FanNation - The Republic of Sport

It's been 3 weeks since my last post and a lot has happened since then. It seems that virtually every team in college football has been in the top 5 of the AP poll, and then we have watched them proceed to drop just as quickly. Here are a few thoughts about what has transpired as we head out of the days of the Fall Classic and into the heart of the NFL, NCAA football, and NBA and NCAA hoops seasons.

Is hell freezing over or did the Boston Red Sox win ANOTHER World Series? Some friends of mine have called them the new version of what the Yankees once were. I'm not ready to put them on that level. I love the Red Sox but 2 titles does not equal 20+ championships. But the fact of the matter is that the Red Sox have established themselves as the best of the best in the past 4 years. They were one yank of Pedro Martinez away from having another title too. And this just in, Josh Beckett is the greatest postseason pitcher of all-time. He has picked up right where he left off when he dominated in the playoffs for the Florida Marlins, and this will probably not be his last trip to the Series.

I was skeptical of Manny Ramirez's attitude when the Sox went down 3-1 versus the Indians. His "there's always next year" attitude came of less as Manny being Manny and more like a player who had grown content with his position. Boy was I wrong. Ramirez helped lift Boston from the depths of elimination when it seemed his teammates' bats had gone cold. it was his relaxed attitude that actually represented why Boston was the best. They just don't get rattled. And like it or not, Yankees fans have to admit that the torch is being passed. Don't worry, you'll be back soon. I promise. 

Memo to Theo Epstein; Get rid of Coco Crisp immediately. Jacoby Ellsbury is your future. This is evident to anyone who saw the change in momentum Boston gained after benching Crisp. Also, feel free to sign Mike Lowell to an extension. I don't care how good A-Rod is, you do not mess with chemistry.

Speaking of A-Rod was there a less classy move on a player's part than to make a fuss about opting out of your contract IN THE MIDDLE of a World Series clinching game? No wonder Red Sox fans were chanting "Do not sign A-Rod" after the game. For a player with such a huge amount of talent this came off like a minor league move. Here's an idea: wait a day or two after the highlight of the baseball season ends before making such a selfish move. Having said that, the Yankees are going to miss him in a big way if and when he leaves.

it seems like everything Boston teams touch is turning to gold. The Celtics are legitimate again and I think we can all agree that we haven't seen a team as dominant as the Patriots in a long time. Tom Brady's season so far is almost laughable. 30 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in 8 games? Andrew Perloff, I think you may owe some James Quintong some money because barring some freak injury Brady looks like a lock to pass Manning's single season TD record. I can not wait for this week's Colts-Patriots game. Anyone who questions that these 2 teams are the best in the NFL is out of their mind.

Brett Favre did it again tonight against the Broncos. How teams haven't figured out the Packers is beyond me. They are the only team that rivals the Texans in terms of awful running back corps.  Don't be shocked if late in the season we see a battle for homefield advantage between the Pack and the Cowboys. Props to Jerry Jones by the way for making a wise business decision and locking Romo up, while also insuring that some of his contract would be under this season's salary cap.

I'd like to also welcome the San Diego Chargers back to the 2007 season. A team that looked disjointed now reminds me of the dominant one we saw last year. Somebody must have whispered in Norv Turner's ear and told him he in fact has Ladainian Tomlinson on his squad.

Jon Kitna, you are making a lot of people look dumb right now and are halfway to your 10 win prediction. It's great to see the Lions actually matter again. 

There's plenty more to say but classes and papers call. If I don't blog before it then Happy Halloween everyone.