WS Game 4: Giants at Rangers

Photo courtesy Texas Rangers

The Rangers try to even up the series tonight in Arlington.

Colby Lewis and Mitch Moreland did their part last night to get the Rangers back into this World Series. Now it's up to Tommy Hunter and others to sustain the momentum Texas generated last night and knot the Fall Classic at two games a piece.

The Giants, though, have their own opportunity to seize control right back and take a commanding 3-1 series lead behind rookie left-hander Madison Bumgarner, who has pitched well so far during his first postseason. San Francisco is going with a different lineup tonight. Pat Burrell, who looked awful at the plate in Game 3, is out. Cody Ross moves to left field, with Nate Schierholtz taking over in right field. Aubrey Huff, meanwhile, will serve as DH tonight, leaving Travis Ishikawa at first base.

I'll try to share some comments between passing out candy and keeping an eye on the Steelers/Saints game. Should be a busy night. Enjoy the game and Happy Halloween!...

        THE 106th WORLD SERIES — GAME 4

        SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS at TEXAS RANGERS
         Where: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

      Gametime: 8:20 p.m.

     TV: Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

     Weather: Clear, 76 degrees

GIANTS
CF Andres Torres
2B Freddy Sanchez
DH Aubrey Huff
C Buster Posey

WS Game 3: Giants at Rangers

Photo courtesy Texas Rangers

The World Series comes to Arlington, Texas, for the first time tonight.

For the first time this postseason, the Rangers really have their backs against the wall. Down 2-0 to the Giants, they desperately need a victory tonight to keep hope alive in this World Series. Fortunately, this matchup appears to favor Texas. Colby Lewis has been an unsung hero over the last few weeks, having beaten the Yankees twice in the ALCS. San Francisco's Jonathan Sanchez, meanwhile, was terrible in his last NLCS start, getting knocked out early.

The Rangers also will have their full lineup for the first time in this Fall Classic, with Vladimir Guerrero able to serve as DH with both Nelson Cruz and Jeff Francoeur in the outfield. Bruce Bochy is going with Pablo Sandoval as his DH for this game.

This being the first World Series game ever played in Arlington, the Rangers are pulling out all the stops. Team president and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch (hopefully they'll have a radar gun reading of him this time). Catching the Ryan Express will be his old batterymate: The Nationals' own Ivan Rodriguez. Should make for a cool moment.

I'll be watching the game, but I'm not at home at the moment, so I probably won't be sharing thoughts at least during the early innings. Please don't let that stop you from commenting yourself...

THE 106th WORLD SERIES — GAME 3

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS at TEXAS RANGERS
Where: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

      Gametime: 6:57 p.m.

     TV:Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

     Weather: Clear, 73 degrees

GIANTS
CF Andres Torres
2B Freddy Sanchez
1B Aubrey Huff
C Buster Posey

How big is bullpen depth?

Watching the Rangers' bullpen completely melt down in the eighth inning last night, I couldn't help but wonder how the Nationals' relief corps might have handled that situation. Seven runs allowed, all with two outs? Four straight walks, two with the bases loaded? Yeah, we've seen that before.

At least one member of the Nats bullpen was watching and had sympathy for Texas left-hander Derek Holland (who at one point threw 11 consecutive balls). As Collin Balester wrote on his Twitter account (the typos are his):

"Sometimes throwing Strikes isn't easy. I feel for Holland I never like to see anyone struggle like that.I have been there before#worldseries"

The funny thing is, the Rangers bullpen was quite good all season. That unit posted a 3.38 ERA, sixth-best in the majors (the Nats ranked fifth). It held opponents to a .236 batting average (tied for fifth-best). It did issue 203 walks in 503 2/3 innings. But the group as a whole was very strong, boasting five pitchers with ERAs under 3.00: Neftali Feliz, Darren O'Day, Darren Oliver, Alexi Ogando and Michael Kirkman.

The Nationals had three relievers with sub-3.00 ERAs: Sean Burnett, Joel Peralta and Balester. (You could also throw Matt Capps in there if you want to count his numbers before he was traded to Minnesota.) They had five more relievers with ERAs under 4.00: Tyler Clippard, Miguel Batista, Drew Storen, Doug Slaten and Tyler Walker.

In the end, the depth of the Nats bullpen was perhaps as important (if not more important) than its talent. With a starting staff that threw only 889 1/3 innings (only the Pirates rotation threw fewer), Jim

WS Game 2: Rangers at Giants

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

C.J. Wilson tries to even the series back up for the Rangers tonight at AT&T Park.

