I didn't think I'd pay much attention to the baseball playoffs this year with no New York team involved. But the prospect of a World Series between the Joe Torre/Manny Ramirez Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox was too enticing to root against.

Imagine the story lines, with Manny returning to Fenway and Torre having the ultimate last laugh at the expense of his old bosses in the Bronx.

But, alas, last night's turn of events makes the possibility seem slim, particularly from the Dodgers' standpoint, what with their staggering blown lead putting the Phillies within a game of the Fall Classic. Boston, down 2-1 to Tampa Bay, has a bit more wiggle room.

As for a Phillies-Rays Series, other than the Tampa Bay Cinderella story, let's just say I won't be staying up to midnight hanging on every pitch.

Meanwhile, Torre has been a hero in Hollywood this season. But things turn in a New York minute, even on the Left Coast. Don't believe it? Check out this column in today's Los Angeles Times.

Joe, what have you done for me lately?