Low Tolerance Rule

October 26th marks the start of a new season, as the Los Angeles Lakers hope to recapture NBA supremacy with a third straight championship. But with another NBA season around the corner, comes another set of rules. However, the newest rules also might make the list of the dumbest. Similar to the NFL which has become known by many as the 'No Fun League' for its excessive rules, the NBA is beginning to crack down on its players. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took some heat from his players this past season after putting a touchdown celebration rule into effect and has been touched up as recent as this year. The rules outlaw any sort of excessive celebration that comes after scoring a Touchdown as well as any other play.

Meanwhile in the NBA, commissioner David Stern is doing his best Roger Goodell impersonation by making his stamp on the game and showing his low tolerance for those who complain a foul or any other call for that matter. A new set of rules is understandable, but when something as small as raising your hands or even looking at an official a certain way can get you a technical foul or worse -- ejected, you've gotta believe the league is over doing it. Sure the fans in the stands don't pay to see grown men whining and protesting every other call, but they don't pay to see their marquee players get ejected either. These calls have only been seen in the Preseason thus far, but what everyone wants to know is if they'll make their way to the Regular season, and if so, how long will they last until they take their tole on fans.

Now coming into the equation is the Players Union which is protesting that the new strict technical foul policy is excessive and was made without consulting them. It'll be interesting to see how this thing plays out, but I do know one thing, if I was paying top dollar to watch my favorite team and or player, I'd be pissed if he were to be ejected for something as dumb as raising his arms after a ticky-tack foul. And while we're on the subject of absurd rules in today's sports, who came up with this new NFL rule that bans celebrating a tackle, when one's knee is on the ground? To me, it's starting to sound like they're nitpicking in certain areas and towards specific players. Need an example? See Vikings defensive end Jared Allen for instance who has done his same old calf roping celebration that has become as symbolic as his mullet. Unless he modifies his signature celebration, it looks like those days are dead. Unless he plans to pay a fine and cause his team a few yards every other drive...

NLCS x Game 1 x Ross' Bat Propels Giants

NLCS Game 1 - If the Giants wanted to take an early 1-game lead on the road against a Philadelphia team that has become quite familiar with the Postseason, having reached the NLCS for a third consecutive year, they'd have to face a pitcher coming off of one of the best Postseason outings in Major League history -- Roy Halladay. Philly wouldn't have it easy either, as San Francisco countered with their ace and 2-time defending NL Cy Young award winner -- Tim Lincecum, who also had an impressive outing in his first ever Postseason start. Although the battle between the two Goliath's would be a match-up of epic proportions and the headline coming into the game, there offense would get its time to shine as well.

During the regular season in late August, the Giants acquired Marlins outfielder Cody Ross on waivers primarily to prevent the division rival San Diego Padres from acquiring him down the stretch in the heat of their pennant race. His offensive production thus far in the Postseason however, would make one think he was picked up purposely as an everyday outfielder. Although that's not the case, Ross has fit in just well. Proving that on Saturday, Ross put an end to Halladay's hopes of throwing another no-hitter by hitting a solo home run in the third inning. Trailing by a run, Philly answered back with a solo shot of their own, off the bat of Carlos Ruiz just an inning later to tie the game at 1-run a piece.

Cody Ross would strike again in the fifth inning with another home run off Halladay, regaining the lead 2-1. Veteran outfielder Pat Burrell who played 8-years with the Phillies from 2000-2008, came up to bat in the sixth inning, hitting a ball to deep left field, coming a few feet short of a homer. As the ball bounced off the glove of Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez, catcher Buster Posey came in to score. Giants manager Bruce Bochy then decided to yank Burrell in place of a pinch-runner. A move that proved to be costly for the Giants in Game 2 of the ALDS. The pinch-running Nate Schierholtz would eventually come in to score on a single up the middle from Juan Uribe.

Trailing by a score of 4-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Phillies would manage to scratch across a few more runs off Lincecum, thanks to a 2-run shot by Jason Werth, bringing Philly within a run. Lincecum would be lights out from there on out, finishing the game with 8 strikeout's and 3 walks, while surrendering 3-runs on 8-hits in 7-innings. The ball was then given to the bullpen who managed to shut the Phillies down for the final two innings, with closer Brian Wilson striking out Shane Victorino with a man left on base to end it. While Lincecum improves to 2-0 this Postseason, Halladay falls to 1-1. The Giants and Phillies may only be prepping for Game 2 of this series, but the momentum has to be on San Francisco's side, as they put an end to Philadelphia's Postseason streak of 7-straight wins during Game 1's. The win for the Giants also inches them 3-wins closer to their first World Series since 2002.

