The playoffs can often be about redemption. Another chance to put a bad season behind you. Another chance to make for an error that might have cost your team an earlier playoff game. We are seeing all of the at play out already and we havent even got out of the first round. Tim Lincecum, whose season can be easily labeled "up & down" came in to yesterday's game and pitched some outstanding relief to keep the Giants ahead and allow them to increase their lead. Manager Bruce Bochy says he will use Lincecum as a starter if they advance to the next round. Coco Crisp of the Oakland A's dropped an easy fly ball in the first agme of the series with Detroit that allowed two runs to score. He has come back to have two big games including driving in the game winner yesterday. And special kudos go to Yankee manager Joe Girardi. It's not often that managers will pinch hit for the highest paid player in the game but Alex Rodriguez has been slumping mightily and Girardi called on Raul Ibanez to hit for A-Rod in the ninth. He homered to tie the game and the Yanks won it in the 12th. All four series continue today with loser out games in the SF-Cincy and Oak-Det series. Another 12 hours of playoff baseball...what's not to like?

The Packers Say Cedric Benson has been placed on the IR but under a new rule he could return later this season. Alex Green will get the start on Sunday night and James Starks will also play.

In High School sports the state girls tennis meet begins today in Madison...boys soccer regional finals...Stevens Point at Wausau East  4pm...Mosinee at Northland Pines...Northland Lutheran at Stevens Point Pacelli...Marshfield Columbus at La Crosse Aquinas.

In football...Wausau Newman is at rapids Assumption.

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

Knife & Fork-Rockpile (1980) Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe and Billy Bremner fronted this solid group that really defied labeling...just good music

Knock On Wood-Eddie Floyd (1967) even though Amii Stewart did a pretty good disco version of this...the original is still the best. Love the intro from Paul Revere & Jim Valley of the Raiders....this had to be from "Where the Action Is" .