The Chicago Cubs had a great season, and there was more reason than ever to hope that this might be their year to finally win the World Series after 100 years of futility.

Well, it wasn't to be. The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Cubs out of the first round of the National League playoffs in three straight games, wrapping up the series at Dodger Stadium with a 3-1 win.

Joe Torre, the Dodgers' first-season manager, is back in the second round of the playoffs, less than a year after being unceremoniously being dumped by the New York Yankees. (Actually they did offer him a contract, but it was for a short duration and at a relatively low salary, so it was widely seen as an insulting offer that was made to be turned down.)

The Dodgers' success puts another familiar postseason face into the second round: Manny Ramirez, who was a popular and productive hitter for the Boston Red Sox for many years (and the MVP of the 2004 World Series). Ramirez is enjoying being in the playoffs again after demanding a trade during the season and up with the Dodgers.

For the Cubs, it's wait till next year... again. And their cross-town rivals, the White Sox, may be joining them soon: they are down two games to none in their series and face elimination on Sunday.