Game 2 Preview - Hoping to bring the Giants a game closer to the Fall Classic, is Jonathan Sanchez who looks to face Philly's Roy Oswalt who remains unbeaten on home turf. Game time scheduled at 4:30 p.m., Go Giants!

49ers x Week 5 x Little Too Late

After failing to make it into the win column in the first four weeks, the 49ers were hoping a return to their home field of Candlestick Park would solve their problems. Since losing to the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, the 49ers haven't played at home. And for a team that thrives a lot more at home like they do, the handful of games away from their home turf to start the season could easily sum up their 0-4 record. But when being praised as a Playoff team heading into the season, you've got to win regardless of where you're playing.

Similar to week 4 in Atlanta, the 49er offense put together a successful opening drive which was set up by Ted Ginn who returned the opening kick-off to mid-field. After hording the ball for 7-minutes, QB Alex Smith connected with WR Michael Crabtree for a touchdown giving San Francisco an early lead. It wouldn't be long though, before Philadelphia responded with a touchdown of their own. With a 17-10 lead heading into the half, Philly forced several turnovers that would come back to bite the 49ers when it was all said and done. After an interception and three fumbles, the boo-birds of Candlestick Park began letting the 49er offense hear it. Alex Smith got the brunt of it, as chants of 'We want Carr' roared throughout the stadium. Referring to back-up QB David Carr of coarse, the 49er faithful were almost given their wish.

Before going to a commercial break, coach Singletary and Smith were seen arguing with one another while Carr began to loosen up. Smith returned to the game in what I was guessing was a last chance given by Singletary. Just when you thought the game was over, Smith came firing back by throwing touchdown passes in consecutive drives, bringing San Francisco within three. It seems like all Smith needed was a little fire under his ass. And with a coach like Singletary who has a lack of tolerance, who better to have in that type of scenario? Despite his late resurgence, Smith decided to play ball a little late, similar to the loss to New Orleans in Week 2, as the game turned into a race against the clock. With possession of the ball just under a minute left and a chance to win it, Smith was hit upon releasing the ball, resulting in an interception to seal the game for the Eagles who won 27-24.

What I'd like to know is what Singletary said to Smith to get him so fired up. If you were to ask me, I'd say the two need to have that exact conversation before every game from here on out. With zero wins to show for heading into week 6, it would usually be a smart time to hit the panic button. But in the weak NFC Western division which is still far from being decided, the 49ers Playoff hopes are still alive. If the 49ers were to somehow win their very winnable division, they would make the history books as the first team in NFL history to make the Playoffs after an 0-5 start. While we're on the subject of firsts, the 49ers 0-5 start to the season is their worst start since losing seven in a row in 1979. Ironically '79 was Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh's first year with the team. And only two seasons later, the 49ers would go on to win their first of three Super Bowl's under Walsh's regime.

Noteworthy - While 49er running-back Frank Gore struggled on the ground with 2-fumbles and only 52-rushing yards, wide-receiver Michael Crabree and tight-end Vernon Davis both helped Alex Smith throw for over 300 yards, by each compiling over 100-yards receiving.

Week 6 Preview - Not only are the 49ers playing at home again, but their playing against their bay area rivals -- the Oakland Raiders. After finally decided to utilize the young talent of Michael Crabtree on offense, it'll be interesting to see if he continues to turn it up against the team that passed on him in last year's NFL Draft.

Giants brilliant pitching edges Braves

Giants win ALDS! - Coming into Game 4, a lot was in stake for both teams. Whether it was the Giants vying for their first first Postseason series win since the Barry Bonds era and their first trip to the NLCS since 2002, or the Braves hoping to keep Bobby Cox's managerial career alive for another day. But with only three quarters of the stadium filled, you kinda had a sense that the Braves faithful would be seeing both their hopes of a World Series tittle and Cox's career come to an end. The least they could have done was pay their respects to the man that managed their team for 20+ years. But before the world of Baseball bid Cox a farewell, a game was to be played.