After last night's out-of-the-blue slugfest, who knows what to expect tonight in Game 2 of the World Series? Will the offensive explosion continue, or will superior pitching finally prevail? Both starters (C.J. Wilson for the Rangers, Matt Cain for the Giants) certainly are capable of putting together dominant outings. Each has already done it in this postseason. But I think we saw in Game 1 that each lineup is also capable of stringing together a bunch of hits, against some of baseball's best pitchers, nonetheless.

No changes to San Francisco's lineup. Why tinker with a group that scored 11 runs against Cliff Lee and Co.? Texas, though, has made two changes. Matt Treanor, Wilson's personal catcher, is behind the plate instead of Bengie Molina. More notable is the absence of Vladimir Guerrero, who looked awful in right field last night and thus has been benched in favor of David Murphy. The switch was necessary; no way Ron Washington could put Vlad back out there tonight. But how often do you find a team's cleanup hitter benched for Game 2 of the World Series?

The forecast by the Bay isn't the greatest. There's a chance of rain throughout the evening, and the wind could kick up as well. Keep an eye on that. I'll share my thoughts along the way. Please share yours as well...

THE 106th WORLD SERIES — GAME 2

TEXAS RANGERS at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: AT&T Park

      Gametime: 7:57 p.m.

     TV: Fox Radio: WTEM-980 AM

     Weather: Showers, 64 degrees

RANGERS
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
CF Josh Hamilton
RF Nelson Cruz

Harper's bare hands, plus new unis

A couple of Thursday morning thoughts while you try to comprehend how a World Series game started by Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum wound up featuring 18 combined runs and 12 combined pitchers...

Bryce Harper's performance in his third Arizona Fall League game didn't quite match those from his first two. The 18-year-old right fielder went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts yesterday in the Scottsdale Scorpions' 7-6 loss to the Mesa Solar Sox.

Not that an 0-for-4 showing is worth getting all worked up. I believe Adam Dunn's had a few of those in his career, and I also believe a majority of you out there still want the Nationals to re-sign the big slugger.

Actually, the three most notable things about yesterday's AFL game as far as I'm concerned were the following...

1) Harper threw out a runner at the plate.

2) Mike Rizzo was in attendance at HoHoKam Park to watch Harper and other Nats prospects in person.

3) Harper doesn't wear batting gloves.

I'm surprised that second point hasn't been noted by anyone before. Apparently, he's been doing it for a while -- though he did use gloves at the instructional league in Viera because it was so humid there --

WS Game 1: Rangers at Giants

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

AT&T Park hosts a classic pitching matchup in Game 1 of the Fall Classic.

And so it begins, this unlikely World Series. And what better way to begin than with one of the best pitching matchups anyone could cobble together for baseball's biggest event: Cliff Lee vs. Tim Lincecum. Both aces have been fantastic throughout the postseason, with Lee surpassing even that to put himself on the cusp of legendary status.

I don't expect either lineup to have much success tonight, because I believe both pitchers are going to be primed and ready for this stage and understand the importance of getting their team off on the right foot. Obviously, anyone can come back from a 1-0 deficit to win the series. But you do get the sense the winner of Game 1 is going to be especially well-positioned to go all the way, particularly if the Giants can become the first team in two years to beat Lee in the postseason.

No real shocks in either lineup. Vladimir Guerrero, normally Texas' DH, is starting in right field as expected. He may not be real fleet of foot at this stage of his career, but I sure wouldn't want to take my chances running on his arm. San Francisco, meanwhile, is going with a slightly reconfigured look, with rookie Buster Posey batting third, Pat Burrell cleanup, Cody Ross fifth and Aubrey Huff (usually the No. 3 hitter) down in the 6-hole as manager Bruce Bochy tries to put his best right-handed hitters higher up against Lee.

The first run in this game is going to be huge. Who knows, it might even be enough to prevail. I'll share my thoughts along the way, and as always, I encourage you to share yours as well...

THE 106th WORLD SERIES — GAME 1

TEXAS RANGERS at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: AT&T Park

      Gametime: 7:57 p.m.

     TV: Fox Radio: WTEM-980 AM

     Weather: Mostly cloudy, 59 degrees

RANGERS
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
CF Josh Hamilton
RF Vladimir Guerrero

The 106th World Series

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

For the Giants to beat the Rangers, Tim Lincecum will have to get the better of Cliff Lee.

