I don't know about you, but I think these are among the best playoff games I've seen in years.

The catch Chris Young made yesterday in Milwaukee was in a class with the Willie Mays catch off Vic Wertz in the 1954 World Series between Cleveland and San Francisco. Young is a tremendous, tremendous outfielder. He closes on balls quicker than most. He takes direct routes to balls and always ends up in the correct place. Watching him play center day in and day out is a real treat. He is among the reasons the Dbacks made it so far in the playoffs. We often get caught up on offense, but defense and pitching wins games.

Classic duel between Chris Carpenter and Roy Halladay last night. If I were in Vegas, I would have bet the ranch on Halladay. And to give up two extra base hits right out of the gate is very un- Halladay like. It was another great game. I don't know how and I don't know why, but Tony La Russa seems to get the job done. And it's amazing that he didn't even go to the pen last night.

I have to think that both the Yankees and Red Sox are going to struggle to fix their pitching staffs. What happens if C.C. opts out of his contract? Well, they'll just pay him more money. I don't think he's leaving the Yankees. But how much is he worth? And for how many years? Will he rust out like A Rod? That's a problem that the Yankee brass has to face. I don't envy them. And how about the Red Sox? What to do with Big Papi? Big is getting older. How many years does he want? For how much $$$? Is it possible they dump Big and go for bigger? Prince is waiting in the wings. Will Price be on the Red Sox? Who will be pitching for them? Certainly not John Lackey, right? But they owe him big, big $$$$$$.

There is buzz around Boston that Kevin Youkilis may be ticking a few of his teammates off with a righteous attitude. When healthy, what team wouldn't want him? Do you think Theo goes to the Cubs and brings Francona with him? I'm just askin here.

I don't like the Robin Ventura hiring in Chicago. I think guys that have worked hard to learn how to manage and have done their time in the minor leagues or as a bench coach deserve a shot. It's the old school in me. There are lots of very capable managers beating the bushes for their clubs that get passed over for a bigger name. I don't know Robin Ventura. I've never met him. I wish him well. Guys that do know him say he won't be the "yes man" that he is being portrayed in the media. I do know this: he'll be less controversial than Ozzie. That should provide more sleep for Kenny Williams.

Hats off to Jim Leyland. He showed his club that they are the sum of their parts. By not having Justin Verlander in the bullpen for game 5, he showed that he trusts his pen. He showed that the team consists of more than one man. I respect that. I think the Tigers will give the Rangers fits. And I think the Rangers will give the Tigers fits. I like the Tigers pitching better than the Rangers. I like the Rangers hitting better overall than the Tigers. In a 7 game series, I'll take the....Tigers. You?

Brewers vs. Cardinals. Who would have predicted it? Not me. I feel badly for the Diamondbacks. They played way over their collective abilities all season. They don't have a deep lineup or a deep pitching staff. They don't have a deep bench. They played well. They executed. They played in the style of their manager. They will be much, much better next year. The pitching will be stronger and the bench will be improved. Brewers vs. Cardinals? I like the Brewers because of Braun and Fielder and the pitching. But the Cards have the La Russa factor and Albert. I still like the Brewers in 7.

Now what for the Phillies? That's two years in a row if my math and memory are correct. Great, great pitching. They should be in the World Series with that staff. I saw Ryan Howard swing at 3-0 down 1 to nothing. That's not how to win. That's selfish baseball. He thought he could tie it up with one swing. Take that swing at 3-1 or 3-2. Take a walk and get on base. The Cardinals were not to be denied. Just like the Tigers, the Rangers and the Brewers.

I've seen some players at the Arizona Fall League that have surprised me. I will be watching them closely before I write about them. My first AFL articles will appear next week. So far, the pitching has been much better than in previous years. The games are quick and crisp. The weather has been beyond beautiful. It's been perfect. If you're going to fall league games, let me know in the comment section below. We can meet up and share some thoughts.

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