And similar to the previous three games of the series, starting pitching would steal the show. Coming into the game, Giants starters combined for 11 hits, 4 BB's, 0 ER's, and 31 K's in 23 IP. Wins proving to be the only thing hard to come by as Cain and Sanchez had to settle for no-decisions, the only win coming from Lincecum. With yet another gem thrown by the Giants starting pitching staff, this time behind the arm of Madison Bumgarner, little offense was needed. As the tomahawk chop in full effect throughout Turner Field, the Braves would scratch across a run in the third. Giants outfielder Cody Ross tied it in the sixth with a solo shot, only to have the tie erased in the bottom half of the inning. Braves catcher Brian McCann sent the first pitch he saw into the bleachers, giving Atlanta the lead once again.

San Francisco answered back an inning later thanks to two RBI singles from Juan Uribe and Cody Ross, regaining the lead, 3-2. It was then time for some relief work. For several years now, the bullpen has been a major strong point for the Giants. However, the same exact bullpen that ranked second best in the NL this year, has been anything but impressive so far this Postseason. Tonight would be a different story though. After reaching base again, Braves skipper Bobby Cox decided to pinch-run for the power hitting McCann. A similar move Giants manager Bruce Bochy made in Game 2 when pulling the home run threat of Pat Burrell, which proved to be a costly mistake. With limited power remaining in the Braves line-up, Giants relievers Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez and Brian Wilson all combined for three shutout innings to seal the ball game, sending the Giants to their first Championship Series in eight years.

Before the bottle popping began in the clubhouse, the Giants players and coaching staff withheld their celebration and walked onto the field to give the retiring Cox a round of applause of their own. The 69 year old Cox was given a curtain call and saluted the Atlanta crowd before tipping his hat and giving the Giants personnel a thumbs up. With a banged up roster without a number of key players such as Chipper Jones, Martin Prado and Billy Wagner, you've gotta wonder what the series would've been like if Atlanta was in full strength. I'm not one to complain though, and I couldn't be any happier to see my Giants move on to the NLCS. Game 1 which takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, sets up for a match-up of epic proportions as Roy Halladay faces Tim Lincecum. Get your popcorn ready!

Giants thank Conrad for late 3-2 rally

With the highlight of game 1 being dominant pitching and late game heroics in game 2, game 3 would be a mixture of both. After the Giants failed to capitalize in the first inning with the bases loaded, they made sure they wouldn't make the same mistake when given another chance. Third baseman Mike Fontenot who was acquired from the Cubs as late as mid-August, led the second inning off with a triple before scoring on Cody Ross' routine pop-up in shallow right field that was dropped for an error by the Braves second baseman Books Conrad. For the Giants, drawing first blood would be important against Atlanta's Tim Hudson who went on to win 17 games this year and owned an ERA south of 3.00.

Heading into the eighth inning, it looked like another 1-0 finish in favor of the Giants. Then came in reliever Sergio Romo who blew the lead for the second straight game. With a man on and 1 out, Eric Hinske hit a pinch-hit 2-run homer that hit the foul pole and gave Atlanta their first lead of the game. With another questionable pitching change by manager Bruce Bochy, the call to the 'pen proved to come back to bite him in the ass for a second time in three days. Although the go-ahead dinger would be costly, the Giants would still have life thanks to their new favorite opposing second baseman -- Brooks Conrad. After already committing three errors in the game, Conrad showed shades of the '86 World Series by doing his best Bill Buckner impersonation and letting a ground ball hit by Buster Posey sneak between his legs and underneath his glove. Freddy Sanchez scored on the mishap, which gave Conrad three errors on the night, setting a new Division Series record for most in a series (4).

And just like that, the Giants rallied to steal a game, similar to Atlanta's triumphant game 2 comeback. Despite his stellar 7.1 innings of 2-hit, 11-strikeout outing, Sanchez was given a no-decision as the Giants won, 3-2. One decision that has been made however, is the decision to sit ace Tim Lincecum for tomorrow's game 4. Instead, Giants skipper Bruce Bochy will give the ball to the young rookie southpaw -- Madison Bumgarner. Meanwhile, Atlanta decides to go with game 1 starter -- Derek Lowe. Heading into tomorrow's game, the one thing running through the minds of Giants players and fans alike is how sweet it would be to celebrate on enemy turf, instead of having to play a deciding game 5 in San Fran.

