BIGGEST POST SEASON SERIES UPSETS OF WILD CARD ERA - Updated to include 2010 NLCS

Last Friday I wrote a blog post about the biggest post season upsets in the Wild Card Era.

And I implied that if the Giants somehow could beat the mighty Phillies that they would have to be included in that list of upsets.

Well guess what?
The Giants did... and they SHOULD be included.

Want to read something creepy?
When proposing that the Giants COULD pull off the upset in the NLCS, I tried to make a comparison with the end of the 2006 NLCS with Carlos Beltran taking strike three.

I wrote:
"Maybe one of the Giants pitchers will get Ryan Howard looking to end the series!"

Eeerie!

BIGGEST POST SEASON UPSETS OF WILD CARD ERA


1997 ALCS
INDIANS defeat ORIOLES

The Orioles led wire to wire and won 98 games. The Indians won only 86 games and barely squeaked past the Yankees in the Division Series.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Orioles shut out the Indians in Game 1 and had a 2 run lead in the 8th inning of Game 2.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Marquis Grissom hit a 3 run shot off of Armando Benitez in Game 2. Then the Indians won in 12 for Game 3 and finished Game 4 with a walk off win.

THE DAGGER
The Indians overcame a brilliant Mike Mussina outing in Game 6 to win in 11 innings and stunned Baltimore.

1997 NLCS
MARLINS defeat BRAVES

The Braves had won 4 of the last 5 pennants. With a 101 win season, a 5th pennant in 6 years looked all but assured. The Marlins won 92 games and the wild card, but they were playing the varsity team and looked over matched.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Marlins won a pair early but the Braves tied the series when Denny Neagle threw a complete game shutout in Game 4. With Maddux and Glavine looming in Games 5 and 6, it looked bleak for Florida.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
The late Eric Gregg called any pitch that Livan Hernandez threw a strike as long as it didn't hit the ground. He struck out 15, giving the Marlins the lead.

THE DAGGER
Tom Glavine imploded in the first inning of Game 6, letting the first four batters read base and having them all score before the Braves even came to bat. It would be all Kevin Brown would need to clinch the pennant.

2002 American League Division Series
ANGELS defeat YANKEES

The Yankees were in full dynasty mode. The Angels had never won a post season series and looked like a bunch of inexperienced kids heading into Yankee Stadium. No doubt this would be a forgettable series much like the Yankees manhandling the Rangers all of those years.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Yankees rallied to win game 1 in the 8th and took a lead late into Game 2. It was going to be a sweep a la the Yankees/Texas series of the past.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Garret Anderson and Troy Glaus hit back to back 8th inning homers off of El Duque to take the lead in Game 2. Then in Game 3, the Yankees blow an early 6-1 lead and the Angels break the tie with a Tim Salmon home run in the 8th.

THE DAGGER
David Wells melts down in the 5th inning of Game 4 as the Angels score 8 times and go on to win their first ever playoff series.

2002 American League Division Series
TWINS defeat A'S

Thanks to a 20 game winning streak, an MVP season from Miguel Tejada, a Cy Young season from Barry Zito and 103 wins, the A's looked poised to stampede into the ALCS. The Twins, who were rumored to be contracted just the year before, were just happy to be there.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
A series of Twins blunders gave the A's a 5-1 lead in Game 1, making it clear that this series was Men versus Boys. Later, the A's were up 2-1 with Hudson and Mulder ready for games 4 and 5.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
The Twins came back to win that Game 1 and scored 11 unanswered runs in Game 4.

THE DAGGER
A. J. Pierzynski's homer and David Ortiz's double broke open a tense Game 5 in the 9th. The Twins would need every run as Mark Ellis homered to bring the A's to within 1 but Ray Durham, the potential series winning run, popped up to give the upstart Twins a most unlikely series win.

2006 American League Division Series
TIGERS defeat YANKEES

The Tigers slumped badly down the stretch and went from a lock for the Division title, home field in the Division Series and playing the A's to claiming the Wild Card and going to New York to face a stacked and eager to wipe away 2004 from their memories Yankee team. They were no match.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Yankees torched Nate Robertson for 5 runs in the third and cruised to an 8-4 Game 1 win. Then Johnny Damon hit a three run shot in Game 2 and it looked like the sweep was on.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Carlos Guillen hit a game tying homer off of Mike Mussina but Curtis Granderson drove the Yankees crazy. He got a run scoring sacrifice fly in Game 2 and gave the Tigers the lead with an RBI triple. In Game 3, former Yankee Kenny Rogers out pitched Randy Johnson in what turned out to be the Big Unit's final game for New York.

THE DAGGER
Joe Torre dropped the slumping Alex Rodriguez to 8th in the fourth game and gave the starting assignment to Jaret Wright. He was bombed and the Tigers finished the Yankees in 4.

2006 NLCS

CARDINALS defeat METS

With the Yankees eliminated in the Division Series, the Mets looked poised to capture the city's baseball heart. Neither American League team (the Tigers nor the A's) looked dominating and all they had to do for the pennant was beat an injured and underachieving Cardinals team who won only 83 games.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Mets shut out the Cardinals in Game 1, scored 3 in the first of Game 2 and were tied going into the 9th of Game 2. The Mets were clearly in control.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
So Taguchi hit a go ahead 9th inning homer off of Billy Wagner to give the Cardinals a Game 2 win. Then, behind Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver, took a 3-2 series lead back to Shea.

THE DAGGER
The Mets forced a Game 7 which was an all time classic. Endy Chavez preserved a tie with a mindboggling catch that turned a go ahead homer into an inning ending double play. Yadier Molina homered in the 9th to give St. Louis the win and rookie Adam Wainwright got Carlos Beltran to strikeout looking with the bases loaded in the 9th to win the pennant. The Mets have never recovered.

2010 NLCS
GIANTS defeat PHILLIES

The 2 time defending National League Champion Phillies had the best record in baseball and steamrolled over the Reds in the Division Series. Roy Halladay threw a no hitter, Cole Hamels pitched a complete game shutout to clinch the series and Roy Oswalt was no slouch. The Giants, saddled with a stagnant offense, barely squeaked by a Braves team that was battered with injuries.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Phillies responded from a Game 1 loss with an offensive explosion in the 7th inning of Game 2. The Phillies bats were back and they knew Roy Halladay wasn't losing twice!

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Matt Cain out dueled Cole Hamels in Game 3 and Juan Uribe won Game 4 with a walk off sacrifice fly.

THE DAGGER:
Uribe again was the hero, this time with an 8th inning home run to give the Giants the lead in Game 6. And with the tying and winning runs on base, Brian Wilson struck out Ryan Howard looking to win the pennant.



There is no great favorite in this World Series, ergo no chance of an upset as large as any chronicled here.

