It's Christmas In October

It's one of the happiest days in the blog world: It's the day after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs. As you would probably expect, the blog world has been chowing down this morning, as easily sports' most hated team lost last night to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Taking the brunt of it, as you would also expect, is Alex Rodriguez, who cemented his image as a choke artist by going 2-for-15 in the series and grounding into a double play in the ninth inning. As one Red Sox fan put it, "It doesn't count as schadenfreude if it's A-Rod."

Leading the anti-Yankee charge is Faith and Fear In Flushing, which has a virtual smile the size of the guy in Warrant's "Cherry Pie" video.

Hold on, there's a call... "Hello? Bernie? No, man, no gigs. No, nobody ever wants to hear you play the guitar again." Hold on, there's another call... "Hello? Moose? No, man, no rings. Check your contract. It was only implied."

And don't get Red Sox fans started either; no one is enjoying this more than them — probably not even Angels fans. From the great Soxaholix: Yeah, who knew Pay-Rod's "killah move" is grounding weakly into a double play? ... Here's your media anointed MVP: 5 ALDS games, 0 RBI, .133 BA."

We know the playoffs will lose a little not having the Yankees or Red Sox in them, if just because the remaining four teams aren't nearly as easy to hate. (If you really need someone, we nominate Roger Clemens.) But, honestly, the Web's having a virtual ticker tape parade this morning. Sorry, Yankees. And, for that matter, sorry, Angels: People will notice that you're still playing eventually, promise.

Don't Hate The Players, Hate The Lords Of The Game [Bronx Banter] Good Work, Angels [Faith And Fear In Flushing] Oh Fer 21st Century Streak Continues [Soxaholix]