Giants Bullpen Implodes

Heading into Game 2 with a 1-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the atmosphere in AT&T Park was like that of no other. After Tim Lincecum's dominant outing on Wednesday, the Giants faithful would be spoiled if they were to see another outstanding pitching performance. Matt Cain didn't quite equal Lincecum's 2-hit, 14 K performance, but he threw exceptionally well by striking out 6 and allowing only 1 run (unearned) in 6 2/3 innings. The Giants offense would then steal the show in the early going by scoring 4 runs in the first two innings. Pat Burrell ignited the fireworks after hitting a 3-run homer in the first inning, driving in Freddy Sanchez and Buster Posey. Matt Cain followed in the second by helping his own cause with an rbi-single putting the Giants up 4-0.

The Braves offense would finally make its Postseason debut, by scoring a run in the 6th inning after being held scoreless for nearly 15 innings. Also making it's first Postseason appearance this year, was the Giants bullpen. With a 4-1 lead heading into the 8th, the Giants looked like they were going to head into Atlanta with a 2-game lead. But that was until Giants skipper Bruce Bochy over-managed the game. After a stellar 6 2/3 innings registered by Cain, southpaw Javier Lopez was given the ball for the final out of the 7th. Sergio Romo then came in to start the 8th, and the wheels fell off from there. After inheriting two runners on base without recording an out (both on walks), it was up to closer Brian Wilson. Despite leading the Majors with 48 saves during the regular season, Wilson was rarely called upon to get any more than than 3-outs in a game. So a 6-out save during a pivotal Postseason game would be something new for the fire baller. The move would also prove to be very dangerous.

During the regular season, come from behind wins were routine for the Atlanta Braves who were second in the Major Leagues with 46. So when third baseman Pablo Sandoval committed an error on a dribbler he threw awkwardly to first, pulling Aubrey Huff off the bag, the Braves were in route to adding yet another come from behind win to the list. With two men on and only one out, Alex Gonzalez hit a 2-run double to tie the game and eventually leading to extra innings. What looked to be a friendly division series between two of Georgia's very own -- Buster Posey and Jason Heyward, turned into a rivalry thanks to the Giants home crowd. Coincidentally both are in the hunt for this years NL Rookie of the Year Award. During his at-bats, Heyward got an earful as chants of 'Posey's better' roared throughout the stadium.

With the bases loaded and one out in the 10th inning, Posey would get a chance to prove just that. But instead hit into an inning ending double play to end the threat. Then heading into the 11th, it happened. Former pitcher and one of Atlanta's latest acquisitions -- Rick Ankiel hit a booming shot to right field, clearing the fence and landing in McCovey's cove. The solo shot that was a no brainer would make Barry Bonds cringe given how hard it was hit and how deep it went. With the home run by Ankiel, the Braves had their first lead of the series and made sure the score stayed that way as Atlanta would take the game, 5-4 and even the series at one game apiece. As the Giants visit Atlanta's Turner Field for Game 3 on Sunday, Jonathan Sanchez will face Tim Hudson as both teams aim to take a 2-1 lead over one another.

49ers x Week 4 x Dirty Birds Barely Fly Away

The Run Down - After three consecutive losses in as many weeks for the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Singletary and company had a lot to prove if they wanted to finally get into the win column. And what better way get that first win than to defeat one of the NFC's better teams? However, with a number of weapons on offense for the Falcons, it wouldn't be easy. But after a dominant first quarter for San Francisco on both sides of the ball, scoring 14-points in a matter of minutes, it looked like the win-less 49ers were finally on their way to win number one. Alex Smith attacked the end-zone early by completing a 12-yard pass to tight-end Vernon Davis, who spun upon being tackled and extended his arm as the ball made it over the goal-line.

The defense would then do its part when USC alum Taylor Mays who made his first career NFL start, made a huge play in the end-zone by recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, all while showing some spectacular footwork and keeping both feet in bounds. But just like every other week, the positives would be limited as the 49er scoring spree would stop there due to Alex Smith throwing two interceptions. Falcons wide receiver Roddy White who torched the 49er defense for over 200 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns last year was of no avail and played a limited role in Atlanta's passing game. That was until the game's final minutes. After scoring 13 unanswered points to bring the Falcons within 1, White made a handful of circus grabs late in the 4th quarter before finishing with 104 yards. White's biggest contribution however, would come while defending.

