This is the end. My only friend, the end.

There isn't much to say after your favorite team gets eliminated from the playoffs. After six games of ALCS play, however, that is where I find myself. All I can think about is the mistakes the Angels made during this six game battle with the Yankees. 3 errors in game 1, 2 errors in game 2, 1 in game 4, and 2 in game 6. 9 errors in the series. When pointing the finger at why this series was lost, this is probably the first time that I'm not going to blame Mike Scioscia. The blame clearly is placed on the Angels defense. Sure there were a few bad pitching moves, a lack of offense at times, and even some poor base running. But in the end, the Angels were doomed by their own lack of fundamental defense. That will be the most memorable negative thing about the 2009 ALCS for me. The most memorable positive will be the way we came back in the bottom of the 7th to win game 5 after giving up our 4 run lead.

All in all, it was a thrilling season. We finished better than 12 other American League teams. We should be proud. And yet, we have a right to feel disappointed in the way this ALCS went down. Overall, the playoffs were a fun ride. We'll never forget sweeping the Red Sox in the ALDS (especially the amazing game 3 win). We'll never forget the horrible calls from umpires all over the diamond throughout both series. And, we'll probably never forget Scott Kazmir's air mailed throw on the bunt in the bottom of the eighth tonight that really broke the game open in favor of NYY. Let's keep our head's high, though, Angels fans. We won the West and made a pretty sizable dent in the playoff mountain. We'll get 'em in 2010.

Now, the sizable job of resigning free agents comes up. Will we keep Figgins after his stellar season and horrible post season? Will Lackey even think about coming back after the way he was handled by the coaching staff in the ALCS' game 5? What will come of Vlad, after he produced fairly well throughout the playoffs? So many questions.

Until we have answers, it is officially hockey season around the LSF. Good night, and take care.