Just goes to show you... you never know which team lead by cast off from Florida and Tampa can derail a potential dynasty.

BIGGEST POST SEASON SERIES UPSETS OF WILD CARD ERA

I admit, it doesn't look good for the Giants.

I am rooting for them to win the National League Pennant and any team that has Tim Lincecum pitching twice in a series can't be counted COMPLETELY out.

But it will be a longshot.

There is NOTHING the Phillies can't do now and their lineup is a little more fearsome than the Braves.

A safe bet would be the Phillies winning in 5 games.

But every once in a while there is a playoff match up that looks like a total mismatch (even worse than this Phillies/Giants NLCS) that turns out to raise a middle finger to all of the predictions.

Obviously there are some great historical upsets... like the 1926 Cardinals, the 1954 Giants, the 1969 Mets and 1988 L. A. Dodgers come to mind.

But let's look just at the Wild Card era (1995 to present) and see which series looked like no brainers and it turned out the experts had no brain.

BIGGEST POST SEASON UPSETS OF WILD CARD ERA


1997 ALCS
INDIANS defeat ORIOLES

The Orioles led wire to wire and won 98 games. The Indians won only 86 games and barely squeaked past the Yankees in the Division Series.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Orioles shut out the Indians in Game 1 and had a 2 run lead in the 8th inning of Game 2.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Marquis Grissom hit a 3 run shot off of Armando Benitez in Game 2. Then the Indians won in 12 for Game 3 and finished Game 4 with a walk off win.

THE DAGGER
The Indians overcame a brilliant Mike Mussina outing in Game 6 to win in 11 innings and stunned Baltimore.

1997 NLCS
MARLINS defeat BRAVES

The Braves had won 4 of the last 5 pennants. With a 101 win season, a 5th pennant in 6 years looked all but assured. The Marlins won 92 games and the wild card, but they were playing the varsity team and looked over matched.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Marlins won a pair early but the Braves tied the series when Denny Neagle threw a complete game shutout in Game 4. With Maddux and Glavine looming in Games 5 and 6, it looked bleak for Florida.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
The late Eric Gregg called any pitch that Livan Hernandez threw a strike as long as it didn't hit the ground. He struck out 15, giving the Marlins the lead.

THE DAGGER
Tom Glavine imploded in the first inning of Game 6, letting the first four batters read base and having them all score before the Braves even came to bat. It would be all Kevin Brown would need to clinch the pennant.

2002 American League Division Series
ANGELS defeat YANKEES

The Yankees were in full dynasty mode. The Angels had never won a post season series and looked like a bunch of inexperienced kids heading into Yankee Stadium. No doubt this would be a forgettable series much like the Yankees manhandling the Rangers all of those years.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Yankees rallied to win game 1 in the 8th and took a lead late into Game 2. It was going to be a sweep a la the Yankees/Texas series of the past.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Garret Anderson and Troy Glaus hit back to back 8th inning homers off of El Duque to take the lead in Game 2. Then in Game 3, the Yankees blow an early 6-1 lead and the Angels break the tie with a Tim Salmon home run in the 8th.

THE DAGGER
David Wells melts down in the 5th inning of Game 4 as the Angels score 8 times and go on to win their first ever playoff series.

2002 American League Division Series
TWINS defeat A'S

Thanks to a 20 game winning streak, an MVP season from Miguel Tejada, a Cy Young season from Barry Zito and 103 wins, the A's looked poised to stampede into the ALCS. The Twins, who were rumored to be contracted just the year before, were just happy to be there.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
A series of Twins blunders gave the A's a 5-1 lead in Game 1, making it clear that this series was Men versus Boys. Later, the A's were up 2-1 with Hudson and Mulder ready for games 4 and 5.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
The Twins came back to win that Game 1 and scored 11 unanswered runs in Game 4.

THE DAGGER
A. J. Pierzynski's homer and David Ortiz's double broke open a tense Game 5 in the 9th. The Twins would need every run as Mark Ellis homered to bring the A's to within 1 but Ray Durham, the potential series winning run, popped up to give the upstart Twins a most unlikely series win.

2006 American League Division Series
TIGERS defeat YANKEES

The Tigers slumped badly down the stretch and went from a lock for the Division title, home field in the Division Series and playing the A's to claiming the Wild Card and going to New York to face a stacked and eager to wipe away 2004 from their memories Yankee team. They were no match.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Yankees torched Nate Robertson for 5 runs in the third and cruised to an 8-4 Game 1 win. Then Johnny Damon hit a three run shot in Game 2 and it looked like the sweep was on.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
Carlos Guillen hit a game tying homer off of Mike Mussina but Curtis Granderson drove the Yankees crazy. He got a run scoring sacrifice fly in Game 2 and gave the Tigers the lead with an RBI triple. In Game 3, former Yankee Kenny Rogers out pitched Randy Johnson in what turned out to be the Big Unit's final game for New York.

THE DAGGER
Joe Torre dropped the slumping Alex Rodriguez to 8th in the fourth game and gave the starting assignment to Jaret Wright. He was bombed and the Tigers finished the Yankees in 4.

2006 NLCS

CARDINALS defeat METS

With the Yankees eliminated in the Division Series, the Mets looked poised to capture the city's baseball heart. Neither American League team (the Tigers nor the A's) looked dominating and all they had to do for the pennant was beat an injured and underachieving Cardinals team who won only 83 games.

IT LOOKED BAD WHEN:
The Mets shut out the Cardinals in Game 1, scored 3 in the first of Game 2 and were tied going into the 9th of Game 2. The Mets were clearly in control.

THINGS TURNED AROUND WHEN:
So Taguchi hit a go ahead 9th inning homer off of Billy Wagner to give the Cardinals a Game 2 win. Then, behind Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver, took a 3-2 series lead back to Shea.

THE DAGGER
The Mets forced a Game 7 which was an all time classic. Endy Chavez preserved a tie with a mindboggling catch that turned a go ahead homer into an inning ending double play. Yadier Molina homered in the 9th to give St. Louis the win and rookie Adam Wainwright got Carlos Beltran to strikeout looking with the bases loaded in the 9th to win the pennant. The Mets have never recovered.



Interestingly, there are 6 upsets but only 3 different years. They've come in pairs.

Are the Giants as unlikely to win as the 2006 Cardinals or Tigers?
Probably not.

So there is hope.

Maybe one of the Giants pitchers will get Ryan Howard looking to end the series!

100 win teams bounced in the Division Series

100 wins is still a magical mark for a season. It means you are an elite team and chances are one of the great teams in your franchise’s history.

And when a team wins 100 in the regular season, there is no doubt they are thinking beyond the Division Series. They are thinking they are a legit World Series contender… a pennant will have to be beaten from them.

