The 2005 Division Series are over, and my picks went one for four.
I never thought the White Sox would sweep the Red Sox. I watched game three of that series, and although I was rooting against Boston, I didn’t feel elated at their defeat … instead, I felt kind of somber resignation. Maybe I wanted them to lose to the Yankees. Maybe I’ve seen the Red Sox players’ faces on Yankees players in years past. Like two years ago, when New York lost to the Angels.
I was in attendance at Turner Field for Houston-Atlanta game two. It was a lot of fun, and I think it turned me into a Braves fan. I’ve never really liked the Braves, although over the years I have developed a healthy amount of respect for Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and departed Braves Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. I knew I had turned when I stood up while Brad Ausmus’s ninth-inning shot hung in the air — and felt deflated when it was called a home run. I thought the Braves would get by the Astros. When they were up by five runs I almost got on the Internet and got a ticket for game five in Atlanta.
The Cardinals swept the Padres. No surprise there.
And that brings us to the Angels-Yankees series. The New York Baseball Yankees … let me down again. I can sum it up with one word: FACK! If Bubba Crosby and Gary Sheffield don’t collide on that deep fly … two runs don’t score … and Jeter’s home run in the seventh ties it …
So I don’t know if I’ll watch any of the remaining series. I should watch the World Series, but we’ll see. Damn those Angels.