San Francisco just about had the game won when cornerback Nate Clements intercepted what looked to be the dagger and the game winning play had he purposely went down after intercepting the ball with a minute thirty left on the clock. Instead, Clements turned it into a selfish, boneheaded move on his behalf as Roddy White chased him from behind and knocked the ball out, forcing a fumble. White's heads-up play showed shades of the 2009 season and was reminiscent of a similar play he made against the 49ers last year when he stripped the ball out of San Francisco's other cornerback -- Dre Bly. Bly showboated his way down the field thinking he had an easy touchdown, only to have the ball knocked out of his hand. Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan would then get another chance at leading the offense down field. But with the clock against them, getting into field-goal range was all Atlanta needed.

With less than 10 seconds left, Matt Bryant kicked the ball 42-yards deep and through the uprights to win it. The game-winning field-goal was also Bryant's second in as many weeks, as he kicked one a week earlier against Drew Brees and the division rival New Orleans Saints. Niners head coach Mike Singletary didn't personally blame the loss on his cornerback (Clements), but we all know why the 49ers didn't pull this one out when they should have. One day after the heart-wrenching loss, the 49ers front-office stood by their head coach and expressed their support of coach Singletary, assuring him that his job is safe despite the teams 0-4 start. As well as it should be, given two of the four losses were not his fault.

Week 5 Preview - While it's hard to point out the good during this rough time for us 49er fans, there is some good news in the bay area regarding the next match-up on the 49ers schedule. With Michael Vick out with an injured rib, the Eagles will start Kevin Kolb at the quarterback position. Kolb, who began the season as Philadelphia's starting quarterback, has been anything but what the Eagles were expecting from the QB they invested in after trading away Donovan McNabb. Vick on the other hand has been great since filling the void as the starter when Kolb went down with a concussion in week 1. But as the Vick injury serves as good news for us 9er fans as well as dog lovers across the globe, it can't be good for the Eagles considering he's been among the highest praised for the MVP award thus far. With Vick out and the 49ers at home, I think this is the week we finally get a W.

Lincecum's Golden Gem

He Came, He Saw, He Conquered - After the masterful no-hit performance Roy Halladay had put on the night before, it was unlikely another pitcher would steal the spotlight unless they were to throw a perfect game. San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum didn't surpass Doc's no-hit bid with a perfecto of his own, but he came awfully close from being flawless in the Giants first Postseason appearance in 7 years. Similar to Halladay, Lincecum also made his much anticipated Postseason debut. Continuing the ongoing trend that has been 'the year of the pitcher', Lincecum went on to throw a complete-game shutout, in route to San Francisco's 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

With Braves starting pitcher Derek Lowe on the mound, who's been lights out coming into this Postseason, the Giants were limited to only 1-run in his 5.1 innings pitched. But with Lincecum on his a-game, hardly any offense was needed for what the 2-time reigning NL Cy Young Award winner had in store for the fans that filled up the sold-out AT&T Park. Lincecum used his weapon of choice to his advantage -- the strikeout. Having led the National League in punch-outs for the third consecutive season this year, Timmy put on a dazzling 14 K performance, setting a Giants record for most strikeouts in a Postseason game. Ironically, 14K means gold, and Lincecum was nothing short of golden as he battled off the Postseason jitters with a 2-hit, 1-walk masterpiece that would make Leonardo Da Vinci proud.

On offense for the Giants, the lone run came in the 4th inning when right-fielder Cody Ross drove in the potential Rookie of the Year candidate Buster Posey. Posey led the inning off with a single and stole second on a controversial call that looked like an out. Neither the Braves infielders nor manager Bobby Cox who's had his fair share of arguments and ejections, bothered to debate the call. And thankfully second base umpire Paul Emmel called Posey safe, or else the game could very well still be going on. It could be debated whether or not Giants skipper Bruce Bochy should have yanked Lincecum in the ninth to bring in closer Brian Wilson who tied a franchise record for most saves in a single season (48) this year. But given Wilson likes to flirt around by allowing men on base, I think Bochy made the right decision. Bochy often tends to over-manage, so I was very surprised when he left Lincecum in to finish the game after 119 pitches.

The only way we'll find out if Bochy made a mistake by leaving Lincecum in too long, is if he's needed on short rest. And while I cross my fingers, let's all pray that won't happen. As the Giants plan to take a commanding 2-game lead to Atlanta, Game 2 on Friday will see Giants pitcher Matt Cain in action, as the Braves hope to even the series by giving Tommy Hanson the nod. Game time @ 6:30, Go Giants!