But there have been teams that have won 100 games that were cruelly bumped out of the playoffs early and shown the exit in the Division Series.

The staff at Sully Baseball has compiled a list of the teams that reached the century mark but couldn’t make the LCS… and also listed the players on those teams who remain ringless and probably thought that was their year.

There have been 9 different teams… a few franchises have multiple entries.

And one year, 2002, saw three (count em, THREE teams!) that fell short.

1998 HOUSTON ASTROS
102-60 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to San Diego Padres. (98-64).

Manager:
LARRY DIERKER

Ringless Veterans Include:
BRAD AUSMUS
JEFF BAGWELL
CRAIG BIGGIO
MIKE HAMPTON
DOUG HENRY
RICHARD HIDALGO
JOSE LIMA
SHANE REYNOLDS
BILLY WAGNER

1999 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
100-62 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to New York Mets. (97-66)

Manager:
BUCK SHOWALTER

Ringless Veterans Include:
OMAR DAAL
BERNARD GILKEY
GREGG OLSON

2001 OAKLAND A’S
102-60 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to New York Yankees (95-65)

Manager:
ART HOWE

Ringless Veterans Include:
CHAD BRADFORD
ERIC BYRNES
ERIC CHAVEZ
RON GANT
JASON GIAMBI
TIM HUDSON
TERRENCE LONG
MARK MULDER
F. P. SANTANGELO
MIGUEL TEJADA
BARRY ZITO

2002 ATLANTA BRAVES
101-59 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to San Francisco Giants (95-66)

Manager:
BOBBY COX (Won Ring as manager in 1995)

Ringless Veterans Include:
HENRY BLANCO
DARREN BRAGG
VINNY CASTILLA
JULIO FRANCO
MATT FRANCO
RAFAEL FURCAL
CHRIS HAMMOND
ANDRUW JONES
KEVIN MILLWOOD
B. J. SURHOFF

2002 NEW YORK YANKEES
103-58 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to Anaheim Angels (99-53)

Manager:
JOE TORRE (Won Rings as manager in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000)

Ringless Veterans Include:
RON COOMER
JASON GIAMBI
NICK JOHNSON
STEVE KARSAY
RAUL MONDESI
MIKE MUSSINA
JUAN RIVERA
ALFONSO SORIANO
ROBIN VENTURA

2002 OAKLAND A’S
103-59 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to Minnesota Twins (94-67)

Manager:
ART HOWE

Ringless Veterans Include:
CHAD BRADFORD
ERIC BYRNES
ERIC CHAVEZ
RAY DURAM
MARK ELLIS
SCOTT HATTEBERG
RAMON HERNANDEZ
TIM HUDSON
BILLY KOCH
TED LILLY
JOHN MABRY
MARK MULDER
MIGUEL TEJADA
RANDY VELARDE
BARRY ZITO

2003 ATLANTA BRAVES
101-61 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to Chicago Cubs (88-74)

Manager:
BOBBY COX (Won Ring as manager in 1995)

Ringless Veterans Include:
DARREN BRAGG
VINNY CASTILLA
ROBERT FICK
JULIO FRANCO
MATT FRANCO
RAFAEL FURCAL
MIKE HAMPTON
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ
ANDRUW JONES
RUSS ORTIZ
JARET WRIGHT

2003 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
100-61 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to Florida Marlins (91-71)

Manager
FELIPE ALOU

Ringless Veterans Include:
EDGARDO ALFONZO
RICH AURILIA
BARRY BONDS
JOSE CRUZ, Jr.
RAY DURHAM
ANDRES GALARRAGA
JEFFRYE HAMMONDS
JOE NATHAN
SIDNEY PONSON
KIRK RUETER
BENITO SANTIAGO
JASON SCHMIDT
J. T. SNOW
TIM WORRELL

2008 LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
100-62 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to Boston Red Sox (95-67)

Manager:
MIKE SCIOSCIA (Won Ring as manager in 2002)

Ringless Veterans Include:
VLADIMIR GUERRERO
TORII HUNTER
HOWIE KENDRICK
GARY MATTHEWS, Jr.
KENDRY MORALES
DARREN OLIVER
ERVIN SANTANA
JERED WEAVER


There are some heart breakers on this list… and a few players who might have a more compelling Hall of Fame resume if they lead these teams to October glory.

Right now, no teams in baseball are on pace to win 100. (The Rays and Yankees are on pace to win around 97 or 98 wins.) If they win 100, that is a great achievement. But don’t think you are guaranteed a spot even in the LCS. Just ask the teams above.

100 win teams bounced in the Division Series

100 wins is still a magical mark for a season. It means you are an elite team and chances are one of the great teams in your franchise’s history.

And when a team wins 100 in the regular season, there is no doubt they are thinking beyond the Division Series. They are thinking they are a legit World Series contender… a pennant will have to be beaten from them.

But there have been teams that have won 100 games that were cruelly bumped out of the playoffs early and shown the exit in the Division Series.

The staff at Sully Baseball has compiled a list of the teams that reached the century mark but couldn’t make the LCS… and also listed the players on those teams who remain ringless and probably thought that was their year.

There have been 9 different teams… a few franchises have multiple entries.

And one year, 2002, saw three (count em, THREE teams!) that fell short.

1998 HOUSTON ASTROS
102-60 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to San Diego Padres. (98-64).

Manager:
LARRY DIERKER

Ringless Veterans Include:
BRAD AUSMUS
JEFF BAGWELL
CRAIG BIGGIO
MIKE HAMPTON
DOUG HENRY
RICHARD HIDALGO
JOSE LIMA
SHANE REYNOLDS
BILLY WAGNER

1999 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
100-62 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to New York Mets. (97-66)

Manager:
BUCK SHOWALTER

Ringless Veterans Include:
OMAR DAAL
BERNARD GILKEY
GREGG OLSON

2001 OAKLAND A’S
102-60 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to New York Yankees (95-65)

Manager:
ART HOWE

Ringless Veterans Include:
CHAD BRADFORD
ERIC BYRNES
ERIC CHAVEZ
RON GANT
JASON GIAMBI
TIM HUDSON
TERRENCE LONG
MARK MULDER
F. P. SANTANGELO
MIGUEL TEJADA
BARRY ZITO

2002 ATLANTA BRAVES
101-59 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to San Francisco Giants (95-66)

Manager:
BOBBY COX (Won Ring as manager in 1995)

Ringless Veterans Include:
HENRY BLANCO
DARREN BRAGG
VINNY CASTILLA
JULIO FRANCO
MATT FRANCO
RAFAEL FURCAL
CHRIS HAMMOND
ANDRUW JONES
KEVIN MILLWOOD
B. J. SURHOFF

2002 NEW YORK YANKEES
103-58 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to Anaheim Angels (99-53)

Manager:
JOE TORRE (Won Rings as manager in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000)

