BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

So, the Cubs start playing tonight. They have been the best team in the National League this year. They play the Dodgers, who played in the worst division in baseball, and finished 84-78, on a schedule that allowed them to play more games against the likes of the Pads, the Giants, and the Rockies. The Dodgers had 13 fewer wins than the Cubs, playing an easier schedule.

The Dodgers have Furcal, who lost his job with the Cubs to Ronnie F-ing Cedano (who lost it to Ryan Theriot within the year) and Nomar Garciaparra coming back from injuries. Nomar has not been good in five years. The Dodgers have a couple of good pitchers, but after all, they were a .500 team this year.

The Cubs have a slight tweak on Mark DeRosa's calf, and Big Z has been . . . erratic . . . of late. He got shelled, threw a no hitter, then got shelled. That's really it.

So, why have I heard Mike & Mike from ESPN radio, Peter Gammons, Peter Pascarelli, and other baseball talking heads predict that the Dodgers are the favorite in this series? Don't get me wrong. I am terrified of the ever-dreaded five game series. It is too short, and anything can happen. I would prefer that this be a seven game series. However, how did the Dodgers become the trendy pick? Is it because the Cubs crapped out against Arizona last year? You know, the playoffs that the Dodgers watched from home while Arizona, San Diego, and Colorado fought for two playoff spots. I don't get it.

So, my prediction? Cubs in 3. What the hell. I'm a homer.