I have been a die-hard fan of major league baseball since 1990, and there are a few players that I grew up with that I assume will play forever. Players that were playing when I started following the game like Cal Ripken, Tony Gwynn and Roger Clemens. I take for granted while they are around until the day comes when they retire. Then I regretfully wish I could go back in time and watch their play. Greg Maddux has another year or so left, and is a player I have enjoyed watching almost every year in the postseason. Except this is the first postseason that he is not one of the star contributors, but in the bullpen. Looking at him he looks like he has been out of the game for 10 years, but while watching him pitch he looks like he could go another 5 years. For the Phillies, Jamie Moyer is 45 years old and a finesse pitcher like Maddux. Both pitchers were on the 1987 Cubs, Moyer’s career will not get him into the Hall of Fame, Maddux will be a first ballot. Moyer, who pitched briefly for the Rangers, has quietly amassed impressive stats on mediocre teams, Maddux was a regular in the postseason and has a collection of Cy Young awards and consistent seasons of 15+ wins. Both of the players fall into the category of guys that i assume will be around forever, but deep down know their career is nearing its end.

Another thing I have noticed while growing up a fan is that listening to Tim McCarver in the postseason was something I looked forward to. A former catcher, I respected his color commentary during a game. But his announcing gets worse every year and his comments about what players are thinking in situations are terrible. I wish the network would get someone else to broadcast along side Joe Buck. To the casual fan, he may be insightful, but to the knowledgeable fan his is a beating to listen to.

I think the Dodger fans were more inspiring last night than they players. I look forward to the postseason because it is supposed to be the best of the best. Not only could the Dodger’s lineup, minus Manny, not put any runs on the board, the defensive play is not what you would expect in the NLCS. The 3 errors in the 5th inning by Furcal was almost enough for me to turn the TV to something else. I want to see teams battle eachother and so far it has been nothing more than teams cratering that should be playing good baseball. If Tampa Bay makes it to the Series, there will be a lot of young pitching on the big stage, and I am curious to see how they hold up under the pressure.