Ringless Veterans Include:
RON COOMER
JASON GIAMBI
NICK JOHNSON
STEVE KARSAY
RAUL MONDESI
MIKE MUSSINA
JUAN RIVERA
ALFONSO SORIANO
ROBIN VENTURA

2002 OAKLAND A’S
103-59 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to Minnesota Twins (94-67)

Manager:
ART HOWE

Ringless Veterans Include:
CHAD BRADFORD
ERIC BYRNES
ERIC CHAVEZ
RAY DURAM
MARK ELLIS
SCOTT HATTEBERG
RAMON HERNANDEZ
TIM HUDSON
BILLY KOCH
TED LILLY
JOHN MABRY
MARK MULDER
MIGUEL TEJADA
RANDY VELARDE
BARRY ZITO

2003 ATLANTA BRAVES
101-61 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-2 to Chicago Cubs (88-74)

Manager:
BOBBY COX (Won Ring as manager in 1995)

Ringless Veterans Include:
DARREN BRAGG
VINNY CASTILLA
ROBERT FICK
JULIO FRANCO
MATT FRANCO
RAFAEL FURCAL
MIKE HAMPTON
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ
ANDRUW JONES
RUSS ORTIZ
JARET WRIGHT

2003 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
100-61 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to Florida Marlins (91-71)

Manager
FELIPE ALOU

Ringless Veterans Include:
EDGARDO ALFONZO
RICH AURILIA
BARRY BONDS
JOSE CRUZ, Jr.
RAY DURHAM
ANDRES GALARRAGA
JEFFRYE HAMMONDS
JOE NATHAN
SIDNEY PONSON
KIRK RUETER
BENITO SANTIAGO
JASON SCHMIDT
J. T. SNOW
TIM WORRELL

2008 LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
100-62 regular season record.
Lost Division Series 3-1 to Boston Red Sox (95-67)

Manager:
MIKE SCIOSCIA (Won Ring as manager in 2002)

Ringless Veterans Include:
VLADIMIR GUERRERO
TORII HUNTER
HOWIE KENDRICK
GARY MATTHEWS, Jr.
KENDRY MORALES
DARREN OLIVER
ERVIN SANTANA
JERED WEAVER


There are some heart breakers on this list… and a few players who might have a more compelling Hall of Fame resume if they lead these teams to October glory.

Right now, no teams in baseball are on pace to win 100. (The Rays and Yankees are on pace to win around 97 or 98 wins.) If they win 100, that is a great achievement. But don’t think you are guaranteed a spot even in the LCS. Just ask the teams above.

It's a big series! (Or is it?)

On the surface, the Rays vs. the Yankees looks like a clash of Titans. The two best teams in baseball going head to head... whoever wins tonight will be in first place by themselves with the best record in the bigs.

Each team is throwing their Cy Young candidate. Sabathia vs. Price.

Each team is coming off of recent losses where their bullpen coughed it up and will be looking to right the ship.

This is an EPIC showdown... right?

I'm not sure. It will be fun, no doubt, but what is on the line?

Neither team is going home for October... at least not without an epic collapse. And even WITH an epic collapse, it will take a big winning streak from the Sox to take advantage of it. (Red or White, it doesn't matter.)

So basically this is a battle for pride of winning the Division.

Remember how or the Braves beat the Mets for the 2000 Division?

Or the A's beat the Angels for 2002 Division?

Or the Diamondbacks beat the Giants for their 2002 Division?

Or the Braves beat the Marlins for the 2003 Division?

Or the Red Sox beat the Yankees for the 2004 Division?

Or the Astros beat the Cardinals for the 2005 Division?

Or the Twins beat the Tigers for the 2006 Division?

Or the Diamondbacks beat the Rockies for the 2007 Division?

OF COURSE YOU DON'T!

Because the team that lost the Division in each of those years won the pennant. Which would you rather see? A Division Title or a World Series appearance?

Maybe this is a series to determine momentum going into the playoffs and get the match up you want.

I remember in 2002, the New York papers showed a special standings following how the A's and Yankees compared. The Yankees were the 4 time defending A.L. Champs. The A's were a dynamic team that won 20 straight at one point.

It was clear that the ALCS was going to be an Oakland/New York showdown.

The two teams had met in the Division Series the previous two years and they were both 5 game thrillers.

Giambi defected to New York but the A's were somehow stronger.

The A's/Yankees ALCS was shaping up to be one of the great match ups... and the question in the regular season was which team was going to have home field advantage.

The Yankees finished the season with one fewer loss than the A's and captured home field for the clash. The Division Series that year were a mere formality. (The Yankees were playing the anonymous Wild Card Angels and the A's took on the "Happy to be there after being threatened with contraction the year before" Twins).

Do you remember what happened in the ALCS that year?

Neither the A's nor the Yankees made it out of the first round... and the Angels and Twins played for the AL Pennant.

All the posturing was for naught.

So have fun watching the series this week.

It should be fun... but this match up won't be meaningful until it is played NEXT month.

It's a big series! (Or is it?)

On the surface, the Rays vs. the Yankees looks like a clash of Titans. The two best teams in baseball going head to head... whoever wins tonight will be in first place by themselves with the best record in the bigs.

Each team is throwing their Cy Young candidate. Sabathia vs. Price.

Each team is coming off of recent losses where their bullpen coughed it up and will be looking to right the ship.

This is an EPIC showdown... right?

I'm not sure. It will be fun, no doubt, but what is on the line?

Neither team is going home for October... at least not without an epic collapse. And even WITH an epic collapse, it will take a big winning streak from the Sox to take advantage of it. (Red or White, it doesn't matter.)

So basically this is a battle for pride of winning the Division.

Remember how or the Braves beat the Mets for the 2000 Division?

Or the A's beat the Angels for 2002 Division?

Or the Diamondbacks beat the Giants for their 2002 Division?

Or the Braves beat the Marlins for the 2003 Division?

Or the Red Sox beat the Yankees for the 2004 Division?

Or the Astros beat the Cardinals for the 2005 Division?

Or the Twins beat the Tigers for the 2006 Division?

Or the Diamondbacks beat the Rockies for the 2007 Division?

OF COURSE YOU DON'T!

Because the team that lost the Division in each of those years won the pennant. Which would you rather see? A Division Title or a World Series appearance?

Maybe this is a series to determine momentum going into the playoffs and get the match up you want.

I remember in 2002, the New York papers showed a special standings following how the A's and Yankees compared. The Yankees were the 4 time defending A.L. Champs. The A's were a dynamic team that won 20 straight at one point.

It was clear that the ALCS was going to be an Oakland/New York showdown.

The two teams had met in the Division Series the previous two years and they were both 5 game thrillers.

