1. A-Rod’s return » He fought back from hip surgery and in just 124 games Alex Rodriguez still put together a 30-HR, 100-RBI season, anchoring the majors’ best lineup. He always has had a reputation for postseason choking. The facts don’t always back that. Yes, he was 1-for-12 in the final three games of the legendary 2004 ALCS against Boston as New York blew a 3-0 lead. And he was downright awful in a first-round loss to the Tigers in 2006. But Rodriguez also was unstoppable against the Yankees in 2000 ALCS and has twice destroyed Twins in a division series — in 2004 and last week (5-for-11, two homers).

2. Schedule crazy » MLB really is bowing to the networks here. Both FOX and TBS have asked for the schedule to be spread out. Game 7 of the ALCS won’t be until Oct. 25 and that gives New York a huge advantage over the Angels. Ace CC Sabathia likely will pitch three times in the series — and only once will it have to be on three days rest. A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte both can pitch twice on normal rest for the Yankees. Los Angeles has four quality starters, but none posted an ERA lower than Jered Weaver’s 3.75.

3. Running like an Angel » Yankees may have led baseball in runs scored (915), but the aggressive Angels were right behind them (883). Only two teams stole more bases than Los Angeles (148). And considering the Angels are pretty good at getting on base, too (.350 OBP) that will cause headaches for Yankees catcher Jorge Posada — at least when A.J. Burnett’s not on the mound. Then it becomes Jose Molina’s problem. New York catchers threw out 52 of 177 runners this year. At 29 percent that ranks a modest 14th overall. The Angels are worse at 23 percent, but the Yankees don’t run nearly as much.

NLCS story lines

1. Step off the Lidge » Who knows what to expect from Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge this series. Every scenario is in play. The guy who was punked by Albert Pujols in the 2005 NLCS was literally perfect in save chances last season (48-for-48). But this year he was miserable and blew an MLB worst 11 saves. Manager Charlie Manuel gave Lidge chance after chance, gave up on him a few times and yet still named him the playoff closer. So far, so good. Lidge pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in the NLDS against Colorado — though he did walk two batters in Game 3.

2. Repeat after us » There’s a reason no National League team has won back-to-back World Series titles since Big Red Machine did it in 1975-76. It’s really hard. The Phillies have bucked the odds even to get back to the NLCS. But they are here now, and with trade deadline acquisition Cliff Lee, Philadelphia has a far deeper rotation than it did a year ago. Winning a second pennant will take another repeat — beating the Dodgers again in the NLCS. The two teams have met four previous times in the league championship series since 1977, including last fall. They have split those series two apiece.

3. Left behind » The Phillies have two switch hitters at top of lineup in Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino followed by three left-handed bats in Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez. Dodgers’ top two starters — Clayton Kershaw and Randy Wolf — just happen to be lefties. Not to mention key relievers George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo. Victorino is actually better batting right-handed, but Rollins (.691 OPS) is less effective from that side. Utley is about even against left-handed pitchers while Howard is abysmal (.654 OPS) to the point of being a different player. Ibanez has been great (.998 OPS) in 2009, but is bucking his career norm (.761 OPS).