Chris Townsend

I thought I would just go ahead and fill out the FedEx shipping slip for Bud Selig's staff.

Because the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (do we still have to call them that?) will win the World Series in October of 2008.

Digressing here for a second, but I'm sure you've derived what the Commissioner's Trophy is by this point. But honestly, I had no idea that is what they called the 30-flagged, sterling silver hunk of metal awarded to the champions of Major League Baseball. Why can't they have a simple moniker like the Lombardi or Larry O'Brien Trophy? Some old fart's name such as Lord Stanley is much easier to remember than a dignified position in the league office.

But back to the topic at hand. I was discussing the candidates to win the Fall Classic with a colleague of mine the day before Mark Teixeira was acquired by the Angels. I told him that the best team in baseball at that time was in fact the Halos and they were my pick to win it all.

And then they go out and get one of the premier first basemen in the league!

It's a done deal, lock it up. Go straight to the ticket counter in Vegas, put down a future bet and come back on Halloween to collect your coin. The Angels will win their second world championship in franchise history.

Yes, I did say second, because for most casual baseball fans that season and winner has escaped the memory bank. But I'm sure most of you, being from the Bay Area, remember the 2002 Series where the Giants couldn't obtain eight measly outs to hold a 5-0 lead in the seventh and eighth innings of Game 6. Troy Glaus was mashing the cover off the ball and still doing roids, and a couple of rookies in 20-year old Francisco Rodriguez and John Lackey showcased their talents to the world.

Now they are back for more.

Mike Scioscia's lineup, now completely healthy, does not have a single hole in it from top to bottom (except maybe the catcher position). The rotation, which kept the team afloat when they couldn't hit their way out of a wet paper bag to start the season, leads all of baseball with 68 wins and has been absolutely lights out. Particularly with the emergence of fireballer Ervin Santana and southpaw Joe Saunders. And having the most dominant closer in K-Rod, who will most likely break the Major League saves record that stands at 57 (Bobby Thigpen - 1990), doesn't hurt either.

Speaking of Scioscia, I am going to put this guy right behind Tony LaRussa as the greatest mastermind in modern day MLB. Some of the tactics displayed by both of these managers may seem unorthodox to the naked eye, but they continue to win…and win…and win.

Again, the Angels will be handed whatever that damn trophy's name is come October.

Especially since no other teams made the caliber of move the team from Anaheim did. It was a disappointing 24 hours of trade deadline talk. Because that is really about all that happened, talk.

Yes I know Manny got dealt, finally, but to a very blah team. He can be whatever he wants to be down there in Hollywood but I can promise he embrace the celebrity status they want him to. I would have killed to see him in Florida hitting behind the other Ramirez in Hanley that is an absolute freak of nature. The Red Sox forfeited their shot at back-to-back championships because Jason Bay is no Manny.

Oh, and I am fairly perturbed at the Detroit Tigers. Despite being one of the biggest underachievers thus far this season, they go ahead and hand the damn Yankees Pudge Rodriguez who is a proven leader and winner. And don't try to tell me Kyle “I Wear Tight Pants” Farnesworth was equivalent value in the deal.

The National League, well, it's still there and about as boring as ever. Yes, there are some tight races going on but the third place Yankees would be tied for first place in the NL East and winning the NL West by about five games.

I know you Cubs fans are about to beat down my door right now because I haven't even mentioned them in this article. But keep your panties on I am predicting Chicago will get beat by the Angels in the October Clash. They are cursed, get over it, and they aren't going to win it even with the uber-talented team they've put together this season. And don't get me wrong, the NL Central is strong but not formidable enough to contend with an AL powerhouse.

Back to the AL and sorry to burst your bubble Rays fans, but they are not going to hang on. Believe me, there is nothing I would love more than to see the Yankees or BoSox out of the postseason, but it isn't going to happen this year. They've got a young, talented squad out there in Tampa Bay and all eyes will be on them heading toward the future.

Until then, sound smart in your office sports circles, make a bold statement and prophesy to all that will lend an ear that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will take home the crown in '08.