Giambi defected to New York but the A's were somehow stronger.

The A's/Yankees ALCS was shaping up to be one of the great match ups... and the question in the regular season was which team was going to have home field advantage.

The Yankees finished the season with one fewer loss than the A's and captured home field for the clash. The Division Series that year were a mere formality. (The Yankees were playing the anonymous Wild Card Angels and the A's took on the "Happy to be there after being threatened with contraction the year before" Twins).

Do you remember what happened in the ALCS that year?

Neither the A's nor the Yankees made it out of the first round... and the Angels and Twins played for the AL Pennant.

All the posturing was for naught.

So have fun watching the series this week.

It should be fun... but this match up won't be meaningful until it is played NEXT month.

Sully Baseball Honors GARRET ANDERSON

Garret Anderson was designated for assignment today by the Los Angeles Dodgers and unless a team that needs a veteran bat (White Sox? Giants? Red Sox?) picks up Anderson, his wonderful career might be over.

And like my salute to Jermaine Dye, whose career unceremoniously ended this last off season, I felt the need to pay tribute to Anderson. His career wasn't Hall of Fame worthy, but he should always be loved by a fan base. Like Dye, Anderson drove in the World Series winning run.

He is a native of Los Angeles who played for the California Angels, Anaheim Angels AND the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In his 14 years (plus a few games) in the many incarnations of the Angels, he played more games, collected more hits, doubles and RBI and hit more grand slams than anyone in franchise history.

He was part of the 1995 Angels that came so close to a Division Title...
And he was a key member of the 2002 team that won it all...
And also was part of the 2005, 2007 and 2008 Division winners.

And he came up big in many big games.
He clocked an 8th inning game tying homer off of El Duque Hernandez in Game 2 of the 2002 Dvision Series that turned the tide of the series in favor of the underdog Angels.

And, much to my dad's dismay, he crushed a 3 run double in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series that gave the Angels a 4-1 lead over the Giants... which turned out to be the final score.

In 2005, again against the favored Yankees, he homered in Game 3 of the Division Series off of Randy Johnson that turned a Yankee advantage into an Angels slugfest. In the clinching Game 5, he homered off of Mike Mussina and drove in another as the Yankees again finished off the Yankees.

The very next day, he homered in Game 1 of the ALCS, sending the '05 White Sox to their lone defeat in the post season.

He was a great Angel... one of the best and #16 should be retired.

His career is worth a solid sendoff.

Perhaps he can finish the season (and his baseball tenure) back in Anaheim... or Los Angeles... OK in California where he belongs.

Sully Baseball Honors GARRET ANDERSON

Garret Anderson was designated for assignment today by the Los Angeles Dodgers and unless a team that needs a veteran bat (White Sox? Giants? Red Sox?) picks up Anderson, his wonderful career might be over.

And like my salute to Jermaine Dye, whose career unceremoniously ended this last off season, I felt the need to pay tribute to Anderson. His career wasn't Hall of Fame worthy, but he should always be loved by a fan base. Like Dye, Anderson drove in the World Series winning run.

He is a native of Los Angeles who played for the California Angels, Anaheim Angels AND the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In his 14 years (plus a few games) in the many incarnations of the Angels, he played more games, collected more hits, doubles and RBI and hit more grand slams than anyone in franchise history.

He was part of the 1995 Angels that came so close to a Division Title...
And he was a key member of the 2002 team that won it all...
And also was part of the 2005, 2007 and 2008 Division winners.

And he came up big in many big games.
He clocked an 8th inning game tying homer off of El Duque Hernandez in Game 2 of the 2002 Dvision Series that turned the tide of the series in favor of the underdog Angels.

And, much to my dad's dismay, he crushed a 3 run double in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series that gave the Angels a 4-1 lead over the Giants... which turned out to be the final score.

In 2005, again against the favored Yankees, he homered in Game 3 of the Division Series off of Randy Johnson that turned a Yankee advantage into an Angels slugfest. In the clinching Game 5, he homered off of Mike Mussina and drove in another as the Yankees again finished off the Yankees.

The very next day, he homered in Game 1 of the ALCS, sending the '05 White Sox to their lone defeat in the post season.

He was a great Angel... one of the best and #16 should be retired.

His career is worth a solid sendoff.

Perhaps he can finish the season (and his baseball tenure) back in Anaheim... or Los Angeles... OK in California where he belongs.

Sully Baseball Presents THE BEST AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES GAMES OF THE 2000s

The American League Division Series provided some of the most memorable highlights of the decade... some of the best comebacks... some of the most dramatic home runs... walk off homers and walk off bunts... a swarm of bugs... and possibly the most famous baseball image of the decade.

Now people who grumble about East Coast bias may grind their teeth reading this post.

But what am I supposed to do? The Yankees played in nine Division Series this decade and the Red Sox played in six. So there are bound to be a bunch of Yankee and Red Sox highlights here.

But there are also lots of games featuring the small market A's and Twins as well as the Angels, Mariners and White Sox.

As started in the Best of 2000s Post Season Home Page, I have picked two for each best game. Two best Game 1s, two best Game 2s etc...

And a few honorable mentions when need be.

Best Game 1s of the American League Division Series for the 2000s

2003 – A’s 5 Red Sox 4 (12 innings)

The Red Sox behind Pedro Martinez seemed ready to take a 1-0 series lead. But the A's rally off of the Boston bullpen, sending the game into extra innings.

With the bases loaded and 2 outs in the 12th, Ramon Hernandez, not exactly a speed demon, lay down a bunt scoring Eric Chavez with the winning run.

2006 – A’s 3 Twins 2

The Twins were favored to win Game 1 with ace Johan Santana on the mound. But Barry Zito out pitched the eventual Cy Young winner, not allowing a hit until the 5th inning.

Frank Thomas returned to his MVP form with a pair of homers and the A's were on their way to a surprising sweep.

Honorable mentions for Game 1 of the American League Division Series

2000 – Mariners 7 White Sox 4 (10 innings)

The White Sox leave the winning run in scoring position in the 9th inning. The Mariners take the lead in the 10th as Edgar Martinez and John Olerud smacked back to back homers off of Keith Foulke.

2002 – Twins 7 A’s 5

The heavily favored A's take a 5-1 lead in the second and the game looked like Men versus Boys. Then the Twins came back in the 6th, highlighted by Doug Mientkiewicz's homer and Jacques Jones' double. The Twins stunned the A's in the game and eventually the series.

Best Game 2s of the American League Division Series for the 2000s

2007 – Indians 2 Yankees 1 (11 innings)

The Midges game! A swarm of bugs descend onto Jacobs Field (or whatever they are calling it now) and gets Joba Chamberlain off sync, eventually allowing the tying run to score on a wild pitch.

