Around The Majors- Sunday Playoffs Special

Two unexpected sweeps, two seasons on the brink, and one huge high profile job on the line. That's all right now.

The Colorado Rockies are climbing to new altitudes every game, as they've advanced to their first ever LCS with a rousing 2-1 win over a Phillies team that had the good pitching but the hitting disappeared into the Blake Street night as the city of Denver can rally around a baseball team for the first time. I don't know what's higher right now, Denver's elevation or the momentum-meter for the Rox. They're getting clutch hits from everyone, their bullpen has been outstanding, and their young pitchers Morales and Jimenez have looked tremendous. They've won 17 of 18, and they definitely have the hot factor to take this thing all the way. On the Phillies side, their nucleus of hitters will remain intact besides for Aaron Rowand who will be replaced by Jayson Werth. They have Hamels, Kendrick, and Durbin in the rotation and this team is certainly not going away.

Please don't notice the young Diamondbacks, they've been comfortable all season long with little fanfare. And they haven't gotten to the NLCS by accident. Their young core of hitters is growing in front of our very eyes. Chris Young, Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, and Mark Reynolds have been contributing and are all 24 or younger. Hudson and Byrnes are locked up, and Webb and co have held down the fort for their surprising bullpeb led by Tony Pena, Brandon Lyon, and Jose Valverde. The Cubs still have a very nice team that will be locked in dogfights with Milwaukee for years to come for supremecy in the NL Central.

It's a season on the brink for the Yankees, who usually thrive with the backs against the wall. It won't be easy against a young and hungry Indians club, especially since New York has shown little to no life at the plate. Maybe to light a fire under the team, George Steinbrenner said today to the Newark Star Ledger that Joe Torre will likely not return if they don't advance to the ALCS. Roger Clemens takes the hill to try to extend this franchise as we know it; a loss may put this franchise at a crossroads in terms or Rivera, Posada, and that A-Rod guy who has as many hits as me in postseason play. Jake Westbrook goes for the Tribe, 6:30pm on TBS.

Did Manny hammer the nail in the coffin of the Los Angeles Angels? The Halos got good pitching in the first two games, but clutch performances from Manny and Josh Beckett have been too much. A game 3 starter in Curt Schilling has Boston's playoff rotation deeper than OJ's legal troubles. Can young Cali Cool Jered Weaver mix up some magic for LA, or will it be another disappointing postseason for a team looking to get some of that 2002 Rally Monkey magic. Will the Sox show that killer instinct, or will a desperation-filled Angels club fill the Hollywood night with hope and one more game in Anaheim? Game 3 at 3 on TBS.