This may not be the Fall Classic everyone envisioned on April 1 -- or even on October 1 -- but it's the Fall Classic we've got. And it's the right Fall Classic, because these two teams clearly played the best baseball this month and earned their shot at a World Series title.

The Giants have got deep starting pitching and a deep roster of contributors. The Rangers have the best pitcher on the planet right now, one of the best all-around players and plenty of support. Each team has the likely rookie of the year in its respective league. Each club is trying to win its first championship in its current city. What more could you want?

Before the 106th Fall Classic commences this evening, let's break down the matchup and pick a winner...

TEXAS RANGERS (AL champions)

vs

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (NL champions) 

  

SCHEDULE (all games on Fox)

Game 1: Tonight, 7:57 p.m. at San Francisco
(Cliff Lee vs. Tim Lincecum)

Game 2: Tomorrow, 7:57 p.m. at San Francisco
(C.J. Wilson vs. Matt Cain)

Riggleman officially returning

The Nationals announced this afternoon that Jim Riggleman will return as manager next season, a revelation that won't take anyone by surprise since Riggleman was already under contract for 2011 and there had been no previous indication he wouldn't be retained.

Riggleman, who took over as interim manager during the 2009 All-Star break when Manny Acta was fired, was named permanent manager last fall. He was given a two-year contract, though the deal included a clause that would have allowed the Nationals to buy out the second year for only $100,000. Essentially, today's announcement is that the club is not enacting the out clause and thus firing the 57-year-old, a move that if made would have taken place right after the season.

The Nationals also hold an option to retain Riggleman for the 2012 season, though that option has not yet been picked up.

Riggleman's entire coaching staff will return in 2011, including third base coach Pat Listach, who interviewed last week for the Brewers' vacant managerial job but was informed he won't be their choice.

What decision do you want back?

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Was Cristian Guzman's original, four-year contract the worst move the Nats have ever made?

With the Texas Rangers in the World Series for the first time, there have been plenty of mentions of Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero and the fact each once played for the Expos but departed before the franchise ever relocated to Washington. We can only imagine how the Nationals' fortunes might have been altered had Lee not been traded (along with Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips) to the Indians for Bartolo Colon in 2002 or had Guerrero not been allowed to walk as a free agent following the 2003 season.

Those decisions, of course, were made before baseball ever returned to D.C. We certainly didn't realize at the time how they would impact the Nats, because the Nats didn't yet exist.

Which got me thinking: In the six seasons now since we have had baseball in the District, what one decision has hurt the franchise the most? What one move do you wish the Nats could take back?

I came up with the following list of candidates...

-- Trading Juan Rivera and Maicer Izturis to the Angels for Jose Guillen (Nov. 2004): Guillen was the best player on the inaugural 2005 team, but he was a divisive clubhouse figure and after a strong first half to the '05 season, he was either terrible or injured through the remainder of his contract. Rivera and Izturis, meanwhile, became regulars for an Angels club that made the playoffs four times in five years.

-- Signing Cristian Guzman to a four-year, $16 million contract (Nov. 2004): Jim Bowden felt his team desperately needed a veteran shortstop, and Guzman was really the only one available. So the new Nats GM overpaid the former Twin and gave him more years than

And then there were two

Got home last night after a fantastic weekend in Chicago of artery-clogging food, a re-acquaintance with the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, a heart-breaking loss to Michigan State, lots of walking up and down Michigan Avenue and a random run-in with Barry Svrluga and his Washington Post colleagues at the Marriott. I don't know if the groans we heard around downtown Chicago yesterday afternoon came from Bears fans upset at another Jay Cutler interception or from all the Redskins writers trying to figure out what they'd done to deserve covering what must have been one of the sloppiest NFL games in a long time.

Let's get caught up on the weekend's other developments...

The World Series, of course, is set. It'll be the New York Giants facing the Washington Senators in a rematch of the epic 1924 Fall Classic that brought this town its lone MLB championship. OK, so I can't imagine many people in New York or Washington are feeling much attachment to their former teams right now. Though it's worth noting that despite playing in San Francisco for 53 seasons, the Giants have yet to win a World Series on the West Coast. And the Rangers, of course, are making their first-ever appearance in the Series after 50 seasons as a franchise (the first 10 in D.C., the last 40 in Texas).