Fausto Carmona wasn't as affected as he struck out Alex Rodriguez to send the game into extra innings.

Eventually Ryan Garko singled home the winning run in the 11th, giving the Indians a 2-0 series lead.

2009 – Yankees 4 Twins 3 (11 innings)

The Twins took a 2 run lead into the 9th with All Star closer Joe Nathan on the mound and seemed poised to tie the series at 1 going back to Minnesota. But Alex Rodriguez slammed a 2 run game tying shot in the 9th to send it to extra innings.

The Twins blew a bases loaded no out opportunity in the 11th (the same inning a Joe Mauer double was called foul by the left field line umpire.) In the bottom of the 11th Mark Teixeira homered to end the game.

Honorable mentions for Game 2 of the American League Division Series

2004 – Yankees 7 Twins 6 (12 innings)

The Twins rally off of Mariano Rivera to send the game into extra innings and Torii Hunter homered in the 12th. But the Yankees rally against an exhausted Joe Nathan with an RBI double by Alex Rodriguez and a game ending sacrifice fly by Hideki Matsui.

2006 – Tigers 4 Yankees 3

The seemingly over matched Tigers rally off of Mike Mussina, highlighted by an RBI triple by Curtis Granderson. Joel Zumaya overwhelmed the Yankees bats and closer Todd Jones gets Posada, Cano and Damon out with the tying run on base in the 9th.

2007 – Red Sox 6 Angels 3

Manny Ramirez hit a 3 run, 2 out walk off homer in the bottom of the 9th against Francisco Rodriguez that probably hasn't landed yet. Manny's pose at home was the most memorable image of the Red Sox' 2007 World Championship run.

Best Game 3s of the American League Division Series for the 2000s

2001 – Yankees 1 A’s 0

The 3 time defending Champion Yankees were on the verge of being swept by the younger A's. And Barry Zito did his job, holding the Yankees to 2 hits, including a solo shot by Jorge Posada.

The A's rallied off of Mussina in the 7th when Terrence Long doubled to right sending Jeremy Giambi home. The relay throw home was wild but somehow Derek Jeter intercepted it and flipped to Posada where he tagged out Giambi standing.

The A's had a chance to win the series in the 9th but Mariano Rivera pitched around a Jermaine Dye double. The Jeter flip has become one of the most famous sports images of the decade. The Yankees went on to win the next three games.

2004 – Red Sox 8 Angels 6 (10 innings)

The Red Sox seemed ready to complete a three game sweep of the Angels when they took a 6-1 lead late into the game. But the Angels tied the game, thanks in large part to a grand slam by Vladimir Guerrero that silenced Fenway Park.

Derek Lowe got out of a 10th inning jam and David Ortiz hit a walk off, series winning homer off of Jarrod Washburn that sent Fenway into delirium.

Honorable mentions for Game 3 of the American League Division Series

2000 - Mariners 2 White Sox 1

The White Sox, looking to avoid a sweep, cling to life with a 1-1 tie going into the 9th. But Olerud got on base and Piniella brought in Rickey Henderson to pinch run for him. Not a bad option off of the bench.

With runners on the corners, Carlos Guillen pushed a bunt past Keith Foulke, scoring Henderson and clinching the series for Seattle.

2003 – Red Sox 3 A’s 1 (11 innings)

The game played during my wedding. The A's, looking to sweep the Red Sox, made a pair of base running blunders rounding third base that helped send the game into extra innings. Trot Nixon homered off of Rich Harden to win the game and I had my first dance with my wife.

2005 - White Sox 5 Red Sox 3

In the 6th inning, with the White Sox up by only a run, Boston loaded the bases with nobody out. Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen called in Boston nemesis (and 1999 ALCS MVP) El Duque Hernandez to put out the fire. He got Jason Varitek to pop up. Then Tony Graffanino had a 10 pitch at bat that ended with a pop up. Then Johnny Damon had his full count check swing called strike three, to end the inning.

The White Sox would tack on an insurance run, eliminate the champs and win their first post season series since 1917.

2009 – Angels 7 Red Sox 6

The Red Sox saw an early 5-1 lead dwindle down to 5-4... but they were up 6-4 in the 9th with Papelbon on the mound, 2 outs, nobody on and the bottom of the Angels order coming up. They were in good shape.

But the Angels rallied highlighted by a full count walk to Chone Figgins, a 2 strike RBI single by Bobby Abreu and a 2 run go ahead single by Vlad Guerrero. The Angels shut down the Red Sox 1-2-3 in the 9th and finally vanquished their tormentors.

Best Game 4s of the American League Division Series for the 2000s

2003 – Red Sox 5 A’s 4

The day after the Trot Nixon homer (and my wedding), the A's looked to close out the Red Sox. Jermaine Dye's 2 run homer gave the A's the lead, which they carried into the 8th inning.

With 2 outs and 2 on in the 8th, David Ortiz hit a 2 run double off of A's closer Keith Foulke to give Boston the lead.

Scott Williamson got the A's 1-2-3 to send the series to a Game 5 showdown.

2004 – Yankees 6 Twins 5 (11 innings)

With Johan Santana starting Game 4, the Twins were in good shape to force a deciding Game 5. And they seemed even more ready to when they took a 5-1 lead into the 8th inning.

But the Yankees rallied, highlighted by a 3 run homer by Ruben Sierra.

In the 11th, Alex Rodriguez doubled, stole third and scored on a wild pitch. Rivera would shut the Twins down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 11th, clinching the series and setting up a Red Sox/Yankees showdown.

Honorable mentions for Game 4s of the American League Division Series

2001 – Mariners 6 Indians 2

The Indians were looking to stun the 116 win Mariners and win the series in 4. Bartolo Colon, who had shut down the Mariners in Game 1, took a 1-0 lead into the 7th, thanks to a Juan Gonzalez homer.

But the Mariners rallied for 3 runs in the 7th to take the lead and put it away with a 2 run homer by Edgar Martinez in the 9th to send the series back to Seattle, where the Mariners clinched.

2008 – Red Sox 3 Angels 2

The Angels avoided being swept with a 12 inning victory in Game 3. In Game 4, Torii Hunter hit a 2 out, 2 strike 2 run game tying single in the 8th, giving the Angels life. A botched squeeze play by the Angels helped kill a 9th inning rally. In the bottom of the 9th, Jason Bay dropped a ground rule double over the head of right fielder Reggie Willits. He would score the series ending run on Jew Lowrie's 2 out single.

Best Game 5s American League Division Series for the 2000s

2003 -Red Sox 4 A’s 3

One of the most thrilling games I have ever seen... granted I am partial as a Red Sox fan.

Barry Zito took a 1-0 lead against Pedro Martinez into the 6th. But Varitek homered to tie the game and Manny Ramirez hit a 3 run shot (and styled at home plate) to give the Red Sox the lead.

