The MLB season has reached it’s conclusion, barring the Tigers/ White Sox game tomorrow morning (11 am EST). I’m sure that we can all agree that this season has been filled with more story lines than most of us can remember. There was drama, tears, joyess moments, and broken records. What more could we have asked for as baseball continues it’s soar and revitalization as America’s past and present time. But which was the best? Let’s review…

Teams:

1. Tampa Bay Rays: they have surprised us all. They have made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history by winning the AL East, holding off my beloved BoSox twice this year.

2. New York Mets: (Deep breath) What can I say? So sad…

3. New York Yankees: The most dominant organization has apparently plateued. The Yankees with all their money and hype have failed this year more than ever, never even getting off the ground. Let’s see what Hank & Co. have in store for next season…

Individuals:

1. K-Rod: He set the single season record for saves with his overly rambuctious celebrations. But he did it all with one of the best teams in baseball. He had no excuses not to do it… Nonetheless, congrats to him and the Halos on a great season.

2. C.C.: Maybe the front runner for the N.L. Cy Young. Today’s performance only solidifies his chances. Hats off.

3. Hamilton: The Texas Ranger center fielder intoduced himself in dramatic fashion to us on the biggest stage in baseball—The 2008 All-Star Game in New York. He hit more home runs that DAY, than most hit in a SEASON. If you missed it, shame on you.

4. Jeter: He may be the most consitent player in the League. Not the biggest bat or the strongest arm, but he gets it done everyday. On one particular day he broke Gerhig’s hit record at Yankee Stadium. One of his many bids to Cooperstown.

5. Cliff: What a turn-around for Cliff. Just last season he was dealt to the minors. This year he dominated pitching in MLB. He was the AL All-Star Game starter and finished 22-3.

Headlines:

1. Red Sox/ Dodger Trade: It was the most talked about trade, with all the controversy to go with it. Manny goes Blue and we get Jason Bay. As it turns out Manny was the miracle Torre was looking for and Mr. Bay allowed Sawx fans to forget about Manny faster than any of us thought. What a great move… We will see who will have the happy ending next month.

2. Instant Replay: We were introduced to Instant Replay this year. It was used first on a A-Rod dinger in The Trop. Let’s hope it pays dividends in the playoffs.

3. No-Nos: Lester and Zambrano amazed us with great pitching in the image of No-Hitters. What a story for Lester battling back from what he has been through. And Big-Z, a no-no after tendonitis… WOW! We look forward to seeing them both in October.

4. 2008 All-Star Game: From the Derby to the Game. It was a spectacle for the ages. Stars down the middle of the Greatest City in the World, Legends on the field, and a game that now matters. I hope you all TiVo’d this one.

5. The House that Ruth Built… FALLS: Maybe the saddest and happiest thing in baseball. For some, the fall of the Stadium put smiles on peoples faces for all memories that never went their way. For the rest of the baseball world it is a sad thought. All I have to say is that it better as hell be worth the entire 1.3 billion.

So there you go. A season in a nut shell. It was amazing yes it was. I loved every minute of it; Whether it was on TV, through SportsCenter, via online, or hanging out here with the rest of you obsessed bloggers. Everyone views high points differant so you may have various stories that don’t match mine. The point is is that baseball is alive no matter how you see it…Just as long as you see it. See you in October — A season just for the best.