First things first
Three Division Series Game 1s yesterday and already more than a few surprises. And isn’t that typical of October?
Let’s go game by game.
PHILLIES 3, BREWERS 1
It isn’t surprising that Cole Hamels dealt the way he did, but the Brewers, particularly Yovani Gallardo, showed a lot of poise for a young team that has practically no postseason experience to speak of. If the Brew Crew can clean up a few mistakes, this might become a very competitive series very quickly — especially when CC gets his say. Here’s Chase Utley’s big hit in the third inning.
DODGERS 7, CUBS 2
Now I didn’t expect this one. Who would have thought the best team in the National League would go down at home in Game 1 in the 100th anniversary year of their last World Series title? But James Loney had the big hit, the grand slam in the fifth inning, Manny and Russell Martin homered later, and that was all she wrote. The Cubs will have to regroup in a hurry tonight, but their big horse, the Big Z, is on the hill, so Cubs Nation has to be feeling good about that.
RED SOX 4, ANGELS 1
The Angels had the best record in all of baseball this year and were at home with their ace, John Lackey, in Game 1, but the same old same old happened again — the Red Sox beat them in October. This time it was lefty Jon Lester giving the Angels hitters fits and the newest member of the defending world champs’ outfield doing most of the damage.
Almost too much to blog about, but I want to hear your thoughts. What was the best moment of the first day of October baseball in 2008?
And what’s going to happen tonight as the Rays-White Sox series starts and two other series continue?
Let me know.
O.G.
October Gonzo 
The best moment of the first day of October baseball was definitely James Loney’s grand slam at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were one strike away from getting out of another jam, the crowd was pumped… and then the energy just got sucked out of that stadium with one swing. That was the turning point of game one.
As for tonight, I like the White Sox and their momentum of even making the postseason being ridden over the Rays. In Philly, C.C. should dominate, and I expect that series to be evened up. In Chicago, with Zambrano imploding in his last two starts, I don’t know if the Cubs can win tonight. It depends which Zambrano will show up.
-JD
http://jdhernandez.mlblogs.com
The Brewers are going to turn it around today. C.C. will be throwing fire and the bats are going to light up Myers.
My thoughts
I think the Rays are off to a great start, but the White Sox are going to rebound from game one. Evan Longoria is really putting the Rays on a good position, with those two home runs. Game two should be really exciting!
The Phillies are rolling past the Brewers, and unless the Brewers can get the big hit, the Phillies should sweep this series. Ryan Brawn and Prince Fielder need to get things going on offense. C.C. Sabathia can’t pitch games on three days rest, it’s going to hurt them in the long run. Chase Utley is really clutch so far and Ryan Howard can do better, but anyways the Phillies will sweep this series, the way things are going.
The Cubs will rebound in Game two, against the Dodgers. Carlos Zambrano should have his pitches going, and Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, and Aramis Ramirez should provide the spark for them. Carlos Zambrano should pitch carefully to James Loney (grand slam in game one) Manny Ramirez, and Russell Martin, (all three batters homered in the first game). Mark DeRosa only provided the offense for the Cubs, but this game two, the Cubs should come and tie this series!
The ‘Burgh misses Mr. Jason Bay.
http://theburghblues.mlblogs.com/
If you’re the same guy in the picture, then big up to you, Rick Gonzalez!
I’m a huge fan of your work, especially your heartfelt portrayal of Timo Cruz, in “Coach Carter” and your strong starring role in “Illegal Tender.” Even in your smaller parts in “The Rookie,” “In the Valley of Elah” and “War of the Worlds,” you have a unique screen presence that really resonates with me. I used to teach college and grad school and you remind me of a cool student I totally would’ve gotten along well with?especially because you’re as big a baseball fan as I am. Unfortunately, my team, the Mets, were buried on the last day of the season.
Anyway, I see big things happening for you, young brother.
I wish you every success and look forward to seeing you in more movies and TV shows.