The A's crept back and put the tying and series winning runs on base with one out in the bottom of the 9th. Derek Lowe was pressed into closing duties and got pinch hitter Adam Melhuse out looking. Then with the bases loaded caught Terrence Long looking, gave an interesting gesture to the A's dugout and celebrated with his teammates.

2005 – Angels 5 Yankees 3

A classic winner take all series finale. Eventual Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon couldn't pitch past the 1st inning and the Yankees scored 2 off of reliever Ervin Santana.

But Santana settled down and the Angels rallied off of Mike Mussina. The high light of the Angels come back was the collision in right field between Yankee center fielder Bubba Crosby and right fielder Gary Sheffield that turned Adam Kennedy's fly ball into a come from behind triple.

In the 9th A-Rod hit into a critical double play and Francisco Rodriguez got Hideki Matsui to ground out and end the series.

Honorable mentions for Game 5 of the American League Division Series

2000 – Yankees 7 A’s 5

Game 5 looked like a laugher for the Yankees as they scored 6 runs before the A's even came to bat. But Kevin Appier and two other relievers held the Yankees to 1 run the rest of the way as the A's mounted a come back.

They cut the lead to 2 and many times had the tying run at the plate, but the Yankee bullpen would not let the tying runs score.

2002 – Twins 5 A’s 4

With the Yankees eliminated, the A's seemed to have a clear path to the World Series, provided they could eliminate the upstart Twins. In Game 5, the Twins jumped off to an early 2-0 lead that Oakland's Ray Durham cut to 2-1 with a homer.

The score stayed 2-1 into the 9th when A. J. Pierzynski homered and David Ortiz doubled to make the score 5-1. But the A's fought back when Mark Ellis hit a three run homer in the 9th to make it a 1 run game. However the comeback fell a run short as Ray Durham popped up to end the game and the A's best shot as a pennant.

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Sully Baseball Presents THE BEST NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES GAMES OF THE 2000s

The National League may not have had a marquee franchise like the Yankees or Red Sox this decade, but they certainly had their share of drama in the post season.

From walk off homers to outrageous plays at the plate... from memorable pitchers duels to dropped fly balls and the first post season celebration for the Cubs since 1908... the National League Division Series had its share of memorable moments in the 2000s.

But a note to my dad: There are quite a few games listed here that were heart breakers for Giants fans. You've been warned.

As started in the Best of 2000s Post Season Home Page, I have picked two for each best game. Two best Game 1s, two best Game 2s etc...

And a few honorable mentions when need be.

Best Game 1s of the National League Division Series for the 2000s

2001 - Diamondbacks 1 Cardinals 0

Matt Morris and Curt Schilling locked horns in a classic pitchers duel.

Morris was terrific, holding the Diamondbacks to 6 hits and 1 run over 7 innings. His only blemish was a 2 out RBI single in the 5th inning.

This night, that was all Schilling needed. He went the distance, letting up only 3 hits and one walk while striking out 9. Schilling gave Arizona the early lead and a glimpse of the great pitching to come the rest of the post season.

2006 – Mets 6 Dodgers 5

The underdog Dodgers wanted to be aggressive early to make a stand against the heavily favored Mets. They showed their fearlessness on the bases when Jeff Kent tried to score from second on a Russell Martin single.

He was thrown out at home.

But then the aggressiveness got surreal when J. D. Drew tried to score on the same play. Mets catcher Paul LoDuca already had the ball and he got them both in one of the strangest double plays in history.

The game was a back and forth affair with the Dodgers scoring first, the Mets taking the lead, the Dodgers tying it late until the Mets took the lead for good on Carlos Delgado's RBI single.

When the Dodgers lost by one, you had to wonder how the game could have unfolded differently had Kent AND Drew hadn't tried to score early in the game.

Honorable mentions for
Game 1 of the National League Division Series

2001 – Braves 7 Astros 4

The Astros took a lead into the 8th inning but Marcus Giles tied the game with a single off of Mike Jackson. Two batters later, Chipper Jones launched a three run homer to give Atlanta the lead for good.

2007 – Diamondbacks 3 Cubs 1

Brandon Webb and Carlos Zambrano were locked in a tense 1-1 pitchers duel through 6 innings. Then Lou Piniella made one of the strangest managerial moves in recent memory. He pulled Zambrano after 6 innings and only 85 pitches, supposedly to make sure he was fresh for Game 4.

The plan blew up in Sweet Lou's face as reliever Carlos Marmol let up a lead off homer to Mark Reynolds and let up an insurance run later in the inning.

The Diamondbacks swept the Cubs and Zambrano was well rested for spring training.

Best Game 2s National League Division Series for the 2000s

2009 – Dodgers 3 Cardinals 2

The Cardinals were picked by many to go all the way to the World Series on the strength of their two aces, Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. The Dodgers won game 1 but Wainwright dominated Game 2, with a little help from a home run by Matt Holliday.

In the 9th with 2 outs, closer Ryan Franklin got James Loney to fly out to Matt Holliday to end the game... except of course Holliday dropped the ball.

Now if Franklin got either of the next two batters (Casey Blake and Ronnie Belliard) out, then Holliday's dropped fly ball would have been laughed off.

Instead the Dodgers rallied with Belliard tying the game with a single and pincher hitter Mark Loretta delivered the walk off hit.

The demoralized Cardnals were swept a few days later.

2000 - Mets 5 Giants 4 (10 innings)

Down 0-1 in the series, the Mets handed Armando Benitez a three run 9th inning lead in Game 2. You would think that would be a big enough lead.

Bonds and Kent got on and with one out J. T. Snow hit a three run game tying homer that sent Pac Bell Park into delirium.

The joy was short lived as the Mets came right back in the 10th with Jay Payton's 2 out RBI single.

When Benitez again let the lead off man on, John Franco was called in. With two outs and a runner on, Franco got Bonds on a questionable called third strike to end the game.

Honorable mentions for Game 2 National League Division Series

2002 – Cardinals 2 Diamondbacks 1

Curt Schilling was terrific against the Cardinals but Arizona trailed 1-0 into the 8th inning. Quinton McCracken doubled home the tying run with 2 outs in the 8th to get Schilling off the hook. But Miguel Cairo hit an RBI single in the 9th to give the Cardinals the win and a 2-0 series lead.

2004 – Braves 4 Astros 2 (11 innings)

Roy Oswalt had the lead over former teammate Mike Hampton but Brad Lidge let up a game tying RBI double to Adam LaRoche in the 8th inning. John Smoltz worked around a pair of walks in the 10th and Rafael Furcal ended the game with a 2 out 2 run walk off homer in the 11th.

