by Sonny Palermo

Fall begins, and with it comes the fall classic - the World Series (of the United States.)

But before we get there - the league championships must be decided. And, for a little multiple game fun, I am sharing my investments on both contests.

In the senior circuit I am riding with the team that has the look of destiny about them - the Colorado Rockies. This series can be determined tonight. Yup, that's right, it can be decided that early, in game one. The Snake ace is Webb, who had a terrific season (18-10, ERA 3.01) but against the Rockies this season he has been less than venomous (1-3, 5.80 ERA, team record in his starts just 3-3.) The Rockies are the hottest team in baseball, having won seventeen of their last eighteen games. Tonight, they get a chance to revenge that lone loss, in the game that cost them the division, when they face Webb for the seventh time this season.

If the Rockies beat the Snake ace, in his home den, it will represent a huge swing in momentum that will allow them to breeze through the rest of this series with ease. The edge at bat goes to the Rockies, with a slight edge to Arizona in pitching and home field, which is why if they get a win tonight all edges go to Colorado.

In the junior circuit, I am riding the Red Sox. As dominant as Sabathia has been, Beckett has been even better. The edge also goes to Boston in lumber, home field, and playoff experience. Plus, they have the biggest edge of any of the four teams competing this year - Manny. Mr. Ramirez is the anti-A-Rod. He is Mr. October to Alex's Mr. April. The Indians played their World Series already, and presented themselves well, in beating the Yankees. But this is not the stuttering duo of Jeter and A-Rod, this is Manny and Big Papi. Also, Francona and his players benefit not only from post season experience, but from losing in post seasons, such as their losing three games to NY before coming back with four straight wins to take the championship three years ago. It means they will never get too down, and never quit. They know they can bounce back. THAT is valuable experience in a series such as this.

Funny thing is, listening to Cleveland players talk about how the networks wanted Boston-NY and not Boston-Cleveland, you realize that even THEY realize they are not supposed to be here. And it's time for a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I'm playing the chalk in both series, fully confident of a split at worst case. I have heard much talk of the "baseball Gods.' If they truly exist, surely they must be too benevolent to burden us with Cleveland vs. Arizona.

Review/selections: 3-3 in this space now as the little rats from Rutgers lost for us last week - the romance is over, the thrill is gone; piss on Piscataway. On the other hand, I played them Under 11 for season wins, and that is looking real good, as they have already lost twice, in games that were listed as low possibilities on my preseason chart. With a 12 game schedule this means we ("we" meaning me and anyone who read my write up in this space, perceived the wisdom inherent in my words, and invested along with me) can't lose!! Best the silly Khuniggits can do now is win ten games, and we push. With two top ten teams, West Virginia and South Florida, as well as a tough game at U Conn left on the schedule, I/we can count our chickens before they are added to our accounts!

This week, I am taking the Red Sox (-160) and Rockies (-130) in the league championship series, one unit each.