I'm sure that fans of the Cardinals and Tigers would disagree, but overall this year's postseason seemed strangely devoid of drama and excitement. It happens - there are years like 2003 where you had two of the most dramatic series of all time going on concurrently (Marlins v. Cubs, Yankees v. Red Sox), and years like this one where there just didn't seem to be a lot going on. The Tigers-Yankees series probably came closest to generating "postseason drama."
Since I don't like the Cardinals or Tony LaRussa that much, I was rooting for the Tigers; but their magic just seemed to run out. We learned a thing or two about the importance of momentum in the postseason. It isn't that important. The hottest teams heading into the playoffs were disposed of with ease; meanwhile, the Cardinals and the Tigers staggered through September and nearly played themselves out of the postseason. Didn't seem to bother them much. As Bill James and others have said on numerous occasions, in a short series the best team doesn't always win, and the pitching usually makes the difference.
Now the long off-season begins, with thoughts of spring and hope eternal for all teams far off. It will be enjoyed in St. Louis, and mourned in Detroit.
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