Best Game 3 National League Division Series for the 2000s

2003 – Marlins 4 Giants 3 (11 innings)

The Giants and the Marlins both blew several scoring chances throughout Game 3, allowing the game to go into extra innings.

Marquis Grissom was caught trying to steal third base.

Lenny Harris of the Marlins popped up to end the 10th with the bases loaded.

The Giants broke the tie with a run in the 11th but left the bases loaded.

In the bottom of the 11th, supposed Gold Glove right fielder Jose Cruz Jr dropped an easy fly ball by Jeff Conine to lead off the inning. Eventually the Marlins loaded the bases with two outs. With 2 strikes, Pudge Rodriguez singled home the tying and winning runs.

2000 - Mets 3 Giants 2 (13 innings)

The Giants were 4 outs away from taking a 2-1 series lead. But Edgardo Alfonzo doubled home the tying run in the 8th inning off of Robb Nen, sending the second straight game into extra innings.

The Giants blew scoring opportunities in the 10th, the 12th and the 13th while the Mets blew a bases loaded chance in the 11th.

Finally Benny Agbayani homered in the 13th inning to give the Mets the win. They would win the series the next day on Bobby Jones' 1 hitter.

Honorable mentions for Game 3 National League Division Series

2007 – Rockies 2 Phillies 1

An unlikely pitchers duel unfolded at Coors Field between Ubaldo Jimenez of the Rockies and Jamie Moyer of the Phillies. The Rockies took a 1-0 lead into the 7th before Shane Victorino homered to tie the game and keep the Phillies hope alive. But Jeff Baker hit a 2 out RBI single in the bottom of the 8th to give Colorado the lead.

The Rockies would shut Philadelphia down in the 9th and keep their unlikely winning streak going into the NLCS.

2009 – Phillies 6 Rockies 5

A wild back and forth game saw the two teams tied going into the 9th. A controversial non call helped put Phillies on first and third with only 1 out, setting up Ryan Howard's go ahead sacrifice fly.

Charlie Manuel brought in struggling closer Brad Lidge who proceeded to put the tying and winning runs on base before getting Troy Tulowitski to pop up and end the game.

Best Game 4 of the National League Division Series for the 2000s

2005 – Astros 7 Braves 6 (18 innings)

One of the great Division Series games of all time.

Early on it looked like the Braves were going to cruise to an easy win and force a Game 5 in Atlanta. Adam LaRoche hit a grand slam and the Braves took a 6-1 lead into the 8th inning.

But Lance Berkman hit a grand slam off of Kyle Farnsworth to bring Houston to within 1.

Then Brad Ausmus hit a 2 out game tying homer in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extra innings.

Actually, it would take the equivalent of another GAME to decide this one.

Luke Scott missed a series ending homer by a few feet.

The Braves had men in scoring position in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th and 17th.

The Astros ran out of pinch hitters and Roger Clemens had to come in as a pinch hitter AND a reliever.

Finally Chris Burke homered off of Joey Devine, sending Minute Maid Park into a frenzy.

It also ended the Braves magnificent playoff run.

2003 – Marlins 7 Giants 6

The Giants seemed demoralized after their shocking Game 3 loss and quickly fell behind 5-1 in Game 4. Dontrelle Willis was dominating with his arm and with a 3 for 3 performance at the plate.

But the Giants tied the game with a 4 run 6th inning.

Pudge Rodriguez scored the go ahead run when he scored on a collision at the plate in the 8th. In the 9th with 2 outs, Jeffrey Hammonds singled to left sending J. T. Snow home trying to tie the game. But Snow was thrown out as Rodriguez held onto the ball after another collision at the plate.

After listening to that game, I drove to my wedding.

Honorable mentions for Game 4 National League Division Series

2004 – Braves 6 Astros 5

The Astros scored 5 in the second inning and looked like they were going to cruise to their first ever post season series win.

But Adam LaRoche hit a three run homer in the 6th to tie the game. Astros manager Phil Garner made a pair of strange managerial decisions including lifting Roger Clemens after only 5 innings and pulling Brad Lidge after only 2 batters. The Braves rallied with 2 outs in the 9th to take the lead on J. D. Drew's single.

With the series winning runs on board for Houston, Smoltz got Jeff Kent to hit into a game ending double play.

2009 – Phillies 5 Rockies 4

Cliff Lee, who threw a devastating complete game victory in Game 1, had the Rockies on the ropes going into the 8th inning. But a walk and an error in the 8th knocked him out and Ryan Madson allowed the Rockies to take the lead.

With 2 outs in the 9th and the Rockies in line to tie the series, Ryan Howard hit a game tying double and Jayson Werth singled him home.

Reliever Scott Eyre put the tying and winning runs aboard for the Rockies, but Brad Lidge got Troy Tulowitski out again to clinch the series.

Best Game 5 National League Division Series for the 2000s

2001 – Diamondbacks 2 Cardinals 1

Possibly the most underrated game of the decade.

The Schilling vs. Morris rematch looked like it was going to be a repeat of Game 1 as Schilling took a 1-0 lead into the 8th inning. But J. D. Drew homered to deadlock the game and send the decisive game tied into the 9th.

Schilling worked around an Edmonds single in the 9th and the D'Backs looked to end the series in the bottom of the 9th.

With 1 out and pinch runner Midre Cummings at third, manager Bob Brenly called for a squeeze play to end the series. But Tony Womack couldn't put the bat on the ball and Cummings was out at home.

Womack made up for it by getting an RBI single scoring Danny Bautista and winning the series.

2002 – Giants 3 Braves 1

The Giants avoided elimination in Game 4 and took a lead in the decisive Game 5 thanks in part to a Barry Bonds home run.

But the Braves kept threatening and in the bottom of the ninth had the tying runs aboard, nobody out and Gary Sheffield and Chipper Jones coming up.

One swing of the bat and the Braves would win the series.

But Robb Nen struck out Sheffield and got Jones to ground into an awkward but effective double play that ended the game and won the series for the Giants.

(I needed to have ONE good Giants game in here!)

Honorable mentions for Game 5 National League Division Series

2003 – Cubs 5 Braves 1

After a pair of back and forth games at Wrigley, the Braves and Cubs played a winner take all Game 5 in Atlanta.

Behind Kerry Wood, the Cubs shut the Braves offense down to a single run over 8 innings. The Cubs sent Atlanta down 1-2-3 in the 9th.

It is, as of this writing, the only post season series victory of any kind for the Cubs since 1908.

2004 – Astros 12 Braves 3

The Braves and Astros went into the 7th inning of the deciding Game 5 with the score a tight 4-2 in Houston's favor. Then the Braves bullpen collapsed as the Astros scored 5 in the 7th and 3 in the 8th to cruise to a 12-3 victory. This was the first playoff series win in Houston's history.

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