But sometimes the Villanovas and the Arizonas of the world win too. I'm sure that would have been exciting, a real ratings-grabber. If you doubt me, listen to NBC broadcaster Bob Costas do his thing. He doesn't care that Greg Maddux won't toss a 50-pitch, complete game masterpiece or that Cal Ripken won't play in his 800,000th straight game. For Costas, it's the game that makes the heroes and not the heroes that make the game.
Baseball is due to have some new teams in the spotlight.
We all know the accomplishments of the Braves' rotation. Around the country, I think a lot more people are really excited because it's just different. The Marlins simply proved that the Braves pitching staff was not infallible. The Orioles bullpen had some major holes that hadn't really been exposed all season, and the Indians took advantage. The best teams are the ones that make it to the World Series.