You've surely heard by now that the Rangers' clinching of the AL pennant leaves only two remaining MLB franchises that have never been to the World Series: the Mariners (who debuted in 1977) and the Nationals (who debuted in Montreal in 1969). I know plenty of you have no interest in embracing Expos history as part of Nats history,

NLCS Game 6: Giants at Phillies

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Giants try to clinch the pennant at Citizens Bank Park; the Phillies try to force Game 7.

The Rangers have punched their ticket to the World Series. Now, can the Giants punch theirs and have three days to rest up and prepare to host Texas in Game 1 of the Fall Classic, or are the Phillies going to fend off elimination again and set up a do-or-die Game 7 tomorrow night at Citizens Bank Park?

Just as was the case in the ALCS last night, tonight's game features a rematch of Game 2, with Roy Oswalt facing Jonathan Sanchez. Oswalt pitched brilliantly in the first meeting and got the best of his young counterpart, so that might give reason to believe the Phillies have the upper hand in this one. But Oswalt, remember, came back to pitch the ninth inning in Game 4 and wound up taking the loss. Thus, the Giants have some level of confidence facing him again three days later.

Then again, Philly has to feel plenty confident about its chances playing at home, having gone 15-4 at Citizens Bank Park the last three postseasons. And until someone puts the final dagger through their hearts, they're still the two-time defending NL champs.

I'm out of town this weekend and won't have access to my computer leading up to gametime, so I'm posting this early, sans lineups. Hoping to watch a good portion of the game, though, but as always I'll count on you guys to keep the conversation going in my absence...

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 6

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 7:57 p.m.

TV: Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Partly cloudy, 57 degrees

GIANTS
CF Andres Torres
2B Freddy Sanchez
1B Aubrey Huff
C Buster Posey

ALCS Game 6: Yankees at Rangers

Photo courtesy Texas Rangers

Will the Rangers clinch tonight or will the Yankees force Game 7 in Arlington?

The Rangers couldn't close out the ALCS two nights ago in the Bronx, so now they get a chance to clinch their first pennant on home turf. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington should be rocking tonight for Game 6 with everyone there hoping to see the home team wrap things up now and not take its chances tomorrow in Game 7. Not that Texas wouldn't still be in good shape with Cliff Lee going, but you just never know what might happen in Game 7, so best not to let it get to that.

The Yankees, of course, will have a say in how this turns out. Coming off far and away their best performance of the series Wednesday in Game 5, they're feeling much better about themselves and their chances. The lineup still is lacking without Mark Teixeira, though if ever there was a capable fill-in for the 3-hole, Robinson Cano is it. Just a fantastic player who probably would hit third in any other club's lineup.

This is a pitching rematch of Game 2, in which Colby Lewis (two runs in 5 2/3 innings) beat Phil Hughes (seven runs in 4-plus innings). It'll be interesting to see if either manager has a short hook tonight, not wanting to let anything get out of hand, and is willing to turn things over to his bullpen early.

I'm out of town this weekend, but I'm hoping to catch at least part of the game. Probably won't be posting updates here, though, until late. As always, though, please keep the conversation going with each other and I may chime in at some point...

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 6

NEW YORK YANKEES at TEXAS RANGERS

Where: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Gametime: 8:07 p.m.

TV: TBS Radio: WTEM-980 AM

Weather: Chance of storms, 82 degrees

YANKEES
SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
2B Robinson Cano
3B Alex Rodriguez

NLCS Game 5: Phillies at Giants

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Giants can win the pennant tonight at AT&T Park.

Since their Game 1 showdown, everyone has been looking forward to the rematch between Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum. But who out there imagined this Game 5 showdown between aces would have the NL pennant on the line ... not for the Phillies, but for the Giants?

Yep, the Giants can advance to the World Series tonight if Lincecum can outduel Halladay once again. Neither pitcher was at the absolute top of his game the first time around. Something tells me both guys will be amped up for this one, with Lincecum wanting to close the series out on San Francisco's home turf and Halladay not wanting to be the guy responsible for ending Philadelphia's season.

Should be another good one. Unfortunately, I'm barely going to be able to watch it. The wife and I are heading to Chicago for a long weekend of deep dish pizza and Northwestern football, and we'll be in the skies during the majority of this game. I trust you'll all keep me up to date so when we land at O'Hare and I turn on the BlackBerry, I'll instantly know what happened.

