Awaiting finest Fall Classic in decade  —  Why does this World Series feel so perfect?  Maybe because it is — putting baseball's two most headstrong teams on a collision course.  There's plenty to choose from the Yankees-Phillies buffet, whether you're a purist who loves pitching duels …

Yanks' aim: Win one for George  —  The Boss has lost something off a Hall of Fame fastball, but that doesn't mean the need to win has been sucked from his marrow.  —  “It's the old George, the focus is on nothing but winning,” a friend of Steinbrenner's told The Post yesterday.

Epstein's stable has another winner  —  SAN DIEGO - Jed Hoyer, the new general manager of the San Diego Padres, said all the right things during his introductory news conference yesterday, but he fell short of saying what Red Sox fans wanted to hear - that he would trade superstar Adrian Gonzalez to Boston.

Figuring Yankee rotation  —  With the world still awaiting the puffs of smoke that will signal Joe Girardi's intentions regarding his starting pitchers in the World Series, Dan Rosenheck offers his well-reasoned (as usual) advice:  —  The critical question for Girardi is how to make the most use …

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes … The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com.  The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said.

Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers ponder coach's next move  —  Don Mattingly was on the short list of managerial candidates in Cleveland, and wasn't hired.  —  But he is speaking with the Los Angeles Dodgers about his future with that organization, and while it would be premature …

Their fans are second rate & so is their city  —  Gotham trembles; the Frillies are coming to town  —  Yankee fans have a message for the Phillies and their hometown: This ain't Rocky, and the underdog won't win!  —  “The Yankees are going to make Philly cream cheese out of them,” …

An old Whiz Kid salutes this year's team  —  The other day, Cole Hamels walked past, with confusion and frustration walking with him.  —  “Hey, lefthander,” Robin Roberts cried out to him.  —  Hamels turned.  —  “Don't forget,” Roberts said, “how good you are.”  —  Class still tells.

Wood: Black Cubs players got hate mail  —  Cleveland Indians closer and ex-Cubs ace Kerry Wood didn't dismiss the notion that Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley and other African-American players may have experienced racial insensitivity during their time in Chicago.

The Art of the Ballpark Seat  —  Look at this.  [holds up a silver pocket watch] It's worthless.  Ten dollars from a vendor in the street.  But I take it, I bury it in the sand for a thousand years, it becomes priceless!  Rene Belloq in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”  —  History is a funny thing.

Braylon Edwards charged with assault in downtown dispute  —  Cleveland, Ohio — Former Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Braylon Edwards was charged Monday with misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident several weeks ago outside of a downtown nightclub where he got into a fight with a local party promoter.

Former congressman Tom Davis says ex-Yankee Roger Clemens was in denial during congressional hearing  —  Former congressman Tom Davis, who once led the House committee that helped destroy the baseball legacies of Mark McGwire and Roger Clemens, says he applauds McGwire's return but thinks Clemens …

Fed who led 'roid probe questions Big Mac's return  —  The FBI agent who led a landmark steroid investigation said investigators obtained information that former home run king Mark McGwire - who is ending a self-imposed exile to return to the St. Louis Cardinals as the team's hitting coach …

Vladimir Guerrero goes down swinging — and zinging  —  In what might have been his final game as an Angel, the normally keep-to-himself slugger has three hits and twice jaws at home plate umpire Dale Scott over disputed strike calls in 5-2 loss.  —  Angels designated hitter watches …

McGwire's return to Cardinals as hitting coach makes sense  —  Mark McGwire was without a hitting-coach portfolio as yet when he offered his first professional assessment in the spring of 2001, McGwire's last year with the Cardinals as a player.  —  Approaching manager Tony La Russa …