod plays the rest of the postseason like the ALDS, the Yanks can plan a parade down the Canyon of Heroes.

PREDICTION: YANKEES IN 7-Hopefully the weather won't be an issue. If it is, blame it on the suits at MLB and FOX