I'll try to keep putting up threads for any remaining LCS games over the weekend, but otherwise you probably won't be seeing too much new material on the site. Enjoy the games and wish my Wildcats luck against 7-0 Michigan State (they're gonna need it)...

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 5

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: AT&T Park
Gametime: 7:57 p.m.

TV: Fox Radio: WTEM-980 AM

Weather: Partly cloudy, 63 degrees

PHILLIES
CF Shane Victorino
3B Placido Polanco
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard

Harper doubles in AFL debut

Bryce Harper nearly capped his first appearance in the Arizona Fall League in truly grand fashion. In the end, the Nationals' 18-year-old phenom had to settle for a two-run double and not a grand slam that would have turned his already-hyped Fall League debut into something really spectacular.

Facing some premier older prospects who are one step from reaching the major leagues, Harper went 1-for-4 tonight in Scottsdale, Ariz., helping lead the host Scorpions to a 6-3 victory over the Mesa Solar Sox.

Batting seventh and starting in right field, this summer's top amateur draft pick was hitless in his first three at-bats, though two of the outs came on hard-hit balls. But his final at-bat of the evening, with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, proved to be his best.

Harper smacked the first pitch he saw from right-hander Brian Leach, a 24-year-old prospect in the Pirates' system, and sent it down the left-field line, bouncing it over the fence for a ground-rule double that brought two runs home.

For more details, please read my story on CSNwashington.com.
Link now includes video of Harper's double.

NLCS Game 4: Phillies at Giants

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Phillies try to knot the NLCS up at 2-2 this evening at AT&T Park.

In previewing this series last week, I suggested tonight's Game 4 could be the pivotal juncture. My reasoning? As good as the Phillies' top three starters are, Joe Blanton doesn't measure up. The Giants, meanwhile, have the potentially electric Madison Bumgarner on the hill. Thus, if the rookie lefty wins this matchup tonight, San Francisco goes up 3-1 in the NLCS and is in great shape to advance to the World Series.

But if Blanton can come through -- he has had postseason success in the past, particularly in 2008 -- the Phillies will knot the series back up at 2-2 and feel confident knowing Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels will be starting the next three games, needing to win only two of them.

Lineup changes for both teams. Juan Uribe still can't go for the Giants, so Edgar Renteria remains at shortstop while Pablo Sandoval makes his first start of the series at third base. For the Phillies, Raul Ibanez (0-for-11 with five strikeouts in the series) has been benched in favor of Ben Francisco...

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 4

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: AT&T Park
Gametime: 7:57 p.m.

TV: Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Mostly sunny, 61 degrees

PHILLIES
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
3B Placido Polanco
1B Ryan Howard

ALCS Game 5: Rangers at Yankees

Photo courtesy New York Yankees

The Rangers have three shots to clinch the pennant, beginning today at Yankee Stadium.

The Texas Rangers could be celebrating their first-ever American League pennant by sundown. Stop and let that one soak in for a few minutes.

Up 3-1 over the Yankees in the ALCS, the Rangers need only to win one of the next three games to advance to the World Series. But they're not thinking in those terms. They want to finish this thing off today at Yankee Stadium. In order to do that, they'll need to topple CC Sabathia.

One advantage for Texas: Mark Teixeira has officially been removed from New York's roster after pulling his right hamstring last night. Teixeira is now ineligible to return, even if the Yankees wind up in the World Series. Infielder Eduardo Nunez has replaced him on the roster. Robinson Cano has replaced him in the 3-hole, with Lance Berkman starting at first base today...

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 5

TEXAS RANGERS at NEW YORK YANKEES

Where: Yankee Stadium

Gametime: 4:07 p.m.

TV: TBS Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Partly cloudy, 61 degrees

RANGERS
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
CF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero

Questions raised by Rizzo's new deal

Yesterday's announcement by the Nationals that Mike Rizzo has been given a five-year contract extension and bump in title was at both times unsurprising and a bit head-scratching.

On the one hand, it makes perfect sense. With the franchise in a much more stable situation now than it was two years ago when Rizzo took over, it's appropriate to add some more stability to the front office by locking the GM up through 2015. The last thing the Nats need to be contemplating right now is another GM change. Rizzo has accomplished quite a bit since replacing the disgraced Jim Bowden, and though there's still plenty more to be accomplished, he deserves the opportunity to finish what he started.

But how long will it take to finish? In some ways, the Lerners handing out a five-year extension suggests they believe it's still going to be a while. Think about it. If, at the end of the 2013 season, the Nationals are still losing 90-plus games, wouldn't it be appropriate to consider a GM change? Rizzo will have had five seasons under his belt at that point. Few GMs are given more time than that before success is required.

