There are a number of things missing from this year's MLB playoffs: passion, fire, intensity, pride and most of all, comebacks.
The Cubs, Phillies and Angels fell behind 2-0 in their respective division series'. Backed against the wall, faced with the memories of a long, taxing, unpredictable regular season, it was time for them to show pride in their accomplishments and fight for the right to continue playing.
All three were swept.
The Cubs lost 5-1, the Phillies 2-1, the Angels 9-1 - a total of three runs from three of the best teams in the MLB.
They lost and lost quietly. No big rallies, no clutch hits, no one taking charge in the dugout, no arguments with the umpire, no managers firing up their troops, no bean-balls and no bench-clearing brawls.
It was difficult to watch. I cringed for the fans of the losers.
No satisfaction for the Cubs fans who have been waiting 99 years for a World Series victory. Not a single win. Not even at Wrigley Field.
Where is the passion? Where is the drive, desire, fight, competitive spirit, pride or will to win?
The Cubs, featuring big bats in Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, scored one run against Livan Hernandez. Hernandez is about 68 years old and his fastball is in the low 80s.
The Phillies, boasting sluggers Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, put up one run against Ubaldo Jimenez - a rookie, pitching at Coors Field, the greatest hitters' park in the history of baseball.
Now this is not to take anything away from Hernandez, Jimenez or their respective teams, the Diamondbacks and Rockies; the point is, the Cubs and Phillies had favorable match-ups and not only did they fail to capitalize, they failed miserably.
The Yankees also fell behind 2-0, but managed to hammer out an 8-4 victory in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium. However, even the mighty Yankees had little comeback fire, as their torch flamed out in Game 4 against Cleveland's junkballer Paul Byrd.
But, it's not all bad. Baseball can get on my nerves, but I can never stay mad at it.
It shouldn't be something to celebrate, but at least the winning teams are exhibiting the fire and passion that I normally associate with playoff baseball.
The Diamondbacks, Rockies and Indians are great stories in themselves, and the Red Sox are simply dominant.
The D'Backs and Rocks have the youthful exuberance that the Cubs and Angels lack.
For Colorado, outfielder Matt Holliday is an offensive juggernaut, rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a sparkplug and closer Manny Corpas is fearless and effective. All three are in their 20s.
For Arizona, rookies Chris Young and Mark Reynolds homered in the division series, and 28-year old flamethrower Jose Valverde was untouchable in his save opportunities.
Cleveland's pitching was incredible against New York, especially sinkerballer Fausto Carmona in Game 2, reliever Rafael Perez in games 1 and 2 and setup man Rafael Betancourt in Game 4. The Indians hit in the clutch, as well - specifically outfielder Kenny Lofton, catcher Victor Martinez, designated hitter Travis Hafner and shortstop Jhonny Peralta.
The Red Sox mix youth with experience, with the dynamic, veteran duo of David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez leading the way, and phenoms like Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury finding ways to contribute. Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling are battle-tested, pressure-proven pitchers whose performances will determine if the Red Sox can win their second World Series since 2004.
Looking ahead, I hope the Rockies and Diamondbacks take their series to seven games. There is very little playoff experience on either side, so expect both teams to be hungry for a taste of World Series glory. I need this series to help me forget about the pushovers - the Cubs, Phillies and Angels.
Wouldn't mind forgetting about the Mets, either.
John Frascella's column runs
every Wednesday. He can be
reached at John.Frascella@UConn.edu.
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