There is still work to do in both leagues, but we are on the doorstep of a Yankees-Phillies World Series and I have three quick thoughts about that potential matchup:

1. Can you imagine Ryan Howard and Alex Rodriguez squaring off in two homer friendly ballparks? It is as if they already are playing Home Run Derby across leagues against one another. They are the monsters of this October. Rodriguez is so electrifyingly hot right now that it seems almost a shock when a game passes in which he does not homer.

How much is Rodriguez carrying the Yankees? Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira have combined for four homers and 12 RBIs in the postseason. Rodriguez has five homers and 11 RBIs all by himself.

2. Can you imagine how the Indians will feel if the aces in the World Series are the two pitchers they dealt at the past two trade deadlines, CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee? The lefties also have won the past two Cy Young awards. The Indians better be able to look back in 3-4 years and feel that they got enough in return to justify the gifts they gave to others.

Sabathia was traded to the Brewers in July 2008 and then he signed the largest pitching contract ever to join the Yankees. As I wrote in this column today, Sabathia has earned the money because he has not wilted under the implications of the contract. It is an awesome responsibility that comes with being imported to be the Yankees’ ace. Just look at how Randy Johnson – a Hall of Famer – could not handle the burden at this time of year. And that is because this time of year matters. The large win total during the regular season matters a lot more to every other organization in the majors.

To the Yankees it is nice, but merely the foreword to the book you were brought here to write. A pitcher such as Sabathia learns quickly that being a legend of the fall is why the Yankees really give you the money. And either you embrace that pressure or fold. Sabathia, so far, is an October ace.

3. Can you imagine Mariano Rivera vs. Brad Lidge? Eight closers began the postseason. Six have blown saves. Would you like to guess that only two who have not?

Lidge followed a perfect 2008 that led to a championship with a quite imperfect 2009 regular season. He has not been overwhelming in the playoffs, but he has recorded the outs he has needed to record. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is back to knowing who he is giving the ball to in the ninth inning again.

Rivera remains a genius always, and the master at this time of year. He even looked great handling questions before Game 4 about Spit-gate. As I wrote in this column, we are now at an age in which a few mouse clicks could put the entire legacy of a person in question.