But under that scenario, Rizzo would still have two years remaining on his contract. Would the Nationals be willing to eat the money, or would they feel obligated to leave Rizzo in control until the contract

ALCS Game 4: Rangers at Yankees

Photo courtesy New York Yankees

New York needs a win tonight at Yankee Stadium to avoid falling in a 3-1 series hole.

The Yankees and their fans have been dreading a possible A.J. Burnett postseason start for quite a while now. Well, it's happening tonight, and there's no turning back now. This series very likely rests on Burnett's right shoulder. Sure, even if they lose tonight, the Yankees would only be down 3-1 in the series. But that would require three straight wins, including in Game 7 against Cliff Lee. Not the scenario they want to create for themselves.

With Burnett on the mound, Jorge Posada is on the bench. Francisco Cervelli is Burnett's personal catcher, so the backup will be behind the plate for the first time this postseason. Also not an ideal situation for New York.

How will this all play out? Stay tuned...

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 4

TEXAS RANGERS at NEW YORK YANKEES

Where: Yankee Stadium

Gametime: 8:07 p.m.

TV: TBS Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Mostly clear, 55 degrees

RANGERS
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
CF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero

NLCS Game 3: Phillies at Giants

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

AT&T Park hosts Game 3 between the Phillies and Giants.

The Phillies and Giants resume the NLCS this afternoon in San Francisco, with Cole Hamels facing Matt Cain in yet another stellar pitching matchup in a postseason already filled with plenty of others.

I'm not going to be able to watch this game in its entirety, because I'm heading over to Comcast SportsNet studios to tape a segment on the MLB postseason that will be airing at 6:10 p.m. Be sure to check that out, and please offer your own thoughts on this game as it progresses...

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 3

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: AT&T Park
Gametime: 4:19 p.m.

TV: Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Sunny, 68 degrees

PHILLIES
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
3B Placido Polanco
1B Ryan Howard

Rizzo gets 5-year extension

Read the full story with quotes from Rizzo on CSNwashington.com

The Nationals have given Mike Rizzo a five-year contract extension and promoted him to executive vice president of baseball operations and and general manager.

Rizzo, who took over as interim GM in March 2009 following Jim Bowden's resignation, was named permanent GM in August 2009. His next extension runs through the 2015 season. Rizzo is due to hold a conference call with reporters at 2 p.m.

More to come...

UPDATE AT 1:43 P.M. -- Statement from managing principal owner Ted Lerner, who apparently made the decision to give Rizzo the extension: "Mike Rizzo is unquestionably one of the best baseball minds in the game. He has a unique ability to see player talent for what it is, what it can be and how it fits into building a team. Mike has been one of the architects of the rebuilding of the entire Nationals player system, from scouting to player development to big league signings. We believe the talent foundation we are establishing on and off the field will make the Nationals one of baseball's most exciting teams over the next several seasons."

Who would be Nats' postseason hero?

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Ryan Zimmerman has always had a flair for the dramatic. Could he do it in October?

It seems safe to say that the 2010 postseason will be remembered as the Postseason of Cliff Lee. Unless it's the Postseason of Roy Halladay. Or the Postseason of Tim Lincecum.

October creates baseball heroes, players who rise to the occasion and shine under the brightest spotlight, immortalizing themselves in the game's lore. Sometimes, these heroes are already-great players who become even greater legends with their postseason performances (Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson, Curt Schilling). Sometimes, they're little-known role players who thrust themselves into the baseball pantheon with one epic feat (Bill Mazeroski, Bobby Thomson, Bucky Dent, Aaron Boone).

So here's the question of the day: If and when the Nationals ever reach the postseason, who is most likely to become D.C.'s postseason baseball hero?

Is it Ryan Zimmerman, who in his five big-league seasons certainly has shown a flair for the dramatic? Could Mr. Walk-Off pull another one off in late-October?

Is it Stephen Strasburg, who has all the qualities you want from a postseason ace ... provided he comes back 100 percent from Tommy

ALCS Game 3: Rangers at Yankees

Photo courtesy New York Yankees

The Yankees have to beat Cliff Lee or else fall behind 2-1 to the Rangers.