Just what the Doc ordered

Doctober - In spite of being arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball for several years now, Roy Halladay has never made a single Postseason appearance in his illustrious career, due to being stuck in the powerhouse that is the AL East. Although the Toronto Blue Jays put together a few decent teams, none were ever able to surpass the Yankees and Red Sox in the standings during Halladay's tenure. So when it came time, Halladay burst onto the Playoff scene like the future Hall of Famer that he is. Leading up to the fourth straight division tittle for the Philadelphia Phillies, Halladay made his transition to the National League in a huge way by throwing a perfect game against the Florida Marlins in late May. The rest of Halladay's 2010 campaign would be nothing short of magical as he went on to set career highs in wins (21), strikeouts (219), and tied carer highs in complete games (9), and shutouts (4).

However, none of the following would be the highlight of Doc's outstanding season. What would be though, is what Halladay put together in his first ever Postseason outing. With every baseball enthusiast expecting a slight bit of Postseason jitters even from one of the games greats, the 7-time All-Star and former AL Cy Young Award winner proved there would be none of that. The moment he had been awaiting some 12 years in the making, Halladay went on to throw only the second no-hitter in Postseason history. The first of coarse would come some 54 years earlier when New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen threw a perfect game in the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Not only does Halladay's gem stick out because it was his first ever Postseason outing, but also because it was thrown against the best hitting team in the entire National League. Halladay's only fault during the 4-0 victory, would come with 2-outs in the fifth inning, when he surrendered a walk to the potential NL MVP -- Joey Votto.

When being asked in the clubhouse about Hallday's dominant outing, Votto gave the Doc his props by saying, "It was like swinging at nothing." Votto's teammate and Reds shortstop Orlando Cabrera on the other hand, showed some bitterness and believes Halladay benefited from a generous strike-zone and said, "Another umpire and Halladay wouldn't have thrown a game like that." Whether or not the ump played a role in helping Doc make history, Halladay pounded the strike-zone all night long as some 85% of his pitches were for strikes. Game 2, which takes place at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park on Friday, will feature another Roy, as Roy Oswalt is slated to take the mound with Cincy aiming to counter with Bronson Arroyo in what looks to be a battle of righties.

And unless someone throws a perfect-game this Postseason, I think it's clear Doc's no-no will be the talk of the season. Now, the only thing missing on Halladay's track record is a World Series ring. And as much as I'd like to see him hoist one before his career is over, I just hope it won't be in a Phillies uniform.

Maybe it's a Florida thing?

For the third year in a row, attendance numbers in Major League Baseball have dropped. Much of this problem could be blamed on the economy, but that hasn't prevented fans from supporting their team during a pennant race. That is unless you're a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays. Upon finishing the season atop the AL East division with a 96-66 record and outlasting the New York Yankees by 1-game in the standings, Rays pitcher David Price called out Rays fans for not showing up to the ballpark during a game in which they could have clinched a playoff spot down the stretch. The game's official attendance? A whooping 12,446 fans showed up to the ballpark. All-Star third-baseman Evan Longoria also expressed his opinion, calling it an embarrassment.

However, fans of baseball have seen a similar lack of support from the fans of Tampa Bay's southern neighbor and inter-league rival -- Florida Marlins. Despite winning two World Series tittles in seven years (1997 and 2003), the Marlins fan base has been notorious for not showing up for games, including those in the Postseason. Even during their championship runs, the Marlins have had a hard time selling tickets, which has me wondering, maybe it's a Florida thing? Sure neither the Rays' Tropicana Field or Miami's Sun Life Stadium are no baseball paradise, but fans have flocked to see their team play in cathedrals and stadiums in poorer conditions than those in the Sunshine State.

To their credit, the Rays have never really had a big fan base to begin with since being introduced to the league as an expansion team in 1998, but that could simply result to their last place finishes year in and year out. But now that Tampa Bay has some of the best young talent in the league, Rays fans ought to watch their team play now before their key free-agents sign elsewhere after this year...At least that's what's expected. With one of the better records in the league when playing at home, filling up the seats would be huge for the Rays' tittle run. And with Texas in town for the first two games of the American League Division Series, I expect Rays fans to be at the yard in full strength, rooting their team on with their noisy cowbells and other annoying miscellaneous rally tools not named 'vuvuzela'.