The Rangers are basically right where they wanted to be entering Game 3 of the ALCS: Tied at one game apiece, with ace Cliff Lee on the mound tonight at Yankee Stadium. That said, this is basically must-win territory for Texas, which can't afford to lose a game started by Lee and realistically expect to still win the series.

If anything, the Yankees should be loose tonight. No one expects them to topple Lee, so there's no pressure. Which is a dangerous position to be in. These guys aren't chopped liver, you know, and they're sending a pretty good left-hander to the mound themselves in Andy Pettitte. If Pettitte can turn in another strong performance like he did in the ALDS against the Twins, and if they can scrap together a few runs against Lee, the Yankees could find themselves in the catbird seat by night's end.

This was the reason the Rangers went out and got Lee as a hired gun over the summer (denying the Yankees his services, by the way). Tonight, we find out if he was worth it. Should be fun...

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 3

TEXAS RANGERS at NEW YORK YANKEES

Where: Yankee Stadium

Gametime: 8:07 p.m.

TV: TBS Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Cloudy, 56 degrees

RANGERS
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
CF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero

Looking at 2011 payroll

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Even if they re-sign Adam Dunn, the Nats should have plenty of leftover money for payroll.

At this early stage of the offseason -- with the four LCS finalists still playing and thus the 26 other clubs unable to do much in the way of roster reconfiguration for the next few weeks -- most of the discussion centers around which players a team should or should not pursue.

Should the Nationals re-sign Adam Dunn? Should they sign another big bat to play first base? Should they go all-in on the only legitimate No. 1 starter on the free agent market, Cliff Lee? Should they pursue second-tier starters instead? Should they seek to fill their gaps via trades?

All important questions that need to be answered. But there's another question that hovers around every move or potential move the Nats are looking to make this winter: How much will it cost?

Actually, the more pertinent question may be: How much money do the Nationals have to spend? That obviously depends on how high ownership is willing to raise payroll from its Opening Day 2010 total of $66,275,000. Delving into the numbers and the contracts, though, you come to realize the Nats have plenty of room to work with, even if

NLCS Game 2: Giants at Phillies

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Phillies try to even the series back up tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

Rarely during the last three postseasons have the Phillies found themselves trailing their opposition. In fact, they won seven consecutive Game 1s from the 2008 NLDS through this year's NLDS. But after losing Game 1 of the NLCS last night, the two-time defending NL champs now are looking up at the Giants and hoping not to fall too far behind before it's too late.

So the pressure's on the home team tonight at Citizens Bank Park, with Roy Oswalt set to toe the rubber. Oswalt, of course, has postseason experience; he's made nine previous appearances (the first eight with Houston) and owns a 4-0 record and 3.83 ERA.

The Giants, though, have had success against Oswalt, beating him in three of four head-to-head meetings this season. And San Francisco starter, lefty Jonathan Sanchez, went 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two starts against the Phillies this year.

One change to San Francisco's lineup: Juan Uribe was scratched with a left wrist injury sustained last night while sliding into second base. So veteran Edgar Renteria (hero of the 1997 World Series for the Marlins) gets the start, with Cody Ross (who homered twice last night off Roy Halladay) getting bumped up from the 8-hole to the 6-hole...

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 2

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 8:19 p.m.

TV: Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Clear, 63 degrees

GIANTS
CF Andres Torres
2B Freddy Sanchez
1B Aubrey Huff
C Buster Posey

NLCS Game 1: Giants at Phillies

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Citizens Bank Park hosts the pitching matchup of the year tonight.

Here we go: It's the pitching showdown you've been waiting all week to watch. Roy Halladay vs. Tim Lincecum. Mr. No-Hitter vs. Mr. 14 Strikeouts. Vegas has set the over-under on this game at 6. I'm not a betting man, but if I had a spare $50 to put down tonight, I think I'd take the under.

You know both pitchers are going to bring it, so this game really will be about which lineup takes advantage of whatever opportunities they do get. Will either Charlie Manuel or Bruce Bochy play for one run early, or will they just hope one of their big boppers gets a hold of one and sends it beyond the cozy confines of the Citizens Bank Park outfield wall?

However this one turns out, it promises to be a dandy. (And hopefully it'll be played much quicker than these first two AL marathons. Man, do I prefer the NL.)...

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES — GAME 1

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 7:57 p.m.

TV: Fox Radio: WTNT-570 AM

Weather: Clear, 57 degrees

GIANTS
CF Andres Torres
2B Freddy Sanchez
1B Aubrey Huff
C Buster Posey